• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.71-77
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• 2024

Purpose: The prolonged use of digital devices has led to the widespread adoption of poor postures, particularly rounded shoulder posture (RSP), associated with shoulder impingement and pain. This study investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on RSP in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty adults with RSP were randomly assigned to NMES only, exercise only, or NMES with exercise groups. NMES was applied to the lower trapezius, which was the target muscle in this study, for a total of 2 weeks, 5 times per week, 20 minutes per session. The exercise program included pectoralis minor stretching, wall-slide exercise, dynamic hug exercise with band, and Brugger stretching for upper body with band, which were performed for a total of 2 weeks, 5 times per week, 20 minutes per session. Outcome measures, including the Supine Method (SM) for posture and surface electromyography (EMG) of the lower trapezius for muscle activity, were assessed before the intervention, after 5 sessions, and after 10 sessions. Results: All the groups showed significant changes in the SM and % maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) over time (p<0.05). The NMES group had significantly reduced SM at 1 week, while the exercise and combined groups had reduced SM at 2 weeks (p<0.017). All the groups had increased %MVIC at 2 weeks (p<0.017), with no significant differences observed between groups. Conclusion: NMES alone can be as effective as exercise in improving RSP. NMES combined with exercise also showed positive outcomes, thus offering diverse treatment options for this condition.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.163-170
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• 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gluteus medius muscles according to the medial/lateral bias of the knee during lunge exercise. Design: Crossed-control group study Methods: This study recruited 20 healthy men and women in their 20s who were capable of lunge exercise and had no musculoskeletal or neurological abnormalities. All three postures were performed three times each during lunge exercise. In each posture, surface electromyography (EMG) equipment was used to measure muscle activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gluteus medius during lunge exercise. Results: As a result of comparing lower extremity muscle activity in normal, medial and lateral knee-deviation postures according to lunge exercise, the muscle activity of the vastus medialis was 107.09±13.90% in the normal posture, 79.24±5.26% in the medial- deviation posture and 125.73±14.30% in the lateral- deviation posture, which was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). However, In the case of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and gluteus medius there was no statistically significant difference in muscle activity in the medial and lateral deviation positions(p>0.05). Conclusions: As a result, it was found that the muscle activity of the vastus medialis during lunge exercise significantly increased in the lateral deviation posture compared to the normal and medial deviation postures. In the case of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and gluteus medius there was no significant difference in muscle activity for medial and lateral knee deviation.

• 대한물리치료과학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.89-99
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• 2024

Background: Squats are well-known for their effectiveness in strengthening the quadriceps femoris muscle. Flexibility and stability of the ankle joint are critical factors in performing squats correctly. Ankle instability can lead to injuries owing to compensatory actions. The role of the soleus muscle in maintaining ankle balance is crucial to minimize the risk of injury. Moreover, squats on unstable surfaces have gained attention for their potential to enhance balance and stability, which in turn helps prevent injuries. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the correlation between the soleus and quadriceps femoris muscles during squat exercises on various support surfaces. Design: Simple regression analysis Methods: Participants performed three different types of squats. Prior to commencing the exercises, we conducted electromyography (EMG) measurements to assess the activity of both the soleus and quadriceps femoris muscles. The order of the exercise execution was randomized. The squats were performed in a Full Squat format, and a one-minute rest was provided between each exercise type. Results: Our analysis of the results revealed significant differences in the activation levels of the soleus and quadriceps femoris across different squat types (p<.05). The regression analysis revealed an inverse relationship between the activity levels of the soleus and quadriceps femoris. Specifically, the quadriceps femoris exhibited the highest activation during squats using a wedge, while its activation was lowest during squats using the TOGU. In contrast, the soleus muscle demonstrated its highest activation during squats using the TOGU. Conclusion: Compared to traditional floor squats, the disparities in soleus and quadriceps femoris muscle activation observed during Wedge or TOGU squats can be attributed to the influence of ankle stability and balance. As the surface instability increased during squats, the soleus muscle's activity increased while the activation of the quadriceps femoris muscle decreased. These findings suggest that heightened soleus activation on unstable surfaces can significantly impact the activation of the quadriceps femoris muscle during squat exercises.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.9-18
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• 2008

Purpose: We determined the effect of global synkinesis(GS) on gait ability, muscle contraction, and central neuron action potentials in post-stroke hemiplegic subjects. Methods: Thirty hemiplegia patients were evaluated for walking ability, muscle contraction, central neuron action potential, and comparing differences between the H-GS(high-global synkinesis) group and L-GS(low-global synkinesis) group. To obtain the GS level, surface electromyography(EMG) data were digitized and processed to root mean square(RMS). Walking ability was tested with a modified motor assessment scale(MMAS), a 10 m walking test, timed up and go(TUG) test, and a Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA). Muscle contraction ability was measured as maximal isometric contraction(MIC) peak, MIC slope, and MIC ramp up using mechanomyography(MMG). Central neuron action potential was measured as the H/Mmax ratio or V/Mmax ratio using EMG. The data were analyzed with t-tests to determine the statistical significance. Results: MMAS(p<0.01), 10 m walking velocity(p<0.01), TUG(p<0.01), FMA-HKA(Hip, Knee, Ankle)(p<0.05), FMA-coordination(p<0.05), MIC peak (p<0.05), MIC slope(p<0.01), and MIC ramp up(p<0.05) were significantly different between H-GS and L-GS, as was the V/Mmax ratio(p<0.05), but H/Mmax was not. Conclusion: Lower GS levels indicated better walking ability and motor function. Therefore, intervention programs should consider GS levels in gait training of chronic hemiplegia.

• 제어로봇시스템학회논문지
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.538-546
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• 2015

This paper describes an intelligent ankle assistive robot which provides assistive power to reduce ankle torque based on an analysis of ankle motion and muscle patterns during walking on level and sloped floors. The developed robot can assist ankle muscle power by driving an electric geared motor at the exact timing through the use of an accelerometer that detects gait phase and period, and a potentiometer to measure floor slope angle. A simple muscle assistive link mechanism is proposed to convert the motor torque into the foot assistive force. In particular, this mechanism doesn't restrain the wearer's ankle joint; hence, there is no danger of injury if the motor malfunctions. During walking, the link mechanism pushes down the top of the foot to assist the ankle torque, and it can also lift the foot by inversely driving the linkage, so this robot is useful for foot drop patients. The developed robot and control algorithm are experimentally verified through walking experiments and EMG (Electromyography) measurements.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• 제4권2호
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• pp.61-71
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• 2012

PURPOSE. To compare the changes in the occlusal vertical dimension, activity of masseter muscles and biting force after insertion of immediate denture constructed with conventional, tooth-supported and Implant-supported immediate mandibular complete denture. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Patients were selected and treatment was carried out with all the three different concepts i.e, immediate denture constructed with conventional (Group A), tooth-supported (Group B) and Implant-supported (Group C) immediate mandibular complete dentures. Parameters of evaluation and comparison were occlusal vertical dimension measured by radiograph (at three different time intervals), Masseter muscle electromyographic (EMG) measurement by EMG analysis (at three different positions of jaws) and bite force measured by force transducer (at two different time intervals). The obtained data were statistically analyzed by using ANOVA-F test at 5% level of significance. If the F test was significant, Least Significant Difference test was performed to test further significant differences between variables. RESULTS. Comparison between mean differences in occlusal vertical dimension for tested groups showed that it was only statistically significant at 1 year after immediate dentures insertion. Comparison between mean differences in wavelet packet coefficients of the electromyographic signals of masseter muscles for tested groups was not significant at rest position, but significant at initial contact position and maximum voluntary clench position. Comparison between mean differences in maximum biting force for tested groups was not statistically significant at 5% level of significance. CONCLUSION. Immediate complete overdentures whether tooth or implant supported prosthesis is recommended than totally mucosal supported prosthesis.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.41-52
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• 2016

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare the levels of usage of the superficial neck muscles during head rotation in forward head posture and in multimodal postures for improvement of cervical rotation movement impairment. METHODS: To acquire electromyography (EMG) signals from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM-M), upper trapezius (UPT-M), and the splenius capitis (SPC-M) muscles, 11 subjects practiced right rotation of the head in forward head postures (FHP), upright sitting postures (USP), upright sitting postures with supported arms (SUP), standing postures with the arms leaning against the wall (WSP), and four feet postures (FFP), respectively. RESULTS: The left SCM-M was used significantly more in the FFP compared to the FHP, but not in other postures (p<0.01). The left UPT-M was used significantly more in all postures other than the FHP. The right SPC-M was used significantly more in the FFP (p<0.001) and significantly less (p<0.05) in the SUP compared to the FHP. CONCLUSION: During the rotation of the head, although the usage of the SPC-M significantly decreased in SUP compared to FHP but the usage of the SCM-M and UPT-M did not decrease significantly in other postures compared to FHP. Further research is necessary to prove the hypothesis that special postures may reduce the activity of the superficial neck muscles during head rotation.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.9-15
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• 2016

Background: Squatting is one of the best functional exercises to strengthen the quadriceps muscle in independent gait and activities of daily living. Although the use of a gym ball during squat exercise is the most common way of strengthening the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle, published data on this subject are limited. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the sequential muscle activation of the VMO and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles during squat exercise using a gym ball at different knee flexion angles. Methods: Forty healthy adults were randomly divided into experimental (squat exercise using a gym ball) and control (squat exercise alone) groups, in which squats were performed at $45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion. Electromyographic (EMG) activity data were collected over 10 seconds under the 2 angles of knee flexion ($45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$). Results: There was significant group and time interaction effect for VMO and VL muscle activation at $45^{\circ}$ knee flexion. This was similarly demonstrated at $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion. No significant group main effect and time main effect for VMO and VL muscle activation were noted at $45^{\circ}$ knee flexion, respectively. In contrast, there was significant group main effect and time main effect for VMO and VL muscle activation at $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion. These significant differences were demonstrated through two-way analysis of variance over repeated measurements, suggesting that the EMG activity of the VMO muscle during squatting with a gym ball showed remarkable improvement compared to that of the VL muscle. Conclusion: This research suggests that squat exercise using a gym ball may be more beneficial in improving the activity of VMO than of the VL muscle at both $45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ of knee flexion, respectively. We highly recommend squat exercises with a gym ball for selective strengthening of the VMO muscle in knee rehabilitation.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.77-83
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• 2017

Background: Shoulder external rotation exercises are commonly used to improve the stabilizing ability of the infraspinatus. Although the side-lying wiper exercise (SWE) is the most effective shoulder external rotation exercise to maximize infraspinatus activity, the effect of adduction force on the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid has not been demonstrated. Objects: This study was conducted to investigate whether horizontal adduction force increases infraspinatus activity and decreases posterior deltoid activity. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy subjects (male: 21, female: 7; $age=23.5{\pm}1.8years$; $height=170.1{\pm}7.4cm$; $weight=69.4{\pm}9.6kg$) were recruited. Subjects were asked to perform the SWE under two conditions: (1) general SWE and (2) SWE with adduction force using pressure biofeedback. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid were recorded during SWE. Paired t-tests were used to compare the EMG activity of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid between the two conditions. Results: Posterior deltoid muscle activity was significantly decreased following SWE with adduction force ($7.53{\pm}4.52%$) relative to general SWE ($11.68{\pm}8.42%$) (p<.05). However, there was no significant difference in the infraspinatus muscle activity between the SWE with adduction force ($28.33{\pm}12.16%$) and the general SWE ($26.54{\pm}13.69%$) (p>.05). Conclusion: Horizontal adduction force while performing SWE is effective at decreasing posterior deltoid activity.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.50-57
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between delays in initiation and termination of tibialis anterior contraction through surface electromyographic (sEMG) analysis in adults with hemiplegia and healthy subjects and clinical assessment of lower-limb mobility. EMG activity of 6 long-term survivors of stroke and 5 healthy subjects was recorded during maximal isometric ankle dorsiflexion in 3 seconds beeper signals. It must be done as fast and forcefully as possible. Lower limb mobility was assessed with Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (mEFAP). Delay in initiation and termination of muscle contraction was significantly prolonged in the affected lower limb relative to the unaffected limb. Termination of muscle contraction in the hemiplegic lower limb was significantly delayed than the initiation on the affected sides. Delay in initiation and termination of muscle contraction correlated significantly with a few range of mEFAP. Abnormally delayed initiation and termination of muscle contraction may contribute to hemiparetic lower limb mobility in hemiparetic patients. Consequently, this study showed that abnormal delay of initiation and termination of muscle contraction may contribute to hemiparetic lower limb mobility in adults with hemiplegia. Further studies are needed to demonstrate a treatment effect.