• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.165-176
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• 2011

The femoral nerve innervates the quadriceps muscles and its dermatome supplies anteromedial thigh and medial foot. Paralysis of the quadriceps muscles due to the injury of the femoral nerve results in disability of the knee joint extension and loss of sensory of the thigh. A child could walk independently even though he had injured his femoral nerve severely due to the penetrating wound in the medial thigh. We measured and analyzed his gait performance in order to find the mechanisms that enabled him to walk independently. The child was eleven-year-old boy and he could not extend his knee voluntarily at all during a month after the injury. His gait analysis was performed five times (GA1~GA5) for sixteen months. His temporal-spatial parameters were not significantly different after the GA2 or GA3 test, and significant asymmetry was not observed except the single support time in GA1 results. The Lower limb joint angles in affected side had large differences in GA1 compared with the normal normative patterns. There were little knee joint flexion and extension motion during the stance phase in GA1 The maximum ankle plantar/dorsi flexion angles and the maximum knee extension angles were different from the normal values in the sound side. Asymmetries of the joint angles were analyzed by using the peak values. Significant asymmetries were found in GA1with seven parameters (ankle: peak planter flexion angle in stance phase, range of motion; ROM, knee: peak flexion angles during both stance and swing phase, ROM, hip: peak extension angle, ROM) while only two parameters (maximum hip extension angle and ROM of hip joint) had significant differences in GA5. The mid-stance valleys were not observed in both right and left sides of vertical ground reaction force (GRF) in the GA1, GA2. The loading response peak was far larger than the terminal stance peak of vertical ground reaction curve in the affected side of the GA3, GA4, GA5. The measured joint moment curves of the GA1, GA2, GA3 had large deviations and all of kinetic results had differences with the normal patterns. EMG signals described an absence of the rectus femoris muscle activity in the GA1 and GA2 (affected side). The EMG signals were detected in the GA3 and GA4 but their patterns were not normal yet, then their normal patterns were detected in the GA5. Through these following gait analysis of a child who had selective injuries on the knee extensor muscles, we could verify the actual functions of the knee extensor muscles during gait, and we also could observe his recovery and asymmetry with quantitative data during his rehabilitation.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.12 no.9
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• pp.407-415
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to identify the relation between isokinetic strength of knee extensors and angular velocity of knee joint during fente motion in elite fencers by three disciplines and gender, and to provide the preliminary data for developing the training program and rehabilitation program to enhance sports-performance by three disciplines and gender. Total 31 elite fencers who trained at the national training center of the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) participated in this study.; 10 fleuret (4 males), 10 epee (6 males) and 11 sabre (5 males). Subjects were measured eccentric and concentric isokinetic strength (PT/BW, WK/BW) of the knee extensors at angular velocity of $60^{\circ}/s$, $180^{\circ}/s$ and $300^{\circ}/s$, and flexion (P1) and extension (P2) angular velocity of knee joint during fente motion. To examine the relationship between isokinetic strength of knee extensor and angular velocity of knee motion, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). ${\alpha}=.05$ was considered significant. In conclusion, the relationship of isokinetic strength of knee extensors and angular velocity of knee was different depending on three disciplines and gender.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.437-447
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• 2011

In this study, the lower limbs joints were analyzed for features based on the biomechanical characteristics of landing techniques according to height and landing on the ground type (flats and downhill). In order to achieve the objectives of the study, changes were analyzed in detail contents such as the height and form of the first landing on the ground at different angles of joints, torso and legs, torso and legs of the difference in the range of angular motion of the joint, the maximum angular difference between joints, the lower limbs joints difference between the maximum moment and the difference between COM changes. The subjects in this study do not last six months did not experience joint injuries 10 males in 20 aged were tested. Experimental tools to analyze were the recording and video equipment. Samsung's SCH-650A model camera was used six units, and the 2 GRF-based AMTI were used BP400800 model. 6-unit-camera synchronized with LED (photo cell) and Line Lock system were used. the output from the camera and the ground reaction force based on the data to synchronize A/D Syc. box was used. To calculate the coordinates of three-dimensional space, $1m{\times}3m{\times}2m$ (X, Y, Z axis) to the size of the control points attached to the framework of 36 markers were used, and 29 where the body was taken by attaching a marker to the surface. Two kinds of land condition, 40cm and 60cm in height, and ground conditions in the form of two kinds of flat and downhill slopes ($10^{\circ}$) of the landing operation was performed and each subject's 3 mean two-way RM ANOVA in SPSS 18.0 was used and this time, all the significant level was set at a=.05. Consequently, analyzing the landing technique as land form and land on the ground, the changes of external environmental factors, and the lower limbs joints' function in the evaluation were significantly different from the slopes. Landing of the slop plane were more load on the joints than landing of plane. Especially, knee extensor moment compared to the two kinds of landing, slopes plane were approximately two times higher than flat plane, and it was statistical significance. Most of all not so much range of motion and angular velocity of the shock to reduce stress was important. In the further research, front landing as well as various direction of motion of kinetic, kinetic factors and EMG variables on lower limbs joints of the study in terms of injury-prevention-approach is going to be needed.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.299-305
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a task-related circuit training in improving the function of lower extremity and quality of life in patient with hemiplegia. A total 25 paients with hemiplegia selected, the volunteers were randomly divided into a task-related circuit training group of 13 people and a treadmill training group of 12 people. The two groups received treadmill training for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. The experimental group was additionally received the task related circuit training for 30 minutes. The assessment comprised of testing the patient's strength, walking, balance ability(strength of knee, balance ability, 10m walking test) and making use of the stroke impact scale. Post treatment, compared to the treadmill training group, task-related circuit training group showed significantly increased strength of knee extensor, flexor and balance ability, stoke impact scale(p<.05). The findings of this study suggest that a task-related circuit training can improve function of lower extremity and quality of life in patient of hemiplegia. Further studies with a greater sample size and a various intervention are needed to generalize the findings of the present study.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.1454-1461
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• 2008

In oriental medicine, it is known that Eucommiae Cortex (EC) has strengthening and rehabilitative effects on the bone-muscle dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EC on the skeletal muscle atrophy. The muscle atrophy was induced by unilateral transection of the sciatic nerve in Sprague-Dawley rats. EC (water-extract, 170mg/100 g body weight) was treated once a day for 12 days. In this study, the effect of EC examined the muscle weight of hind limb, cross section areas of muscle fibers, fiber type compositions, apoptosis related factors (Bax and Bcl-2). EC reduced muscle atrophy in soleus (SOL), medial gastrocnemius (MGT), extensor digitorum longus, and tibialis posterior significantly in the damaged hind limb. EC increased type-I muscle fibers and decreased type-II muscle fibers significantly in SOL of the damaged hind limb. EC enlarged cross section areas of type-I and type-II muscle fibers significantly in SOL. EC enlarged cross section areas of type-I and type-II muscle fibers significantly in. EC reduced apoptotic nuclei and atrophic muscle fibers in SOL and MGT. EC reduced Bax positive muscle nuclei in SOL and MGT. EC up-regulated Bcl-2 positive muscle fibers in SOL and MGT. These results suggest that EC has an anti-atrophic effect and anti-apoptotic effect against myonuclear apoptosis induced by the peripheral nerve damage.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.52-60
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• 2006

Muscle weakness in the hemiplegia following stroke is an important factor which determines the quality of life in the future. Therefore, muscle strengthening exercise is essential for functional recovery in hemiplegic patients. Even though the popular conception is that muscle strengthening exercise causes spasticity and associated reaction that hemiplegia patients don't want, and that it disturbs functional recovery, recently there have been many new reports against that opinion. Therefore, the effects of strengthening exercise programs on functional recovery in hemiplegic patients are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of strengthening exercise programs for the knee joint using isokinetic exercise on the associated reaction of the upper extremities. Comparing the muscle activities of biceps brachii and triceps brachii during, before, and immediately after 2 and 5 minute intervals of isokinetic exercise, we examined the increase and decrease of associated reaction. Twenty stroke inpatients participated in this study. Surface electromyography was used to get muscle activity data from biceps brachii and triceps brachii. The major findings of this study were as follows: 1. The flexor and extensor peak torque were significantly higher on the sound side than the affected side (p<.05). 2. Before and after strengthening exercise, there was no significant difference in muscle activities (surface electromyographic root mean square values) between the sound and affected side. 3. Muscle activities were examined during, before, and immediately after 2 and 5 minute intervals of isokinetic exercise. There were significant differences in muscle activities between, before and during the exercises, during exercise and 5 minutes after exercise in the biceps brachii (p<.05), and during exercise and 5 minutes after exercise in the triceps brachii (p<.05). In conclusion, there was no relation between strengthening exercise and associated reaction in the upper extremities. Rather, muscle activities after exercise had a tendency to decrease relative to before the exercise. Thus, it is considered that intensive strengthening exercise contributes to improvement of functional recovery without increase in associated reaction in hemiparetic patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.35-42
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• 2006

The walker provides stability for walking for people whose lower extremities are disabled. It is important to measure and determine the appropriate height of a walker to conserve energy and to improve function. The purposes of this study were to examine effects of walker height and gait velocity on triceps, latissimus dorsi muscle activation, and energy expenditure index (EEI) during ambulation with a walker. Fifteen healthy subjects participated in this study. Each subject was assigned a walker with one of three heights (high, standard, lower height) and of two gait velocities (comfortable gait velocity or fast gait velocity). Electromyographic data were collected from triceps and latissimus dorsi, and EEI was determined from each condition. Two-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the statistical significance. Post hoc comparison was performed with the Bonferroni test. The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1. There was a significant difference in the %MVIC of triceps among different walker height factors. Post hoc comparison revealed that %MVIC of dominant triceps brachii was more significantly increased in patients who used the higher walker than those who used the lower walker (p<.05). 2. There were significant differences in the %MVIC of the latissimus dorsi among different walker height factors and gait velocity factors. Post hoc comparison revealed that the %MVIC of dominant latissimus dorsi was also more significantly increased in patients who used the higher walker than those who used the lower walker (p<.05) and in those who used the faster gait velocity than those who used the slower gait velocity (p<.05). 3. There were significant differences in the EEI among different walker height factors and gait velocity factors. Post hoc comparison revealed that the EEI was significantly increased among those who used higher and lower walkers compared with the standard walker. The EEI was also more significantly increased among those who used the fast gait velocity than those who used the slower gait velocity (p<.05). It has been concluded that increased muscle activation in triceps and latissimus dorsi was required when the walker height increased and that more energy was exp ended when the gait velocity increased. Therefore, from the findings of this study, it is recommended that walker height be adjusted according to the purposes of gait training and that healthy subjects conserve energy when ambulating with standard walkers in a comfortable gait velocity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2000

Microsurgical reconstruction of the hand demands recovery of the sensation of the reconstructed free flap as well as microsurgeon's intelligence, technique and experience. Even with adequate soft tissue coverage and skeletal mobility, an insensate hand is prone to further injury and is unlikely to be useful to the patients. Authors have performed 8 cases of neurosensory free flaps in the hand, 4 cases of wrap around, 3 dorsalis pedis and 1 lateral arm flap, from July 1992 through June 1999 and followed up average 4 years and 4 months. Wrap around flap was performed for reconstruction of 4 cases of thumb, repairing deep peroneal nerve and superficial radial nerve by epineurial neurorrhaphy, and followed up for average 3 years and 10 months and calculated 9mm in the static 2 point discrimination test. Dorsalis pedis flap were 3 cases for reconstruction of the ray amputation, extensor tendon exposure and wrist exposure. Deep peroneal nerve and branch of the ulnar nerve was repaired by epineurial neurorrhaphy calculating 6mm and superficial peroneal nerve and superficial radial nerve averaging 18mm in the static 2 point discrimination test for follow up average 2 years and 9 months. Lateral arm flap was 1 case for reconstruction of the ray amputation in the hand repairing posterior cutaneous nerve to the arm to the superficial radial nerve calculating 20mm for follow up 6 years and 8 months.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1125-1131
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quadriceps composition and its functional contractility in obese and nonobese elderly individuals. Thirty-four ($70{\pm}2yr$) individuals (obese, n=21; nonobese, n=13) participated in the study. The thigh composition was assessed with a CT scan, and its functional contractility was measured with an isotonic dynamometer. Variables were analyzed with a $2{\times}2$ two-way ANOVA and a contrast test (p<0.05). There were no between-group differences in the subjects' ages and heights, but individuals in the obese group were approximately 23% heavier and had 18% more fat than those in the nonobese group, regardless of gender. The total thigh volume of the obese elderly was greater (~29%) than that of the nonobese elderly, regardless of gender, and the fat volume (~39%) of the obese elderly was greater than that of the nonobese elderly, regardless of gender (p<0.05). Interestingly, the obese elderly tended to have a greater thigh muscle volume (~17% for males [p<0.05] and ~10% for females) than the nonobese. Despite the greater muscle volume, the peak knee extensor torque of the two groups was comparable or slightly greater in the obese individuals. However, when this was normalized by the total thigh volume, the nonobese males showed significantly greater peak torque (~26% for right and ~20% for left; p<0.05) compared to the obese males. The nonobese females also showed greater peak torque (~8% for both legs) than the obese females after normalization, but the result was not statistically significant. In conclusion, although the obese elderly individuals had greater quadriceps muscle mass than the nonobese, the normalized peak torque of the obese was significantly lower than that of the nonobese, implying a lower degree of muscle contractility.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.242-252
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• 1988

In vivo effects of leucine on skeletal muscle protein synthesis in fed and I-day food deprived young rats were examined. Animals assigned to leucine group were given a single i.p. injection of 80 or 160flmoles of leucine while control group animals were saline sham injected. The rate of protein synthesis was measured by the amount of $^{14}\textrm{C} incorporated into muscle protein after a single injection of $^{14}\textrm{C}-tyrosine, IO$\mu$ Ci/l00g B.W. Examined muscles were two different types of hind limb muscles. the oxidative solues and the glycolytic EDL and plantaris. Administered leucine elevated the concentration of free leucine in soleus muscles by 4-6.8 times the normal level. A massive dose of leucine, 160 flmoles, stimulated protein synthesis in the EDL and plantaris by 24 %, 29 % respectively of straved rats. The soleus of I-day food deprived rats and both types of muscles in fed rats did not respond to the injected leucine. The synthesis rate of the EDL and plantaris was supressed to one-half of the normal while the soleus that was not stimulated by leucine maintained a relatively normal rate, 78 %, of protein synthesis after I-day of food deprivation. Thus, in vivo stimulatory effect of leucine appears to be not a general phenomenon but to be related to the degree of catabolic condition developed by stress such as food deprivation. Although anabolic effects of leucine observed in this study was limited, any applicability of this special property of leucine to human subjects for the purpose of protein sparing in skeletal muscles remains to be examined.