• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 한국정보통신학회 2022년도 춘계학술대회
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• pp.577-578
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• 2022

This study addresses the effectiveness of a VR model that is designed to relieve distress and improve communication during pediatric dental treatment for 3-9 year-old young patients. This is due to the challenging nature of the dental treatment for both young patients and pediatric dentists. The proposed model is designed to alleviate the unpleasant experience a young patient might go through during the dental treatment through providing a VR content to be displayed in on a head-mounted device during the treatment session. In addition, the model is designed to help decrease the frequent movement of the young patient during the dental treatment session by directing the patient's head to the immersive VR content. Furthermore, the model could solve the communication difficulties that might occur between pediatric dentists and young patients during the treatment session by showing live instructions related to adjusting body postures

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.129-135
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of the head posture with the tone and stiffness of the cervical extensor muscles. Eighty adults in their twenties were chosen as subjects, and the tone and stiffness of the cervical extensor muscles were measured, with their usual head posture in the sagittal plane. For the measured head posture, the craniovertebral angle (CVA), craniorotation angle (CRA), and forward shoulder angle (FSA) were analyzed using Image J. It was observed that the tone and stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle increased significantly with a decrease in the CVA as well as with an increase in the CRA (p < 0.05). As a result of further classification into the normal and forward head postures based on the CVA of the subjects, the forward head posture was characterized by a significant increase in the tone and stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle (p<.05). The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data for the evaluation of the forward head posture and posture education in clinical practice.

• International Journal of Quality Innovation
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.22-40
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• 2008

Unnatural working postures usually cause musculoskeletal problems for workers in work field, especially in traditional industry. Many analysis and survey methodologies have been developed to identify unnatural postures and disorder risks in workplaces. The Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) are the representative methods and applied widely. This study applied the both tools to investigate the work field of a manufacturing factory of the water heater's case. We divided the manufacturing process into nine workshops, took the pictures of working motions by DV camera and analyzed the postures on OWAS. From the OW AS results, we could identify the risks level of musculoskeletal symptoms as four Action Categories (AC). And from the comparison of OWAS and NMQ results, we could provide the suggestions to improve the working methods and environment. From the results of OWAS, we found that the operators' head/neck and back were above AC3 in some workshops. If the situation continued in long period, the operators might have the risk to get musculoskeletal symptoms. From the investigation of NMQ, we also found that the percentage of aches on neck, shoulders and lower back were higher than other parts of body. The correlation between aches and jobs was more than 75%. So we provided some suggestions to improve: work rotation and adjustment of work surface/height to fit in with Ergonomics. Then the risks of musculoskeletal symptoms would be reduced.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제9권3호
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• pp.326-333
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• 2018

Background: Echocardiography involves strenuous postures of the upper limbs. This study explored the physical workload in the neck and upper limbs in sonographers performing echocardiography, and the extent to which the workload differs from than in other work tasks (other sonographic examinations, and nonsonographic tasks). Methods: The physical load was assessed by inclinometry, goniometry, and electromyography methods in 33 female sonographers during authentic work using three different echocardiography techniques and other work tasks. Results: Echocardiography was characterized by low velocities of the head, arms, and wrists, and a low proportion of muscular resting time in the forearms, in the transducer limb, and the computer limb. The transducer limb was more elevated in one of the techniques, but this technique also involved a higher proportion of muscular resting time of the trapezius muscle. We also found a high proportion of awkward wrist postures in the transducer wrist in all three techniques; in one due to prolonged flexion, and in the others due to prolonged extension. Other work tasks were less static, and were performed with higher upper arm and wrist velocities. Conclusion: None of the three echocardiography techniques was optimal concerning physical workload. Thus, to achieve more variation in physical load we recommend that the equipment be arranged so that the sonographer can alternate between two different techniques during the workday. We also propose alternation between echocardiography and nonsonographic tasks, in order to introduce variation in the physical workload. Clinical expertise should be used to achieve further improvements.

• IE interfaces
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.387-395
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• 2011

This study was aiming to examine work time, frequency, work environment, and postures of retail grocery store workers to evaluate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. An ergonomic evaluation was conducted using job analysis and posture analysis. The four most time-consuming tasks were inspecting (27.4%), arranging (21.4%), cutting (17.6%), and displaying (15.6%). The height and length of the shelves evaluated in the field was inappropriate for workers. The most common posture was a standing posture with neutral back, and bent head, right upper arm, lower arms, and hands. Finally, this paper concluded that 'arranging,' 'cutting,' and 'displaying' seemed more stressful than other operations. The result of the ergonomic evaluation would contribute to design a better workspace in ergonomics.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Health Science
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.991-997
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• 2017

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to muscle properties analysis of SCM(sternocleidomastoid) Muscle according to posture type when using smartphone. Methods. This study was conducted on 73 college students who are using smartphone. Subjects were analyzed myotonPRO to confirm, prone posture group, stand posture group, drop head above $45^{\circ}$in sit posture on a chair group and drop head below $45^{\circ}$in sit posture on a chair group were measured SCM muscle. The myotonPRO were measured one measurer, total 3 times. Comparative analysis of the each groups were investigated of SCM muscle properties. Results. We found that Frequency, Stiffness, Creep and Relaxation were appeared difference in each posture. F index was increased at drop head below $45^{\circ}$group than stand posture group. S index was increased at drop head above $45^{\circ}$group than prone posture group. C index was decreased at drop head below $45^{\circ}$group and drop head above $45^{\circ}$group than prone posture group. R index was decreased at drop head above $45^{\circ}$group than prone posture group. Conclusions. The muscle properties were appeared difference in each posture of SCM muscle using smartphone.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.105-110
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the degree of dizziness affects static balance due to the disruption or absence of the senses involved in balance. To this end, the correlation between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), which objectively evaluates dizziness, the Fourier Index (FI; Frequency bands of postural oscillation, F1, F2-4, F5-6, F7-8) and the Stability Index (ST), which evaluates static balance ability, were examined. Methods: This study investigated balance and dizziness issues in 30 healthy young adults. Participants underwent multiple tests like the DHI and tetra-ataxiometric posturography (Tetrax) under different conditions (eyes open/closed, standing on a foam-rubber pillow, and with the head in various orientations). Results: We found that F1 exhibited a weak positive correlation with dizziness under normal conditions, as well as when the eyes were closed (r=0.396, p<0.05) and the head was tilted back (r=0.375, p<0.05). Meanwhile, F5-6 showed a moderate positive correlation with dizziness in both head-back (HB: r=0.471, p<0.05) and head-forward postures (r=0.404, p<0.05). Lastly, both F7-8 and ST demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with dizziness when the head was in a forward posture (F7-8: r=0.483; ST: r=0.403, p<0.05). Conclusion: The study results indicate that the severity of dizziness affects sensory systems and balance. It also suggests that head movements, especially forward and backward, further stimulate the vestibular system, intensifying dizziness, and balance problems in affected individuals.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.248-253
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• 2019

Purpose: To improve pulmonary function and decrease in balance ability with increasing forward head position and vertebral curvature, we applied Figure-8 brace to confirm the immediate effect on vital capacity and balance and to see if it is applicable. Methods: A total of 34 elderly women aged 65 or older and young women in their 20s with FHP were screened to measure vital capacity, measuring the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), and measuring the foot pressure to see the change in balance. For statistical analysis, the difference between pre and post values was compared using pared t-test. Results: As a result of vital capacity measurements, there was no significant difference between FEV1 and FVC for women over 65 years old (p>0.05). Young women in their 20s had no significant difference in FEV1 (p>0.05), and FVC had significant differences (p<0.05). In measuring foot pressure to measure balance, both women aged 65 and above and young women in their 20s had a significant decrease in anterior foot pressure, and a significant increase in posterior foot pressure (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study did not positively affect the vital capacity of elderly women with FHP. However, the significant increase in vital capacity of young women in their 20s suggests that contraction of the abdominal muscle is necessary during forced expiration. Therefore, it is believed that proper application and therapeutic interventions should be combined when applying Figure-8 brace.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.339-347
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• 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate of various material of pillows by using biomechanical variables such as the cervical stability, head pressure distribution, and muscle activity. Method: Eight subjects participated in the experiment. Three different materials such as polyester sponge, memory foam and the buckwheat shell used for Korean traditional pillow were tested. Electro-goniometer, six channels of electromyography(EMG), ten channels of the head pressure sensors were used to measure the biomechanical responses. Surface electrodes were attached to the right/left semispinals capitis(RSC, LSC), the right/left sternocleidomastoid(RSM, LSM), the right/left upper trapezius(RUT, LUT). The cervical stability was evaluated by the angle deviated from the standing neck position. The head pressure distribution was evaluated by the pressure per unit area recorded on the sensors and the intensity of peak pressure. Electromyography(EMG) data were analyzed by using root mean square(RMS) and mean power frequency(MPF). Results: The buckwheat shell material showed a higher stability in the cervical spine then the other pillows during spine position. In terms of head pressure distribution, the memory form indicated the lowest pressure at supine position, buckwheat shell material indicated the lowest pressure during lying down to side, and polyester cushion recorded the highest pressure at all postures. Conclusion: The buckwheat shell material has a biomechanical advantage to maintain a healthy neck angle and reduce the pressure on the head, which means the buckwheat shell is a potential material for ergonomic pillow design. The pillow with memory form showed second best biomechanical performance in this study. Application: The shape of the buckwheat shell pillow and the characteristics of materials can be used to design the pillow preventing neck pain and cervical disk problems.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.393-405
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• 1996

This study was performed to investigate the effects of changes of head posture and cervical spine shape on the mandibular resting or clenching electromyographic(EMG) activity in anterior temporalis(TA), masseter(MM), sternocleidomastoid muscle(SCM) and trapezius insertion(TI). 30 patients with Temporomandibular Disorders(TMDs) participated in this study. EMG activity($\mu$V) at rest and clenching was observed in four head postures, namely natural head posture(NHP), forward head posture(FHP), upward head posture(UHP), and downward head posture(DHP). For taking in upward or downward head posture head was inclined 10$^{\circ}$ upward or downward and CROM$^\textregistered$(cervical-range-of motion, Performance attainment Inc., USA) was used to maintain same posture during the procedure, and BioEMG$^\textregistered$ (Bioelectromyograph, Bioresearch Inc., USA) was used to record EMG activity in the above four muscles at eight locations on both sides. The recorded EMG activity($\mu\textrm{V}$) were compared and analyzed by cervical spine shape such as the head position from plum line, cervical curvature, and cervical inclination. Head position from plum line was measured in vertical plate calibrated with cm scale, comical curvature by radius was measured with adjustable curved ruler, and cervical inclination by cervical vertebrae tangent(CVT)was measured in lateral cephalograph. The results obtained were as follows : 1. Mean value of head position from plum line, cervical curvature, and cervical inclination were 4.8cm, 26.7cm, and 86.6$^{\circ}$, respectively, And There were no correlationship among these items. 2. For resting EMG activity by head posture, the value in anterior temporalis was higher at FHP than at DHP, the value in masseter was higher at FHP than at NHP, and DHP, the value in sternocleidomastoid muscle was higher at UHP than at NHP, and the value in trapezius insertion was higher at FHP and DHP than, NHP and UHP. The clenching EMG activity, however, did not show any difference by head posture. 3. Comparison of resting and clenching EMG activity between higher and lower groups by head position from plum line, cervical curvature, and cervical inclination did not show any significant difference. From this result, the author concluded that the cervical spine shape had not significantly affected to EMG activity in usual patients with TMDs.