• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.83-91
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• 2024

Purpose : This case study aimed to investigate the effects of backward walking exercises with a front-loaded bag on craniovertebral angle (CVA), craniorotational angle (CRA), and gait variables in subjects with forward head posture (FHP). Methods : Two individuals in their twenties with FHP performed backward walking exercises on a treadmill while carrying a front-loaded bag with a load equivalent to 20 % of their body weight, for 30 minutes per day, three times a week, over two weeks. CVA and CRA were measured before and after the intervention using side view photographs taken from 1.5 meters away. CVA was calculated by marking C7, the tragus of the ear, and the outer canthus of the eye, and CRA was determined using the same landmarks. Image J software was used for angle analysis, with measurements taken three times and averaged. Gait variables such as step length and cadence were recorded using a step analysis treadmill and analyzed with the software included with the equipment, with measurements taken at baseline and after the two-week intervention. Results : Both participants demonstrated notable improvements in the CVA, indicating enhanced head alignment relative to the cervical spine. There was also a marked decrease in the CRA, suggesting a reduction in rotational misalignment. Although differences were observed in gait variables, such as step length and cadence, these changes were not consistent across measurements. The results suggest that backward walking exercises with a load carried in front can positively influence postural adjustments by aligning the cervical spine in individuals with FHP. Conclusion : The findings of this case study indicate that backward walking exercises with a front-loaded bag can effectively improve cervical spine alignment in individuals with FHP. Differences were observed in gait variables, such as step length and cadence, but these changes were not consistent across measurements. Future studies should explore these effects more comprehensively and consider optimizing the exercise protocol for better therapeutic outcomes.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.364-371
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to weigh the students' backpacks of middle school in daily use and to analyse their physiological responses and subjective senses when carrying backpack in order to promote healthy and comfort school life of girl middle school students. Two female students were subjects who answered the questionnaires on two types of backpack and their metabolism, perspiration and the changes of skin temperature were measured in constant environment chamber, $25{\pm}1$ and $49{\pm}10$% RH. They walked on the treadmill carrying the backpack with the increment of backpack weight, 2 kg, 4 kg to 6 kg. When the backpack increases to 6 kg, the discomfort parameters and responses increases rapidly. Comparing with general type, improved type of backpack showed good results in physiological responses, but not in subjective senses, such as the ease of movement, pain, or total preference, specially in 2 kg and 4 kg. The girl students prefer the general type of backpack which is of fashion and small, when it weighs light such as 2 kg or 4 kg, while they prefer the improved bag which is functional when it is heavy as 6 kg. The longer wearing time of the medium weight, for example, 4 kg without feeling or recognition of any discomfort due to fashion style, might cause the students' posture and health weaker or more vulnerable to the problems.