• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.203-212
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aims to confirm the effects of stretching and meditation intervention on mental health-related anxiety, depression, and quality of life in college students in their 20s with sequelae of COVID-19. Methods: 30 men and women were randomly assigned to the stretching and meditation intervention group (10 people), the stretching intervention group (10 people), and the meditation group (10 people), and the experiment was conducted for 4 weeks. As for the analysis method, a paired t-test was performed for intra-group changes after 4 weeks, and one-way analysis of variance was performed for between-group changes. In addition, the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Within-group changes in anxiety and depression were significantly different in all groups after 4 weeks (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between SMG and SG and between SMG and MG in the change between groups after 4 weeks (p < 0.05). In the change in quality of life, there was a significant difference in all groups after 4 weeks (p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference between SMG and MG in the change between groups after 4 weeks. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the combined method of meditation and stretching intervention had a positive effect on the mental health of adults in their 20s and suggests the possibility of using it to improve mental health after recovering from COVID-19.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.11-22
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• 2021

Background: This study was to investigate the effects of active stretching and stability exercise on piriformis muscle thickness and low back pain of male patients with chronic low back pain. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: 45 male patients participated in this study. All subjects were randomly assigned. Subjects divided into 15 who underwent contract relaxation (CR) of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to their hip joints, 15 who underwent a combination of isotonic (CI) of the PNF, and the rest 15 who underwent the two techniques (CR+CI). Real-time diagnostic ultrasound was used to measure thickness of the piriformis muscles. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure degrees of low back pain. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the average values. The SPSS 24.0 was used as the statistical program, and the significance level was set at .05. Results: The CR and the CR+CI groups had more decreased thickness of piriformis muscle when compared to the CI group. The CR+CI group had more decreased pain when compared to the CR and the CI groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that combination of stretching and stability exercise was effective on male patients with chronic low back pain showing limited hip medial rotation.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to review of effect of the PNF application for improvement of the basic physical fitness in the elderly. Methods : By using internet, we research the PubMed, Science Direct, KISS, DBpia and the article on the effect of PNF. We selected the article between 1970 and 2007. Key words were PNF, Exercise, Elderly. Results : PNF refers to any of several post-isometric relaxation stretching techniques in which a muscle group is passively stretched, then contracts isometrically against resistance while in the stretched position, and then is passively stretched again through the resulting increased range of motion. Most PNF techniques employ isometric agonist contraction/relaxation where the stretched muscles are contracted isometrically and then relaxed. The most common PNF techniques are CR, HR, CRAC, HR-AC, AC. PNF exercise effected on the muscular strength and flexibility and balance and ROM in the elderly. Conclusion : PNF is a safety and effective exercise to improve the muscular strength and flexibility and balance and ROM in the elderly. Therefore, we suggest that PNF need to generalize for the elderly.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function in patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and to provide an effective intervention method for lateral epicondylitis. Methods: Twenty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned to the ESWT group (n = 10) and the stretching exercise group (n = 10). Interventions in both groups were performed six times twice a week for three weeks. The visible analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain change. A dynamometer was used to measure grip strength (GS). Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) was used to measure the upper-extremity function. Results: There were significant differences in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function in both groups before and after intervention (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function between the groups after intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed very positive improvement in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function after ESWT in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Therefore, ESWT can be recommended for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.49-55
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• 2011

Purpose : The aim of this study was to identify of bilateral trunk rotation(BTR) exercise and PNF exercise on gait in the individuals with malalignment syndrome. Methods : Subjects were 32 that were divided 2 groups in 20's generation. Interventions were trunk ratation exercise and PNF exercise. We used Medex for trunk rotation exercise. BTR group received exercise for three-sets (10min/set) along with stretching exercise ten-minutes, 3 times per week. PNF group took turns the D1 pattern in upper extremity and the D1 pattern in the opposite side of lower extremity for three-sets (10min/set). The measurement were force metatarsal 1 (FM 1), impulse metatarsal 1 (IM 1), force heel lat (FHL), impulse heel lat (IHL) by using footscan (RS scan). Statistical method was repeated measurement of ANOVA and p value was 0.05. Results : BTR and PNF group were significantly different in time(FM 1, IM 1, FHL, IHL). As different of right/left, BTR and PNF exercise were significantly different in FM 1, IM 1, FHL. Conclusion : BTR exercise was good exercise for malalignment but needs expensive equipment, for example, Medex. PNF exercise doesn't need expensive equipment but good method in malalignment syndrome person for gait ability. If PNF exercise is more experiment, PNF exercise could use variety for more patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.29-38
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• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the phenol compound-cold therapy plus exercise therapy on the carrageenan(CAR)-induced muscle pain. Method : Mice were injected 0.1ml of 2% CAR into the gastrocmemius(GAS) muscle for the induction of muscle pain. After 4 hours from the injection of CAR, the cold therapy with 1% syringic acid was done to GAS muscle. After 2 hours from cold therapy, the exercise therapy such as muscle stretching, climing- and declining-movements was performed three times interval of 10 minutes in each experimental group. After 4, 10 and 24 hours from CAR-induced muscle pain, the measurements of muscle diameter, paw withdrawal latency(PWL) and, tail flick latency(TFL) were carried out. Results : In this study, the thickness of GAS muscle in CAR-induced muscle pain significantly increased compared with control. While, the thickness of GAS muscle adopted cold syringic acid-therapy with exercise-therapy group was significantly decreased than that of CAR-induced muscle pain. In the measurements of PWL and TFL, cold syringic acid-therapy with exercise-therapy group was remarkably increased than CAR-induced muscle pain group in PWL and TFL. All measurements were showed significantly different between the treated-group and the treated-time. Conclusions : From these results, it is suggested that the cold syringic acid-therapy with exercise-therapy such as muscle stretching, climing- and declining-movement was effective in the prevention of CAR-induced muscle pain by the decrease of muscle thickness and the increase of PWL and TFL.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.487-497
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• 2019

Purpose: This tutorial review investigated the effect of prior fatigue and passive stretches on eccentric contraction-induced muscle injuries, as well as the underlying mechanisms of eccentric contraction-related injuries. Methods: Contraction-induced muscle damage is the most common disabling problem in sports and routines. The mechanisms underlying the pathology and prevention of muscle damage lessened by prior fatigue or stretches are critical in assessing musculoskeletal injuries. Even though there are treatments to reduce eccentric contraction-induced muscle injuries, fatigue negatively influences them. Therefore, we reviewed previous studies on eccentric contraction-induced muscle injuries with prior treatments using the MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Results: Prior passive stretching had a preventative and therapeutic effect, but prior lengthening contractions did not. On the other hand, prior isometric contractions involving relatively small forces may not provide a sufficient stimulus to induce protection. As a result, high force isometric contractions may be necessary. The studies supported the positive effects of prior fatigue, concluding that it was a factor in determining the amount of damage caused by eccentric exercise. This was due to a reduction in force and increased temperature. Studies that did not support the positive effects of prior fatigue concluded that a shift in optimal length to a longer length and reduced energy absorption during lengthening are evidence that fatigue is not related to muscle injuries induced by lengthening. Conclusion: The variability of the experiment models, conditions, muscles, and treatment methods make it necessary to interpret the conditions of previous studies carefully and draw conclusions without making direct comparisons. Thus, additional studies should be carefully conducted to investigate the positive effect of fatigue on lengthening.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various relaxation techniques on various dysfunction problems caused by shortening of the sagittal muscles. Method: The subjects were 44(18 males, 26 females). The subjects were composed of 3 groups. The experimental group consisted of 14 patients with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF) technique, control group A 15 patients with self myofacial release (SMR) ball exercise, and control group B with 15 patients with Sling exercise. After 3 weeks of relaxation on the hamstring muscle, the length of the hamstring muscle before and after the intervention was compared. Results: The results of relaxation exercise of the snake muscles applied to passive PNF group, SMR ball group, and Sling relaxation group are as follows. 1. In the passive PNF group, the muscle length of the hamstring muscle was significantly increased after the intervention. 2. The muscle length of the hamstring muscle was significantly increased after the intervention in the SMR ball group. 3. Sling relaxation group significantly increased the muscle length of the hamstring muscle after sling exercise intervention. 4. Passive PNF group showed the greatest change in muscle length before and after intervention than SMR ball group and Sling relaxation group. Conclusion: Passive PNF relaxation therapy, SMR ball relaxation therapy, and Sling relaxation therapy applied to the hamstring muscle were effective in increasing muscle length of the hamstring muscle. PNF relaxation therapy showed the most significant effect after 3 weeks intervention.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.153-162
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the dynamic balance and leg muscle activity of adults in their 20s with or without shoes. Methods: In this study, seven male and 11 female university students in their 20s were randomized to determine the order of being with or without shoes, and the dominant foot was supported on the central platform of dynamic balance according to the order procedure. Using the opposite foot, the distance of leg stretching in the anterior, posterior medial, and posterior lateral directions and the muscle activity of the supporting leg were measured. Muscle activity measurement sites were attached to the dominant vastus medialis oblique muscle, vastus lateral oblique muscle, tibialis anterior muscle, peroneus longus muscle, and lateral gastrocnemius muscle. Results: As a result of this study, the distance of leg stretching was significantly increased in the anterior, posterior medial, and posterior lateral directions when barefoot rather than when wearing shoes (p < 0.05). The muscle activity of the vastus medial and lateral oblique muscles was significantly increased in all three directions when barefoot rather than when wearing shoes (p < 0.05). The muscle activity of the tibialis anterior was significantly increased in the anterior direction when barefoot (p < 0.05), the peroneus longus muscle was significantly increased when it was barefoot in the posterior medial direction (p < 0.05), and the lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity significantly increased when barefoot in the posterior direction (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The movement of the legs is freed when barefoot as compared to when wearing shoes, and being barefoot can effectively activate muscle activity and improve balance ability.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.113-128
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of eccentric training applied to the calf muscles on muscle tone, muscle strength, and gait variables in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty-two participants were divided into experimental (n=12; eccentric training) and control (n=10; static stretching and stretching board) groups. The participants completed 30-minute physical therapy sessions five times a week for three weeks. Calf muscle tone, muscle strength, and gait variables were measured using MyotonPRO, a hand-held dynamometer, and Optogait, respectively, before and after each intervention. Results: Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant interaction effect between measurement points and groups in frequency, stiffness, and decrement of the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles (p<.05). Paired t-tests showed that the experimental group exhibited significantly decreased frequency and stiffness scores for the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles (p<.05), as well as significantly increased decrement and muscle strength scores, gait speed, step length, and stride length (p<.05). Conclusion: The application of eccentric training to the calf effectively reduced muscle tone, increased muscle strength, and improved the gait speed, step length, and stride length of patients with chronic stroke.