• Proceedings of the ESK Conference
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• 1996.10a
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• pp.21-25
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• 1996

The Electomyographic (EMG) signals of flexor-extensor muscle pairs were investigated to identify the neural excitation pattern of low-back pain (LBP) patients during a repetitive bending motion. New parameters and EMG normalization technique were developed to quantitatively represent the difference of temporal EMG patterns between ten healthy subjects and ten LBP patients. Flexor-extensor muscle pairs such as rectus abdominis(RA)-erector spinae (ES at LS), external oblique(EO)-internal oblique(IO), rectus femois (quadriceps: QUD)-biceps femoris(hamstrings:HAM), and tibialis anterior(TA)-gastrocnemius(GAS) pairs of muscles were selected in this study. Results indicated that the temporal EMG pattern such as the peak timing difference of QUD-HAM muscle pair and the duration of coexcitation of ES-RA muscle pair showed a statistically isgnificant difference between healthy subjects and LBP patients. These results indicated that the new technique and parameters could be used as a diagnostic tool especially for LBP patients with soft tissue injuries that are rarely dentified by traditional imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Improtantly, the new EMG technique did not require the maximal volutary contraction(MVC) measure for normalization that helped patients minimize the pain experience during and after the session. Further study needs to be made to validate and refine this method for clinical application.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the simultaneous abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) on the muscle activity of the ipsilateral trunk and leg during proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) leg flexion, adduction, and external rotation with knee flexion (D1) patterns. Methods: The participants were 20 healthy adult males and females (18 males and 2 females). The maneuvers were performed by a physical therapist who fully understands the PNF leg patterns (D1) and their application in clinical practice. The participants were trained and allowed to practice for 15 minutes prior to applying ADIM, to ensure adequate learning as evidenced by the pressure biofeedback unit. In this study, we measured the muscle activity of the trunk and leg when the PNF leg pattern (D1) was performed by the physical therapist either sustaining or releasing the ADIM. Muscle activity was measured on the right transverse abdominis muscle (TRA), the external abdominal oblique muscle (EO), the internal abdominal oblique muscle (IO), the erector spinae muscle (ES), the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO), the vastus lateralis oblique muscle (VLO), and the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) and compared using the mean values from averaging three repeated measurements. Results: The muscle activity of the transversus abdominis, the external abdominal oblique, the internal abdominal oblique, the vastus medialis oblique, and the vastus lateralis oblique was significantly greater (p < 0.05), and the muscle activity of the erector spinae was significantly less (p < 0.05) during PNF leg pattern (D1) when the ADIM contraction was sustained compared to when it was not. Conclusion: These results suggest that sustaining ADIM during PNF leg pattern (D1) training increases the trunk and leg muscle activity, resulting in more effective training.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.129-135
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• 2018

PURPOSE: The imbalance of pretibial muscles can be a factor contributing to the development of pes planus. However, no study has yet compared the muscle activity of the tibials anterior (TA) to that of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL). The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the electromyographic (EMG) TA and EDL amplitude indexes (AIs) between normal and pes planus feet. METHODS: A total of 14 subjects with normal feet and 15 subjects with bilateral pes planus participated in this study. TA and EDL muscle activities were measured using a wireless EMG system and the angles of ankle dorsiflexion and eversion of the subtalar joint were measured using a universal goniometer during active ankle dorsiflexion in the prone position. AI was calculated as follows: $\text{amplitude_{TA}-amplitude_{EDL}/(amplitude_{TA}+amplitude_{EDL})}/2{\times}100$. RESULTS: The AIs of the TA and EDL were significantly lower in pes planus feet than in normal feet (p<.05). The angle of subtalar eversion was significantly greater in pes planus feet than in normal feet during active ankle dorsiflexon (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference in the angle of ankle dorsiflexion between normal feet and pes planus feet (p>.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that TA muscle activation was lower in pes planus feet than in normal feet, resulting from greater eversion range of motion during active ankle dorsiflexion. We suggest that the imbalance of ankle dorsiflexors must be considered in pes planus management.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.155-164
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to compare muscle structure, balance, and gait parameters between healthy adults and persons with stroke and to analyze the correlation among these variables. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty persons with stroke (11 male, 9 female) and twenty healthy participants (9 male, 11 female) were included. Ultrasound images of the triceps surae and the tibialis anterior were acquired in sitting resting, sitting co-contraction, and standing resting positions and also during the functional reach test (FRT) and single leg anterior reaching test (SLART). Muscle thickness and fascicle length were measured. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were measured using a pressure walkway. Gait speed, cadence, step length, stride length, stance time, and swing time were measured. Results: Changes in percent fascicle length were significantly greater in the gastrocnemius and soleus (SOL) muscles of healthy adults in the sitting co-contraction position (p<0.05). The percent fascicle length of the SOL in FRT and SLART were significantly greater in healthy adults (p<0.05). The mid-stance phase of stroke patients was shorter than healthy adults (p<0.05). A negative correlation was observed between percent fascicle length of the SOL in the sitting co-contraction position and the proportion of the mid-stance phase (p<0.05). Conclusions: The function of the triceps surae is affected in persons with stroke when compared with healthy adults. This can lead to difficulty in performing tasks that involve forward transfer of weight. If the triceps surae is not sufficiently secured, the possibility of compensation in the stance phase increases during gait.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 2010

Purpose : The Purpose of this study was to compare muscle activation and foot pressure on baby carrier and sling for baby care. Methods : Thirty one women subjects (mean age 23.2 years) participated in four static conditions : unloaded quite standing, carrying an anterior baby carrier, carrying a posterior baby carrier, and sling. The baby carrier and sling were loaded with baby model that filled 7.6kg loads. Surface electromyography was used to measure activity in the internal oblique, T4, L3, L5 paraspinal muscle, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius for four conditions. And foot pressure was measured by using MatScan system(Tekscan, USA). Results : The activation of Biceps femoris, T4, L3, and L5 paraspinal muscle were significant differences(p<.05), but other muscles were no significant differences in four conditions(p>.05). Right foot contact area and peak pressure of right mid foot area were significant differences in four conditions(p<.05). Conclusion : The results of this study indicate that the use of baby carrier of sling for baby care were influenced postural responses of young women. Further work is recommended to find out the influences of various assistive devices for baby care.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.177-195
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematic variables of ankle joints and EMG signal of the lower limbs muscle activity for the different walking speed. The subjects were 6 males of twenties. It was classified into three different walking speed-0.75m/s, 1.25m/s, 1.75m/s. The walking performances were filmed by high speed video camera and EMG signal was gained by ME3000P8 Measurement Unit. Tibialis anterior(TA), Gastrocnemius medial head(GM), Gastrocnemius lateral head(GL), Ssoleus(SO) were selected for the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle joint. The result of this study were as follows: 1. In the gait cycle, The time parameters for the phases were showed significant difference without the terminal stance phase and terminal swing phase for the different walking speed. 2. The angle of ankle joint was no significant difference for each time point and MDF, MPF but increasing walking speed the angle had the increasing pattern slightly. 3. The angular velocity of ankle joint was showed the significant difference for LHC, RTO, RKC, LHU, MPF and MDF point along the walking speed. 4. TA was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity at the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. And it was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 0.75m/s. GM was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s, and even much muscle activity at the 0.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. GL was showed increasing pattern of muscle activity specially in the initial swing phase as the walking speed increased. SO was showed about 3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s during the plantarflexion of ankle joint. It was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 1.25m/s.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2024

Background: Skeletal muscle denervation leads to motor neuron degeneration, which in turn reduces muscle fiber volumes. Recent studies have revealed that apoptosis plays a role in regulating denervation-associated pathologic muscle wasting. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has various biological activities and is currently widely consumed as a medicinal product worldwide. Among them, ginseng has protective effects against muscle atrophy in in vivo and in vitro. However, the effects of KRG on denervation-induced muscle damage have not been fully elucidated. Methods: We induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice by dissecting the sciatic nerves, administered KRG, and then analyzed the muscles. KRG was administered to the mice once daily for 3 weeks at 100 and 400 mg/kg/day doses after operation. Results: KRG treatment significantly increased skeletal muscle weight and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle fiber volume in injured areas and reduced histological alterations in TA muscle. In addition, KRG treatment reduced denervation-induced apoptotic changes in TA muscle. KRG attenuated p53/Bax/cytochrome c/Caspase 3 signaling induced by nerve injury in a dose-dependent manner. Also, KRG decreases protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, reducing restorative myogenesis. Conclusion: Thus, KRG has potential protective role against denervation-induced muscle atrophy. The effect of KRG treatment was accompanied by reduced levels of mitochondria-associated apoptosis.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.911-917
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle activity of the lower limbs when walking in jeans in order to obtain basic information for development of new jeans patterns with excellent movement adaptability. Using three types of jeans (basic, medium, and slim) with different ease on hip, knee circumference, and crotch length, and two different types of shoes, Electromyogram (EMG) of the lower limbs muscle was measured for four healthy subjects walking on treadmills and stairs. EMG of vastus lateralis, semitendinous, tibialis anterior and medial head of gastrocnemius muscles was measured. The muscle activity was assessed in RMS (Root Mean Square) value of the EMG. On the treadmill in sneakers, only the vastus lateralis muscle showed a significant difference in RMS value depending on patterns. Basic and medium jeans allowed higher muscle activity than trunks of slim jeans did. On the treadmill in high heels and slim jeans, the RMS values of all muscles were significantly smaller than in basic jeans, whereas no significant differences were shown while in trunks or medium jeans. On the stairs either in sneakers or in high heels, no significant differences were shown between all muscle activities for all types of jeans. On the treadmill, greater fatigue was induced in all muscles from walking in high heels than in sneakers for all jeans patterns. When walking on the stairs wearing either type of shoes, however, the effect of jeans pattern on muscle activities was different from muscle to muscle.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.46-55
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent and reciprocal isometric contraction and angle of ankle joint on fatigue of concentrically contracting contralateral dorsiflexor and plantar flexor. Seventeen able-bodied subjects participated in the study. Concurrent and reciprocal isometric contraction were performed under three different ankle joint angles (dorsiflexion, neutral position, plantar flexion). During concurrent or reciprocal isometric contraction. fatigue of concentrically contracting contralateral tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus was investigated and compared. There was no interaction between different ankle joint angles and direction of isometric contraction (p<.05). No significant differences were found among three different ankle joint angles (p<.05). Contralateral muscle fatigability was lower in reciprocal isometric contraction than that in concurrent isometric contraction (p<.05). Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that reciprocal isometric contraction is more beneficial than concurrent isometric contraction inducing less fatigability during contralateral concentric contraction.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.364-369
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to analyze lower limb muscle activity and 3D motion analysis according to change foot arch height during walking. We selected 9 young and healthy people who have been normal foot. And we selected 7 young and healthy people who have been flatfoot. So, people were divided into 2 groups and walked platform during 2 minutes twice for checked by 3D motion analysis. These data were characterized by EMG measurements of three muscles( tibialis anterior, medial and lateral gastrocnemius) while they were walking. The collected data were analyzed by Independent t test using the SPSS statistics program(Ver 12.0). In foot arch change, there were no significant difference in three muscles 3D motion analysis also found that there were no significant difference in joint angles. In this study was to analyze lower limb muscle activity and 3D motion analysis according to change foot arch, but there were no significant difference in 6 muscles neither joint angles.