• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.173-183
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation coefficients between anthropometric parameters of the foot and kinetic variables during running. Method: This study was conducted on 21 healthy young adults (age: $24.8{\pm}2.1yes$, height: $177.2{\pm}5.8cm$, body mass: $73.3{\pm}7.3kg$, foot length: $256.5{\pm}12.3mm$) with normal foot type and heel strike running. To measure the anthropometric parameters, radiographs were taken on the frontal and sagittal planes, and determined the length and width of each segment and the navicular height. Barefoot running was performed at a preferred velocity ($3.0{\pm}0.2m/s$) and a fixed velocity (4.0 m/s) on treadmill (Bertec, USA) in order to measure the kinetic variables. The vertical impact peak force, the vertical active peak force, the braking peak force, the propulsion peak force, the vertical force at mid-stance (vertical ground reaction when the foot is fully landed in mid-stance or at the point where the weight was uniformly distributed on the foot) and the impact loading rate were calculated. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between anthropometric variables and kinetical variables. The significance level was set to ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: At the preferred velocity running, the runner with longer forefoot had lower active force (r=-.448, p=.041) than the runner with short forefoot. At the fixed velocity, as the navicular height increases, the vertical force at full landing moment increases (r= .671, p= .001) and as the rearfoot length increases, the impact loading rate decreases (r=- .469, p= .032). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference in the length of fore-foot and rearfoot, and navicular height. Therefore it was conclude that anthropometric properties need to be considered in the foot study. It was expected that the relationship between anthropometric parameters and kinetical variables of foot during running can be used as scientific criteria and data in various fields including performance, injury and equipment development.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.195-201
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate effective intervention(Intrinsic foot muscle training and navicular mobilization) methods for flexible flat foot. 32 subjects were divided into two groups: intrinsic foot muscle training(IFMT) and navicular mobilization(NM). In both groups significant difference in navicular drop pre and post test(p<.01), significant difference between n the two groups (p<.01, 95% CI: .768-4.607). In both groups significant difference in Foot pressure distribution pre and post test(p<.01), significant difference between the two groups (p<.01, 95% CI: 3.404-14.90). The results of this study showed that the IFMT was more effective than that of the flexible flat foot. It would be possible to provide more effective interventions for patients with flat feet and also to prevent secondary musculoskeletal disorders due to flat feet.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2020

Background: The classification of foot type can be commonly determined by the height of the media longitudinal arch. The normalized arch height (NAH) is defined as the ratio of navicular or instep heights to the foot length or instep length. Objects: This study investigated the relationships among foot characteristics, such as foot length (FL), instep length (IL), navicular height (NH), and instep height (IH), in Korean young adults. Also, the distribution of foot type based on calculated NAH was assessed. Methods: Three-dimensional foot scanning data of young adults aged 20 to 39 years (total: 1,978; 974 male, 1,004 female) were obtained from the Korea Technology Standards Institute, and used for analyses. NAH was calculated as the following: NH/FL, IH/FL, IH/IL, NH/IL. Spearman's rank order correlation was used to identify correlations among variables. The Mann-Whitney U-test and chi-square test were used to compare the sex differences in foot characteristics and distribution of foot type. Results: FL and IL showed a very high correlation (r = 0.94). The correlations between FL or IL and IH (r = 0.50-0.57) were greater than those between FL or IL and NH (r = 0.23-0.72). Males had significantly larger values than females (p < 0.001), and the frequency of pes planus was significantly higher in females than in males (χ² = 50.09, p < 0.001). Based on the IH/IL index, the neutral foot, pes planus and pes cavus distributed by 16%, 78%, and 6% respectively. Conclusion: Our results on foot arch distribution could be used as basic data in clinical or footwear fields, and our data on differences in arch structure according to sex may facilitate understanding of why injury to the lower limbs differs between males and females.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.511-516
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• 2021

Background: Difficulties in walking and balance are risk factors for falling. This study aimed to predict dynamic balance based on demographic information and anthropometric dimensions in construction workers. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 114 construction workers in 2020. First, the construction workers were asked to complete the demographic questionnaire determined in order to be included in the study. Then anthropometric dimensions were measured. The dynamic balance of participants was also assessed using the Y Balance test kit. Dynamic balance prediction was performed based on demographic information and anthropometric dimensions using multiple linear regression with SPSS software version 25. Results: The highest average normalized reach distances of YBT were in the anterior direction and were 92.23 ± 12.43% and 92.28 ± 9.26% for right and left foot, respectively. Both maximal and average normalized composite reach in the YBT in each leg were negatively correlated with leg length and navicular drop and positively correlated with the ratio of sitting height to leg length. In addition, multiple linear regressions showed that age, navicular drop, leg length, and foot surface could predict 23% of the variance in YBT average normalized composite reach of the right leg, and age, navicular drop, and leg length could predict 21% of that in the left leg among construction workers. Conclusion: Approximately one-fifth of the variability in the normalized composite reach of dynamic balance reach among construction workers using method YBT can be predicted by variables age, navicular drop, leg length, and foot surface.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.533-538
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• 2013

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the effect of Low-dye Taping on muscle activity during single-leg standing in subjects with flexible flatfoot. METHODS: Thirteen able-body volunteers who had flexible flatfoot were recruited for this study. Subjects were measured navicular drop test to evaluate pronation of foot and muscle activity during single-leg standing before and after taping. The muscle activity was recorded using surface EMG from the tibialis anterior and the peroneus longus during single-leg standing on stable and unstable surface. RESULTS: The results show that the navicular drop height and the tibialis anterior muscle activity were significantly decreased after Low-dye taping. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Low-dye taping could be useful in managing overuse of the tibialis anterior by reducing their level of activation during single-leg standing.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.167-177
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• 2022

Purpose: Pes planus is a common foot deformity that involves the loss of the medial longitudinal arch. The medial longitudinal arch deformity is usually asymptomatic; however, it can lead to an increased risk of pain and injury. Low-Dye taping is designed to treat plantar heel pain and pes planus. However, low-Dye taping is relatively complex, and a considerable amount of time is required to apply the tape correctly. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of two different types of taping (low-Dye taping and modified Mulligan taping) on arch reformation, plantar pressure, and gait characteristics in participants with asymptomatic flexible pes planus. Methods: Twenty subjects (9 males and 11 females; mean age = 21.95 years) with asymptomatic flexible pes planus voluntarily participated in this study. Arch reformation was evaluated using navicular height measurements. Changes in plantar pressure distribution were measured using BioRecue equipment. Gait parameters were measured using spatiotemporal data collected during consecutive gait cycles using a G-WALK device. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the three different conditions (i.e., bare foot, low-Dye taping, and modified Mulligan taping) for each variable. Results: Navicular height was significantly increased in subjects who underwent the two types of taping compared to those who experienced the bare foot condition. The plantar pressure was significantly shifted to the posterolateral area after modified Mulligan taping compared with the bare foot condition. There were no significant differences in the gait parameters. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that modified Mulligan taping has a similar effect to low-Dye taping, and modified Mulligan taping is a simpler method than low-Dye taping.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.237-244
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• 2018

Objective: Flat-footed people struggle with excessive ankle joint motion during walking and running. This study aimed to investigate the effects of customized three-dimensional 3D-printed insoles on the kinematics of flat-footed people during daily activities (walking and running). Method: Fifteen subjects (height, $169.20{\pm}2.61cm$; age, $22.87{\pm}8.48years$; navicular bone height, $13.2{\pm}1.00mm$) diagnosed with flat feet in a physical examination participated in this study. Results: The customized 3D-printed insoles did not significantly affect 3D ankle joint angles under walking and running conditions. However, they shifted the trajectory of the center of pressure (COP) laterally during fast walking, which enhanced the load distribution on the foot during the stance phase. Conclusion: The customized 3D-printed insoles somewhat positively affected the pressure distribution of flat-footed people by changing the COP trajectory. Further research including comparisons with customized commercial insoles is needed.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.369-375
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• 2019

This study looked at the effects of teratainment taping and footpad exercise on the improvement of flat foot in a university student. We divided it into flexible flat foot taping group(n=13), flexible flat foot exercise group(n=14), rigid flat foot taping group(n=12), rigid flat foot exercise group(n=13) through a navicular drop test. After one hour's application of teratainment taping and footpad exercise, the height change of navicular, balancing ability and postural stability were evaluated. Change in the height of the navicular was measured before and after intervention, and the balancing ability was measured timed up & go test, and the postural stability ability was evaluated for stability limits in shoulder-width double leg stance, narrow base double leg stance, tandem stance. According to result, there was a statistically significant difference in the left and right foot of the flexible tapping group, right foot of the flexible tapping group, right foot of the rigid tapping group in the change in the height of the navicular in comparison pre- and post- intervention(p<0.5). There were no statistically significant differences in pre- and post- intervention comparisons intragroup and intergroup in balancing ability. There was a statistically significant difference in flexible flat foot exercise group and rigid flat foot taping group in tandem stance in comparison pre- and postintervention in the postural stability(p<0.5). And there was a statistically significant difference in tendem stance of the flexible flat foot exercise group compared to the rigid flat foot exercise group(p<0.5). The results of this study show that teratainment taping and footpad exercise have a significant effect on the improvement of flat foot in adults. Therefore, it is recommended to apply teratainment taping and footpad exercise to improve flat foot.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.215-222
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• 2019

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether augmented low-dye taping treatment, which consists of low-dye, reverse-six, and calcaneal-sling taping, is effective in alleviating the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, which is used for physical balancing during one leg standing. Methods: The subjects comprised 27 students in their 20s whose navicular bone height was lowered by 10 mm or more when evaluated using the navicular drop test. Those with interference factors like deformities, fractures, or traumas were excluded. Frequency-division multiplexing was used to measure one leg standing, and the method to avoir the average each time after 3 times of measurement was applied. Results: Significant differences in the center of pressure (COP) path length, COP average velocity, and forefoot force were observed during left leg standing (p<0.05), but for right leg standing, only changes in forefoot force were noted. Conclusion: Based on the changes to the non-dominant leg in terms of COP path length, COP average velocity, and forefoot force, the immediate effect of augmented low-dye taping, which combines three types of anti-pronation taping, on one leg standing balance in people with flat feet was confirmed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.61-70
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study evaluated an intrinsic foot strengthening exercise method for flat feet by comparing the effects of intrinsic exercises on a stable surface and intrinsic exercises on an unstable surface. METHODS: Twenty-four people with flat feet were divided into two groups. The control group performed short foot exercises and toe towel curl exercises on the stable support surface. The experimental group performed short foot exercises and toe towel curl exercises on an unstable support surface using Aerostep. The navicular drop test, and the static and dynamic balance were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: In the experimental and control groups, there was a significant difference in the navicular drop test and static balance before and after the intervention (p < .05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p > .05). In the dynamic balance, the experimental group showed significant differences in all directions after the intervention (p < .05). The control group showed significant differences in the postero-lateral direction and posteromedial direction (p < .05). In particular, in the forward direction, the experimental group had a more significant change than the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises performed on unstable surfaces can be an effective clinical exercise method to improve the dynamic balance ability of people with flat feet.