The purpose of this study identify that spinal decompression therapy effect on and pain, length Of leg distance(LLD), and muscle power and flexibility in patient with low back pain. The participants is 20 female and male with low back pain, and participant assign to decompression therapy group and control group at random. The decompression therapy apply to 20 minute 3 time for a week during 4 weeks. The Measurement items is pain, LLD, and muscle power, flexibility. The comparison between the before and after was Wilcoxon's U test, and 2 group after spinal decompression therapy application compared Mann-Whithney U test. Spinal decompression therapy reduced statistically significance the pain, LLD, and increased statistically significance the muscle power and flexibility increased the muscle power(p<.05). This study showed that spinal decompression therapy does affect pain, LLD, and muscle power and flexibility in patient with low back pain.

Despite the importance of cycling postures during cycling performances, there has been a very little research investigating cycling postures and pedaling rate for particularly concerning domestic cyclists. The aim of this study was to analyze correlations and effects between cycling postures and pedaling rate in track cycling. Twelve male racing cyclists (six racing and university cyclists) participated in this research. For this study, seven infrared cameras (Qualisys ProReflex MCU-240s) were used for collecting data and these were processed via QTM (Qualisys Tracker Manager) software. It appeared that pedaling rate had correlations with regard to a shoulder angle (R=-.601) and displacement between shoulder joints(R= -.637), but a knee (R=-.601) and ankle angle (R=.667). Moreover, two multiple regression equations of pedaling rate for cycling postures were significant and R2 of the first order equation y (pedaling rate) = 0.039x (knee angle) - 1.068 was less than the second order equation y = 0.006x2 - 1.287x + 69.674. In conclusion, cycling postures affected the pedaling rate. Further study should be researched on postures in relation to air resistance in a wind tunnel.

The purpose of this study was to determine the difference of the pinch strength according to testing posture(standing and sitting) and elbow flexion degree(0。, 45。, 90。and 135。). Forty normal young adults(male: 20, female: 20, mean age: 22.68±2.91 years) participated in this study. The methods of this study were categorized as follows: 1) One set of measurement was performed on four elbow flexion degrees(0。, 45。, 90。and 135。) in two testing postures(standing and sitting) and all subjects were measured for 3 sets testing procedures in every experimental sessions. 2) Pinch strength in various elbow flexion degree was measured after 2 min rest time, and then each test set was repeatedly performed with 5 min rest time to prevent fatigue of muscles involved in the elbow joint. The result was obtained as follow: 1) In standing posture, there was statistically significant difference at 0。and 45。, 0。and 90。, 0。and 135。, 45。and 90。, 45。and 135。, 90。and 135。. 2) In sitting posture, there was statistically significant difference at 0。and 45。, 0。and 90。, 0。and 135。, 45。and 90。, 45。and 135。, 90。and 135。. 3) Statistically, there was no significant difference between standing and sitting posture in same elbow flexion degree, however pinch strength in standing posture was higher than sitting posture.

This study tried to focus on nontraditional job that has not been studied in terms of the subjects associated with MSDs(Musculoskeletal Disorders). Specifically, dental procedure was the job to be analyzed in this study. An alternative method as well as a traditional method for viewing teeth while performing simulated dental procedures. Four graduated students did both methods(direct view and indirect view) as the subjects in this study. The method based on indirect view used a video camera and monitor to view the teeth. The experiment was conducted five times for each subject. The major findings in this study were as follows; 1) Job speed was increased with the repetitions for both methods, 2) Difference of Neck flexion between direct and indirect methods was statistically siginificant(Neck flexion for indirect method was dramatically decreased), 3) Difference of job speed between direct and indirect methods was statistically significant(Job speed for direct method was faster than that of indirect method), 4) Difference of error rate between direct and indirect methods was statistically significant(error rate for direct method was lower than that of indirect method), 5) Even though indirect method did not provide better performance in terms of job speed and error rate yet, it seemed to need a trade-off between two methods in the future since indirect method provided better working postures than that of direct method.

The purpose of this study was to compare pedaling patterns according to pedal types during driving. Three-dimensional gait analyses were performed from a self-selected pace, and fourteen subjects participated in the three times(the early, middle and last years). Six cameras (Proreflex MCU-240, Qualisys) were used to acquire raw data. The parameters were calculated and analyzed with Visual-3D. In conclusion, most joint - ROM of lower limbs were less than two-foot pedal system. It is necessary that the current pedal system is to be improved.

The psychosocial stress and musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) have been one of major health problems for hospital workers. This study tried to understand the relationship between symptoms associated with MSDs and risk factors such as working posture, job stress, psychosocial stress and fatigue. A total number of 655 hospital workers participated in this study. Specifically, REBA was applied for evaluating working posture and a checklist prepared by KOSHA(Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency) was used for symptom survey. A questionnaire from KOSHA was also used for collecting data associated with job stress, psychosocial stress and fatigue. All these data were formulated and modeled by path analysis which was one of major statistical tools in this study. Specifically, path analysis for the data we collected came up with several major findings. As a result, as for body part(neck), (waist) and (arms) the degree of risk of work posture measured with the use of job stress(KOSS), psycho-social stress(PWI-SF) and REBA is significantly more affected by fatigue than muscular skeletal disease related consciousness symptom. However, regarding bod(wrist), the degree of risk of work posture measured with the use of job stress(KOSS) and REBA is directly affected by muscular skeletal disease related consciousness symptom. This study is meaningful in that the study clarified the causal relations of the degree of risk of work posture, degree of fatigue, and muscular skeletal disease related consciousness symptoms by each body part measured with the use of work stress(KOSS), psycho-social stress(PWI-SF) and REBA.

본 연구에서는 비침습적으로 압력 맥파를 검출하는 토노메트리 방식의 맥파 측정 장비인 SphygmoCor(AtCor, Australia)를 사용하여 측정자세에 따라 맥파를 측정하였다. 측정 결과를 통해 선 자세, 앉은 자세, 누운 자세에 따른 맥파의 분석 지표들의 변화를 분석하였다. 또한 측정된 데이터를 저혈압군, 정상혈압군, 고혈압군으로 구분하여 혈압군에 따른 맥파의 비교를 수행하였다. 그 결과 자세에 따른 요골동맥의 파형에서 유의차를 보인 분석지표는 맥파의 진폭에 해당되는 압력 보다 주요 피크가 발생되는 시간에서 나타났다. 맥압의 경우 맥파증대계수(AI)나 중심동맥압과 요골동맥압의 비율과 같이 맥압 간의 비율이 자세에 따른 변별력이 있었다. 사후검정에 따라 각 자세별로 상호 간에 모두 유의한 차이를 보인 분석지표는 주파(PT1)와 반사파(PT2)의 시간, 심박출지속시간(ED), 심박수(HR)로 나타났다. 혈압군에 대한 비교에서 대부분 맥파의 시간에 해당되는 지표보다 주요 피크의 진폭에 해당되는 맥파의 압력을 나타내는 지표가 혈압군에 따른 유의차를 보였다.

The purpose of this study was to examine inter- and intra-examiner reliability of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) anatomical landmarks palpation. Two physical therapists and one doctor specializing in rehabilitation examined 22 asymptomatic subjects. They examined anterior superior iliac supine (ASIS), posterior superior iliac supine (PSIS) and iliac crest (IC). For the assessment of intra-examiner reliability, 3 examiners repeated the measurements 3 times over a 2-week interval. Kappa (Kg) yielded intra-examiner reliability that ranged between slight to fair for the ASIS (Kg=.06 to .26; mean Kg=.19), and slight for the PSIS(Kg=-.04 to .18; mean Kg=.07) and slight to fair for the IC (Kg=.06 to .32; mean Kg=.21). Inter-examiner reliability was slight (ASIS Kg=.13; PSIS Kg=.05; IC Kg=.14). These results suggest that the reliability of the assessing SIJ anatomical landmarks using palpation and observation as an indication of SIJ dysfunction still remains questionable. Before this test can be relied upon as an accurate indicator of SIJ dysfunction, it must undergo further research. This further research needs to examine not only reliability, but also validity, sensitivity and specificity.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of slump sitting postures on the masticatory, neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). Eleven healthy adults (age, 23.3±2.7 yrs; height, 174.0±4.1 ㎝; weight, 61.4±6.6 ㎏) participated in this study. The participants were free of injury history and neurologic deficits in the masticatory, neck muscles and upper extremities at the time of participation. The subjects were asked to perform erect and slump sitting postures under the guidance of physical therapists. The surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the anterior temporalis, masseter, upper trapezius, serratus anterior, middle trapezius, L3 paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, gluteus maximus muscles of 11 adults as they performed visual terminal display work, which are known as the weakened and tightened muscles owing to WRMD. The recorded signals were averaged and normalized to the mean amplitude of the EMG signal obtained during submaximal reference voluntary contractions. The results of study were as follows: The masseter, upper trapezius, serratus anterior, middle trapezius, L3 paraspinal, external abdominal oblique muscles significantly differed in the slump sitting posture (p<.05). The muscle activities of the serratus anterior, middle trapezius muscle, and external abdominal oblique were significantly lower and that of the masseter, upper trapezius, L3 paraspinal muscles were significantly higher. Further research is needed to assess the motor control problems and the function of the deep muscles in posture stability of patients with WRMD.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder has been associated with long hours of computer work and prolonged periods of static posture. In clinical settings, postural correction is a common treatment approach for individuals with neck, shoulder, and back pain. This study was designed to identify the effect of Forward Head Posture Correctional Device during computer work. Twelve healthy adults (mean age, 27.4 yrs; mean height, 165.0cm mean weight, 65.8 kg) participated in the study. They had no medical history of neurological or surgical problems with their upper extremity. The subjects were asked to perform Head Forward Posture under the guidance of physical therapists and the measured angles were analyzed using a 3-D motion analysis system. Markers were placed on the C7 spinous process, tragus of the ear and forward head angle was between the line from the tragus to the C7 line and the Y-axis at the C7. The statistical significance of difference between, "without" and "with" correctional device was tested by paired t-test. A level of significance was set at α=.05. In comparison of the computer work between "without" and "with" correctional device, Forward Head Angle was showed significant difference (p<.05). In conclusion, the range of Forward Head Angle was significantly decreased during computer work with the correctional device. Further research is needed to understand the nature of motor control problems in deep muscles in patients with neck, shoulder, and back pain.

The purpose of this study was to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of various forward head posture measurements. Ten healthy adults (age, 20.4±2.2 yrs; height, 164.0±5.5 ㎝; weight, 58.7±7.3 ㎏) participated in the study. They were free of injury and neurologic deficits in the upper extremities and neck at the time of testing. The subjects were asked to perform head forward posture by under the guidance of physical therapists. Markers were placed on the C7 spinous process, mastoid process, tragus of the ear, outer canthus, and forehead. Measurement 1 for forward head posture assessment was measured as the angle between the horizontal line through C7 and the line connecting the C7 spinous process with the tragus of the ear. Measurement 2 was measured as the angle between the C7 spinous process, the mastoid process and the outer canthus. Measurement 3 was measured as two kinds of angles the HT (head tilt) angle is between the line from the midpoint of forehead to the tragus line and Y-axis at the tragus point. The NF (neck flexion) angle is between the line from the tragus to the C7 line and the Y-axis at the C7. Intra-rater, inter-rater reliability and coefficient of variation was assessed by comparing the measured values from three kinds of measurements of forward head posture. The intra-rater reliability was indicated by intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC(1,1)] and inter-rater reliability was shown by intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC(3,k)]. The results of study were as follows: ICC(1,1) values for intra-rater reliability of three measurements were in the 'excellent' category. ICC(3,k) values for inter-rater reliability of three measurements were also in the 'excellent' category. The coefficient of variation of method 2 had a lower value than method 1 and method 3. This data means that the measured value of method 2 was less scattered. Further research is needed to determine whether the validity of all measurements is revealed in the 'excellent' category.

Most exercise for Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) has focused on selectively strengthening the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO). Although open chain knee extension exercises are effective for increasing overall quadriceps strength, they are not always indicated for PFPS rehabilitation. This study was designed to identify the effect of combined posture of lower extremity on Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) and VMO during static squat exercises. The subjects were twenty young adult males who had not experienced any knee injury and their Q-angle was within a normal range. They were asked to perform static squat exercises in five various postures using their lower extremities. The EMG activity of the VL and VMO were recorded in five exercises by surface electrodes and normalized by %MVC values derived from seated, isometric knee extensions. The normalized EMG activity levels (%MVC) of the VL and VMO for the five postures of the lower extremities were compared using one way ANOVA with repeated measures. Results of repeated measures of ANOVA's revealed that exercise 3 and exercise 5 produced significantly greater EMG activity of VMO/VL ratios than exercise 1 (p<.05). When the static squat exercise was combined with hip adduction and toes pointed outwardly, the EMG activity of VMO/VL rates was increased. The EMG activity of VMO/VL ratio was highest during static squat exercises performed on a decline squat. These results haveimportant implications for progressive and selective VMO muscle strengthening exercises in PFPS patients.

There were two purposes of this study. The first was to research the effects of standard and fixed-split keyboards on wrist posture and movements during word processing. The second was to select optimal computer input devices in order to prevent cummulative trauma disorder in the wrist region. The group of subjects consisted of thirteen healthy men and women who all agreed to participate in this study. Kinematic data was measured from both wrist flexion and extension, and wrist radial and ulnar deviation during a 20 minute period of word processing work. The measuring tool was an electrical goniometer, and was produced by Biometrics Cooperation. The results were as follows: 1. The wrist flexion and extension at resting starting position were not significantly different (p>.05), however the angle of radial and ulnar deviation were significantly different in standard and split keyboard use during word processing (p<.05). 2. In the initial 10 minutes, the dynamic angle of wrist flexion and extension were not significantly different (p>.05), however the dynamic angle of radial and ulnar deviation was significantly different in standard and split keyboard use during word processing (p<.05). These results suggest that the split keyboard is more optimal than the standard keyboard, because it prevented excessive ulnar deviation during word processing.

본 연구는 컴퓨터 작업시 머리자세가 상부 승모근의 근전도 활성도에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보기 위해 실시하였다. 대상자는 상지에 근골계질환이 없는 대학생 5명을 대상으로 하였으며, 표면근전도(MP100WS)를 이용하여 근 활성도를 측정하였다. 실험은 10분 동안 머리를 중립자세로 모니터를 보고 컴퓨터 작업을 수행하는 것과 문서걸이(copy holder)를 보기 위해 머리를 회전하고 컴퓨터 작업을 하는 두 가지 조건을 를 이용하여 비교 분석하였다. 머리를

The objectives of this study was to investiage the effects of sitting posture on carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) continues to be one of the most widely publicized maladies of the cumulative trauma disorder. Many studies have reported a positive association between CTS and highly repetitive work, high force, and poor posture. High force and repetitive work have especially been associated with CTS, but the evidence for work being a primary cause of CTS is strongest when these factors are combined. In addition to carpal tunnel syndrome, hand, wrist, and other disorders are attributed to these work-related movements. Such disorders are referred to as repetitive stress injuries, cumulative trauma disorder, overuse syndromes, and chronic upper limb pain syndrome. Incorrect posture also may play a role in the development of CTS in people who work at a computer and other types of keyboards. The tendency to roll the shoulders forward, round the lower back, and thrust the chin forward can shorten the neck and shoulder muscles, compressing nerves in the neck. This, in turn, can affect the wrist, fingers, and hand. The treatment and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome continue to be approached with a segmental view of the human body. For example, the most common ergonomic solution for carpal tunnel syndrome associated with keyboard use is to keep the wrists in a neutral position by using a wrist rest in front of the keyboard and good sitting posture.

In this study, an asymmetric lifting posture prediction model was developed, which was a three-dimensional model with 12 links and 23 degrees of freedom open kinematic chains. Although previous researchers have proposed biomechanical, psychophysical, or physiological measures as cost functions, for solving redundancy, they lack in accuracy in predicting actual lifting postures and most of them are confined to the two-dimensional model. To develop an asymmetric lifting posture prediction model, we used the resolved motion method for accurately simulating the lifting motion in a reasonable time. Furthermore, in solving the redundant problem of the human posture prediction, a moment weighted Joint Range Availability (JRA) was used as a cost function in order to consider dynamic lifting. However, it is known that the moment weighted JRA as a cost function predicted the lower extremity and L5/S1 joint motions better than the upper extremities, while the constant weighted JRA as a cost function predicted the latter better than the former. To compensate for this, we proposed a hybrid moment weighted JRA as a new cost function with moment weighted for only the lower extremity. In order to validate the proposed cost function, the predicted and real lifting postures for various lifting conditions were compared by using the root mean square(RMS) error. This hybrid JRA reduced RMS more than the previous cost functions. Therefore, it is concluded that the cost function of a hybrid moment weighted JRA can be used to predict three-dimensional lifting postures. To compare with the predicted trajectories and the real lifting movements, graphical validations were performed. The results also showed that the hybrid moment weighted cost function model was found to have generated the postures more similar to the real movements.

Work-related injurieshave become the issue in the twentieth century. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common work-related injuriesand the most frequent from of work-related i11-health (more than 50％ of total work-related injuries (BLS 1990)). The workers at copy shops have complained of pain in their back, legs, and shoulders. Most of them work for more than 8 hours a day. They have claimed that their pains were associated with repetitive and continuous work over a long term. The purpose of this research is to suggest an ergonomically comfortable redesign of the copy machine. This study was performed by conducting a survey of copy shop workers who have complained of job-related physical pain, and analyzing their working postures. The copy machine was ergonomically modified to reduce the workers' pain. The VIS10N 3000 software was used to analyze the posture. The analysis showed significant difference in the ranges of back and neck motion (p<0.05).

As a part of HMS(Human-Machine System), the car is very important thing in common life. It is also a significant part to study on the controllers of car that is intentively related with all sensibilities during driving. There are lots of controllers on seating buck of the car. However, there are few study on the sensibility analysis of them. Most of all, the foot controller could be easily overlooked because it could be invisible. This study was based on relationship that the controllers fitted to the driving posture in the drivers' sensibility difference of two transmission modes, automatic and manual transmission. The results show the driver's preference driving posture and sensibility in two kinds of transmission cars. Consequently, it should be designed the seating buck for two different types respectively to be taken comfort driving posture and improve the safety for drivers. Also, it could reduce the fatigue and discomfort in the task of driving. The design of the controllers strongly effects on the drivers' response time. hereby this study was accessed to the sensibility of Korean with analyzing the relationship, quantitative data, and sensibility difference between two kinds of transmission cars.