• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.184-193
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• 2012

Many studies have reported that housework done using household appliances may affect biomechanical characteristics of the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of housework done using a pulsator washing machine on joints and muscles. We calculated joint torques and muscle strengths on the basis of an experimental/virtual three-dimensional motion analysis for six healthy females using the pulsator washing machine at different heights (H) and depths (D) of the inside drum (H (mm){\times}D (mm), Trial1: $962.5{\times}609.4$, Trial2: $962.5{\times}624.4$, Trial3: $982.5{\times}644.4$, Trial4: $995.5{\times}642.4$, Trial5: $1015.5{\times}677.4$). The joint torques and muscle strengths tended to be considerably different during torso flexion in the sagittal plane for all the trials. The maximum joint torques for the thoracic vertebra, left ankle, and right shoulder measured in Trial4 were significantly higher than those measured in the other trials (p < 0.05); in addition, those for the thoracic vertebra and both ankles measured in Trial5 were significantly higher than those measured in the other trials (p < 0.05). The maximum muscle strengths for the left trapezius muscle and both tibialis anterior muscles measured in Trial5 were significantly higher than those measured in the other trials (p < 0.05). These results indicate that housework done using a pulsator washing machine may affect joint torques and muscle strengths, and these effects are dependent on the height and/or depth of the inside drum of the pulsator washing machine.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.279-291
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• 2015

Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate appropriate weight for aged farmers in manually handling livestock feed in bags using ergonomic methods. Background: In the livestock industry in South Korea, despite the trend of aging of labor manpower, heavy items are still manually handled in many farms. In particular, among stockbreeding works, the handling of feed in bags weighing 25~30kg is reported as a cause of frequent injuries and musculoskeletal system diseases. However, studies on the standard for recommended weight allowed considering the physical characteristics of aged farmers older than 60 years with greatly decreased physical strength and muscle strength are insufficient. Method: To evaluate appropriate weight for handling of heavy livestock feed in bags, physical techniques for measuring recognized levels of physical work loads, the NLE (NIOSH lifting equation) a method that is an observation type technique, and an ergonomic modeling technique to predict compressive force imposed on L5/S1 were used. Subjects who participated in the experiment were organized into two groups of males/females with mean age exceeding 60 years, and lifting tasks were evaluated for nine weight levels. Results: Based on the results of psychophysical measurement, females showed a tendency of more drastic increases compared to males when weight was over 19kg. The results of estimation of regression models for the weight, 18.0 kg ($r^2=0.97$) and 15.3kg ($r^2=0.97$) were evaluated as stable load for males and females, respectively. In addition, both the observation type evaluation and ergonomic model evaluation showed stable loads in a range of 15~18kg. Conclusion: Given the results of the study, the weight of the feed in bags currently distributed to farms can become a cause of not only overexertion but also farm work related disasters such as musculoskeletal disorders and safety accidents. Providing livestock feed in bags weighing not more than 19kg for aged farmers is judged desirable, and managerial improvement for this matter is considered necessary. Application: The results of the present study can be utilized as useful data for institutional improvement of the weight of livestock feed in bags.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.1299-1303
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to analyse the gait characteristics of stroke patients walking on a Zebris system, through quantitative three-dimensional biomechanical analysis. They underwent a continuous rehabilitation training program (RTP). A comparison was made between 3 month and 6 month RTP participants. Their ages were between 60 and 65. The data were analyzed by t-test. The result of comparative analysis of the two groups can be summarized as below. Temporal-spatial data, sagittal plane angular kinematics data, and peak ground reaction force and max pressure data showed that there were no significant differences between the 3 month RTP group and the 6month RTP group (Table 2, Table3, Table 4). It can be suggested that patients with hemiplegia after stroke can improve their walking function through continuous RTP participation.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.361-370
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• 2016

Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate contributions of individual finger forces associated with various levels of submaximal voluntary contraction tasks. Background: Although many researches for individual finger force have been conducted, most of the studies mainly focus on the maximal voluntary contraction. However, Information concerning individual finger forces during submaximal voluntary contraction is also very important for developing biomechanical models and for designing hand tools, work equipment, hand prostheses and robotic hands. Due to these reasons, studies on the contribution of individual finger force in submaximal grip force exertions should be fully considered. Method: A total of 60 healthy adults without any musculoskeletal disorders in the upper arms participated in this study. The young group (mean: 23.7 yrs) consisted of 30 healthy adults (15 males and 15 females), and the elderly group (mean: 75.2 yrs) was also composed of 30 participants (15 males and 15 females). A multi-Finger Force Measurement (MFFM) System developed by Kim and Kong (2008) was applied in order to measure total grip strength and individual finger forces. The participants were asked to exert a grip force attempting to minimize the difference between the target force and their exerted force for eight different target forces (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75% MVCs). These target forces based on the maximum voluntary contraction, which were obtained from each participant, were randomly assigned in this study. Results: The contributions of middle and ring fingers to the total grip force represented an increasing trend as the target force level increased. On the other hand, the contributions of index and little fingers showed a decreasing trend as the target force level increased. In particular, Index finger exerted the largest contribution to the total grip force, followed by middle, ring and little fingers in the case of the smallest target force level (5% MVC), whereas middle finger showed the largest contribution, followed by ring, index and little fingers at the largest target force levels (65 and 75% MVCs). Conclusion: Each individual finger showed a different contribution pattern to the grip force exertion. As the target force level increase from 5 to 75% MVC, the contributions of middle and ring fingers showed an increasing trend, whereas the contributions of index and little fingers represented a decreasing trend in this study. Application: The results of this study can be useful information when designing robotic hands, hand tools and work equipment. Such information would be also useful when abnormal hand functions are evaluated.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.115-125
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• 2007

Grould Reaction force(GRF) is important in human movements and GRF measurements are one of the most frequently used tool in biomechanical studies. In the studies of the golf swing motion, people refer to GRF as weight transfer. A successful golf swing motion requires many segments activation sequences which are controled by the nerve system. Due to the inter- and intra-individual variability of the human movement and the movement strategies, reliability of the measurements are important in human movement studies. Previous golf researches were based on group studies and certain events' values were analyzed. The purposes of this study were to determine the number of trials for the reliable golf swing GRF data collection, to reveal the variability level of the meaningful components of the golf swing GRF, and to classify the types of the golf swing GRF patterns. Twenty three male professional golfers($26.4{\pm}6.6$ years, $174.3{\pm}5.2\;cm$, $71.3{\pm}6.5\;kg$) signed an informed consent form prior to participation in this study. GRFs of driver swings were collected with Kistler 9285 force platform and 9865A amplifier, and calculated by the KwonGRF program(Visol, Korea). Sampling frequency was 1080 Hz. GRF data were trimmed from 1.5 s prior to the impact to 0.5 s after the impact. The number of trials for the reliable GRF collection was determined when the change in floating mean overs the 25 % of the standard deviation of that variable. Variabilities of the variables were determined by the coefficient of variation(CV) of 10 %. The types of GRF patterns were determined by visual inspection of the peak GRF shapes. The minimum number of trials for the reliable golf swing GRF data collection was five. Ten-trial seems more conservative. The value of the peak GRF was more reliable than the value of the impact GRF. The CV of the peak GRF and impact GRF were 7.4 %, 15.2 %, respectively. Because of the +/- sigh of the peak GRF appearance time, it was impossible to calculate CV of the peak GRF appearance time. Golf swing GRF patterns were classified as sing peak type, double peak type, and plateau peak type. This classification suggests the presence of the different golf swing weight transfer strategies.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.354-360
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• 2011

Objective: To investigate the effects of different pilot-drilling methods on the biomechanical stability of self-tapping mini-implant systems at the time of placement in and removal from artificial bone blocks. Methods: Two types of artificial bone blocks (2-mm and 4-mm, 102-pounds per cubic foot [102-PCF] polyurethane foam layered over 100-mm, 40-PCF polyurethane foam) were custom-fabricated. Eight mini-implants were placed using the conventional motor-driven pilot-drilling method and another 8 mini-implants were placed using a novel manual pilot-drilling method (using a manual drill) within each of the 2-mm and 4-mm layered blocks. The maximum torque values at insertion and removal of the mini-implants were measured, and the total energy was calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using linear regression analysis. Results: The maximum insertion torque was similar regardless of block thickness or pilot-drilling method. Regardless of the pilot-drilling method, the maximum removal torque for the 4-mm block was statistically higher than that for the 2-mm block. For a given block, the total energy at both insertion and removal of the mini-implant for the manual pilot-drilling method were statistically higher than those for the motor-driven pilot-drilling method. Further, the total energies at removal for the 2-mm block was higher than that for the 4-mm block, but the energies at insertion were not influenced by the type of bone blocks. Conclusions: During the insertion and removal of mini-implants in artificial bone blocks, the effect of the manual pilot-drilling method on energy usage was similar to that of the conventional, motor-driven pilot-drilling method.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.531-554
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• 2006

Oral implants must fulfill certain criteria arising from special demands of function, which include biocompatibility, adequate mechanical strength, optimum soft and hard tissue integration, and transmission of functional forces to bone within physiological limits. And one of the critical elements influencing the long-term uncompromise functioning of oral implants is load distribution at the implant- bone interface, Factors that affect the load transfer at the bone-implant interface include the type of loading, material properties of the implant and prosthesis, implant geometry, surface structure, quality and quantity of the surrounding bone, and nature of the bone-implant interface. To understand the biomechanical behavior of dental implants, validation of stress and strain measurements is required. The finite element analysis (FEA) has been applied to the dental implant field to predict stress distribution patterns in the implant-bone interface by comparison of various implant designs. This method offers the advantage of solving complex structural problems by dividing them into smaller and simpler interrelated sections by using mathematical techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stresses induced around the implants in bone using FEA, A 3D FEA computer software (SOLIDWORKS 2004, DASSO SYSTEM, France) was used for the analysis of clinical simulations. Two types (external and internal) of implants of 4.1 mm diameter, 12.0 mm length were buried in 4 types of bone modeled. Vertical and oblique forces of lOON were applied on the center of the abutment, and the values of von Mises equivalent stress at the implant-bone interface were computed. The results showed that von Mises stresses at the marginal. bone were higher under oblique load than under vertical load, and the stresses were higher at the lingual marginal bone than at the buccal marginal bone under oblique load. Under vertical and oblique load, the stress in type I, II, III bone was found to be the highest at the marginal bone and the lowest at the bone around apical portions of implant. Higher stresses occurred at the top of the crestal region and lower stresses occurred near the tip of the implant with greater thickness of the cortical shell while high stresses surrounded the fixture apex for type N. The stresses in the crestal region were higher in Model 2 than in Model 1, the stresses near the tip of the implant were higher in Model 1 than Model 2, and Model 2 showed more effective stress distribution than Model.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.532-542
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the body's strategy through kinematic variables of the lower extremities and ground reaction forces to maintain the club-head speed and ball accuracy despite the three stances during the golf swing. Ten male golfers who official handicap two were participate in the experiment. All subjects performed swing after maintaining the address posture according to stance conditions(square; SS, open: OS, closed: CS). Using a 3D motion analysis system and force plateform, the results were calculated with the 7-iron full swing each stance. In result, there was no difference in center of displacement, and left and right hip and knee joint angle displacement. Left ankle joint was largely plantar-flexed in OS, and right ankle joint was largely performed in CS from the address to the downswing. From address to take-back, right foot had a large left direction and the left foot had a right direction were greater in OS than in CS. Therefore, despite various stances, maintaining the same posture at impact is thought to have a positive effect on club head speed and ball direction.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was retrospectively performed to compare the clinical outcomes of modified Brostrom procedures using the single suture anchor and the double suture anchor for chronic lateral ankle instability. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven patients were followed up for more than 1 year after the modified Brostrom procedures using suture anchor. Single surgeon treated seventeen cases with single suture anchor and 20 cases with double suture anchor. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the Karlsson scale and Sefton grading system. Radiologic measurement of the talar tilt and anterior talar translation was performed through anterior and varus stress radiographs using Telos device. Results: The Karlsson scale had improved significantly from preoperative average of 45.2 points to 89.4 points in single suture anchor group, and from 46.4 points to 90.5 points in double suture anchor group. According to the Sefton grading system, 15 cases (88.2%) in single suture anchor group and 18 cases (90%) in double suture anchor group achieved satisfactory results. The talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation had improved significantly from preoperative average of $13.6^{\circ}$ and 8.6 mm to $5.4^{\circ}$ and 4.1 mm in single suture anchor group, from $14.1^{\circ}$ and 8.4mm to $3.9^{\circ}$ and 4 mm in double suture anchor group. Double suture anchor technique was significantly superior in postoperative talar tilt. Conclusion: Single and double suture anchor techniques produced similar clinical and functional outcomes except for talar tilt, which was significantly superior in double suture anchor group. Both modified Brostrom procedures using the single and double suture anchor appear to be effective treatment methods for chronic lateral ankle instability. Further evaluation of clinical outcomes and biomechanical studies in athletes are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.753-759
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• 2007

Statement of problem. In distal extension removable partial denture, the preservation of health of abutment teeth is very important, but abutment teeth are subjected to unfavorable stress under unilateral loading specially. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of mandibular removable partial dentures with various prosthetic designs under unilateral loading, using strain gauge analysis. Material and methods. Artificial teeth of both canines were anchored bilaterally in a mandibular edentulous model made of resin. Bilateral distal extension removable partial dentures with splinted and unsplinted abutments were fabricated. Group 1: Clasp-retained mandibular removable partial denture with unsplinted abutments Group 2: Clasp-retained mandibular removable partial denture with splinted abutments by 6-unit bridge. Group 3: Bar-retained mandibular removable partial denture Strain gauges were bonded on the labial plate of the mandibular resin model, approximately 2 mm dose to the abutments. Two unilateral vertical experimental loadings (30N and 100N) were applied subsequently via miniature load cell that were placed at mandibular left first molar region. Strain measurements were performed and simultaneously monitored from a computer connected to data acquisition system. For within-group evaluations, t-test was used to compare the strain values and for between-group comparisons, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used and Tukey test was used as post hoc comparisons. Results. The strain values of group 1 and 2 were tensile under loadings. In contrast, strain values of group 3 were compressive in nature. Strain values increased as the applied load in increased from 30N to 100N (p<.05) except for right side in group 1. Under 30N loading, in left side, group 1 showed higher strain values than groups 2 and 3 in absolute quantity (p<.05). And group 2 showed higher strain values than group 1 (p<.05). In right side, group 1 and 2 showed higher strain values than group 3 in absolute quantity (p<.05). Under 100N loading in left side, group 1 showed higher strain values than groups 2 and 3 in absolute quantity (p<.05). And group 2 showed higher strain values than group 1 (p<.05). In right side, group 1 and 2 showed higher strain values than group 3 in absolute quantity (p<.05). Under 30N loading, group 2 and 3 showed higher strain values in right side than in left side. Under 100N loading, right side strain values were higher than left side ones for all groups. Conclusion. Splinting of two isolated abutments by bridge reduced the peri-abutment strain in comparison with unsplinted abutments under unilateral loading. Bar-retained removable partial denture showed the lowest strain of three groups, and compressive nature.