• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.459-466
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• 2016

This study examined the effects of robot-assisted therapy on the motor and functional recovery of the lower limbs in 53 subacute stroke patients. Robot-assisted therapy was performed using Lokomat? (Hocoma AG, Zurich, Switzerland) for thirty minutes per day, five times a week for four weeks. The outcome measures used were the Fugl-Meyer assessment, Motricity index(MI), Functional ambulation category(FAC), Berg balance scale(BBS) for gait function and balance ability, 10m walking test, K-Modified Barthel Index(K-MBI) for the activities of daily living and Mini mental state examination (MMSE), and Beck's depression inventory(BDI) for depression. All patients recruited underwent these evaluations before and after the four week robot-assisted therapy. For the evaluation, the somatosensory evoked potentials were used to assess the functional recovery. Robot-assisted therapy on the lower limb after subacute stroke showed improvement in motor strength, gait function, and the activities of daily living. All changes in terms of MI, FAC, BBS, and K-MBI exhibited a statistically significant difference after the four weeks robot-assisted therapy. The somatosensory evoked potential result showed a correlation with the MI and K-MBI. Robot-assisted therapy is believed to facilitate the motor and functional recovery of the lower limb in subacute stroke patients.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.487-497
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• 2014

Objective: This study aims to develop and evaluate a multi-purpose rollator, which may be used as a seat, as a traditional walker, or as a storage basket for elderly farmers. Background: The rollators on the market are not user-friendly designed and seen inconvenient for elderly farmers to use, although they are sold at considerably high price. Since they lack enough space to load stuffs and are not durable or stable enough, they do not seem to be suitable for elderly farmers to use in rural areas. Method: Two types of methods were used in this study. First, the survey consisted of 19 questions was conducted among elderly farmers in rural areas, after using the developed rollator, to evaluate the usability of the rollator developed in this study. Second, EMG experiment was conducted to compare the existing rollator and developed rollator quantitatively. Through this experiment, we tried to verify the differences of muscle responses, when using the traditional and the developed ones, which have their own brake system, in the ramp. Results: The developed rollator was highly evaluated in most of the questions in the usability survey, except for the 'Weight' category in which the opinions were divided into three different types (Worse: 31%, Similar: 30%, Better: 36%). The result of EMG experiment showed that the existing rollator (7.4%MVC) demands more muscle strength than the developed rollator (5.5%MVC) does. By statistically analyzing the results of upper limb and lower limb respectively, we found out that all the muscles except deltoid in upper limb showed statistically significant differences in muscle activity when using the existing and the developed rollator. However, there was no statistical difference in lower limb muscles. Conclusion: The developed rollator in this study has maximized the functionality of the brake system, the storage and the chair, which were pointed out as the weaknesses of existing rollators. Furthermore, the developed rollator is designed to be more user-friendly, safe, durable, and effective for elderly farmers to use in rural areas, where roads are rough and bumpy. Application: We expect that the emergency brake system developed in this study would be utilized for other convenience equipment, such as strollers and carts, and that it would be able to develop and produce more secure and reliable equipment in the future.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.8-17
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• 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between isokinetic strength training and the enhancement of physical function in older adults. It also evaluates the effectiveness of isokinetic strength training equipment. Method: This study randomly divided twenty healthy adults into two groups.The experimental group engaged in isokinetic strength training for 30 minutes, three times a week, over a four-week period. In contrast, the control group did not participate in any exercise regimen. We assessed several outcome measures including physical functions (sit-to-stand test, flexibility, Timed Up and Go test), grip strength, balance, thigh circumference, the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Additionally, the experimental group's self-perceived improvement in lower limb condition was evaluated using the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in various aspects: reduced sit-to-stand test duration (7.00±2.05 seconds), increased flexibility (4.69±3.90 cm), improved grip strength (1.54±1.74 kg), increased thigh circumference (left: 1.29±1.19 cm, right: 1.19±1.27 cm), enhanced Timed Up and Go test performance (-1.47±0.86 seconds), better balance (eyes open stance: -8.08±4.03 cm, eyes closed stance: -0.27±0.13 cm/s), and a decrease in depression severity (-0.15±1.51 points). Furthermore, significant increases were observed in the experimental group's maximal isokinetic strength at 90°/s for both flexion (19.62±7.03 Nm) and extension (19.60±14.65 Nm) over the study period. Conclusion: The findings suggest that isokinetic strength training equipment can significantly enhance physical functions in seniors when incorporated into an exercise regimen.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2012

Background: This study was performed to identify what effect plyometric exercise with application of kinesio taping gives on muscle activity and power of lower limb. Methods: In order to conduct research, total 14 male students at G university located Gwangyang city were randomly assigned; 7 for experimental group (with kinesio taping application) and 7 for control groups(without kinesio taping application) were conducted with box drill, one of the plyometric exercise 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Muscle activities were measured by using electrodiagnosis equipment on quadriceps and gastrocnemius. Collected data was analyzed by using Windows SPSS version 19.0. Results: Muscle activities show statistically significant differences (p<.05) both before and after exercise in experimental and control groups in terms of vastus medialis, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and lateral gastrocnemius. However, only medial gastrocnemius shows statistically significant differences in experimental group compared before and after exercise. Sargent jump for measuring power shows that only experimental group presents statistically significant differences (p<.05). Two groups show that vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, lateral gastrocnemius and medial gastrocnemius only in muscle activities show statistically significant differences (p<.05) after exercise. Conclusion: The result of this survey indicates that plyometric exercise is effective to improve muscle activity and power of lower limb, especially, the group who exercises with application of kinesio tape is more effective than the other group with no tape application. Therefore, it is considered that plyometric exercise with tape is more effective to improve power and muscle strength.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.549-556
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• 2013

In this study, we investigated the effects of stretching and movement with mobilization in lunge position on the muscle activity of the lower limb and limited of stability in chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia. Sixteen subjects were randomly selected and classified into the experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed self stretching exercises in the lunge position, and in the control group performed movement with mobilization in the lunge position. The interventions were conducted for 20 min, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated ANOVA. The analysis results showed no statistically significant between-group differences with respect to the muscle activity(%MVIC;maximum voluntary isometric contraction) of lower limb and limited of stability(LOS)(p>.05). However, statistically significant within-group differences were observed in the maximum voluntary isometric contraction and limited of stability for both the groups (p<.05). Therefore, self stretching in the lunge position is considered to have positive influences on the muscle strength and balance in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.220-226
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of treadmill gradient training on lower limb muscle activity in chronic stroke patients. The subject were 32 stroke patients.. Subjects were randomly divided into three group which were control group($0^{\circ}$treadmill training(n=10)) and experimental group($5^{\circ}$treadmill training (n=10) and $10^{\circ}$treadmill training(n=12)). Three groups received treadmill gradient training for 30 minutes while 3 times per week for 6 weeks in addition to conventional physical therapy. Muscle strength was measured by EMG on rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnenius for muscle activities. In comparison of activity of rectus femoris and gastrocnemius between pre and post value, the activity of rectus femoris was significant in the experimental and control group(p<.05) and the activity of biceps femoris was significant in the $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group(p<.05). The activity of tibialis anterior was significant in the $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group(p<.05). In comparison of the difference of activity of rectus femoris among 3 groups, there was a significant difference between the $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and control group(p<.05). and difference of activity of tibialis anterior was significant difference between the $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and control group(p<.05). These findings suggest that $5^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group and $10^{\circ}$treadmill gait training group can be used to improve lower limb muscle activity in chronic stroke patient. In conclusion, these treadmill gradient training helped improving function of gait ability in chronic stroke patient.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.154-163
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eccentric contraction training (ECT) and concentric contraction training (CCT) on the muscle thickness (MT), muscle strength (MS) and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) of the lower extremities in persons with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty persons with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to the ECT or the CCT group. The ECT was performed in a specially designed system of eccentric contraction of both legs and, the CCT was performed using a traditional stepper system for concentric contraction of both legs. The training was performed for 30 min/times, 3 times/wk for 6 weeks. Rehabilitation ultrasound imaging was used to measure MT of the vastus medialis/lateralis (VL), and soleus (SOL), a digital muscle tester was used to measure MS, and a visual analog scale was used to assess DOMS. Results: In the ECT group, MT was significantly improved except for SOL resting (p<0.01). In the CCT group, the MT was significantly improved except for VL contraction (p<0.05). The MS was significantly improved in both groups, especially in the ECT group (p<0.01). In the ECT group, muscle soreness was highest in the first week after training but gradually decreased, and in the CCT group, it was highest in the second week of training but gradually decreased (p<0.01). Conclusions: ECT can improve lower limb MT, MS, and DOMS of chronic stroke survivors. Therefore, it is recommended that ECT be used in the rehabilitation of persons with chronic stroke.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.223-229
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• 2023

Purpose: Assessing physical strength and muscle mass is crucial, but many methods rely on specialized equipment, which can be challenging. In situations where a quick and straightforward test is needed, the sit-to-stand test (STST) proves useful. Although several studies have investigated STST and muscle mass separately, the actual correlation between these two factors has not been extensively researched. Hence, the objective was to comprehensively investigate the correlations between the different tests. Methods: The study participants consisted of 20 healthy young men in their 20s. In this study, measurements were taken for muscle mass, the five-times sit-to-stand test, the 30-second sit-to-stand test, and the 1-minute sit-to-stand test. The results of each test were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: Although no significant correlation was found between muscle mass and STST, interestingly, significant correlations were observed among the different types of STST. Conclusion: The STST is a rapid and straightforward test used to assess lower limb strength and balance ability in individuals. However, there is a dearth of research on STST conducted in domestic settings. Based on the findings of this study, further research is necessary to establish age- and gender-specific reference values for STST. This will allow its broader application, encompassing not only older adults and patients but also healthy individuals.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2664-2671
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• 2012

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical characteristics and walking ability in the elderly population. Subjects were 77 elderly (38 men and 39 women) who are capable of walking independently with and without walking aids. Correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between physical characteristics (age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, muscle mass, waist/hip ratio, heart rate, vital capacity, flexibility, maximum oxygen consumption, one-leg standing time, and strength of knee flexor and extensor) and walking velocity of subjects. Age, height, vital capacity, one-leg standing time, and strength of knee flexor and extensor showed significant correlations with walking velocity of subjects (p<.05). Further, the strength of knee flexor explained 27% of the variance, and up to 32% of the walking velocity could be explained when the strength of knee extensor were added to the model. The findings suggest that walking velocity of elderly depends on the strength of lower limb's strength and a variety of physical characteristics.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.7-20
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• 1998

Activity of the trunk muscles is essential for maintaining stability of the lumbar spine because of the unstable structure of that portion of the spine. The central nervous system deals with stabilization of the spine by contraction of the abdominal and multifidus muscles in anticipations of reactive forces produced by limb movement. Recent evidence indicates that the lumbar multifidus muscle and transversus abdominis muscle may be involved in controlling spinal stability. Stabilization training in neutral spine is an integrated approach of education in proper posture and body mechanics along with exercise to improve strength, flexibility, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, and coordination of movement.