• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different frequency on of knee extensors muscle function during electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Method: In this research, 40 subjects who have no musculoskeletal disorder, and less than a year workout experience were recruited in order to analyze effects of EMS with different stimulus frequency. Forty subjects were randomly divided into four groups of ten subjects in each group. A EMS training program with different frequencies (without EMS [WE], EMS with frequency 30 Hz [E30], EMS with frequency 60 Hz [E60], EMS with frequency 90 Hz [E90]) was assigned to each group. Throughout eight weeks of training, test subjects were simultaneously carried out knee extension exercises such as squat, leg extension, and leg-press while using EMS with different frequency (20 min, pulse width 250 ㎲, on-off ratio 1:1). Isokinetic knee extension strength, muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), the vastus medialis (VM), and the vastus lateralis (VL), and the median frequency of the RF, the VM, and the VL were collected and compared between pre and post training in order to find effects of applying EMS with different frequencies. For each dependent variable, a one-way ANOVA was to determine whether there were significant differences among four different conditions (p<.05). When a significant difference was found, post hoc analyses were performed using the contrast procedure. Results: When compared to WE and E90, E30 causes significant increase in isokinetic knee extension strength. No significant differences were found in EMG values across different EMS conditions. However, the median frequency of the VM in E30 was significantly increased than the corresponding value for WE. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that EMS training with 30 Hz frequency had positive effect on knee extensor. Based of the findings of the present study, EMS training with lower frequency may help the performer to focus on developing strength in knee extensor muscles.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to establish reliability of the Tone Assessment Scale (TAS) translated into Korean in patients with stroke. The TAS consists of resting posture, response to passive movement, and associated reaction to active effort. Fifteen patients (14 males, 1 female) were examined by two raters. Surface electromyography (EMG) data at elbow flexor muscle and joint excursion were collected from 6 patients. To identify the correlation between muscle activity and angular changes of elbow muscle, Pearson product moment correlation was used. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the TAS ranged from very good to good (K/Kw=.61~1.00 for intra-rater and K/Kw=.73~1.00 for intra-rater comparisons) in the sections of resting posture and associated reaction. However, in the section of response to passive movement, the reliability coefficients ranged from very good to fair (Kw=.29~1.00). In the 11th item, correlation between EMG ratio of elbow flexor and angular changes of elbow joint showed statistically strong positive relationship (r=.94, p<.05). These results indicate that the TAS is selectively reliable in the sections of resting posture and associated reaction.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.441-449
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the impact of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation leg patterns emphasizing hallux abduction (PNF-LPHA) on the intrinsic foot muscles of participants with hallux valgus (HV) using the toe-spread-out exercise (TSO). Methods: The present study recruited 12 individuals with HV. All the participants voluntarily agreed to participate in the study after hearing explanations of its purpose and process. All participants performed the TSO, PNF-LPHA 1, and PNF-LPHA 2. The participants' abductor hallucis (AbH), adductor hallucis (AdH), extensor hallucis longus (EHL), and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) activity was measured, and the ratio of AbH:AdH was measured during the three interventions using electromyography. Additionally, the participants' AbH thickness was measured by ultrasonography. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify the intra-rater reliability of ultrasonography at rest and during contraction. Results: The intra-rater reliability was excellent at rest and during contraction ($ICC_{3,1}=0.90$ and $ICC_{3,1}=0.83$, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in the activity of the AbH, the ratio of AbH: AdH, and the thickness of AbH between the TSO and PNF-LPHA2 groups. Additionally, EHL activity was significantly higher in the PNF-LPHA2 group than in the TSOgroup. Conclusion: PNF-LPHA 2 can be recommended as a method to optimize AbH and EHL activity, the ratio of AbH:AdH, and the thickness of AbH in individuals with HV.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.194-201
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• 2012

This study was designed to investigate the effect of a combined stimulus which was composed of chiropractic massage and thermotherapy on the relief of mental and physical stress. Fifteen healthy male subjects were treated with three type of stimuli; control (without any stimulus), a single stimulus (only chiropractic) and a combined stimulus. To evaluate the effects of stimuli, visual analogue scale (VAS), trunk extension, electromyogram (EMG) on erector spinae muscle and electrocardiogram (ECG) were measured and analyzed before and after stimuli. In the control group, there were no significant changes in EMG root mean square (RMS) value and low Frequency/high Frequency (LF/HF) ratio (p > 0.05, p > 0.05). However, both stimulus groups showed significant increases in trunk extension and EMG RMS values (p < 0.05, p < 0.05), but significant decreases in LF/HF ratios (p < 0.05). Particularly the decrement rate in LF/HF ratio was significantly higher in the combined stimulus group than that in the single stimulus group (p < 0.05). Also, a significantly lower VAS was recorded after combined stimulus. Our findings indicate that the combined stimulus might not only improve flexibility and strength of muscle, but also active parasympathetic nerve activity. The combined stimulus may thus contribute to relieve the stress and to enhance the muscle function.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.782-788
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• 1997

This study was designed to characterize glucose-enhancing effects on endotoxin-induced prostaglandin production in primary cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). High glucose treatment significantly augmented prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated VSMC and this effect was maximal at the concentration of 4mg/ml. It has been reported that increases in glucose metabolism through sorbitol pathway could alter the cytosolic $NADH/NAD^+$ ratio and this change favors de novo synthesis of diacylglycerol (DAG) and, in turn. Results in the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in vascular tissues. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, staurosporin and H7, blocked the glucose enhancing effect, and DAG, a PKC activator, significantly increased the PG production stimuated by LPS. Sodium pyruvate, which can reverse the alteration in cytosolic NADH/NAD+ ratio, reduced the high glucose effect on PG production. And also, zopolrestat, a strong aldose reductase inhibitor, almost completely blocked the augmentation effect of glucose on PG synthesis. Arachidonic acid release was significantly increased in high glucose treated group, which implied the increase in $PLA_2$ activity was associated with glucose enhancing effect. Metabloic, labeling study clearly showed that de novo synthesis of prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) is greatly increased in high glucose treated group and this was mitigated by the treatment of zopolrestat. Taken together, the activation of PKC through sorbitol pathway increased the activities of $PLA_2$ and PGHS which resulted in the augmentation in LPS-induced PG production in high glucose treated VSMC.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.106-116
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• 2022

Background: Shoulder external rotation exercises are commonly used to improve the stabilizing ability of the infraspinatus. However, during exercise, excessive activation of the posterior deltoid compared to the infraspinatus causes the humeral head to move anteriorly in an abnormal position. Many researchers have emphasized selective activation of the infraspinatus during shoulder external rotation exercise. Objects: This study aims to delineate the optimal exercise method for selective activation of infraspinatus by investigating the muscle activities of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid according to the four shoulder exercise methods and two forearm positions. Methods: Thirty healthy individuals participated in this study. The participants were instructed to perform shoulder external rotation exercises following four exercise methods: sitting external rotation (SIER); standing external rotation at 90° abduction (STER); prone external rotation at 90° abduction (PRER); side-lying external rotation (SLER), and two forearm positions (neutral, supinated). The electromyography (EMG) signal amplitude was measured during each exercise. Surface EMG signals were recorded from the posterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and biceps brachii. Results: EMG results of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid in PRER, were significantly higher than that of the other exercises (p < 0.01). The EMG ratio (infraspinatus/posterior deltoid) in SIER was significantly higher than that of the other exercises. EMG activation of the posterior deltoid in SIER, PRER, and SLER was significantly higher in neutral than in supinated (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the EMG of the infraspinatus in SIER was significantly higher in neutral than in supinated (p < 0.01). The EMG ratio (infraspinatus/ posterior deltoid) in SIER was significantly higher in neutral than in supinated (p < 0.05.) Contrarily EMG ratios in PRER and SLER were significantly higher in supinated than in neutral (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that clinicians should consider these exercise methods and forearm positions when planning shoulder external rotation exercises for optimal shoulder rehabilitation.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.51-59
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• 2005

To examine the influence of aging on the mechanism of muscle fatigue, we compared the magnitude of central and peripheral fatigue in young and old women before, during and after a sustained submaximaI isometric contraction of elbow flexor muscles. Twelve women (6 young. $20.7{\pm}1.2$ years and 6 old, $68.8{\pm}29$ years) performed a contraction at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque with their non-dominant arm. The old women were weaker than the young women, however their endurance time for the 20% contraction was longer compared with the young women ($1822{\pm}444$ vs. $1061{\pm}678$ sec, P <. 05). Both groups had a similar reduction in voluntary activation ratio (VA) during and after the fatiguing contraction. However, the old women showed much greater variability in VA before and after the contraction ($91.61{\pm}4.54%$ and $76.70{\pm}19.55\;%$ range of $79{\sim}99$ to $87{\sim}99%$ respectively) compared with the young women ($95.71{\pm}1.86\;%$ and $83.46{\pm}7.57\;%$ range of $39{\sim}75$ to $69{\sim}90%$, respectively). Furthermore, the EMG activity of the elbow flexor muscles and triceps brachii was greater for the old women compared with the young women throughout the fatiguing contraction, indicating different activation strategies with age. Indices of peripheral fatigue including twitch properties, showed that fatigue within the muscle was more rapid for the young women compared with the old women. These results suggest that although old women are weaker than young women, they have greater endurance due to mechanisms within muscle. Furthermore, old women showed great variability in their ability to optimally activate all muscle fiber compared with young women for an isometric contraction.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.23.1-23.17
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• 2016

Background: The functionality of myofibrillar proteins is a major factor influencing the quality attributes of muscle foods. Nonetheless, the relationships between muscle type and oxidative changes in chevon during ageing are meagrely elucidated. Postmortem changes in antioxidant status and physicochemical properties of glycolytic gluteus medius (GM) and oxidative infraspinatus (IS) muscles in goats were compared. Methods: Twenty Boer bucks (9-10 months old, body weight of $36.9{\pm}0.725kg$) were slaughtered and the carcasses were subjected to chill storage ($4{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$). Analyses were conducted on GM and IS muscles sampled on 0, 1, 4 and 7 d postmortem. Results: Chill storage did not affect the antioxidant enzyme activities in both muscles. The IS had greater (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase and catalase activities than GM. Carotenoid and tocopherol contents did not differ between muscles but decreased (P < 0.05) over storage. The IS had higher (P < 0.05) glycogen and ultimate pH and lower (P < 0.05) shear force and cooking loss than GM. The carbonyl content, % metmyoglobin, drip loss and TBARS increased (P <0.05) while free thiol, metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA), shear force and myoglobin decreased (P < 0.05) over storage. Muscle type had no effect (P > 0.05) on free thiol, MRA and TBARS. The GM had lower (P < 0.05) redness on d 0 and 1 than IS while the IS had greater carbonyl, % metmyoglobin and drip loss than GM on d 7. The reflective density of slow myosin heavy chain (MHC) was higher (P < 0.05) while the density of fast MHC and actin was lower (P < 0.05) in IS than GM. Regardless of muscle type, the density of MHC decreased (P < 0.05) while that of actin was stable over storage. Nonetheless, the degradation of fast and slow MHC was greater (P < 0.05) in IS than GM. Muscle type had no effect (P > 0.05) on consumer preference for flavour, juiciness and overall acceptability. However, IS had higher (P < 0.05) tenderness score than GM on d 1 and 4 postmortem. Intramuscular fat was higher (P< 0.05) in IS compared with GM. Fatty acid composition did not differ between the muscles. However, GM had lower (P < 0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio than IS. The n-3 and n-6 PUFA declined (P < 0.05) while the SFA increased (P < 0.05) over storage. Conclusion: The changes in myofibrillar proteins and physicochemical properties of goat meat during postmortem chill storage are muscle-dependent.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.89-101
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• 2019

In recent times, the number of men with late-onset hypogonadism has increased, and interest on this topic has also increased. This study was conducted to investigate effects of the mixture extract of Fructus amomi Amari, Eucommiae cortex, Bombyx batryticatus on improve late-onset hypogonadism. The experimental subjects consisted of three groups: a control group consisting of 8-week-old male ICR mice that had undergone no treatment, an aging-elicited group (AE group) consisting of 50-week-old ICR male mice that had undergone no treatment, and a Mixed herbal extract treatment group (MT group) consisting of 50-week-old ICR male mice that had undergone the mixture extract of Fructus amomi Amari, Eucommiae cortex, Bombyx batryticatus treatment (0.1 g/kg/day) for 6 months. After the experiment, the mice from all the experimental groups were dissected, and they were analyzed through histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The mixture extract of Fructus amomi Amari, Eucommiae cortex, Bombyx batryticatus reduces aging-induced cell damage and oxidative stress and increases the secretion of serotonin and B-endorphin in aged mice, and promotes spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules and reduces apoptosis and oxidative stress, and increases androgen receptor, $17{\beta}-HSD$ and GnRH, increases the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen fibers in the corpus cavernosum, increases eNOS, decreases PDE-5 and oxidative stress in aged mice, so it improves depression, reproductive, sexual problems caused by Late-onset hypogonadism. the mixture extract of Fructus amomi Amari, Eucommiae cortex, Bombyx batryticatus inhibits the induction of osteoporosis by increasing decreased bone matrix distribution due to aging, increasing the activities of OPC and OPN, which are produced in osteoblasts, and decreasing RANKL, MMP-3 activity, increasing OPG activity. It also reduces muscle damage, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of muscle tissue, and increases Myo-D in the sartorius muscle of aged mice for improving muscle atrophy caused by by Late-onset hypogonadism.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.38-45
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• 2005

This study was deigned to identify the effect of electromyographic activity of knee extensor during contralateral hip isometric adduction. six young adults who had not experienced any knee injuries were recruited. Their Q-angles were within a normal rage. They were asked to sit on the table. The EMG activities of the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis oblique (VMO) were recorded in sitting by surface electrodes and normalized by MVC EMG values derived from manual muscle test. The EMG activity levels of the VL, RF, and VMO were the highest when foot was externally rotated. The EMG activity level of VMO/VL ratio did show significant differences(p<.05). The onset time of vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) was similar in contralateral hip isometric adduction(p<.05).