• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.10 no.11
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• pp.217-223
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• 2019

The relationship between balance and ankle muscle characteristics (strength and flexibility) may be important to identify those at an increased risk of falling and to develop fall-prevention training programs. The association between ankle muscle characteristics (strength and flexibility) and balance has not previously been studied. The purpose of this study assessed the relationship between ankle muscle characteristics and balance. Sixteen healthy participants volunteered to participate in the study. Dynamic balance measured using Y-balance kit. Ankle muscle characteristics (strength and flexibility) measured using hand-held dynamometer and goniometry. The results indicated a positive correlation between ankle invertor muscle strength and Y-balance test performance. Clinicians should consider ankle muscle strength during therapeutic interventions to improve dynamic balance.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.1575-1579
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate how maximum-effort eccentric exercise over different contraction ranges affects the characteristics of torque-angle relationship of human ankle plantarflexor in-vivo. Subjects were randomly assigned in two groups. One group (n=6) performed 120 maximum-effort eccentric ankle dorsiflexion contractions at short muscle length (ankle range of motion from -5 to 15 deg) and the other group (n=6) at long (ankle range of motion from 10 to 30 deg) muscle length. Eccentric exercise decreased the maximum isometric ankle plantarflexion torque ${\sim}40%$. It was found that the optimum ankle joint angle changed from 7.5 deg to 11.1 deg and 10.1 deg, shifted toward the longer muscle length, regardless of the exercise range. The results of this study suggest that eccentric exercise alters the characteristics of torqueangle relationship of the muscle but there is no differential effect of the eccentric contraction range.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of using a smartphone according to the direction of wearing a bag on muscle characteristics and balance ability in adults in their 20s with chronic ankle instability. METHODS: Twelve people with chronic ankle instability were examined for three weeks. The types of carrying a bag were classified into three conditions: to the right, to the left, and on both sides. The muscle characteristics and balance ability were measured and analyzed. The one-way ANOVA was used to obtain a difference between conditions. RESULTS: A significant difference in the muscle tone of medial gastrocnemius was observed between the dominant group and the non-dominant group. The muscle tone and stiffness of the peroneus longus decreased significantly after walking with a smartphone and carrying a bag. The maximum slope of the forward and reverse directions increased and decreased significantly, respectively, after walking with a smartphone and carrying a bag on both sides. CONCLUSION: In this study, muscle fatigue causes a decrease in muscle tone and stiffness with chronic ankle instability when carrying a heavy back while walking, and there were asymmetric changes in the balance ability. Therefore, adults with chronic ankle instability should carefully avoid carrying a heavy bag for extended times, irrespective of the style or type of the bag.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.45-53
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the differentiation of proprioception, invertor and evertor muscle strength, and time to peak torque at a velocity of $300^{\circ}/sec$ of the ankle joint in people with or without functional ankle instability (FAI). Nineteen subjects with a history of ankle sprain participated. All subjects were divided into FAI group ($n_1=9$, Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT)${\leq}24$) and a control group ($n_2=10$) based on their CAIT scores. Isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the sense of active joint position of the ankle at mid-range and end-range of an inversion motion and invertor as well as the evertor muscle strength and time to peak torque at $300^{\circ}/s$. The FAI group showed a statistically reduction in invertor and evertor muscle strength and time to peak torque when compared to the control group (p<.05). Muscle strength and time to peak torque of the invertor and evertor, as well as the sense of active joint position at end-range were also lower in the FAI group than in the control (p<.05). Correlations between CAIT score and position sense at end-range (r=-.577) and invertor muscle strength (r=.554) were statistically significant (p<.05). Individuals with FAI showed reduction in invertor and evertor muscle strength and recruitment time as well as in proprioception of the ankle joint. Thus, proprioception and invertor and evertor muscle strength of the ankle joint at fast angular velocity may be investigated when examining and planning care for individuals with FAI.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.147-153
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• 2000

Soft tissue defects of the dorsum of foot and ankle can be covered from skin graft to free tissue transfer. The extent of injury which may be complex including the exposure of paratenons or bones requires free flap reconstruction. Some of the precautions for reconstruction are providing minimal bulkiness and well conforming to irregular contour thus making normal footwear possible. Though the muscle flap having its advantages and versatility, the fascial flap such as temporoparietal fascial flap has been considered the choice for reconstruction of the dorsum of foot and ankle. The purpose of our study is to utilize the advantages and versatility of the muscle flap as a first choice for reconstruction for the defects involving the dorsum of foot and ankle. The gracilis muscle with its anatomic and donor characteristics, it can be utilized to maximal effect by expanding its slim muscle width removing the epimysium and reducing its bulk by muscle atrophy through denervation. We present our experience with ten cases of reconstruction for the dorsum of foot and ankle using the gracilis muscle free flap. Results were satisfactory without flap loss, skin loss and infection. The contour and aesthetic aspect of the foot was satisfactory. Gait analysis showed near normal gait without limitations from everyday activities. Normal footwear was tolerable in all the cases. The keys to consider in the reconstruction of the dorsum of foot and ankle are appropriate bulkiness, conforming to its contour and able to apply normal footwear. With minimal donor morbidity and satisfying results, the extended gracilis muscle should be considered as the first line for reconstruction of the ankle and dorsum of foot.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.48-54
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• 2010

Ankle-foot orthosis with a pneumatic rubber actuator, which is intended for the assistance and the enhancement of ankle muscular activities was developed. In this study, the effectiveness of the system was investigated during plantarflexion motion of ankle joint. To find a effectiveness of the system, the subjects performed maximal voluntary isokinetic plantarflexion contraction on a Biodex-dynamometer. Plantarfexion torque of the ankle joint is assisted by subject's soleus muscle that is generated when ankle joint do plantarflexion motion. We used the muscular stiffness signal of a soleus muscle for feedback control of ankle-foot orthosis as physiological signal. For measurement of this signal, we made the muscular stiffness force sensor. We compared a muscular stiffness force of a soleus muscle between with feedback control and without it and a maximal plantarflexion torque between not wearing a ankle-foot orthosis, without feedback control wearing it and with feedback control wearing it in each ten elderly adults. The experimental result showed that a muscular stiffness force of a soleus muscle with feedback control was reduced and plantarflexion torque of an ankle joint only wearing ankle-foot orthosis was reduced but a plantarflexion torque with feedback control was increased. The amount of a increasing with feedback control is more higher than the amount of a decreasing only wearing it. Therefore, we confirmed the effectiveness of the developed ankle-foot orthosis with feedback control.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2011

Purpose:This study was designed to investigate difference in isokinetic muscle strength in the knee extensor muscle and characteristic differences in muscle strength between males and females through the ankle joint angles. Methods: Seventy-four subjects participated in this study. There were two groups: 36 males and 38 females. The mean age of the men was 24.58 years and women was 23.74 years. Subjects were seated on a CON-TREX LP (leg press) lean to back of chair, and there bodies were fixed by straps with the hip joint at an angle of $130^{\circ}$. After randomly fixing the ankle joint at $0^{\circ}$, $20^{\circ}$, and $40^{\circ}$ of plantar flexion (PF) in range of full extension of knee joint. We studied force max average, force max average/kg, power average, and total work through the angle of the ankle joint when the knee joint was extended from $90^{\circ}$ to $180^{\circ}$. Results: In the male group, all maximum measured value showed at the ankle joint $0^{\circ}$, all minimum measured value showed at $40^{\circ}$ PF (p<0.01). In the female group, all maximum measured value showed at the ankle joint $20^{\circ}$ PF, especially the power average increased significantly. All minimum measured value showed $40^{\circ}$ PF (p<0.01). Conclusion: There are differences between males and females in isokinetic muscle strength of the knee extensor through ankle joint angles in healthy adults. Males and Females have different characteristics of muscle strength through the ankle joint angles.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2020

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before-after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects' GCMs for 10-15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle's architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.1183-1194
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the flexion withdrawal reflex modulated by the hip angle and hip movement in spinal cord injury (SCI). The influence of the hip position and passive movement were tested in 6 subjects with chronic SCI. Each subject placed in a supine position and lower leg was fixed with the knee at 5 -45 degree flexion and the ankle at 25-40 degree plantar flexion. A train of 10 stimulus pulses were applied at 200 Hz to the skin of the medial arch to trigger flexion reflexes. From results of the regression analysis, static properties of normalized muscle activation of flexor muscles have the linear relationship with respect to hip angle (P< 0.05). In order to verify the neural contribution of flexion reflex, we compared the static and dynamic gains of estimated muscle activations with measured EMG of ankle flexor muscle. Form this study, we postulate that the torque and muscle response of flexion withdrawal reflex have linear relationship with hip angle and angular velocity.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of clinical characteristics of chronic stroke patients on physiological cost index (PCI) during walking. Fourteen stroke patients participated in this study. To investigate the clinical characteristics, Fugl-Meyer score (FMS), gait velocity (GV), muscle strength of the knee extensor, modified Ashworth scale (MAS) of ankle plantar flexor, devices, and gait patterns during walking were measured and analyzed. The results were as follows: Firstly, use of devices and high MAS of the ankle plantar flexor significantly increased PCI. Secondly, PCI was significantly correlated with the FMS and MAS of the ankle plantar flexor. In conclusion, inhibition of spasticity of the ankle plantar flexor is considered to reduce PCI during walking for chronic stroke patients.