• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2019

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wearing an ankle weight belt while performing gait in water by focusing on the effect of using ankle weights have on the gait kinematics and the muscle activities for developing optimum training strategies. Method: A total of 10 healthy male university students were recruited for the study. Each participant was instructed to perform 3 gait conditions; normal walking over ground, walking in water chest height, and walking in water chest height while using ankle weights. All walking conditions were set at control speed of $4km/h{\pm}0.05km/h$. The depth of the swimming pool was at 1.3 m, approximately chest height. The motion capture data was recorded using 6 digital cameras and the EMG was recorded using waterproof Mini Wave. From the motion capture data, the following variables were calculated for analysis; double and single support phase (s), swing phase (s), step length (%height), step rate (m/s), ankle, knee, and hip joint angles ($^{\circ}$). From the electromyography the %RVC of the lower limb muscles medial gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, erector spinae, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis oblique was calculated. Results: The results show significant differences between the gait time, and step length between the right and left leg. Additionally, the joint angular velocities and gait velocity were significantly affected by the water resistance. As expected, the use of the ankle weights increased all of the lower leg maximum muscle activities except for the lower back muscle. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ankle weights can be shown to stimulate more muscle activity during walking in chest height water and therefore, may be useful for rehabilitation purposes.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2001.06b
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• pp.301-306
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• 2001

In this paper, we developed a quadruped walking robot, FRAMIX-T, with insectile leg mechanism and we inspected the efficiency of it in detail. In robotics, the legs of insect type are appropriate for the stability and the agile movement. So we first performed a gait analysis using duty factor, stride, phase etc., and analyzed the stability margin to improve the stability of robot. On the basis of this research, we planned the wave gait suitable for FRAMIX-T and performed a walking experiment. From this result, we proved the high efficiency using insectile leg mechanism and the possibility of walking with improved stability and mobility.

• 전자공학회논문지 IE
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.52-59
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• 2006

Walking robot is able to move in regular or irregular terrain. It can walk that change adaptive algorithms according to the terrain. Existing papers about adaptive gaits of blind robot are based on intelligent foothold selection. However, this paper proposes a algerian that is based on the variations of stroke and period to adapt the irregular terrain. If thus adaptive algorithms is used, robot can maintain periodic gait walking and constant speed using only force sensor even in the irregular terrain without external sophisticated sensor. In this paper Quadruped robot with 2 DOF in each leg, is walk experiment with the wave gait in regular and irregular terrain. So the adaptive algorithm is proved useful through walk experiment.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2022

Background: The gastrocnemius tightness can easily occur. Gastrocnemius tightness results in gait disturbance. Thus, various interventions have been used to release a tight gastrocnemius muscle and improve gait performance. Moreover, focal muscle vibration (FMV) has recently been extensively researched in terms of tight muscle release and muscle performance. However, no study has investigated the effects of FMV application on medial gastrocnemius architectural changes. Objects: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FMV on medial gastrocnemius architecture in persons with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Thirty one persons with <10° of passive ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. We excluded persons with acute ankle injury within six months prior to study onset, a history of ankle fracture, leg length discrepancy greater than 2 cm, no history of neurological dysfunction, or trauma affecting the lower limb. The specifications of the FMV motor were as follows: a fixed frequency (fast wave: 150 Hz) and low amplitude (0.3-0.5 mm peak to peak) of vibration; the motor was used to release the medial gastrocnemius for 15 minutes. Each participant completed three trials for 10 days; a 30-second rest period was provided between each trial. Medial gastrocnemius architectural parameters [muscle thickness (MT), fiber bundle length (FBL), and pennation angle (PA)] were measured via ultrasonography. Results: MT significantly decreased after FMV application (p < 0.05). FBL significantly increased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). PA significantly decreased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FMV application may be advantageous in reducing medial gastrocnemius excitability following a decrease in the amount of contractile tissue. Furthermore, FMV application can be used as a stretching method to alter medial gastrocnemius architecture.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2016

Motor evoked potential of spinal surgery is known to cause damage due to the movement path of the continuous scan operation and surgery can be performed with minimized disability after surgery. However, if it is not at all formed at the wave motion evoked potential can occur during surgery and, in some cases the size of the waveform to be measured is very small and intermittent. In this case, the surgery cannot provide information about whether there is neurological damage. Increased intensity of the wave-induced motion of the dislocation does not occur if it appears in a very small amplitude stimulus, but changing the inspection area that electrical stimulation of the waveform changes could not be found. However, stimulation of a wide area in the cerebral cortex was found to occur with a waveform in the patients who underwent examination. Through this study, we propose a useful motor evoked potential test. From November to December 2015 three spine surgery patients visited Samsung Medical Center as neurosurgery patients with omission discomfort, gait disturbance, and no symptom of strength before surgery. In spine surgery patients with motor grade weakness, when motor evoked potential waveform has not been measured, in examination of the site of electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex from entering the C3+C5/C4+C6 or C3+C1/C4+C2 if by the activity of more motor neuron unit, it was found that the waveform is better formed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.1060-1067
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• 2017

Objectives: This case study examined the effects of treatment with traditional Korean medicine on a central post-stroke pain patient, who had impingement syndrome of the right shoulder. Methods: The patient received traditional Korean medical treatments, including acupuncture, warm-needling, moxibustion, and cupping, throughout the treatment period, and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy and physical therapy for part of the treatment period. The effects of treatments were measured with a manual muscle test (MMT), numerical rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM), and gait staging index (self-invented). Results: The clinical symptoms of the patient were improved considerably after the complete treatment. Conclusions: Traditional Korean medicine may be effective for treatment of central post-stroke pain in patients with impingement syndrome.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.375-383
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• 2014

In Seoul, total 166 places of foot-bridges were constructed but a study on correlation between resonance occurrence status by gait vibration and natural frequency by each span and that between span based on structural system and natural frequency is very unsatisfactory in reality. Consequently in this study, time series wave form, power spectrum and natural frequency were analyzed based on resonance occurrence by targeting 65 places of foot-bridges being constructed in Seoul through convenient and simple portable vibration meter.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.170-177
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• 2019

In this paper, three theories for improving the stability of quadruped robot are presented. First, the Minimum-Jerk Trajectory is used to optimize the leg trajectory. Second, we compare the newly proposed sine wave and the conventional LSM in this paper based on the Jerk value. Third, we calculate the optimum stride of the sway through repetitive robot simulation using ADAMS-MATLAB cosimulation. Through the above process, the improvement of the robot walking is compared with the existing theory. First, the average gradient of the point where the leg trajectory changes rapidly was reduced from at least 1.2 to 2.9 by using the Minimum-Jerk targetory for the movement of the body and the end of the leg during the first walk, thereby increasing the walking stability. Second, the average Jerk was reduced by 0.019 on the Z-axis, 0.457 on the X-axis, and 0.02, 3D on the Y-axis by 0.479 using the Sin wave type sways presented in this paper, rather than the LSM(Longitude Stability Margin) method. Third, the length of the optimal stride for walking at least the Jerk value was derived from the above analysis, and the 20cm width length was the most stable.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-28
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• 2005

Spasticity has been defined as "a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increased in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one components of the upper motorneuron syndrome". Spasticity is one of the common symptoms of stroke patients and frequently interferes with the motor functions such as gait, posture and activities of daily living. Therefore, its management is becoming a major issue in physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to determined the effects of reciprocal inhibition by isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle on spasticity in hemiplegic patients through Hoffmann reflex. The subjects were consisted 45 patients who had hemiplegia due to stroke. All subjects randomly assigned to 3 group: manual reciprocal inhibition program group(manual group), neuromuscular electrical stimulation group(NMES group) and control group. The manual group received voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle. The NMES group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation on tibialis anterior. The control group was not received any therapeutic intervention. Before and after experiments, Hoffmann reflex, M-wave and Modified Ashworth scale was measure in all patients. The data of 30 patients who complete experimental course were statistically analysed. Modified Ashworth scale were significantly decreased after experiment in manual group(p<.01). The Hmax/Mmax ratios were significantly decreased after experiment in manual group(p<.o1). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with modified Ashworth scale in NMES group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with Hmax/Mmax ratios in NMES group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with modified Ashworth scale in control group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with Hmax/Mmax ratios in control group(p>.01). The present results revealed that reciprocal inhibition which produced by voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle can be reduce spasticity of gastrocnemius. Therefore, reciprocal inhibition is useful to improve functional activities in hemiplegic patient. Further study should be done to analyse the effects of intervention duration of reciprocal inhibition, appropriate muscle contraction, optimal time to apply the reciprocal inhibition in more long period.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.34-43
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• 2020

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess changes in blood glucose level, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in elderly women aged over 65 years with hypertension and either normal glycemic control, impaired fasting glucose tolerance, or diabetes mellitus. We also wished to investigate the relationship between stages of diabetes and physical fitness. [Methods] A total of 24 elderly women with hypertension were assigned to a control group (CON; n=7), impaired fasting glucose group (IFG; n=9), and diabetes mellitus group (DM; n=8). In each group, blood glucose level, brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV), and blood pressure were measured at baseline as well as 60 and 120 minutes after a 75 g OGTT. Physical fitness factors such as hand grip strength, balance test, 4 m gait speed test, chair stand test, short physical performance battery, and 6-minute walking test were subsequently assessed. [Results] In all three groups, blood glucose levels were significantly increased at 60 and 120 minutes after a 75 g OGTT. In the DM group, blood glucose levels were significantly higher before and after a 75 g OGTT than in the CON group. In the CON group, PWV was significantly increased at 60 minutes after a 75 g OGTT; however, there were no changes in other groups after glucose ingestion. In the CON group, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly decreased at 60 and 120 minutes after a 75 g OGTT compared to baseline. However, there was no change in blood pressure after ingestion in the DM group. The IFG group had greater grip strength than the CON group; however, there were no differences in other variables between the groups. [Conclusion] After a 75 g OGTT, elderly women with hypertension and diabetes maintain higher blood glucose levels compared to those with hypertension alone. Unlike elderly women with hypertension alone, those with hypertension and diabetes did not show changes in arterial stiffness and blood pressure after a 75 g OGTT. Therefore, elderly women with hypertension and diabetes may not be able to control their blood vessels following a 75 g OGTT due to impaired vascular endothelial function. Moreover, there was no association between diabetes stage and physical fitness in elderly women with hypertension.