• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.692-704
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• 2023

This study analyzed 214 sports knee braces found on Chinese websites between October 2022 and November 2022 to assess product type (impact protection material, fastening method, and protection method), material composition, size, weight, and main characteristics. The product type was further categorized according to (1) use of hard guard and soft guard protection method; (2) cover type, strap type, and slip-on type fastening method; and (3) pressure type and support type protection method. It also noted the physical shock protection materials used, including foam (EVA or polyurethane) attached to joints as a buffer material and plastic (TPU or PP) that protects the user's knee from external impacts. The study found that the materials that primarily comprise sports knee braces are a combination of nylon, polyester, and neoprene. Additionally, it found that most sports knee braces available on the market are available in three sizes based on knee circumference: M (35-38cm), L (38-41cm), and XL (41-44cm), while some products are available in one size only. Furthermore, the majority of the 214 products studied weighed 200g, followed by 1,000g. Finally, in terms of product characteristics, many sports knee braces utilize ring-shaped silicone pads to distribute the load pressure on the knees or incorporate sturdy adhesive velcro to improve knee stability.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.733-740
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• 2010

This study was carried out examine the difference in the quality of CPR between knee protection and no knee protection when CPR is performed with mannequin on the floor covered with laminated paper. Subjects of the research were 48 experimental group and 56 control group who were college students in G province and U metropolitan city and completed AHA BLS Provider Course from Apr. 20 to Nov. 15, 2009. This study made knee pad(material: polyester 100%, thickness: 2.5cm, width 16cm${\times}$length 17cm) to protect knee for experimental treatment and measurement of CPR quality was connected with Resusci Anne(Leardal, Norway) mannequin and the results of CPR were recorded with Resusci Anne $Skillreporter^{TM}$(Leardal, Norway). Collected data were analyzed by SPSS/PC+(version 14.0). In conclusion, knee protection in CPR on the floor covered with laminated paper showed higher quality of CPR than that of no knee protection regardless of sex, height and weight.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.253-270
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• 2021

This survey provides research into developing knee braces to protect the knee against damage, reduce knee pain, and strengthen the knee. A total of 235 surveys were conducted from December 2019 to January 2020. The subjects were adults in their 20s and over who lived in the Seoul metropolitan area and had experience of using knee braces. In terms of age differences, subjects over 60 years of age purchased knee braces mostly to secure a reduction of pain (ROP), whereas subjects in their 20s and 30s purchased knee braces for physical shock protection (PSP). Subjects in their 40s and 50s purchased knee braces for improvement of muscle movement (IMM). There was no significant difference in shape, material, and locking method based on the reason for wearing the knee brace. These results show that it is conceivable and maybe preferable to produce different knee braces-with a variety of shapes, materials, and locking materials-according to the reason behind wearing a knee brace. Knee braces are worn currently without any differentiation despite the findings of this study. In particular, we argue the need for functional and differentiated development of knee braces specifically for PSP, ROP, and IMM.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.97-109
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• 2015

Recently, because the market for compression wear now includes all consumers, not just professionals, various items for recovery after exercising or for enhanced effects from exercise have been introduced. In this research, a systematic and stepwise design process was proposed to develop compression garment that has both functional area and appropriate pressure to protect the knee when exercising. The U-V format functional area that wraps underneath the knee was selected by considering the shape and change in the skin length when bending the knee. After the selection of the functional area, a total of seven knee design areas, including the existing product, were designed to determine the appropriate pressure. After various movements, the compression garment was ranked in terms of support of the knee, level of pressure, discomfort of seam line, and comfort of popliteal; the preferred design was selected using the quad method. Four compression wear garments were produced using two selected preferred designs; the wear evaluation was performed using a seven-point Likert scale. As a result, the optimal reduction rate of the pattern was calculated based on Ziegert and Keil's method. The applied percentage of the fabric stretch at the upper part of the crotch was 66% for the width and 50% for the length; for the lower part of the crotch, only 66% for the width was applied. Moreover, it was determined that the design of the U-V knee protection part was preferred when a 7 mm square was placed at a 1 mm distance because this not only supports the knee but also allows the fabric to accommodate various skin deformations.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.139-155
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• 2011

Objectives : To research trends of studies on treatments of knee osteoarthritis in Korean medicine. Methods : Domestic theses, published from 2000 to 2010, mentioning the treatments of knee osteoarthritis in Korean medicine were reviewed and analyzed. This study researched 79 theses and classified again according to the fields of the treatment. Results : The results were obtained as below ; 1. Studies on pharmacoacupuncture account for 41% of the total (32cases/79cases). The target of treatments had changed from pain alleviation and anti-inflammation to cartilage-protection since 2006. 2. Herbal Drug, Bee Venom, Cervi Cornu Parvum pharmacoacupuncture, Taping Therapy and Tai-Chi Exercise program were more effective than others. Moreover research on exercise program such as Tai-Chi has been increasing. 3. Some Herbal Drug (Glycyrrhizae Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Achyrantis Radix, Paeoniae Radix, Eucommiae Cortex and so on) were mainly used to investigate the effect on cartilage protection, pain relief and anti-inflammation in laboratory test. 4. Acupuncture including individualized, local acupoints and constitution acupuncture were effective than others in pain alleviation and symptom relief. 5. Pharmacoacupuncture Bee Venom were effective in recovery of joint function and pain relief while Buthus martensii Karsch, Homnis Placenta and Cervi Cornu Parvum were effective in cartilage protection and recovery. 6. Moxibustion was efficient to reduce joint pain and partly increase ROM (range of motion) of knee joint, but was not efficient to recover the function of knee joint. Conclusions : These results indicate that research trends on knee osteoarthritis were changed from symptomatic treatment (pain alleviation and anti-inflammation) to conservative treatment (cartilage protection and recovery).

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.221-229
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• 2023

This study aims to develop knee protectors that provide high safety and fitness, while incorporating a motion-adaptable 3D-printed pad. These protectors were evaluated by individuals who experience knee discomfort or pain. The results are as follows. First, the 3Dprinted pad design of a hexagonal mesh structure, which is modeled for excellent appearance and knee movement. Each unit of the mesh has a outer layer of 2mm thick, a spacer layer of 1 mm in diameter, and is connected by a 1.5 mm bridge. The bridge was extended up to 1.2 cm. Second, the knee brace was designed in three types - cylinder, strap, and combination by Universal design. Impact protection measurements of the three knee protectors demonstrated roughly 80% reduction in impact. Third, based on usability evaluation, cylinder type protectors have the highest ratings in most areas, primarily because of their ease of use. The strap type protector received positive reviews in terms of appearance and care, and the combination type provided stable knee protection. This study demonstrated the potential industrial application of 3D printing technology by designing and evaluating protective products for the human body. The results of this study are expected to aid knee protector manufacturers in developing practical products and promoting the development of protective equipment for other body parts or purposes.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2005

The quadriceps-angle (Q-angle) and the ratio of hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) are important for the stability of the knee and for protection from excessive stress. The aim of this study was to examine the association between Q-angle and H/Q ratio with and without knee osteoarthritis. We compared knee osteoarthritis patients with symptom-free women. The mean age of the patients in the arthritis group (25 women, osteoarthritis) was 59.7 years. The non-arthritis group consisted of 25 women with a mean age of 55.2 years. Of the 25 women with osteoarthritis, 5 had the condition in their left knee, 5 had it in their right knee, and 15 had it on both sides. There was no significant difference in the knee Q-angle of the left and right knees of the arthritis group and the non-arthritis-group (p>.05). The strength of all the muscles around the involved right knee in the arthritis group was significantly weaker than that of the non-arthritis group (p<.05). However, in the left knee, only the strength of the knee extensors and internal rotators was significantly weaker than that of the non-arthritis group (p<.05). The Q-angle was not associated with the H/Q ratio and internal rotators/external rotators ratio of the involved knee in the arthritis group (p>.05). Neither was the Q-angle associated with the pain level of an involved knee in the arthritis group (p>.05). The knee pain was not associated with the H/Q ratio of the involved knee in the arthritis group (p>.05). The Q-angle was not associated with the ratio of H/Q and pain level of the involved knee in the osteoarthritis women.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.555-569
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• 2015

During a design process of a protective equipment for sports activities, minimizing movement restrictions is important for enhancing its functions particularly for protection. This study presents a three-dimensional(3D) modeling methodology for designing baseball catcher's leg guards that will allow maximum possible performance, while providing necessary protection. 3D scanning is performed on three positions frequently used by a catcher during the course of a game by putting markings on the subject's legs at 3cm intervals : a standing, a half squat with knees bent to 90 degrees and 120 degrees of knee flexion. Using data obtained from the 3D scan, we analyzed the changes in skin length, radii of curvatures, and cross-sectional shapes, depending on the degree of knee flexion. The results of the analysis were used to decide an on the ideal segmentation of the leg guards by modeling posture. Knee flexions to 90 degrees and to $120^{\circ}$ induced lengthwise extensions than a standing. In particular, the vertical length from the center of the leg increases to a substantially higher degree when compared to those increased from the inner and the outer side of the leg. The degree of extension is varied by positions. Therefore, the leg guards are segmented at points where the rate of increase changed. It resulted in a three-part segmentation of the leg guards at the thigh, the knee, and the shin. Since the 120 degree knee-flexion posture can accommodate other positions as well, the related 3D data are used for modeling Leg Guard (A) with the loft method. At the same time, Leg Guard (B) was modeled with two-part segmentation without separating the knee and the shin as in existing products. A biomechanical analysis of the new design is performed by simulating a 3D dynamic analysis. The analysis revealed that the three-part type (A) leg guards required less energy from the human body than the two-part type (B).

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.271-286
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• 2020

This study evaluated designs via the consumers' function and design preferences survey for using product design images, virtual avatar wearing images and product explanations that identified consumers' function and design preferences for knee protection pads as well as to develop movement assistive knee pad designs. We developed Design A for men and Design B for women. For Design A, the front of the knee supports muscles and alleviates pain with a hole. Mesh material with good ventilation was applied to enhance wearing comfort. The color was achromatic for a modern style, and the hook fastener and loops enabled easy wear and removal of the pad while controlling size and pressure strength. For Design B, taping details seamlessly support muscles in the knee area with fabrics less than 0.1 cm thick and with long sleeves in the diverse sizes. The design's satisfaction assessment showed that potential consumers were satisfied with Design A and Design B for overall design and functional features. Over 77% wanted to use/wear and purchase designs; in addition, over 78% expected it would help with walking and relieve knee pain. The results can be helpful for designers when deciding designs for manufacturing and commercializing kneepad products.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.143-155
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop protective clothing that could alleviate fall impacts. Fall impact protection pants for elderly women were designed, and motion adaptable hip pads and knee pads printed by 3D printing were integrated into the pants and evaluated. First, the design of the fall impact protection pants with variable motion was semi-loose fitting pants that could be worn and detached from the protective pad. A pad pocket was made in the lining inside the pants so that the protective pad could be fixed to the protective area. Second, in the evaluation of the appearance of the fall impact protection pants, the wearer group had a good score of 4.60 or higher for all questions on color, material, ease, and fit. In the evaluation of the insertion method of the protective pad, the flexibility of the pad, and the weight of the pad, the subjects' scores were 4.30~4.80. The fit of the fall impact protection pants was excellent in the texture and elasticity of the outside and inside of the pants. There was no discomfort due to the pad(4.60), and no difficulty in movement during wearing activities was reported. During squatting, it was evaluated as 4.80, indicating that the motion adaptable hip joint and knee pads were highly effective during operation.