• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.250-257
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• 2019

Objectives: Flatfoot, or low medial longitudinal arch, contributes to back and lower extremity injuries and is caused by weak abductor hallucis (AbdH) muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short foot exercise (SFE) alone or with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on navicular height, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the AbdH muscle, and AbdH muscle activity in flexible flatfoot. Methods: Thirty-six otherwise healthy people with flexible flatfoot were randomly assigned to a group that received SFE with placebo NMES treatment (the control group) or a group that received both SFE and NMES treatment (the experimental group). Each group received 4 weeks of treatment (SFE alone or SFE with NMES). Navicular height, the CSA of the AbdH muscle, and AbdH muscle activity were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: No significant differences were found in navicular height or the CSA of the AbdH muscle between the control and experimental groups, while AbdH muscle activity showed a statistically significant difference between the groups ($SFE=73.9{\pm}11.0%$ of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]; SFE with $NMES=81.4{\pm}8.3%$ of MVIC; p<0.05). Moreover, the CSA of the AbdH muscle showed a statistically significant increase after treatment in the SFE with NMES group ($pre-treatment=218.6{\pm}53.2mm^2$ ; $post-treatment=256.9{\pm}70.5mm^2$ ; p<0.05). Conclusions: SFE with NMES was more effective than SFE alone in increasing AbdH muscle activity. Therefore, SFE with NMES should be recommended to correct or prevent abnormalities in people with flexible flatfoot by a physiotherapist or medical care team.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an ultrasound-based bar graph proportional to the quadriceps muscle thickness as a real-time visual feedback training tool in the elderly. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-four elderly persons participated in this study and were randomly divided into three groups: oral training group (n=8, group 1), ultrasound imaging group (n=8, group 2), and graph group (n=8, group 3). In the pre condition, all participants performed maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the quadriceps with knee extension three times with oral training. In the post condition, group 1 performed MVIC of the quadriceps with oral training, group 2 performed MVIC of the quadriceps with real-time visual feedback using ultrasound imaging, and group 3 performed MVIC of the quadriceps with real-time visual feedback using a bar graph proportional to the quadriceps muscle thickness, three times for all groups. Muscle thickness, activity (mean, peak), tone, stiffness, logarithmic decrement, relaxation, and creep were measured in both conditions in all participants. Results: Visual feedback with a bar graph showed significant effects on muscle thickness, mean muscle activity, and peak muscle activity compared with oral training and visual feedback with ultrasound imaging (p<0.05). Conclusions: Isometric training of the quadriceps with real-time visual feedback using a bar graph proportional to the quadriceps muscle thickness may be more effective than other methods in improving muscle thickness and muscle activity. This study presented a tool that can help increase muscle thickness in the elderly.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.79-86
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• 2022

Background: Bird dog exercise (BDE) is one of the lumbar stabilization exercises that rehabilitate low back pain by co-contraction of the local and global muscles. Previous studies have reported the effect of various type of BDEs (for example, practicing the exercises on various surfaces and changing the limb movement) for muscle co-contraction. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of knee joint flexion position of the raised lower limb on abdominal and back muscle activity during BDE in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Thirteen males participated in this study (age: 32.54 ± 4.48 years, height: 177.38 ± 7.17 cm). Surface electromyographic (SEMG) data of the internal abdominal oblique (IO), external abdominal oblique (EO), lumbar multifidus (MF), and thoracic part of the iliocostalis lumborum (ICLT) were collected in two knee joint flexion positions (90° flexion versus 0° flexion) during BDE. The SEMG data were expressed as a percentage of root mean square mean values obtained in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: Greater muscle activity of the IO (p = 0.001), MF (p = 0.009), and ICLT (p = 0.021) of the raised lower limb side and the EO (p = 0.001) and MF (p = 0.009) of the contralateral side were demonstrated in the knee joint flexion position compared to the knee joint extension position. Greater local/global activity ratios of the abdominal muscle (i.e., IO and EO) of the raised lower limb (p = 0.002) and the back muscle (i.e., MF and ICLT) of the contralateral side (p = 0.028) were also noted in the knee joint flexion position. Conclusion: BDE with a knee joint flexion position might be recommended as an alternative lumbar stabilization exercise to enhance muscle activity in both the raised lower limb and the contralateral sides of the trunk for individuals with CLBP.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2023

Background: In modern society, the use of computers accounts for a large proportion of our daily lives. Although substantial research is being actively conducted on musculoskeletal diseases resulting from computer use, there has been a recent surge in interest in improving the working environment for prevention. Objects: This study aimed to examine the effects of posture correction feedback (PCF) on changes in neck posture and muscle activation during computer typing. Methods: The participants performed a computer typing task in two sessions, each lasting 16 minutes. The participant's dominant side was photographed and analyzed using ImageJ software to verify neck posture. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to confirm the participant's cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius muscle activities. The EMG signal was analyzed using the percentage of reference voluntary contraction and amplitude probability distribution function (APDF). In the second session, visual and auditory feedback for posture correction was provided if the neck was flexed by more than 15° in the initial position during computer typing. A 20-minute rest period was provided between the two sessions. Results: The neck angle (p = 0.014), CES muscle activity (p = 0.008), and APDF (p = 0.015) showed significant differences depending on the presence of the PCF. Furthermore, significant differences were observed regarding the CES muscle activity (p = 0.001) and APDF (p = 0.002) over time. Conclusion: Our study showed that the feedback system can correct poor posture and reduces unnecessary muscle activation during computer work. The improved neck posture and reduced CES muscle activity observed in this study suggest that neck pain can be prevented. Based on these results, we suggest that the PCF system can be used to prevent neck pain.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.30-71
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• 1999

There has been a dramatic increase in public awareness regarding dementia during recent years. However, dementia remains a family affair and patients do not receive adequate care in Korea. This study aims to assist patients and their caregivers by establishing Home and Community based Long-Term Care in a city. The data collected for analysis include five main categories: dementia prevalence, limitations of daily activities of patients, burden of caregivers, the services that patient's family want to utilize, the resources that handle dementia in the community. Major findings can be summarized as follows: 1)The prevalence rate of dementia for elderly people is 13.1 per 100 persons. Alzheimer's disease amount to 38.9% of dementia patients and vascular dementia account for 36.7% of them 2)Eight out of ten patients have mild dementia. Almost all patients have normal ADL. IADL, however, shows different picture. In every items of IADL, about 60% of patients reveals some limitations. 3)The proportion of patients who had medical diagnosis is as low as 20%. Families of patients think dementia as normal aging process and medical doctors in the community do not give special concern to dementia patients. 4)Caregivers does not have proper social support. They suffer from long care time, experience large obstacles in respect of health, daily living, and social activity. 5)Health center and Community welfare center have launched some programs-consultation, home-visiting nursing, day care center, voluntary force mobilization and so on-for dementia patients. But they do not perform expected roles and functions because of lack of skilled personnels and inadequate coordination of relevant organizations for dementia care. 6)Families of dementia patients prefer home helper and home-visiting nurse to hospitalization. For the future, however, demand for institution-based long-term services will increase. We develope community dementia care model based on above findings as follows: 1)Health center execute community cardiovascular control program for the prevention of vascular dementia. 2)Refer to epidemiologic characteristics of patients and preference of family, the most urgent task for dementia care in this city is to expand and organize Home and Community based Long-Term Care. 3)For the continuous and comprehensive care, care plan for a patient must be prepared. Case management team should be builded to prepare this plan and coordinate relevant resources. 4)Special long-term care unit for dementia will be needed in a near future. This unit should have multiple functions, such as day-care center, short stay facility, training center for relevant personnels, besides long-term nursing home considering effective care of dementia and efficient operation of the facility. 5)Voluntary workers deserve their due efforts. Incentive mechanisms must be developed to activate voluntary activities.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.29-40
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activity during a push-up on a suspension sling and a fixed support at the same level. Tests were performed on 15 male subjects. Electromyography using a surface EMG recorded the activity of the triceps, pectoralis major, and internal and external oblique muscles during each push-up. EMG activity was recorded at 0, 45, and 90 degrees of elbow flexion in the push-up position on a suspension sling or a fixed support at the same height above the floor (30 cm). The testing order was selected randomly. The subjects were asked to maintain the push-up position with straight knees, hips, and trunk for 5 seconds at each elbow angle. The mean root mean square (RMS) of EMG activity was calculated. EMG activity was normalized using the maximum voluntary isometric contractιn elicited using a manual muscle testing technique. Two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the average RMS value of EMG activity for each condition. The EMG activity for the pectoralis major, and internal and external oblique muscles during a push-up on a sling was significantly higher than on a fixed support at all angles of elbow flexion (p<.01). There were significant differences in the EMG activity of the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles at difference angles of elbow flexion (p<.05). The pectoralis major muscle had the highest EMG activity at 90 degrees of elbow flexion on both the sling and fixed support. The triceps brachii muscle had the highest EMG activity at 45 degrees of elbow flexion on both the sling and fixed support. The internal and external oblique muscles had the highest EMG activity at 0 degrees of elbow flexion, although the difference with angle of flexion was not significant. These results suggest that to improve proximal and trunk stability and muscle strength, push-ups are more useful when performed on a suspension sling than On a fixed support.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.1-10
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hip external rotation angle on pelvis and lower limb muscle activity during prone hip extension. Sixteen healthy men were recruited for this study. Each subject performed an abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) in a prone position, and extended the dominant hip at three different hip external rotation angles ($0^{\circ}$, $20^{\circ}$, $40^{\circ}$) with a $30^{\circ}$ hip joint abduction. Activity of the gluteus maximus (G Max), gluteus medius (G Med), and hamstring (HAM) and the G Max/HAM and G Med/HAM ratios were determined with surface electromyography (EMG). The EMG signal was normalized to 100% maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) and expressed as %MVIC. Data were analyzed by one-way repeated analysis of variance (alpha level=.05) and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Significant differences in G Max and G Med muscle activity were noted among the three different hip external rotation angles. G Max muscle activity increased significantly at both $40^{\circ}$ (p=.006) and $20^{\circ}$ (p=.010) compared to a $0^{\circ}$ hip external rotation angle. G Med muscle activity increased significantly at $20^{\circ}$ (p=.013) compared to a $40^{\circ}$ hip external rotation angle. The G Max/HAM activity ratio increased significantly at both $40^{\circ}$ (p=.004) and $20^{\circ}$ (p=.014) compared to a $0^{\circ}$ hip external rotation angle. The G Med/HAM activity ratio increased significantly at $20^{\circ}$ (p=.013) compared to a $40^{\circ}$ hip external rotation angle. In conclusion, $40^{\circ}$ and $20^{\circ}$ hip external rotation angles are recommended to increase G Max activity, and $20^{\circ}$ hip external rotation is advocated to enhance G Med muscle activity during prone hip extension with ADIM and $30^{\circ}$ hip abduction in healthy subjects.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.101-109
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to analyse the actual condition of leisure activity in the case of Korea Science Academy students(KSA) and Min Jok Leadership Academy(MLA) students. The participants consisted of KSA students(male:122, female:44) and MLA students(male:71, female:113) with voluntary consent. 1) KSA and MLA's male students showed the highest ratio for participation in the sports, KSA's female students in the taste-culture activity and MLA's female students in the sight-seeing. 2) Mental stress treatment showed the highest ratio in the response to the question asking the principal straight motive of leisure activity, and $75\sim80%$ students considered the leisure activity as an important means to maintain health and physical fitness. 3) The students's 30% answered that they participate by themselves, and KSA male's 51% and female's 40%, MLA male's 40% and female's 48% participated in leisure. Activity planlessly. 4) In weekdays, KSA's male students enjoyed mostly the sport for leisure activity, but taste-culture activity showed the bighest ratio in the case of MLA students and KSA female students. 5)The mae students, 38% of KSA and 54% students of MLA did not play computer game at al in weekdays, and 70% of the female students in total did not play computer game. KSA's male students spent more time in playing computer game than MLA's male students did 6) The biggest reason for being unable to participate in the leisure activity was the insuficiency of time due to homework or studying for quiz. The laziness also showed high po-centage of $19\sim25%$ varying between the groups.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2017

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate the activity of the supra and infrahyoid muscles according to the temperature and the amount of water in healthy adults. Methods : The amount of water was set to 3 mL and 20 mL, and the temperature was subdivided into $4^{\circ}C$, $22^{\circ}C$, and $40^{\circ}C$ in order to compare the activity of the supra and infrahyoid muscles in twenty-seven healthy adults. We used the mean value of the activity of the supra and infrahyoid muscles while they were swallowing saliva in order to set the reference voluntary contraction (%RVC). Results : Muscle activity was significantly increased when they swallowed 20 mL of water rather than 3 mL in the left infrahyoid muscles at $4^{\circ}C$, $22^{\circ}C$ and $40^{\circ}C$ (p=.00; p=.00; p=.00), the right infrahyoid muscles at $22^{\circ}C$and $40^{\circ}C$ (p=.01; p=.01), the left suprahyoid muscles at $4^{\circ}C$ (p=.03). Muscle activity of the right suprahyoid muscles was significantly decreased at $40^{\circ}C$ compared to $4^{\circ}C$ and $22^{\circ}C$ when they swallowed 20 mL of water (p=.04). Conclusion : In the future, other variables such as viscosity and taste should be considered, and further studies on patients with impaired nervous system as well as healthy subjects will be needed.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 2006

Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the actual condition and satisfaction of volunteer activity in Australian hospital. Methods: Data was collected by self reported questionnaire from 101 volunteers and analyzed by frequency and percentage, t-test, ANOVA and Sheffe and Pearson's correlation coefficients using SPSS 12.0. Results: 1. Years involved in volunteer work were $5{\sim}10$ years (32.7%), above 10 years (30.7%), $2{\sim}3$ years (11.9%) and $3{\sim}5$ years (10.9%). Types of volunteer work were physical care (32.7%), physical and emotional care (14.9%), and others (18.8%). Types of allocation of tasks were by volunteer coordination (55.7%), and by volunteer preference and consent between volunteer and coordinator (both respectively, 20.5%). Main reasons for volunteer work were to help sick people (61.4%) and to make good use of leisure time (22.8%). Routes to start volunteer work were from his (her) own inquiries (43.4%), from hearing from other volunteers (30.7%) and from mass media (13.1%). 80.2% of volunteers had received some kinds of training or preparation for volunteer work. Suitability of volunteer's skill and ability to voluntary work were 'very well' (74.0%) and 'mostly well' (18.0%). Reimbursements or benefits received for volunteer work were token or lunch or group outing (31.7%), and token and lunch or group outing (19.8%). Evaluation frequency for volunteer work was occasionally (372%), frequently (30.9%), always (17.0%) and never (14.9%). Relationship with volunteer work coordinator was very good (85.0%). The relationship with other volunteers was very good (81.2%). The relationship with hospital staffs was very good (69.7%) and mostly good (21.2%). Family and friend's support for volunteer work was very good (83.2%). 2 The mean score of satisfaction for the hospital volunteer activity was $3.09{\pm}0.49\;(range:\;1{\sim}4)$. The highest score domain was 'social contact', $3.48{\pm}0.61$, and the lowest was 'social exchange', $1.65{\pm}0.63$. An item of the highest score was 'I have an opportunity to help other people' ($3.83{\pm}0.40$), and the lowest score item was 'I will receive compensation for volunteer work I have done ($1.10{\pm}0.78$).' 3. The satisfaction from hospital volunteer activity was shown by significant difference according to sex (t=2.038, P=0.044), marital status (F=3.806, P=0.013), years involved in volunteer work (F=3.326), nam reason to do volunteer work (F=2.707, P=0.035), receive any training or preparation for volunteer work (t=-1.982, 0=0.050), frequency of evaluation for volunteer work (F=7.877, P=0.000), suitability of volunteer's skill and ability to voluntary work (t=2.712, P=0.049), relationship with volunteer work coordinators (F=-2.517, P=0.013), relation with hospital staffs (F=5.202, P=0.007), and support of their volunteer work by their family and friends (t=-3.394, P=0.001). Conclusion: The satisfaction of hospice volunteer activity was moderate. The satisfaction for hospice volunteer activity was shown by significant difference according to sex (t=2.038, P=0.044), marital status (F=3.806, P=0.013), years involved in volunteer work (F=3.326), main reason to do volunteer work (F=2.707, P=0.035), receive any training or preparation for volunteer work (t=-1.982, 0=0.050), frequency of evaluation for volunteer work (F=7.877, P=0.000), suitability of volunteer's skill and ability to voluntary work (t=2.712, P=0.049), relationship with volunteer work coordinator (F=-2.517, P=0.013), relation with hospital staffs (F=5.202, P=0.007), and family and friend's support for volunteer work (t=-3.394, P=0.001). Therefore, it is necessary to consider various factors to improve the satisfaction of voluntary work.