• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.600-604
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to implement a program of combined muscle stregth and proprioceptive exercises and to examine the impacts of these exercises on functional ankle instability(FAI). Experiments were conducted with 30 adult males and females in their 20s, and the exercise programs were implemented three days per week for four weeks. FAI was defined as a feeling of giving way after an ankle sprain and having a Cumberland ankle instability tool score of 24 points or less. The study subjects were randomly assigned to either a control group, a muscle-strengthening exercise group, or a combined muscle-strengthening and proprioceptive exercise group consisting of 10 subjects each. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess the subjects'ankle strength at selected speeds of $60^{\circ}/sec$ and $120^{\circ}/sec$. The peak torque % body weight showed significant differences in plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion. There were also significant differences in proprioception. The results suggest that applying combined muscle-strength and proprioceptive exercises to subjects with FAI is a more effective intervention than applying only muscle-strengthening exercises.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.153-162
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study compared ankle joint exercise and thigh exercise on the isometric strength of the lower limb and balance ability. METHODS: Twenty-seven subjects were divided into ankle joint exercise (AEG, n=9), tight exercise (TEG, n=9), and control group (CON, n=9). AEG and TEG performed ankle joint and tight exercises three times a week for four weeks. The following were measured before and four weeks after each exercise: isometric strength at knee flexion and extension of the lower limb; isometric strength at ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the lower limb; static balance of trace length and C90 area; and the dynamic forward, backward, leftward, and rightward balance for each region. RESULTS: The results showed that the isometric strength of plantar flexion (p<.05) was increased significantly in AEG compared to those in TEG and CON. The dynamic leftward (p<.05) and rightward balance (p<.05) were increased significantly in both AEG and TEG compared to that in CON. On the other hand, the static balance of the trace length and C90 area, isometric strength of ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion and extension of the lower limb, and dynamic forward and backward balance did not show significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Ankle joint exercise improves the isometric strength of plantar flexion compared to tight exercise.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.23-29
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between strength balance and joint position sense related to the ankle joint in healthy women. Methods: Twenty-six healthy women were recruited. Isokinetic strength and joint position sense (JPS) were measured using a Biodex System 4 pro Dynamometer and a Biodex Advantage Software Package. Prior to measuring the JPS and isokinetic strength, the dominant foot was determined according to the Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire. After the JPS test, isokinetic strength was evaluated in velocity $60^{\circ}s$, including practice trial ($90^{\circ}s$). Using the measured isokinetic strength, a Strength Balance Index (SBI) was calculated. Results: Relative to the SBI, the degree of imbalance was varied; but there were imbalances. For each starting position, JPS error showed no significant differences (p>0.05). The relationship between SBI and JPS was found during the inversion to eversion process, eversion to inversion, and dorsi flexion to plantar flexion. Conclusion: There are moderate to mild relationships between JPS and SBI during ankle movement. It is suggested that to prevent ankle injuries, strength balance should be considered along with the other potential factors including anatomical alignment, proprioception, and soft tissues problems.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the correlations between muscle strength of the ankle and balance, walking in the elderly. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were selected from a population of female volunteers. Measurement of balance ability included evaluation of timed "up and go", functional reach, and a one leg standing test. Measurement of walking analysis included evaluation of cadence, stride length, step length, and walking speed. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the ankle muscle strength was measured by use of a dynamometer. Results: For balance, there were significant negative correlations between timed "up and go" and the MVIC of the ankle dorsiflexor. There were significant positive correlations between one leg standing with the eyes closed and the MVIC of the ankle dorsiflexor. For walking, there were significant positive correlations between cadence, walking speed and the MVIC of the ankle dorsiflexor. Conclusion: This study showed that there were close relationships between muscle strength of the ankle dorsiflexor and walking and balance in the elderly.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.168-174
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between balance control ability and leg circumference, proprioception, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in young adults. Methods: The subjects of this study were 30 university students who were enrolled in D university in Gyeongbuk province. We measured the dynamic balance and static balance using the Biorescue. The muscular strengths of the hip, knee, and ankle joints were measured using a muscle contraction dynamometer. The ROM and proprioception were measured using an inclinometer. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlations between balance control ability and variables. Results: Sway length was significantly correlated with knee and hip joint muscle strength, ROM, and proprioception of hip and ankle joints (p<0.05). Sway speed was significantly correlated with ROM and proprioception in hip joints (p<0.05). Limit of stability was significantly correlated with muscle strength and ROM in ankle joints, and proprioception in hip, knee, and ankle joints (p<0.05). Conclusion: The sway length was most related to hip extension and ankle joint plantar flexion in the range of motion and ankle joint plantar flexion in proprioception. Overall, balance training for young adults will be of effective help if the treatment focuses on the knee and hip joints, range of motion and the ankle and hip joints' proprioception.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.63-72
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• 2022

Purpose : Several studies have investigated the effects of dynamic stretching (DS) and self-mobilization (SM), however, studies comparing the two interventions are rare. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of DS and SM on ankle strength, dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), and balance to determine which is superior. Methods : Thirty-two healthy young adults participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (SM and DS). DS was performed for the purpose of stretching the medial gastrocnemius muscle. For the SM group, ankle joint SM was performed in three ways. For all participants, the following measurements were performed as pre- and post-tests: isometric strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor, weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) to evaluate DFROM, Tetrax system to evaluate static balance, and y balance test (YBT) to evaluate dynamic balance. Differences before and after the intervention within each group were compared using paired t-test. Also, the variable's variation was compared between groups using an independent t-test. Results : Significant differences were found in ankle dorsiflexor strength, WBLT, YBT, weight distribution index (WDI) (pillow and opened eyes; PO), and stability index (ST) (normal and closed eyes; NC) before and after intervention in the SM group (p<.05). In the DS group, significant differences were found in ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor strength, WBLT, YBT anterior, WDI (normal and opened eyes; NO, PO), and ST (NO, NC, PO, pillow and closed eyes) before and after the intervention (p<.05). Ankle plantar flexor strength and WDI (PO) were significantly different between groups. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, DS or SM can be considered as a possibility for selective use according to variables for improving ankle joint function (DFROM, muscle strength, balance).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.467-477
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• 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of backward pedaling ergometer training on ankle ROM, lower extremities strength, foot pressure in hemiplegia. METHODS: The subjects consisted of control group(n=10) and experimental group(n=10), subjects were trained 5 times a week for 2 weeks each group. Control group were trained forward, experimental group were trained backward pedaling with physical therapy in both groups. Each group measured ankle joint ROM with DUALER IQ and ankle and knee joint flexor and extensor muscle strength by Manual Muscle Test System and foot pressure by Gait view system. RESULTS: The result of this study between pre and post test that experimental group had statistically significantly differences in ankle joint range of motion and lower extremities strength. But foot pressure had not statistically significant differences. There was not significantly difference of variation between groups. CONCLUSION: Therefore these results mean that backward and forward pedaling ergometer training effected an improvement of lower extremities function in hemiplegia.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.233-237
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• 2020

Purpose: This study compared the electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior (TA) and isometric dorsiflexor strength during dorsiflexion according to the toe postures in individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness. Methods: Twenty subjects with ankle dorsiflexor weakness participated in this study. The electromyographic activity of the TA and isometric dorsiflexor strength during dorsiflexion between with toe flexion, extension, and neutral postures were measured using an electromyography device and a hand-held dynamometer in individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness. One-way repeated measured analysis of variance, and a Bonferroni post hoc test was used. The level of statistical significance was set to α=0.01. Results: The electromyographic activity of the TA was greater with toe flexion during dorsiflexion than with toe extension and neutral postures (p<0.01). The isometric dorsiflexor strength was smaller with toe flexion during dorsiflexion than with toe extension and neutral postures (p<0.01). Conclusions: In individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness, the dorsiflexion with toe flexion can help improve the TA electromyographic activity. The toe posture during dorsiflexion for selective TA activation should be considered, especially in individuals with ankle dorsiflexor weakness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.93-103
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of therapeutic exercise on pain, range of motion and strength, and balance ability in a patient with an anterior ankle impingement (AAI). METHODS: A-32-year-old male presented limited ankle motion and pain with forced dorsiflexion at both ankle joints. In response, a therapeutic exercise program consisted of ankle joint mobilization, strength exercises using an elastic band, and proprioceptive exercises including semi-squats and a one-legged standing exercise with open and closed eyes. The program was performed for 40 min/day, twice per week, for 8 weeks. Pain, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength (ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion), as well as a one-legged standing test of both ankles, were measured before and after 4 and 8 weeks of therapeutic exercise. RESULTS: VAS decreased in both ankles after 8 weeks of exercise, respectively, compared to baseline levels. Range of motion and strength increased in both ankles for dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion after 8 weeks of exercise compared to baseline levels. In addition, the ability to perform a one-legged standing test with eyes opened and closed improved in both legs after 8 week of exercise compared to baseline levels. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that therapeutic exercise improves pain, ROM, muscle strength, and balancing ability in patients with AAI.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1791-1796
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• 2019

Background: Vibration exercise after ankle surgery improves proprioception and ankle muscle strength through vibration stimulation. Objective: To examine the effects of vibration exercise on the ankle stability. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind) Methods: Twenty soccer players were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The Vibration exercise program was conducted 12 weeks and 3 times a week. Ankle joint proprioceptive sensory test and Isokinetic muscle strength test were performed using Biodex system pro III to measure plantar flexion / dorsiflexion and eversion / inversion motion. Results: The result of isokinetic test of ankle joint is showed significant improvement in all measurement items, such as leg flexion, lateral flexion, external and internal muscle forces, compared to previous ones by performing vibration movements for 12 weeks. However, in the comparison group, plantar flexor ($30^{\circ}$), eversion muscle ($120^{\circ}$), inversion ($30^{\circ}$) of limb muscle strength were significantly improved compared with the previous phase; was no significant difference in dorsi-flexion. There was no significant difference between groups in all the items. Conclusions: In this study, we analyzed the effects of rehabilitation exercise on soccer players who had reconstructed with an ankle joint ligament injury through vibration exercise device. As a result, we could propose an effective exercise method to improve the ability, and confirmed the applicability as an appropriate exercise program to prevent ankle injuries and help quick return.