• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1-9
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• 2020

PURPOSE: The current generation has shortened hamstrings due to a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in reduced flexibility of the hamstring and dysfunction. This study was undertaken to compare effects of three different release exercises on hamstring flexibility, in participants with short hamstrings. METHODS: Totally, 20 subjects having short hamstrings were involved in this study. The inclusion criterion for study participation was active knee extension test (AKET) less than 60°. All participants were subjected to 3 methods: hamstring foam roller release (HFRR), sitting self myofascial release (sitting SMR), and standing self myofascial release (Standing SMR). All participants randomly performed all three methods to avoid bias caused by learning or fatigue. Passive knee extension test (PKET), AKET, finger to floor distance test (FTFT), and pelvic tilting angle test (PTAT) were measured pre- and post-exercises. RESULTS: The PKET, AKET and FTFT were significantly increased after HFRR, sitting SMR, and standing SMR exercise (p < .05). However, PTAT was not significantly increased after the three exercises (p > .05). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between PKET, AKET, FTFT and PTAT subsequent to HFRR, sitting SMR, and standing SMR (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that HFRR, sitting SMR and standing SMR were immediately effective in improving hamstring flexibility in participants with short hamstrings.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2015

Objective: This study was carried out to compare changes in pain, swelling and range of motion (ROM) between the two groups according to physical therapy intervention. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: There were a total of 20 elderly subjects ages 65-75 years old who have been admitted to the hospital for a total knee arthroplasty. After surgery, the experimental group (n=10) carried out quadriceps femoris muscle strengthening exercise, hamstring stretching exercises and gastrocnemius stretching exercise with a physical therapist for 30 minutes and additionally, received ice pack therapy for 20 minutes once a day. The control group (n=10) carried out continuous passive motion for 30 minutes and received ice pack therapy for 20 minutes once a day. The experimental group and control group carried out each intervention program for 2 weeks 3 times a week. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess pain, tape measurements were taken to assess swelling, and a steel goniometer was used to assess knee joint ROM. Results: As a result, the experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in the pain and swelling, and a significant increase in knee flexion ROM after the intervention, compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was a significant improvement in pain, edema, and knee flexion and extension ROM in all subjects after intervention (p<0.05). Conclusions: According the results of this study, exercise in the experimental group is effect on the pain, swelling and ROM for total knee arthroplasty.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle activity ratio of the lower limb according to changes in straight leg raise (SLR) test angles on hamstring muscle shortening during squat exercises. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 14 healthy adults who were informed of and agreed to the method and purpose of the study. The participants were classified into SLR groups according to two angles (over $80^{\circ}$ or under $80^{\circ}$) assessed using the SLR tests. After training and practicing the wall squat posture to be applied to the experiment, electromyography (EMG) was used to measure changes in muscle activity during the performance of a wall squat. After stretching, a sequence of pre-stretch tests were performed again, and the active and passive SLR tests were also reconducted; thereafter, a wall squat was performed again by attaching EMG electrodes. The EMG results before and after stretching were compared. Results: The muscle activity of the vastus lateralis oblique muscle increased in both groups. The muscle activity of the vastus medialis oblique muscle decreased in over both group. Rectus femorus activity increased in the under 80-degree groups but decreased in the over 80-degree group. The muscle activity of the biceps femoris muscle decreased after stretching in the over 80-degree group and increased in the under 80-degree group, and the semitendinosus muscle activity after stretching was decreased. The quadriceps-to-hamstring muscle (Q:H) ratio before and after stretching between groups showed that the hamstring muscle ratio decreased after stretching in both groups. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the Q:H ratio before and after stretching between groups was not significantly different.