• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.432-438
• /
• 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated agricultural work-related, biomechanical factors among this population. Methods: We analyzed initial survey data from the Safety for Agricultural Injury of Farmers cohort study involving adult farmers in Jeju Island. The prevalence of LBP was calculated with associated factors. Results: In total, 1,209 participants were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of LBP was 23.7%. Significant associations for LBP were the type of farming activity, length of farming career, prior agricultural injury within 1 year, and stress levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three biomechanical factors significantly related to LBP: repetitive use of particular body parts; the inappropriate posture of the lower back and neck. Conclusions: Some occupational, and biomechanical risk factors contribute to LBP. Therefore, postural education, injury prevention education, and psychological support will be needed to prevent LBP.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.42-49
• /
• 2018

Pilot Aptitude Research Equipment (PARE) is a simulator developed to measure or research pilot aptitude and train for student pilots. Design of an ergonomic PARE operation console is required to operate the equipment effectively. This study carried out five steps : (S1) operator questionnaire survey, (S2) anthropometric design formula development, (S3) usability evaluation, (S4) improvement design, and (S5) validation considering both Physical User Interface (PUI) and Graphic User Interface (GUI) of PARE operation console. The operator questionnaire surveyed needs for each PUI and GUI part of the console from two PARE actual operators. In terms of PUI, the anthropometric design formula was developed by using design variables, body dimensions, target population characteristics, and reference posture related to the PARE console. In terms of GUI, the usability evaluation was conducted by three usability testing experts with a 7-point scale (1 : very low, 4 : neutral, 7 : very high) on GUI of the PARE operation console by seven usability criteria. The improved PARE operation console was designed to reflect the optimal values of design variables calculated from design formula, the results from usability testing, and the operator's needs. The improvement effect was observed by 20 people who had experience with the PARE operation console. As a result of the validation, monitor visibility and cockpit visibility for the improved PUI design and visibility and efficiency for the improved GUI design were significantly increased by more than 90% respectively. The improved design of the PARE operation console in this study can contribute to enhance operation performance of the PARE.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.535-546
• /
• 2019

Recently, there have been a lot of researches on the whole face replacement system, but it is not easy to obtain stable results due to various attitudes, angles and facial diversity. To produce a natural synthesis result when replacing the face shown in the video image, technologies such as face area detection, feature extraction, face alignment, face area segmentation, 3D attitude adjustment and facial transposition should all operate at a precise level. And each technology must be able to be interdependently combined. The results of our analysis show that the difficulty of implementing the technology and contribution to the system in facial replacement technology has increased in facial feature point extraction and facial alignment technology. On the other hand, the difficulty of the facial transposition technique and the three-dimensional posture adjustment technique were low, but showed the need for development. In this paper, we propose four facial replacement models such as 2-D Faceswap, OpenPose, Deekfake, and Cycle GAN, which are suitable for the Cox platform. These models have the following features; i.e. these models include a suitable model for front face pose image conversion, face pose image with active body movement, and face movement with right and left side by 15 degrees, Generative Adversarial Network.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2019

Purpose : To find out how action observation training for chronic stroke patients affects their balance and body control abilities in the posture seated in the rehabilitation of stroke. Methods : This study was conducted on 30 subjects who were diagnosed with stroke. The group conducted motion observation training through video clips, while the control group only conducted physical training, and the general physical therapy was performed equally by both counties. The static balance was measured using Biorescue and the dynamic balance was measured using Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, and Trunk Impairment Scale. Results : Static balance showed statistically significant difference in foot pressure (p<.05) as a result of comparison between pre and post exercise training. Dynamic balance was statistically significant (p>.05) as a result of comparing pre and post differences using modified functional reach test. The trunk control ability was statistically significant (p>.001). Comparison between the results of before and after motion observation training showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: This study confirmed that exercise training in sitting position was effective for static, dynamic balance ability and trunk control ability of hemiplegic patients due to stroke. These results suggest that the use of motion monitoring in stroke patients may have a positive impact on the diversity and function of rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.405-415
• /
• 2019

This study examined the physiological and psychological effects of wearing a winter cap at rest in a cold environment. Seven older males participated in two separate trials: wearing a winter cap (CAP) and non-wearing a winter cap (CON). The experiment was conducted for 60 min in a climatic chamber (air temperature $7.8{\pm}0.3^{\circ}C$ with $43{\pm}2%RH$) with sedentary posture. Microclimate temperature at the vertex of the head was $6.88^{\circ}C$ higher in CAP compared to CON (p<.01). Microclimate humidity at the vertex was lower in CAP than in CON only during the last 5 min (p<.01). Skin temperature at the forehead in CAP was higher than in CON (p<.01). During the last 5 min, rectal temperature was higher in CAP than that in CON (p<.05). Unlike CAP, the heart rate in CON during the last 5 min decreased significantly compared to the initial 5 min (p<.05). Subjects also felt less cold on the head/face in CAP than that in CON (p<.01). The results indicate that wearing a cap for elderly males positively affected body temperature regulation and cardiovascular response in cold environments. The importance of wearing warm hats for elderly males in winter should be emphasized.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.158-161
• /
• 2019

Objective: Attentional focus is one of the critical factors that has consistently been demonstrated to enhance motor performance and motor skill. Focusing attention on the inside of the body while engaging in a particular exercise is called internal focus (IF) and focus on the external environment is called external focus (EF). The purpose of this study was to identify effects of IF and EF of attention on postural balance in healthy school-aged children. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-four healthy school-aged children participated in this study. School-aged children was defined as children ages 8-12 years old. They performed the one-legged standing with EF (focusing on the marker at the level of participants' chest and 150 cm away), IF (focusing the supporting feet), and control (no instruction) respectively. The order of the focus condition was randomly selected. The center of pressure (COP) range, distance, and velocity was measured to compare the effects of applying different attentional focuses in the three conditions. Results: The results of our study show that differences in COP range, distance, and velocity among groups were not significant between the different attentional focuses, although all variables of EF were smaller than IF. It is postulated that the reason for this may be that school school-aged children between 8-12 years old go through a transitional phase from IF to EF in effective motor learning. Conclusions: These findings reveal that the type of attentional focus did not have any effect on postural balance in healthy school-aged children.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.125-133
• /
• 2019

Objective: To compare the postural control between non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) subgroups and healthy people during dynamic balance performance using a modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Eighteen NSCLBP subjects (9 active extension pattern [AEP], 9 flexion pattern [FP]), and 10 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All subjects performed mSEBT on their dominant leg on a force plate. Normalized reach distance and balance parameters, including the center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity, were recorded. Results: There were significant differences in mean reach distances in both posterolateral and posteromedial (PM) reach directions between AEP and healthy subjects (p<0.001) and between FP and healthy subjects (p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the three groups in the anterior reach direction. Also, the results showed no significant differences in mean COP variables (velocity and displacement) between pooled NSCLBP and healthy subjects. However, the subjects were reclassified into AEP, FP and healthy groups and the results showed a significant difference in mean COP velocity in the PM direction between AEP and FP subjects (p=0.048), and between AEP and healthy subjects (p=0.024). Conclusions: The findings in this study highlight the heterogeneity of the individuals with NSCLBP and the importance of identifying the homogenous subgroups. Individuals with AEP and FP experience deficits in dynamic postural control compared to healthy controls. In addition, the findings of this study support the concept of the Multidimensional Classification System.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.667-676
• /
• 2021

Recently, adolescents in Korea are exposed to the risk of postural imbalance due to overuse of smartphones and lack of physical activity due to the amount of learning. In addition, the need for effective non-face-to-face exercise services is increasing due to Corona 19. With this in mind, this study proposes an exercise service using an EMG sensor to overcome the limitations of non-face-to-face services while providing the effect of improving round shoulders for adolescents. An exercise program that can improve round shoulders was constructed, and an application in conjunction with an EMG sensor was implemented to exercise effectively. The exercise program was configured to alternately exercise the target muscle area for 4 weeks, and the function to provide feedback was added by measuring the EMG values that change accordingly. Through this study, we intend to provide the basis for exercise-based posture correction digital service, and improve the unbalanced body through this, thereby promoting the possibility of health promotion.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.243-248
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The transverse abdominis and themultifidus muscle are located in the core. They surround one's trunk and help in body stabilization. Specifically, they control spine articulation to maintain posture and balance. Therefore, weakened deep muscle in the trunk may cause spinal malalignment. This study aims to compare the correlation between the thickness of the transverse abdominis and the multifidus muscle and the spine alignment among college students in their 20s. Methods: This study measured the thickness of the transverse abdominis and the multifidus muscle of 42 healthy college students in their 20s using ultrasonic waves. The thickness of the muscle was measured for the length of the cross-section except for fascia. The thickness of the left and right muscles was measured, and the mean value was calculated. As the thickness of the transverse abdominis can increase because of pressure during exhalation, it was measured at the last moment of exhalation. Spinal alignment was measured by the kyphosis angle, lordosis angle, pelvic tilt, trunk inclination, lateral deviation, trunk imbalance, and surface rotation using Formetric III, which is a three-dimensional imaging equipment. They were measured for three times, and the mean values were calculated. The general characteristics of the subjects were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The correlations between each factor were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: The transverse abdominis showed asignificant correlation with trunk inclination (p<.05). The multifidus muscle showed a significant positive correlation with pelvic tilt and a negative correlation with surface rotation (p<.05). Conclusion: The thickness of transverse abdominis and the multifidus muscle appears to influence spinal alignment. Specifically, the multifidus muscle, which plays an important role on the sagittal plane, influences surface rotation, thus making it an important muscle for scoliosis patients. Therefore, a strengthening training program for the transverse abdominis and the multifidus muscle is necessary according to specific purposes among adults with spinal malalignment.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.451-459
• /
• 2022

Purpose: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal problem that causes pain in and disability of masticatory muscles, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), and related structures. The purpose of this study was to compare pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of masticatory muscles, cervical ranges of motion (ROM), and pelvic mobility during gait of subjects with or without TMD. Methods: In this study, pain thresholds and changes in the mobility of the cervical vertebrae and pelvis were measured in 25 patients with TMD and 25 healthy controls. Using a pressure algometer, the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the masseter and temporalis muscles were measured in both groups. A gyroscope sensor with a mobile application was used to determine cervical ROM in the frontal and sagittal planes. A 3D-motion analysis system was used to evaluate pelvic mobility in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes during gait. Results: The TMD group showed significantly decreased PPTs of masseter and temporalis muscles compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Cervical ROM in flexion, extension, and lateral bending were significantly decreased in the TMD group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, antero-posterior pelvic tilt was significantly decreased in the TMD group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that there are close anatomical and functional relationships between TMD and muscle chains related to the cervical spine and pelvis. Therefore, more comprehensive body posture assessments, especially of painful areas, should be undertaken when studying TMD patients.