• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.57-66
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the duration of maintained calf muscle flexibility gained in young adults with calf muscle tightness, as measured by increases in ankle active and passive dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) after three stretching interventions. Twenty subjects (5 men and 15 women) with calf muscle tightness received the following three stretching interventions in one leg (assigned at random): static stretching (SS), eccentric training on stable surface (ETS), and eccentric training on unstable surfaces (ETU). The subjects received all three interventions to the same leg, applied in a random order. Each intervention had a break of at least 24 h in-between, in order to minimize any carryover effect. Each intervention used two types of stretching: with the calf muscle stretched and both knees straight, and with the knee slightly bent in order to maximize the activation of the soleus muscle. All three interventions were performed for 200 seconds. We measured the duration of maintained calf muscle flexibility through active and passive ankle DFROM before intervention, immediately after intervention (time 0), and then 3, 6, 9, 15, and 30 min after intervention. We found a difference in the duration of maintained calf muscle flexibility between the three interventions. In the ETS and ETU interventions, a significant improvement in calf muscle flexibility, both ankle active and passive dorsiflexion ranges of motion (ADFROM and PDFROM), was maintained for 30 min. In the SS intervention, however, ADFROM before 9 min and PDFROM before 6 min were statistically different from the baseline. Our results suggest that ETS and ETU may be more effective than SS for maintaining calf muscle flexibility in young adults.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.49-55
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to analyze the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity pattern on muscular strength and flexibility in an aquatic environment. Methods: Ten members of the experimental group and 10 members of the control group were randomly selected from 20 college students who are in their 20s. Bilateral symmetry pattern among proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity patterns was applied in an aquatic environment in the experimental group three times per week for a period of six weeks, and a set consisted of 10 times, which was repeated 10 times. On the other hand, subjects in the control group did not receive any treatment while maintaining daily life. Muscular strength was measured using a dynamometer and electromyogram system for maximum voluntary isometric contraction of hip flexor, hip extensor, knee flexor, and knee extensor. Cervical flexibility was measured using cervical range of motion instrument for cervical flexion, rotation, and lateral flexion. Lumbar flexibility was measured using back range of motion instrument II for lumbar flexion. Results: For the experimental group, significance was observed for hip flexor, extensor, knee flexor, extensor, cervical flexion, rotation, lateral flexion, and lumbar flexion. For the control group, no significance was observed for any other variables except for cervical flexion. As a result of observation of difference between the two groups, relatively high significance was observed in the experimental group, compared with the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity pattern had a positive effect on muscular strength and flexibility in an aquatic environment.

• 한국운동역학회지
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.275-283
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect pf flexibility of hip flexor muscles on a conventional deadlift movement. Method: Eighteen healthy male were participated in this study and were divided into normal group (NG: age: 24.0±1.8 yrs, height: 174.5±2.37 cm, body mass: 74.4±5.5 kg, 1RM: 138.0±23.8 kg) and restricted group (RG: age: 24.6±1.7 yrs, height: 171.5±5.3 cm, body mass: 74.0±5.7 kg, 1RM: 137.5±18.3 kg) by Thomas test, which measure flexibility of hip flexor muscles. A 3-dimensional motion analysis with 8 infrared cameras and 3 channels of EMG was performed in this study. A two-way ANOVA (group x load) with repeated measure was used for statistical verification. The significant level was set at α=.05. Results: RG revealed significantly increased muscle activation in erector spinae on 70% and 90% of 1RM and decreased muscle activation in gluteus maximus on 90% of 1RM compared to NG (p<.05). For the muscle activation ratio for agonist to synergist, erector spinae showed the difference in 90% of 1RM while hamstring was observed differences in all loads (p<.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated that hip flexibility affects conventional deadlift movement. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the flexibility of the hip flexor muscles before performing the movement and, as needed, to train to address the lack of flexibility.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.111-119
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• 2020

PURPOSE: In adults with hamstring tightness, stretching is considered a therapeutic exercise that improves flexibility. However, previous studies have reported efficacy of numerous methods, and are inconclusive in determining the most effective stretching techniques. This study aims to compare the outcomes of Evjenth-Hamberg stretching (E-HS), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNFS), and static stretching (SS), on muscle tone and flexibility. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects were assigned to each of the three stretching groups:; E-HS (n₁ = 10), PNFS (n₂ = 10), and SS (n₃ = 10). Muscle tone of the hamstring muscle, active knee extension (AKE), and passive knee extension (PKE) were assessed by range of motion. RESULTS: After the intervention, statistically significant differences were obtained between groups for muscle tone (p < .05). The post hoc test, showed statistically significant differences in muscle tone between the E-HS and PNFS groups (p < .05), and PNFS and SS groups (p < .05). Post hoc test after intervention, also revealed statistically significant differences in flexibility (p < .05) between the E-HS and PNFS groups (p < .05), E-HS and SS groups (p < .05), and PNFS and SS groups (p < .05). Moreover, a statistically significant difference was observed in PKE scores between the E-HS and SS groups (p < .05), and PNFS and SS groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that E-HS may be the most effective stretching technique for muscle tone and flexibility, in adults with hamstring tightness.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.30-37
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• 2020

Background: To prevent or reduce the risk of strain injury, various approaches, including stretching techniques are currently being used. The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching on flexibility has been demonstrated; however, it is not clear which one is superior. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between the effects of PNF and static stretching performed at various intensities on muscle flexibility. Methods: The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hamstrings using the PNF stretching technique was performed in the P100 group, while 70% of the MVIC was performed in the P70 group. The MVIC value obtained during the PNF stretching in both groups was used as a reference for setting the intensity of static stretching. Static stretching was performed at 130% (S130), 100% (S100), and 70% of the MVIC (S70). The active knee extension (AKE) values, defined as the knee flexion angle were measured before stretching (baseline), immediately after stretching (post), and at 3 minutes, 6 minutes, and 15 minutes. Results: PNF stretching produce a greater improvement in flexibility compared with static stretching. Specifically, the ΔAKE was significantly higher in the S100 and S70 groups than in the P100 group at Post. In the comparison of ΔAKE over time in each group, the ΔAKE at Post showed a significant decrease compared to the value at Baseline in the S130 group; however, no significant difference was observed at 6 minutes while a significant increase was noted at 15 minutes. Conclusion: This study found that PNF stretching is more effective than static stretching with respect to increasing and maintaining the flexibility of muscles. In addition, the increase in flexibility at maximal intensity was similar to that observed at submaximal intensity during both PNF and static stretching.

• 대한정형도수물리치료학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.73-80
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• 2020

Background: This study examined the effects of myofascial release exercise using an inflatable compression therapy ball on spinal flexibility in adults to present basic data to improve spinal flexibility. Methods: The participants were assigned randomly to two groups: the myofascial release exercise group (MRE, n=60) and the stretching exercise group (SE, n=60). The MRE group performed myofascial release exercise for the erector spine muscles using an inflatable compression therapy ball. The SE group performed stretching exercises of the erector spine muscles. Each exercise was performed in 3 sets of 10 repetition daily for one week. Results: The within-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention measurements in only MRE group (p<.05). On the other hand, the between-group comparison revealed the MRE group to show statistically significant improvement in spinal flexibility (p<.05). In effect size, the MRE group was -1.82 (95% CI= -2.24~-1.39), and the SE group was -.7 (95% CI= -1.15~-.41). Conclusion: Myofascial release exercise for the erector spine muscles using an inflatable compression therapy ball was more effective in improving spinal flexibility than stretching exercises for the erector spinae muscles. However, although myofascial release exercise using inflatable compression therapy ball is more effective than stretching exercise, it is insignificant, and research is also insignificant. It is believed that more diverse studies using props will be needed in the future.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.129-136
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare the level of physical fitness and isokinetic strength, between EMT student and physical education students. Nine a major in EMT student volunteers, and nine a major in physical education student volunteers participated in that study as subjects. The basic physical body composition, fitness and isokinetic strength were measured. The data obtained in the study was analyzed by SPSS PC+ for window version 10.0. The difference in the mean of each variable between the two groups was analyzed by using the independent t-test and the significance level for all analysis was set at <.05. The results were as follows ; 1. There was a significant difference in the basic physical fitness between the two groups with the exception flexibility. The difference showed the statistical significance on back strength, balance and power in physical education students. 2. There were significant difference in body composition between the two groups with the exception of lean body fat. The difference showed the statistical significance on body fat%, body fat mass in the physical education students. 3. There was significant defference in the isokinetic strength between the two group. The difference showed the statistical significance on peak torque, peak torque B/W%. It was concluded that the physical education students may not have an effect of flexibility; however, back strength, balance, power, body composition, isokinetic strength, could be enhanced due to the long-term period of training. Based on the findings of this study, the regular participation of regular exercise help the untrained men achieve health-related fitness.

• 대한정형도수물리치료학회지
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.39-51
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• 1999

Background and Purpose. Objective measurements of hamstring muscle length are needed to quantify baseline limitations and to document the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Several indirect clinical tests for measuring hamstring muscle length are available, but influence of their test procedure is not well documented. The purpose of this study were 1) to describe hamstring muscle length as reflected by use of six tests(active straight leg raising(ASLR), passive straight leg raising(PSLR), passive straight leg raising with the lower back flat(PSLRB), active knee extension(AKE), passive knee extension(PKE), hip joint angle(HJA). 2) to examine the correlation among the tests. Subjects, Sixty subjects(30 men. 30 women) ranging in age from 18 to 25 years(mean 20.2 years) and with no limitation hamstring flexibility and no neurological and orthopedical problems. Methods. All subjects performed six tests. A inclinometer was used to determine the end point of range of motion. HJA was measured using an inclinometer placed over the sacrum. PSLRB were tested PSLR with the low back flat and the opposite thigh slightly flexed and support on pillows. Results, A mean ASLR value of 85.9 degrees, PSLR value of 99.9 degrees, PSLRB value of 109.8 degrees, AKE value of 77.2 degrees PKE value of 83.1 degrees and HJA value of 73.0 degrees were obtained for all subjects. A dependent t-test showed significant difference between the angles of ASLR and PSLR(p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the angles of PSLR and PSLRB(p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the angles of AKE and PKE(p<0.001). The highest correlation was between PSLR and PSLRB(r=0.915, p<0.001). All SLR tests were significants related(p<0.001), as well as AKE and PKE(p<0.001). The lowest correlation was between PKE and HJA(r=0.171. p>0.05). Conclusion and Discussion. The results indicated that the hip flexion angles for ASLR, PSLR and PSLRB were a difference, and the knee extension angles for AKE and PKE were a difference.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.133-139
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• 2020

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before-after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects' GCMs for 10-15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle's architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

• International Journal of Contents
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• 제9권4호
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• pp.72-77
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of general sling-bridge exercise (GSE) and sling-bridge exercise with rhythmic stabilization technique (SER) on trunk muscle endurance and flexibility in adolescents with low back pain (LBP). 30 adolescents who had complaints of LBP were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: the GSE group (n=15) and SER group (n=15). Subjects performed each exercise programs for 4 weeks with the aim of improving trunk muscle stability; GSE group trained general bridge exercise with sling, SER group trained rhythmic stabilization bridge exercise with sling. The static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance and flexibility were measured before and at the end of the exercise program. The static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance were significantly improved in both groups (p<.05) and the SER group showed significant difference from the GSE group after the exercise (p<.05). The trunk muscle flexibility was significantly improved in both groups (p<.05) and the SER group were significantly different from GSE group post-exercise (p<.05). The results of this study showed that sling bridge exercise with rhythmic stabilization technique may be appropriate for improving trunk muscle stability in adolescents with LBP.