Background: For performing various movements well, cooperation between the muscles around the scapula and shoulder has been emphasized. Taping has been widely used clinically as a helpful adjunct to other physiotherapy methods for shoulder pathology and dysfunction treatment. Previous studies have evaluated the effect of taping techniques using dynamic tapes on shoulder function and pain. However, no study investigated the electromyographic (EMG) changes in the shoulder muscles. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the upper limb offload taping technique using a dynamic tape on EMG activities of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius, serratus anterior (SA), and middle deltoid (MD) muscles during scaption plane elevation. Methods: A total of 26 healthy subjects (19.85 ± 6.40 years, male = 20) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were instructed to perform scaption elevation with and without dynamic taping on the shoulder. Shoulder elevation strength tests were performed at 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%, for the maximal isometric contraction force. Results: There were statistically significant interaction effects between the taping application and shoulder scaption elevation force in EMG activities in the UT (p < 0.05) and MD (p < 0.05). EMG activities in the UT showed significant increases in 50%RVC (reference voluntary contraction, p < 0.05) and 25%RVC (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the EMG activity of the SA significantly increased in 50%RVC (p < 0.01) and 25%RVC (p < 0.01) after dynamic taping. For the MD, the EMG activity level significantly decreased in 100%RVC (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicated that upper limb offload dynamic taping application affects the muscle activities of some shoulder muscles depending on different scaption elevation strength levels. Therefore, we suggest that the upper limb offload dynamic taping can be applied to the shoulders when patients need middle deltoid inhibition or upper trapezius facilitation, such as patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of squat exercises with an upper limb resistance movement on the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, and gluteus maximus. This study recruited 16 healthy men. All subjects performed squat exercises with and without upper Limb resistance movements by using elastic tubing band. Electromyography (EMG) activity of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, and gluteus maximus was recorded using a surface EMG system during these isometric squat exercises in both experimental conditions. The different muscle activation of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, and gluteus maximus between the squat exercises with and without the upper limb resistance movement was analyzed using a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test. Our findings showed that the vastus medialis oblique, vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis ratio and gluteus maximus muscle activity was significantly increased during the squat exercise with upper limb resistance movements, as compared to the squat exercise without this component (p < .05). Based on our findings, the additional upper limb resistance movement may be a useful strategy to facilitate the vastus medialis oblique and gluteus maximus muscle activation during a squat exercise.

Background: Methods for exercising serratus anterior (SA) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles are important for the recovery of patients with various shoulder disorders, yet the efficacy of closed or open kinetic chain exercises have not yet been evaluated. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the activation of the SA and UT muscles during scapular protraction considering both closed and open kinetic chain exercises. Methods: Thirty subjects were randomly divided into experimental groups (closed kinetic chain exercise) and control groups (open kinetic chain exercise) in which scapular protraction was performed at 90° or 125° shoulder flexion. Electromyographic activity data were collected from the SA and UT muscles per position and exercise method. Results: Separate mixed 2-way analysis of variance showed significant differences in the activation of the SA (F1,28=6.447, p=.017) and the UT (F1,28=35.450, p=.001) muscles between the groups at 90° and 125° shoulder flexion. Also, the SA/UT ratio measures at 90° and 125° shoulder flexion significantly differed between the groups (F1,28=15.457, p=.001). That is, the closed chain exercise was more effective than open chain exercise for strengthening the SA muscle and controlling the UT muscle, 125° of shoulder joint was more effective than 90°. Conclusion: The findings suggest that scapular protraction with shoulder 125° flexion at the closed kinetic chain exercise may be more effective in increasing SA muscle activation and decreasing UT muscle activation as well as increasing the SA/UT ratio than open kinetic chain exercise.

Background: Prone hip extension (PHE) can be performed to measure the lumbopelvic motor patterns and motions. Imbalances in lumbopelvic muscle activity and muscle weakness can result in instability including pain in lumbopelvic region. The posterior oblique sling (POS) muscles contribute to dynamic lumbopelvic stability. In addition, POS are anatomically aligned with the trapezius muscle group according to shoulder positions. Objects: This study compared the electromyography (EMG) activity of POS and pelvic compensations during PHE with and without pre-activation of lower trapezius muscle (lowT). Methods: Sixteen healthy males were recruited. PHE was performed in randomized order: PHE with and without lowT pre-activation. Surface EMG signals were recorded for biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM) (ipsilateral), lumbar multifidus (MF) (bilateral), and the lowT (contralateral). An electromagnetic tracking motion analysis was used to measure the angle of pelvic rotation and anterior tilting. Results: The ipsilateral GM and bilateral MF EMG amplitudes were greater during PHE with lowT pre-activation compared to PHE without lowT pre-activation (p<.05). The BF amplitude during PHE without lowT pre-activation was significantly greater than that during PHE with lowT pre-activation (p<.05). The angles of pelvic rotation and anterior tilting during PHE with lowT pre-activation were significantly smaller compared to PHE without lowT pre-activation (p<.05). Conclusion: PHE with lowT pre-activation, which is aligned with the POS, showed more increased MF and GM muscular activity with smaller lumbopelvic compensations in rotation and anterior tilting compared to PHE without lowT pre-activation.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) on the suprahyoid muscle activation and swallowing function of stroke patients.Methods : This study randomly assigned 21 stroke patients to an experimental group and a control group. Four-week EMST was performed at resistance of 70% of the maximum expiratory pressure with the experimental group and at resistance of 20% of that with the control group. Evaluation was conducted using surface Electromyographic (sEMG), Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS), and Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) based on Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS).Results : There was a statistically significant difference in the activation of the suprahyoid muscles using sEMG of the experimental group (p<.05) while there was no significant difference in that of the control group. Both group showed significant difference in the pharyngeal phase of VDS and PAS. Also in the comparison of variation in VDS and PAS before and after the intervention, there were statistically.Conclusion : Finding from this study confirmed that EMST applied 70% maximum expiratory resistance would be a remedial method which could help activate pharyngeal dysphagia patients’ suprahyoid muscles and improve swallowing function.

목적:본 연구는 저항 운동으로 8주간 적용된 혀-유지 메뉴버 프로그램이 삼킴 근육의 활성도에 미치는 영향을 측정하고자 하였다. 연구방법:2012년 1월부터 3월까지 건강한 성인 27명을 대상으로 실험군과 대조군으로 나누어 혀-유지 메뉴버를 8주간 적용하였다. 실험군은 혀-유지 메뉴버를 하루 3회, 20분씩 수행하였으며 대조군은 혀-유지 메뉴버가 아닌 일반 삼킴을 하루 3회, 20분씩 적용하였다. 8주간의 실험 효과는 삼킴에 주로 관여하는 설골상근(suprahyoid muscle)과 설골하근(infrahyoid muscle)에 대한 표면근전도 및 시각적 비율 척도(Visual Analog Scale; VAS)를 통하여 측정되었다.결과:각 그룹별 훈련 전·후 비교 결과 실험군은 설골상근(suprahyoid muscle)과 설골하근(infrahyoid muscle) 모두에서 근 활성도가 통계학적으로 유의하게 나타났으나 대조군은 통계학적으로 유의하지 않은 변화를 보였다. VAS 값의 훈련 전·후 비교에서도 실험군은 유의한 차이를 보였으나 대조군은 통계학적으로 유의하지 않았다. 결론:건강한 성인을 대상으로 8주간의 저항 운동으로서 혀-유지 메뉴버를 적용하였을 때, 삼킴근육의 근활성도의 변화와 VAS 값의 변화를 일으킨다는 것을 알 수 있었다. 향후 연구에서는 삼킴장애를 가진 환자들을 대상으로 직접적인 관리 하에 8주간의 혀-유지 메뉴버 저항 운동 프로그램 적용의 효과를 검증한다면, 혀-유지 메뉴버를 교정적 접근법으로 적용할 수 있다는 명확한 이론적 근거가 될 것이다.

목적 : 본 연구는 건강한 성인들을 대상으로 삼킴 시 음식물의 점도 및 양을 객관적으로 측정하고, 단계적으로 점도와 양을 증가시킬 때 나타나는 삼킴근육의 근활성 변화를 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : D광역시 ○○대학교에 재학중인 건강한 성인 40명(남 20명, 여 20명)을 대상으로 surfaceElectromyographic(sEMG)를 사용하여 음식물의 점도와 양에 따른 삼킴 시의 목뿔위근육과 목뿔아래근육의 활성크기를 측정하고, 음식물의 점도와 양의 변화 시 삼킴에 따른 노력의 정도를 객관화된 수치로 나타내고자Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)을 사용하였다. 결과 : 음식물의 점도가 높아질수록 목뿔위근육의 근활성도가 높아지는 것을 알 수 있었으며, 음식물의 양이 많아질수록 목뿔위근육과 목뿔아래근육의 근활성도가 높아지는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 본 연구를 통해 임상에서 구강 내 조절 및 인두기 삼킴 반사가 저하된 환자들을 대상으로 연하의 식이를 결정할 때 점도의 정도와 양을 고려한 식이 추천에 도움을 줄 수 있을 것이다. 또한 음식물의 삼킴 시 목뿔위근육과 목뿔아래근육에 요구되는 근활성도를 추측하는데 도움이 될 것이다.

This study aimed to investigate whether isometric lower limb exercise can activate contralateral trunk muscles and whether the magnitude of muscle activation is related to lower limb movement in sitting. This study included 25 healthy young subjects (20 males and 5 females). The magnitude of trunk muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography (EMG) during hip flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction, and a significant difference was observed in the activation levels of trunk muscles among the tests (p<.01). The EMG activity of the multifidus (MF) and erector spinae (ES) muscles on the contralateral side were significantly greater during hip extension. However, the activation levels of the contralateral internal oblique (IO) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles were greatest during hip flexion. The MF : ES EMG ratio was significantly greater during hip isometric during hip isometric flexion and abduction compared to hip extension and adduction. There was no significantly difference in the IO : RA ratio during the isometric contractions toward different directions. These findings indicate that isometric lower limb exercise can elicit trunk muscle contraction on the contralateral side and may therefore be helped for developing contralateral trunk muscle strength in individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

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.

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects on fine motor, muscle strength (hand-grip), explosive muscular strength (vertical jump) and muscular endurance (sit-up) after ingesting coffee. Hence this study targeted a sample group of 38 healthy men in their twenties, without cardiac disorders and muscle disorders and none of them were hypersensitive to caffeine with symptoms such as palpitation and dyspnea. Nineteen of them ingested coffee, whereas the other nineteen men ingested decaffeinated coffee at the same amount. The amount of coffee was controlled by weight so as to regulate intake to 6 mg caffeine per kg. Research material was evaluated through O'Conner's finger dexterity test, hand-grip strength test, vertical jump test and sit-up test. The data were analyzed by means of paired t-test and ANCOVA. The material was then, analyzed by means of two-way ANOVA in order to verify the effect of one or two cups of coffee on fine motor and hand-grip strength. All parameters were measured by an independent observer. The results were as follows: There were no significant differences to fine motor, hand-grip strength, vertical jump, sit-up before and after drinking decaffeinated coffee, but there was a difference to those before and after drinking caffeine coffee. There was no significant difference to hand dexterity and hand-grip strength in one or two cups of coffee. Intake of a certain dosage of caffeine effects activation of muscles working in a short period based on the results. As a consequence, intake of certain dosages of caffeine was beneficial to enhance efficiency of activity during exercises, but it is will be difficult to obtain the desired result with only one or two cups of coffee.

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.

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 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.