• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.9
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• pp.278-286
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• 2009

The aims of this study were to determined whether excitability of the $\alpha$-motor neuron is modulated by stretching and this changes were associated with flexibility of the muscle. In this study, $\alpha$-motor neuron excitability was measured by using the Hmax/Mmax ratio of the gastrocnemius H-reflex, and muscle flexibility was measured with the range of motion of the ankle dorsiflexion. The gastrocnemii of 10 healthy volunteers were stretched for 4 minutes(2 minutes stretching, 1 minute rest, and 2 minutes stretching) in each session by manual force. The Hmax/Mmax ratio of the H-reflex, as well as the range of motion of the ankle dosiflexion was measured through four different conditions: before stretching, as soon as after $1^{st}$ stretching, as soon as after $2^{nd}$ stretching and at 48 hours after $2^{nd}$ stretching. Excitability of the $\alpha$-motor neuron was decreased significantly after $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ stretching(p<0.05). Furthermore, the range of the dorsiflexion was increased significantly after $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ stretching(p<0.05). However, the excitability of the $\alpha$-motor neuron and range of the dorsiflexion at 48 hours after $2^{nd}$ stretching were not different from those of before stretching. These results suggest that reduced $\alpha$-motor neuron excitability of the gastrocnemius and increased flexibility of the ankle dorsiflexion would be followed by activation of the type III mechanoreceptor which around the ankle joint and the Golgi tendon organ in the gastrocnemius.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.445-452
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• 2001

The purpose of this study to compare the muscle performances (peak torque (PT), relative strength (RS), average power (AP), and total work (TW)) between taping group and non-taping group after 1 hour extensive exercise. Twenty healthy male subjects were evaluated in this study. Each subject was divided with taping(n=10) and non-taping group (n=10) randomly. Muscle performances were measured at 60 degree/sec and 180 degree/sec on the Cybex 770. The PT, RS, AP, and TW were measured before and after 1 hour extensive exercise. The results showed that taping group demonstrated significantly higher PT, RS, AP, and TW during ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at 60 degree/sec than those of non-taping group, except for total work during ankle plantar flexion. At the 180 degree/sec, PT and RS was significantly higher during ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in taping group than in non-taping group. This results suggest that lower leg taping could be useful to maintain muscle performances during sport activities.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2006.10c
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• pp.193-195
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• 2006

In this study, we developed an active controlled ankle-foot orthosis(AAFO) which can control the dorsiflexion/plantarflexion of the ankle joint during gait to prevent foot drop and toe drag for paralysis patients. To prevent dropping foot after heel strike, ankle joint was actively controlled to minimize forefoot collision with the ground. It was also controlled to provide toe clearance and to help push-off during late stance. The 3D gait analysis was performed on two healthy subjects equipped with the developed AAFO to compare with the normal gait and the conventional AFO gait. In the developed AAFO gait, differently from the conventional AFO gait, significant push-off was observed during pre-swing and the maximum flexion moment during pre-swing phase was similar to that of normal gait. A remarkable dorsiflexion also occurred during initial swing. These results indicated that the developed AAFO could have certain clinical benefits to prevent foot drop for paralysis patients, compared to conventional AFOs.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.346-350
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of calf tightness on gait, plantar pressure, and balance in adults. Methods: A total of 60 participants were divided into a normal group of 30 subjects with normal dorsiflexion angle (20-25 degrees) and an experimental group of 30 subjects with limited dorsiflexion angle (0-15 degrees) due to calf tightness. Gait ability and foot pressure of the subjects was measured with a treadmill, and the balance ability was measured by PROKIN system. Results: A significant difference in COP length, loading response, and single limb support was observed between groups. The COP length and single limb support ratio in the normal group was greater than in the experimental group, but the experimental group showed a higher ratio for loading response in the gait ratio. Conclusion: Our results indicated that calf tightness was negative effects on balance and gait ability, so assessment of the muscle tightness should be considered during exercise and treatment.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2008

Periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) are best described as repetitive stereotypical movements of the lower extremities characterized by dorsiflexion of the ankle, dorsiflexion of the toes and a partial flexion of the knee and sometimes the hip. The prevalence of PLMS is about 5-11% in adults and is predicted much higher than previously surveyed. They are also frequently found in various sleep disorders, several disorders not primarily affecting sleep, and patients taking psychiatric medications. Although they are rarely found in children, they are common findings in children referred to a pediatric sleep laboratory. The pathophysiology is strongly associated with decline of central dopaminergic function and closely related to arousal system during sleep. Benzodiazepines, levodopa, dopamine agonists and opioids are generally recommended for treatment but more controlled studies on the effectiveness are needed.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.29-35
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• 2008

Purpose : To describes the important aspects of the foot and ankle movement and function used when git and balance strategy. Method : The foot and ankle was a very important roles in the lower limb movement and gait. This study summarizes the physiologic movement of knee to the PNF lower extremity patterns. Result : The ankle joint composed of the talocural joint, the subtalarl joint, transverse tarsal joint, talocalcaneonavicular joint. The onset of dorsiflexion muscle activity starts in pre swing gait patterns. First contract muscle is the extensor hallucis. Activity of tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus quickly follows in mid swing gait phase. During stance phase, the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle provided plantar flexor torque, which muscle reacts quickly to restrain ankle dorsiflexion, and contributes modulated control of the ankle motion in gait patterns. Conclusions : The understanding of ankle kinematics, could provide a good therapeutic approach for improving gait patterns in patients with various pathological condition.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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• 2023.07a
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• pp.301-304
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• 2023

이 연구의 목적은 발목관절의 발등굽힘 가동범위에 따라 동적 균형능력을 평가하는 Y-Balance Test와의 관계를 규명하고자 하였다. 이 연구 결과 HADR군에서 PLRD(P<.05)와 CS(P<.01)에서 유의한 차이가 나타났으며, 발목관절 발등 굽힘의 가동범위와 뒤안쪽 도달거리(PMRD), 뒤가쪽 도달거리(PLRD) 및 종합점수(CS)만 중등도의 유의한 상관관계가 나타났다. 따라서 발목관절 발등굽힘의 감소는 균형능력 능력을 감소와 관련이 있으며 축구선수의 손상의 예방하기 위해서는 정기적인 발목 관절가동범위를 평가가 필요한 것으로 생각된다.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.153-160
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• 2017

Gait analysis has been conducted in various environments, but the biomechanics during the transition from uphill walking to downhill walking have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knee and ankle joint kinematics and kinetics during walking on a triangle-shaped slope compared with those during level walking. Kinematic and kinetic data of eighteen participants were obtained using a force plate and motion capture system. The greater peak ankle dorsiflexion angle and moment and the peak knee extension moment were observed (p<0.05) during both uphill and downhill walking on the triangle-shaped slope. In summary, uphill walking on a triangle-shaped slope, which showed a peak knee flexion of more than $50^{\circ}$ with greater peak knee extension moment, could increase the risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Downhill walking on a triangle-shaped slope, which involved greater ankle dorsiflexion excursion and peak ankle dorsiflexion, could cause gastrocnemius muscle strain and Achilles tendon overuse injury.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.457-467
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• 2005

Physiotherapyists frequently use manipulative therapy technique to treat dysfunctionand pain resulting from ankle sprain. Despite the high prevalence of lateral ankle ligament injuries, few studies are available indicating any physical associations with the development of lateral ankle ligament injuries, or information of treatment for lateral ankle ligament injuries. To investigate the effect of passive joint mobilization, the anteroposterior glide on the talus, on increasing weight-bearing dorsiflexion, single support time and VAS. Sixty lateral ankle ligament injuries (grade I and grade II) aged between 17 and 27 years (mean age 21) were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. The control group received a protocol of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) and massage. The experimental group received the anteroposterior mobilization, using a force that avoided incurring any increase in pain, in addition to the RICE protocol. Subjects in both groups were treated every second day for a maximum of 2 weeks or until the discharge criteria were met, and all subjects were given a home program of continued RICE application. Outcomes were measured after each treatment. The results showed that the experimental group than the control group. Weight-bearing dorsiflexion (F=7.640, P<0.05), single support time (F=85.532, P<0.05) and VAS (F=10.610, P<0.050). Between-groups differences were observed as; experimental group is increased weight-bearing dorsiflexion, single support time and reduced VAS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.113-122
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• 2017

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparison of muscle activity and mechanical loading according to the angle of ankle joint during a sit-to-stand (STS) task. METHODS: Thirty-four young participants performed the STS in a randomized trial with the ankle joint at a neutral, 15 degrees dorsiflexion and 15 degrees plantarflexion angle in a fixed sitting posture with the knee in 105 degrees flexion. Muscle activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius medialis (GCM) was measured, and the parameters calculated in relation to mechanical loading were the STS-time, maximum peak, minimum peak, and total sum of mechanical loading. RESULTS: In the dorsiflexion position, the muscle activity of the TA and GCM showed a significant increase (p<.05), and the STS time, maximum peak and total sum of mechanical loading showed a significant difference compared to that in the neutral position (p<.05). In the plantarflexion position, the muscle activity of the RF and GCM showed a significant increase (p<.05), while that of the TA showed a significant decrease (p<.05) compared to that in the neutral position. And the minimum peak was significantly increased than the neutral position (p<.05), and the maximum peak and total sum of mechanical loading were showed significant difference compared with dorsiflexion position (p<.05). CONCLUSION: These results show that there is a difference in muscle activity and mechanical loading when performing the STS movement according to the change in the ankle joint angle.