Background: Shoes cover the feet and ankle joints and come into contact with the ground directly during walking, and the shape of shoes is related to the muscle tone of the lower extremity muscles. However, no study has been conducted on the muscle tone of the lower extremity after wearing combat boots. Objectives: To compare and analyze the effects of walking in combat boots and in athletic shoes on muscle tone and stiffness, to identifying the effect of the characteristics of shoes on the muscle tone. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty subjects were randomly divided into a combat boots group and an athletic shoes group, and interventions were implemented. Both groups walked for 30 minutes on a treadmill at 4.2 km/h. MyotonPRO was used to measure the muscle tone and stiffness of the lower extremity. The measuring sites were set to five muscles on both legs. Results: In the combat boots group, muscle tone and stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius on the dominant side, the muscle tone and stiffness of rectus femoris, and the muscle stiffness of hamstring on the non-dominant side significantly decreased after walking. In the athletic shoes group, there was no significant change in the muscle tone and stiffness. Conclusion: The results of this study can be used to inform the wearing combat boots while walking on a treadmill reduces the muscle tone and stiffness of the lower extremity compared to athletic shoes. It indicates that the restriction of joint movement occurring when wearing combat boots influences reducing muscle tone and stiffness.

서로 다른 감각 정보의 불일치가 가상현실 멀미를 유발하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 트레드밀 기반의 가상현실 보행을 통해 감각 정보 일치의 멀미 완화 효과를 검증하고 나아가서 가상현실에서의 광학 흐름(optic flow) 단서에 의한 시각적 속도감과 트레드밀 보행을 통한 보행 속도감의 불일치가 멀미 완화 효과에 미치는 영향을 검증 하였다. 실험1에서는 트레드밀 보행의 멀미 완화 효과를 검증하기 위해 HMD를 통해 앞으로 이동하는 가상현실 체험을 하면서 가만히 서 있을 때와 트레드밀 보행을 할 때의 멀미 수준을 비교하였다. 실험 결과 가상현실 속에서 이동을 하며 트레드밀 보행을 할 때 더 적은 멀미를 느끼고 실재감과 몰입감은 증가하였다. 실험2와 실험3에서는 가상현실 속에서 이동하는 속도에 대한 시각적 속도감과 트레드밀 보행의 속도감을 조작해 두 속도감이 일치할 때와 불일치할 때의 멀미 수준을 비교하였다. 흥미롭게도 참가자들은 시각적 속도감이 보행속도감보다 빠르게 느껴지는 불일치 조건에서 일치조건보다 더 낮은 멀미를 경험하였다. 이와 같은 실험결과는 가상현실 속에서 이동할 때 시각적 정보와 일관되게 트레드밀 보행을 하게 하는 것이 가상현실 멀미를 완화시키지만 속도감의 일치가 필수적인 것이 아님을 시사한다.

Background: Backward walking exercise may offer some unique and potentially beneficial differences compared with forward walking exercise. There is still a lack of research on backward walking exercises and forward head posture. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of backward walking exercise on college students forward head posture in their 20s. Methods: Twenty-one subjects participated in the experiment. The subjects were those with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of 55 degrees or less who understood the purpose and method of this study and voluntarily agreed. A camera capable of taking pictures of the lateral plane was installed at a distance of 1.5 meters before exercising. Pictures were taken before walking backward, and after walking for 15 minutes on the treadmill, the images were taken in the same way. The composition of the backward walking exercise was walking at a rate of 1.0 for 5 minutes, and the remaining 10 minutes were walking at a rate of 1.5. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare CVA and craniorotational angle (CRA) before and after exercise. Results: As a result of this study, there was a significant difference in CVA before and after exercise (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in CRA before and after exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The backward walking exercise and verbal command seems to have positively influenced the changes in CVA and CRA among college students in their 20s. It seems that studies to confirm balance or muscle activity as well as changes in forward head posture through the long-term intervention of the backward walking exercise should be conducted.

Background: Foot drop is a common symptom after stroke and causes walking disorders. Therefore, its proper treatment is important for improving the walking ability of patients with foot drop. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of electrostimulation during walking on the walking ability of patients with foot drop after stroke. Design: Quasi-experial study. Methods: The study enrolled 18 patients with foot drop after stroke. All subjects were assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent electric stimulation during walking, while the control group used ankle foot orthoses. Both groups received treatment 20 minutes a day 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed for walking and balance ability using the 10-m walking test (10MWT), 6-min walking test (6MWT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) Results: After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in 6MWT and TUG results. However, the experimental group showed significantly better improvement on all tests than the control group. Conclusion: The foot drop stimulator effectively improved the walking and balance ability of patients with foot drop after stroke.

Background: Walking is a complex activity. The main components of walking include balance, coordination, and symmetrical posture. The characteristics of walking patterns of stroke patients include slow walking, measured by gait cycle and walking speed. This is an important factor that reflects post-stroke quality of life and walking ability. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of deep lumbar muscle stabilization exercise on the spatiotemporal walking ability of stroke patients. Design: Quasi-experial study Methods: The experiment was conducted 5 times per week for 4 weeks, with 30 minutes per session, on 10 subjects in the experimental group who performed the deep lumbar muscle stabilization exercise and 10 subjects in the control group who performed a regular exercise. Variables that represent the spatiotemporal walking ability (step length, stride length, step rate, and walking speed) were measured using GAITRrite before and after the experiment and were analyzed. Results: There was a significant difference in the pre- and post-exercise spatiotemporal walking ability between the two groups (p<.05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the step rate and walking speed between the two groups (p<.05). Conclusions: Deep lumbar muscle stabilization exercise is effective in improving the walking ability of stroke patients. Therefore, its application will help improve the spatiotemporal walking ability of stroke patients.

본 연구는 퇴행성 무릎 관절염을 가진 노인여성을 대상으로 12주간의 노르딕 워킹을 통해 신체 기능과 관절염 통증 정도의 개선에 어떠한 효과를 미치는지 규명하는데 목적이 있다. 본 연구의 대상자는 퇴행성관절염으로 진단받은 노인여성 16명(나이: 73.00±3.70year, 신장: 154.30±4.07cm)을 대상으로 무선배정 된 노르딕 워킹 운동그룹(n=9)과 통제그룹(n=7)으로 나누었다. 운동 그룹은 노르딕 스틱을 이용하여 12주간 주 3회, 1회 30분 노르딕 워킹 운동을 실시하였고, 운동 강도는 HRR의 40-60%로 설정하였다. 통제그룹은 동일한 기간 동안 일상생활을 유지하도록 하였다. 종속변인으로 신체조성(체중, 체지방률, 근골격량)과 근력과 유연성(상·하지 근력, 상·하지 유연성), 균형능력(정적균 형, 동적균형) 및 통증정도를 측정하였다. 이러한 지표들의 측정은 운동프로그램을 진행하기 전과 후로 나누어 2번 측정하였다. 자료처리는 SPSS-PC version 25.0을 이용하여 실험집단과 통계집단간의 생리학적 특성 비교를 위해 독립표본 t-test를 사용하였으며, 노르딕 워킹 운동그룹과 통제그룹의 그룹 간, 시기간의 변화를 알아보기 위해 2x2 반복측정 이원배치분산분석을 사용하였다. 연구 결과는 첫째, 12주간의 노르딕 워킹을 통해 신체조성 기능에서 체지방률은 운동 처치 후에 감소하는 결과가 나타났으며(p=.004), 집단 간과 시기 간의 상호작용에서도 감소하는 결과가 나타났다(p=.003). 골격근량은 운동처치 후에 증가하는 결과가 나타났으며(p=.018), 집단 간과 시기 간의 상호작용에서도 증가하는 결과가 나타났다(p=.005). 둘째, 근력과 유연성은 상지근력과 하지유연성에서 집단 간과 시기 간 상호작용에서 증가하는 결과가 나타났으며(p=.009)(p=036), 하지근력에서는 운동집단과 통제집단 간 개선 효과가 나타났다(p=.006). 또한, 상지유연성은 운동처치 후에 증가하는 결과가 나타났다(p=.020). 셋째, 균형능력 요인은 정적균형에서 운동처치 후 개선 효과가 나타났으며(p=.016), 동적균형에서는 차이가 나타나지 않았다(p>.05). 넷째, 통증정도는 운동처치 후 개선 효과가 나타났으며(p=.022), 운동집단과 통제집단 간에 개선 효과도 나타났다(p=.013). 결론적으로 12주간의 노르딕 워킹은 퇴행성 무릎 관절염을 가진 노인여성의 신체조성과 근력과 유연성 에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 노르딕 워킹은 퇴행성 무릎 관절염을 가진 노인여성 에게 신체조성과 안정성, 균형성을 높여 주였으며, 무릎 관절의 통증을 낮춰주어 재활 운동 기능 개선에 효과적인 운동방법이라고 사료된다.

본 연구는 매력적인 정주여건을 조성하고, 도시의 활력을 증진시키고자 둘레길 및 보행환경을 적절히 평가하기 위해 필요한 평가요소를 도출하고 이를 이용하여 세종시에 조성된 도심둘레길 이용자를 대상으로 보행환경 요소별 만족도 비교 및 통계분석을 실시하였다. 이용자 만족도에 영향을 미치는 보행환경요소별 영향력을 도출하였는데 그 결과 세종시 도심둘레길에 대한 인식은 “잘 알고 있다”가 5.3%로 대다수 이용객들은 세종시의 도심둘레길에 대해 인지하지 못한 채 이용을 하고 있는 것으로 나타났고, 평균 소요시간은 30분-1시간이 44.7%로 가장 높게 나타났다. 도심둘레길 내에서도 구간별 이용이 활발한 곳과 활발하지 못한 곳이 구분되는 것으로 분석되었으며, 코스별 보행환경에 대한 만족도는 전반적으로 비슷하게 나타났으며, 전체적으로 편의성 요인이 각 코스별 만족도 평균보다 높게 나타났다. 이와 반대로 안전성 요인의 만족도가 낮은 것으로 나타났으며 청사 둘레길은 쾌적성 요인이 다른 두 코스보다 만족도가 낮게 나타났고, 장소성 요인은 높게 나타났다. 이는 다른 두 코스와는 다르게 상업지역 위주로 구성이 되어 있기 때문으로 분석되었다. 도심둘레길에 대한 보행환경 만족도에 대한 요인분석은 길의 상태, 시설만족도, 장소성, 길의 접근성, 특수 환경, 코스 외부요인, 안전성 총 7개의 요인으로 분석되었다.

Background : There is lack of studies on the effects of the bag-carrying style on the shoulder muscles and body alignment in adults with rounded shoulder posture (RSP). Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of various bag-carrying styles on muscle tone, muscle stiffness and spinal alignment in 20 adults with RSP as they were walking on a treadmill. Design : Crossover Study Design. Methods: A subject performed treadmill walking for 15 minutes at a speed of 4 ㎞/ｈ while carrying three different types of bags: a backpack, a cross bag, and a shoulder bag. Results : The results showed that the main effect of timing was observed in the muscle tone for all the variables and in muscle stiffness only for the upper and lower trapezius muscles. As for the main effect of timing, the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and the pectoralis major significantly increased in all conditions, while the muscle tone of the lower trapezius significantly decreased in all conditions. The muscle stiffness of the upper trapezius significantly increased in all conditions, while the muscle stiffness of the lower trapezius significantly decreased in all conditions. As for the spinal alignment, the dimple distance data values significantly decreased for the cross-bag style. Conclusions : This study demonstrated that walking with a heavy bag, regardless of the bag-carrying style, increased muscle stiffness around the shoulders in adults with rounded shoulder posture, and walking with a crossbag also induced changes in spinal alignment.

PURPOSES: This research analyzes how the distribution of users changes when roads that impede walking are transformed into a pedestrian friendly space. The scope of the areas that are benefiting is presented, and the results can be used as basic data for demand generation and as indicators of policy judgments used in economic analysis. METHODS: Using statistical models, the scope of park users was analyzed by park type and the distribution of park and eco-friendly space users was compared. Differences in the moving distance of users was compared by using ANOVA and T-test analysis, and the distribution of users was compared by Kdenicity and Cumulative distribution plots. RESULTS : Based on the cumulative 90 percent distribution, the user’s walking range is about 1.3 km in small-scale parks, 2.2 km in ecofriendly spaces and 3.8 km in the western highway. The Anyangcheon Waterfront Area currently has a pedestrian impact zone of about 1 km (the 10% utilization rate) and will increase to 3.8 km after the project. CONCLUSIONS : Pedestrian-friendly road projects can improve access to existing waterfront areas. The walking user’s range will be wider after completing the project and has a different range to existing parks in Seoul.

Background: High-heeled shoes can change spinal alignment and feet movement, which leads to muscle fatigue and discomfort in lumbopelvic region, legs, and feet while walking. Objects: This study aimed to identify the effects of different shoe heel heights on the walking velocity and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the lower leg muscles during short- and long-distance walking in young females. Methods: Fifteen young females were recruited in this study. The experiments were performed with the following two different shoe heel heights: 0 ㎝ and 7 ㎝. All participants underwent an electromyographic procedure to measure the activities and fatigue levels of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), rectus femoris (RF), and hamstring muscles with each heel height during both short- and long-distance walking. The walking velocities were measured using the short-distance (10-m walk) and long-distance (6-min walk) walking tests. Results: Significant interaction effects were found between heel height and walking distance conditions for the EMG activities and fatigue levels of TA and MG muscles, and walking velocity (p<.05). The walking velocity and activities of the TA, MG, and RF muscles appeared to be significantly different between the 0 ㎝ and 7 ㎝ heel heights during both short- and long-distance walking (p<.05). Significant difference in the fatigue level of the MG muscle were found between the 0 ㎝ and 7 ㎝ heel heights during long-distance walking. In addition, walking velocity and the fatigue level of the MG muscle at the 7 ㎝ heel height revealed significant differences in the comparison of short- and long-distance walking (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that higher shoe heel height leads to a decrease in the walking velocity and an increase in the activity and fatigue level of the lower leg muscles, particularly during long-distance walking.

Background: In previous studies, changes in postural alignment were found when the slope was changed during walking. Downhill walking straightens the trunk by shifting the line of gravity backward. Objects: This study investigated the effect of the downhill treadmill walking exercise (DTWE) on thoracic angle and thoracic erector spinae (TES) activation in subjects with thoracic kyphosis. Methods: A total of 20 subjects with thoracic kyphosis were recruited for this study. All the subjects performed the DTWE for 30 minutes. A surface EMG and 3D motion capture system were used to measure TES activation and thoracic angle before and after the DTWE. Paired t-tests were used to confirm the effect of the DTWE (p<.05). Results: Both the thoracic angle and TES activation had significantly increased after the DTWE compared to the baseline (p<.05). An increase in the thoracic angle indicates a decrease in kyphosis. Conclusion: The DTWE is effective for thoracic kyphosis patients as it decreases their kyphotic posture and increases the TES activation. Future longitudinal studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of the DTWE.

목적 : 본 연구는 보행이 가능한 편마비 장애인의 가정환경수정 중재 자료로 활용될 지침을 개발하고자 실시하였다. 연구방법 : 전문가 5명을 대상으로 델파이 연구를 시행하였다. 1차 조사는 모두 개방형 질문을 사용하여 실시하였고, 2차 조사는 1차 조사 결과와 선행 연구를 기본으로 하여 조사도구를 만들어 실시하였으며, 4점 척도의 폐쇄형 질문을 사용하였다. 3차 조사는 본인의 의견에 대해 수정할 수 있는 기회를 제공하였다. 결과 : 연구 결과 내용 타당도 지수(content validity index; CVI) 최소값 0.78점 미만 및 수렴도 0.50점 초과인 31개의 항목을 제외하고, 총 96개의 항목을 지침으로 선정하였다. 이는 각 항목의 내용을 요소로 나누었을 때, 기능적 지원성은 49개, 이동과 출입의 용이성은 34개, 접근성은 23개, 공간의 기능과 효율성은 9개로 나타났다. 결론 : 본 지침은 가정환경수정 중재를 실시할 때 필요한 구체적인 내용을 포함하고 있으므로, 지역사회작업치료에서 활용할 수 있을 것이다.

본 연구의 목적은 숲 환경을 이용한 산림치유 6대 요법 중 걷기, 경관 감상, 숲속 향기를 이용한 산림치유프로그램 체험활동이 독거노인의 인지기능, 우울, 삶의 질에 미치는 영향을 검증하기 위한 것이다. 연구대상은 삼척시에 거주하며 우울증과 건망이 심하다고 호소하는 독거노인 17명이 연구에 참여하였다. 이들은 각 두 집단으로 나뉘어 각 집단은 매 주 1회(총 6회기) 산림치유프로그램에 참여하여 설문조사를 하였다. 이들은 모두 인지기능, 우울, 삶의 질에서의 변화를 관찰하기 위해 한국형 간이 정신상태 검사(MMSE-K), BDI(Beck Depression Inventory 한국판), SF-36(Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire)에 대한 사전-사후(one-group pre-post test design) 설문지 검사를 받았다. 연구 결과 치유 프로그램 참여 후 응답자의 정신상태와 우울 수준 그리고 삶의 질이 모두 유의미하게 높아진 것으로 나타났다. 이 결과를 통해서 산림환경을 이용한 치유프로그램 활동 참여가 은둔형 독거노인에게 인지기능 향상과 우울 해소 그리고 삶의 질 개선에 도움이 됨을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 홀로 남겨져 외부활동을 기피하는 은둔형 독거노인을 대상으로 정기적인 산림치유 프로그램에 참여토록 유도할 경우 나이와 환경으로 인한 치매 예방에 기여할 것으로 생각한다.

Background: Stroke is one of the most common diseases responsible for physical disabilities. In addition to their physical and occupational therapy, the self-exercise programs were developed for patients with hemiplegia to increase the intensity of their therapeutic exercise. Objects: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a customized self-exercise program (CSP) to walking function on improving stroke survivors’ muscle strength and ambulation function. Method: To test the effect of the self-exercise program, the following tests were conducted: The functional ambulation category (FAC), Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment gait part (POMA-G), timed up and go (TUG), 10-meter walk, and 2-minute walk. The study included 161 consenting stroke patients (FAC score>1) from a randomized, screened sample of 217. The CSP group participated in a 30-minute CSP each day for 10 weeks in addition to completing a routine rehabilitation program. The control group received only a routine rehabilitation program. All the subjects were monitored by a therapist once a week and had to submit an exercise checklist at the end of each session. Result: The strength of the participants’ upper and lower extremity muscles showed no significant differences between the CSP group and the control group. The FAC score and POMA-G also showed no significant differences. However, there were significant differences in the TUG, 10-meter walk test, and 2-minute walk test (p<.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that a CSP may improve gait-related function in stroke survivors.

Regularly participating in physical activity is known to improve quality of life and body composition in elderly with stroke. However, comparatively less physical activity is performed by the stroke survivors. The factors related to inactivity in elderly female stroke survivors have not been elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to compare the quality of life factors and limb compositions between the active and inactive elderly female stroke survivors. Forty nine subjects between the ages of 65 to 75 years were selected from the KNHANES data between the years 2009 to 2011. In addition, 186 agematched healthy peers were also selected for limb composition comparisons. The subjects were groups based on walking days per week: walkers; 3 days or more, non-walkers; less than 3 days per week. BMI and waist circumference were within the obesity ranges for both the non-walkers and walkers. As results, the trend for greater fat (±10%) and lean mass (±30%) differences were observed for non-walker and walkers, respectively. Significantly greater reasons for function limitation by stroke and hypertension were reported with significantly greater self-care difficulty was shown by the walkers. In conclusion, elderly female stroke survivals may require customized motivation and continuous support to participate in physical activity regularly.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of somatotype on the VO2max and hormone (adrenaline and noradrenaline) during treadmill walking. Forty healthy men participated and were randomized to four groups: Male 1 (M1) group, Male 2 (M2) group, Male 3 (M3) group, and Male 4 (M4) group. M4 group is the largest body type, and M1 group is the smaller the body type. Participants walked at a speed of 3.5 km/h for five minutes at an incline angle of 0°, 5°, and 10° in the treadmill. Maximum oxygen consumption and hormone (adrenaline and noradrenaline) were measured. In the results, VO2max has significantly increased according to the degree of the treadmill inclination, and M4 group (larger body type) consumed more oxygen than the M1 group (smaller body type). In the hormone, there was a significant increase in adrenaline concentration after walking in all groups, and there was a significant difference in M1-M4, M2-M4 and M3-M4. The noradrenaline concentration significantly increased after treadmill gait in all groups, and there was no significant difference in noradrenaline between groups. This study suggests that the larger body type consumes more oxygen during walking, and treadmill walking contributes to an increase in the concentration of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

In this study, the effect of daily short-distance walking exercise on milk production and metabolic status of the lactating dairy cows was investigated. The experiment was conducted with 10 lactating dairy cows comprising 2 groups (5 dairy cows/group), which were walking activity and non-walking activity. The walking activity (WA) group lactating dairy cows walked outdoors for 1 km/d, and the non-walking activity (non-WA) lactating dairy cows were maintained within a cowshed from 18thApril to30th May. The activity volume of the neck was not significantly different between the groups, but the activity volume of the leg was higher in WA group compared with non-WA (p<0.05). The rectal temperature was higher in the WA group (38.6 ℃) compared with non-WA (38.2 ℃) (p<0.05). No significant differences in dietary NE intake, milk production and milk composition were found between the groups. The plasma cortisol concentration was higher in WA group (2.14 μg/dl) compared to non-WA (0.95 μg/dl) (p<0.05). However, plasma cortisol level of WA dairy cows was significantly decreased as compared with non-WA cows. On the contrary, the level of plasma melatonin was increased in WA cows than that of non-WA dairy cows. It may be interpreted as a change in physical fitness. From this study, we suggest that walking activity can be improved energy balance. Further investigation is needed to determine whether different combinations of distance, rate or doing in morning or afternoon will stimulate energy balance.