• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical properties of shock absorption strategy and postural stability during the drop landing for each types. Methods : The motions were captured with Vicon Motion Capture System, with the fourteen infra-red cameras (100Hz) and synchronized with GRF(ground reaction force) data(1000Hz). Ten male soccer players performed a drop landing with single-leg and bi-legs on the 30cm height box. Dependent variables were the CoM trajectory and the Joint Moment. Statistical computations were performed using the paired t-test and ANOVA with Turkey HSD as post-hoc. Results : The dominant leg was confirmed to show a significant difference between the left leg and right leg as the inverted pendulum model during Drop Landing(Phase 1 & Phase 2). One-leg drop landing type had the higher CoM displacement, the peak of joint moment with the shock absorption than Bi-leg landing type. As a lower extremity joint kinetics analysis, the knee joint showed a function of shock absorption in the anterior-posterior, and the hip joint showed a function of the stability and shock absorption in the medial-lateral directions. Conclusion : These findings indicate that the instant equilibrium of posture balance(phase 1) was assessed by the passive phase as Class 1 leverage on the effect of the stability of shock absorption(phase 2) assessed by the active phase on the effect of Class 2 leverage. Application : This study shows that the cause of musculo-skeletal injuries estimated to be focused on the passive phase of landing and this findings could help the prevention of lower damage from loads involving landing related to the game of sports.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.419-422
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• 2012

Purpose: Malalignment of the lower limbs may increases the difficulty of maintaining equilibrium. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of genu varum and poor posture in the sagittal plane on postural stability. Methods: We had 27 subjects with varus and 27 normal subjects participate in this study. Subjects for whom the distance between the medial epicondyles in the knee joint was more than 3 cm were classified as varus group, and subjects for whom the distance was less than 3 cm were classified as normal group. The measurements of static and dynamic stability were used overall stability index (OSI), anterioposterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI) using a Biodex balance system. Results: When measuring the static stability index, there were significant differences in the mediolateral stability index between the varus and control groups. When measuring the dynamic stability index, there were significant differences in the overall, anteriorposterior, and mediolateral stability index between the varus and control groups. These results demonstrated that genu varum affects mediolateral movement in static stability, and overall, anterioposterior and mediolateral movements in dynamic stability. Conclusion: As genu varum affects static and dynamic stability in young adults, it increases the risk of injuries or falls. Exercise and surgery are required for realigning the genu varum. Future studies about postural stability in young children and elderly people who have a risk of falls due to lower postural control ability, are needed, as well as in young adults.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.628-635
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• 2007

We studied the effect of vibratory stimulations of different leg muscles, tibialis anterior(TA) and triceps surae(TS), and plantar zones in ten healthy subjects during 1) quiet standing, 2) forward lean of body, 3) backward lean of body, 4) right lean of body, and 5) left lean of body. The experiments were performed on the force platform. The effect of vibration were measured by monitoring the area of COP(Center of pressure) sway. The subjects wore a vibratory stimulation system on foot and ankles and were given the instruction not to resist against the applied perturbations. The results show that all vibratory stimulations to lower limb muscles and plantar zones reduced the COP sway area. This reduction of the COP sway area occurred also in partial vibratory stimulations during quiet standing. In forward lean of body, vibratory stimulations to TA reduced the COP sway area. During backward lean of body, vibratory stimulations to TS reduced the COP sway area. When the subject was tilted right, vibratory stimulations to left plantar zone reduced the COP sway area. During left lean of body, vibratory stimulations to right plantar zone reduced the COP sway area. Thus, the influence of vibratory stimulations to leg muscle and plantar zones differed significantly depending on the lean of body. We suggest that the vibration stimuli from leg muscles and plantar zones could be selectively used to help maintaining postural balance stable.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.134-142
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• 2012

Purpose: This study examined the effect on postural control during the stimulation of haptic touch with fingertip on the stable surface at quiet standing posture, squat flexion stage, 60 degrees squat stage and squat extension stage. Methods: The postural sway was measured on the force platform, while 30 subjects were squatting, under three different haptic touch conditions (No Touch [NT], Light Touch [LT], Heavy Touch [HT]), above the touch pad in front of their body midline. Three different haptic touch conditions were divided into 1) NT condition; squatting as right index fingers held above the touch pad, 2) LT condition (<1N); squatting as the touch pad was in contact with right index fingers pulp with a pressure not exceeding 1N and 3) HT condition; squatting as subjects were allowed to use the touch pad for mechanical support by transmitting onto it with as much force, choosing with their index fingers. Results: There was significant decrease in LT, rather than that of NT (p<0.01), and in HT, rather than that of LT (p<0.01), as the results of the distance and velocity of center of pressure (COP) in mediolateral direction at quiet standing position. In anteroposterior direction, the distance and velocity of COP in LT and HT showed significant decrease, when compared to that of the data of NT (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the 3 conditions (NT, LT, and HT), with respect to the distance and velocity of COP in mediolateral direction, during dynamic balance (squat flexion stage, squat extension stage) (p>0.05). In anteroposterior direction, the results of the distance and velocity of COP in HT showed significant decrease when compared to that of the data of NT (p<0.05). Conclusion: Light touch, during the task, decreased the postural sway at static balance. The results suggest that haptic touch should be applied, appropriately, because it varies the effects according to different conditions.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.21-31
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a cognitive-exercise program using step on the cognitive function, gait, and depression of elderly with mild cognitive impairment. Methods : The subjects comprised 30 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment who used elderly welfare centers in the provinces A, B, and C between March 21 and June 7, 2019. They were divided into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15) before undergoing an experiment based on a pretest-posttest control group design. The lowenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment-geriatric population was used to assess the subjects' cognitive function, while the 4-stage balance test, 30-second chair-stand test, timed up & go test, and functional reach test were employed to evaluate their gait. In addition, the beck depression inventory was used to measure their levels of depression. Results : The cognitive-exercise program using step enhanced the subjects' cognitive function and gait and reduced their levels of depression. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusion : The cognitive-exercise program using step promoted the process of sensorimotor and cognition through the learning process of various steps taking left and right steps and cognitive activities. It improves gait by activating the coordination of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems of the body and positively affecting posture control, balance, flexibility, and lower extremity muscles. It also relieved depression by performing successful step learning and cognitive activities with forward-looking (doing) that leads to pleasure and achievement. The present study confirmed the value of a cognitive-exercise program using step to treat multiple domains of functional decline in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This is therefore proposed as an intervention program for this patient group.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.213-218
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the core muscle strength enhancement of the elderly on 8 weeks training using the core exercise equipment for the elderly on the ability to control the whole-body center of mass in posture stabilization. Method: 16 females (10 exercise group, 6 control group) participated in this study. Exercise group took part in the core strength training program for 8 weeks with total of 16 repetitions (2 repetitions per week) using a training device. External perturbation during standing as pulling force applied at the pelvic level in the anterior direction was provided to the subject. In a UCM model, the controller selects within the space of elemental variables a subspace (a manifold, UCM) corresponding to a value of a performance variable that needs to be stabilized. In the present study, we were interested in how movements of the individual segment center of mass (elemental variables) affect the whole-body center of mass (the performance variable) during balance control. Results: At the variance of task-irrelevant space, there was significant $test^*$ group interactions ($F_{1,16}=7.482$, p<.05). However, there were no significant main effect of the test ($F_{1,16}=.899$, p>.05) and group ($F_{1,16}=1.039$, p>.05). At the variance of task-relevant space, there was significant $test^*$ group interactions ($F_{1,16}=7.382$, p<.05). However, there were no significant main effect of the test ($F_{1,16}=.754$, p>.05) and group ($F_{1,16}=1.106$, p>.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the 8 weeks training through the core training equipment for the elderly showed a significant decrease in the $Vcm_{TIR}$ and $Vcm_{TR}$. This result indicates that the core strength training affects the trunk stiffness control strategy to maintain balance in the standing position by minimizing total variability of individual segment CMs.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.245-252
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• 2023

Background: Various functional tests such as upper quarter Y-balance test (UQYBT) are used to evaluate shoulder stability and mobility in clinical or sports fields. Previous studies have been conducted to determine the correlation between the scapular or trunk muscle and UQYBT. However, the correlation between UQYBT and hip flexor, which can be considered as a core muscle, has not been confirmed. Objects: To verify the relationship between the UQYBT and scapular muscle (scapular protractor and lower trapezius [LT]), trunk muscle, and hip flexor strengths in healthy male participants. Methods: A total of 37 healthy male participants were recruited and underwent UQYBT in the push-up posture. The isometric strength of the scapular protractor, LT, trunk flexor and extensor, and hip flexors were measured using a smart KEMA strength sensor (KOREATECH Inc.). Results: The superolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related to trunk extensor (r = 0.443, p < 0.01), scapular protractor (r = 0.412, p < 0.05), LT (r = 0.436, p < 0.01), and both sides of the hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.669, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.641, p < 0.01). The inferolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately related to the scapular protractor (r = 0.429, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.511, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.481, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.521, p < 0.01). The medial direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related with the scapular protractor (r = 0.522, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.541, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.605, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.561, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that the strength of the scapular muscles, trunk muscles, and hip flexor muscles correlated to the UQYBT. Therefore, the strength of not only the scapular and trunk muscles but also the hip flexor muscles should be considered to improve the UQYBT.

• Journal of National Security and Military Science
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• s.13
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• pp.687-738
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• 2016

To prepare for the complicated international relationship regarding Korean Peninsula after reunification, this thesis started off with the awareness that Unified Korea should build its international posture and national security at an early stage by determining its appropriate military strength for independent defense and military strategies that Unified Korea should aim. The main theme of this thesis is 'The research on appropriate military strength of the Unified Korean military'. To derive appropriate military strength of Unified Korea, this research focuses on conflict scenario and relative balance strategy based on potential threats posed by neighboring countries, and this is the part that differentiates this research from other researches. First of all, the main objective of the research is to decide appropriate military strength for Unified Korea to secure defense sufficiency. For this, this research will decide efficient military strategy that Unified Korea should aim. Than by presuming the most possible military conflict scenario, this research will judge the most appropriate military strength for Unified Korea to overcome the dispute. Second, after deciding appropriate military strength, this research will suggest how to operate presumed military strength in each armed force. The result of this thesis is as in the following. First, Unified Korea should aim 'relative balance strategy'. 'Relative balance strategy' is a military strategy which Unified Korea can independently secure defense sufficiency by maintaining relative balance when conflicts occur between neighboring countries. This strategy deters conflicts in advance by relative balance of power in certain time and place. Even if conflict occurs inevitably, this strategy secures initiative. Second, when analyzing neighboring countries interest and strategic environment after unification, the possibility of all-out war will be low in the Korean Peninsula because no other nation wants the Korean Peninsula to be subordinated to one single country. Therefore appropriate military strength of the Unified Korean military would be enough when Unified Korea can achieve relative balance in regional war or limited war. Third, Northeast Asia is a region where economic power and military strength is concentrated. Despite increasing mutual cooperation in the region, conflicts and competition to expand each countries influence is inherent. Japan is constantly enhancing their military strength as they aim for normal statehood. China is modernizing their military strength as they aspire to become global central nation. Russia is also enhancing their military strength in order to hold on to their past glory of Soviet Union as a world power. As a result, both in quality and quantity, the gap between military strength of Unified Korea and each neighboring countries is enlarged at an alarming rate. Especially in the field of air-sea power, arms race is occurring between each nation. Therefore Unified Korea should be equipped with appropriate military strength in order to achieve relative balance with each threats posed by neighboring countries. Fourth, the most possible conflicts between Unified Korea and neighboring countries could be summarized into four, which are Dokdo territorial dispute with Japan, Leodo jurisdictional dispute with China, territorial dispute concerning northern part of the Korea Peninsula with China and disputes regarding marine resources and sea routes with Russia. Based on those conflict scenarios, appropriate military strength for Unified Korea is as in the following. When conflict occurs with Japan regarding Dokdo, Japan is expected to put JMSDF Escort Flotilla 3, one out of four of its Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Escort Fleet, which is based in Maizuru and JMSDF Maizuru District. To counterbalance this military strength, Unified Korea needs one task fleet, comprised with three task flotilla. In case of jurisdictional conflict with China concerning Leodo, China is expected to dispatch its North Sea fleet, one out of three of its naval fleet, which is in charge of the Yellow Sea. To response to this military action, Unified Korea needs one task fleet, comprised with three task flotilla. In case of territorial dispute concerning northern part of the Korean Peninsula with China, it is estimated that out of seven Military Region troops, China will dispatch two Military Region troops, including three Army Groups from Shenyang Military Region, where it faces boarder with the Korean Peninsula. To handle with this military strength, Unified Korea needs six corps size ground force strength, including three corps of ground forces, two operational reserve corps(maneuver corps), and one strategic reserve corps(maneuver corps). When conflict occurs with Russia regarding marine resources and sea routes, Russia is expected to send a warfare group of a size that includes two destroyers, which is part of the Pacific Fleet. In order to balance this strength, Unified Korea naval power requires one warfare group including two destroyers. Fifth, management direction for the Unified Korean military is as in the following. Regarding the ground force management, it would be most efficient to deploy troops in the border area with china for regional and counter-amphibious defense. For the defense except the border line with china, the most efficient form of force management would be maintaining strategic reserve corps. The naval force should achieve relative balance with neighboring countries when there is maritime dispute and build 'task fleet' which can independently handle long-range maritime mission. Of the three 'task fleet', one task fleet should be deployed at Jeju base to prepare for Dokdo territorial dispute and Leodo jurisdictional dispute. Also in case of regional conflict with china, one task fleet should be positioned at Yellow Sea and for regional conflict with Japan and Russia, one task fleet should be deployed at East Sea. Realistically, Unified Korea cannot possess an air force equal to neither Japan nor China in quantity. Therefore, although Unified Korea's air force might be inferior in quantity, they should possess the systematic level which Japan or China has. For this Unified Korea should build air base in island areas like Jeju Island or Ullenong Island to increase combat radius. Also to block off infiltration of enemy attack plane, air force needs to build and manage air bases near coastal areas. For landing operation forces, Marine Corps should be managed in the size of two divisions. For island defense force, which is in charge of Jeju Island, Ulleung Island, Dokdo Island and five northwestern boarder island defenses, it should be in the size of one brigade. Also for standing international peace keeping operation, it requires one brigade. Therefore Marine Corps should be organized into three divisions. The result of the research yields a few policy implications when building appropriate military strength for Unified Korea. First, Unified Korea requires lower number of ground troops compared to that of current ROK(Republic of Korea) force. Second, air-sea forces should be drastically reinforced. Third, appropriate military strength of the Unified Korean military should be based on current ROK military system. Forth, building appropriate military strength for Unified Korea should start from today, not after reunification. Because of this, South Korea should build a military power that can simultaneously prepare for current North Korea's provocations and future threats from neighboring countries after reunification. The core of this research is to decide appropriate military strength for Unified Korea to realize relative balance that will ensure defense sufficiency from neighboring countries threats. In other words, this research should precisely be aware of threats posed by neighboring countries and decide minimum level of military strength that could realize relative balance in conflict situation. Moreover this research will show the path for building appropriate military strength in each armed force.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.551-556
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• 2014

This paper proposes a balancing control and driving control of a bicycle robot based on dynamic modeling of the bicycle robot, which has been derived using the Lagrange equations. For the balancing control of the bicycle robot, a reaction wheel pendulum method has been adopted in this research. By using the dynamics equations of the bicycle robot, an LQR controller has been designed for a balancing and driving control of a bicycle robot. The performance of the balance control is verified experimentally before the driving control, which shows a stable posture within one degree vibrations. To show the dynamic characteristics of the bicycle robot during driving, a trapezoidal velocity trajectory is selected as the references. Through simulations and real experiments, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been demonstrated.