• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2014

Objective: This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance (DSB), biomechanical characteristics, and physical characteristics in spinal cord injuries (SCI) patients. Background: Virtual ski training systems, ski equipment, and training protocols for disabled skiers are being studied to spread awareness. However, few studies have been reported on the sitting balance ability associated with chair mono skiing. Method: A dynamic sitting balance border system was built to investigate the ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance in SCI patients. Trunk muscle activity was evaluated by electromyogram while conducting dynamic sitting balance tests. The trunk muscle strength was tested with a portable handheld dynamometer. Physical activity scores were measured with the physical activity recall assessment. Results: There were high levels of correlation between the ability to maintain DSB and trunk flexor strength, extensor strength, rotator strength, and physical activity score. However, height, weight, and injury level in SCI patients were not correlated with the ability to maintain DSB. Additionally, strong negative correlations were found between muscle activities of the external oblique and lumbar erector spinae muscles and the ability to perform the backward tilt test. Trunk extensor muscle activity during the ball lifting test was significantly higher than in other tests. Conclusion: The results indicate that improving trunk muscle strength and physical activity can increase the ability to maintain DSB. Application: The findings of a close relationship between trunk strength, physical activity, and the ability to maintain DSB need to be reflected in the chair mono ski training program.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.63-72
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• 2022

Purpose : Several studies have investigated the effects of dynamic stretching (DS) and self-mobilization (SM), however, studies comparing the two interventions are rare. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of DS and SM on ankle strength, dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), and balance to determine which is superior. Methods : Thirty-two healthy young adults participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (SM and DS). DS was performed for the purpose of stretching the medial gastrocnemius muscle. For the SM group, ankle joint SM was performed in three ways. For all participants, the following measurements were performed as pre- and post-tests: isometric strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor, weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) to evaluate DFROM, Tetrax system to evaluate static balance, and y balance test (YBT) to evaluate dynamic balance. Differences before and after the intervention within each group were compared using paired t-test. Also, the variable's variation was compared between groups using an independent t-test. Results : Significant differences were found in ankle dorsiflexor strength, WBLT, YBT, weight distribution index (WDI) (pillow and opened eyes; PO), and stability index (ST) (normal and closed eyes; NC) before and after intervention in the SM group (p<.05). In the DS group, significant differences were found in ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor strength, WBLT, YBT anterior, WDI (normal and opened eyes; NO, PO), and ST (NO, NC, PO, pillow and closed eyes) before and after the intervention (p<.05). Ankle plantar flexor strength and WDI (PO) were significantly different between groups. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, DS or SM can be considered as a possibility for selective use according to variables for improving ankle joint function (DFROM, muscle strength, balance).

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.222-228
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• 2023

Objective: Training-related injuries and attrition put an additional burden on police and military institutions. Preventing and minimizing musculoskeletal injuries is the primary concern of the Abu Dhabi Police. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between functional movement screen, lower-limb strength, Y-balance test, grip strength and vertical jump and the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among Abu Dhabi police recruits. Design: Observational analytical study. Methods: An observational study was conducted on 400 male police recruits of Abu Dhabi Police Academy. Physical performance was assessed before the 16-weeks basic police training. Spearman's correlation evaluated the correlation between the performance parameters and the outcome measures and logistic regression predicted the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries. Results: 149 (34.4%) participants reported at least one injury during the basic police training. Comparison between injured and non-injured participants showed significant difference in mean right Y-balance, back-leg-chest dynamometer, and vertical jump (p=0.02, p=0.02, and p=0.04, respectively). Spearman's correlation showed a significant negative correlation between risk of injury and back-leg-chest dynamometer and right Y balance (ρ= -0.11, p=0.03). Logistic regression showed that back-leg-chest dynamometer and right Y balance were significant predictors of injury (p =.036 and p=0.037; Odds ratio=0.96; 95% CI (0.92, 0.99) and Odds ratio=0.99; 95% CI (0.98,0.99). Conclusions: Our findings suggest functional movement screen and grip strength may not independently predict injury rates, balance and lower-limb strength needs to be considered in injury prevention strategies to reduce musculoskeletal injuries.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.176-183
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short term effects of ASEJ (ankle strengthening with emphasis on jumping) for 3weeks on strength, mechanical properties, and balance and to compare the balance with and without HH(high-heel) condition. Methods: ASEJ (a combined exercise of squat, heel raise up, and jumping) were performed for the subjects in 11 female ankle instability young females ($21.7{\pm}2.0yrs$ Cumberland ankle instability score $19{\pm}6.5$). To investigate the effect of ASEJ, investigator used dynamometer for measuring strength, MyotonPRO for measuring mechanical properties(tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the muscles), I-Balance test for static balance, and Y-balance test for dynamic balance between the condition with and without HH condition. All data were normally distributed and analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical program. Comparing pre- and post-intervention and the condition with and without HH conditions data were examined using the paired t-test. The level of significance was chosen as 0.05 for all the analyses. Results: 3wks of ASEJ would strengthen leg muscles and increasing muscle tone and stiffness in most muscles however there was decreasing muscle elasticity of gastrocnemious. In addition, the ASEJ improves the static balance for ankle instability young females and increases the dynamic balance when wearing the heels especially. Conclusions: the ASEJ could recommend to improve the strength and balance for ankle instability young females. Also, measuring the balance with HH conditions well represents the risk of ankle damage in female.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.147-155
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was to determine the effects of before and after application of silicone sleeve on balance and muscle strength in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction patients. Methods: 13 subjects who had one or more months after ACL surgery were involved. Dynamic balance, timed up and go (TUG), stair step, vertical jump, proprioception and isokinetic knee strength were measured while subjects under taped, untapped and silicone sleeve conditions. Results: For 30 seconds one-leg standing, there was a significant improvement under silicone sleeve on operated side with eyes open and both taping and silicone sleeve revealed similar effects with eyes closed (p<0.01). Application of silicone sleeve showed significant effects in proprioceptive function on the operated side compared to both taping and none (p<0.05). For stair step test, TUG and vertical jump was a tendency to improve after application of silicone sleeve, but no significant different. Muscle strength on operated side of quadriceps and hamstring was significantly improved compared with none or taping(p<0.05). Conclusion: Silicone sleeve application for ACL reconstruction patients was effective immediately on improving strength and balance. Therefore, depending on the intended use and the disease is considered appropriate use of silicone sleeve will be able to help prevention and functional movement.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.569-576
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• 2010

Purpose : This study was aimed at determining the effects of community-based exercise program to improve leg muscle strength and balance for elderly women. Methods : This study was nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. Subjects were assigned to two different groups(exercise group=11, control group=7). Exercise group performed community-based exercise program for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included leg muscle strength, balance, walking velocity, activities of daily living(ADL), exercise self-efficacy and health-related quality of life(QoL). The collected data analyzed by independent t-test and paired t-test. Results : Leg muscle strength, walking velocity and mental component summary(QoL) were significantly improved in the exercise group. But balance and exercise self-efficacy were significantly worsened in the control group. There were no significant difference between groups after 8 weeks of community-based exercise. Conclusion : These results suggested that the community-based exercise program is effective for elderly women in improving leg muscle strength, walking velocity and mental component summary(QoL).

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.212-217
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• 2013

Falling is one of the major public problems to the elderly, resulting in limitations of daily living activities. It can be induced by the functional loss of the balance ability and muscle strength in the elderly. It has been, however, not well investigated to suggest an effective methodology improving the balance ability and muscle strength for the prevention of the falling due to lack of information about the characteristics of the balance and muscle activations responded to the dynamic motions. The aim of the current study is, therefore, to identify the characteristics of the balance and muscle activations responded to the dynamic motions in Anterior-Posterior(AP) and Medial Lateral(ML) directions. For that, a motion capture system with eight infrared cameras, surface electromyogram system and Wii Fit system with a customized variable unstable base were used and kinematic and kinetic data obtained from the systems were analyzed for five healthy male($24.8{\pm}3.3years$, $177.4{\pm}2.0cm$, $73.9{\pm}12.9kg$, $23.5{\pm}4.0kg/m$). The results showed that the characteristics of the balance and muscle activations were differently responded to between the dynamic motions in Anterior-Posterior(AP) and Medial Lateral(ML) directions. These findings may indicate that customized dynamic motions should be applied to the training of the balance ability and muscle strength for the effective prevention of the falling. This study may be meaningful to providing basic information to establish a guideline improving effectively the balance ability and muscle strength.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.59-67
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gluteus medius strength exercise on the ankle stability of high school student with chronic ankle sprains. Methods: A total of 30 participants were divided two groups. Experimental group was 15 participants applied gluteus medius strength exercise. Control group was 15 participants performing ankle strength exercise. This study was performed for 50 minutes per day, three a week for 6 weeks. All measurements were taken to a pre and post test. Strength was measured using Power Track ll. Balance was measured using Biodex balance system for Limits of Stability and Postural Stability. Ankle Stability was measured using Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Results: In the case of gluteus medius strength, there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group. For ankle stability were statistically significant differences within the experimental group according to measurements taken by Limits of Stability, Postural Stability, and CAIT. A between group comparison showed a statistically significant difference for CAIT only. Conclusion: According to our measurements it appears that gluteus medius strength training was effective in benefiting muscular strength, balance and ankle stability among the physical education.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.97-105
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of functional strengthening exercise on static and dynamic standing balance in a child with cerebral palsy. The subject was a 7 year old boy with diplegia whose Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) score was 80% along with G1 of the lower extremities in Modified Ashworth Scale. The subject was ambulatory with some degree of limitation and demonstrated muscle weakness and strength asymmetry in the lower extremities. A changing criterion design for a single-subject research was used for this study. The functional strengthening exercise consisted of lower extremity ergometer exercise and knee exercise with grading movement in standing position, each for 20 minutes, which lasted 18 sessions for 6 weeks. A knee extensor strength test on both extremities and standing balance test were conducted after each functional strengthening exercise. Two types of standing balance were tested: one leg stance test and functional reach test. One leg stance test was to evaluate static standing balance, and functional reach test was to evaluate dynamic standing balance. The results showed that the functional strengthening exercise had some positive effects on improvement of both static and dynamic standing balance, and there was a positive correlation between the knee strength and standing balance.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.9-15
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of mulligan taping on knee joints on balance ability and strength with repeated measurements. Methods: Seventeen patients were randomly assigned to the 8 taping group and the 9 repeat measurement group. To measure the balance ability, fall risk assessment equipment was used, and the measurement of the muscle strength was performed by using the equipment of the same company. Results: Balanced abilities and muscle strength were increased in groups with taping only after Mulligan taping. Conclusions: The application of mulligan taping did not have the effect of stimulating the inherent receptive sensation. However, active grouping of the knee joint taping only, and muscle strength and muscle strength were increased. It increases the stability and activity of the muscles that operate on the balance of the active knee joint and muscle strength, thereby enhancing exercise prevention and prevention performance and exercise performance.