• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study is to confirm the exercise effect when combining wearable exercise assist robot, Bot fit's resist mode (Samsung Electronics) and stair climbing. Design: Cross-section study Methods: Targeting 53 adults and seniors, foot pressure and muscle activity were measured when climbing 3-story stairs using foot pressure measurement equipment (W-insole Science System) and surface muscle activity measurement equipment (sEMG; FreeEMG, BTS Bioengineering, Italy) using Bot Fit's resist mode. All subjects were measured without wearing Bot Fit, and the data between the two conditions were compared and analyzed. Results: The front area(p<0.01) and middle area(p<0.05) foot pressures of adults significantly increased when wearing the Bot fit. Frontal area foot pressure significantly increased in elderly people with knee arthritis and obesity(p<0.05). The gastrocnemius activity in all subjects significantly decreased after wearing Bot Fit(p<0.01). In elderly people with knee arthritis, the muscle activity of the rectus femoris was significantly reduced(p<0.05)., and in obese elderly people, the muscle activity of the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly reduced(p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it is possible to induce correct stair climbing posture when climbing stairs using Bot fit resistance mode. In particular, it is expected to be an effective exercise for strengthening muscle endurance by increasing the activity of the rectus femoris muscle.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2013

Objective: To determine the energy consumed and muscle use during dance compared to different standard exercise devices. Design: Longitudinal study. Methods: Fifteen female subjects were evaluated to assess the energy cost and muscle activity during a 20 minute dance video compared to treadmill, elliptical track and bicycle ergometry. The later 3 forms of exercise were accomplished in four, 5 minute bouts at different intensities of exercise. Subjects were in the age range of 22-24 years old, were free of cardiovascular disease and did not have any neurological injuries. They were not sedentary and exercised at least twice a week. During the exercise, muscle activity was measured by the electromyogram recorded by surface electrodes on 6 muscle groups. A Cosmed metabolic cart was used to measure oxygen consumption during the exercise. Results: The aerobic dance video that was tested here was equivalent to a hard workout on any of the 3 exercise modalities. The dance routine was equivalent in terms of energy consumed to running at 225 watts of work or running for 20 minutes at a speed of 2 meters per second (4.47 miles per hour). Compared to the bicycle, it was equivalent to cycling at 112 watts for 20 minutes (2.25 kpm), and for the elliptical trainer, dance was equivalent to 435 watts. Concerning muscle use, the dance routine was the most balanced for upper, core and lower body muscles. Although the elliptical trainer was close, it required muscle less muscle use. Conclusion: A good dance video can be more effective than standard exercise equipment.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.264-271
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of active vibration exercise of upper limb on physical capacity index (endurance, grip strength, balance, and flexibility) and vasomotor index (capillary length and body surface temperature) in middle aged women. 20 participants randomly divided into two groups: vibro-swing exercise (VSE) and non vibro-swing exercise (NVSE). Subjects in each group measured the 30 second arm curl test, hand dynamometer, one leg standing test, back scratch test, nail fold capillary microscope (NFM), and digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) before and after exercise. The results showed that active vibration exercise of upper limb with vibro-swing equipment increased the endurance, balance ability, and the capillary length. In addition, changes in body temperature immediately after exercise were predicted to affect vasomotor. Active vibration exercise of upper limb has the advantage of being able to exercise anywhere regardless of the location by inducing different frequency changes in movement of various ranges and velocity. For this reason, the combination of vibration and active movement can be expected the physiological effects when producing exercise programs for middle aged women.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.119-126
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• 2017

In the clinical setting, the pressure bio-feedback device is used for the spinal rehabilitation of patients with back pain, but it has several disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to develop a digitalized pressure biofeedback system that provides precise exercise method and posture in real time during the spinal rehabilitation exercise by sensing and monitoring body movements and balance of users and providing biofeedback to users. After that, the usability testing for a digitalized pressure biofeedback system will be conducted to identify problems such as safety, performance, operability, and satisfaction, and suggest improvement directions. A total of 33 subjects were participated in the usability testing. The experts group and the users group evaluated the developed digitalized pressure biofeedback system on a scale of 5 points after using the equipment. In the user group, safety was 3.59, operability was 4.38, satisfaction was 4.49. In the expert group, safety was 2.86, operability was 3.91, and performance was 4.28. Based on the usability evaluation, if the problems of stability of the cradle for tablet PC, air injection, screen display, etc. are solved, it becomes a exercise device capable of accurately exercising and evaluating the function of the spine by checking its own motion state while the spinal stabilization exercise.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.112-123
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• 2019

Objective: Based on the results of previous studies, it is necessary to analyze gait and discuss and present the effects of aquatic exercise for chronic stroke. The purpose of this study was to present objective data on the effect of aquatic exercise on the gait of persons with stroke by performing a meta-analysis. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of 23 studies that investigated the effects of aquatic exercise performed between 2006 and 2017. The studies were searched on the basis of the participants, intervention, comparison, outcomes standard. The quality of the research method was assessed using a tool that can assess the risks posed by each study design. A meta-analysis software program was used to calculate the mean effect size, effect size by intervention, and effect size by outcome. We also performed a meta-regression analysis and an analysis of publication bias. Results: The mean effect size of the patients' gait was 0.65 (p<0.05). The largest effect size by outcome was observed at the 6-m walk test, followed by the 6-minutes walk test, 10-m walk test, and the walking equipment test (p<0.05). The meta-regression analysis showed that the effect size increased with increased duration, number, and length of sessions. Conclusions: Aquatic exercise appears to show a moderate effect on the gait of chronic stroke survivors. Meta-analyses on the effects of aquatic exercise in other patient populations are needed. This study suggests standard criteria establishments for the effect of aquatic exercise on the walking ability of persons with chronic stroke.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.341-349
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the muscle activity of the hip abductors and the ratio between the hip abductor muscle group according to the range of hip abduction during the clam exercise. Methods: This study was conducted on 18 healthy men in their aged 20 to 29 who had not been diagnosed with spine-related diseases. The subjects performed a clam exercise without rotation of the pelvis in a state of 60° hip flexion and 90° knee joint flexion in the side-lying position. Using Myomotion equipment and EMG, the muscle activity of the hip abductor muscles and the activity ratio between the hip abductor muscle group were measured during the clam exercise by dividing the range into initial, mid-range, and terminal sections. Repeated measures analysis of variants was employed to compare the activity and use of hip abductor muscles according to range of motion during the clam exercise. Results: Gluteus medius muscle activation was significantly increased in the comparison of muscle activity in the initial, mid-range, and terminal sections of hip abduction. Tensor fasciae latae muscle activation was significantly increased in the comparison of muscle activity in all range of motion sections as well. The gluteus medius-tensor fasciae latae muscle activation ratio was significantly increased in the terminal section compared to the initial section. Conclusion: The gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae had higher muscle activities as they approached the terminal section during the clam exercise, and the hip abduction activity ratio of the gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae was higher as the range of motion approached the terminal section.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.163-170
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• 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gluteus medius muscles according to the medial/lateral bias of the knee during lunge exercise. Design: Crossed-control group study Methods: This study recruited 20 healthy men and women in their 20s who were capable of lunge exercise and had no musculoskeletal or neurological abnormalities. All three postures were performed three times each during lunge exercise. In each posture, surface electromyography (EMG) equipment was used to measure muscle activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gluteus medius during lunge exercise. Results: As a result of comparing lower extremity muscle activity in normal, medial and lateral knee-deviation postures according to lunge exercise, the muscle activity of the vastus medialis was 107.09±13.90% in the normal posture, 79.24±5.26% in the medial- deviation posture and 125.73±14.30% in the lateral- deviation posture, which was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). However, In the case of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and gluteus medius there was no statistically significant difference in muscle activity in the medial and lateral deviation positions(p>0.05). Conclusions: As a result, it was found that the muscle activity of the vastus medialis during lunge exercise significantly increased in the lateral deviation posture compared to the normal and medial deviation postures. In the case of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and gluteus medius there was no significant difference in muscle activity for medial and lateral knee deviation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of neck exercises on neck-shoulder posture and pain of high school students with neck disorders. Methods: Twenty seven subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups a craniocervical flexion training group (CCFT), a neck strengthening exercise group (ST), and a basic stretching exercise group (CG). CCFT and ST exercised five times a week for eight weeks under the researcher's guidance. The control group performed basic stretching exercises. Diagnostic radiologic equipment was used for the measurement of neck-shoulder posture. Neck disability index, and numeric rating scales were used. Results: The CCFT showed a significant pre-post treatment difference on measures of neck flexion angle and forward shoulder angle changes compared to the ST and CG groups (p<0.05). The CCFT group also showed a significantly greater improvement on the neck disability index and numeric rating scales changes than the ST and CG groups (p<0.01). Conclusion: Because CCFT decreases neck flexion angle, forward shoulder angle, neck disability index, and pain in the forward head posture, it is useful for treating patients with neck disorders.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.76-83
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined the effects of applying the Pilates reformer exercise to 17 adult women on the alignment of the standing posture. Methods: The subjects performed a Pilates reformer exercise for 60 minutes a day, three times a week, for a total of eight weeks. The Pilates reformer exercise consisted of five types: 1) lower and lift, 2) hundred, 3) plow, 4) airplane, and 5) twist. The standing posture alignment in the sagittal and frontal planes was measured using exbody 9100MOMI musculoskeletal analysis equipment. Results: A comparison of before and after the exercise using paired t-test revealed a significant decrease in the difference between the horizontal inclination and the vertical height that approached zero after the intervention in the frontal plane of anterior and posterior standing postures (p<0.05), and the lateral standing posture in the sagittal plane. In addition, the difference between the horizontal inclination and the vertical height decreased and approached zero after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: The Pilates reformer exercise had a positive effect on the alignment of the standing posture.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.311-316
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• 2019

Purpose: Generally, patients with stroke present with decreased balance and increased spasticity following weakness of the paralyzed muscles. Muscle weakness caused by stroke has two causes. This is caused by a decrease in motor output and an adaptive muscle change, resulting in muscle weakness and muscle paralysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of strengthening exercise on balance and spasticity in chronic stroke patients and to suggest the basis of clinical treatment. Methods: Twenty subjects were divided into two groups: a lower-extremity strengthening group (experimental group) and a general physical therapy group (control group). The sliding stander equipment was used for the experimental group and a regimen of warm-up exercise, the main exercise routine, and cool-down exercise were used for the muscle strengthening exercise program. Balance and spasticity were measured before and after the training period. Balance ability was measured by the Berg balance scale, the Timed up and Go test and the weight distribution of the paralyzed muscles by the Spacebalance 3D. Spasticity was measured by the Biodex system. Results: After the training periods, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in BBS, weight distribution of the paralyzed muscles, and decreased spasticity when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study supported the hypothesis that lower-extremity strengthening exercise improves the balance and decreases the spasticity of stroke patients. If it is combined with conventional neurologic physiotherapy, it would be effective rehabilitation for stroke patients.