• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.425-431
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• 2015

The objective of this study was to effect of Tai Chi on balance and muscle activity of ankle joints with USN sensor in elderly people. Thirty six elderly participated and randomly assigned to a experimental group with Tai Chi and control group. The experimental group trained using a Tai Chi through 3 times per a week over 6 weeks. For all subjects, their balance such as functional reach test and one leg stance test, the change of muscle activity of ankle joints with USN sensor wireless-electromyogram during leg closed stance with eye closed were measured, and the results were as followed. The results were of a signigicant changes to the balance in group and between group as well. Comparison of muscle activity left tibialis anterior and left gastrocnemius in group, there were significant difference. Comparison of muscle activity right tibialis anterior and right gastrocnemius in group, there were significant difference. Comparison of muscle activity between groups, there was significant difference. Additional results indicated that, elderly people who received Tai Chi in one study, improve balance control and muscle activity ankle joint. so it is anticipated that improvement in clinical utilization for the elderly who's gait ability and balance ability reduced.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2022

Background: The gastrocnemius tightness can easily occur. Gastrocnemius tightness results in gait disturbance. Thus, various interventions have been used to release a tight gastrocnemius muscle and improve gait performance. Moreover, focal muscle vibration (FMV) has recently been extensively researched in terms of tight muscle release and muscle performance. However, no study has investigated the effects of FMV application on medial gastrocnemius architectural changes. Objects: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FMV on medial gastrocnemius architecture in persons with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Thirty one persons with <10° of passive ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. We excluded persons with acute ankle injury within six months prior to study onset, a history of ankle fracture, leg length discrepancy greater than 2 cm, no history of neurological dysfunction, or trauma affecting the lower limb. The specifications of the FMV motor were as follows: a fixed frequency (fast wave: 150 Hz) and low amplitude (0.3-0.5 mm peak to peak) of vibration; the motor was used to release the medial gastrocnemius for 15 minutes. Each participant completed three trials for 10 days; a 30-second rest period was provided between each trial. Medial gastrocnemius architectural parameters [muscle thickness (MT), fiber bundle length (FBL), and pennation angle (PA)] were measured via ultrasonography. Results: MT significantly decreased after FMV application (p < 0.05). FBL significantly increased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). PA significantly decreased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FMV application may be advantageous in reducing medial gastrocnemius excitability following a decrease in the amount of contractile tissue. Furthermore, FMV application can be used as a stretching method to alter medial gastrocnemius architecture.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2020

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before-after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects' GCMs for 10-15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle's architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.63-70
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of bilateral ankle dorsiflexors-strengthening exercise on the paralytic tibialis anterior activity, balance ability, and gait function of patients with chronic stroke. METHODS: Nineteen patients with chronic stroke were assigned randomly to the experimental and control groups. All participants received general physical therapy for 60-minutes per session, five times a week, for 6 weeks. In addition, the experimental group (n = 9) performed bilateral ankle dorsiflexion muscle-strengthening training three times a week, 30 minutes per session, for six weeks. The control group (n=10) performed the paraplegic ankle dorsiflexion muscle- strengthening training in the same manner. Before and after the intervention, the paralytic tibialis anterior muscle activity, timed up and go test (TUG), and 10m walking test (10 MWT) were performed. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in the post-intervention muscle activity of the paralytic tibialis anterior, TUG, and 10MWT compared to that before the intervention (p<.05), but the differences between the two groups were not significant (p >.05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral ankle dorsiflexors strengthening exercise is an effective cross-training method to improve the muscle activity of the paraplegic tibialis anterior, balance ability, and walking function in chronic stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare lower extremity muscle activities and ankle joint angles between different foot strike patterns (forefoot strike, heelfoot strike) during stair ascent walking. Methods: The subjects of this study were 22 males who walked in each foot strike pattern on ascent stairs at a speed of 85 beats/min. During stair walking with the two types of foot strike patterns, the muscle activities of the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, hamstring, and gluteus medius were measured. Additionally, ankle joint angles for inversion, eversion, dorsi flexion, and plantar flexion were recorded. Each participant underwent the experiment three times, with the foot strike pattern randomized. Results were averaged according to the foot strike pattern. Results: Significant differences in ankle angles were observed across all phases according to foot strike pattern. Muscle activities in the lower extremities showed significant differences in all phases except the swing 1 phase. Moreover, differences in foot movement trajectory were noted depending on the foot strike pattern. Conclusion: Walking on ascent stairs elicited differences in lower extremity muscle activities and ankle joint angles based on foot strike pattern. These findings can serve as foundational data for selecting a suitable foot strike pattern tailored to individual patient conditions when training patients in walking on ascent stairs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.277-286
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• 2011

Purpose : This study was to investigate the prevention of spasticity with modified Ashworth scale(MAS) and range of motion(ROM) increase with goniometer in ankle joint by functional electrical stimulation(FES) and exercise for 4 weeks in chronic stroke patients. Methods : 60 chronic stroke patients participated in this study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups, FES group(n=20), FES+exercise group(n=20) and control croup(n=20). After FES application on tibialis anterior muscle by 35Hz for 4 weeks, the change of ankle joint movement was measured by goniometer. Results : The spasticity in ankle joint was decreased greatly in FES and FES+excercise groups(p<.05), and the ROM of ankle joint was increased greatly in FES and FES +exercise groups(p<.05) than control group(p>.05). Conclusion : It shows that FES made the angle of dorsiflexion in spastic ankle joint increase with functional improvement of tibialis anterior muscle in chronic stroke patients. This show that the FES is avaliable for facilitation of ROM and decrease of spasticity as a therapeutic tool.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.71-79
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was carried out to investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on increase of H-reflex inhibition and fascilitation of range of motion of spastic ankle joint in chronic stroke patients. Methods : 30 chronic stroke patients were randomly divided into three groups, a control group(placebo rTMS group), 5 Hz rTMS group and manual therapy group. The MAS and ROM of ankle joint and H-reflex inhibition of soleus muscle were evaluated on each group. Results : The rTMS group decreased MAS of ankle joint and increased H-reflex inhibition of soleus muscle, and ROM of ankle joint than manual therapy group. The placebo rTMS group did not affected the change of MAS, ROM of ankle joint and H-reflex inhibition of soleus muscle. Conclusion : The rTMS was a good therapeutic tool to improve the foot drop in the chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.35-42
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• 2018

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping and massage application to the calf muscles on ankle stability. METHODS: The study subjects were 66 healthy adults (male: 32, female: 34) who had no instability in their ankles. Subjects were randomly assigned to a Kinesio taping group or a massage group. The research tool used the Y-balance test to measure instability of the ankle. The distance between the right and left foot was measured from the center in the anterior, posterior-medial, and posterior-lateral directions. Massage was applied to the calf muscles three times over two weeks and Kinesio tape was attached to the calf muscle and tibialis anterior for 10 hours twice during the experimental period. RESULTS: The results showed that application of Kinesio taping resulted in increases in the distance between the feet increased in some directions. After the massage, the distance extended from the anterior and posterior-lateral directions was prolonged, and the ankle stability on the right and left sides was partially improved by massage application. CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping and massage applied to the calf muscles are appropriate interventions for the improvement of ankle stability. Based on the application times of massage, Kinesio taping appears to work more effectively for ankle stability.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.57-66
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the duration of maintained calf muscle flexibility gained in young adults with calf muscle tightness, as measured by increases in ankle active and passive dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) after three stretching interventions. Twenty subjects (5 men and 15 women) with calf muscle tightness received the following three stretching interventions in one leg (assigned at random): static stretching (SS), eccentric training on stable surface (ETS), and eccentric training on unstable surfaces (ETU). The subjects received all three interventions to the same leg, applied in a random order. Each intervention had a break of at least 24 h in-between, in order to minimize any carryover effect. Each intervention used two types of stretching: with the calf muscle stretched and both knees straight, and with the knee slightly bent in order to maximize the activation of the soleus muscle. All three interventions were performed for 200 seconds. We measured the duration of maintained calf muscle flexibility through active and passive ankle DFROM before intervention, immediately after intervention (time 0), and then 3, 6, 9, 15, and 30 min after intervention. We found a difference in the duration of maintained calf muscle flexibility between the three interventions. In the ETS and ETU interventions, a significant improvement in calf muscle flexibility, both ankle active and passive dorsiflexion ranges of motion (ADFROM and PDFROM), was maintained for 30 min. In the SS intervention, however, ADFROM before 9 min and PDFROM before 6 min were statistically different from the baseline. Our results suggest that ETS and ETU may be more effective than SS for maintaining calf muscle flexibility in young adults.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.27-37
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• 2010

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stepper exercise using lower extremity patterns of PNF(Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on ankle muscle strength and balance ability of females in their twenties. Method : Twenty subjects participated in this experiment were carried out the exercise program dose of 5 days per week for 2 weeks. They were divided into two groups; using twist stepper group(lower extremity patterns of PNF group, n=10) and using straight stepper group(n=10). The effects of twist stepper and straight stepper were evaluated by measurements of normal standing(NSEO, NSEC), and dynamic type 1 and dynamic type 2, respectively. For each case, the experimental data were obtained about static balance in 3 items : mean X speed, mean Y speed and velocity moment, that of dynamic balance in 4 items : mean X speed, mean Y speed, time, distance. Results : The results of this study were as follows; 1) In straight stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right/left ankle muscle strength in case of dorsi-flexion. 2) In twist stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right/left ankle muscle strength in case of dorsi-flexion. 3) In straight stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right ankle muscle strength in case of plantar-flexion. 4) In twist stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right/left ankle muscle strength in case of plantar-flexion. Conclusion : The above results revealed that twist stepper exercise using lower extremity patterns of PNF was more effective than straight stepper exercise for improving the ankle muscle strength.