• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in spatiotemporal gait performance, function, and pain of lower-extremity according to foot morphological characteristics. Method: This case-control study recruited 42 adults and they were classified into 3 groups according to foot morphology using navicular-drop test: pronated (≥ 10 mm), normal (5~9 mm), and supinated (≤ 4 mm) feet. Spatiotemporal gait analysis and questionnaires including Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living / Sports, Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Tegner activity score were conducted. One-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. Results: The pronated feet group showed longer loading response and double limb support in both feet and increased pre-swing phase in non-dominant feet. The supinated feet group demonstrated a longer swing phase in non-dominant feet and single limb support in dominant feet. However, there was no significant group difference in function and pain of knee joint and lower-extremity between groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated that abnormal spatiotemporal gait performance according to foot morphology. Although there was no difference in lower extremity dysfunction and pain according to the difference in foot morphology, they have the possibility of symptom occurs as a result of continuous participation in activities of daily living and sports. Therefore, individuals with pronated or supinated foot should be supplemented by utilizing an orthosis or training to restore normal gait performance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.171-179
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• 2022

Background: The application of Kinesio tape (KT) has become an alternative treatment for the reduction of edema owing to its distinct characteristics that mimic skin behavior. Although many studies have found that KT application has a positive effect on edema related to breast cancer and rehabilitation following mandibular third molar surgery, there is little evidence to support the use of KT for musculoskeletal injuries. Objects: The purpose of this study was to review the literature related to KT application for reducing edema caused by musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A literature search (July 2022) was performed on PubMed for articles published between January 2012 and June 2022. The following keywords were used: "Kinesio taping," "Kinesio tape," "swelling," and "edema," with different combinations and derivations. Only articles available in English were included in this study. Results: Among 68 identified studies, seven met our search strategy and criteria and were included in the literature review. Five of these studies investigated musculoskeletal disorders of the knee joint; two of them reported that KT application had a positive effect on edema measured using perimetry following total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the KT application did not improve swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains. Pediatric patients with acute proximal phalangeal joint sprain experienced a more significant improvement in the reduction of swelling than the group using a splint. Conclusion: This literature review found discrepant evidence to support using KT for edema control in musculoskeletal disorders. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of KT for controlling edema following musculoskeletal injuries.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effects of balance training using a newly developed elastic band orthosis (aider) for improvement of mobility and balance in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ten patients with chronic hemiplegia participated in this study. There were six males and four females; two patients had right hemiplegia and eight had left hemiplegia. This study investigated the effect of the elastic band orthosis on balance and gait ability compared with bare foot condition. Gait parameters were measured using the opto-gait system for analysis of the spatial and temporal parameters of walking in stroke patients. In addition, balance ability in stroke patients was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Results: This study investigated the effect of the elastic band orthosis on balance compared with bare foot condition. The TUG and BBS showed significant improvement with use of the elastic band orthosis (p<0.05). Use of the Elastic band orthosis resulted in significantly improved velocity, cadence, less-affected step length, less-affected stride length, and less-affected single limb support in stroke patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated a significant improvement in dynamic balance and gait ability in chronic stroke patients using the elastic band orthosis. This orthosis may aid in prevention of spastic foot drop, leading to improvement of walking ability.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.167-179
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• 2018

The prevalence of patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) has been reported as high as 68%. ASD often leads to significant pain and disability. Recent emphasis has been placed on sagittal plane balance and restoring normal sagittal alignment with regards to the three dimensional deformity of ASD. Optimal sagittal alignment has been known to increase spinal biomechanical efficiency, reduce energy expenditure by maintaining a stable posture with improved load absorption, influence better bony union, and help to decelerate adjacent segment deterioration. Increasingly positive sagittal imbalance has been shown to correlate with poor functional outcome and poor self-image along with poor psychological function. Compensatory mechanisms attempt to maintain sagittal balance through pelvic rotation, alterations in lumbar lordosis as well as knee and ankle flexion at the cost of increased energy expenditure. Restoring normal spinopelvic alignment is paramount to the treatment of complex spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance. Posterior osteotomies including posterior column osteotomies, pedicle subtraction osteotomies, and posterior vertebral column resection, as well anterior column support are well known to improve sagittal alignment. Understanding of whole spinal alignment and dynamics of spinopelvic alignment is essential to restore sagittal balance while minimizing the risk of developing sagittal decompensation after surgical intervention.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.181-187
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify major factors on pirouette in ballet, and especially angle, Center of Mass(CM) & muscle activity aspects. The data were collected by using Motion Analysis System with 12 cameras to analyze kinematic variables with 120 Hz and Electromyography(EMG; 4,000 Hz) & Force Platform(1,000 Hz) to analyze kinetic variables. The subjects of this study were 8 female ballet dancers. The results as follow. First of all, full extension of knee joint and full plantar flexion of ankle joint appeared at the similar point. Secondly, in the rotational phase, total movement of segments in Good motion is smaller than that of Bad motion(in Good motion, head movement 2.70 cm, right shoulder movement 0.72 cm, left shoulder 4.26 cm, left wrist 17.4 mm smaller than Bad motion). Third, CoP distance of Good motion is 11.76 mm, and CoP distance of Bad motion is 11.76 mm, so Good motion is 5.98 mm smaller). Lastly, Pirouette need more retus femur activity than gastrocnemius activity in extention phase and rotation phase of support leg.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.11-19
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine effect of trunk control using pelvic movements upon the foot pressure in patients with hemiplegia. Methods: Twelve males with hemiplegia were the procedure executed turnk control using pelvic movements. The foot pressure were measured using Parotec-system. Results: The data were analysed with paired t-test. First, there was a significant increase in external and internal sensors of dynamic foot pressure change of the hindfoot before and after therapy. Also there was significant increase in hallux (p<0.05). Second, there was a significant increase of affected side in support phase(p<0.05) and decreased of affected side in overlapping phase(p<0.05). Third, there was a significant increase in foot floor contact time and impulse pressure rate between affected and non affected side(p<0.05). Conclusion: The trunk control with pelvic movement had an significant effect on the legs by increase activities of hip flexors and abductors. Also had an effect on ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexor by biomechanical movement.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.357-364
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• 2010

This study proposes a lower-limb exoskeleton system that is controlled by a wearer's muscle activity. This system is designed by following procedure. First, analyze the muscle activation patterns of human leg while walking. Second, select the adequate actuator to support the human walking based on calculation of required force of knee joint for step walking. Third, unit type knee and ankle orthotics are integrated with selected actuator. Finally, using this knee-assistive system (KAS) and developed muscle stiffness sensors (MSS), the muscle activity pattern of the subject is analyzed while he is walking on the stair. This study proposes an operating algorithm of KAS based on command signal of MSS which is generated by motion intent of human. A healthy and normal subject walked while wearing the developed powered-knee exoskeleton on his/her knees, and measured effectively assisted plantar flexor strength of the subject's knees and those neighboring muscles. Finally, capabilities and feasibility of the KAS are evaluated by testing the adapted motor pattern and the EMG signal variance while walking with exoskeleton. These results shows that developed exoskeleton which controlled by muscle activity could help human's walking acceptably.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.9-19
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematic variables of the lower limbs joints and the muscle activity for lower limbs during the level and downhill running. The subjects were 6 males of twenties and required to run on the level and downhill which was -7% grade treadmill at 8.3km/h. The running performances were filmed by high speed video camera and EMG signal was gained by ME3000P8 Measurement Unit. Rectus femoris(RF), Vastus lateralis(VL), Gluteus medius(GLU), Biceps femoris(BF), gastrocnemius medial head(GM), gastrocnemius lateral head(GL), Soleus(SO), Tibialis anterior(TA) were selected. The result of this study were as follows: 1. Ankle, knee, hip joint in downhill running showed less movement than the level running but, no significant difference. 2. VL and BF during the support phase in downhill running showed Iess muscle activity than the level running. but RF showed the opposite result. 3. GM, GL, SO adn TA during the supports phase in downhill running showed less muscle activity than the level running.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 1997

Kinematic and kinetic studies were performed to investigate the walking characteristics on a treadmill with various slopes at the same speed of 1.25m/sec. Six different slopes of the treadmill were selected . -4%(-$2.3^{\circ}$), 0%($0^{\circ}$), 5%($2.9^{\circ}$), 10%($5.7^{\circ}$), 15%($8.6^{\circ}$), and 20%($11.3^{\circ}$). With increased slopes of the treadmill, both hip and knee flexion angles significantly increased at initial contact, and the maximum hip flexion during swing phase and the maximum knee flexion during stance phase also significantly increased Ankle dorsiflexion angle at initial contact and the maximum dorsiflexion increased with increased slopes. However, the maximum plantarflexion in early swing was slightly reduced with increased slopes. Hip extension in late stance and the maximum knee flexion in early swing was not changed sigilificantly with increased slopes. As for the vertical ground reaction force, compared to the yond level walking, both the first and the second peak forces increased, but the mid-support force decreased.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.151-160
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there were improvements on balance when both ankle-jointed calf muscles and hip muscles, which affect balance capabilities, were activated through taping techniques and EMS. In this study, the One Leg Standing Test, a static balance test, was conducted by experimenting on a flat floor, foam pad, and a stretching board with a gradient of 20 degrees, respectively, to study static balance capabilities in different situations. Nine healthy men in their 20s were measured five times every five minutes considering muscle fatigue, and the difference between each variable was analyzed through post-test using nonparametric statistical analysis. Our results showed an equal increase in static balance capability was similar when EMS was applied only to calf muscles and only to hip muscles. Notably most improvements were seen when wearing calf supporters and taping technology pants, and applying EMS together. It was also found that the difference between EMS electric stimulation and balance capability was greater when wearing and applying supporters and taping technology pants. Based on the results of the present study, a muscle support band and EMS of taping techniques can improve balance capabilities. These findings are expected to form a basis for solutions Improving the balance capabilities