• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.369-376
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• 2013

The purposes of this study were to assess dynamic stability toward pelvis-spine column distortion during running and to compare the typical three-dimensional angular kinematics of the trunk motion; cervical, thoracic, lumbar segment spine and the pelvis from the multi-segmental spine model between exercise group and non-exercise group. Subjects were recruited as exercise healthy women on regular basis (group A, n=10) and non-exercise idiopathic scoliosis women (group B, n=10). Data was collected by using a vicon motion capture system (MX-T40, UK). The pelvis, spine segments column and lower limbs analysiaed through the 3D kinematic angular ROM pattern. There were significant differences in the time-space variables, the rotation motion of knee joint in lower limbs and the pelvis variables; obliquity in side bending, inter/outer rotation in twisting during running leg movement. There were significant differences in the spinal column that is lower-lumbar, upper-lumbar, upper-thoracic, mid-upper thoracic, mid-lower thoracic, lower thoracic and cervical spine at inclination, lateral bending and twist rotation between group A and group B (<.05, <.01 and <.001). As a results, group B had more restrictive motion than group A in the spinal column and leg movement behaved like a 'shock absorber". And the number of asymmetry index (AI) showed that group B was much lager unbalance than group A. In conclusion, non-exercise group was known to much more influence the dynamic stability of equilibrium for bilateral balance. These finding suggested that dynamic stability aimed at increasing balance of the trunk ROM must involve methods and strategies intended to reduce left/right asymmetry and the exercise injury.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.42-56
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• 2019

Background: Individuals with mechanical neck pain show biomechanical and neurophysiological changes, including cervical spine muscle weakness. As a result of deep muscle weakness, it causes stability disability and reduced upper thoracic spine mobility, which finally leads to functional movement restriction such as limited range of motion and dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that thoracic spine manipulation and mobilization could reduce symptoms of mechanical neck pain in patients. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic mobility exercise on cervicothoracic function, posture feature, and pain intensity in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Methods: The study subjects were 26 persons who were randomly assigned to the experimental (with thoracic mobility exercise) and control groups (without thoracic mobility exercise), with 13 subjects in each group. The cervicothoracic function (neck functional disability level and cervicothoracic range of motion), posture feature, and pain rating (using a quadrupled visual analogue scale [QVAS]) were measured before, after 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks. Results: Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found with repeated analyses of variance for the Korean neck disability index (KNDI), all cervical range of motion (CROM), all thoracic range of motion (TROM), cranial rotation angle, sagittal shoulder posture (SSP), and QVAS (p<.05). All groups showed significant improvements from all times in all the evaluated methods. The KNDI, CROM, TROM of left rotation, and SSP in the experimental group showed significant improvements after 3 weeks, and the TROM of the right rotation and QVAS in the experimental group showed significant improvements after 6 weeks when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Thoracic mobility exercise during 6 weeks might be effective intervention to improve the functional level, posture feature, and QVAS pain rating for managing individuals with mechanical neck pain.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.14-19
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• 2004

Objective : This study obtained normative values for variable parameters of lumbar function with the isoinertial triaxial dynamometer in patients with chronic low back pain. Subjects and Methods : 30 patients(male 15, female 15) with chronic low back pain in this study. Variable parameters that were measured with the Isostation B-200 were lumbar range of motion, isometric maximum torques, and maximum velocities in three axis. Results : In patient male group mean R.O.M. was $82.9{\pm}12.5$ degrees in lumbar rotation, $76.5{\pm}17.1$ degrees in lumbar flexion/extension, and $64.3{\pm}14.5$ degrees in lumbar lateral flexion. In patient female group mean R.O.M. was $78.4{\pm}18.5$ degrees in lumbar rotation, $71.7{\pm}20.4$ degrees in lumbar flexion/extension, and $63.2{\pm}14.4$ degrees in lumbar lateral flexion. In patient male group mean isometric maximum torques was $64.7{\pm}23.8ft-lbs$ in lumbar rotation, $81.1{\pm}42.0ft-lbs$ in lumbar flexion, $122.2{\pm}43.6ft-lbs$ in lumbar extension, and $101.0{\pm}37.0ft-lbs$ in lumbar lateral flexion. In patient female group mean isometric maximum torques was $41.9{\pm}9.2ft-lbs$ in lumbar rotation, $49.9{\pm}23.9ft-lbs$ in lumbar flexion, $90.1{\pm}26.8ft-lbs$ in lumbar extension, and $62.0{\pm}16.7ft-lbs$ in lumbar lateral flexion. In patient male group mean maximum velocity of isoinertial exercise with low (25%) resistance was $102.4{\pm}28.8deg/sec$ in lumbar rotation, $108.9{\pm}32.2deg/sec$ in lumbar flexion/extension, and $103.5{\pm}30.4deg/sec$ in lumbar lateral flexion. In patient female group mean maximum velocity of isoinertial exercise with low (25%) resistance was $84.1{\pm}24.4deg/sec$ in lumbar rotation, $93.2{\pm}32.9deg/sec$ in lumbar flexion/extension, and $98.5{\pm}33.7deg/sec$ in lumbar lateral flexion. In patient male group mean maximum velocity of isoinertial exercise with high (50%) resistance was $74.0{\pm}20.9deg/sec$ in lumbar rotation, $98.7{\pm}32.8deg/sec$ in lumbar flexion/extension, and $85.0{\pm}25.8deg/sec$ in lumbar lateral flexion. In patient female group mean maximum velocity of isoinertial exercise with high (50%) resistance was $67.3{\pm}26.4deg/sec$ in lumbar rotation, $82.5{\pm}31.0deg/sec$ in lumbar flexion/extension, and $79.7{\pm}23.9deg/sec$ in lumbar lateral flexion. Conclusion : Maximum isoinertial velocities were more reliable and more significant than isometric maximum torque for the objective assessment of chronic low hack pain.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.49-62
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• 2018

PURPOSE: This study investigated the influence of a specific hip joint exercise program on the characteristics of chronic low back pain (LBP), hip joint range of motion (ROM), and performance level in amateur golfers with LBP. METHODS: The study included 28 adult male amateur golfers with LBP and reduced internal rotation (IR) of the lead side hip joint. Subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG) (n=14) or control group (CG) (n=14). The Numerical Rating Scale score for pain, ROM of the hip joint and trunk rotation, performance parameters for golfing were evaluated. A specific exercise program designed to improve IR of the lead side hip joint was performed by the EG, but not the CG. Post-intervention evaluation was performed and the collected data were analyzed. RESULTS: After the intervention, the severity of LBP was significantly reduced (p<.05) and the IR ROM of the lead side hip joint was significantly increased (p<.01) in the EG. Moreover, the trunk rotation range was significantly increased in the EG (p<.01). The drive distance was significantly difference between the EG and CG (p<.05). CONCLUSION: A specific hip joint exercise program can help to reduce pain level and improve performance level in amateur golfers with LBP and increased IR ROM of the lead side hip joint. A significant increase in ROM of the lead side hip joint reduce LBP and was related to driving distance in the EG.

• 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.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on static balance and disability in chronic low back pain with lumbar rotation extension subgroup of trascranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and lumbar motor control exercise (MCE). Methods: In 40 male low back pain with lumbar rotation extension subgroup subjects were recruited for the study. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups. Experimental groups received tDCS and MCE, Control groups received sham-tDCS and MEC. Before and after intervention, measured in surface area, whole path length and Roland-Morris low back pain questionnaire (RMQ). Results: Showed a significant static balance and disability from the experimental groups compared to the control group. Showed a no significant RMQ score from experimental groups compared to the control group. Conclusions: tDCS and lumbar MCE showed the increased static balance in chronic low back pain with lumbar rotation extension subgroup.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 1971

Eleven nonathletes and eleven athletes were exercised on a standardised Harvard step test, and the average rate of change in QRS amplitude in lead III of the electocardiogram associated with heart rotation and the average change in rate of heart beat were observed. 1. After the Harvard step exercise, the average rate of change in QRS amplitude in lead III of both groups increased. This was due to the clockwise rotation of the heart and was associated with respiratory movement. The diaphragm was inferred to remain for a while in a relatively more inspiratory position. 2. After the Halved step exercise, a high correlation between the recovery of the average rate of change in QRS amplitude in lead III and the average change in rate of heart beat was observed in the athletic group. 3. In the nonathletic group there was no significant correlation between the average rate of QRS amplitude change and the average rate of change of heart beat. 4. Athletes were assumed to be trained to ventilate quickly at their maximum ability, using deep descending movements of the diaphragm and other respiratory musclature. Consequently, the average in rate of heart beat also recovered quickly. 5. Nonathletes were inferred not to have been trained to adjust quickly to ventilate so efficiently with their diaphragm movement and other respiratory musculature, and are characterised by their longer time to complete recovery.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.134-139
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the most effective exercise while performing shoulder abduction below ninety degrees. Methods: Thirty two healthy individuals (17 males, 15 females) participated and performed four exercises, 1) Posterior fly, 2) Prone row, 3) Modified prone cobra, and 4) External rotation in the prone position. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure the electrical activities for the lower, middle and upper fiber of trapezius and serratus anterior. Results: A significant difference in the muscle activities of the upper/middle/lower trapezius and serratus anterior was observed among the three different positions in terms of the PF (posterior fly), PR (prone row), and MPC (modified prone cobra) (p<0.05). In post-hoc analysis, the activities of the lower and upper trapezius were significantly higher than those of the upper trapezius and serratus anterior (p<0.05). In addition, in ERP (external rotation in prone), there was a significant difference in each activity of the muscles. Post-hoc results indicated that the upper trapezius showed greater EMG activity than the other three muscles. Conclusion: External rotation in the prone position revealed the highest activation of the lower trapezius compared to upper trapezius muscle activity. This may be particularly useful in isolating the lower trapezius in cases where excessive scapular elevation is noted. Therefore, the most effective lower trapezius exercise should be performed below ninety degrees of shoulder abduction.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.151-158
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• 2024

Purpose: The present study investigated how variations in diagonal exercises affect shoulder muscle activity, examining changes in neuromuscular activation during scapular and shoulder diagonal patterns of exercises. Furthermore, we explored whether the exercise phase affects muscle activation. Methods: Sixteen asymptomatic male participants were recruited. Four diagonal pattern exercises (scapular anterior elevation, posterior elevation, flexion-adduction-external rotation, flexion, abduction-external rotation), and two exercise phases (concentric and eccentric) were administered. Surface electromyography data were collected. Results: Upper trapezius activity was significantly higher during the concentric phase of scapular posterior elevation exercises compared with the others (p<0.05). The serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, and infraspinatus activities were significantly higher during shoulder diagonal pattern exercises compared with the scapular diagonal pattern exercises (p<0.05). Except for the lower trapezius, muscular activities during the concentric phase were significantly greater compared with the eccentric phase (p<0.05). Conclusion: The current study suggests that the diagonal pattern of exercise may contribute to selective strengthening of the shoulder complex muscles and that the form of exercise should be tailored to the subject. It also suggests that diagonal exercises with concentric contractions tend to be more beneficial than eccentric contractions for overall muscle recruitment, but the effects vary for specific diagonal patterns.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.84-92
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• 2016

Background: Strengthening the supraspinatus is an important aspect of a rehabilitation program for subacromial impingement and tendinopathy. Many authors recommended empty-can (EC), full-can (FC), and prone full-can (PFC) exercises to strengthen the supraspinatus. However, no ultrasonography study has yet investigated supraspinatus muscle architecture (muscle thickness; MT, pennation angle; PA, fiber bundle length; FBL) in relation to supraspinatus strengthening exercises. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the architecture (MT, PA, and FBL) of the supraspinatus muscle during three different types of exercises (EC, FC, and PFC) using diagnostic ultrasound. Methods: Participants performed three different exercises: (A) EC; the arm was maintained at $60^{\circ}$ abduction with full internal rotation in the sitting position, (B) FC; the arm was maintained at $60^{\circ}$ abduction with full external rotation in the sitting position, and (C) PFC; the arm was maintained at $60^{\circ}$ abduction with full external rotation in the prone position. Ultrasonography was used to measure the MT, PA and FBL of the supraspinatus. One-way repeated analysis of variance with Bonferroni's post-hoc test was used to compare between the three exercises and the initial position of each exercise. Results: Compared with each initial position, the FC exercise showed the greatest mean difference in muscle architecture properties and the PFC exercise showed the least mean difference. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the FC exercise position may have an advantage in increasing the amount of contractile tissue or producing muscle power and the PFC exercise position may be useful in a rehabilitation program because it offers the advantage of maintaining the muscle architecture properties.