• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.231-244
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• 2001

This study was conducted to observe the effect on appendage muscle strength according to increase in occlusal vertical dimension. For this study, ten males with a mean age of 21 were selected. The subjects had a complete or almost complete set of natural teeth and reported no subjected symptoms of pain or dysfunction in the masticatory system. The tested occlusal splints were made at the position of increased occlusal vertical dimension of 2mm, 3.5mm, and 5mm from the ICP. Before and after wearing occlusal splints, the appendage muscle strength were tested by CybexII Dynamometer in each subject. The results were as follows : 1. When occlusal vertical dimension was increased, most of mean muscular strength values were increased except for those of supination and pronation of forearm at the position of 5mm increased occlusal vertical dimension. 2. The statistical analyses demonstrated that the increased occlusal vertical dimension position to be significantly stronger than intercuspal position for the muscle strength of the flexion and extension of hip, supination of forearm, external and internal rotation of knee, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of ankle (p<0.05). 3. At the position of 3.5mm increased vertical dimension displayed the highest mean muscluar strength value than other positions. 4. Statistically demonstrated values, except for supination of forearm, internal rotation of shoulder, were related to lower appendage. Therefore splint was more effective on lower appendage than upper appendage to make muscle strength increased. 5. The mean increased rate of muscular strength tested on knee(57%), ankle(42%), and wrist(20%) were higher than hip(31%), elbow(14%), and shoulder(17%).

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.26 no.7
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• pp.134-141
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• 2009

Recently, many researchers have tried to develop wearable robots for various fields such as medical and military purposes. We have been studying robotic exoskeletons to assist the motion of persons who have problems with their muscle function in daily activities and rehabilitation. The upper-limb motions (shoulder, elbow and wrist motion) are especially important for such persons to perform daily activities. Generally for shoulder motion 300F is needed to describe its motion(extension/flexion, abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation) but we have used a redundant actuator thus making a 4 DOF system. In this paper, we proposed the mechanism design of the exoskeleton which consists of 4-DOF for shoulder and 1-DOF for elbow robotic exoskeleton to assist upper-limb motion. Then we compared the new mechanism design and prototype mechanism design. Here we also analyze the proposed system kinematically to find out and to avoid the singular point. This research will ensure that the proposed wearable robot system make human's motion more powerfully and more easily.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2017

Background Upper extremity soft tissue defects with complete circumferential involvement are not common. Coupled with the unique anatomy of the upper extremity, the underlying etiology of such circumferential soft tissue defects represent additional reconstructive challenges that require treatment to be tailored to both the patient and the wound. The aim of this study is to review the various options for soft tissue reconstruction of complete circumferential defects in the upper extremity. Methods A literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE up to December 2016 was performed. The current study focuses on forearm and arm defects from the level at or proximal to the wrist and were assessed based on Tajima's classification (J Trauma 1974). Data reviewed for analysis included patient demographics, causality, defect size, reconstructive technique(s) employed, and postoperative follow-up and functional outcomes (when available). Results In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 14 unique articles were identified for a total of 50 patients (mean=28.1 years). Underlying etiologies varied from extensive thermal or electrical burns to high impact trauma leading to degloving or avulsion, crush injuries, or even occur iatrogenically after tumor extirpation or extensive debridement. Treatment options ranged from the application of negative pressure wound dressings to the opposite end of the spectrum in hand transplantation. Conclusions With the evolution of reconstructive techniques over time, the extent of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of these complex upper extremity injuries has also improved. The proposed management algorithm comprehensively addresses the inherent challenges associated with these complex cases.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.65-72
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• 2011

Purpose: The intention of this study was to investigate the effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) with bilateral arm training (BAT) on the motor performance and daily activity performance of individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods: Sixteen subjects one year after stroke participated in this study with a control group; the pretest-posttest method was used. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: combination of bilateral arm training and modified constraint-induced movement therapy (n=8), and modified constraint-induced movement therapy (n=8). The mCIMT group received therapy for 90 minutes in 3 sessions per week over a period of 4 weeks. The patients receiving a combination of mCIMT and BAT were treated for the same period and frequency. The results were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Motor Activity Log-Amount of Use, and Quality of Movement (MAL-AOU, QOM) assessment tools. Results: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment showed that hand and wrist performance improved significantly more in the mCIMT group than in the Combination group (p<0.05). Result from the ARAT assessment showed greater scores for gross movement in the combined group than in the mCIMT group (p<0.05). The MAL-AOU showed that there was greater improvement in the combined group than in the mCIMT group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The forced use of the more affected side can be important for the enhancement of upper extremity performance for chronic hemiparetic stroke patients during their daily activities.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2016

Objective: To illustrate effects and application potential of Mirror Therapy (MT) for patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Method: With reference to 9 journals (published Jan.2005-Jan.2016) on Pubmed, selected based on in/exclusion standards. Result: Simple wrist/hand movements and task-based MT were used as intervention methods to examine the effects. Tools used to assess intervention effects included upper limb functioning, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), physical condition and quality of life. Upper limb functioning turned out to have significance for ADL with higher effectiveness at the distal than the proximal region. Yet the quality of life disparity between the experiment group and the control was not found to be significant. Conclusion: We believe that research can aid clinical therapists in applying MT accordingly to individual patient characteristics. Despite prolonged difficulty in confirming efficient application due to varied protocols, development of systemized treatment protocols for maximization of MT's effectiveness remains necessary.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.266-273
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• 2002

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. An Electrophysiologic study has been widely used for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The subjects of this study were 48 cases (88 hands) with clinically suspected carpal tunnel syndrome who underwent electrodiagnostic examination from Jan 1, 2001 to Sep 30, 2001, The results were as follows: 1. Among 48 persons with a clinically suspected carpal tunnel syndrome, 40 patients were female 83.33$\%$ and the patients who are above 60 years old were 37.50$\%$. 2. Electrodiagnostic results were 22 cases (45.84$\%$) with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and 10 cases (20.83$\%$) with normal. 3. Physical findings consisted of tingling sensation in 48.86$\%$ of the involved hands, positive Phalen's Sign in 20.46$\%$ of them, thenar atrophy in 15.91$\%$ of them, and weakness in 14.77$\%$ of them. 4. Electrophysiologic studies showed a decreased sensory conduction velocity in 20 cases (22.73$\%$) of total hands, a prolonged latency in 3 cases (3.41$\%$) of them, abnormal sensory and motor fiber in 33 cases (37.50$\%$) of them, and normal in 27 cases (30.68$\%$) of them. Considering above results, we had better make a diagnosis precisely the patients with clinically suspected carpal tunnel syndrome through subjective symtoms, physical examinations, and electrophysiologic studies.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.119-126
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify trends in the type and method of Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) by investigating studies on the type and method of convergence study of the IMU by systematic review. The study was conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. 23 studies that meet the selection criteria were selected from 630 studies identified by three databases. As a result of this study, showed that various research using IMU was being conducted around the world, and the type of IMU was strap, full body suit, belt, wrist watch, shoes and glove. Among them, the number of strap-type IMUs was the largest at 11. The IMU's strengths were simplicity, real-time data collection and ease of application, which were used as measurement methods such as task, walking, and range of joint. The result of this study is expected to be used as basic data for experts in the medical and rehabilitation fields that conduct IMU research.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.161-170
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• 2014

PURPOSE: This study concerns the wheelchair-based rehabilitation of elderly people, investigating muscle activity and coordination of upper limbs during wheelchair-based new millennium health gymnastics with varying elbow exercise velocity. METHODS: Twelve elderly people participated in new millennium gymnastics twice per week during 12-weeks. The group was separated into 0.4, 1.0, and 1.6 Hz groups (controlled by the metronome speed). Range of motion was measured by electrogoniometer, electromyography signals used root mean square values. The data application was normalized using reference voluntary contraction (%RVC). Upper limb (wrist and elbow joint) data gathered while standing up after the "falling on hips" was investigated in terms of coordination of angle-angle plots. One-way ANOVA, paired t-test and Scheffe's post hoc comparisons, were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were results taken before and after the experiments. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the triceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis of the 0.4 Hz group (p<.05). There was significant difference in the triceps brachi of the 1 Hz group. No significant differences were found in all muscles of the 1.6 Hz group. Muscle co-activation indexes of the 0.4 Hz group were larger than the others. The 0.4 Hz graph was turning point synchronized clockwise. The 1 Hz graph was out of phase with the negative slope. The 1.6 Hz graph was turning point synchronized counterclockwise, and uncontrolled factor phase was offset on angle-angle plots. CONCLUSION: It is found that improvement of muscle activity and upper limbs coordination of elderly people using wheelchair-based new millennium gymnastics is optimal with elbow exercise velocity with a frequency of 0.4 Hz.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.1-7
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• 2018

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of mulligan taping group and repeated measurement group on muscle activity and grip strength of adult with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty adults with forward head posture were randomly assigned to each of 15 mulligan taping and repeat measurement groups. The mulligan taping group measured the pre-test and post-test muscle activity and the grip strength three times and compared the mean values. The repeat group was repeatedly measured and measured before and after the experiment, The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical program. Results: There was no significant difference between mulligan taping group and repeated measurement group in changes of muscle activity. There was a significant difference between mulligan taping group and repeated measurement group in changes of grip strength. Conclusions: Mulligan taping was applied to an adult with forward head posture, there was no significant change in muscle activity of flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus, but it seems to improve hand function by re-aligned of nearby muscles by maintaining scapular stability.

• Journal of the Institute of Convergence Signal Processing
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.101-106
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• 2020

The utilization of virtual reality is increasing not only in games but also in medical care such as rehabilitation. Due to the convenience, the motion of the upper limb is detected using a non-contact method using video or a handheld type mouse, etc. In this paper, we implemented a glove which can measure finger movements and upper limb movements by using flex sensors whose resistance value changes according to the degree of folding and inertial sensors which can obtain direction information in space. We showed the upper arm movements including finger movements with signals obtained from the implemented glove on the open software platform, Processing. The sensitivity of each finger movement was 0.5deg, and the sensitivity of the upper limb motion was 0.6deg.