• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.281-286
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• 2020

Objective: This study examined the effects of dynamic tape applied to the patellofemoral joint on the knee valgus angle, muscle activity, and ground reaction force during a single leg squat (SLS) and single leg landing (SLL). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-four subjects (11 male, 13 female) who met the inclusion criteria were screened by the knee palpation and patella compression tests. First, the knee valgus angle and muscle activity during SLS were measured. Second, the knee valgus angle and ground reaction force during SLL were measured. For the intervention, a patella joint loop using dynamic tape was used. The knee valgus angle, muscle activities in SLS and SLL after the intervention, and the ground reaction force were measured in the same way. A paired t-test was used to examine the difference between before and after the intervention. Results: The knee valgus angle showed a statistically significant improvement after dynamic taping application in SLS and SLL (p<0.05). The differences in muscle activity of the VL/VMO and ground reaction forces were not statistically significant after dynamic taping application in SLS and SLL. Conclusions: This study showed that dynamic taping applied around the patellofemoral joint was effective in improving the knee valgus angle in SLS and SLL and had a reduced risk of secondary injury during sports activity.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2024

Background: Individuals with pes planus tend to overuse the extrinsic foot muscles, such as the tibialis anterior (TA) and peroneus longus (PL), to compensate for the weakened intrinsic foot muscles, such as the abductor hallucis (AbdH). Furthermore, differences in weight-bearing can affect the activity of muscles in both the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles. To date, no study has compared the effects of the short foot exercise (SFE) and toe spread-out exercise (TSO) on intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle activity and the corresponding ratios in different weight-bearing positions. Objects: To compare the effects of the SFE and TSO on AbdH, TA, and PL activity and the AbdH/TA and AbdH/PL activity ratios in the sitting and standing positions in individuals with pes planus. Methods: Twenty participants with pes planus were recruited. Surface electromyography was used to assess the amplitudes of AbdH, TA, and PL activity. Participants performed both exercises while adopting both the sitting and standing positions. Results: No significant interaction between exercise and position was found regarding the activity of any muscle or ratio of the activity, except for PL activity. We observed a significant increase in AbdH activity during the TSO compared to the SFE, and no significant difference in TA and PL activity between the two exercises. AbdH, TA, and PL activity were significantly higher in the standing position than in the sitting position. Furthermore, the AbdH/PL activity ratio significantly increased in the sitting position, although there was a significant increase in AbdH activity in the standing position. Conclusion: In individuals with pes planus, we recommend performing the TSO in the sitting position, which may increase the activity of the AbdH while concurrently decreasing the activity of the TA and PL, thus strengthening the AbdH.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.57-66
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• 2016

Background: For the treatment of forward head posture (FHP) and forward shoulder posture, methods for strengthening scapular retractors and deep cervical flexors and stretching pectoralis and upper cervical extensors are generally used. No study has yet assessed whether suboccipital release (SR) followed by cranio-cervical flexion exercise (CCFE) (SR-CCFE) will result in a positive change in the shoulders and neck, showing a "downstream" effect. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of SR-CCFE on craniovertebral angle (CVA), shoulder abduction range of motion (ROM), shoulder pain, and muscle activities of upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) and LT/UT and SA/UT muscle activity ratios during maximal shoulder abduction in subjects with FHP. Methods: In total, 19 subjects (7 males, 12 females) with FHP were recruited. The subject performed the fifth phase of CCFE immediately after receiving SR. CVA, shoulder abduction ROM, shoulder pain, muscle activities of UT, LT, and SA, and LT/UT and SA/UT muscle activity ratios during maximal shoulder abduction were measured immediately after SR-CCFE. A paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to determine the significance of differences in scores between pre- and post-intervention in the same group. Results: The CVA (p<.001) and shoulder abduction ROM (p<.001) were increased significantly post-versus pre-intervention. Shoulder pain was decreased significantly (p<.001), and LT (p<.05) and SA (p<.05) muscle activities were increased significantly post- versus pre-intervention. The LT/UT muscle activity ratio was increased significantly post- versus pre-intervention (p<.05). However, there was no significant change in UT muscle activity and SA/UT muscle activity ratio between pre- and post-intervention (p>.05). Conclusion: SR-CCFE was an effective intervention to improve FHP and induce downstream effect from the neck to the trunk and shoulders in subjects with FHP.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.302-306
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate comparisons of vastus medialis (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle activities according to different heights during drop landing in flatfooted adults. Methods: Fifteen subjects with a flat foot arch and 15 subjects with a normal feet arch were participated. Subjects performed a double limb drop landing task from 20, 40, and 60 cm heights. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities of the VMO and VL during drop landing. Results: There were significant differences of muscle activities in the VMO, VL, and the VMO and VL ratio between groups. The electromyography values of VMO, VL, and the VMO and VL ratio in the normal group were significantly greater than in the flat foot group, and muscle activities and the VMO and VL ratio significantly increased with landing heights in the both groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated that muscle activity patterns of VOM and VL in the flat foot group were lower at heights than in the normal group, so calf tightness was negative effects on balance and gait ability, so assessment of muscle activation patterns in the knee extensors should be considered during exercise and treatment of flat feet.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.2308-2313
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• 2021

Background: Although the scapular posterior tilt movement could facilitate the lower trapezius (LT) muscle activity, no study identified the effects of the scapular posterior tilt movement on the selective activation of the LT muscle during prone shoulder extension. Objectives: To examine the influences of additional scapular posterior tilt on electromyography (EMG) of the upper trapezius (UT) and the LT muscles during prone shoulder extension. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: There were 15 asymptomatic male participants in this study who performed prone shoulder extension with and without scapular posterior tilt movements. For the scapular posterior tilt movements, participants performed visual biofeedback training for scapular movement using motion sensor. During the exercises, the EMG activity of the UT and LT was recorded using surface EMG system. Results: The EMG activity of the LT significantly increased during prone shoulder extension with scapular posterior tilt compared to that of general prone shoulder extension, whereas that of the UT was not significantly different between the two exercises. Moreover, scapular posterior tilt application significantly decreased UT/LT muscle activity ratio. Conclusion: Scapular posterior tilt movement may be emphasized during exercise when facilitating LT muscle activation.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.81-103
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the differences in masticatory performance, muscle activity, and patterns of occlusal contact between persons with natural dentition and removable partial denture wearers. Twenty healthy adult subjects with more than 28 teeth and thirteen removable partial denture wearers that classified Kennedy classification I was selected. The degree of pulverized rice and peanut was measured and analyzed by means of sieving method to compare the masticatory performance. For the muscle activity, EMG was recorded in selected muscles(Temporalis and masseter muscle) during mastication and resting state. The occlusal record in maximal intercuspation was taken with a silicone occlusal bite registration material for analysis of the patterns of occlusal contact. The obtained results were as follows: 1. When chewed peanuts, masticatory performance ratio at 10-sieve size was 81.31% in natural dentition group. In removable partial denture wearer, 27.01% without RPD and 69.09% with RPD. When chewed rice, 42.04%, 11.87%, and 21.58%, respectively. The differences of masticatory performance ratio between groups were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. 2. The mean EMG value in resting state was $1.06{\mu}V$ on temporal muscle, $0.98{\mu}V$ on masseter muscle in natural dentition group. In removable partial denture wearers, $1.13{\mu}V$ on temporal muscle, $1.05{\mu}V$ on masseter muscle without RPD and $1.11{\mu}V$ on temporal muscle, $1.04{\mu}V$ on masseter muscle with RPD. 3. The mean EMG value during mastication was $45.64{\mu}V$ in natural dentition group, and in removable partial denture wearers, $22.06{\mu}V$ without RPD and $31.01{\mu}V$ with RPD when chewed peanuts. When chewed rice, $45.24{\mu}V,\;25.53{\mu}V\;and\;32.14{\mu}V$, respectively. The differences of mean masticatory EMG value between groups were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. 4. The number of posterior occlusal contact point was 20.15 in natural dentition group and 11.92 in removable partial denture wearers. The area of perforated surface was $16.50mm^2$ in natural dentition group and $6.06mm^2$ in removable partial denture wearers. The area of contact surface was $78.93mm^2,\;51.52mm^2$, respectively. 5. The area of contact surface was effective to masticatory performance ratio in natural dentition group and removable partial denture wearers (p<0.05). From these results, it is concluded that in partially edentulous patient, masticatory efficiency can be improved by removable partial denture wearing, and for efficient mastication, tight occlusal contact surface shoud be maintained by maximum support that is provided from mucosa.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.71-82
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report was to determine the effect of therapeutic exercise on posture, pain, and muscle activity in two patients with forward head posture (FHP). METHODS: A-31-year-old male (patient A) and a 19-year-old women (patient B) presented with FHP, neck pain, and headache. The therapeutic exercise program consisted of cervical mobilization, deep cervical flexors strengthening, and cervical extensors stretching, for 40 min/d, 2 d/week, for 8 weeks. Neck pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM), lateral view of cervical spine X-ray (indicating the FHP), and asymmetrical neck and shoulder muscular activity ratio were measured before, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of corrective exercise. RESULTS: VAS and NDI decreased in patients A and B after exercise compared to before the program. CROM increased in patients A and B at flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation after exercise compared to before the program. FHP decreased in patients A and B at distance after exercise compared to before the program. In addition, asymmetrical neck and shoulder muscles activity ratio improved in patients A and B after exercise compared to before the program. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated in a case report that therapeutic exercise increases ROM, decreases pain and disability of neck, FHP, and asymmetry muscle activity ratio in patients with FHP. These finding have clinical implications for therapeutic exercise in patients with FHP.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.81-86
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• 2015

PURPOSE: Bridge exercises are broadly used to develop trunk co-activation patterns that promote spine stability. This study was to analyze the trunk muscle activity during bridge exercise with various shoulder support surface(stable, sling, Swiss ball). METHODS: The subjects were 20 healthy subjects in their twenties. Subjects were performed bridge exercise on 4 different shoulder support surfaces using stable and labile instruments. 1) Bridge exercise on a stable surface. 2) Bridge exercise with their shoulder on a stable bench. 3) Bridge exercise with their shoulder on a sling. 4) Bridge exercise with their shoulder on a Swiss ball. Rectus abdominis, erector spinae, internal oblique, external oblique muscle activities were measured using electromyography. RESULTS: There were significant differences in RA, EO muscles between performing each of the 4 exercises(p<.05). RA and EO was recorded the highest activity during the bridge exercise with their shoulder on a sling. The lowest activity was recorded during conventional supine bridge on a stable surface. There were no differences found for the EO/RA and IO/RA ratio. The EO/RA and IO/RA ratio was the highest in the bridge exercise with their shoulders resting on a stable bench. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that change of shoulder support surface during bridge exercise may be useful for enhancing the trunk stability.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.249-256
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate electromyographic(EMG) activity of vastus medialis oblique(VMO) and vastus lateralis(VL) following the application of patellar taping during stair stepping. Methods: Both VMO-VL onset timing and VMO/VL ratio of 15 participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) were measured using an surface EMG uint(Myosystem 1400A, Noraxon Inc., USA). The measurements were taken under three conditions in random order of patellar taping, placebo taping, and no-taping. Data were analysed using $1{\times}3$ repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There was a significant difference with patellar taping on VMO/VL amplitude compared with the placebo taping and no-taping conditions during stair stepping, but no significant difference on VMO-VL onset timing. Conclusion: These result indicate that patellar taping on the vastus medialis oblique has effect on the VMO/VL ratio. Increased values of VMO/VL ratio may contribute to patellar realignment and explain the mechanism of pain reduction following patellar taping in participants with PFPS.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters and muscle activity of the lower extremities between forward walking on sand (FWS) and backward walking on sand (BWS) in normal adults. Methods: This study was conducted on 13 healthy adults. Subjects performed FWS and BWS and the spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters of stride time, stride length, velocity, cadence, step length, stance, swing, double support, and hip range of motion (ROM), knee ROM were measured by a wearable inertial measurement unit system. In addition, the muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GA) was measured. Results: The stride length, stride velocity, cadence, and step length in the BWS were significantly lower than FWS (p<0.05), and stride time was significantly greater (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the ratio of stance, swing, and double support between the two (p>0.05). The kinematic gait parameters, including hip and knee joint range of motion in BWS, were significantly lower than FWS (p<0.05). The muscle activity of the RF in BWS was significantly higher than FWS (p<0.05), but the muscle activity of the BF, TA, GA did not show any significant differences between the two movements (p>0.05). Conclusion: A strategy to increase stability by changing the gait parameters is used in BWS, and this study confirmed that BWS was a safe and effective movement to increase RF muscle activity without straining the joints. Therefore, BWS can be recommended for effective activation of the RF.