The purpose of this study was to compare the difference of joint position sense between measurements. Fourteen healthy male subjects were recruited for this study. The elbow joint position senses were measured using angle reproduction test. The elbow joint position sense was assessed with three experimental conditions: ipsilateral reproduction test in open-chain condition, contralateral reproduction test in open-chain condition, ipsilateral reproduction test with weight in open-chain condition and ipsilateral reproduction test in closed-chain condition. The angular difference between stimulus position and the reproduced position (angular error) was calculated in all testing conditions to examine the accuracy of the joint position sense. One way ANOVA was used to compare the error angles in all experimental conditions. The error angles between measurements were significantly different in elbow joint. The error angles was smallest in ipsilateral reproduction test with weight in open-chain condition and was greatest in the contralateral reproduction test in open-chain condition. Findings of this study indicate that testing methods, types of task, existence of resistance should be considered in clinical assessment for the joint position sense.

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activity during a push-up on a suspension sling and a fixed support at the same level. Tests were performed on 15 male subjects. Electromyography using a surface EMG recorded the activity of the triceps, pectoralis major, and internal and external oblique muscles during each push-up. EMG activity was recorded at 0, 45, and 90 degrees of elbow flexion in the push-up position on a suspension sling or a fixed support at the same height above the floor (30 cm). The testing order was selected randomly. The subjects were asked to maintain the push-up position with straight knees, hips, and trunk for 5 seconds at each elbow angle. The mean root mean square (RMS) of EMG activity was calculated. EMG activity was normalized using the maximum voluntary isometric contractιn elicited using a manual muscle testing technique. Two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the average RMS value of EMG activity for each condition. The EMG activity for the pectoralis major, and internal and external oblique muscles during a push-up on a sling was significantly higher than on a fixed support at all angles of elbow flexion (p<.01). There were significant differences in the EMG activity of the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles at difference angles of elbow flexion (p<.05). The pectoralis major muscle had the highest EMG activity at 90 degrees of elbow flexion on both the sling and fixed support. The triceps brachii muscle had the highest EMG activity at 45 degrees of elbow flexion on both the sling and fixed support. The internal and external oblique muscles had the highest EMG activity at 0 degrees of elbow flexion, although the difference with angle of flexion was not significant. These results suggest that to improve proximal and trunk stability and muscle strength, push-ups are more useful when performed on a suspension sling than On a fixed support.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of three different pelvic tilts on sit-to-stand ativities and to suggest a new therapeutic approach for movement reeducation in patients who have difficulty with sit-to-stand activities. The three different pelvic tilts were: (1) comfortable pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (CPT STS), (2) posterior pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (PPT STS) and (3) anterior pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (APT STS). To analyze the kinematic component of STS, a motion analysis system (Zebris) was applied to the ankle, knee, hip joint, and thigh-off area. Also, to determine the onset time of muscle contraction, surface electrodes were placed to the rectus femoris muscle (RF), the vastus lateralis muscle (VL), the biceps femoris muscle (BF), the tibialis anterior muscle (TA), the gastrocnemius muscle (GCM), and the soleus muscle (SOL). One-way repeated ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis. First, significant differences were found in kinematic variables for the hip, knee, ankle joint, and thigh-off among the three activities. Second, there was significant difference in muscle activation pattern in TA. VL. and BF among three activities. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest the following evaluative and therapeutic approach for STS activity: (1) Changes in knee and ankle joints should be prioritized and recruitment order differences in VL and RF can be generated to accomplish abnormal STS activity. (2) APT STS can be introduced for movement efficiency and functional advantage when abnormal STS is treated.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of three different pelvic tilts on a sit-to-stand (STS) and to suggest a new assessment approach based on biomechanical analysis. The three difrent pelvic tilts were: (1) comfortable pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (CPT STS), (2) posterior pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (PPT STS) and (3) anterior pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (APT STS). To determine the onset time of muscle contraction surface electrodes were applied to the rectus femoris muscle (RF), vastus lateralis muscle (VL), biceps femoris muscle (BF), tibialis anterior muscle (TA), gastrocnemius muscle (GCM), and soleus muscle (SOL). The ICC was used for functional linkage analysis. The findings of this study were as follows. First, significant differences were found in kinematic variables and in muscle activation pattern among the three activities. Second, the results of functional integrated analysis revealed that recruited muscle activation patterns changed when the thigh-off was viewed as a reference point. Third, there were independent functional units between the thigh-off and the VL and between the thigh-off and the RF in the functional linkage analysis. The VL and RF acted as prime mover muscles, and more postural adjustment muscle recruitment was required as the demand of postural muscle control increased (PPT STS, APT STS, and CPT STS in order). In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest the following evaluative and therapeutic approach for STS activity. APT STS can be introduced for movement efficiency and functional advantage when abnormal STS is treated. However, excessive APT would change the muscle activation patterns of BF and SOL and require additional postural muscle control to cause abnormal control patterns.

Many factors affect foot and ankle biomechanics during walking, including gait speed and anthropometric characteristics. However, speed has not been taken into account in foot kinematics and kinetics during walking. This study examined the effect of walking speed on foot joint motion and peak plantar pressure during the walking phase. Eighty healthy subjects (40 men, 40 women) were recruited. Maximal dorsiflexion and excursion were measured at the first metatarsophalangeal joints during walking phase at three different cadences (80, 100, and 120 step/min) using a three dimensional motion analysis system (CMS70P). At the same time, peak plantar pressure was investigated using pressure distribution platforms (MatScan system) under the hallux heads of the first, second, and third metatarsal bones and heel. Maximal dorsiflexion and excursion and excursion at the ankle joint decreased significantly with increasing walking speed. Peak plantar pressure increased significantly under the heads of the first of the first, second, and third metatarsal bones, and heel with increasing walking speed: three was no change under the hallux. There were no significant changes in maximal dorsiflexion or excursion at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The results show that walking speed should be considered when comparing gait parameters. The results also suggest that slow walking speeds may decrease forefoot peak plantar pressure in patients with peripheral neuropathy who have a high risk of skin breakdown under the forefoot.

The purpose of this study was to compare visual analogue scale (VAS), pain threshold (PT), , and EMG gaps before and after applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the upper trapezius muscle at the patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). The subjects were 4 men and 10 women composed of both the inpatients and outpatients who were diagnosed as MPS at Wonju Medical Center. VAS and PT measurements were performed to assess the subjective pain level. The reference voluntary contraction (RVC) test was performed for 15 seconds for normalization on the bilateral trapezius muscle using surface electromyography (sEMG). After 3-minute resting time, the EMG signal was recorded while performing a typing activity for 2 minutes and then TENS was applicated with a comfortable intensity for 10 minutes. The EMG activity of the upper trapezius muscle was recorded during typing for 2 minutes. The results of study were as follows: 1) VAS score was significantly decreased on the more painful side after treatment, however, it was not significantly different on the less painful side. 2) PT was increased after treatment on both sides, however, it was not significantly different between before and after the TENS application. 3) The EMG activity during typing was significantly decreased after treatment, and 4) The EMG gaps were significantly increased after TENS treatment compared to before it. Consequently, the study showed that TENS was effective in decreasing VAS, , and in increasing EMG gaps. The EMG gap analysis could be a useful method to measure pain in patients with MPS in the upper trapezius.

본 연구에서는 상부 승모근의 근막통증(myofascial pain syndrome; MPS)를 대상으로 이완상태에서 근 활성도를 측정해보고, 통증을 감소시키는 데 주로 이용되는 경피신경자극 치료 후 근 활성도에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 알아보기 위해 실시하였다. 본 연구의 대상자는 근막 통증으로 진단을 받은 총 10명을 대상으로 실시하였다. 주관적 시각 척도(visual analogue scale; VAS)와 압통 역치 측정계(pressure thresh

본 연구는 컴퓨터 작업시 머리자세가 상부 승모근의 근전도 활성도에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보기 위해 실시하였다. 대상자는 상지에 근골계질환이 없는 대학생 5명을 대상으로 하였으며, 표면근전도(MP100WS)를 이용하여 근 활성도를 측정하였다. 실험은 10분 동안 머리를 중립자세로 모니터를 보고 컴퓨터 작업을 수행하는 것과 문서걸이(copy holder)를 보기 위해 머리를 회전하고 컴퓨터 작업을 하는 두 가지 조건을 를 이용하여 비교 분석하였다. 머리를

Objectives: To quantify the range of motion of upper limb while eating with and without a universal cuff (UC). Method: The feeding cycle was divided into pre-feeding and feeding phases. The pre-feeding phase was operationally defined as scooping water with a spoon. The feeding phase was operationally defined as bringing the spoon to the mouth. A three-dimensional CMS70P analysis system was used to record upper limb motion during eating activities. Ten male and eight female healthy volunteers participated in this study. Results: (1) in pre-feeding phase: when a spoon without a UC was used, wrist was flexed and shoulder was adducted. However, when a UC with a spoon, the wrist was extended and shoulder was abducted. Also, the range of motions (ROMs) of shoulder flexion and internal rotation were significantly increased (p<0.05). (2) In feeding phase: when a spoon without a UC was used, wrist was flexed and radially deviated. However, when a spoon was used in a UC with a spoon, wrist was extended and ulnarly deviated. The ROMs of forearm supination, shoulder abduction, and external rotation were significantly increased(p<0.05). Conclusion: The ROMs of upper extremities with UC were significantly different from without UC. Therefore, when applying a universal cuff on patients, appropriate ROMs for a universal cuff should be considered prior to OT treatment.

This study examined the muscle recruitment order during extension of the hip joint in normal subjects, and evaluated whether the external support obtained from wearing a lumbosacral corset had an effect on muscle recruitment leading to increased lumbar stability. The subjects were 40 normal adults (32 male, 8 female) with no history of low back pain and no pathological findings in the nervous or musculoskeletal systems. All subjects extended their hip joints under 3 positions (prone, sidelying, standing). During extension, the onsets of contraction of the rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, and semitendinosus muscles were measured. Electromyographic activity was measured using a surface electrode, and the muscle contraction onset time was designated as the point exceeding a threshold of 25 ms, using a mean plus twice of the standard deviation. To compare the average order of muscle contraction onset time, a Freedman two-way analysis of variance by ranks was used. The relative difference between muscle contraction onset time wearing and not wearing a lumbosacral corset was measured using a paired t-test. A difference in the average muscle contraction onset order for the rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, and semitendinosus muscles was observed (p<.05) among three positions. However, wearing a lumbosacral corset did not. change the contraction order. In addition, wearing a lumbosacral corset produced a significant difference (p<.05) in the relative onset time between the rectus abdominis and gluteus maximus in the standing position, but no difference was observed for the other muscles or positions. In the future, patients suffering from low back pain should be compared with normal subjects to determine the effectiveness of a lumbosacral corset in changing muscle recruitment order.

The purpose of this study was to find the effect of rear foot wedge angle on peak plantar pressures on the forefoot during walking. Twenty normal healthy subjects (10 female, 10 male) were recruited. Peak plantar pressure was measured using pressure distribution platforms (MatScan system) in medial forefoot (under the first, second metatarsal head) and lateral forefoot (under the third, fourth, fifth metatarsal head). The subjects walked at the comfortable velocity under seven conditions; bare footed, , and wedges under the medial and lateral sides of the hindfoot. The three averaged peak plantar pressures were collected at each condition at stance and toe off phases. The results showed that a significant increase in lateral forefoot plantar peak pressure investigated in the medial wedge and a significant decrease in lateral forefoot plantar peak pressure investigated in lateral wedge at stance phase (p<.05). These results suggest that rear foot wedge may be useful to modify the peak plantar pressure on the forefoot.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of deep breathing exercise and ankle exercise on blood flow velocity in the femoral vein. Sixteen healthy male students were recruited from Yonsei University, at Wonju. The blood flow velocities in the femoral vein were measured under three different conditions: resting, deep breathing, and ankle exercise. All subjects were given a 5-minute relaxing time in supine position prior to the study. Using a doppler ultrasound with a 8 MHz probe, the peak blood flow velocities were collected in a twenty-second-period at each condition. The subjects took a rest in between trials for the blood flow to return to its resting levels. The result showed a significant difference in peak blood flow velocities under those three conditions (p<.001). The peak blood flow velocity was highest in ankle exercise condition. The peak blood velocity was significantly higher in deep breathing condition compared with the resting condition. As a result, it is revealed that not only the muscular contractions but also the deep breathing exercises induced facilitating effects of venous return. Either of the exercise methods can be recommended to prevent blood stasis in patients with risk of deep vein thrombosis after cardiac or lower extremity surgery.ㅂ

The purpose of this study was to compare the onset times of muscle activities and the order of muscle firing in hamstring gluteus maximus, and lumbar erector spinae muscle during active hip extension between subjects with low back pain (LBP) and healthy subjects. Thirty subjects, 15 with LBP and 15 healthy subjects, participated in this study. Electromyographic activity was recorded during active hip extension in prone and standing position. Relative onset times of these muscle activities were determined. Similar muscle firing order in hamstring, gluteus maximus, and lumbar erector spinae muscle showed in both groups and positions. However, the onset time of gluteus maximus was significantly later in prone and standing active hip extension in subjects with LBP than in healthy subjects. The onset time of lumber erector spinae muscle activity was significantly delayed in subjects with LBP in standing active hip extension, The delayed onset times of gluteus maximus and lumbar erector spinae muscles' activities were probably related to LBP. Further studies are needed to identify whether the delayed onset times of gluteus maximus and lumbar erector spinae muscle activities are the contributing factors to LBP.

The purpose of this study was to compare the balance and gait between fallers and non-fallers in elderly. A brief questionnaire was used to obtain the fall history. Twenty-seven women subjects were evaluated in this study. Eleven subjects and a mean age of 84.5 years (SD=4.6) were designated as the faller group. Sixteen subjects and a mean age of 80.3 years (SD=5.3) were designated as the non-faller group. The fall-related factors (mental status, balance, range of motion and muscle strength of lower extremity, sensation of foot, and cadence, walking velocity, stride length) were compared between faller group and non-faller group and measured. The results showed that faller group had significantly less range of motion of the hip flexion and knee extension, and strength of the knee extensor and ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor than non-faller group. The scores of the Functional reach test and One leg standing were significantly less in faller group than in non-faller group. Faller group showed less walking velocity and stride length compared to non-faller group. However, there was no significant difference in cadence during comfortable waking and fast walking between two groups. There were no significant differences in pressure, position sensory between two groups. These results suggest that exercise for improving the flexibility, muscle strength of the lower extremity and balance may be useful strategies to prevent fall in elderly. Further studies are needed to identify which specific factors are related to fall in the elderly population.

본 연구는 보행주기 동안 정상인과 당뇨병성 족부궤양 환자의 족관절 운동역학적 변수와 족관절 근육들의 근활성도에 차이가 있는지 알아보기 위하여 실시하였다. 본 연구의 대상자는 당뇨병성 족부궤양이 있는 환자 9명(남자: 6명, 여자: 3명)과 성, 연령, 체중으로 짝짓기(matching)시킨 대조군 9명이었다. 3차원 동작분석기, 힘판, 표면 근전도를 이용하여, 보행주기 동안 족관절의 관절가동범위, 모멘트(moment), 일률(power), 그리고 내측가자

Manual dexterity is often evaluated in rehabilitation because of its contribution to upper limb performance and to individual functional independence. Dexterity depends on age, sex, anthropometric measurements of the hand and sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to compare the finger dexterity with and without wearing different types of gloves (latex gloves and cotton gloves), and to investigate the correlation among the different measurement tools (VALPAR component work samples, O‘conner finger dexterity, and Minnesota grooved pegboard) for finger dexterity. Fifteen healthy young subjects (male: 6, female: 9) had a mean age of 26 years were evaluated. The results were as follows: There was no significant difference in finger dexterity between male and female group at all conditions except for wearing cotton glove condition. The finger dexterity was significant difference in Minnesota grooved pegboard test among conditions(bare hand, latex gloves and cotton gloves). However, finger dexterities were no significant differenece in other tests at different conditions. There was high correlation between measurement tool except for the Size discrimination item in VALPAR test. The results of this study suggest that Minnesota grooved pegboard test maybe a sensitive tool to measure the finger dexterity at sensory constrained conditions.

This study was designed to determine the effect of ankle taping and short period of walking on the treadmill on the range of motion (ROM) and proprioception at the ankle joint. Twenty healthy male subjects (mean age=24.2 yr) participated in this study. Goniometry and videotape replaying method were used to measure the ankle ROM. Passive sagittal and frontal plane motions were measured. The difference in degree between the stimulus point and the reproduced point was defined as an angular error. The measurements were performed at four different phases: pre-taping (PRT), post-taping immediately (POT), post-5 minute walking with taping (P5M), and post-10 minute walking with taping (P10M). The ankle of dominant limb was taped by a certified athletic trainer using a closed basket weave technique. Participants walked on the treadmill at 2.5 mph. The results showed that the mean of the sagittal plane motion at PRT, POT, P5M, and P10M was 53.0, 30.5, 36.2, and 40.2 degrees, respectively. The frontal plane motion at PRT, POT, P5M, and P10M was 33.6, 13.9, 15.7, and 18.6 degrees, respectively. The angular error at PRT, POT, P5M, and P10M was 5.5, 1.6, 1.8, and 1.9 degrees, respectively. After 10 minutes of walking, the sagittal plane motion and frontal plane motion was increased by 9.7 and 4.7 degrees compared with POT, respectively. The proprioception was significantly improved after the application of ankle taping. Both the restriction of frontal plane motion and proprioception improvement at the ankle joint may contribute to ankle stability during walking.

In rehabilitation programs involving muscle re-education and endurance exercise, it is necessary to confirm when fatigue occurs. It is also necessary to quantify fatigue, to confirm whether the muscle has been exercised sufficiently. In general, as fatigue occurs, the force-generating ability of the muscle is reduced. If the median frequency (MDF) obtained from electromyogram (EMG) power spectrum is correlated highly with work, then the timing and degree of fatigue may be confirmed. This study examined the relationship between work and MDF obtained from the EMG power spectrum during repetitive isokinetic exercise. Surface EMG signals were collected from biceps brachii and vastus lateralis of 52 normal subjects (26 males, 26 females) at and while performing an isokinetic exercise. The exercise was finished at 25% of peak work. MDF data was obtained using a moving fast Fourier transformation (FFT), and random noise was removed using the inverse FFT, then a new MDF data was obtained from the main signal. There was a high correlation between work and MDF during repetitiv isokinetic exercise in the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis of males and the biceps brachii of females (r=.50~.77). However, there was a low correlation between work and MDF in the vastus lateralis of females (r=.06~.19).

Fatigue is the decline in force produced as a result of prolonged muscle activity. Localized muscle fatigue can be identified by a shift toward low in the frequency components of the EMG signal, typically represented by a fall in the median frequency. Previous studies show that a shortened muscle develops a higher fatigue than elongated muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the time-related change of median frequency and torque during maximal isometric back extension exercises at different exercise angles (, , , ). Twenty healthy subjects (mean age = ) were evaluated in this study. Median frequency was extracted from the EMG signals by fast Fourier transform (FFT). Initial median frequency and the slope of median frequency change over time were computed from linear regression analysis. Pearson's product moment correlation was used to quantify the relationship between slope of median frequency and torque. The results were as follows: 1) Significant differences in y-intercepts of torque regression equation with respect to exercise angle were shown. However, there were no differences in the slopes of the median frequency and torque, and y intercept of the median frequency among exercise angles. 2) There was no significant correlation between slope of median frequency and torque. 3) But there was moderate correlation between median frequency and torque at each exercise angle. In conclusion, the exercise angle during maximal isometric back extension exercise is not a direct effect on slope of median frequency and torque. But results showed that median frequency and torque shift were highly correlated in all subjects.

This study was designed to identify the effects of foot position on electromyographic (EMG) activity of the quadriceps femoris during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in standing. Twenty young adults who had not experienced any knee injuries were recruited. Their Q-angles were within a normal range. They were asked to stand in five different foot positions ( externally rotated, internally rotated, neutral, plantarflexed, and dorsiflexed foot position). The EMG activities of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) were recorded in standing by surface electrodes and normalized by MVC EMG values derived from manual muscle test. The normalized EMG activity levels (%MVC EMG) of muscles in the five foot positions were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. The EMG activity levels of the VL, RF, and VMO were the highest when foot was externally rotated. The EMG activity levels of the VL and RF were significantly different among the foot positions (p<.05). However, EMG activity levels of the VL, RF, VMO, and VMO/VL ratio did not show significant differences in each foot position (p> .05). The results suggest that the quadriceps femoris may be effectively activated by performing MVC at an externally rotated foot position. Therefore, the externally rotated foot position can be considered as an effective foot position for quadriceps femoris strengthening exercise. Further studies are needed to identify whether there are differences in the effects of foot position on muscle strength after MVC exercise of quadriceps femoris in standing.