Background: To prevent or reduce the risk of strain injury, various approaches, including stretching techniques are currently being used. The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching on flexibility has been demonstrated; however, it is not clear which one is superior. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between the effects of PNF and static stretching performed at various intensities on muscle flexibility. Methods: The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hamstrings using the PNF stretching technique was performed in the P100 group, while 70% of the MVIC was performed in the P70 group. The MVIC value obtained during the PNF stretching in both groups was used as a reference for setting the intensity of static stretching. Static stretching was performed at 130% (S130), 100% (S100), and 70% of the MVIC (S70). The active knee extension (AKE) values, defined as the knee flexion angle were measured before stretching (baseline), immediately after stretching (post), and at 3 minutes, 6 minutes, and 15 minutes. Results: PNF stretching produce a greater improvement in flexibility compared with static stretching. Specifically, the ΔAKE was significantly higher in the S100 and S70 groups than in the P100 group at Post. In the comparison of ΔAKE over time in each group, the ΔAKE at Post showed a significant decrease compared to the value at Baseline in the S130 group; however, no significant difference was observed at 6 minutes while a significant increase was noted at 15 minutes. Conclusion: This study found that PNF stretching is more effective than static stretching with respect to increasing and maintaining the flexibility of muscles. In addition, the increase in flexibility at maximal intensity was similar to that observed at submaximal intensity during both PNF and static stretching.

Background: Many studies have reported positive results of the various mirror training and virtual reality games in improving dynamic standing balance and posture adjustment in chronic stroke patients. However, no systematic study has been conducted to compare the effects of virtual reality games and the mirror balance training. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Wii balance games and Mirror Self- Balancing Exercises in improving proprioception of knee joint and standing balance of people with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a Wii balance games group and a Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises group with 10 patients in each group. Each training was performed for 30 mins a day for 4 days. In addition to the balance training, 30 mins neuro-developmental-treatment based routine physical therapy was given to both groups. Proprioception was measured using two continuous passive motion devices, and static balance was measured using a Wii balance board. Dynamic balance assessment tools included the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and Timed Up-and-Go test. Results: All measured variables before and after the experimental results showed a significant improvement in both groups (p<.05). Only the improvement of the affected knee proprioception appeared to be significantly greater in the Wii balance game group (p<.05). However, other variables did not differ between the groups (p>.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both Wii balance games and Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises may be helpful for improving the proprioception of knee joint and the balance of patients with chronic stroke.

목 적: Maindot 검사의 외안근의 고유수용감각 수준 평가의 적합성 유무를 알아보고자 한다. 방 법: 평균나이 15.48(±3.23)세, 교정시력이 0.9 이상이고 양안시 및 조절기능이 정상인 14명의 정위 안(남 8명, 여 6명)과 교정시력과 조절기능은 정상이나 원, 근거리 편위량이 10PD를 초과하고, 시기능훈련 을 10주간 성실히 수행한 훈련자 19명의 간헐성 외사시안(남 11명, 여 8명)을 대상으로 훈련 전, 종료직후 및 종료 후 6, 12개월 간의 타각 및 자각증상 그리고 고안한 Maindot 검사를 실시하였다. 결 과: Maindot 검사와 자각증상의 상관관계 분석에 있어 고유수용감각 능력이 높을수록 자각증상(복시) 은 감소되는 경향을 나타내었으며(p<0.001), 타각검사값의 상관관계 분석에서 양안시 고유수용감각 능력이 향상될수록 편위량은 줄고, PRC의 복시점은 증가되는 경향을 나타내어 상관관계가 있음을 검정하였다 (p<0.001). 결 론: 운동 및 자각증상과 상관성을 가지는 양안시 고유수용감각능력검사인 Maindot 검사는 시기능 훈련 성공유무 판단 및 예후 그리고 자각증상 예측에 있어 검사자에게 매우 유용한 정보를 제공하리라 생각된다.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar stabilization training and additional thoracic mobilization on pain, proprioception and static balance in patients with chronic low back pain. The subjects of this study were 48 chronic low back pain patients who were randomly allocated to an experimental group 1 (n1=16, lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization, thoracic hypomobility), experimental group 2 (n2=16, lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization, thoracic normal mobility), and a control group (n3=16, lumbar stabilization, thoracic hypomobility) after a thoracic mobility test. Both experimental groups underwent lumbar stabilization training and additional thoracic mobilization. The control group underwent only lumbar stabilization training. The intervention was performed 3 times per week, 30 minutes each time, for a total of 6 weeks. Thoraco-lumbar joint reposition error was measured using an electrogoniometer and static balance ability was measured using the Tetrax posture analysis system. Subjects’ pain level was measured using a 100 ㎜ visual analogue scale. Statistical analyses were performed using a one-way analysis of variance and a paired t-test. Post-hoc testing was carried out with a Bonferroni test. The pain level was significantly lower in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Both experimental groups showed significant reductions in joint reposition error angle (flexion, extension, and side bending) compared to the control group. The static balance level was significantly lower in both experimental groups than in the control group. In summary, lumbar stabilization exercises and additional thoracic mobilization significantly improved the pain level, proprioception, and static balance in patients with chronic low back pain.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differentiation of proprioception, invertor and evertor muscle strength, and time to peak torque at a velocity of 300 °/sec of the ankle joint in people with or without functional ankle instability (FAI). Nineteen subjects with a history of ankle sprain participated. All subjects were divided into FAI group (n1=9, Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT)≤24) and a control group (n2=10) based on their CAIT scores. Isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the sense of active joint position of the ankle at mid-range and end-range of an inversion motion and invertor as well as the evertor muscle strength and time to peak torque at 300 °/s. The FAI group showed a statistically reduction in invertor and evertor muscle strength and time to peak torque when compared to the control group (p<.05). Muscle strength and time to peak torque of the invertor and evertor, as well as the sense of active joint position at end-range were also lower in the FAI group than in the control (p<.05). Correlations between CAIT score and position sense at end-range (r=-.577) and invertor muscle strength (r=.554) were statistically significant (p<.05). Individuals with FAI showed reduction in invertor and evertor muscle strength and recruitment time as well as in proprioception of the ankle joint. Thus, proprioception and invertor and evertor muscle strength of the ankle joint at fast angular velocity may be investigated when examining and planning care for individuals with FAI.

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of a horse riding simulator and galvanic vestibular stimulation on improving the ability to balance posture and proprioception. Thirty healthy adults participated and were randomly assigned to a horse riding simulator group (=10), galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) group (=10), control group (=10). Experiment groups were trained 3 times per week over 6 weeks. The ability to balance posture was measured by force plate and proprioception was measured by Joint position sense. The following results were obtained. the changes of balance index were significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time in 0, 3 and 6 weeks (p<.05). All groups showed the most decreasing pattern compared with the control group. But was not statistically significant. Proprioception was significant interaction in each group in accordance with the experiment time (p<.05). All groups showed the most decreasing pattern compared with the control group. The above results indicated that the 6 weeks horse riding simulator and galvanic vestibular stimulation training demonstrated positive effects in the ability to balance posture and proprioception. These results suggest that the horse riding simulator and galvanic vestibular stimulation training could be therapeutic intervention that can improve balance and postural control.

목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 첫째, 체성감각 수용기의 활성화인 마찰에 의한 통증 입력이 고유수용성 감각에 미치는 영 향을 알아보고 둘째, 작업수행 기술 수준에 따른 작업수행 요인 중 하나인 고유수용성 감각의 변화를 규명하는 것 이다. 연구방법 : 실험군으로 1년 간 작업 실습에 참가한 제철 산업 전공 남자 대학생 22명과 대조군으로 일반 남자 대학 생 22명을 선정하였고. 3차원 동작분석 장비 Winarm을 이용하여 주관절 굴곡 신전, 수근관절 굴곡 신전 시 관절 위치 오차를 측정하여 고유수용성 감각 정도를 구하였다. 이 후 빗질을 이용하여 마찰 통증을 발현하였고 고유수 용성 감각을 재측정하였다. 수집된 자료는 계산식을 이용하여 오차의 평균을 산출한 뒤 통계분석 하였다. 결과 : 주관절 굴곡, 신전과 수근관절 굴곡, 신전 시 실험군과 대조군 모두 마찰에 의한 통증 입력 이후 자세 위치 오 차가 증가하였다(p<.05). 실험군과 대조군의 자세 위치 오차의 전후 차이를 비교한 결과 주관절의 y축 오차에서만 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타났고 (p<.05) 다른 변인들은 모두 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 결론 : 체성 감각인 통증의 증가는 위치조절에 필요한 고유수용성 감각 활성을 감소시키고 통증 발현 시 작업수행 기술 수준과는 상관없이 고유수용성감각 감소는 일정한 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 산업재해 예방을 위해서는 통증 을 감소시키고 고유수용성 감각을 증가시키는 프로그램이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of visual information and different elevations of medially wedged insoles on the proprioceptive sense of the knee joint. The subjects of this study were 16 able-bodied men who were not athletic. An electrogoniometer was used to determine the error value between calculated 50% of full flexion (target position) and performed 50% of full flexion in a standing position with the upper extremities crossed. Tests were randomly performed in conditions. Visual variations included open eyes vs. closed eyes, while the elevation was adjusted through the use (or lack thereof) of medially wedged insoles of 10 mm, 14 mm, and 18 mm. The average error value in each condition was statistically analyzed. The findings of this study revealed as follows: 1) The average error value was significantly higher with the subjects' eyes open than with their eyes closed (p<.05). 2) The averaged error value was also significantly higher when the subjects were elevated 18 mm than with no elevation at all (p<.05). The findings of this study should be considered in lower extremity rehabilitation programs when medially wedged insoles used.

This study is aimed at investigating the influence of different quantitative knowledge of results on the measurement error during lumbar proprioceptive sensation training. Twenty-eight healthy adult men participated and subjects were randomly assigned into four different feedback groups(100% relative frequency with an angle feedback, 50% relative frequency with an angle feedback, 100% relative frequency with a length feedback, 50% relative frequency with a length feedback). An electrogoniometer was used to determine performance error in an angle, and the Schober test with measurement tape was used to determine performance error in a length. Each subject was asked to maintain an upright position with both eyes closed and both upper limbs stabilized on their pelvis. Lumbar vertebrae flexion was maintained at for three seconds. Different verbal knowledge of results was provided in four groups. After lumbar flexion was performed, knowledge of results was offered immediately. The resting period between the sessions per block was five seconds. Training consisted of 6 blocks, 10 sessions per one block, with a resting period of one minute. A resting period of five minutes was provided between 3 blocks and 4 blocks. A retention test was performed between 10 minutes and 24 hours later following the training block without providing knowledge of results. To determine the training effects, a two-way analysis of variance and a one-way analysis of variance were used with SPSS Ver. 10.0. A level of significance was set at .05. A significant block effect was shown for the acquisition phase (p<.05), and a significant feedback effect was shown in the immediate retention phase (p>.05). There was a significant feedback effect in the delayed retention phase (p<.05), and a significant block effect in the first acquisition phase and the last retention phase (p<.05). In conclusion, it is determined that a 50% relative frequency with a length feedback is the most efficient feedback among different feedback types.

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.

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.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ‘knowledge of results’ on wrist proprioceptive training in three persons with poststroke hemiplegia who had no unilateral spatial neglect on MVPT and had adequate cognition on MMSE-K. A single subject design with multiple baseline across individuals was employed. Each subject participated daily in the 10-15 minutes' wrist proprioceptive training for the affected wrist with ‘knowledge of results’ which informed the subjects of their wrist position verbally or visually as feedback. The proprioception was measured as average frequency and percentage of the correct responses on the wrist proprioceptive test in the affected side using apparatus of researcher’s own design and SoloSystem. The measurements were repeated three times; baseline, immediately, and 30 minutes after the training. The results were as follow: 1.　During the baseline period, the number of average correct responses in three subjects were: S1 7.20(36.00%), S2 7.25(36.25%), and S3 10.58(52.92%) respectively. 2.　Immediately after the training, the number of average correct responses in three subjects were: S1 14.07(69.67%), S2 12.83(64.17%), and S3 15.63 (78.13%) respectively. 3. Thirty minutes after the training, the number of average correct responses in three subjects were: S1 15.53(77.67%), S2 14.25(71.25%), S3 6.38(81.88%) respectively. 4. All the three subjects showed more correct responses in wrist proprioceptive tests at wrist flexion 60°and extension 60°during both the baseline and the training period. They also showed the highest improvement of correct response at neutral wrist position. These results indicated that ‘knowledge of results’ had positive effects on improving and maintaining the wrist proprioception of affected wrists in persons with poststroke hemiplegia. Effect of such improvement on the functional aspect of stroke-affected upper extremity remains to be evaluated in the later study.

본 연구는 건강인에 있어서 발의 세 가지 조건하에서 경사침대를 세울 때 완전히 섰다고 인지하는 각도를 측정하여 스폰지가 고유수용성 감각 변화에 미치는 효과를 알아보는 것이다. 34명의 지원자(남자 15명, 여자 19명)를 대상으로 하였다. 대상자의 연령 범위는 20세에서 31세(평균 세)이었다. 실험 대상자는 3일에 걸쳐 무작위 방법에 의한 세 가지 조건 중 하루에 한 가지씩 실험하였다. 실험 과정은 6단계로 나뉘었다. 실험 기구는 전동 경사침대를 이용