This study aimed to determine the usefulness of classifying patients with neck pain on the basis of the results of passive scapular elevation test. We classified 21 patients with neck pain into positive (n=12) and negative (n=9) groups on the basis of passive scapular elevation test; the 2 groups then equally performed scapular stabilization exercise program for 30 min, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and range of motion (ROM) were recorded both before and after the intervention for both groups. Paired t-test was used to determine that there were significant changes between before and after the intervention, and independent t-test was used for analyzing changes between two groups of dependent variables. After 4 weeks of training, we observed significant decrease in pain and disability (p<.05) and a significant increase in rotation, flexion, extension, and side-bending ROM (p<.05) in both groups. Further, between pre- and post-intervention evaluations, we observed a significant decrease in pain and disability and a significant increase in rotation and flexion ROM in the positive group than in the negative group (p<.05). These results indicate that passive scapular elevation test may be used to identify mechanical disorders of the cervicoscapular muscle in patients with neck pain. Therefore, we recommend the use of passive scapular elevation test to determine appropriate treatment intervention when treating patients with neck pain.

The lower trapezius muscle is an important stabilizer and primary mover of the scapula. The potential use of ultrasound imaging to evaluate scapular muscle function warrants investigation. The purpose of this study is to use ultrasound imaging for determining the effectiveness of 4 different isometric exercises for maximally activating the lower trapezius muscles in healthy subjects. Twenty-eight (14 men and 14 women) volunteers were recruited for this study. Thickness measurements of the lower trapezius muscles were recorded during 4 exercises: latissimus pulldown (LP), prone V-raise (PV), prone row (PR), and modified prone cobra (MP). Lower trapezius muscle thickness was measured 3 times by 2 investigators at a point 3 cm lateral to the lateral edge of the T8 spinous process. The order of 4 exercise execution was randomized for each participant. To identify statistical significance, one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used with the significance level of .05. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for intra-reliability was .86~.98 and inter-rater reliability .83~.96 for the lower trapezius, respectively (p<.01). Thickness changes in the lower trapezius muscles between the relaxed and contracted states in men were as follows: LP (, 182%), MP (, 167%), PV (, 149%), and PR (, 133%). In women the values were as follows: LP (, 163%), MP (, 131%), PV (, 129%), and PR ( mm, 100%). Thickness of the lower trapezius muscles significantly differed between exercises in both the gender (p<.01). The LP was the most effective exercise for increasing the activation of the lower trapezius muscle in both the gender. We recommend performing the LP exercise for strengthening the lower trapezius muscles.

This study aimed to identify the asymmetry observed in the electromyography (EMG) activity patterns of selected trunk and thigh muscles between the affected and unaffected sides during the sit-to-stand movement in ambulatory patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. This study included 20 patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. The differences between stroke fast walkers (, 11 subjects) and stroke slow walkers (<8 m/s, 9 subjects) were compared. The activation magnitude and onset time of the multifidus, lumbar erector spinae, hamstrings, and quadriceps during the sit-to-stand movement were recorded through surface EMG. Moreover, the EMG activation magnitude and onset time ratios of each bilateral corresponding muscle from the trunk and leg were measured by dividing the relevant values of the unaffected side by those of the affected side. In all the subjects, the activation magnitudes of the multifidus, hamstring, and quadriceps on the affected side significantly decreased compared to those on the unaffected side (p<.05). The onset time of muscle activity in the affected side was markedly delayed for the multifidus and quadriceps during the task (p<.05). The activation magnitude ratios of the quadriceps were markedly decreased in the stroke slow walkers as compared to those in the stroke fast walkers. These findings indicate that the asymmetry in the multifidus, hamstring, and quadriceps muscle activation patterns in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis may be due to the excessive muscle activation in the unaffected side to compensate for the weakened muscle activity in the affected side. Our findings may provide researchers and clinicians with information that can be useful in rehabilitation therapy.

본 연구에서는 한글을 디자인 요소로 활용하기 위하여 객관적인 정보를 제공하려는 목표를 가지고 있다. 연구의 세부 목표는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 사람들이 한글 글꼴을 분류할 때 어떤 기준으로 평가를 하는지 알아본다. 둘째, 사람들은 어떤 한글 글꼴을 선호하는지 알아보고, 선호하는 한글 글꼴의 조형적 특징을 파악한다. 첫 번째 목표를 밝히기 위해 요인 분석을 실시한 결과, 사람들은 한글을 평가할 때 크게 4가지의 기준으로 평가한다는 것을 알 수 있었다. 사람들은 한글 글꼴을 정교한, 깔끔한, 신뢰감 가는, 편안한, 차분한, 친근한, 운치 있는 이미지의 「정갈한」 요인, 부드러운, 약한, 여성적인, 산뜻한 이미지의 「유연한」 요인, 미래적인, 진보적인 이미지의 「사이버」 요인, 소박한 이미지의 「소박한」 요인의 순서로 평가하였다. 두 번째 목표를 밝히기 위해 선호도 분석을 실시한 결과, 응답자가 선호하는 한글 글꼴은 예쁜, 친근한, 세련된, 부드러운, 정교한, 시원스러운, 깔끔한 이미지를 가지고 있었다. 선호 글꼴을 결정하는 가장 중요한 요인은 친숙성이라고 할 수 있었다. 응답자들이 선호하는 한글 글꼴의 조형적 특징은, 네모꼴이고, 쉐리프가 없으며, 중간 정도의 굵기로, 중심선의 변화도 없고, 기울기 변화도 없으며, 모서리가 둥근 편이었다. 조형요소가 극단적으로 치우친 독특하고 강한 이미지의 글꼴은 선호되지 않았다.