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: Office workers experience neck or back pain due to poor posture, such as flexed head and forward head posture, during long-term sedentary work. Posture correction is used to reduce pain caused by poor posture and ensures proper alignment of the body. Several assistive devices have been developed to assist in maintaining an ideal posture; however, there are limitations in practical use due to vast size, unproven long-term effects or inconsistency of maintaining posture alignment. We developed a headphone and necklace posture correction system (HANPCS) for posture correction using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor that provides visual or auditory feedback. Objects: To demonstrate the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of neck and upper trunk flexion measurements using a HANPCS, compared with a three-dimensional motion analysis system (3DMAS). Methods: Twenty-nine participants were included in this study. The HANPCS was applied to each participant. The angle for each action was measured simultaneously using the HANPCS and 3DMAS. The data were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = [3,3] with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The angular measurements of the HANPCS for neck and upper trunk flexions showed high intra- (ICC = 0.954–0.971) and inter-day (ICC = 0.865–0.937) values, standard error of measurement (SEM) values (1.05°–2.04°), and minimal detectable change (MDC) values (2.92°–5.65°). Also, the angular measurements between the HANPCS and 3DMAS had excellent ICC values (> 0.90) for all sessions, which indicates high concurrent validity. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the HANPCS is as accurate in measuring angle as the gold standard, 3DMAS. Therefore, the HANPCS is reliable and valid because of its angular measurement reliability and validity.

Background: The rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes the protraction, downward rotation, and anterior tilt of the scapula. Many studies reported that various interventions for the RSP could be helpful for RSP correction. However, no study has reported on the effect of an orthosis on the RSP. Objectives: To investigate the effect of an orthosis on the RSP in comparison with kinesio taping in 32 participants with RSP. Design: Quasi-experimental study. Methods: Thirty-two participants with RSP were randomly assigned into the kinesio taping group (n=15) and orthosis group (n=17). Kinesio taping was applied as follows: 1) both sides of the spine in a vertical direction from C7 to T12. 2) Both sides of the spine in an oblique direction from the coracoid process of the scapula through the acromion to the T12. Orthosis was tried on, and a pull adjustment strap was used to correct the RSP for each participant. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in the height of the acromion to the ground, forward head angle, forward shoulder angle, visual analog scale, and neck disability index within each group. However, no significant differences in all measurements were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Orthosis for the RSP with exercise would improve the correction of the RSP as much as kinesio taping.

Background: Individuals with forward head posture (FHP) have neck pain. To correct the FHP, a posture correction band is commonly used. However, we do not know the posture correction band influenced the pulmonary function in individuals with FHP. Objects: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of the posture correction band on the pulmonary function in young adults with neck pain and FHP and to monitor how the pulmonary function changed over time. Methods: Twenty subjects with chronic neck pain and forward head posture were recruited. Subjects performed pulmonary function test four times: before, immediately, and 2 hours after wearing the postural band, and immediately after undressing the postural band. Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) were measured. The modified Borg dyspnea scale was used to measure each subject’s responses to the posture correction band. The mixed-effect linear regression was used to the effect of the posture correction band over time. Results: There were no significant differences in VC, FVC, PEF, FEV1 values over time (p > 0.05), although all values slightly decreased after applying posture correction band. However, the score of the modified Borg scale significantly changed after wearing the postural bands (p < 0.05), indicating the subject felt discomfort with posture correction band during breathing. Conclusion: Because the posture correction band did not change the pulmonary function over time, but it induces psychological discomforts during breathing in people with FHP. Therefore, this posture correction band can be used for FHP realignment after discussion with the subjects.

Background: Tension-type headaches, which make up the highest proportion of headaches, are prone to develop into chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH). The characteristic of CTTH in patients is that the active myofascial trigger point (ATrP) which causes pain in the muscles of the back of the head is increased, compared to the normal headache and moves the head position forward. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of myofascial release (MFR) and posture correction in effectively improving neck function and sleep quality in the symptoms of CTTH patients. Design: Observer-blind study Methods: To reduce ATrP, MFR was applied and exercise was also applied to correct posture. The subjects of this study were 48 individuals randomly divided into three groups; The MFR group using the MFR technique; The MFR with exercise group subject to both the MFR technique and forward head position correction exercises (MFREx), and the control group. MFR and MFREx groups were given the relevant interventions twice a week for four consecutive weeks, and went through the number ATrPs, range of motion (ROM) of neck, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after the intervention. A physical therapist, who was fully familiar with the measuring methods of the equipment, was the measurer and not aware of the target's condition was blinded to take measurements only before and after intervention. Results: There was a significant improvement in the ATrP, Neck ROM, NDI and PSQI in the group of patients to whom the MFR technique and MFREx were applied. MFREx was more effective in increasing neck mobility. Conclusions: According to this study, the application of MFR is effective in improving neck movement and sleep quality in chronic tension headache patients.

This study was performed to measure the posture correction effect of wearing ergonomic experimental clothing. Two types of experimental clothing (A, B) were developed. Both of them reinforced the muscles surrounding the spine. Experimental clothing A was developed by reflecting the shape and position of the pectoralis major muscle, abdominal muscle, and latissimus dorsi muscle. Experiment clothing B was developed by reflecting the integrated form of those muscles. Subjects were males in their 20s~30s (n=32). They were divided into two groups based on their acromion distance (AD): the turtle neck syndrome group (n=16, AD=3.81cm) and the normal group (n=16, AD=1.27cm). The correction of body posture was detected by three index values: change of the cervical curvature angle, horizontal distance between the seventh cervical vertebra and tragion, and AD. The comfort and tightness of the clothing were also measured. The results showed that both types of experimental clothing corrected body posture and that turtle neck syndrome can be prevented by wearing these types of posture correcting clothing. Two index values were decreased: cervical curvature angle (0.31~1.32°) and horizontal distance between seventh cervical vertebra and tragion (0.22~0.31cm). The chest was also stretched. The comfort was rated as good for both types of experimental clothing. These results indicate that the experimental clothing had a posture correction effect without any discomfort for daily living.

최근 스크린 클라이밍용 콘텐츠로 클라이밍 학습 프로그램과 스크린 클라이밍 게임이 등장하였으 며, 특히 스크린 클라이밍 게임에 대한 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. 본 논문에서는 스크린 클라이 밍 콘텐츠 구현의 핵심 기술인 자세 인식 성능의 개선을 위하여 등반자의 신체영역을 기반으로 하 는 스켈레톤 보정 방법을 제안한다. 스켈레톤 보정 과정은 비정상적인 스켈레톤 정보를 걸러내는 스켈레톤 프레임 안정화와 신체 영역을 관절부위별로 나누어 각 관절부위의 중점을 보정위치로 하 는 신체영역 기반 스켈레톤 수정 과정으로 이루어진다. 이렇게 보정한 스켈레톤 정보는 클라이밍 콘텐츠에서 등반자의 자세가 이상적인 자세와 얼마나 유사한지 판단하는 데 사용될 수 있다.