• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.16-31
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to assess the fatigue in lumbar and abdominal muscles in patients with chronic low back pain compared with normal subjects using spectral analysis with mean power frequency and median power frequency. The experimental group consisted of twenty subjects who had experienced chronic low back pain for over one year after the onset day. A control group consisted of twenty normal subjects with no history of low back pain. All subjects stood in an apparatus to perform sustained contraction in the lumbar and abdominal muscles for 30 seconds with 60% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The resulting electromyographic (EMG) recorded time serial data were transformed into frequency serial data by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). The results were as follows: 1) lumbar muscles measured, the frequency change ratio of both median power frequency and mean power frequency was significantly greater for experimental group compared with control group group (p<0.05). In measured two abdominal muscles (inferior rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis) except superior rectus abdominis, the frequency change ratio of both median power frequency and mean power frequency was significantly greater for experimental group compared with control group (p<0.05). 2) In all three (longissimus thoracis, iliocostalis lumborum, multifidus) lumbar muscles measured, the initial frequency value of both median power frequency and mean power frequency was significantly lower for the experimental group compared with the control group (p<0.05). In the two (inferior rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis) abdominal muscles measured (superior rectus abdominis not included), the initial frequency value of both median power frequency and mean power frequency was significantly lower for the experimental group compared with the control group (p<0.05). These results suggest that in patients with chronic low back pain there is a trend for more fatigue to occur in both lumbar and abdominal muscles than in the normal control group. This would seem to suggest that in treatment programs for patients with chronic low back pain, improvement of endurance in all trunk muscles should be considered.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.191-203
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• 2000

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between vertical dimension during swallowing and speech pattern in patients with temporomandibular disorders. For this study, 33 patients with temporomandibular disorders(TMDs), namely, 17 patients with disc displacement with reduction and 16 patients with disc displacement without reduction, and 30 normal subjects without any signs and symptoms in the masticatory system were selected as the patient group and as the normal group, respectively. Biopak $system^{(R)}$(Bioresearch Inc., Milwaukee, USA) was used for recording of electromyographic(EMG) activity(${\mu}V$) of the anterior temporalis, the superficial masseter, the sternocleidomastoideus and the trapezius insertion muscle during swallowing, and of mandibular positional change with function time(sec.) during swallowing and speech. A sentence of 'Sue is missing her house' was used for observing of speech pattern. Comparison between the two groups and relationship of the mandibular positional change and the function time between during swallowing and during speech were analysed by SPSS windows program. The results of this study were as follows : 1. Mean EMG activity of the trapezius insertion during swallowing was higher in the patient group, and the value was $3.4{\mu}V$ in patients and $2.1{\mu}V$ in normal subjects. 2. Vertica1 dimension(VD) at mandibular rest position before swallowing was slightly higher in the patient group, but VD at swallowing-late stage and at rest position after swallowing were not different between the two groups. 3. Swallowing time were 2.1 sec. in the patient group, and 1.5 sec. in the normal group, and the difference was significant. 4. VD during speech were generally higher in the normal group. In this case, speaking position showing the most difference between the two groups was 'her' position. The distance from habitual intercuspal position to 'her' position was 4.9mm in the patient group, and 6.6mm in the normal group. Speaking time was also longer in the patient group. 5. There were no difference in all observed items between the two categories of the patient group according to reduction of disc displacement. 6. Relationship between the positional changes during swallowing and speech were different between the patient group and the normal group. And in the normal group, VD at rest position before swallowing was negatively correlated with speaking time.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.88-95
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• 2000

Thirty normal adults were tested to measure the electrical activity of the anterior (AD), middle (MD), and posterior portion (PD) of the deltoid muscle and sternal portion of the pectoralis major muscle (PM) during the performance of four upper extremity PNF diagonal patterns with elbow flexion angle in $0^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$, and $90^{\circ}$. The PNF patterns in which these muscles function optimally have been theoretically advanced by Kabat and further described by Knott and Voss. They theorize that the MD should be most active with shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation (D2F); the PD with shoulder extension, abduction, and internal rotation (D1E); the AD with shoulder flexion, adduction, and external rotation (D1F); and the PM with shoulder extension, adduction and internal rotation (D2E). The patterns were performed through range of motion, with an isometric contraction performed in the shortened range. When the EMG activity of AD, MD, PD and PM in its optimal patterns was measured, it does not have significant difference among fixed elbow flexion angle $0^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$, and $90^{\circ}$ (p>.05). In addition, suggestions were made for study of patients who exhibit imbalance of muscle strength and have muscle weakness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.25-31
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the trunk muscle activity according to the direction of upper extremity lifting using elastic band. METHODS: Thirty three healthy individuals participated in this study. Each subject performed upper extremity lifting using elastic band on two different directions (straight and diagonal). And then we compared the muscle activity of respective trunk muscles of both directions. In order to examine the muscle activity of trunk muscle, we used the electromyogram to measure peak and mean torque in shoulder 90 degree flexion with sitting position. Electromyographic activities were recorded from the external oblique, internal oblique, rectus abdominis, and erector spine muscles during upper extremity lifting. RESULTS: As a result, first, there was significant difference between two directions. The muscle activity of ipsilateral external oblique and contralateral internal oblique is significantly increased in both straight and diagonal directions (p<0.05). Second, the muscle activities of external oblique and internal oblique of both side showed significant difference in diagonal direction (p<0.05). Third, the muscle activity of erector spine of both side showed significant difference in straight direction (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Through this study, it is important that implement diagonal direction exercise at sitting positions to help increasing muscle activity of ipsilateral external oblique and contralateral internal oblique on patients when activating the trunk muscle or stabilizing the trunk.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.193-199
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the activities of the serratus anterior (SA) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles during scapular protraction exercise with a dumbbell. Twenty-one healthy subjects with no medial history of shoulder pain or upper extremity disorders were recruited for this study. Subjects performed scapular protraction at $90^{\circ}$ and $130^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion with a dumbbell in supine and standing positions. The activities of the SA and UT were measured via surface electromyography (EMG) during 4 scapular protraction exercises. A 2 (angle) ${\times}$ 2 (position) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the normalized activities of the SA and UT and the UT/SA ratio. The results showed that activities of both the SA and UT were the highest for the scapular protraction exercise at $130^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion in the standing position. However, the UT/SA ratio was the lowest for the exercise at $90^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion in supine position. Therefore, for selective activation of the SA muscle, we recommend performing the scapular protraction exercise with a dumbbell in the supine position at $90^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.291-297
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the electromyographic activity in vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL), also vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis ratios after wearing wedged flated or 5cm heel shoes. The subjects were 30 healthy women who randomly assigned to two group, divided by flated or 5cm heel group. They were asked to perform squat exercise in two postures using medial and lateral wedged shoes. In two groups, EMG activity of VMO and VL was significant difference between the flated heel and 5cm heel (p<.01). This study showed that 5cm heel could selectively more active VMO than flated heel. It should be considered the heel height as the parameter when the patient with lower extremity problem undergo rehabilitation exercise or design of orthoses for the selective muscle activity of knee pain or knee instability.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.143-155
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• 1998

This study was performed to investigate the factor that might affect mandibualr body rotation. For the study, 115 patients with temporomandibular disorders and 35 dental students without angy signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were randomly selected as the patient group and the contreol group, respectively. Preferred chewing side, Angle' classification, lateral guidance pattern, and affected side were clinically recorded, and the amount of Mandibular body rotational torque movement was measured in wide opening and closure, in right and left excursion with vertical and lateral distance in frontal plane, right and left rotational angel in horizontal and in frontal plane. Masticatory muscle activity of anteriorocclusal contact pattern on maximal hard biting were also observed synchronously with BioEMG and T-Scan , respectively. The observed items were muscle activity of anterior temporalis and superficial masseter, and tooth contact status related to contact number, force, duration, and occlusal unbalance between right and left arch. The data collected were analyzed by SAS statistical program. The results of this study were as follows : 1. Mean value of vertical distance in frontal plane in wide opening and closure was more in control subjects than in patients, but there was no difference for rotational angle. In right excursion, rotational angles were greater in patient group than in control group. 2. Comparison among the subjects by preferred chewing side did not reveal any significant difference, but comparison among patients by affected side showed more rotational amount in bilaterally affected patients than in unilaterally affected patients. 3. Comparison among the subjects by Angle's classification or lateral guidance pattern revealed no difference. There was also no difference between preferred chewing side and contralateral side, and between affected side and contralateral side. 4. Positive correlation in madibular rotational torque movements were observed among vertical distance, total horizontal rotation angle, electromyographic activity of anterior temporalis, tooth contact number, and tooth contact force but total frontal rotation angle almost did not show any correlation with other variables except vertical distance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.86-96
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• 2017

Background: Scapular dyskinesis is characterized by altered scapular position and motion. Specifically, excess activation of the Upper trapezius (UT) combined with decreased Lower trapezius (LT) and Serratus anterior (SA) have been observed. The Standard push-up plus exercise (SPP) is considered as a therapeutic exercise for increasing SA activity and maintaining the scapular kinematics. In addition, Using the Sling surface can lead to higher muscle activity. However, the advantage of an unstable surface has been uncertatin. Objects: To compare the activation of the UT, LT, and lower serratus anterior (LSA) muscles during various push-up plus exercises with and without sling in subjects with scapular dyskinesis. Methods: Total 18 male subjects with scapular dyskinesis were recruited. The UT, LT, and LSA electromyographic activities and the UT/LSA and UT/LT EMG activity ratios were measured during three push-up plus exercises with and without sling. Two-way repeated of analysis of variance was used to determine the statistical significance. Results: The UT activity was significantly lower in all postures without sling than that with sling. In addition, the LSA activity was significantly greater without than with sling, and significantly large in SPP, Low back supported push-up plus (LSPP), and Quadruped push-up plus. Additionally, the UT/LSA and UT/LT activity ratios were lower in SPP and LSPP without sling than with the other four push-up plus exercises. Conclusion: The push-up plus without sling were considered to decrease UT and increase LSA activity compared with exercises with sling. Furthermore, SPP without sling seems to be a more effective exercise for increasing LSA activity and lowering the UT/LSA and UT/LT activity ratios in scapular dyskinesis subjects.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 1999

The aim of this study is to examine the sensitivity and characteristics of electromyography abnormalities detected by using various paramenters in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathies. EMG is widely used for disgnosing and localizing the level of radiculopathy. The results of the study were as follow : 1. In electromyography, L5 radiculopathy usa 95 cases(51.690). S1 radiculopathy was $45m(24.5\%)$ L4 radiculopathy was 18cases $(9.8\%)$, and L2, 3 radiculopathy was 8cases$(4.3\%)$. Remains 18cases$(9.8\%)$ had no definite radiculopathy. 2. Peroneal and tibial motor nerve conduction velocity studies were not significant as compared to the side to side. 3. Latency of H-reflex in L5 radiculopathy was $30.55\pm2.47$ in affected side, $29.47\pm2.29$ in unaffected side, in S1 radiculopathy was $33.00\pm2.03$ in affected side, R30.18\pm2.21$ in unaffected side. It was statistically significant(p<0.01). H-reflex mean difference of S1 radiculopathy group was significantly prolonged as compared to the L5 and S1 radiculopathies(p<0.001). 4. In L2, 3 radiculopathy, abnormal spontaneous activities and motor unit action potentials were showed high sensitivity in upper lumber paraspinal, hip adductors, quadriceps and iliopsoas muscles. 5. In L4 radiculopathy, lower lumbar paraspinal, tibialis anterior, quadriceps muscles were showed high sensitivity. 6. In L5 radiculopathy, lower lumbar paraspinal, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, peroneus longus, extensor digitorum brevis, gluteus maximus, tensor fasciae latae muscles were showed high sensitivity. 7. In S1 radiculopathy, lower lumbar paraspinal, gluteus maximus, peroneus longus, soleus, abductor hallucis, hamstrings, extensor digitorum brevis, extensor hallucis lognus, gastrocnemius muscles were showed high sensitivity.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.597-603
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• 2011

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare one-hand and two-hands lifting activity in terms of biomechanical stress for the range of lifting heights from 10cm above floor level to knuckle height. Background: Even though two-hands lifting activity of manual materials handling tasks are prevalent at the industrial site, many manual materials handling tasks which require the worker to perform one-hand lifting are also very common at the industrial site and forestry and farming. Method: Eight male subjects were asked to perform lifting tasks using both a one-handed as well as a two-handed lifting technique. Trunk muscle electromyographic activity was recorded while the subjects performed the lifting tasks. This information was used as input to an EMG-assisted free-dynamic biomechanical model that predicted spinal loading in three dimensions. Results: It was shown that for the left-hand lifting tasks, the values of moment, lateral shear force, A-P shear force, and compressive force were increased by the average 43%, as the workload was increased twice from 7.5kg to 15.0kg. For the right-hand lifting task, these were increased by the average 34%. For the two-hands lifting tasks, these were increased by the average 25%. The lateral shear forces at L5/S1 of one-hand lifting tasks, notwithstanding the half of the workload of two-hands lifting tasks, were very high in the 300~317% of the one of two-hands lifting tasks. The moments at L5/S1 of one-hand lifting tasks were 126~166% of the one of two-hands lifting tasks. Conclusion: It is concluded that the effect of workload for one-hand lifting is greater than two-hands lifting. It can also be concluded that asymmetrical effect of one-hand lifting is much greater than workload effect. Application: The results of this study can be used to provide guidelines of recommended safe weights for tasks involved in one-hand lifting activity.