• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.17-26
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of visual electromyography (EMG) biofeedback on the EMG activity of the lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), and upper trapezius (UT) muscles, the LT/UT and SA/UT EMG activity ratios, and the scapular upward rotation angle during scapular posterior tilting exercise (SPTE). Twenty-four subjects with round-shoulder posture participated in this study. The EMG activities of the LT, SA, and UT were collected during SPTE both without and with visual EMG biofeedback. The scapular upward rotation angle was measured at the baseline, after SPTE without visual EMG biofeedback, and after SPTE with visual EMG biofeedback. The LT, SA, and UT EMG activities, and the LT/UT and SA/UT EMG activity ratios were analyzed by paired t-test. The scapular upward rotation angle was statistically analyzed using one-way repeated analysis of variance. If a significant difference was found, a Bonferroni correction was performed (p=.05/3=.017). The EMG activities of LT and SA significantly increased, and the EMG activity of UT significantly decreased during SPTE with visual EMG biofeedback compared to SPTE without visual EMG biofeedback (p<.05). In addition, the LT/UT and SA/UT EMG activity ratios significantly increased during SPTE with visual EMG biofeedback compared to SPTE without visual EMG biofeedback (p<.05). Significant increases were found in the scapular upward rotation angle after SPTE without and with visual EMG biofeedback compared to baseline (p<.017), and no significant differences were observed in the scapular upward rotation angle between SPTE without and with visual EMG biofeedback. In conclusion, SPTE using visual EMG biofeedback may be an effective method for increasing LT and SA activities while reducing UT activity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of applying mat Pilates and kinesio taping on the craniovertebral angle and muscle activity of adults in their 20s with a forward head posture. METHODS: The subjects were 20 adults in their 20s with a forward head posture: 10 from the Mat Pilates group (MPG) and 10 from the Kinesio taping group (KTG). Each group received the intervention for four weeks. The craniovertebral angle and muscle activity were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis of this study was performed using SPSS Ver. 23.0 for Windows was used, and the statistical significance level was set to α = .05. RESULTS: The change in the craniovertebral angle within each group was decreased significantly after the intervention for both MPG and KTG (p < .05), but there was no significant difference in the comparison result of the difference in the amount of change between each group (p > .05). The change in muscle activity within each group did not show any significant change before and after the intervention in all the MPG and KTG muscles (p > .05), and there was no significant difference in all variables for the difference in the amount of change between each group (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Mat Pilates effectively reduced the CVA, but neither intervention significantly affected muscle activity.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.49-56
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic characteristics and muscle activities during the following two conditions: transition from half-kneel to standing on the affected leg and non-affected leg. Methods: Twenty-one hemiplegic patients participated in the study. A motion analysis system was used to record the range of motion and angle velocity of the hip, knee and ankle from the half-kneel to the standing position. Electromyography was used to record the activity of 4 muscles. Results: The statistical analysis showed that the minimum ROM of the hip joint was less on the affected leg during transition from half-kneel to standing. However, the minimum ROM of the knee and ankle joints was less on the non-affected leg during transition from half-kneel to standing. The angle velocity of the knee and ankle joints was less during transition from half kneeling to standing on the non-affected leg. Muscle activity of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior was less while moving from half-kneel to the standing position on the affected leg. Conclusion: These results show that greater active ROM of the knee and ankle was required on the affected leg for transition from half-kneel to the standing position than for normal gait. Muscle activity of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior is normally required for movement from the half-kneel to the standing position during normal gait. Further studies are needed to investigate the antigravity movement in healthy subjects and hemiplegic patients in order to completely understand the normal and abnormal movement from the half-kneel to the standing position.

• 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 International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.185-191
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• 2010

Background: This study investigated effective posture for gluteus medius rehabilitation training and effects of isometric muscle activity by electrophysiology through EMG while performing dynamic isotonic behavior of weight placed differently on upper limbs. Method: 16 healthy male subjects 20 to 29 years of age volunteered for the study. Lateral stabilizer right gluteus medius activity was assessed using EMG while the right lower extremity maintains single limb support, and the left upper extremity elevation movement maintains 5 seconds without load, 1RM to 1 repetition, 5RM to 5 times, 10RM to 10 times, 5RM and 10RM maintain 5sec. Results: Comparison of the mean value of EMG data showed a statistically more significant difference in upper extremity elevation movement on opposite upper extremity added weight than one that was not added on a single limb weight bearing posture(p>.05). Weight supported side gluteus medius activity for 1RM, 5RM, 10RM weight difference and movement repetition did not differ(p>.05). Comparison in maximum value showed statistically significant differences in not adding weight on upper limb elevation exercise and 1RM, 5RM, 10RM repeated behavior. Elevation behavior and repetition appeared over 70% of MVIC. Conclusion: Unilateral weight bearing stance added weight in the opposite upper limb elevation movement was an indirect exercise to effectively stimulate gluteus medius activity. Applying various added weight will have effective exercise on the early stages of rehabilitation because activity gluteus medius did not differ through added weight.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.423-433
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• 2021

Purpose: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a method for promoting functional movements by facilitating neuromuscular responses through the stimulation of proprioceptors in the body using spiral and diagonal patterns. Irradiation, a basic principle of PNF, is a phenomenon in which the muscle activity of a body part caused by resistance is increased or spread into muscles in other parts via their connected muscles. Resistance training can be divided by body alignment into closed and open chain exercises. Methods: In this study, 19 healthy men in their 20s and 30s were selected as subjects. They performed PNF hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation motions on their dominant side in an open chain exercise posture in which the nondominant sole was away from the wall, and in a closed chain exercise posture in which the sole was fixed to the wall. The nondominant leg's muscle activity was measured while resistance was maintained with applied pressure at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the maximum muscle strength in the last range of motions. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for a comparative analysis of the contralateral leg's muscle activity according to the chain exercise postures and the intensity of resistance intensity during PNF hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation. In addition, an independent sample T-test was conducted for a comparative analysis of each chain exercise posture according to the intensity of resistance. A one-way ANOVA and a Scheffe post-hoc test were also performed to analyze the contralateral leg's muscle activity according to the intensity of resistance in the closed and open chain exercise postures. Results: Results of the two-way ANOVA found that the gluteus medius and the biceps femoris had statistically significant differences in both the chain exercise postures and resistance intensity (p<0.05), and that the vastus medialis and the gastrocnemius did not exhibit statistically significant differences in the chain exercise postures (p>0.05) but showed statistically significant differences in resistance intensity (p<0.05). As a result of the independent sample T-test, the application of the PNF hip flexion-abduction-internal rotation pattern led to a statistically significant difference in the contralateral gluteus medius during the closed chain exercise posture (p<0.05). According to the results of the one-way ANOVA and the Scheffe post-analysis, statistically significant differences were observed in the gluteus medius at 50%, biceps femoris at 75%, vastus medialis at 100%, and gastrocnemius at 100% during the closed chain exercise posture based on a resistance intensity of 0% (p<0.05). In the open chain exercise posture, statistically significant differences were found in the gluteus medius at 50%, biceps femoris at 50%, and vastus medialis at 75% based on the resistance intensity of 0% (p<0.05). In the same posture, there was no significant difference in the gastrocnemius's resistance intensity (p>0.05). Conclusion: When the PNF leg pattern is applied, each muscle requires effective chain exercise postures and resistance intensity to generate the contralateral leg muscle's irradiation.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.165-172
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine effects of 12-week wearing of unstable shoe on the standing posture and gait mechanics. Nine healthy men were asked to wear the unstable shoes for 12-week and walk for 30 minute everyday. Their standing posture and gait mechanics were measured before and after treatment. Standing posture was measured for each side(anterior, posterior, lateral) for standing position. And gait analysis was measured joint angle of a right lower limb between first right heel contact and second right heel contact. Kinematic data were collected using video camera at 30 frame per seconds. Statistical analysis was paired t-test(p<.05) to compare before training with after that. A head tilt angle was significantly decreased for posterior side(p<.05). The angle of between center of line and surface was significantly decreased at midstance and take off during walking(p<.05). Ankle dorsiflexion significantly increased at heel contact2(p<.05) and ankle plantarflexion significantly increased at midstance and midswing(p<.05). The increase of ankle dorsiflexion showed that our results consisted with previous study. In conclusion, there was not large significant difference in static standing posture but joint angle of lower limb represented many changes with increasing of ankle motion during walking. These were of benefit to body by increasing leg muscle activity but it was necessary for man having a ankle problem to consider. Further studies concerning optimum outsole angle of unstable shoes are necessary.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.13-16
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• 2012

Objectives: The quadrant theorem is a theorem proposed by C. M. Guzay in the field of functional, holistic dentistry. There are not much of scientific literature on the quadrant theorem. This study briefly reviewed basic concepts of quadrant theorem. Methods: A publication by Guzay and research articles were searched and reviewed. The quadrant theorem is depicted as a series of illustrations and accompanied explanations. Results: The primary concept of the quadrant theorem was presented in 1952. Based on geometric biophysics of the occlusion and related anatomical functions, physiological pivotal axis of the mandible is analyzed to occurs at the dens (the sub-atlas area). Composite muscular activity links the mandibular posture with C1-C2, which is then linked with the spinal posture. Twenty illustrations are progressively presented on the physiognomy, occlusion, and analysis of anatomical functions. The balanced distribution of the forces gives the durability of the functions in life. Conclusions: The quadrant theorem provides a functional linkage between the mandibular posture and the upper cervical vertebrae.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.57-69
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• 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of neck and trunk combined exercise program and single exercise on neck angle and neck and shoulder muscle activity. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: In the single exercise group, the basic stretching, head bending and neck bending exercises were performed. The neck and trunk combined exercise group performed torso strength and trunk stability exercises to stabilize the trunk, and then performed the same neck exercise as the single exercise group. The exercise program was conducted 5 days per week for 2 weeks. One-way repeated ANOVA was used to investigate the statistical analysis of neck angle, neck and upper and middle trapezius muscle activity. Results: 1) There was no significant difference in neck angle degree after exercise in neck single exercise group. 2) In the neck and trunk combined exercise, the neck angle degree decreased continuously with the increase of the experimental period and showed a significant difference. 3) In the single exercise group, the muscles which showed significant difference compared to the post-exercise were the right upper, left and right middle trapezius. 4) In the neck and trunk combined exercise group, the right neck muscles showed significant difference after the exercise before the experiment. Conclusion: It was found that the neck and trunk combined exercise was more effective in reducing neck angle and the muscle activity of the subjects with forward head posture was decreased and increased. However, both exercises showed positive effects.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.265-271
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• 2021

This study aimed to define the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache and propose an efficient method of clinical evaluation and physical therapy. Fifteen patients with cervicogenic headache and 15 healthy individuals were recruited and categorized into the test group and the control group, respectively. The groups were compared in terms of muscle characteristics, muscle activity and posture, and the intervariable correlations were analyzed for the test group. A significant between-group difference was found in the stiffness of the suboccipital muscle and the tone and stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle (p<.001). In posture comparison, a significant difference was noted in neck tilt angle and the T1 slope angle (p<.05). The activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was also significantly different between the groups (p<.001). When the correlations among the muscle characteristics, the posture, and the activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle were analyzed for the test group, a positive correlation was found between the tone and the stiffness of the suboccipital muscle (p<.001) and between the tone and the stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle (p<.001). The findings of this study suggest a more efficient approach for the assessment and treatment of cervicogenic headache patients. It is considered that, further studies including more subjects of various job categories and comparing the outcomes.