Background: The Nordic hamstring exercise is a closed-chain exercise that effectively activates all lower extremity muscles, but there is a lack of consideration of ankle joint which affects exercise effectiveness. One of the major advantages of the Nordic exercise have been known as strengthening lower extremity extensors. This manifests the exercise increases activities of the ankle plantar flexors as well as hip extensors. Objectives: To investigated the impacts of changes in ankle position on the lower extremity musculature and subjective difficulties during the Nordic hip extension exercise. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty the healthy male participants participated in this study. Participants perform three variations of the Nordic exercises including three ankle positions. Each Nordic exercise was defined as ankle position (neutral, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion). During the Nordic exercise, erector spine (ES), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), gastrocnemius (GCM) activities and subjective difficulties (Borg RPE score) were measured. Results: Muscular activities of the biceps femoris and gastrocnemius were significantly different among the three ankle conditions, which showed controversial results (P<.05). The biceps femoris activity was significantly higher with the dorsiflexion condition, compared to the others (P<.05). On the other hand, activity of the gastrocnemius was significantly higher with the plantarflexion position compared to the others (P<.05). Conclusion: Present study suggests the ankle positional changes could affect lower muscular activities during the Nordic exercise. Although it is difficult to affirm the causes due to limited data, selective activation of the biceps femoris might accomplish with ankle dorsi flexion and that of the gastrocnemius might accomplish with the ankle plantarflexion during the Nordic exercises.

Background: Ankle sprains occur frequently among humans who undertake various body movements. Diverse walking environments and dual tasks, that can affect ankle sprains, have been studied. However, there is a lack of research on inter-trial variability according to the changes in gait speed. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the adaptive ability of walking between the subjects with chronic ankle instability and healthy adults while performing a walking task with different walking speeds. Methods: In this study, 24 people in the chronic ankle instability group and 24 people in the healthy ankle group were selected as subjects. The length of the pre-measurement and the actual walking measurement were both set to 4.6 m. Once the subjects entered the measurement section, they changed their gait speed according to the randomly assigned speed change. Gait was measured twice and the average value was used for the analysis. Results: The coefficient of variation (CV) of cycle time in subjects with chronic ankle instability showed a significant difference in all cases except when the subjects changed their speed from preferred to slow and from slow to preferred. The CV of step length demonstrated a significant difference in all cases except for the change from slow to preferred and from preferred to fast. The cycle time and step length differential showed a significant difference only when the subjects changed the speed from slow to fast. Conclusion: The subjects with chronic ankle instability were found to have significantly reduced walking adaptability while performing inter-trial variability tasks with different gait speeds compared to healthy subjects.

Background: The range of motion (ROM) and balance ability of the ankle joint affect the stability of the ankle and prevent injuries or hurts from falling. In the clinical tests conducted recently, the floss band is widely used to enhance the range of joint motion and exercise performance, and there are many studies that have applied it to ankle joint increasing dorsi flexion (DF) angle. Objects: This study compared the effects on the range of ankle motion and static/dynamic balance ability of the ankle through three conditions (before floss band intervention, after floss band intervention, and after active exercise intervention) for adults. Methods: One intervention between floss band and active exercise was applied randomly and another intervention was applied the next day. After each intervention, the ROM of the ankle joints and the static balance was checked by measuring conducting one leg test. And the dynamic balance was checked by conducting a Y-balance test. Results: In the case of DF, the range of joint motion showed a significant increase after floss band intervention compared to before floss band intervention (p < 0.05). Static balance ability showed a significant increase after the intervention of floss band and active exercise compared to before the intervention of floss band (p < 0.05). The dynamic balance ability showed a significant increase after the intervention of the floss band compared to before intervention of the floss band and after active exercise intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on these results, it was confirmed that the application of floss band to the ankle joint increases DF and improves the static and dynamic balance ability. Based on this fact, we propose the application of a floss band as an intervention method to improve the ROM of the ankle joint and improve the stability of the ankle in clinical field.

Background: During postural control, older adults are more dependent on proprioception than are young adults. Ankle proprioception, which plays an important role in maintaining postural balance, decreases with age. Published studies are insufficient to establish a significant age difference in postural sway resulting from the known age-related decrease in ankle proprioception and do not examine various detailed test conditions. Objects: The present study aimed to compare ankle proprioception between older and younger groups along dimensions of position vs. force proprioception and dorsiflexion vs. plantarflexion. The present study also aimed to compare postural sway between young and older women during quiet standing under two sensory conditions. Methods: We recruited seven young women aged 21–24 and seven older women aged 60–63. Ankle proprioception was assessed as the accuracy of the joint position sense (JPS) and the force sense (FS). Postural sway was assessed using center-of-pressure measurements recorded during quiet standing under two sensory positions: eyes open and eyes closed with head tilted back. Results: Older women had lower JPS in dorsiflexion and lower FS in plantarflexion than did younger women. We found no significant age differences in JPS in plantarflexion or in FS in dorsiflexion. We observed a main effect of group on postural sway in two sway parameters out of three. We observed significant differences in JPS with dorsiflexion, and in FS with plantarflexion. Conclusion: Proprioception for ankle plantar flexor decreased more significantly with aging than did that for ankle dorsiflexor, accounting for the impaired postural balance observed in older women.

Background: Patients with stroke may show impaired balance due to the limited range of motion of the ankle resulting from abnormal soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint. Changes in the viscoelasticity of soft tissues and decreased mobility of the ankle impair the balance and lead to problems in the daily life of patients with stroke. Joint mobilization and stretching are effective methods of improving balance by increasing the viscoelasticity of soft tissues and range of motion of the ankle. Objectives: To effects of ankle joint mobilization and calf muscle stretching on balance in patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 20 patients with stroke were randomly assigned into two groups. The joint mobilization group (JMG) underwent anteroposterior joint mobilization of the talocrural joint, while the stretching group (SG) received calf muscle stretching. Functional reach test (FRT), berg balance scale (BBS), and timed up and go test (TUG) were used to assess balance. Results: The FRT, BBS, and TUG results significantly improved in the JMG and SG after invention (P<.05). However, the improvements were greater in the JMG group than those in the SG group (P<.05). Conclusion: Joint mobilization was an effective intervention to improve soft tissue performance and range of motion of the ankle, thereby improving balance in patients with stroke.

Background: Postural control deficit is a major characteristic in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Elastic ankle tapings are commonly used to facilitate postural control in patients with CAI as well as prevent relapse of a lateral ankle sprain. However, equivocal evidence exists concerning the effect of elastic ankle taping on postural control. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of elastic ankle tapings using kinesio taping (KT) and dynamic taping (DT) on static and dynamic postural control in patients with CAI. Methods: Fifteen subjects with CAI were participated in this study. The participants performed tests under three conditions (barefoot, KT, and DT). Static postural control was evaluated using the one-leg standing test (OLST) and dynamic postural control using the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare center of pressure (CoP) data and normalized mSEBT reach distances among the three conditions (with α = 0.05). Results: The CoP parameters (path length, ellipse area, and mean velocity) of the OLST significantly decreased on applying KT and DT compared with those when barefoot. The normalized reach distances in the anteromedial (AM), medial (M), and posteromedial (PM) directions of the mSEBT significantly increased with DT compared to that in the control condition. Further, the higher reach distances with KT compared with those in the control condition were obtained in the M and PM directions of the mSEBT. No significant differences were identified in any of the OLST and SEBT parameters between the two different taping applications. Conclusion: KT and DT improved static postural control during the OLST compared with the control condition. Moreover, these tapes improved dynamic postural control during the mSEBT compared to the control. Therefore, elastic ankle tapings are useful prophylactic devices for the prevention and treatment of ankle sprain in people with CAI.

본 연구는 외발 착지 시 신체적 특성 요인들인 발목 유연성, 성별, Q-angle이 발목 관절 상해 요인들에 미치는 영향을 분석하는데 목적이 있었다. 이를 위해 오른발을 주발로 사용하고 체육을 전공하는 20대 남성 16명(나이: 20.19±1.78 years, 체중: 69.54±10.12 kg, 신장: 173.22±4.43 cm), 여성 16명(나이: 21.05±1.53 years, 체중: 61.75±6.97 kg, 신장: 159.34±4.56 cm)을 연구대상자로 선정하였다. 외발 착지 시 신체적 특성 요인들이 발목 관절 상해에 미치는 영향을 확인하기 위하여 첫째, 발목 상해 경험에 따른 하지 관절 움직임과 관절 모멘트의 독립 t-test를 실시하였다(α = .05). 둘째, t-test를 통하여 유의한 차이를 나타낸 변인을 종속변인으로 설정하고 발목 유연성, 성별의 차이, Q-angle을 독립변인으로 지정하여 선형다중회귀분석(Multiple Linear Regression)을 사용하였다(α = .05). 본 연구결과 발목 관절 상해를 경험한 그룹은 상해를 경험하지 않은 그룹과는 다르게 발목 관절의 내전, 무릎 관절의 내측 회전을 통한 착지 전략과 기술을 사용하는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 이러한 움직임은 발목 관절의 신전 모멘트를 증가시키고, 엉덩 관절의 신전 모멘트는 감소시키는 것으로 확인되었다. 특히 발목의 배측굴곡 유연성은 발목과 무릎의 착지전략에 영향을 미치며, 성별의 차이는 발목의 신전 모멘트에 영향을 미치는 것을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 외발 착지 시 신체적 특성 요인들이 발목 관절 상해에 영향을 미치는 요인들임을 확인 할 수 있었다.

본 연구의 목적은 딥 스쿼트 동작 시 발목 관절 유연성이 무릎 관절의 운동역학적 요인들간의 관련성을 분석하는데 있었다. 본 연구는 최근 1년간 하지 근골격계 병력이 없는 성인 남성 19명과 여성 8명이 연구대상자로 참여하였다. 딥 스쿼드 시 발목 관절 유연성과 하지 관절의 운동역학적 요인들과 상관관계를 검증하기 위해 pearson의 적률상관계수(pearson’s correlation coefficient)를 이용하였고(SPSS 24.0, Armonk, NY, USA), 통계적으로 유의미한 상관성을 나타낸 변인들은 단순회기분석(simple regression analysis)을 실시하였으며, 유의 수준은 .05로 설정하였다. 본 연구를 통해 발목 관절 유연성과 무릎 관절의 압력을 결정하는 최대 관절모멘트와 관절반발력 요인들 간의 관련성을 확인할 수 있었다. 그러므로 근력 트레이닝 시 딥 스쿼트와 같은 무릎 관절에 많은 부하를 발생시킬 수 있는 운동을 적용할 때 개인에 신체적 특성 중 발목 관절의 유연성의 정도를 확인하는 것은 신체의 안정성과 무릎 관절의 상해 위험성을 감소시킬 수 있는 운동 강도를 설정하는데 도움이 될 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.

본 연구의 목적은 유도 허벅다리걸기 기술 발휘 시 발목 관절의 테이핑 처치가 하지 관절과 압 력중심(COP, center of pressure)에 미치는 영향을 분석하는데 있었다. 대학 유도 선수 20명(연령, 20.9±0.8세; 신장, 168.6±7.4cm; 체중, 73.5±11.6kg; 신체질량지수, 25.7±2.6kg/m2)이 참여하였으며, 발목 관절 테이핑 처치 전과 후의 2가지 조건에서 허벅다리걸기 기술 발휘 시 지지다리 관절의 각도와 압 력중심 요인을 분석하여 다음의 결과를 도출하였다. E2(t=2.411, p=.027) E4(t=2.388, p=.029)시점에서 발목 관절의 각도는 테이핑 처지 전에 비해 처치 후 발목의 각도가 통계적으로 적은 수치를 나타내었고, E2(t=-2.343, p=.032) E3(t=-4.531, p=.000)시점에서 힙 관절의 각도는 통계적으로 크게 나타났다. 그리 고 발목 관절 테이핑 처치 후 좌·우의 COP 이동은 상대를 메치는 P3 국면에서 통계적으로 크게 나타났으 며(t=2.670, p=.016), 전·후의 COP 이동은 상대의 무게 중심을 기울이는 P1 국면에서 통계적으로 적은 수 치를 나타내었다(t=2.846, p=.011). 그러므로 허벅다리걸기를 특기로 사용하는 유도 선수들은 발목 관절 테이핑으로 인해 발생하는 지지관절의 운동 기능과 COP의 이동범위를 고려하여 사용하는 것에 대하여 제 안하고자 한다.

Background: Measurement of passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM) is often part of a physical therapy assessment. Objects: The objective of this study was to identify the effects of subtalar joint neutral position (SJNP) on passive ADROM according to knee position in young adults. Methods: We recruited 14 young adult participants for this study. Two examiners used a universal goniometer to measure passive ADROM with and without SJNP. Dorsiflexion force was applied to the forefoot until maximum resistance was reached in two knee positions (extension and 90˚ flexion) in the prone position. Subtalar joint position was also recorded at maximum ADROM. Passive ADROM was measured three times at different knee and subtalar joint positions, in random order. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the effects of subtalar joint and knee position on passive ADROM. Results: Passive ADROM was significantly lower with than without SJNP during both knee extension (mean difference: 7.4˚) and 90˚ flexion (mean difference: 16.9˚) (p<.01). Passive ADROM was significantly higher during 90˚ knee flexion than during knee extension both with (mean difference: 5.8˚) and without SJNP (mean difference: 15.2˚) (p<.01). The valgus position of the subtalar joint was significantly lower with than without SJNP during both knee extension (mean difference: 3.3˚) and 90˚ flexion (mean difference: 4.3˚) (p<.01). Conclusion: Our results indicate that the gastrocnemius may limit ankle dorsiflexion more than the soleus does. Greater dorsiflexion at the subtalar and midtarsal joints was observed during passive ADROM measurement without than that with SJNP; therefore, SJNP should be maintained for accurate measurement of ADROM.

The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in balance and proprioception of adults with limited ankle joint dorsiflexion, after the application of talocrural joint mobilization. The subjects of this study included 23 college students in their twenties with limited ankle joint dorsiflexion. The students were randomly assigned to the ankle joint mobilization group (AJMG, n=12) and the control group (CG, n=11). After 2 weeks of intervention using grade III talocrural joint mobilization in the anterior-posterior movement, the balance and proprioception of the subjects were assessed. Static/dynamic balance capabilities and ankle proprioception were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. The dynamic balance and proprioception of AJMG were significantly improved after intervention (p<.05), In the comparison between the groups after the intervention, the dynamic balance and proprioceptive sense of AJMG were significantly improved compared to the control group (p<.05). This study suggests that AJMG can help improve the dynamic balance and proprioception.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercise and joint mobilization on ankle joint range of motion (ROM), plantar pressure, and balance in subjects with stroke. Thirty patients (n=30) were organized into three groups, each of which received different treatments: PNF stretching (n=10), joint mobilization (n=10), and joint mobilization and PNF stretching combined (n=10). Each group received three exercise sessions per week for four weeks. The ankle ROM was measured using a goniometer, and plantar pressure and balance ability were measured using BioResque static posturography. In comparison within each group, the joint mobilization group and the joint mobilization with PNF stretching group showed significant improvements in ankle ROM, plantar pressure, and balance ability (p<.05). In comparison between the groups, a statistically significant difference was found in SECS change between the PNF stretching group, joint mobilization group and the joint mobilization with PNF stretching group. This study found demonstrates that the joint mobilization and joint mobilization with the PNF stretching methods were effective in improving ankle ROM, plantar pressure, and balance ability in stroke patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined wedge on the range of motion in ankle and knee joint, ankle eversion moment and knee adduction moment, and center of pressure excursion of foot for genu varus among adult men during gait. This study was carried out with 10 adult men for genu varus in a motion analysis laboratory in J university. The subjects of the experiment were measured above 5cm width between the knees on contact of both medial malleolus of ankle while standing. The width of their knees in neutral position was measured without the inversion or eversion of the subtalar joint by the investigator. The subjects of the experiment were ten who were conducted randomly for standard insole, insole with 10° lateral on rear foot wedge, insole at 10°lateral on rear foot and 5° medial on fore foot wedge. Before and after intervention, changes on the range of motion in ankle and knee joint, ankle eversion moment and knee adduction moment, and center of pressure excursion were measured. In order to compare analyses among groups; repeated one-way ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc test were used. As a result, combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to control wedge group in terms of knee varus angle in mid-stance(p<.05). Combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to lateral wedge group in terms of ankle eversion moment in whole stance(p<.05). Combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to lateral wedge group in terms of knee adduction moment in whole stance(p<.05). Combined wedge group was significantly decreased compared to lateral wedge in terms of center of pressure excursion in whole stance(p<.05). The results of this study suggest that combined wedge for genu varus decreased ankle eversion moment and knee adduction moment upon center of pressure excursion. We hypothesize that combined wedge may also be effective in the protection excessive ankle pronation.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of FES and ankle mobilization on the ankle motion and the quality of gait of chronic hemiplegic patients with limited ankle joint motions. As research subjects, 24 chronic hemiplegic patients who could walk independently, regardless of assistive aids, were selected. Then, 8 subjects received mobilization randomly and 8 subjects received FES and 8 subjects received mobilization and FES, at the same time. The dorsiflexion PROM significantly increased in the group of mobilization therapy, mobilization and FES all together(p<.01). There were statistically significant differences among the three groups(p<.01). The 10m walking test significantly decreased in the group of mobilization therapy, mobilization and FES all together(p<.05). There were statistically significant differences among the three groups(p<.01). The gait velocity significantly increased in the group of mobilization therapy, FES therapy, mobilization and FES all together(p<.05). There were statistically significant differences among the three groups(p<.01). The stride length significantly increased in the group of mobilization therapy, mobilization and FES all together(p<.05). There were statistically significant differences among the three groups(p<.05). In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that rather than only using one treatment technique, applying mobilization and FES together brings a more satisfactory result to hemiplegic patients with limited ankle joint motions.

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.

This study aims to examine the effects of taping of the ankle joint on the static and dynamic balance and gait ability of stroke patients. Twenty-six stroke patients receiving physical therapy at a hospital located in Gyeonggi-do were divided equally into a group that had taping in physical therapy and an ordinary physical therapy group. They exercised for 30 minutes each, 3 times per week for 8 weeks from June to August 2011. Romberg’s eye open and eye closed tests, limits of stability(LOS), forward and back test, timed up and go test(TUG) and 10-meter gait velocity test were performed to evaluate static balance, dynamic balance, and gait ability, respectively, prior to and 8 weeks after the intervention. Differences within each group in relation to the lapse of time were compared by a paired t-test. Differences between the two groups were compared by an independent t-test. Regarding comparison of differences within each group, all tests resulted in significant changes in both groups after the intervention (p<.05). Comparison of differences between the two groups showed that taping in the physical therapy group had significantly better test results than the ordinary physical therapy group in all measured items(p<.05). The after effects of ankle taping on stroke patients are more efficient and effective than ordinary physical therapy alone in improving balance and gait ability.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ankle joint mobilization with movement (MWM) on the range of motion (ROM) in the ankle, on the muscle strength of lower extremities, and on spatiotemporal gait parameters in chronic hemiplegic patients. Fifteen subjects with chronic stroke were divided into two groups: an experimental group (8 subjects) and a control group (7 subjects). Both groups attended two or three sessions of physical therapy each week. The experimental group also attended additional MWM training sessions three times a week for five weeks. For both groups, the ROM of the ankle, the muscle strength of the lower extremities, and the spatiotemporal gait parameters in paretic limbs were evaluated before and after the training period. The results showed that the experimental group experienced more significant increases than did the control group in terms of passive (6.10%) and active (21.96%) ROM of the ankle, gait velocity (12.96%), and peak torque, of the knee flexor (81.39%), the knee extensor (24.88%), and the ankle plantar flexor (41.75%)(p<.05). These results suggest that MWM training in patients with chronic stroke may be beneficial in increasing ROM in the ankle, muscle strength in the lower extremities, and gait speed.

This study was designed to analyze repetitive dorsiflexion and plantarflexion exercises in ankles have effects on the muscle tones of triceps, vastus medialis and gastrocnemius. 25 healthy woman volunteers(ankle dorsiflexion exercise group: 13, ankle plantarflexion exercise group: 12) participated in the two ankle exercise models, which have performed 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Myotonometer was used to measure the muscle tones of the triceps, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius muscles, and measurements were performed before and after the application of the each exercise model. Repeated measured paired t-test and independent t-test was used to determine a statistical significance. The group of repetitive dorsiflexion exercise of the ankle have effects on the muscle tones of triceps, vastus medialis and gastrocnemius (p>.05). The group of repetitive plantarflexion exercise of the ankle have effects on the muscle tones of triceps, vastus medialis and gastrocnemius(p>.05). The groups of repetitive dorsiflexion and plantarflexion exercise of the ankle have effects on the muscle tones of triceps, vastus medialis and gastrocnemius(p>.05).

The purpose of this study was to find differences of sergeant jumping performances. The best(GP) & worst(BP) performance of each subject based on their jump height were compared in further analysis. There was a significant difference of approx. 18% in the

본 연구는 보행주기 동안 정상인과 당뇨병성 족부궤양 환자의 족관절 운동역학적 변수와 족관절 근육들의 근활성도에 차이가 있는지 알아보기 위하여 실시하였다. 본 연구의 대상자는 당뇨병성 족부궤양이 있는 환자 9명(남자: 6명, 여자: 3명)과 성, 연령, 체중으로 짝짓기(matching)시킨 대조군 9명이었다. 3차원 동작분석기, 힘판, 표면 근전도를 이용하여, 보행주기 동안 족관절의 관절가동범위, 모멘트(moment), 일률(power), 그리고 내측가자