• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 2007

In this paper, we propose an early rehabilitation training system for the improvement of postural balance with multi-modality on a tilting bed. The integration of the visual, somatosensory and vestibular functions is significant to for maintaining the postural control of the human body. However, conventional rehabilitation systems do not provide multi-modality to trainees. We analyzed the characterization of postural control at different tilt angles of an early rehabilitation training system, which consists of a tilting bed, a visual feedback, a computer interface, a computer, and a force plate. The software that we developed for the system consists of the training programs and the analysis programs. To evaluate the characterization of postural control, we conducted the first evaluation before the beginning of the training. In the following four weeks, 12 healthy young and 5 healthy elderly subjects were trained to improve postural control using the training programs with the tilting bed. After four weeks of training, we conducted the second evaluation. The analysis programs assess (center of pressure) COP moving time, COP maintaining time, and mean absolute deviation of the trace before and after training at different tilt angles on the bed. After 4 weeks, the COP moving time was reduced, the COP maintaining time was lengthened, and the mean absolute deviation of the trace was lowered through the repeated use of vertical, horizontal, dynamic circle movement training programs. These results show that this system improves postural balance and could be applied to clinical use as an effective training system.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.129-153
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• 2007

When English language teachers are deciding on their priorities for teaching pronunciation, it is imperative to know what kind of differences and errors are most likely to interfere with communication, and what special problems particular first-language speakers will have with English pronunciation. In other words, phoneme discrimination skill is an integral part of speech processing for the EFL learners' learning to converse in English. Training using sound visualization technique can be effective in improving second language learners' perceptions and productions of segmental and suprasegmental speech contrasts. This study assessed the efficacy of a pronunciation training that provided visual feedback for EFL learners acquiring pitch and durational contrasts to produce and perceive English phonemic distinctions. The subjects' ability to produce and to perceive novel English words was tested in two contexts before and after training; words in isolation and words in sentences. In comparison with an untrained control group, trainees showed improved perceptual and productive performance, transferred their knowledge to new contexts, and maintained their improvement three months after training. These findings support the feasibility of learner-centered programs using sound visualization technique for English language pronunciation instruction.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.214-221
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of using the LED light electromyographyfeedback system (EMG-light) during Pilates exercises in women to maintain consistent muscle contraction in the abdominal external oblique muscles and reduce muscle contraction in the upper trapezius muscles. This study compared Pilates training using the EMG-light with Pilates training only in healthy women for 4 weeks. Design: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 17 healthy women were divided into an experimental group (n=9) and a control group (n=8). Both groups performed Pilates exercises as assigned, twice per week for four weeks, with each session lasting fifty minutes. The experimental group were used the EMG-light feedback system during pilates exercise while the control group did not use EMG-light. We used cervical vertebral angle (CVA), shoulder tilt angle to evaluate neck posture and standing balance with closed eye for 30s before and after exercise. Results: The control group exhibited a significant change in CVA (p<0.05). Both groups showed significant changes in shoulder tilt, center of pressure (COP) path-length, and COP velocity during eyes-closed conditions (p<0.05). However, there were significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of CVA, shoulder tilt, COP path-length, and COP velocity. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that Pilates exercises had positive effects on shoulder posture and balance. The use of EMG-light provided real-time visual feedback on muscle contraction during Pilates exercise. However, the experimental group did not show significant improvements compared to the control group, which performed Pilates exercises without feedback.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.173-182
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of visual feedback exercise (VFE), sandal exercise (SE), and thera-band exercise (TE) on people with functional ankle instability. Methods: The 45 study participants were divided into three groups of 15. In the VFE group, participants performed short-foot exercises using visual feedback; the SE group performed sandal exercises, and the TE group performed thera-band exercises. Over a period of 8 consecutive weeks, the experimental groups exercised for 15 minutes per session, four times per week. Balance was measured using the Biodex Balance System for dynamic balance ability (overall balance index [OBI], mediolateral balance index [MBI], and anterioposterior balance index [ABI]). Vibration threshold sense (VTS) was assessed using a vibratory sensory analyzer. Ankle muscular strength was measured using the Biodex 4 Pro. The main outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Results: Significant improvements in dynamic balance were noted in all three groups (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in VTS and muscular strength were also noted in the VFE and TE groups but not in the SE group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Appropriate environmental and situational mediation may be of great clinical significance for patients suffering from chronic ankle instability. It is hoped that the findings will inform a program for prevention of ankle instability.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2008.04a
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• pp.73-74
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• 2008

In this study, we developed a robotic gait trainer which induces the active gait training based on predefined continuous proper lower extremity joint movements. AC servo motors and linear actuators were used to control hip and knee joints of patients and the weight support system was used to support the patient's weight during the gait training. We also implemented a Gill program to set the gait training pattern with several training parameters and to confirm states of patients and the system through the visual feedback. The effectiveness of the gait training system will be determined by the long-term clinical experiments in the future. We expect that the developed robotic gait training system could be applied very practically to recover gait abilities for persons with gait disorder.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.97-106
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in EEG through attention. Concentration training and performing tasks are important factors in the improvement of motor learning ability. Methods: In the experiment, 22 healthy people were divided into two groups: the trail making test (TMT) group and the computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT) group. A one-way Neuro Harmony M test to see whether there was a significant difference among the groups. Results: The TMT group showed a significant increase in ${\alpha}$ wave, ${\alpha}$ wave sequence, and ${\beta}$ wave sequence; however, there were no significant differences in SMR wave, SMR wave sequence, and ${\beta}$ wave. The CNT group showed increases in ${\alpha}$ wave, ${\alpha}$ wave sequence, SMR wave, SMR wave sequence, and ${\beta}$ wave sequence; however, there was no significant difference in ${\beta}$ wave. In EEGs before and after two performance tasks were changed, there were significant differences in ${\beta}$ wave, SMR wave, SMR wave sequence; however, there were no significant differences in ${\alpha}$ wave sequence, ${\beta}$ wave, and ${\beta}$ wave sequence. Conclusion: Attention training and concentration training offer feedback and repetition for constant stimulus and response. Moreover, attention training and concentration training can contribute to new studies and motivation by developing fast sensory and motor skills through acceptable visual and auditory stimulation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.75-79
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• 2020

Purpose: This study analyzed the immediate effects of intra-abdominal pressure with visual feedback on the muscle activation of the upper trapezius and sternomastoid during natural inspiration and forced inspiration in individuals with costal respiration. Methods: The eighteen individuals with upper costal breathing pattern participated in this study. Surface electromyography was used to analyze the muscle activity of the upper trapezius and sternomastoid during natural inspiration and forced inspiration before and after intra-abdominal pressure. Results: A significant difference in muscle activation was observed with the muscle type, inspiration type, and test session (p<0.05). The muscle activities of the sternomastoid and upper trapezius decreased significantly during forced inspiration after intra-abdominal pressure training (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference during natural inspiration in both muscles (p>0.05). A comparison of the difference between the pre-test and post-test during forced inspiration revealed the upper trapezius to be significantly larger than the sternomastoid (p<0.05). No significant difference was noted during natural inspiration (p>0.05). Conclusion: The intra-abdominal pressure has positive effects on correcting the breathing patterns in individuals with costal respiration.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2017

This study was conducted to develop wearable products with visual and auditory feedback aimed at promoting exercise interest in children. Here we determined the theoretical characteristics of cognitive and motor function development during childhood, empirical characteristics of children's motor functions, and factors that encourage exercise using natural observation and in-depth interview research methods. The questionnaire assessed children's motor ability, intensively trained body parts in sports programs, types of training or classes that improve the motor ability of each muscle group, significantly considered aspects of children's sports programs, and factors that promote children's interest in exercise. Our results suggest that the development of sport programs comprising varied exercise options that enhance body and limb movements are needed for balanced growth. Furthermore, it is very important to provide motivation for regular exercise and appropriate feedback, such as praise and encouragement, to maintain interest in exercise. This study identifies the standards for developing products that peak children's interest in exercise and the basis for a physically and mentally healthy society.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.45-49
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• 2002

Recently, virtual environment systems are used in various application fields such as industry, medicine, and training and education. However, the negative effect, cybersickness including nausea, visual fatigue, and disorientation, could be happened while using VR systems. It prevents VR system from spreading much more. To control the cybersickness, first of all, the objective measurement method should be established. As one of alternative methods, the postural instability could be a measure of cybersickness. In this study, 45 participants' postural sway before and after experiencing a H driving simulator was measured by using a force platform. Especially, we examined if two factors, motion and feedback, could affect on the postural instability The results showed the postural instability slightly increased after experiencing the VR driving simulator. For the factors, the providing of motion synchronized to visual display showed statistical significant decrease in postural sway along lateral side. To check the effectiveness of postural instability as a cybersickness measure, further studies are needed.

• Proceedings of the KSPS conference
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• 2000.07a
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• pp.338-349
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• 2000

Pronunciation teaching is once again coming into the foreground of ELT. Japan is, however, lagging far behind many countries in the development of pronunciation curricula and in the actual speech performance of the Japanese learners of English. The reasons for this can be found in the prevalence of communicative methodologies unfavorable for pronunciation teaching, in the lack of trained professionals, and in the large numbers of students in Japanese foreign language classes. This paper offers a way to promote foreign language pronunciation teaching in Japan and other countries by means of employing computer and internet facilities. The paper outlines the major directions of using modem speech technologies in pronunciation classes, like EVF (electronic visual feedback) training at segmental and prosodic levels; automated error detection, testing, grading and fluency assessment. The author discusses the applicability of some specific software packages (CSLU, SUGIspeech, Multispeech, Wavesurfer, etc.) for the needs of pronunciation teaching. Finally, the author talks about the globalization of pronunciation education via internet resources, such as computer corpora and speech and pronunciation training related web pages.