• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.128-133
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• 2022

Objective: This study was executed to compare and analyze shoulder muscle activation while using an inelastic bar and elastic bar during overhead press exercise. The stability and coordination of shoulder joints will be investigated by measuring and analyzing the EMG of the upper and lower arm muscles. Method: A total of 20 university male students were recruited by dividing into 2 groups; 10 elastic bar participants (age: 20.17 ± 0.41 yrs, height: 174.31 ± 3.34 cm, weight: 74.68 ± 5.65 kg) and 10 inelastic bar participants (age: 20.09 ± 0.23 yrs, height: 173.53 ± 4.11 cm, weight: 75.32 ± 3.31 kg) participated in this study. Results: The EMG analysis results of the four muscles measured in this study showed that there was no difference between the left and right muscles between the groups in Upper Trapezius muscle. In Deltoid, Infraspinatus, and Rectus Abdominis muscles, the elastic bar group was significantly higher than the inelastic bar group between groups, and there was no difference between left and right. Conclusion: Among the four muscles measured in this study, there was no difference between left and right in Deltoid, Infraspinatus, and Rectus Abdominis, but the elastic bar showed significantly higher muscle activity than the inelastic bar. Therefore, it was found that the elastic bar increases muscle activation during exercise than the inelastic bar, and in particular, it further increases muscle activation of the arms and torso, and exercise using the elastic bar can increase neuromuscular stabilization.

• 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.

• 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 Digital Convergence
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.399-405
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare the shoulder stabilizer muscle activity during a push up plus on a different conditioning surface. Eighteen healthy volunteers were tested. Surface EMG was recorded from the upper trapezius(UT), pectoralis major(PM), and serratus anterior(SA) using surface differential conditions. Measurements were performed for 7 days. The mean root mean square (RMS) of EMG activity was calculated. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to compare RMS normalized values. The UT and PM did not show significant differences of electric activation amplitude in relation to different surface conditions(p>.05). However, the SA showed greater mean electric activation amplitude values on the push up plus exercise on a upper and lower unstable surface(p<.05). These results suggest that to improve SA EMG activity is more useful when performed on a upper and lower unstable surface conditions than on a stable surface conditions.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.328-342
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• 1999

This study was performed to investigate the factors related to tooth wear. For this study, 78 patients with temporomandibular disorders and 76 dental students without any signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were selected as the patients group and as the normal group, respectively. Preferred chewing side, Angle's classification, lateral guidance pattern, head and shoulder posture were observed clinically. Electromyographic activity of anterior temporalis and masseter muscle were recorded with $BioEMG^{(R)}$ and occlusal status were recorded with $T-Scan^{(R)}$. Wear facet area of each tooth was measured from working model of upper arch corresponding to the occlusal status from T-Scan. Wear facet area were measured with planimeter in $mm^2$. Total area were divided into incisal, canine, posterior tooth area. Anterior wearfacet area was incisor area plus canine area, and unilateral area was anterior area plus posterior area. The data collected were analyzed by SAS statistical program and the results of this study were as follows: 1. There was no significant difference between the two groups in total werafacet area, and male subjects showed tendency to have larger area in the normal group but female subjects showed tendency vice versa. 2. There was no significant difference related to preferred chewing side and Angle's classification, however some difference was observed by lateral guidance pattern. Anterior wear facet area in subjects of canine guidance was the largest in the three subgroups. 3. Subjects with head tilting to right side had larger posterior and total area, and subjects with higher shoulder in right side had larger canine and anterior area than any other subgrous. 4. Electromyographic activity of masseter muscle was more correlated with wear facet area than anterior temporalis muscle, and tooth contact number and force were significantly correlated with wear facet area, but the most important factor affecting tooth attrition was age.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2017

Background: Scapular winging is a prominence of the entire scapular medial border, mainly caused by insufficient activity of the serratus anterior (SA) and imbalance of scapulothoracic muscles. Push-up plus (PUP) exercise has been commonly used to increase SA muscle activity. The facilitation of abdominal muscle may affect scapular muscle activity by myofascial connections. Thus, the sequential activation of the turnk muscles is suggested to facilitate the transition of proper force from upper limb and restore force couple of scapular muscles. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) has been effective in improving activation of the deep trunk muscles during movement. Objects: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ADIM on the activity of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and SA during PUP exercises in subjects with scapular winging. Methods: Fourteen men with scapular winging (determined as a of distance between the scapular medial border and thoracic wall over 3 cm) volunteered for our study. The subjects performed the PUP exercise with and without ADIM. Surface electromyography was used to collect the electromyography data of the UT, LT, and SA. A scapulometer was used to measure the amount of scapular winging. Results: SA activity was significantly greater and scapular winging significantly lower during the PUP exercise with ADIM than during those without ADIM. Conclusion: PUP exercise with ADIM can be used as an beneficial method to improve SA activation and to reduce the amount of scapular winging in subjects with scapular winging.

• Journal of Sport and Applied Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of modified swing to prevent shoulder injury by analyzing differences in the muscle activation patterns of upper limb by the swing method in wheelchair badminton players. Research design, data, and methodology: 10 wheelchair badminton players participated in the experiment as subjects and performed 10 high clears and 10 smashes in both traditional and modified swing methods toward a shuttlecock hung at the height of racket impact point. For each trial, activation patterns of biceps brachii, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, and posterior deltoid were measured from the upper limb participating in the swing from which the duration, peak, and root mean square (RMS) of electromyography (EMG) activities from swing initiation to shuttle impact were calculated. The maximum swing velocity of the smash and the distance of the high clear were also measured with both methods to compare differences in the swing velocity and shuttle hit distance. Results: Differences in the EMG peak and RMS of the anterior deltoid by swing methods were shown to differ by the skill type, being higher in the traditional swing method than the modified during only the high clear. The EMG peak and RMS, and the duration of the posterior deltoid were higher and longer with the traditional swing method than the modified during both the smash and high clear. The intensities of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii activities measured during the smash and high clear were higher in the traditional swing method than the modified, and the biceps brachii and triceps activity durations during the high clear were shorter in the modified swing method than the traditional. The maximum swing velocity of the smash was faster with the traditional swing method than the modified, while the distance of the high clear did not differ significantly. Conclusions: These results suggest that the modified swing can be an effective performance method for preventing shoulder injuries without undue loss of impact power in wheelchair badminton players by reducing excessive loads imposed on the shoulder and allowing the optimal use of the elbow extension.

• Journal of Sport and Applied Science
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2021

Purpose: Sarcopenia is defined as a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function with age that affects overall body function. We aimed to investigate the effect of combined training on body composition, balance, and muscle function in sarcopenia elderly. Research design, data, and methodology: Twenty-eight sarcopenia elderly (age 74.9±4.5 years) were randomly assigned to an exercise, EG (n=14), or a control, CG (n=14), group. The EG performed an intervention consisting of combined exercise training (60-75 min) for a total of 12 weeks, three times a week. The CG maintained their usual daily lifestyle during the intervention period. We measured body weight, body mass index (BMI), % body fat, free fat mass, balance ability, peak torque in shoulder, knee, and lumbar joints normalized for bodyweight in one second. Results: The EG showed improved body composition (i.e., BMI, fat-free body mass, fat mass; all p < 0.031, η² > 0.179), balance (i.e., right and left of static and dynamic balance and fast 10 m walk; all p < 0.049, η² > 0.152), and muscular function (i.e., 90°/sec and 180°/sec peak power per kg bodyweight, 90°/sec average power per kg bodyweight, 180°/sec total work, and 180°/sec endurance ratio; all p < 0.045, η² > 0.158). Conclusions: Combined exercise training improves muscle mass and strength, body composition, balance, and muscle function in sarcopenia elderly.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.80-86
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• 2016

Background: Prone hip extension (PHE) can be performed to measure the lumbopelvic motor patterns and motions. Imbalances in lumbopelvic muscle activity and muscle weakness can result in instability including pain in lumbopelvic region. The posterior oblique sling (POS) muscles contribute to dynamic lumbopelvic stability. In addition, POS are anatomically aligned with the trapezius muscle group according to shoulder positions. Objects: This study compared the electromyography (EMG) activity of POS and pelvic compensations during PHE with and without pre-activation of lower trapezius muscle (lowT). Methods: Sixteen healthy males were recruited. PHE was performed in randomized order: PHE with and without lowT pre-activation. Surface EMG signals were recorded for biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM) (ipsilateral), lumbar multifidus (MF) (bilateral), and the lowT (contralateral). An electromagnetic tracking motion analysis was used to measure the angle of pelvic rotation and anterior tilting. Results: The ipsilateral GM and bilateral MF EMG amplitudes were greater during PHE with lowT pre-activation compared to PHE without lowT pre-activation (p<.05). The BF amplitude during PHE without lowT pre-activation was significantly greater than that during PHE with lowT pre-activation (p<.05). The angles of pelvic rotation and anterior tilting during PHE with lowT pre-activation were significantly smaller compared to PHE without lowT pre-activation (p<.05). Conclusion: PHE with lowT pre-activation, which is aligned with the POS, showed more increased MF and GM muscular activity with smaller lumbopelvic compensations in rotation and anterior tilting compared to PHE without lowT pre-activation.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.595-609
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the guidelines for Medic Work Table (MWT) based on the anthropometric data of medical technologists. Background: Users' anthropometric data such as sitting height, sitting elbow height, knee height, and so on are significant factors for designing comfortable and useful furniture. Thus, many guidelines for different types of desks and chairs based on the users' anthropometric data have been suggested to many researchers. However, few researches have been conducted to provide design guidelines for MWT for blood collecting task. Medical technologists often use their upper extremities to perform blood collecting task with high repetitions. These repeated motions could be a critical factor in the prevalence rate of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Therefore, a study on ergonomic design of MWT would be essential in preventing the WMSDs and improving the quality of the working environment of medical technologists. Method: This study suggested design guidelines for ergonomic MWT by focusing on the heights of the upper side and underside, depths of the inside and outside, and width of MWT through anthropometric studies and literature reviews. Afterwards, a new MWT was made using the suggested design guidelines for this study. Five healthy medical technologists participated to evaluate the original MWT and new MWT. All participants took part in the range of motion (ROM) test, electromyography (EMG) muscle activity test, and usability test to validate the suggested guidelines in this study. EMG signals of related muscles (Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Deltoid Anterior, and Biceps Branchii) were recorded through the surface electromyography system from both the original MWT and the new MWT. The ROM test of the shoulder and elbow flexion was also assessed using motion sensors. Results: The newly designed MWT showed decreased ROMs of the shoulder and elbow up to 22% and 18% compared to the original MWT. The muscle activities in the new MWT also showed a decrease of 13% in Anterior Deltoid, 6% in Biceps Brachii, 5% in Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, and 8% in Extensor Carpi Ulnaris muscle groups, compared to the original MWT. In the usability test, the satisfaction score of the new MWT was also 56.1% higher than that of the original MWT. Conclusion: This study suggested guidelines for designing MWT and validating the guidelines through qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results of motion analysis, muscle activity, and usability tests demonstrated that the newly designed MWT may lead to less physical stress, less awkward posture, and better physical user interface. Application: The recommended guidelines of the MWT would be helpful information for designing an ergonomic MWT that reduces physical loads and improves the performance of many medical technologists.