• PNF and Movement
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2006

Purpose : This study shows the movements of the ankle and the foot in walking stages, and helps to diagnose and treat the problems of the ankle and the foot. The foot in human is a mean of the transportation, body support, and shock absorber. However, the slightest changes in the anatomical position can cause a significant increase of the stress and force in the ankle and the foot. The regular compressive force in the ankle of the normal person is generated by the contraction of the gastrocnemius and popliteus muscles, and transmitted to the achilles tendon. The plantar flexion about 10 degrees occurs immediately after the heel strike, getting ready for the weight acceptance. The shear force about 80 % of the body weight is generated immediately after the heel off of the mid stance phase. In those who have a problem in the ankle, the compression force at the ankle decreased to 1/3 of the body weight, and the shear force decreased, and the compressive force was reached at their maximum level earlier than the normal people. Conclusion : Analysis of the movements at the ankle and the foot in walking phase can make the effort to diagnose and treat the ankle and foot with the problems. However, the further study is necessary.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.150-164
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the levels of brain iron deposition in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) and to determine whether distinctions compared to the general population exist. Furthermore, we examined potential variations in iron deposition among different PD subtypes. Methods: Structural brain imaging was conducted on 75 participants at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital between August 2017 and May 2020. PD patients were categorized into Tremor Dominant (TD) and Postural Instability and Gait Difficulty (PIGD) subtypes. Voxel-based morphometry and QSM were employed to compare voxel-wise magnetic susceptibility across the entire brain between Normal Controls (NC) and PD groups. Subsequently, QSM values were compared between TD and PIGD groups. Results: QSM values were compared among 46 PD patients and 23 normal controls, as well as between TD (n=22) and PIGD (n=24) groups. Voxel-based QSM analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. Similarly, ROI-based QSM analysis showed no significant distinctions. Conclusions: No significant variations were observed between the PD patient group, NC group, or PD subtypes. This study systematically compared QSM values across a broad range of brain regions potentially linked to PD pathology. Additionally, the subdivision of the PD group into TD and PIGD subtypes for QSM-based iron deposition analysis represents a meaningful and innovative approach.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.183-190
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• 2015

Objective : Walking with a Material handling is an activity frequently undertaken by agricultural workers in Korea, due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to investigate differences in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs when walking with a heavy load, and to use this as basic data in the design of various working environments to reduce the skeletomuscular burden on the knee joint. Method : The study subjects comprised of 22 right-foot dominant adult men and women aged between 20 and 23 years. The subjects were divided into a varus or valgus group according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limb by using radiographic findings. The subjects walked without any load and with a load of 10%, 20%, or 30% of their body weight held in front of them. The Kwon3d XP program was used to calculate biomechanical variables. Results : The flexion/extension moment of the knee joint showed a decreasing trend with increased load, irrespective of the mechanical alignment of the lower limb, while the varus group did not show normal compensatory action when supported by one leg at the point of maximum vertical ground reaction force. In addition, in terms of the time taken, subjects showed no difficulties in one-foot support time up to 20%/BW, but at 30%/BW, despite individual differences, there was an increase in single limb. The increased load resulted in a decrease in the ratio of standing phase to ensure physical stability. The valgus group showed a trend of increasing the stability of their center of mass with increasing load, through higher braking power in the early standing phase. Conclusion : In conclusion, although there was no statistical difference in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs, the varus group showed a more irregular walking pattern with a Material handling than the valgus group, partially proving the association between lower limb alignment and walking with a Material handling.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different obstacle heights on the plantar foot pressure during obstacle crossing. Sixteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal disorders were instructed to perform unobstructed level walking and to step over obstacles corto 10cm, 20cm, 30cm. Plantar foot forces and pressures were recorded by the Footmat system(Tekscan, Boston, USA) during level and obstacle walking with barefoot. Plantar foot surface was defined as seven regions for pressure measurement; two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region, one heel region. One-way ANOVA was used to compare each region data of foot according to various heights. The results indicated that there are significant differences on peak pressure and maximal forces regarding each region at stance phase. As height of obstacle became high, the pathway of COP had a tendency to be short and abducted. Plantar pressure of foot could be changed by obstacle height and these findings demonstrated that obstacle with different height have an effect on structure and function of the foot.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.172-175
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• 2016

An 11-month-old, 19.5 kg, intact male Border collie was referred with intermittent left forelimb lameness to the Gyeongsang Animal Medical Center. The symptom was first discovered about 6 months ago, and it has gotten worse for the last 10 days with non-weight bearing on the left forelimb. During the physical examination, the patient showed painful reaction when the left shoulder was abducted. On radiographic assessment, a radiolucent line and some osteophytes were found in both humeral heads. Based on patient's clinical signs and radiographic findings, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) was very suspicious. So, we decided to perform an arthroscopic surgery on left shoulder for definitive diagnosis and treatment because the right forelimb revealed no clinical signs. During arthroscopic technique, we found a large OCD flap on the caudo-central area of humeral head, and observed severe synovitis over a wide range on posterior area of the articular capsule. The large OCD flap was removed by a grasping forceps, and many joint mice were removed either. Curettage was performed using a curette on the articular surface until hemorrhage occurred, and articular capsule flushed with a lactated-ringer's solution. The patient was discharged on the same day without any specific abnormal status. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs were administered. Mild lameness on left forelimb was observed in 2 weeks after surgery, but after 4 weeks, the patient showed complete normal gait without any lameness. Although surgical removal of OCD flap with arthroscopic was previously reported, We would like note that a large OCD flap can also be removed by arthroscopic surgery in this report.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 2010

Purpose: Tumor ablation and traumatic intractable ulceration of the plantar surface of the foot results in skin and soft tissue defects of the weight-bearing sole. Simple skin grafting is not sufficient for reconstruction of the weight-bearing areas. Instead, the island medial plantar flap (instep flap) and distally-based island medial plantar flap was used for proper reconstruction of the weight bearing area. However, there are some disadvantages. In particular, an island medial plantar flap has a short pedicle limiting the mobility of the flap and the distally-based island medial plantar flap is based on a very small vessel. We investigated whether good results could be obtained using a reverse island medial plantar flap based on the lateral plantar vessel as a solution to the above limitations. Methods: Three patients with malignant melanoma were cared for in our tertiary hospital. The tumors involved the lateral forefoot, the postero-lateral heel, and the medial forefoot area. We designed and harvested the flap from the medial plantar area, dissected the lateral and medial plantar artery and vena comitans, and clamped and cut the vessel 1 cm proximal to the branch from the posterior tibial artery and vena comitans. The medial plantar nerve fascicles of these flaps anastomosed to the sural nerve, the 5th interdigital nerve, and the 1st interdigital nerve of each lesion. The donor sites were covered with skin grafting. Results: The mean age of the 3 subjects was 64.7 years (range, 57 - 70 years). Histologically, all cases were lentiginous malignant melanomas. The average size of the lesion was $5.3\;cm^2$. The average size of the flap was $33.1\;cm^2$. The flap color and circulation were intact during the early postoperative period. There was no evidence of flap necrosis, hematomas or infection. All patients had a normal gait after the surgery. Sensory return progressively improved. Conclusion: Use of an island medial plantar flap based on the lateral plantar vessel to the variable weight-bearing sole is a simple but useful procedure for the reconstruction of any difficult lesion of the weight-bearing sole.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.519-530
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• 1998

In this paper, the basic study on the design of the flexible keel of the energy-storage prosthetic foot was performed in order to Improve the walking performance and Increase the activities of the below knee amputees. Based on the analysis of the anthropometric data and the normal gait on two dimensional sagittal plane available In the literature, we presented a model of the basic structure of the flexible keel of the prosthetic foot. The model of the basic structure was composed of the simple beams, and linear rotational spring and damper. Laminated carbon fiber-reinforced composites were selected as the material of the basic structure model of the flexible keel In order to apply the high strength and light weight materials to the basic structure of the flexible keel of the prosthetic foot. The recoverable strain energy In response to the change of beam shape was calculated bur the finite element analysis and it was suggested that the change of beam shape could be the design variable in flexible keel design. The simulation process was systematically designed by using orthogonal array table in order to design the flexible keel structure which could store the more recoverable strain energy. finite element analysis was carried but according to the design of simulations by using the finite element program ABAQUS and the flexible keel structure of the energy-storage prosthetic foot was obtained from the analysis of variance(ANOVA). The dynamic simulation model of the prosthetic walking using the flexible keel structure was made and the dynamic analysis was carried but during one walk cycle. Based on the above results, an effective design process was presented for the development of the prosthetic fool system.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.59-70
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• 1981

The objective of this study is to induce the primary characteristics of phenylketonuria in infant rats during the first 2 weeks after birth. The critical biochemical parameter in the development of phenylketonuria is the elevation of plasma phenylalanine while tyrosine is maintained at a relatively low level. A PKU-like condition was induced in infant rats during the first 2 weeks after birth using a modification of our previously published procedure for the development of a temporary (1 to 3 days) PKU-like condition. Phenylalanine was administered by stomach intubation every 6 hours (starting at 6:00 a.m.) at a dose level of 400mg per kg body weight (after birth-day 2 thru 5) and 500mg per kg body weight (day 6 thru 14). Amethopterin was given at 0.00625 or 0.0125mg per kg body weight (day 3 thru 14) and p-chlorophenylalanine at 50 mg per kg body weight (day 5 thru 14) at 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. At the times measured (6,10 and 14 days) plasma phenylalanine/tyrosine (P/T) ratios were elevated from a normal value of the or less to values ranging from 6 to 15. During the second week after birth a staggering gait, abnormal stance and decreased social behavior were also observed. None of these PKU-like characteristics were apparent in the three control groups receiving (a) no phenylalanine or inhibitors, (b) phenylalanine alone, or (c) inhibitors alone. The establishment of these primary biochemical characteristics of phenylketonuria by stomach intubation of phenylalanine and a combination of low dose levels of enzyme inhibitors to infant rats provides an experimental system which should he valuable for extensive biochemical, histological and behavioral studies in phenylketonuria.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.113-127
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• 2004

Objectives : The usage of acupuncture has gained popularity as an alternative method of treatment for certain chronic pain conditions. However, the efficacy of acupuncture in various diseases has not been fully established and the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. In the present study, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) applied to foot samli$(ST_{36})$ on the carrageenan-induced knee arthritic pain was examined. Methods : A common source of persistent pain in humans is the knee arthritis. Knee arthritis was induced by injection of 2 % carrageenan $50\;{\mu}l$ into the knee joint cavity. When rats developed pain behaviors, EA was applied for 30 min. under enflurane anesthesia with repeated train stimuli at the intensity of 10X of muscle twitch threshold. The weight bearing force of the hind limb was measured for an indicator of pain level after each manipulation. Results : The average weight borne by the hind limb during normal gait was 55% of total body weight, which was reduced to less than 10% after knee arthritis. EA improved the weight bearing of the arthritic hind limb significantly for the duration of 4 hr. EA applied to $ST_{36}$ point produced a significant improvement of stepping force of the arthritic foot lasting for at least 4 h. However, $GB_{31}$ point did not produce any significant increase of weight bearing force. The analgesic effect was specific to the acupuncture point since the analgesic effect on the knee arthritis model could not be mimicked by EA applied to a nearby point, $GB_{31}$. The relations between EA-induced analgesia and endogenous nitric oxide(NO) and inducible NO synthase(iNOS)/neuronal NOS was also examined. Results were turned out that both NO production and nNOS/iNOS protein expression which is increased by arthritis were suppressed by EA stimulation applied to $ST_{36}$ point. Conclusions : The data suggest 1) that EA produces a potent analgesic effect on the rat model of chronic knee arthritis pain in a point specific manner and 2) that EA-induced analgesia modulate endogenous NO through the suppression of nNOS/iNOS protein expression.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.151-157
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• 2011

Clinical arthritis is typically divided into rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Arthritis-induced muscle weakness is a major problem in aged people, leading to a disturbance of balance during the gait cycle and frequent falls. The purposes of the present study were to confirm fiber type-dependent expression of muscle atrophy markers induced by arthritis and to identify the relationship between clinical signs and expression of muscle atrophy markers. Mice were divided into four experimental groups as follows: (1) negative control (normal), (2) positive control (CFA+acetic acid), (3) RA group (CFA+acetic acid+type II collagen), and (4) aging-induced OA group. DBQA/1J mice (8 weeks of age) were injected with collagen (50 ${\mu}g/kg$), and physiological (body weight) and pathological (arthritis score and paw thickness) parameters were measured once per week. The gastrocnemius muscle from animals in each group was removed, and the expression of muscle atrophy markers (MAFbx and MuRF1) and myosin heavy chain isoforms were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. No significant change in body weight occurred between control groups and collagen-induced RA mice at week 10. However, bovine type II collagen induced a dramatic increase in clinical score or paw thickness at week 10 (p<0.01). Concomitantly, the expression of the muscle atrophy marker MAFbx was upregulated in the RA and OA groups (p<0.01). A dramatic reduction in myosin heavy chain (MHC)-$I{\beta}$ was seen in the gastrocnemius muscles from RA and OA mice, while only a slight decrease in MHC-IIb was seen. These results suggest that muscle atrophy gene expression occurred in a fiber type-specific manner in both RA- and OA-induced mice. The present study suggests evidence regarding why different therapeutic interventions are required between RA and OA.