• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.220-226
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of treadmill gradient training on lower limb muscle activity in chronic stroke patients. The subject were 32 stroke patients.. Subjects were randomly divided into three group which were control group($0^{\circ}$treadmill training(n=10)) and experimental group($5^{\circ}$treadmill training (n=10) and $10^{\circ}$treadmill training(n=12)). Three groups received treadmill gradient training for 30 minutes while 3 times per week for 6 weeks in addition to conventional physical therapy. Muscle strength was measured by EMG on rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnenius for muscle activities. In comparison of activity of rectus femoris and gastrocnemius between pre and post value, the activity of rectus femoris was significant in the experimental and control group(p<.05) and the activity of biceps femoris was significant in the $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group(p<.05). The activity of tibialis anterior was significant in the $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group(p<.05). In comparison of the difference of activity of rectus femoris among 3 groups, there was a significant difference between the $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and control group(p<.05). and difference of activity of tibialis anterior was significant difference between the $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and control group(p<.05). These findings suggest that $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group can be used to improve lower limb muscle activity in chronic stroke patient. In conclusion, these treadmill gradient training helped improving function of gait ability in chronic stroke patient.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.50-62
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• 2009

Purpose: to analyze and compare mucsle activity of Quadriceps femoris depending on the existence of taping while normal people walk forward and backward on treadmill when the slope and speed changes on treadmill. Method: Among 40 people who participated in this study, 20 experimenter who apply a taping walk forward and backward to 0%, 5%, 10% gradient per 2km/h and 4km/h using treadmill to give arbitrary walking behavior, 20 experimenter who doesn't apply a taping also walk forward and backward to 0%, 5%, 10% gradient per 2km/h and 4km/h using treadmill. To analyze muscle activity, We use an electromyography and Kinesio tape of good elasticity for obtained suffient effects in the experiment. Result: During backward walking in 2km/h, Vastus medialis and Vastus lateralis showed significant differences(p<0.05) when apply a taping. During backward walking in 2km/h, Vastus medialis and Rectus femoris, and Vastus lateralis all showed significant differences(p<0.05). During backward walking in 2km/h, Vastus medialis and Vastus lateralis showed significant differences in 10% gradient(p<0.05). During backward walking in 4km/h, Vastus medialis and Rectus femoris, and Vastus lateralis all showed significant differences(p<0.05). During backward walking in 4km/h, By the difference in slope, Vastus medialis and Vastus lateralis showed significant differences between 0% and 10% gradient(p<0.05). Conclusion: In comparison to muscle activity of Quadriceps femoris when apply a taping according to slope and speed during forward and backward walking on treadmill, when apply a taping and walk backward and 10% gradient on treadmill in 4km/h, maximum of muscle activity is shown.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the peak plantar pressure distribution under the foot areas and the range of motion (ROM) of ankle joint according to gradients in treadmill gait. Method : Thirty normal subjects (15 male and 15 female) walked on treadmill at three gradient conditions ($0^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$, and $15^{\circ}$) in normal speed. The ankle ROM was measured using the CMS70P that is three dimensional analyzer for excursion of ankle ROM, plantar flexion, and dorsi flexion. The peak plantar pressure distribution under the hallux, 1st metatarsal head (MTH) and heel was measured using the F -Scan system with an in-shoe sensor. Data was collected from 9 steps of left sife foot in at each gradient condition while all subjects walked. Result : As the treadmill gradient increased, the excursion of ankle joint was significantly increased (p<.05). Also, plantar flexion and dorsi flexion was significantly increased according to treadmill gradients (p<.05). The peak plantar pressure under the 1st MTH was significantly increased (p<.05) and the peak plantar pressure under the heel was significantly decreased (p<.05) as the treadmill gradient increased. No significant different in the peak plantar pressure under the hallux was observed. Conclusion : This study suggests that physical therapy for patients who have limited ankle ROM should be considered sufficient range of motion for functional ambulation. And individuals that have painful forefoot syndromes, including metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, and plantar ulceration should be careful in walking to uphill, as there is high plantar pressure under the forefoot.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.139-149
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of gradually increasing treadmill inclination on the electroencephalogram (EEG) of stroke patients during gait training. Methods: Three stroke patients who were diagnosed with stroke within six months and capable of walking on a treadmill were selected as subjects. EEG electrodes were attached at Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, and P4 positions of the cerebral hemispheres using the International 10-20 system. The intervention involved walking for 2 minutes each at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 30 degrees inclination on the treadmill while focusing on a target point located in front during the treadmill gait training. The EEG (Smartingmobi, Serbia) generated when the treadmill gradient gradually increased was measured. In addition, relative alpha and relative beta waves were visualized through the Brain mapping program in the TeleScan program to assess the changes in each brain region for the activity of the EEG. Results: The relative alpha wave value decreased as treadmill inclination increased, while the relative beta wave value increased. Conclusion: Gradually increasing the inclination during treadmill gait training appears to be a crucial parameter for increasing the brain activity levels of stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.25-31
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate knee muscle strength, balance, and proprioception by walking while giving weight to the ankle joint at a load of 0%, 10%, and 15% gradient on a treadmill. Methods : Twenty-four subjects were divided into three groups. Group A walked on a 0% gradient while giving weight to the ankle joint as a load. Group B walked on a 10% gradient while giving weight to the ankle joint as a load. Group C walked on a 15% gradient while giving weight to the ankle joint as a load. This was performed three times per week for four weeks. The walking speed was set at 4km/hour and the walking time was set at 20 minutes. Measurements were performed before and after the experiment. Biodex medical system and Balance system SD were used as measuring instruments. Results : There was no significant difference between the gradients in muscle strength, balance and proprioception. However, there were differences in pretest and posttest measurements for muscle strength, balance and proprioception in each gradient. In particular, the gradient of 10% showed a significant difference. Conclusion : According to the results of this study, to use a 10% gradient is effective when walking while giving weight to the ankle joint as a load.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.311-319
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• 2000

This study was to measure whether single axis foot or the SACH foot applied to below-knee amputation patients would bring positive changes to the patients' cardiopulmonary function, and help them to overcome their disability. The experiment took place at Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, from July 20th to November 20th, 1999 with 10 below-knee amputation patients. The patients were asked to equip single axis foot and SACH foot by turns and lead them to walk on a treadmill which was designed to increase its steep slope. Patients heart rate and blood pressure were recorded before and after their walking, The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure of the patients who were equipped with, either SACH foot or single axis foot, have been increased with as the slant becoming steeper. The heart rates during the experiment did not show relevant changes according to the kind of foot used and the gradient, but the changes occurred before and after the walking(p=0.0001), The similar result of systolic blood pressure was found during the waking(p=0.01). Below-knee amputation patients are expected to walk and perform the routines better, no matter what type of foot is used, as long as they wear an artificial foot properly and taking features of foot product into consideration

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.197-204
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of high-heels (HH) modification on metatarsal stress in female workers. Method: Seven females who work in clothing stores ($heights=160.4{\pm}3.9cm$; $weights=47.4{\pm}4.1kg$; $age=31.3{\pm}11.1yrs$; $HH\;wear\;career=8{\pm}6.5yrs$) wore two types of HH (original and modified). The modified HH had been grooved with 1.5 cm radius and 0.2 cm depth around the first metatarsal area inside of the shoes using the modified shoe-last. Participants were asked to walk for 15 minutes on a treadmill and to stand for 10 minutes with original and modified HH, respectively. Kinetics data were collected by the F-scan in-shoe system. After each test, participants were asked to rate their perceived exertion using the Borg's 15-grade RPE scale and interviewed about their feeling of HH. Nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and effect size (Cohen's d) were used to determine the difference of the variables of interest between the original and modified HH. Results: In the present study, modified HH of the peak contact pressure of 1st metatarsal (PCP) left, PCP right, pressure time integral (PTI) left, peak pressure gradient (PPG) left during standing and PPG right during walking are greater than original HH. And even it didn't show statistically significant, the average in all pressure values of modified HH showed bigger than original HH. It surmised to be related to awkward with modified HH. Even though they said to feel the comfortable cause of big space inside of HH in the interview, they seemed to be not enough time to adapt with new HH. So their walking and standing postures were unstable. Conclusion: Modified the fore-medial part of HH can reduce the stress in the first metatarsal head and big toe area during standing and walking.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate normalized jerk according to shoes, slope, and velocity during walking. Eleven different test subjects used three different types of shoes (running shoes, mountain climbing boots, and elevated forefoot walking shoes) at various walking speeds(1.19, 1.25, 1.33, 1.56, 1.78, 1.9, 2, 2.11, 2.33m/sec) and gradients(0, 3, 6, 10 degrees) on a treadmill. Since there were concerns about using the elevated forefoot shoes on an incline, these shoes were not used on a gradient. Motion Analysis (Motion Analysis Corp. Santa Rosa, CA USA) was conducted with four Falcon high speed digital motion capture cameras. Utilizing the maximum smoothness theory, it was hypothesized that there would be differences in jerk according to shoe type, velocity, and slope. Furthermore, it was assumed that running shoes would have the lowest values for normalized jerk because subjects were most accustomed to wearing these shoes. The results demonstrated that elevated forefoot walking shoes had lowest value for normalized jerk at heel. In contrast, elevated forefoot walking shoes had greater normalized jerk at the center of mass at most walking speeds. For most gradients and walking speeds, hiking boots had smaller medio-lateral directional normalized jerk at ankle than running shoes. These results alluded to an inverse ratio for jerk at the heel and at the COM for all types of shoes. Furthermore, as velocity increased, medio-lateral jerk was reduced for all gradients in both hiking boots and running shoes. Due to the fragility of the ankle joint, elevated forefoot walking shoes could be recommended for walking on flat surfaces because they minimize instability at the heel. Although the elevated forefoot walking shoes have the highest levels of jerk at the COM, the structure of the pelvis and spine allows for greater compensatory movement than the ankle. This movement at the COM might even have a beneficial effect of activating the muscles in the back and abdomen more than other shoes. On inclines hiking boots would be recommended over running shoes because hiking boots demonstrated more medio-lateral stability on a gradient than running shoes. These results also demonstrate the usefulness of normalized jerk theory in analyzing the relationship between the body and shoes, walking velocity, and movement up a slope.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.1415-1421
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of an L-arginine supplementation and regular exercise training on NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, iNOS, Cav-1, eNOS and Ang II in the aortas of D-galactose (D-gal) induced aging rats. The male Strague-Dawley rats were treated with a D-galactose aging inducing agent; the D-gal injection (50 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally for 12 wk. Experimental groups were divided into five groups: (1) Young control group (Y-Con, n=8), (2) Aging control group (A-Con, n=8), (3) Aging exercise group (A-Ex, n=8), (4) Aging exercise group with L-arginine supplementation group (A-Ex+A, n=8), and (5) Aging with L-arginine supplementation group (A-A, n=8). The exercise consisted of running on a treadmill for 60 min/day at 20 m/min for 6 day/wk, at 0% gradient for 12 wk. The L-arginine supplementation was given orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day for 12 wk. The findings of this study were as follows: 1. NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, iNOS, Cav-1 and Ang II proteins in the aortas of D-gal induced rats were significantly increased, however, L-arginine supplementation and regular exercise resulted in a significant inhibition in the expression of NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, iNOS, Cav-1 and Ang II proteins. 2. eNOS protein in the aortas of D-gal induced rats was significantly decreased, however, L-arginine supplementation and regular exercise resulted in a significant increase in the expression of eNOS proteins. In conclusion, the findings of the present study reveal that L-arginine supplementation alone or regular exercise alone or in combination with L-arginine supplementation for 12 wk increases anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing NF-${\kappa}B$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and iNOS protein expressions within the aortic tissue. In addition, L-arginine supplementation alone or regular exercise alone or in combination with L-arginine supplementation may prevent endothelial function by up-regulation of eNOS protein in the aortas of D-gal induced aging rats.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.516-523
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise and/or L-arginine on abdominal fat, IGF-1 on GH/IGF-1 axis, fibrinogen, and PAI-1 in aged and obese rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a D-galactose aging inducing agent (50 mg/kg) given intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated and divided into four groups: aging-high fat diet group (AG+HF), AG+HF with L-arginine intake group (AG+LA), AG+HF with exercise group (AG+EX), and AG+EX with L-arginine intake group (AG+LA+EX). The experimental rats underwent treadmill training (60 min/day, 6 days/week at 0% gradient) for 12 weeks. L-arginine was given orally (150 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. After the experiment, blood was collected from the left ventricle and abdominal fat was extracted. The results showed that GH was significantly increased in AG+EX and AG+AL+EX. IGF-1 was significantly increased in both the AG+AL+EX and AG+EX group ($p$<0.05), while fibrinogen and PAI-1 were not significantly different among the groups. Abdominal fat was significantly decreased in the AG+LA, AG+EX, and AG+LA+EX groups ($p$<0.05) compared with the AG+HF group. In conclusion, this study suggests that exercise alone or L-arginine alone or a combination not only increases the GH and IGF-1 concentration, but also decreases the abdominal fat mass.