• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.535-546
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• 2018

The objective of this study is to understand the behaviour of hollow core slabs strengthened with FRP and hybrid techniques through numerical and analytical studies. Different strengthening techniques considered in this study are (i) External Bonding (EB) of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates, (ii) Near Surface Mounting (NSM) of CFRP laminates, (iii) Bonded Overlay (BO) using concrete layer, and (iv) hybrid strengthening which is a combination of bonded overlay and NSM or EB. In the numerical studies, three-dimensional Finite Element (FE) models of hollow core slabs were developed considering material and geometrical nonlinearities, and a phased nonlinear analysis was carried out. The analytical calculations were carried out using Response-2000 program which is based on Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT). Both the numerical and analytical models predicted the behaviour in agreement with experimental results. Parametric studies indicated that increase in the bonded overlay thickness increases the peak load capacity without reducing the displacement ductility. The increase in FRP strengthening ratio increased the capacity but reduced the displacement ductility. The hybrid strengthening technique was found to increase the capacity of the hollow core slabs by more than 100% without compromise in ductility when compared to their individual strengthening schemes.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2017

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of core and abdominal muscle-strengthening exercises on muscle activity in the lower extremity on unexpected perturbation. Methods: Twenty subjects were randomly divided into the core exercise group (n=10) or the abdominal muscles strengthening group (n=10). The two groups performed their exercises during three sessions a week for a total of four weeks. The muscle activity in the lower muscles (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius) was assessed using surface electromyography (EMG) and normalized maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) before and after the exercises. Results: An increase in the tibialis anterior activity after the core and abdominal muscles strengthening exercises was found after four weeks. A significant difference in the pre- and post-exercise was found. The gastrocnemius muscle activity increased in the core exercise group more than the abdominal muscles strengthening group. However, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the core and abdominal muscles strengthening exercises increased the tibialis anterior muscle activity. It is expected to help make more balance ability that affect who has abdominal muscles weakness.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.965-971
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of core strengthening training on baseball throwing. A total of 14 subjects were recruited from among middle school baseball players. The main outcome measures were as follows: speed guns were used to measure the velocity of baseballs thrown; scored targets were used to measure throwing accuracy; and 50m measuring tapes were used to measure throwing distances. It was found that core strengthening training improved the velocity of baseballs thrown and throwing accuracy and distance. Thus, core strengthening training is effective for improving the throwing ability of baseball players.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.77-84
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• 2007

Obejectives : Slow-motion strengthening trainings build up muscles better than any other type of training, these exercises focus on balancing and strengthening the muscles in the anatomical center of the body - the core - which includes the back, hip and abdominal muscles. Methods : We had a concept of 'core', and compared core muscles with 12 meridian tendino-musculature based on Thomas Myers' myofascial meridian. Results : It has been suggested that the core muscles correspond to meridians of foot- three Yin and foot- three Yang. The study of core muscles strengthening exercise and movement therapy is requred.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.378-382
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• 2012

The purpose of this study effectiveness of core strengthening exercise programs on symmetric double limb support and balance ability for elderly. The subjects that 30 persons between the ages of 65~80 elderly participated were divided into two groups randomly for 8 weeks. Tetrax interactive balance system and Berg's balance scale were used to assess support and stability. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate the changes before and after intervention. The difference between the groups was compared using an independent t-test. The experimental group showed significantly increase weight support, stability, balance(p<.05). However, the control group not showed significantly increase weight support, stability, balance(p>.05). In a variation, experimental and control groups showed significantly increased rate of weight support, stability, balance(p<.05). Consequently, core strengthening exercise program should be considered as a therapeutic method for the elderly to improve the balance ability and effectiveness on falls.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.2413-2419
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• 2015

Core spinal muscles are related to trunk stability and assume the main role of stabilizing the spine during daily activities; strengthening of core muscles around the spine can therefore reduce the chance of back pain. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of core muscle strengthening in the spine during spine stabilization exercise using a whole body tilt device. To achieve this, a validated musculoskeletal (MS) model of the whole body was used to replicate the input motion from the whole body tilting exercise. An inverse dynamics analysis was executed to estimate spine loads and muscle forces depending on the tilting angles of the exercise device. The activation of long and superficial back muscles such as the erector spinae (iliocostalis and longissimus) were mainly affected by the forward direction (-40°) of the tilt, while the front muscles (psoas major, quadratus lumborum, and external and internal obliques) were mainly affected by the backward tilting direction (40°). Deep muscles such as the multifidi and short muscles were activated in most directions of the rotation and tilt. The backward directions of the tilt using this device could be carefully applied for the elderly and for rehabilitation patients who are expected to have less muscle strength. In this study, it was shown that the spine stabilization exercise device can provide considerable muscle exercise effect.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.121-127
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to compare the effect on balance during core and ankle muscle strengthening exercises using the Thera-Band. Methods: 21 healthy college students were recruited. The participants were divided into a core strengthening group (CSG), an ankle strengthening group (ASG), and a non-exercise group (NEG). CSG and ASG were performed twice a week for a total of 4 weeks, and static and dynamic balance were measured before and after the intervention. The static balance were measured as stability index and weight distribution index using Tetrax^®. The dynamic balance was measured in each direction by the Y balance test. The Thera-Band intensity was increased after 2 weeks of exercise, and the exercise was subsequently performed. Results: Participants showed static balance with Tetrax^®, a significant difference was noted between normal eye closes and pillow with eye closes in ASG (p<0.05). In the case of dynamic balance with the Y balance test, a significant difference was observed in posterolateral direction (PL) and composite score (CS) between each group for the pre- and post-intervention differences (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed between PL and CS in CSG (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings show that the progressive Thera-Band exercise had a positive effect on balance abilities. It was confirmed that core strengthening was effective for dynamic balance, and ankle strengthening was effective for static balance.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.47-56
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• 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was compare and analyze the Cobb's angle, core muscle strengthening in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and provide scientific basis for effectively treating idiopathic scoliosis in the future. Methods: The subjects of this study were 20 members of adolescent girls. Measurement tools were comprised Cobb's angle test, core muscle strengthening test. After 8 weeks of program, both groups had the same measurements as before program start. Results: The results of the study are as follows. First, the experimental group was decreased statistically significantly in Cobb's angle than the control group. Second, Both groups were increased statistically significantly in core muscle strengthening. The experimental group was increased statistically significantly direction in front, back l than the control group. Conclusion: Sling exercise with core exercise was effective in the decrease of Cobb's angle and core muscle strength than general scoliosis exercise in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2017

Purpose: The objective of this study was compare the effect of core muscle strengthening between core exercise on stable surface and core exercise on unstable surface. Methods: Thirty-nine adults participated in this study and were randomly allocated to three groups. The stable surface exercise group and unstable surface exercise groups practiced core muscle training for $3{\times}30minute$ sessions over a 4-week period. The control group did not received therapeutic intervention except pre and post test. The following clinical tools were used to assess core muscle strength and balance: Side Plank Test, Trunk Flexion Test, Balance Error Scoring Test, Core Muscle Stength & Stability Test. Results: The stable surface exercise group showed significant improvement in trunk muscle strength of anterolateral part as revealed by the Side Plank Test and Trunk flexion Test(p<.05). The unstable surface exercise group showed significant improvement in trunk muscle strength of anterolateral part and balance ability as revealed by the Balance Error Scoring Test and Core Muscle Strength & Stability Test(p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study, both core exercise on stable surface and core exercise on unstable surface induced core muscle strengthening and balance ability. Expecially core exercise on unstable surface more effective to core muscle strengthening and balance ability.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.607-622
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• 2018

A non-linear finite element model (FEM) was constructed using a three-dimensional software (ATENA-3D) to investigate the effect of strengthening on the behavior of prestressed hollow-core (PHC) slabs with or without openings. The slabs were strengthened using near surface mounted (NSM)-carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips. The constructed model was validated against experimental results that were previously reported by the authors. The validated FEM was then used to conduct an extensive parametric study to examine the influence of prestressing reinforcement ratio, compressive strength of concrete and strengthening reinforcement ratio on the behavior of such slabs. The FEM results showed good agreement with the experimental results where it captured the cracking, yielding, and ultimate loads as well as the mid-span deflection with a reasonable accuracy. Also, an overall enhancement in the structural performance of these slabs was achieved with an increase in prestressing reinforcement ratio, compressive strength of concrete, external reinforcement ratio. The presence of openings with different dimensions along the flexural or shear spans reduced significantly the capacity of the PHC slabs. However, strengthening these slabs with 2 and 4 (64 and $128mm^2$ that represent reinforcement ratios of 0.046 and 0.092%) CFRP strips was successful in restoring the original strength of the slab and enhancing post-cracking stiffness and load carrying capacity.