• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제18권6호
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• pp.780-786
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• 2005

This study presents a non-video, non-invasive, automatic, on-site monitoring system the system employs ultrasonic transducers to detect behavior in sows before, during and after parturition. An ultrasonic transmitting/receiving (T/R) circuit of 40 kHz was mounted above a conventional parturition bed. The T/R units use ultrasonic time-of-flight (TOF) ranging technology to measure the height of the confined sows at eight predetermined locations. From this data, three momentary postures of the sow are determined, characterized as standing-posture (SP), lateral-lying-posture (LLP) and sitting posture (STP). By examining the frequencies of position switch Stand-Up-Sequence (SUS) between standing-posture (SP), lateral-lying-posture (LLP) and sitting-posture (STP) rate can be determined for the duration of the sow' confinement. Three experimental pureblooded Landrace sows undergoing normal gestation were monitored for the duration of confinement. In agreement with common observation, the sows exhibited increased restlessness as parturition approached. Analysis of the data collected in our study showed a distinct peak in Stand-Up-Sequence (SUS, i.e. the transition from lying laterally to standing up ) and sitting-posture (STP) rate approximately 12 h prior to parturition, the observed peak being 5 to 10 times higher than observed on any other measurement day. It is concluded that the presented methodology is a robust, low-cost, lowlabor method for the continuous remote monitoring of sows and similar large animals for parturition and other behavior. It is suggested that the system could be applied to automatic prediction of sow parturition, with automatic notification of remote management personnel so human attendance at birth could reduce rates of sow and piglet mortality. The results of this study provide a good basis for enhancing automation and reducing costs in large-scale sow husbandry and have applications in the testing of various large mammals for the effects of medications, diets, genetic modifications and environmental factors.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.63-66
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of exercise-induced fatigue of the plantar flexor muscle in the dominant ankle on the plantar flexor strength and postural control function of the contra-lateral side. Methods: Twenty-one young adults (male: 10, female: 11) volunteered to participate in this study. An exercise-induced fatigue protocol to induce fatigue was performed in the plantar flexor of the dominant ankle. For the fatigue protocol, the participants were instructed to raise their heels as high as possible in the position with one leg stance of the dominant lower limb, and the heel was then downed after holding for 1 second. The muscle strength of the contra-lateral plantar flexor was measured using a digital muscle strength test device, and the static and dynamic postural control were tested by acquiring the center of gravity velocity while performing one leg standing. A paired t-test was used to identify the differences between the pre- and post, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 12.0 software. Results: Comparison of the pre- and post-test data revealed a significant difference in the plantar flexor strength and dynamic postural control after exercise-induced muscle fatigue in the dominant side. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the static postural control. Conclusion: These findings have practical implications, suggesting that unilateral muscle fatigue affects the ankle muscle strength and postural ability of the contralateral side.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.545-561
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• 2024

Piled raft foundation has become widely used in the recent years because it can increase bearing capacity of foundation with control settlement. The design for a piled raft in terms vertical load and lateral load need to understands contribution load behavior to raft and pile in piled raft foundation system. The load-bearing behavior of the piled raft, especially concerning lateral loads, is highly complex and challenge to analyze. The complex mechanism of piled rafts can be clarified by using three dimensional (3-D) Finite Element Method (FEM). Therefore, this paper focuses on free-standing head pile group, on-ground piled raft, and embedded raft for the piled raft foundation systems. The lateral resistant of piled raft foundation was investigated in terms of relationship between vertical load, lateral load and displacement, as well as the lateral load sharing of the raft. The results show that both vertical load and raft position significantly impact the lateral load capacity of the piled raft, especially when the vertical load increases and the raft embeds into the soil. On the same condition of vertical settlement and lateral displacement, piled raft experiences a substantial demonstrates a higher capacity for lateral load sharing compared to the on-ground raft. Ultimately, regarding design considerations, the piled raft can reliably support lateral loads while exhibiting behavior within the elastic range, in which it is safe to use.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.24-31
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of self-stretching exercises for iliotibial band (ITB) (Side-lying; right hip and knee were flexed to support the pelvis while left hip was extended and adducted, Standing A; side-bending of the trunk on standing with crossed leg, Standing B; same as Standing A, except the hands were clasped overhead and shifted right side, and Standing C; same as Standing B, except moving the arms diagonally downward) to help determine the most effective self-stretching method to stretch ITB. Twenty-one healthy subjects who do not have ITB shortness from Yonsei University (14 men and 7 women) between the ages of 18 to 28 years voluntarily participated. Ultrasound was performed to measure the thickness of the ITB between the long axis of the ITB and the level parallel to the lateral femoral epicondyle during four self-stretching exercises. All data were found to approximate a normal distribution. We used a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the thickness of the ITB among all self-stretching exercises. The level of significance was set at ${\alpha}$=.05. The ANOVA was followed by Bonferroni's correction. The overall mean of ITB thickness was $1.14{\pm}.4$ mm (${\pm}$ standard deviation) in resting status. The change in the ITB thickness in percentages between the tested position of each self-stretching exercises and resting status was significant (p<.05) (Side-lying $26.62{\pm}10.18%$ with 95% confidence interval [CI]=21.99~31.25%; Standing A $29.46{\pm}16.19%$ with 95% CI=22.09~36.84%; Standing B $44.06{\pm}14.82%$ with 95% CI=37.31~50.81%; Standing C $53.76{\pm}12.1%$ with 95% CI=48.25~59.29%). Results indicated significant differences among four self-stretching exercises except Side-lying versus Standing A (p<.01). Based on these findings, the Standing C self-stretching exercise was the most effective in stretching the ITB thickness among four types of ITB self-stretching exercises. Additionally, the Side-lying self-stretching exercise using gravity to stretch the ITB is recommended as a low-load (low-intensity), long-duration stretch.

• 국제물리치료학회지
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.1025-1030
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined wedge on the range of motion in ankle and knee joint, ankle eversion moment and knee adduction moment, and center of pressure excursion of foot for genu varus among adult men during gait. This study was carried out with 10 adult men for genu varus in a motion analysis laboratory in J university. The subjects of the experiment were measured above 5cm width between the knees on contact of both medial malleolus of ankle while standing. The width of their knees in neutral position was measured without the inversion or eversion of the subtalar joint by the investigator. The subjects of the experiment were ten who were conducted randomly for standard insole, insole with $10^{\circ}$ lateral on rear foot wedge, insole at $10^{\circ}$lateral on rear foot and $5^{\circ}$ medial on fore foot wedge. Before and after intervention, changes on the range of motion in ankle and knee joint, ankle eversion moment and knee adduction moment, and center of pressure excursion were measured. In order to compare analyses among groups; repeated one-way ANOVA and $Scheff{\acute{e}}$ post hoc test were used. As a result, combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to control wedge group in terms of knee varus angle in mid-stance(p<.05). Combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to lateral wedge group in terms of ankle eversion moment in whole stance(p<.05). Combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to lateral wedge group in terms of knee adduction moment in whole stance(p<.05). Combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to lateral wedge in terms of center of pressure excursion in whole stance(p<.05). The results of this study suggest that combined wedge for genu varus decreased ankle eversion moment and knee adduction moment upon center of pressure excursion. We hypothesize that combined wedge may also be effective in the protection excessive ankle pronation.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.84-88
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• 2016

Objective: Generally, it is known that there is a correlation between excessive calcaneus eversion and a patient with low back pain and it also affects pelvic alignment. However, there are not enough studies that show calcaneal eversion having an effect on the alignment of the trunk. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A 3-dimensional motion analysis system was used to assess the lower limbs, pelvic alignment, and trunk alignment with increased unilateral and bilateral calcaneal eversion in twenty-one subjects. All subjects were asked to maintain a static posture for seven seconds on a wedge three times per posture for measurement and analysis purposes. The wedge used in the process was a lateral wedge with a 10-degree tilt to the lateral direction. To unify all of the subjects' foot position, the front and inner side of the wedge were marked. The height of the tilted wedge's inner side and flat wedge were balanced equally in order to be able to maintain the lateral part of the foot to the same height when producing an increased calcaneal eversion. Results: Comparing the changes in trunk and pelvic alignment in accordance to calcaneal eversion for each posture, there was a significant different in the X and Y-axis for each posture, but not in the Z-axis (p<0.05). Thus, it can be confirmed that calcaneal eversion in the sagittal plane and frontal plane may have and effect on the pelvis and the trunk. Conclusions: Postures with increased bilateral and unilateral calcaneal eversion has an effect on pelvic alignment, but does not cause any changes in trunk alignment.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2006

Loss of postural balance can possibly lead to increased risk of slips and falls in work places. Present study was performed to investigate the effects of noisy environments on postural stability during standing. It is known that a sound is characterized by the frequency and pressure level of the sound. Therefore, effects of the frequency and pressure level on postural stability were of primary concern. Ten male subjects participated in the experiment. Subject's center of pressure(COP) position was collected on a force plate while they were exposed to different frequency and pressure levels of the sound. Measured COP was then converted into the length of postural sway path in both anterior-posterior(AP) and medio-lateral(ML) axis. Results showed that the length of sway path in AP axis was significantly affected by the frequency of sound. The length of sway path was lowest at frequency level of 2000Hz and increased below and above this frequency range. The sound pressure level, however, did not significantly affect the postural sway length in both AP and ML axis. The results imply that industrial workers in noisy environments should be aware that their abilities of postural balance can be disturbed significantly.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.47-55
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the static balance of standing position between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and a normal group that were aged-matched. There were forty subjects included in this study. Twenty-seven healthy subjects (age, $13.9{\pm}1.2$ yrs; height, $161.9{\pm}7.5$ cm; weight, $52.2{\pm}7.7$ kg) and thirteen AIS subjects (age, $14.2{\pm}2.2$ yrs; height, $161.5{\pm}8.7$ cm; weight, $48.1{\pm}8.1$ kg) were participated in the study. The thirteen subjects in the AIS group had a major Cobb angle between $20.1^{\circ}$ and $49^{\circ}$. Each group was tested with the Balance Performance Monitor (BPM). The parameters for static balance were sway area, sway path, max velocity, mean balance, anterior-posterior angle, and left-right angle of each group with their eyes opened and again with their eyes closed. Both sides of the forward reach test and the lateral reach test were also performed on each group. Results from the BPM tested showed significantly increases in all parameters of static balance with those patients with AIS under the conditions where eyes were opened and closed. In the right and left forward reach test, there was no significant difference between normal and AIS groups. However, in the lateral reach test with right and left direction, there were significant differences between normal and AIS groups. For the normal subjects, there were significant differences in the parameters with sway path and anterior-posterior sway angle between the eyes opened and closed. However, there were no significant differences in the all parameters between eyes opened and closed for the AIS subjects. These results suggest that, balance programs could be used in the rehabilitation setting for intervention of AIS and evaluation of AIS. Further study is needed to measure many patients with AIS and other functional balance scales for clinical application.

• 한국운동역학회지
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate 1) the difference in static lower extremity alignment (SLEA) according to a history of lateral ankle sprain (LAS), 2) to identify SLEA factors affecting LAS, and 3) to present the cut-off value and 4) the usefulness and limitations of the SLEA measurement. Method: This case-control study recruited 88 men (age: 27.78±4.69 yrs) and 39 women (age: 24.62±4.20 yrs) subjects with and without LAS. SLEA measurement protocol included Q angle, tibiofemoral angle, genu recurvatum, rear foot (RF) angle, tibal varum and torsion, navicular drop, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM). Independent t-test, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis. Results: Men with a history of LAS had significantly smaller Q angles both in standing and in supine position, while women with a history of LAS had significantly greater DF ROM in non-weight bearing (NWB; p < 0.05). Logistic regression model suggests tibial varum (OR = 0.779, p = 0.021) and WB DF ROM (OR = 1.067, p = 0.045) were associated with LAS in men. In case of women, there were no significant SLEA factors for LAS, however, ROC curve analysis revealed standing RF angle (AUC = 0.647, p = 0.028) and NWB DF ROM (AUC = 0.648, p = 0.026) could be affecting factors for LAS. Conclusion: There are differences in SLEA according to the history of LAS, furthermore, the identified items were different by sex. In case of men, tibial varum and WB DF ROM affect LAS occurrence. Standing RF angle and NWB DF ROM of women could be a predictor for LAS. However, since the sensitivity and specificity in most of the SLEA measurements are low, kinematic in dynamic tasks should be considered together for a more accurate evaluation of LAS risk.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.61-69
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyography (EMG) activities of the lumbar extensor muscles during motion of trunk flexion-extension and compare range of motion (ROM) with a 3-dimensional motion analysis system of the lumbar region between subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and healthy subjects during the trunk flexion-extension, trunk rotation and trunk lateral flexion cycle. Thirty CLBP subjects and thirty healthy subjects were included. We measured the root mean square (RMS) value of the lumbar extensor muscles from resting, standing, lumbar flexion and return position. The RMS ratio was normalized from maximal EMG activity of the lumbar extensor muscles during trunk motion. The results of this study showed that the RMS ratio of the lumbar extensor was significantly higher in CLBP subjects than healthy subjects during all of trunk motion (p<.05). The ratio of the highest RMS value during flexion and extension was higher in CLBP subjects than in healthy subjects (p<.05). The ROM of the lumbar region was significantly lower in CLBP subjects than healthy subjects during trunk flexion-extension, trunk rotation and lateral flexion cycle. The relationship between the RMS ratio for full lumbar flexion and the ROM of lumbar flexion was not correlated significantly. CLBP subjects have both decreased ROM of the lumbar region and higher muscle activities of the lumbar extensor muscle than healthy subjects.