Background: In modern society, the use of computers accounts for a large proportion of our daily lives. Although substantial research is being actively conducted on musculoskeletal diseases resulting from computer use, there has been a recent surge in interest in improving the working environment for prevention. Objects: This study aimed to examine the effects of posture correction feedback (PCF) on changes in neck posture and muscle activation during computer typing. Methods: The participants performed a computer typing task in two sessions, each lasting 16 minutes. The participant’s dominant side was photographed and analyzed using ImageJ software to verify neck posture. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to confirm the participant’s cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius muscle activities. The EMG signal was analyzed using the percentage of reference voluntary contraction and amplitude probability distribution function (APDF). In the second session, visual and auditory feedback for posture correction was provided if the neck was flexed by more than 15° in the initial position during computer typing. A 20-minute rest period was provided between the two sessions. Results: The neck angle (p = 0.014), CES muscle activity (p = 0.008), and APDF (p = 0.015) showed significant differences depending on the presence of the PCF. Furthermore, significant differences were observed regarding the CES muscle activity (p = 0.001) and APDF (p = 0.002) over time. Conclusion: Our study showed that the feedback system can correct poor posture and reduces unnecessary muscle activation during computer work. The improved neck posture and reduced CES muscle activity observed in this study suggest that neck pain can be prevented. Based on these results, we suggest that the PCF system can be used to prevent neck pain.

Background: Backpacks are one of the most widely used accessories in modern society. However, previous studies have shown that carrying a backpack can cause various musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: To investigate the effects of a body-adhesive backpack on craniovertebral angle, sagittal shoulder angle and the muscle fatigue in the upper extremity. Design: Randomized cross-over design. Methods: For this study, 36 healthy university students participated in this study. The experiment was conducted three times using common backpack, and body-adhesive backpack condition. The angles of the cervical spine and shoulder joints of the subjects were calculated without the backpack. Electrodes were placed at upper trapezius, lower trapezius, rectus abdominis and erector spinae to check for muscle fatigue. Subjects carried a backpack and walked on a treadmill for 15 minutes at 4 km/h. The muscle fatigue signal was also measured while walking. After walking, the craniovertebral and sagittal shoulder angles were measured again while subjects carried backpack. Results: As a result of this study, body-adhesive backpack condition showed significant decrease and significant increase in craniovertebral angle and sagittal shoulder angle than common backpack (P<.05). Body-adhesive backpack condition showed significant decrease in upper trapezius, lower trapezius, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis when compared to a common backpack (P<.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that a body-adhesive backpack is more beneficial in correcting body posture than a common backpack.

본 연구는 L-arginine 섭취가 고강도 훈련 프로그램에 따른 카누선수의 근 손상 지표, 피로 물질 및 경기력 향상에 미치는 영향을 확인하는데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 고등학교 카누 선수 7명을 대상으 로 고강도 훈련 프로그램을 적용하였으며, 고강도 훈련 프로그램은 주 2회의 유산소 운동(화, 목), 주 3회 의무산소 운동(월, 수, 금) 그리고 주 5회의 유연성 운동을 실시하였다. 고강도 훈련 프로그램을 진행하는 6주 과정 중에 처음 2주는 약물섭취(L-arginine or 위약)를 실시하고 다음 2주는 wash out, 그리고 마지막 2주도 약물섭취(L-arginine or 위약)를 실시하였다. 모든 연구대상자들이 L-arginine 섭취(시험군)와 위약 그룹(대조군)으로 배정되는 교차설계로 디자인하였다. L-arginine은 하루 총 3g으로 섭취하였다. 채혈을 통해 L-arginine 섭취에 따른 근 손상 지표, 피로 지표, 항산화력을 확인하였으며, 혈관내피세포기능 분석을 위해 FMD, 그리고 카누 에르고미터를 활용하여 카누 경기력을 분석하였다. 본 연구결과 L-arginine 섭 취에 따른 Ammonia, IP, CK의 수준의 직접적인 효과는 나타나지 않았으며, LDH의 수준은 L-arginine 섭취로 인해 PLA 그룹보다 ARG 그룹에서 더 감소하는 것으로 나타났다. L-arginine 섭취에 따른 Total NO, d-ROMs, BAP, 그리고 FMD의 수준도 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없는 것으로 나타났다. 마지막으로 카누 경기력 향상을 확인하기 위해 실시한 500M 카누 에르고미터 결과에서 총시간, 스트록 거리, 평균 속도 분석에서 L-arginine의 운동수행능력 향상의 직접적인 효과는 나타나지 않았다. 하지만 L-arginine 섭취로 인해 근손상 지표, 피로 지표, 항산화력, FMD, 그리고 카누 경기력 수준이 개선되는 경향은 나타 났다. 따라서 L-arginine 섭취의 잠재적인 운동능력 향상 보조제 효과에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

Whole body fatigue detection is an important phenomenon and the factors contributing to whole body fatigue can be controlled if a mathematical model is available for its assessment. This research study aims at developing a model that categorizes whole body exertion into fatigued and non-fatigued states based on physiological and perceived variables. For this purpose, logistic regression was used to categorize the fatigued and non-fatigued subject as dichotomous variable. Normalized mean power frequency of eight muscles from 25 subjects was taken as physiological variable along with the heart rate while Borg scale ratings were taken as perceived variables. The logit function was used to develop the logistic regression model. The coefficients of all the variables were found and significance level was checked. The detection accuracy of the model for fatigued and non-fatigues subjects was 83% and 95% respectively. It was observed that the mean power frequency of anterior deltoid and the Borg scale ratings of upper and lower extremities were significant in predicting the whole body fatigued when evaluated dichotomously (p < 0.05). The findings can help in better understanding of the importance of combined physiological and perceived exertion in designing the rest breaks for workers involved in squat lifting tasks in industrial as well as health sectors.

The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effect of neck stabilization exercise and Swiss ball exercise on the recovery from the fatigue of neck muscles induced. The turtleneck posture was set artificially by using Smartphone with healthy adults. Repetitively measured ANOVA was executed to examine the changes in the muscle fatigue of sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and splenius capitis among three-time intervals (at the time of general resting, work and after intervention) in the three intervention groups (neck stabilization exercise group, Swiss ball exercise group, and ordinary rest group). There were no significant differences in the changes of fatigue of sternocleidomastoid muscle among all three intervention groups at the time of general resting, work and after intervention (p>.05). Although there was no significant difference in the changes in the fatigue of upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscles between the intervention groups at the time of general resting and work (p>.05), there was the significant difference between the three intervention groups at the time of work and after intervention (p>.05). This study suggest that Swiss ball exercise is more effective in reducing the muscular fatigue of the neck and shoulder at a turtleneck posture than neck stabilization exercise.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of smartphone size and use on fatigue of the extensor pollicis longus and abductor digiti minimi, and digiti minimi deformity. The 40 people assigned to the experimental group spent at least 6 hours using the smartphone and used the digiti minimi for support. The control group spent at least 3 hours using the smartphone, however did not use digiti mini for support. Questionnaires were used to measure smartphone usage, daily use duration, and method of holding the smartphone device. X-rays of distal interphalangeal joint angle deformity of the digiti minimi were assessed. Surface electromyography was used to analyze muscle fatigue. The angle deformity was significantly different between the experimental group and the control group, and fatigue of the extensor pollicis longus and abductor digiti minimi of the large smartphone users were high. The muscle fatigue was reduced when the smartphone size fit well with the user's hand. This study suggests that the size of the smartphone influence the fatigue of the hand muscles.

본 연구는 4주간의 동계훈련기간 중 산수유 추출물을 섭취시켜 간 기능, 근 손상 및 혈중 피로물질에 미치는 영향을 구명하기 위하여 남중 축구선수 20명을 대상으로 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군(10 명), 동계훈련군(10명)으로 구분하여 실시하였다. 동계훈련은 1일 오전, 오후, 야간운동으로 구분하여 주 6 일, 4주간 실시되었으며, 운동강도는 70-95%HRR로 수행되었다. 산수유 추출물은 매일 아침과 저녁 식사 후 각각 80 mL(1일 160mL)를 4주간 섭취시켰으며, 측정된 자료의 그룹 내 변화는 대응표본 T검정, 그룹 간 차이는 변화율을 산출 한 뒤 독립표본 T검정을 이용하여 비교 분석하였다. 그 결과 혈중 피로물질의 젖산은 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군에서 유의하게 감소하였으며(p<.05), 동계훈련군 보다 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군이 유의하게 감소하였다(p<.05). 암모니아는 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군(p<.05), 동계훈련군(p<.001) 모두 유의하게 증가하였다. 근 손상지표의 CK는 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군이 유의하게 감소하였으며(p<.05), LDH는 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군(p<.001), 동계훈련군(p<.05) 모두 유의하게 감소하였다. 간 기능 효소 중 AST(p<.01), ALT(p<.05)는 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군이 유의하게 감소하였으며, AST는 동계훈련군 보다 동계훈련+산수유 추출물 섭취군이 유의하게 감소하였다. 동계 훈련 시 피로에 쉽게 노출 될 수 있는 선수들에게 있어 산수유 추출물 섭취는 항피로의 역할을 하는데 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 사료된다.

본 연구에서는 고강도 운동 후 전신진동이 근피로도 감소와 심박회복율에 미치는 효과를 알아보고자 하였다. 피험자 는 총 20명으로 진동을 제공받는 그룹과 진동을 제공받지 않는 그룹으로 구성되어 있다. 고강도 운동은 경사 8.5도와 보행속도 4km/h를 30분간 제공하였고, 그룹별 진동유무별 의자형 진동기 위에서 30분간 휴식을 취하였다. 전신진동자 극은 10Hz의 진동주파수와 5mm의 진폭을 제공하였다. 진동유무별 피로도 감소와 심박안정화 효과를 검증하기 위해 혈중 젖산농도와 실시간 심박수 변화를 측정하였다. 실험결과, 진동을 제공받는 그룹에서 95.2% 수준의 더 큰 근피로도 감소결과와 50.67%의 더 빠른 심박회복율 결과를 보였다. 이는 고강도 운동 후 전신진동이 근육속 혈관을 지속적으로 자극하여 운동 후 초과산소섭취를 빠르게 해소하고 혈액순환 기능을 증진시켜 피로도를 감소시킨다. 고강도 운동 후 전신진동을 이용한 휴식은 노약자나 여성들에게 운동 후 다른 육체적 활동 없이 마무리운동으로 긍정적 효과를 기대할 수 있다.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of smartphone use on muscle fatigue and tenderness in the cervical erector spinae (CES) and the upper trapezius (UT) and on the cervical range of motion among subjects with and without neck muscle pain. The subjects were 30 smartphone users in their 20 s who -were assigned to either an experimental group with neck muscle pain or a control group without neck muscle pain. Muscle fatigue and tenderness in the CES and the UT as well as the subjects’ cervical range of motion were measured before and after 20-min smartphone sessions in a sitting position. In a between-group comparison of muscle fatigue, the experimental group showed a significantly greater decrease in median frequency in the CES and the right UT after smartphone use (p<.05). Regarding the assessment of muscle tenderness after smartphone use, the experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) in all muscles (p<.05), whereas the control group showed a significantly decreased PPT in the right CES and the UT (p<.05). The assessment of the cervical range of motion revealed a statistically significant reduction in the cervical flexion-extension and left lateral flexion in the experimental group (p<.05) after smartphone use. However, there was no significant change in the cervical range of motion in the control group (p>.05) after smartphone use. When compared with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated greater changes in cervical extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, except for cervical flexion (p<.05). In conclusion, when smartphone users have pre-existing neck muscle pain, the use of a smartphone further increased muscle fatigue and tenderness in the neck and reduced PPT and the cervical range of motion.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of shoe heel height and muscle fatigue on static and dynamic balance in young women. Thirty women who were used to wearing high heels volunteered to participate in this study. The shoe heel heights were 0 ㎝ and 7 ㎝. And ankle plantar flexor fatigue was experimentally induced. Static and dynamic balance were measured using the one leg standing test (OLST) and the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions, respectively. Values in the OLST (shoe heel height 0 ㎝, 28.83±3.24 sec to 26.12±6.13 sec; and 7 ㎝, 24.75±7.09 sec to 16.86±9.32 sec) and the SEBT in anterior (shoe heel height 0 ㎝, 71.02±4.57% to 69.50±3.66%; and 7 ㎝, 64.17±3.53% to 59.61±4.06%) and posteromedial (shoe heel height 0 ㎝, 92.01±5.61% to 90.38±7.10%; and 7 ㎝, 83.09±7.29% to 76.83±9.28%) directions were significantly reduced when fatigue-inducing exercise was performed (p<.05). Furthermore, within these parameters, there were significant interaction effects between shoe heel height and fatigue condition (p<.05). These findings suggest that shoe heel height and muscle fatigue contribute to some changes in static and dynamic balance in young women, probably leading to negative effects on physical function during a variety of activities of daily living.

The smart-phone has become a necessity for most people. In this study, we determined that using a smart-phone for 20 minutes can cause increased neck and shoulder muscle activities and fatigue. Seventeen healthy male smart-phone users who attended Yonsei University played a smart-phone game for 20 minutes and changes in their bilateral cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscle activities and fatigue were measured. To assess muscle activities and fatigue, we used the following variables: the median frequency, the 50th percentile Amplitude probability distribution function (APDF) value (median load), and the discrepancy in the 90th percentile APDF value and the 10th percentile APDF value (APDF range). A paired t-test was used to compare pre-smart-phone-use status with post-smart-phone-usestatus. The median frequency of the bilateral cervical erector spinae and the upper trapezius decreased significantly after 20 minutes of smart-phone use (p<.05). In addition, the 50th percentile APDF value of the bilateral cervical erector spinae and the right upper trapezius increased significantly (p<.05). The APDF range of the bilateral cervical erector spinae and the upper trapezius also increased significantly (p<.05). However, the 50th percentile APDF range of the left upper trapezius was not significantly different (p>.05). These findings suggest that using smart-phones for 20 minutes can induce muscle fatigue and increased neck and shoulder muscle activities.

The purpose of this study was to provide a practical guide to the use of various stretchers that rescue workers use by analyzing muscle fatigue degree associated with lifting a patient. The experiment was conducted with working male and female rescue crews. Having mixed groups of gender complete tasks such as lifting, moving, and unloading a patient using four different types of stretcher, we recorded each muscle fatigue degree in the shoulder and lower back regions of each subject. The data showed, in terms of muscle activity, differences within each group of genders and its combinations were significant in certain muscle groups depending on the types of stretcher used and body sizes of each subject, and, when it comes to Elerctor Spenae, the female subjects used more muscular strength than the males did. In regards to the muscle fatigue degree, there was no significant difference found within each group of the genders, body sizes, and their combinations. However, in the case of applying different models of stretcher, there were significantly differences in the fatigue degree.

The purpose of this study is to analysis of muscle fatigue in the upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscles according to therapy table height variation. The subjects were consisted of 15 healthy adults(10 males, 5 females) who had no medical history of neurological and musculoskeletal problems. In experiment, wireless electrode EMG system was measured for each the upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscles during the treatment performed on table. the differences in the muscle fatigue was compared for 4 types of table height(-6cm, -3cm, 0, +3cm from elbow in 90° flexion position). Muscle fatigue according to therapy table height were significant difference except for left upper trapezius. And muscle fatigue of right upper trapezius and splenius capitis showed significant decrease in +3cm table height compared to -6cm table height(p<.05). Muscle fatigue of right upper trapezius and splenius capitis were the highest in -6cm table height, but those were the lowest in +3cm table height. This study propose to change therapy table height higher than +3cm from elbow in 90° flexion position, if you hope to reduce muscle fatigue.

The present study purposed to examine the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, self-stretching and functional massage on the recovery of muscle contraction force for muscle fatigue caused by sustained isotonic contraction. The subjects of this study were 45 healthy students. They were divided into transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group(n=15), self-stretching group(n=15) and functional massage group(n=15), and using Primus RS. We observed the pattern of changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction force(MVIC) after causing muscle fatigue in quadriceps femoris muscle through sustained isotonic contraction. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction force(MVIC) were greatly increased after transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, self-stretching and functional massage. In the comparison of recovery rate of muscle contraction force for muscle fatigue caused by sustained isotonic contraction among the treatment groups, it did not show any significant differences. However, it showed that each treatment may be effective in recovery of muscle fatigue caused by sustained isotonic contraction.

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the strategical lifting postures able to alleviate imbalanced EMG amplitude leading to an increase in low back muscle fatigue while lifting asymmetric load dynamically. Eleven male subjects are required to lift symm

The muscle strengths in various postures are still used in the workplace, although mechanization and automation have been continuously accomplished. The aim of this study is to measure the maximum muscle strength and analyze the muscle fatigue during the

This study is aimed to show that an asymmetric load in the frontal plane leads to an increase in low back loading and fatigue in comparison with a symmetric load when workers lift an external weight by investigating previous studies and verifying the phen

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a repetitive lifting task on the level of activation and median frequency of the paraspinal muscles, and to provide basic data of the maximal acceptable duration of the lifting task to avoid muscle fatigue. Ten healthy male subjects were recruited as participants and they repetitively (12 lifts/min) lifted a box (46 ㎝ × 30 ㎝ × 30 ㎝, 15 kg) for 10 minutes. Electromyographic data (muscle activation and median frequency), heart rate, and Borg CR10 score were recorded at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 minutes after the lifting task. Electromyographic data was recorded from the elector spinalis, mutifidus, external oblique abdominis, and rectus abdominis for 1 minute. The results showed that as the repetitive lifting task progressed, the heart rate and Borg CR10 score significantly increased. In addition, activation of the muscles increased. The median frequency significantly decreased over time in the elector spinalis, mutifidus, and external oblique abdominis (right side), except for the external oblique abdominis (left side) and rectus abdominis. It is suggested that the median frequency recorded from a dynamic task is used to monitor muscle fatigue. Furthermore, the repetitive lifting task (15 kg, 12 lifts/min) should not continue for more than 3 minutes in order to avoid muscle fatigue.

With the introduction of the video display terminal (VDT), the efficiency and productivity of work has improved. However, VDT syndrome is threatening the health of workers as a side effect of prolonged use of a VDT. Among various VDT syndromes, the musculoskeletal disorder, especially, the cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is the common research topic related with upper extremities function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the wrist-hand orthosis (WHO) on fatigue in middle deltoid, anterior deltoid, serratus anterior, and upper trapezius during one-hour computer keyboard typing. Twelve healthy subjects participated in this study. Surface electromyography was used to assess the localized muscle fatigue (LMF), and the LMF was calculated at 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 60 minutes in each muscle, with and without the WHO. Data were analyzed by paired t-test with a level of significance of .05. The results of this study are as follows: 1) At 10 minutes, the LMF decreased significantly with applied WHO in the middle deltoid, anterior deltoid, and upper trapezius (p=.001, p=.026, p=.019, respectively). 2) As the computer keyboard typing period increased, there were no significant LMF differences, except for the upper trapezius. Therefore, it can be concluded that the WHO can be applied to decrease the LMF for the initial 10 minute period in the middle deltoid, anterior deltoid, and upper trapezius' but that the long term effect of WHO in reducing the LMF was proven only in upper trapezius during continued computer keyboard typing.

This study investigated gait characteristics, kinematics, and kinetics in the lower extremities between two different shoe conditions (high heeled shoes (7 cm), and high heeled shoes with a total contact insert (TCI)) after lower extremity muscle fatigue. Although TCI shave been applied in high heeled shoes to increase comfort and to decrease foot pressure, no study has attempted to identify the effects of TCI in fatigue conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of walking in high heeled shoes with TCI after lower extremity muscle fatigue was induced. This study was carried out in a motion analysis laboratory at Hanseo University. A volunteer sample of 14 healthy female subjects participated. All in fatigue conditions, the subjects were divided into two groups. The muscle fatigue was induced by 40 voluntary dorsi- and plantar-flexion exercises and 40 heel-rise exercises of the dominant foot. Surface electromyography was used to confirm the localized muscle fatigue using power spectral analysis of three muscles (tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis). The results were as follows: (1) In muscle fatigue conditions, the use of TCI decreased the peak flexion angle of the hip joint significantly in the early stance phase (p<.05) and increased the peak hip flexion moment in the terminal stance phase (p<.05). (2) In muscle fatigue conditions, the application of TCI also increased peak hip power generation in the early stance phase and peak hip power absorption in the terminal stance phase (p<.05). (3) In muscle fatigue conditions, the use of TCI reduced the impact force significantly and increased the secondary peak vertical GRF. These findings suggest that the TCI may provide beneficial effects when muscle fatigue occurs for a high heeled shoe gait. Future research employing the patient population and various types of TCI materials are required to clarify the effects of TCI.