The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects postural changes on respiratory muscles and acoustic parameters of the children with spastic cerebral palsy. Nine children with spastic cerebral palsy who required assistance when walking were selected. The ages of the children ranged from 6 to 9 years old. The phonation of the sustained vowel /a/ and the voice qualities of each child such as fundamental frequency(F0; Hz), pitch variation (Jitter; %), amplitude variation (Shimmer; %) and noise to harmonic ratio (NHR) were analyzed by Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP). The muscle activity of three major respiratory muscles: pectoralis major muscle, upper trapezius muscle and rectus abdorminalis muscle, were measured by examining the root mean square (RMS) of the surface EMG to investigate the impact of changes in the adjusted sitting posture of each subject. However, the RMS of pectoralis major muscle showed a significant differences (p<.05). Secondly, there were no significant differences in , Jitter and Shimmer between pre and post posture change, but there was a significant difference in NHR (p<.05). The data were collected in each individual; once prior and once after the sitting posture change. The data were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed ranks-test using SPSS version 14.0 for Windows. The findings of this study were as follows; Firstly, the RMS of upper trapezius and rectus abdorminalis muscle were not significant different between pre and post sitting posture changes. From the result, it is concluded that changes in the adjusted sitting posture decreases the abnormal respiratory patterns in the children with spastic cerebral palsy which is characterized by the hyperactivity of the respiratory muscles in breathing. Also, there is increased on the voice qualities in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Anticipatory postural adjustments is an example of the ability of the central nervous system to predict the consequence of the mechanical effect of movement on posture and helps minimize a forth coming disturbance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sequence of activation of the trunk muscles during the performance of hip and shoulder movement and to determine the relationship between anticipatory activity and subjects' motor and functional status in subjects with hemiplegia post stroke. Twenty-four poststroke hemiparetic patients enrolled in this study. Electromyographic activity of the lumbar erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, and of the obliquus internus muscles was recorded bilaterally during flexion of both arm and from the rectus abdominis, obliquus externus, and obliquus internus muscles during flexion of both hip. Onset latencies of trunk muscles were partially delayed in the subjects with hemiplegia post stroke (p<.05). With upper limb flexion, the onset of erector spinae muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle activity preceded the onset of deltoid on both side respectively (p<.05). A similar sequence of activation occurred with lower limb flexion. Also the onset of external oblique muscle and rectus abdominis muscle activity preceded the onset of rectus femoris muscle on both side (p<.05). Major impairments in the activity of trunk muscles in hemiparetic subjects were manifested in delayed onset between activation of pertinent muscular pairs. These problems were associated with motor and functional deficits and warrant specific consideration during physical rehabilitation of post stroke hemiparetic patients.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of bridging stabilization exercises on trunk muscles activity on and off a Swiss ball. 20 healthy university students volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were required to complete following four exercises: exercise 1, single bridging exercise; exercise 2, feet on ball bridging exercise; exercise 3, calf on ball bridging exercise; exercise 4, back on ball bridging exercise. Surface electromyography from selected trunk muscles was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. A repeated measures of ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni's correction was used to determine the influence of exercise type on muscle activity for each muscle and descriptive statistics was used to determine local/global muscle ratios. The rectus abdominis of exercise 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than rectus abdominis of exercise 1, 2, 3 (p<.05). The external oblique of exercise 2, 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than external oblique of exercise 1 (p<.05). The internal oblique of exercise 2, 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than internal oblique of exercise 1 (p<.05). The erector spinae of exercise 2, 3, 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than erector spinae of exercise 1 (p<.05). Median of internal oblique/rectus abdominis ratio of exercise 1 was 1.16, exercise 2 was 2.43, exercise 3 was 2.45, exercise and 4 was 1.27. Median of internal oblique/external oblique ratio of exercise 1 was 1.01, exercise 2 was .91, exercise 3 was .99, and exercise 4 was .93. Muscle activity can be influenced by addition of a Swiss ball in bridging exercises. It is recommend to use a Swiss ball for trunk stabilization exercise.

The objective of this study was to compare the differences on the activity and power of the wrist flexors and extensors in subjects before the use of a wrist extension splint, after nighttime wearing of the splint, and after daytime wearing of the splint. Ten healthy male and ten healthy female students (mean: 22.4±1.2 years old) volunteered to wear custom-made wrist splints either during the night or during the day, The hand force of the wrist flexor and extensor, and grip force were measured by PowerTrack II and Dynatron, respectively. At the same time, the activities of the wrist flexor and extensor were recorded by' surface electromyography. The maximal hand force and motor unit recruitment of the flexor carpi ulnatis (FCU) increased significantly (p<.05) when tile subjects wore the wrist splints during the daytime, but the maximal hand power of the FCU decreased with nighttime use of the splints. The maximal hand power and motor unit recruitment of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and the ECR/FCU ratio decreased both during nighttime and daytime use. The decrement of the ECR/FCU ratio was significant (p<.05). Wearing a wrist extension splint during nighttime led to the maintenance of a lengthened position of the wrist flexor, resulting in the wrist flexor becoming weak. Wearing a wrist extension splint during the day induced the wrist flexors to be greater. In healthy people, the imbalance between the wrist flexors and extensors may be caused by the use of a wrist extension splint. This study indicates that therapists have to consider whether a splint will be effective, as well as the wearing time, when prescribing splints to people with problems of the musculoskeletal system.

This study aimed to examine whether McConnell taping for deltoid inhibition affects the Electromyographic (EMG) activity of shoulder girdle muscles during arm elevation. Ten young healthy men were randomly assigned to an experimental and control groups of five men each. For the experimental group, we performed taping for deltoid inhibition on the skin over anterior and posterior deltoids with non-elastic specific tape, and sham-taping with non-elastic under-tape for the control group. Surface EMG measurements were performed three times (before, during and after the tapings) at upper and lower trapezius, mid-deltoid, and serratus anterior muscles while elevating dominant aim with loading and unloading conditions. In deltoid inhibition taping group, there were significant differences in EMG activity of mid-deltoid (p<.05) and serratus anterior (p<.05) muscles during arm elevation with loading. During arm elevation without loading, the EMG activity was significantly decreased for MD in the McConnell taping group (p<.05). The findings indicate that deltoid inhibition taping can modify the activation patterns in shoulder girdle muscles as well as in deltoid muscle. in clinical setting. it may be effectively used for the management of patients with shoulder dysfunction.

The purposes of this study were to compare core muscle activities with and without the use of Pilates resistive equipment during bridging exercises and to investigate the efficacy of a Pilates device. Fourteen healthy individuals (6 males, 8 females) between 20 to 26 years of age were examined. They were engaged in a bridging exercise with and without a magic circle. Three consecutive repetitions of each exercise were performed. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure the electrical activities of the right side internal oblique, the adductor longus, the multifidus, and the gluteus maximus muscles. Normalized EMG activities were compared using a paired t-test and the level of significance was set at =.05. The results showed that the EMG activities of the internal oblique (p=.0078), the adductor longus (p=.0007), and the gluteus maximus (p=.0001) muscles were significantly higher when using the magic circle during the Pilates bridging exercise. Also, statistically significant change existed in the multifidus muscle (p=.0106). The bridging exercise, combined with hip adduction using the magic circle, may enhance core stabilization. Therefore, using a magic circle during hip adduction combined with bridging exercise may be recommended usefully for individuals wanting to strength the core muscles. Further research is needed to access the nature of motor control of the Pilates mat exercises and to deliver exercise intervention for lower back pain patients.

To improve abdominal muscles strengthening, double straight leg lowering (DSLL) has been widely used in physical therapy, fitness program, and athletic program. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the lumbar stabilization maneuver with a pressure biofeedback unit on the muscle activity of rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) during DSLL. Fourteen healthy young men were recruited from university population. The electromyography (EMG) activity was recorded from the RA, EO, and IO of both sides. The normalized EMG activity was compared using a paired t-test. The study showed that EMG activity in the RA, EO, and IO was significantly higher during DSLL with lumbar stabilization (DSLL-LS) compared to performed DSLL (p<.05). These results suggest that DSLL-LS is recommended as an effective method for strengthening exercise for the abdominal muscles.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of slump sitting postures on the masticatory, neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). Eleven healthy adults (age, 23.3±2.7 yrs; height, 174.0±4.1 ㎝; weight, 61.4±6.6 ㎏) participated in this study. The participants were free of injury history and neurologic deficits in the masticatory, neck muscles and upper extremities at the time of participation. The subjects were asked to perform erect and slump sitting postures under the guidance of physical therapists. The surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the anterior temporalis, masseter, upper trapezius, serratus anterior, middle trapezius, L3 paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, gluteus maximus muscles of 11 adults as they performed visual terminal display work, which are known as the weakened and tightened muscles owing to WRMD. The recorded signals were averaged and normalized to the mean amplitude of the EMG signal obtained during submaximal reference voluntary contractions. The results of study were as follows: The masseter, upper trapezius, serratus anterior, middle trapezius, L3 paraspinal, external abdominal oblique muscles significantly differed in the slump sitting posture (p<.05). The muscle activities of the serratus anterior, middle trapezius muscle, and external abdominal oblique were significantly lower and that of the masseter, upper trapezius, L3 paraspinal muscles were significantly higher. Further research is needed to assess the motor control problems and the function of the deep muscles in posture stability of patients with WRMD.

Ischemic stroke results from a transient or permanent reduction in cerebral blood flow that is restricted to the territory of a major brain artery. Thus, this study was performed to examine (1) the effects of swimming exercise on the improvement of muscle atrophy, and (2) exercise and HSP 70 expression in an ischemic stroke model induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The results of this study were as follows: One week after ischemic stroke was induced, changes appeared in the muscle weight of the gastrocnemius muscle due to muscle atrophy in the affected side. Group II showed statistically significant difference from group III eight weeks after ischemic stroke was induced. (p<.05). One week and eight weeks after ischemic stroke was induced there was significant decrease in the relative muscle weight of the gastrocnemius muscle in each group except Group IV, while there was statistically significant increase in group II eight weeks after ischemic stroke was induced, compared to group III (p<.05). For neurologic exercise behavior tests, Group II generally had the highest score, compared to other groups. In immunohistochemical observations, Group II showed a decrease in HSP 70. The above results suggest that swimming exercise improved muscle atrophy, changed the HSP 70 expression of ischemic stroke in rats, and contributed to the improvement of exercise function.

This study was designed to identify the effect of various decline boards and postures of lower extremities on surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of knee muscles during isometric single-leg decline squat exercises. The subjects were twenty young male adults who had not experienced any knee injury and their Q-angles were within a normal range. They were asked to perform single-leg decline squat exercises in five various conditions. The EMG activities of the gluteus maximus (GM), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VMO), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles were recorded in five various single-leg decline squat exercises by surface electrodes and normalized by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) values. The normalized EMG activity levels were compared using one-way ANOVA with repeated measures. The results of this study were as follows: 1) Exercises 2 and 4 produced significantly greater EMG activity of VMO than did exercise 1 (<.05/10), 2) The VMO/VL ratio of EMG activity of exercise 4 was the highest, producing a significantly greater ratio than exercise 1 (<.05/10). These results show that single-leg lateral oblique decline squat exercise is the best exercise for selective strengthening of VMO, and the posture of the contralateral leg does also affect strengthening of VMO, but we'll need to research patellofemoral joint compression for clinical application of single-leg lateral oblique decline squat exercises.

목적 : 연하곤란이 있는 환자에게 목에 붙이는 전극을 통하여 전기자극을 주는 신경근 전기자극 치료의 안전성과 치료효과를 알아보기 위함이다. 연구방법 : 연하곤란 증상이 있는 10명을 대상으로 2주일 동안 1주일에 5번, 하루에 한 시간씩 신경근 전기자극 치료를 하였다. 전기자극 치료 시작 전․후에 비디오 투시조영연하검사로 환자가 흡입 없이 삼킬 수 있는 음식물의 형태를 근거로 삼킴 기능 점수를 최소 0점에서 최고 6점까지 주었으며 삼킴 기능에 관련된 임상증상을 치료 전과 치료 후로 평가하여서 Wilcoxon 부호 순위검증으로 비교 분석하였다. 결과 : 삼킴 기능 점수는 1.6점에서 4.4점으로 유의하게 증가되었으며(p＜0.05), 환자의 90%에서 삼킴 기능이 증가하였다. 또한 삼킴 기능에 관련된 구토반사, 기침반사, 혀의 운동성, 후두 편위가 신경근 전기자극 치료 전에 비하여 치료 후에 유의하게 회복하였다. 결론 : 신경근 전기자극 치료는 목의 삼킴 기능에 관련하는 근육을 활성화시키는 것뿐만 아니라 삼킴 기능에 영양을 미치는 임상적 증상의 회복에도 도움이 되므로 연하곤란을 치료하기 위한 신경근 전기자극 치료는 안전하고 효과적인 것으로 입증되었다.

To compare the effects of forward walking and backward walking on surface electromyographic analysis of quadriceps muscles at treadmill grades of 0%, 5% and 10%, subjects were randomized to eleven athletics (5 females, 6 males), with a mean age of 17.8 years, and a SD of 4.66 years. The values of the surface electromyographic (SEMG) activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) were measured during forward walking and backward walking on a treadmill at grades of 0, 5 and 10%. The subjects walked for approximately 10 seconds at 4.0 km/h. The data were analyzed by repeated measuring of the two-way ANOVA and analyzed by a paired t-test between forward walking and backward walking. The SEMG activity levels of the RF, VL and VMO were the highest when both the forward walking and backward walking increased incrementally for treadmill grades of 0% to 10%, but the VMO/VL ratio had no significant changes. The SEMG activity levels of the RF, VL and VMO were significantly different between directions. However, SEMG activity levels of the RF, VL, VMO and VMO/VL ratio did not show significant difference among the treadmill grades. No statistically significant interactions were detected between the direction of walking and treadmill grade. Backward walking on the treadmill at 4 km/h and grades of 0%, 5%, 10% elicited a greater SEMG activity on the quadriceps muscles than did forward walking under the same conditions. The results suggest that the quadriceps may be effectively activated by performance at treadmill grades of 10%. This investigation confirms that backward walking up an incline may place additional muscular demands on individuals.

Many muscles of the trunk and hip are capable of contributing to the stabilization and protection of the lumbar spine. To have optimal effectiveness, a training program should include dynamic back/stomach/hip exercises. This study was designed to assess the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscle activities during various low back stabilization exercises. Participants were 26 healthy adults (13 males, 13 Females), aged 21 to 28 years. The surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscles. The recorded signal was averaged and normalized to the maximal electromyographic amplitude obtained during the maximal voluntary contraction. The measurements were taken during 3 low back stabilization exercises. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to examine the difference, and a post hoc test was performed with least significant difference. A level of significance was set at p<.05. The significance of difference between men and women, and between the electromyographic recording sites was evaluated by an independent t-test. The EMG activity for the externus oblique and gluteus maximus muscles had significant differences among 3 exercises (p<.05). In males, the EMG activity for the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased differences during exercises 1 and exercise 2 (p<.05). The gluteus maximus muscle had significantly increased differences during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). In females, the multifidus muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05), the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 1 (p<.05). and the gluteus maximus muscle had significantly decreased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05). The results were that the external abdominal oblique muscle was apparently activated during the curl-up exercise in females and males, and the multifidus muscle was apparently activated during the bridging exercise in females and during the sling exercise in males and females.1)In comparison of the %MVC between males and females, exercise 2 and exercise 3 apparently activated of the multifidus and gluteus maximus muscles in both males and females (p<.05). The EMG activity of the gluteus maximus muscle of the males significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). The EMG activity the multifidus muscle of the females was significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). More research is needed to understand the nature of motor control problems in the deep muscles in patients with low back pain.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation and characteristics between electromyographic (EMG) activities of lower leg muscles and the posturographic assessment of static balance control in normal adults. Twenty-four young, healthy adults(12 males, 12 females) participated in the study. Center of pressure (COP) parameters were obtained using force platform as total path distance, total sway area, X mean frequency and Y mean frequency for 20 seconds in the following conditions: (1) comfortable standing with eyes opened or closed, (2) uncomfortable standing (feet together) with eyes opened or closed, (3) virtual moving surround delivered using Head mount display (HMD) with four different moving patterns. The virtual moving patterns consisted of close-far, superior-inferior tilting (pitch), right-left tilting (roll), and horizontal rotation (yaw) movements. Surface electromyographic activites were recorded on the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius muscles under each condition. Correlation between the posturographic measures and EMG activities were evaluated. Total path distance and total sway area of COP were significantly increased during uncomfortable standing. EMG activity of tibialis anterior was significantly more during uncomfortable standing and virtual moving surround stimulation than during comfortable standing. Total path distance and sway area of COP during comfortable standing with closed eyes showed significant positive correlation with the EMG activities of the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle. Total path distances and total sway area of COP during muscle. Total path distances and total sway area of COP during presentation of virtual moving surround also had significant positive correlations with EMG activities of the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle under close-far movement.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of backrests of varying degrees (, , ) on three abdominal muscles (upper rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique) and back extensor activation during lower extremity exercise. The three different conditions during bilateral knee extention exercise were: (1) leaning on a chair with a backrest, (2) leaning on a chair with a backrest, (3) leaning on a chair with a backrest. Fifteen healthy muscle subjects (mean age=24.2 years [SD=2.96], mean height=175.6 cm [SD=7.46], mean weight=69.1 kg [SD=7.36]) with no history of neuromusculoskeletal disease voluntarily participated in this study. Electromyography was used to collect muscle activation, and the muscle activation was expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Repeated one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the statistical significance. The results were as follows: (1) upper rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique activation measured significantly lower. (2) measured significantly lower when lower degree.

Back extension exercises have been used for rehabilitation of the injured low back, prevention of injury, and fitness training programs. However, excessive loading on low back can exacerbate existing structural weakness. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activity of low back muscles during back extension exercises. Twenty healthy male subject s were evaluated. Electromyographic (EMG) activities of low back muscles at L1 and L5 level were recorded during seven different back extension exercises and two reference tasks by surface EMG and saved for data analysis. Reference tasks of lifting 20% and 40% of their body weight were included for comparison. The result were as follows: 1) Single-arm extension and single-leg extension exercises on quadruped position appeared to constitute a low-risk exercise for initial extensor strengthening. 2) When arm extension was combined with contralateral leg extension on quadruped position, EMG activities of low back muscles were increased. 3) EMG activity of low back muscles was highest during the trunk extension exercises on prone position. 4) EMG activities of low back muscles during arm and leg extension exercises on quadruped position were less than those of reference task of lifting 40% of their body weight. These result s have important implications for progressive back extensor muscle strengthening exercises in patients with back pain.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mild-intensity exercise training on the denervated muscle atrophy in the sciatic nerve injured rat. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (250~300 g) were randomly assigned into three groups; sham-denervated group (n=8), denervated group (n=8), and denervated-exercised group (n=20). Exercise consisted of treadmill running at 20 m/min speed with 0% grade for 30 min/day. The animals were decapitated at the second and sixth weeks postcrush. Soleus and medial gastrocnemius were immediately excised to be weighed. Type I and II fibers of the muscles were differentiated by m-ATPase (pH 9.4) stain, and fiber diameters were evaluated. The results were as follows: 1) The weight of the soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles showed a tendency to increase in both the denervation-exercised groups compared to the denervated group. 2) In the 2-week denervation-exercised group, type II fiber diameter of soleus and type I fiber diameter of medial gastrocnemius were increased significantly compared to the denervated control group. 3) In the 6-week denervated-exercised group, type I fiber diameter of soleus and type II fiber diameter of medial gastrocnemius were hypertrophied significantly compared to sham-denervated group. The results of this study suggested that treadmill exercise partially prevented denervation atrophy in the soleus and medial gastrocnemius of the rat.