• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.157-165
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of developing slim seats with ergonomic design to improve seat comfort and expand the interior space. Two seats were used for the experiment: a sample seat designed based on hip shape and spinal alignment and a normal seat with a flat design without curves. Subjects sat in both the sample seat and a normal seat applied to the vehicle simulator and the experiment was conducted. The next part of the experiment was conducted in two different postures: a driving posture and a relaxed posture. The subjects filled out a comfort questionnaire immediately after sitting and after 30 minutes. The results showed that the comfort in the sample seat was found to be more comfortable than the normal seat. However, no significant difference was noted for the relaxation posture. Pressure distribution was also recorded immediately after sitting and after 30 minutes. In the case of pressure distribution, it was confirmed that the pressure in the sample seat was more evenly distributed in both the driving and relaxed postures than in the normal seat. The results showed that the ergonomically designed sample seat greatly improved seating comfort and pressure distribution compared to the normal seat, which is a general vehicle seat design.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.143-153
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• 2024

Purpose : Forward head posture (FHP), characterized by the anterior positioning of the head relative to the spine, is a common postural deviation that can lead to neck pain, reduced mobility, and muscle imbalances. Recently, high-frequency deep heat therapy (HFDT) has been gaining attention for the intervention of FHP. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of HFDT in comparison to instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) for treating FHP among 30 young adults. Methods : Participants were randomly assigned to either the HFDT or IASTM group. The study focused on examining changes in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction. Measurements were taken before and after the interventions. Paired t-tests were used for within-group analyses, and independent t-tests were employed for between-group comparisons. The statistical significance level α was set to .05. Results : Statistically significant improvements were observed across all measured parameters in both groups (p<.05). The HFDT group showed significantly greater enhancements in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction parameters. Specifically, HFDT was more effective than IASTM in improving neck joint mobility, right upper trapezius pain threshold, left rounded shoulder distance, and right lower trapezius strength. The only exceptions were neck flexion range of motion, left upper trapezius pain threshold, right rounded shoulder distance, and left lower trapezius strength, where no significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusion : The findings suggest that HFDT, by combining the benefits of high-frequency therapy and manual therapy, effectively alleviates upper trapezius muscle pain and tension, enhances neck mobility, and strengthens lower trapezius muscles. Thus, HFDT could be considered a valuable intervention for clinicians aiming to address FHP and associated musculoskeletal problems.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.122-128
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the effects of sagittal spinopelvic alignment on the clinical parameters, motor symptoms, and respiratory function in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: This study was a prospective assessment of treated patients (n=28, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage 2-3) in a PD center. Twenty-eight subjects ($68.5{\pm}5.7yrs$) participated in this study. The clinical and demographic parameters, including age, sex, symptoms duration, treatment duration, and H&Y stage, were collected. Kinematic analysis was conducted in the upright standing posture with a motion capture system. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed in the sitting position using a spirometer. The motor symptoms were assessed on part III of the movement disorder society sponsored version of the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (MDS-UPDRS). SPSS 18.0 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: The exceeding 12 degrees group of the lower trunk showed significantly higher on the clinical parameters than the below 12 degrees group. In addition, the exceeding 12 degrees group of the lower trunk showed a significantly lower forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) (%) and 25-75% forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF) (L/s) than in the below group. On the other hand, there was no difference in the upper trunk and the cervical pelvis between the groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the sagittal balance in the lower trunk is related to the clinical parameters and respiratory function, but not the motor symptoms in patients with mild to moderate PD.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.399-405
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• 2001

Attainment of the goals of functional electrical stimulation(FES) applications such as strengthening of muscle, increasing muscular endurance, improvement in joint range of motion or the reduction of spasticity does not insure that patients will be able to produce voluntary muscle contraction sufficient to maintain posture or produce purposeful movements. In many patients who have sustained CNS damage, the control exerted by higher nervous system center over muscle contraction may impaired. In Searched patients, a variety of advanced therapeutic exercise techniques have been employed traditionally to facilitate the return of controlled functional muscular activity or maintain postural alignment until recovery from dysfunction occurs Among the most common clinical applications of FES for functional muscle contraction is as a substitute for static or dynamic orthotic devices

• 한국엔터테인먼트산업학회논문지
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• 제15권8호
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• pp.363-377
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• 2021

본 연구에서는 만성 파킨슨병 환자의 동적탄력튜빙 보행 훈련 (I, II)이 자세정렬, 보행, 삶의 질에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 총 3명의 만성 파킨슨병 환자를 모집하여 사례 연구를 시행하였다(Hoehn 및 Yahr 1-3단계 각 1명). 동적탄력튜빙 보행 훈련 (I 및 II)은 파킨슨병 환자에게 하루 30분, 주 5일, 5주 동안 25세션 적용되었다. 본 연구의 효과를 알아보기 위해, 자세정렬검사, 근 활성도검사, 보행분석 및 파킨슨병 환자의 삶의 질을 평가하였다. Dynamic tubing 보행 훈련(I, II) 중재 후 몸통 굽힘은 감소되었다. 또한 초기 접촉기(IC)에서 중간 디딤기(Mst)까지 보행 시 넙다리네갈래근, 뒤넙다리근, 앞정강근(TA)의 근 활성도가 증가하고 장딴지근의 근활성도가 감소하였다. 척추세움근(ES T12, L3)의 근활성도는 H&Y I, III 단계에서 증가하고 H&Y II 단계에서 감소하였다. 압력 중심(COP) 매개변수인 보행선의 길이, 한 발 지지선, 앞/뒤 위치, 좌우대칭 값이 개선되었다. 시공간 보행 매개변수인 보폭, 보폭, 의 속도는 증가하고 분당걸음수는 감소되었다. 나아가 파킨슨 병 환자의 삶의 질도 개선되었다. 이러한 연구 결과를 바탕으로 동적탄력튜빙 보행 훈련 (I 및 II)은 약물 내성이 절반으로 감소된 5년 이상된 만성 파킨슨병 환자의 자세, 보행, 삶의 질을 개선하기 위한 새로운 접근 방식으로 적용될 수 있을 것이다.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.60-66
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• 2011

Foot posture is important in the development of the musculoskeletal structure in the lower limbs because it can change the mechanical alignment. Although foot orthotics are widely used for the correction of malalignments in the lower extremities, the biomechanical effects of wedges have not yet been cleared. The aim of this study was to investigate whether medial wedges affect the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the knee and hip joints in healthy adults that are performing one leg standing. Seventeen healthy volunteers performed the one leg standing under two foot conditions: A level surface, and a $15^{\circ}$ medial wedge. The subjects' EMG data for the gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), tensor fasciae latae (TFL), biceps femoris (BF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) were recorded, along with the surface EMG, and all were analyzed. The EMG activity of the Gmed and TFL had significantly decreased under the medial wedge condition during one leg standing. Further study is needed in order to investigate whether medial wedges influence the EMG activity and kinematic data of the knee and hip joints as well as the ankle joints in adults with flexible flatfoot, while they are performing one leg standing.

• 대한임상전기생리학회지
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.13-19
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this research was to develop a proposal by investigating the work habits associated with exercise programs for the prevention of chronic back pain. Methods : The symptoms, areas and causes of musculoskeletal patients were analyzed during a three-month period in order to develop and apply prevention programs that stimulate lumbar deep layer muscle movement. Results : The results of this study show that the lumbar and shoulders are primary areas of pain. According to the literature, lumbar and shoulder pain is caused due to long periods in the standing position and unhealthy posture during work. A preliminary program was conducted for one month to study lower back pain prevention. Preliminary results of the program showed a lumbar stabilizing effect caused by the strengthening of abdominal muscles. In addition, the alignment of the spine often leads to effective action. Therefore, action-oriented programs should be implemented in order to induce contractions of the transverse abdominis muscle. Conclusion : The completed program should consider habit and practices of workers within their working environment. The promotion of health through exercise for both employers and workers is expected to bring physical and psychological benefits that will positively affect economic results.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.451-461
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• 2019

Purpose: This study identified the effect of abdominal muscle contraction using changes in waist circumference for healthcare workers with back pain due to inadequate posture during working hours. Methods: In this study, we provided educational training focused on posture alignment and utilized waist circumference change sensors to induce the contraction of abdominal muscles as a method to address low back pain in healthcare workers. All 32 participants received the same training and then were assigned to two groups: wearing the keeping core band (CB) and not wearing the keeping core band (NCB). For the CB group, the waist circumference change sensor was applied for 6 weeks during working hours. Wilcoxon's signed-ranks test and paired t-tests were used to compare the differences between the groups. All statistical significance levels were set to α=0.05. Results: Trunk muscle endurance increased significantly in the CB group. There was no significant difference in stability index to evaluate static postural control, but active hip abduction tests, which evaluate dynamic postural control, showed significant decrease in the CB group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the induction of abdominal contraction using the waist circumference change sensor may improve the trunk muscle endurance and the postural control ability of the hip and pelvis of healthcare workers.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.103-109
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• 2015

Purpose: Abdominal breathing exercises are recommended to activate the breathing muscles and the pelvic floor muscles, as well as to increase postural alignment during exhalation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of improving abdominal muscle strength on menstrual pain in women in their twenties using abdominal breathing exercises. Method: In this study, 32 female university students were included as the subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the area of menstrual pain: lumbar pain (n=16) and lower abdomen pain (n=16). The abdominal breathing positions were divided into two positions, which included a hook lying position and hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the supine position. Exercises were used to strengthen the abdominal muscles during exhalation. Four sets of the exercises were completed three times a week over the course of eight weeks. The degree of pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasound. Result: The thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) increased in the lower abdomen pain group. However, thickness of the external oblique (EO) did not increased following abdominal breathing. No significant difference in posture was identified in the lower abdomen group. TrA thickness increased significantly in the lumbar pain group. However, thickness did not increase significantly in the lumbar pain group. In addition, the lumbar pain group experienced no significant effects on posture. IO thickness increased following hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the lumbar pain group. Menstrual pain decreased following intervention in both groups. There was no significant difference in the degree of pain reduction between both groups. Conclusion: As examples of alternative medicine, abdominal breathing exercises may be effective in decreasing menstrual pain.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.137-144
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• 2019

PURPOSE: The continued use of smartphones has resulted in an abnormal body posture and neck alignment changes. Maintaining this posture for a long time weakens the flexor muscles in the neck and shortens the extensor muscles in the neck. This study examined the correlation between the suboccipital muscle tension and deep neck flexor muscle physical endurance according to the craniovertebral angles. METHODS: The craniovertebral angle, tension of the suboccipital muscle and endurance of the deep neck flexor muscle were measured in 58 healthy 20-year-old male and female college students. The tension of suboccipital muscle and endurance of the deep neck flexor muscle were then divided according to the body mass index (BMI). Their correlation with the craniovertebral angle was then examined. Each parameter was measured three times to determine the interrater reliability. RESULTS: The craniovertebral angle and suboccipital muscle tension showed differed significantly. On the other hand, the craniovertebral angle and deep neck flexor muscle physical endurance showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The results show that the craniovertebral angle and deep neck flexor muscle physical endurance were not correlated, but a smaller craniovertebral angle resulted in a higher suboccipital muscle tension.