Pressure sores are painful and needless complications of critical illness. and manifest as a localized area of ischemic necrosis of tissue caused by pressure. This study analyzed the bed-backrest elevation system combined with hip and knee flexion for lower extremity lower pressure reduction. Eight healthy adults aged 21 to 26 years were recruited. The Body Pressure Measurement Mat of the TekScan system was used to measure the location and magnitude of the peak pressures on the body bed interface. The SPSS statistical package was used to analyze the significance of differences between the general bed-backrest elevation system and the bed-backrest elevation system combined with hip and knee flexion using the paired t-test. The result showed that the body-pressure of the lower extremity was more significantly reduced for the bed-backrest elevation system combined with hip and knee flexion (26.6±4.3 mmHg) than a general bed-backrest elevation system (37.3±5.2 mmHg) (p<.05).

In a total hip arthroplasty, the artificial hip joint is composed of an acetabular cup and a femoral head. To minimize the wear of the joint, the bearing surface should be precisely spherical. There were concerns that the press-fitting of the acetabular cup to the pelvis may cause the deformation of the cup and accelerate the wear of the joint, but its in-vivo measurement was challenging. In this paper, 3 dimensional finite element(FE) models of a pelvis and acetabular cups of Metasul 50mm and Pinnacle 50-60mm cups were used to simulate the deformation of the acetabular cups. For Metasul cups, the change of inner radius with respect to the location and the maximum shrinkage of the inner radius were found. For the Pinnacle cups, maximum change of the outer diameter were found and compared with the literature. FE model showed that the maximum shrinkage of the inner radius of the Metasul cup was 23μm (1.0mm press-fit, Bone stiffness 17GPa case). The shrinkage occurred mainly on the anterior and posterior side of rim of the cup, and the amount was proportional to the press-fit amount. The diametric change of the Pinnacle cup was 0.16mm on average, which was in same range of the clinically reported value. In conclusion, under the normal condition the reduction of the inner radius of the Metasul cup was too small to cause the jamming or the excessive wear.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the hip internal rotation on knee extensor and hip abductor electromyographic (EMG) activity during stair up and stair down mobility. Eighteen healthy subjects were recruited. All subjects performed stair up and down movements on a step of 30cm height while maintaining the hip in neutral (condition 1) and hip in internal rotation (condition 2). Surface EMG activity was recorded from five muscles (gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), posterior gluteus medius (Gmed), and tensor fascia latae (TFU)) and hip internal rotation angle was measured using a three dimensional motion analysis system The time period for stair up and down was normalized using the MatLab 6.5 program, and EMG activity was normalized to the value of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). The EMG activities according to the hip rotation (neutral or internal rotation) during the entire time period of stair up and down in each phase were compared using a paired t-test. During the entire period of stair up, the EMG activities of VL and TFL in condition 2 were significantly greater than in condition 1 (p<.05). During the entire period of stair down, the EMG activities of VL and TFL in condition 2 were significantly greater than in condition 1 (p<.05). However, the EMG activities of the other muscles were not significantly different between the conditions (p>.05). These results suggest that the stair up and down maintaining hip internal rotation was could be a contributing factor on patellar lateral tracking.

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)-VA3.0 in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). The sample consisted of 301 patients who had received treatments at the physical therapy units of 5 medical institutions in Andong City in june 2006. Questionnaires on the WOMAC were recruited by 12 physical therapists. The internal structure and reliability of the scales were evaluated by means of item-internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: ), item-discriminant validity, and Pearson's relation coefficient. To explore construct validity, we conducted a principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation analysis. The criterion for factor extraction was an eigenvalue >1.0. The average age of the patients was 62.1 years. All WOMAC subscales (pain, stiffness, and physical function) were internally consistent with Cronbach's coefficients of .81, .91, and .80, respectively. The internal consistency reliability of item-each scale were also internally consistent with Cronbach's coefficient of .89 (Pearson's correlation coefficient: .71~.84), .93 (.89~.91), and .96 (.67~.91), respectively. However, high correlation was found among 3 items (.66~.83, .66~.67, and .67~.83), so the item-discriminant validity was low ( coefficient: .81, .91, .80, respectively). The construct validity by factor analysis was low because it was not consistent With WOMAC-VA3.0. In conclusion, the results reported here confirm the reliability of the WOMAC in patients with OA of the hip and knee. The collection of information on the hip and knee osteoarthritis using this instrument was acceptable to patients. A further prospective multi-center study will be necessary to prove the construct validity.

This study examined the effects of the abdominal drawing-in (ADI) maneuver using a pressure biofeedback on muscle recruitment pattern of erector spinae and hip extensors and anterior pelvic tilt during hip extension in the prone position. Fourteen able-bodied volunteers, who had no medical history of lower extremity or lumbar spine disease, were recruited for this study. The muscle onset time of erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and medial hamstring and angle of anterior pelvic tilt during hip extension in prone position were measured in two conditions: ADI maneuver condition and non-ADI maneuver condition. Muscle onset time was measured using a surface electromyography (EMG). Kinematic data for angle of anterior pelvic tilt were measured using a motion analysis system. The muscle onset time and angle of anterior pelvic tilt were compared using a paired t-test. The study showed that in ADI maneuver during hip extension in prone position, the muscle onset time for the erector spinae was delayed significantly by a mean of 43.20 ms (SD 43.12), and the onset time for the gluteus maximus preceded significantly by a mean of -4.83 ms (SD 14.10) compared to non-ADI maneuver condition (p<.05). The angle of anterior pelvic tilt was significantly lower in the ADI maneuver condition by a mean of 7.03 degrees (SD 2.59) compared to non-ADI maneuver condition (15.01 degrees) (p<.05). The findings of this study indicated that prone hip extension with the ADI maneuver was an effective method to recruit the gluteus maximus earlier than erector spinae and to decrease anterior pelvic tilting.

The purpose of this study was to determine the consequence of resistance strengthening exercise on the hip flexor and extensor performed to improve functional mobility in stroke patients more than six months post stroke. Seventeen patients were randomized into two groups. Both groups received conventional physical therapy for six weeks. In addition, the experimental group performed eccentric resistance strengthening exercise in the hip flexor and extensor using an isokinetic dynamometer. The hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, timed get up and go (TUG), 10 m gait velocity, and functional reach were repeatedly measured at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks after treatment. The results were as follows: 1. The experimental group improved more remarkably in the hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, and the 10 m gait velocity after three weeks and six weeks of treatment (p<.05), 2. The control group improved significantly in the hip flexor and extensor strength, and 10 m gait velocity after three weeks of treatment (p<.05), 3. At each three and six week point, the experimental group made greater gains in hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, and 10 m gait velocity than the control group (p<.05). In conclusion, it is desirable to perform resistance strengthening exercises combined with conventional physical therapy to improve functional mobility in chronic stroke patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hip extension velocity (7.5 degree/second, 30 degree/second) on the relative onset time of the gluteus maximus in relation to the hamstring during hip extension in prone position. Thirteen healthy male subjects (mean age=22.6 years [SD=1.8], mean weight=73.4 kg [SD=10.3], mean height=176.1 cm [SD=6.3]) voluntarily participated in this study. Electromyographic data was collected on the gluteus maximus and hamstring to determine onset time. Statistical analyses were performed with the paired t-test. The results showed that the onset time of the hamstring was significantly faster than that of the gluteus maximus in both fast and slow hip extension velocity. The gluteus maximus began contraction .079 seconds later following the contraction of the hamstring. The onset time of the hamstring was significantly faster in fast hip extension velocity compared with slow hip extension velocity. In conclusion, it was determined that the onset time of the gluteus maximus was faster with fast hip extension velocity compared with slow hip extension velocity. There was a statistically significant difference between the onset times of the gluteus maximus and hamstring in relation to the two velocities (p<.05). Further study is needed to examine whether the velocity of hip extension can influence the onset time in a similar fashion in patients with low back pain.

The present work is a study on the argon gas pressure effects of Sinter/HIP sintering on microstructure and strength of different grades of TiC-NiMo cermets. Titanium carbide in the composition of different grades of TiC-NiMo cermets was ranged from 40 to 80 wt.% and the ratio of nickel to molybdenum in the initial powder composition was 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 respectively. On the sintered alloys, the main strength characteristic, transverse rupture strength (TRS) was measured. Furthermore, the microstructure parameters of some alloys were measured and the pressure effect on pore elimination was evaluated. All the results were compared with common, vacuum sintered alloys. The TRS values of TiC-NiMo cermets could be considerably improved by using Sinter/HIP technique, for high-carbide fraction alloys and for alloys sintered at elevated temperatures.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of the hip internal rotation on gluteal and erector spinae muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity during treadmill walking. Eleven healthy subjects were recruited. All subjects performed treadmill walking while maintaining the hip in neutral position (condition 1) and in internal rotation (condition 2). Surface EMG activity was recorded from four muscles (gluteus maximus (GM), gluteus medius (GMED), tensor fascia latae (TFL), and erector spinae (ES)) and the hip internal rotation angle was measured using a three dimensional motion analysis system. The gait cycle was determined with two foot switches, and stance phase was normalized as 100% stance phase (SP) for each condition using the MatLab 7.0 program. The normalized EMG activities according to the hip rotation (neutral or internal rotation) were compared using a paired t-test. During the entire SP of treadmill walking, the EMG activities of GM in condition 1 were significantly greater than in condition 2 (p<.05). The EMG activities of TFL and ES in condition 2 were significantly greater than in condition 1 (p<.05). The EMG activities of the GMED in condition 1 were significantly greater than in condition 1 (p>.05) except for 80~100% SP. Further studies need randomized control trials regarding the effect of hip internal rotation on the hip and lumbar spine muscle activity. Kinetic variables during gait or going up and down stairs are also needed.

The study of mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of carbon/carbon composites is significant to its application and development. These are dependent on microstructure and properties of reinforcing fibers and matrix, fiber/matrix interface and porosity/cracks present in the composites. In the present studies high-density carbon/carbon composites have been prepared using PAN and various pitch based carbon fibers as reinforcements and pitch as matrix with repeated densification cycles using high-pressure impregnation and carbonization technique. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to study the fracture behaviour of the highly dense composites and correlated with structure of the composites. The geometry of reinforcement and presence of unfilled voids/cracks was found to influence the path of crack propagation and thereby the strength of composites. The type of stresses (tensile or compressive) accumulated also plays an important role in fracture of composites.

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences of hip and thigh muscle activities between subjects with increased and decreased femoral anteversion during stair ascent. Twelve healthy female volunteers participated in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups (group 1 with increased anteversion of the hip, group 2 with decreased anteversion of the hip). This study analyzed differences in each mean peak gluteus maximus (GM), gluteus medius (GD) and tensor fascia lata (TLF) EMG amplitude: composite mean peak hip muscles (GM, GD, TFL) EMG amplitude ratios and in each mean peak vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (HM) and semitendinosus (HL) EMG amplitude: composite thigh muscles (VMO, VL, HM, HL) EMG amplitude ratios among subjects with decreased or increased relative femoral anteversion. EMG ratios were compared in the stance and swing phase of stair ascent. Group 1 showed an increased standardized mean GM and GD EMG amplitude and decreased standardized mean TFL to composite mean hip muscles EMG amplitude ratios in stair ascent during both stance and swing phase. Also, group 1 showed an increased standardized mean HL EMG amplitude and decreased standardized mean VL and HM to composite mean thigh muscles EMG amplitude ratios in stair ascent during both stance and swing phases. There was no statistically significant difference in vastus medialis oblique between subjects with increased or decreased relative femoral anteversion. In order to provide rehabilitation professionals with a clearer picture of the specific requirements of the stair climbing task, further research must be expanded to include a wider range of age groups that represent the general public, such as including middle-aged healthy persons.

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.

This study examined the muscle recruitment order during extension of the hip joint in normal subjects, and evaluated whether the external support obtained from wearing a lumbosacral corset had an effect on muscle recruitment leading to increased lumbar stability. The subjects were 40 normal adults (32 male, 8 female) with no history of low back pain and no pathological findings in the nervous or musculoskeletal systems. All subjects extended their hip joints under 3 positions (prone, sidelying, standing). During extension, the onsets of contraction of the rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, and semitendinosus muscles were measured. Electromyographic activity was measured using a surface electrode, and the muscle contraction onset time was designated as the point exceeding a threshold of 25 ms, using a mean plus twice of the standard deviation. To compare the average order of muscle contraction onset time, a Freedman two-way analysis of variance by ranks was used. The relative difference between muscle contraction onset time wearing and not wearing a lumbosacral corset was measured using a paired t-test. A difference in the average muscle contraction onset order for the rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, and semitendinosus muscles was observed (p<.05) among three positions. However, wearing a lumbosacral corset did not. change the contraction order. In addition, wearing a lumbosacral corset produced a significant difference (p<.05) in the relative onset time between the rectus abdominis and gluteus maximus in the standing position, but no difference was observed for the other muscles or positions. In the future, patients suffering from low back pain should be compared with normal subjects to determine the effectiveness of a lumbosacral corset in changing muscle recruitment order.

The purpose of this study was to compare the onset times of muscle activities and the order of muscle firing in hamstring gluteus maximus, and lumbar erector spinae muscle during active hip extension between subjects with low back pain (LBP) and healthy subjects. Thirty subjects, 15 with LBP and 15 healthy subjects, participated in this study. Electromyographic activity was recorded during active hip extension in prone and standing position. Relative onset times of these muscle activities were determined. Similar muscle firing order in hamstring, gluteus maximus, and lumbar erector spinae muscle showed in both groups and positions. However, the onset time of gluteus maximus was significantly later in prone and standing active hip extension in subjects with LBP than in healthy subjects. The onset time of lumber erector spinae muscle activity was significantly delayed in subjects with LBP in standing active hip extension, The delayed onset times of gluteus maximus and lumbar erector spinae muscles' activities were probably related to LBP. Further studies are needed to identify whether the delayed onset times of gluteus maximus and lumbar erector spinae muscle activities are the contributing factors to LBP.

HIP처리가 가스터빈 고정익 등 고온부품에 적용되는 열차폐 코팅층의 접착강도 및 고온특성에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 시편은 IN738LC 초합금 표면에 8wt%Y2O3-ZrO2분말을 플라즈마 용사법으로 코팅한 후 1200˚C, 100MPa의 고온, 고압에서 4시간 동안 HIP 처리하여 준비하였다. 실험결과 HIP 처리된 코팅의 경우 미세균열과 기공이 상당량 감소하였으며 EDX분석을 통해 계면에서 원자간 상호확산이 발생한 것을 확인하였다. 이러한 코팅층의 치밀화 및 상호확산으로 인해 HIP처리된 코팅층의 접착강도는 48% 이상 크게 증가하였으며 조직 또한 균질화 되었다. 반면 가열과 냉각이 반복되는 환경에서 코팅층의 내구력은 HIP 처리된 경우가 다소 저하되었다. 이는 코팅과 모재와의 열팽창 차이로 인한 변형을 완화시켜주는 기공과 미세균열이 감소되었기 때문으로 판단된다.

가스터빈 블레이드 재료로 사용되는 IN738LC 니켈기 초합금 주조재에 대하여 고온등압압축(HIP) 공정에 의한 미세조직 변화와 고온 피로수명에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 세부적으로 HIP 처리에 따른 주조결함 제거와 피로변형 열화재의 물성재생효과 확인에 중점을 두었으며, 이를 위하여 회전굽힘 피로시험을 실시하고 변형전후의 미세조직을 광학 및 주사전자현미경으로 관찰하였다. HIP 처리 전후의 미세조직과 피로수명을 비교, 평가한 결과, 주조재와 열처리재의 피로수명 차는 크지 않았으나 HIP 처리재의 피로수명은 이들과 비교하여 평균 60배 이상 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 또한 인위적으로 고온 피로변형을 가한 열화재를 대상으로 반복 HIP 처리한 결과, 열화 변형조직이 신재 상태로 거의 완전히 재생될 뿐만 아니라, 재료내에 미세하게 잔존하던 주조결함까지 부가적으로 제거됨에 따라 반복 HIP 처리에 의한 피로수명 연장 효과가 크게 나타났다.