• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.53-61
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• 2019

PURPOSE: Forward head posture (FHP) is a head-on-trunk malalignment that results in musculoskeletal dysfunction and neck pain. To improve forward head posture, both the craniocervical flexion exercise (CCFE) and the visual guide (VG) technique have been used. This study compared the immediate effects of CCFE and VG combined with CCFE on craniovertebral angle (CVA), as well as on the activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and anterior scalene (AS) muscles during CCFE in subjects with FHP. METHODS: In total, 16 subjects (nine males, seven females) with FHP were recruited using the G-power software. Each subject conducted CCFE and CCFE combined with VG in random order. The CVA was recorded using a digital camera and the ImageJ image analysis software. The EMG data of SCM and AS were measured by surface electromyography. A paired T-test was used to assess differences between the effects of the CCFE and VG combined with CCFE interventions in the same group. RESULTS: The CVA was significantly greater for CCFE combined with the VG than for CCFE alone (p<.05). The activity of the SCM and AS muscles was also significantly greater when the VG was combined with CCFE than during CCFE alone across all craniocervical flexion exercise phases (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Use of the VG technique combined with CCFE improved FHP in subjects with FHP compared to CCFE alone.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.125-135
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of low frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training on abdominal obesity in middle-aged women through electromyography and ultrasound. METHODS: Twenty-two middle aged women with abdominal obesity participated in the study. A low-frequency NMES device was used on the abdomen and waist of each subject for 20 minutes each (a total of 40 minutes) three times a week for eight weeks. The waist-hip ratio (WHR), weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) were measured. Electromyography (EMG) and ultrasound measurements were performed three times in total (pre-intervention, four weeks into the intervention, and eight weeks post-intervention) to examine the effects of low-frequency NMES on the abdominal muscle activity, muscle thickness, and subcutaneous fat. RESULTS: The results indicated a difference in the WHR and waist circumference before and after intervention (p<.05). The external oblique muscle (EO) showed a significant increase in muscle activity during all measurements taken post-intervention (p<.05). The abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness also showed a significant decrease between each measurement (p<.05). The test results showed that the abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness values taken eight weeks post-intervention were significantly lower than those taken pre-intervention and four weeks into the intervention (p<.05). CONCLUSION: These findings show that low-frequency NMES device training can be applied to middle-aged women with abdominal obesity to improve their body shape and exercise performance.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors of successful and unsuccessful movements through the analysis of kinematics and muscle activity of the Free Aerial Cartwheel on the balance beam. Method: Subjects (Age: 22.8 ± 2.4 yrs., Height: 158.7 ± 5.0 cm, Body mass: 54.1 ± 6.4 kg, Career: 13 ± 2.4 yrs.) who were currently active as female gymnasts participated in the study. They had no history of surgical treatment within 3 months. Subject criteria included more than 10 years of professional experience in college and professional level of gymnastics and the ability to conduct the Free Aerial Cartwheel on the Balance Beam. Each subject performed 10 times of Free Aerial Cartwheel on the balance beam. One successful trial and one unsuccessful trial (failure) among 10 trials were selected for the comparison. Results: It was found that longer time required in case of unsuccessful trial when performing the Free Aerial Cartwheel on the balance beam compared with successful trial. It is expected to be the result of movement in the last landing section (i.e. phase 5). In addition, it was found that the center of gravity of the body descends at a high speed to perform the jump (i.e. phase 2) in order to obtain a sufficient jumping height when the movement is successful while the knee joint is rapidly extended to perform a jump when movement fails. In the single landing section after the jump (i.e. phase 4), if the ankle joint rapidly dorsiflexed after take-off and the hip joint rapidly flexed, so landing was not successful. Conversely, in a successful landing movement, muscle activity of the biceps femoris was greatly activated resulting no shaking in the last landing section (i.e. phase 5). Conclusion: In order to succeed in this movement, it is necessary to perform a strong jump after rapidly descending the center of gravity of the body using the force of the biceps femoris muscle. Further improvement of the skills on the balance beam requires the analysis of the game-like situation with continuous research on kinematic and kinematic analysis of various techniques, jumps, turns, etc.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on muscle activity, including 10 m WT, TUG, and BBS, in hemiplegic stroke patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 42 inpatients diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke at hospital B in Daejeon for more than 6 months. Walking training was conducted for six weeks, five times a week for 30 minutes, with a general walking group (14 people), tDCS walking group (14 people), and tDCS (sham) walking group (14 people). Results: As a result of the study, the change in the muscle activity before and after tDCS intervention was significantly increased in the tibialis anterior muscle in the CG group. In the EG group, the erector spine (lumbar), rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior muscles significantly increased. In the SEG group, significant increases were observed in the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles. Significant differences were found in the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles in the comparison between groups after intervention according to tDCS application. Also, 10 m WT, TUG, and BBS were significantly increased in the CG, EG, and SEG groups after intervention, and there were significant differences in 10 m WT, TUG, and BBS in comparison between groups after intervention according to tDCS application. Conclusion: As a result, tDCS is an effective in improving the walking ability of stroke patients, and in particular, it effectively increases the muscle activity of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles, which act directly on walking, and also improves the speed and stability of walking. It is considered being an effective method to increase the gait of stroke patients by combining it with the existing gait training.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.284-292
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• 2023

This study attempted to observe muscle activity and muscle fatigue among isotonic exercise of Biceps Brachii and Deltoidus Medius, which correspond to upper limb muscles, using metronome. For the experiment, 13 adult men participated to evaluate biosignals (ECG, EMG). For quantitative evaluation, 1RM and MVIC test were carried out and a constant pace isotonic excise session was conducted. Five sets of exercise were performed, and each set proceeded to the failure point while the speed condition (30bpm) was assigned. As a result of the experiment, muscle activity in both muscles was significantly reduced in fifth set compared to first set. Muscle fatigue has been confirmed to occur at a significant level within the set, but there was only a significant difference in both muscles in the first and second sets between sets. This is similar to the results of previous studies that gives the same rest time(2min), but further research is needed to see if the conditions for the number of repetitions are affected. Based on the recent increase of interest in muscle strength exercise, this study was conducted to observe the results by varying the conditions of common exercise.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.89-99
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• 2024

Background: Squats are well-known for their effectiveness in strengthening the quadriceps femoris muscle. Flexibility and stability of the ankle joint are critical factors in performing squats correctly. Ankle instability can lead to injuries owing to compensatory actions. The role of the soleus muscle in maintaining ankle balance is crucial to minimize the risk of injury. Moreover, squats on unstable surfaces have gained attention for their potential to enhance balance and stability, which in turn helps prevent injuries. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the correlation between the soleus and quadriceps femoris muscles during squat exercises on various support surfaces. Design: Simple regression analysis Methods: Participants performed three different types of squats. Prior to commencing the exercises, we conducted electromyography (EMG) measurements to assess the activity of both the soleus and quadriceps femoris muscles. The order of the exercise execution was randomized. The squats were performed in a Full Squat format, and a one-minute rest was provided between each exercise type. Results: Our analysis of the results revealed significant differences in the activation levels of the soleus and quadriceps femoris across different squat types (p<.05). The regression analysis revealed an inverse relationship between the activity levels of the soleus and quadriceps femoris. Specifically, the quadriceps femoris exhibited the highest activation during squats using a wedge, while its activation was lowest during squats using the TOGU. In contrast, the soleus muscle demonstrated its highest activation during squats using the TOGU. Conclusion: Compared to traditional floor squats, the disparities in soleus and quadriceps femoris muscle activation observed during Wedge or TOGU squats can be attributed to the influence of ankle stability and balance. As the surface instability increased during squats, the soleus muscle's activity increased while the activation of the quadriceps femoris muscle decreased. These findings suggest that heightened soleus activation on unstable surfaces can significantly impact the activation of the quadriceps femoris muscle during squat exercises.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.905-913
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference of muscle activity according to application of a foam roller during pilates. The 8 male subjects were selected and quadruped position, bridge, and core control movement of pilates were randomly assigned to 9 movements on a static mat motion, static foam-roller motion, and dynamic foam-roller actions. This program was conducted once at intervals of 1 week. The muscle activity of erector spinae, rectus abdominis, external oblique, gluteus medius, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris were measured and the collected data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA. First, in the quadruped, the rectus abdominis and external oblique, rectus femoris of the dynamic foam-roller actions showed higher muscle activity than the static mat motion and the static foam-roller motion(p <.001), gluteus medius muscle activity was also significantly higher (p <.05). biceps femoris were significantly higher in static foam-roller motions than in static mat-motion and dynamic foam-roller actions(p <.05). Second, biceps femoris muscle activity was highest in dynamic foam-roller actions than static mat-motion and static foam-roller motions during bridge(p <.001). Third, in the sitting core control, the rectus abdominis and gluteus medius of the dynamic foam-roller actions showed higher muscle activity than the static mat motion and the static foam-roller motion(p <.001). and activity of erector spinae muscle was also significantly higher (p <.01). external oblique were significantly higher in static mat-motion than in static foam-roller motions and dynamic foam-roller actions(p <.05). Considering the muscle activity during pilates exercise, it would be more effective to apply the method and difficulty.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.341-347
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the change to the muscle activity from the serratus anterior(SA) of 5th and 7th, upper trapezius(UT), middle trapezius(MT) lower trapezius (LT), and pectoralis major(PM) when push-up plus exercise(PUP) is performed in four postures. 25 healthy, young participants performed various PUP convergence exercise(general posture, $90^{\circ}$, $120^{\circ}$ and BOSU). The muscle activity of the shoulder stability muscles was measured using a surface EMG analysis system during various PUP convergence exercise. One-way repeated-measure of ANOVA was conducted to comparison the activity of each muscle. There was significant difference in SA7, PM, UT, and MT (p <.05) during various PUP. The muscle activity of SA7 had a significance difference between PUP and $90^{\circ}PUP$ or BOSUPUP respectively (p <.05). The muscle activity of PM had a significance difference between $90^{\circ}PUP$ and PUP or BOSUPUP (p <.05). The muscle activity of UT had a significance differnce between $90^{\circ}PUP$ and PUP or BOSUPUP (p <.05). The muscle activity of MT had a significance differnce between $90^{\circ}PUP$ and PUP and also significantly difference PUP and $120^{\circ}PUP$(p <.05). These results suggest that general PUP can be a useful to improve to scapular stabilizer muscle in who has no shoulder dysfunction.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.12-20
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of trunk and lower extremity muscle activity according to the compensation of arm during bridge movement of healthy subject. Design: Cross-sectional Study. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. The subjects performed bridge exercise with 3 different arm positions(arm abduction 45°, 90° and cross-arms) and measured the muscle activity of the trunk and lower extrimity. During bridge exercise with 3 different arm positions, trunk (rectus abdominis, erector spinae) and lower extrimity muscle activity (gluteus medius, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior) were measured using wireless surface EMG. Results: Rectus abdominis and gluteus medius muscle were most activated during bridge exercise with arm abduction 90° and erector spinae and biceps femoris muscle were most activated during bridge exercise with arm abduction 45°. In addition, tibialis anterior muscle was most activated during bridge exercise with arm cross. However, these difference in muscle activity according to the arm position was not statistically significant. Conclusion: As a result of this study, we think that the change in arm position does not induce sufficient instability to increase the muscle activity of the trunk and lower extremity muscles. Therefore, various approaches for inducing instability of the support surface for increasing muscle activity when applying bridge movement in clinical practice should be explored.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.10 no.9
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• pp.435-441
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• 2012

This study is intended to provide a basic clinical data useful for preventing shoulder injuries related to occupation and curing them, by measuring the shoulder muscle activity of normal adults in an arm posture type of a wide shoulder joint angle, according to several differences of hand grip force. In order to examine the shoulder muscle activity during hand grips at a variety of intensity, according to the arm posture type, MVCs of all subjects were measured, and %MVCs of anterior deltoid, supraspinatus, the upper trapezius and infraspinatus at 0 degree, 90 degrees and 160 degrees of shoulder angle were yielded according to the grip force in an arm posture type, changing the maximum grip force into 30%, 50% and 90%, randomly. When measuring the hand grip at 30%, 50% and 70% of the maximum grip force to compare %MVC of each group depending on the arm posture type, there were no significant differences of muscle activity at 0 degree of shoulder angle among anterior deltoid, supraspinatus, the upper trapezius and infraspinatus, but there were significant differences of it among them at 90 degrees and 160 degrees of should angle(p<.001). According to the results of post-hoc test, also, anterior deltoid had the highest muscle activity, whereas the upper trapezius had the lowest muscle activity.