• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.132-137
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• 2021

Background: Flat feet can be identified by assessing the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and these conditions can trigger epidemiological changes in the feet. Many of previous studies compared the muscle activity of lower body in terms of intervention and dynamics to treat the structural defect of flat feet. However, few studies have investigated or analyzed the muscle activity of gastrocnemius muscle in the subjects with flat feet. Objects: This study investigated the differences in changes of medial and lateral plantar flexors in subjects with flat feet during bipedal heel-rise (BHR) task and analyzed the differences in muscle activity between two groups by measuring the electromyography (EMG) of abductor hallucis (AH), tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG). Methods: A total of Twenty one adult females participated in this experiment. Subjects were assigned to groups according to the navicular drop test. The task was applied to the leg, where the heel lifting action prevailed. The muscle activity of the medial and lateral feet plantar flexors was evaluated, and the % maximum voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC) of these were compared. Results: For the difference between groups the muscle activity (%MVIC) of LG muscle was statistically significantly low in flat feet group compared to healthy feet group (flat feet: 64.57, healthy feet: 90.17; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study will contribute to identifying the muscle activities of medial and lateral feet plantar flexors among subjects with flat feet, which can cause abnormal epidemiological changes in the feet.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.141-148
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• 2012

This paper proposes fault tolerant gaits of a quadruped robot with feet of flat shape. Fault tolerant gaits make it possible for a legged robot to continue static walking against a leg failure. In the previous researches, it was assumed that a legged robot had feet that have point contact with the surface. When the robot is endowed with feet having flat shape, fault tolerant gaits can show better performance compared with the former gaits, especially in terms of the stride length and gait stability. In this paper, fault tolerant gaits of a quadruped robot against a locked joint failure are addressed in straight-line motion and crab walking, respectively.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.270-284
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• 2017

This study aimed to create 3D-printed insoles for flat-footed senior men using 3D systems. 3D systems are product-manufacturing systems that use 3-dimensional technologies like 3D scanning, 3D modeling, and 3D printing. This study used a 3D scanner (NexScan2), 3D CAD programs including Rapidform, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Nauta+ compiling program, and a 3D printer. In order to create insoles for flat-footed senior men, we analyzed horizontal sections of 3D foot scans We selected 20 flat-footed and 20 normal-footed subjects. To make the 3D insole models, we sliced nine lines on the surface of the subjects' 3D foot scans, and plotted 144 points on the lines. We calculated the average of these 3D coordinates, then located this average within the 3D space of the AutoCAD program and created 3D sole models using the loft surface tools of the SolidWorks program. The sole models for flat feet differed from those of normal feet in the depth of the arch at the inner sideline and the big toe line. We placed the normal-footed sole model on a flat-footed sole model, and the combination of the two models resulted in the 3D insole for flat feet. We printed the 3D modeled insole using a 3D printer. The 3D printing material was an acrylic resin similar to rubber. This made the insole model flexible and wearable. This study utilized 3D systems to create 3D insoles for flat-footed seniors and this process can be applied to manufacture other items in the fashion industry as well.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.37-42
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• 2022

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the strength of the ankle support on the walking characteristics and ankle joints when men with flexible flat feet walk. Method: 13 adult male subjects (age: 23.9 ± 2.4 yrs, height: 173.0 ± 5.0 cm, weight: 76.9 ± 13.2 kg, Navicular Drop Test (NDT): 10.2 ± 0.8 mm) participated in this study. Each participant had to walk with the 3 conditions, barefoot, soft arch support and hard arch support, along a walkway while their kinematics was recorded at 100 Hz. Results: Based on the results of this study, it is considered that men with flexible flat feet should use hard arch support rather than bare feet to induce normal arch shape, relieve foot damage caused by excessive ankle joint abnormalities and improve stability. Conclusion: Our results for men with flat flexibility, there was a significant difference in the value of step length when walking was performed using two arch supports with different strengths. The angle of ankle dorsiflexion was significantly increased, and the ankle eversion angle was significantly decreased.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.940-947
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to obtain data to support applied motions of bench press and to provide basic data for the efficient execution of the exercise by analyzing muscular activation through measuring electromyogram of pectoralis major and erector spinae when flat bench pressing with feet on the ground versus feet on the bench. For this study, 4 amateur bodybuilders and 2 health trainers were chosen as subjects. Surface electrodes were attached on the measuring muscles; pectoralis major and erector spinae. Motion phases were defined for the flat bench press and each subject, with a 10RM load, performed a set with feet on the ground and another set with feet on the bench. Data was analyzed in SPSS 20.0 and the following results were obtained. The placement of the feet did not affect the muscular activation of the pectoralis major during the flat bench press. however, the muscular activation of the erector spinae was different between the two positions.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.409-416
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• 2022

Purpose: This study compared and analyzed the contractility of the abductor hallucis (AbdH), an intrinsic foot muscle, between flat feet and normal feet during a movement control test (single-leg small knee band test) using ultrasonography. Methods: A total of 23 subjects with (n = 11) and without (n = 12) flatfoot were included in the study. Each subject performed the short foot exercises (SFE) with a single-leg small knee bend (SLSKB) test, which is a functional movement. An ultrasound device was used to collect data regarding the changes in the contractility of the AbdH. Results: Intergroup comparison showed that dorsoplantar thickness was significantly reduced at baseline and during the SFE with SLSKB in the flatfoot group (p < 0.05). Intragroup comparison showed that the cross-sectional area significantly improved when the SFE was performed with SLSKB in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that the AbdH had inadequate contractility during the SLSKB test in subjects with flatfoot; therefore, it is important to train the contraction of the AbdH via functional movements during clinical interventions for subjects with flatfoot.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.302-306
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate comparisons of vastus medialis (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle activities according to different heights during drop landing in flatfooted adults. Methods: Fifteen subjects with a flat foot arch and 15 subjects with a normal feet arch were participated. Subjects performed a double limb drop landing task from 20, 40, and 60 cm heights. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities of the VMO and VL during drop landing. Results: There were significant differences of muscle activities in the VMO, VL, and the VMO and VL ratio between groups. The electromyography values of VMO, VL, and the VMO and VL ratio in the normal group were significantly greater than in the flat foot group, and muscle activities and the VMO and VL ratio significantly increased with landing heights in the both groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated that muscle activity patterns of VOM and VL in the flat foot group were lower at heights than in the normal group, so calf tightness was negative effects on balance and gait ability, so assessment of muscle activation patterns in the knee extensors should be considered during exercise and treatment of flat feet.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.321-329
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• 2022

The effect of low-dye taping technique applied to flexible flat-footed adolescents on mSEBT and Standing long jump in place was investigated. The subjects of this study were 35 youths with flexible flat feet, 17 people with elastic tape and 17 people with non-elastic tape, and the low-dye taping technique was applied. The data analysis of this study used t-test to compare before and after the application of group intervention, and between each group. As a result of the study, significant results were found before and after the application of the intervention in mSEBT and Standing long jump in place (p<.05), and there was no significant difference in comparison between groups (p>.05). In conclusion, the low-dye taping technique applied to adolescents with flexible flat feet is effective for mSEBT and Standing long jump in place, and low-dye taping is appropriate as an intervention method to see the immediate effect of raising the inner longitudinal bow.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2019

Background: Pes planus, or flat foot, causes lower limb malalignment and foot pain during walking or exercise. Therefore, a highly reliable evaluation method to accurately diagnose flat feet is necessary. This study investigated the intra-and inter-rater reliability of the navicular drop test in different postures. Design: Cross sectional study. Methods: Forty healthy volunteers performed the navicular drop test in three different combinations of non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing postures (standing/standing, sitting/sitting, and sitting/standing). Two examiners alternately performed the measurements five times in each subject, and in each posture. Significant differences in measurements were obtained among the three postures, with the highest navicular drop being observed in the sitting/standing posture. Results: Inter-rater reliability was high in the sitting/standing and sitting/sitting postures. Intra-rater reliability was high in all three postures. In the sitting/sitting and sitting/standing postures, large navicular drop values and high inter- and intra-rater reliability were observed. Conclusion: Therefore, the sitting/standing and sitting/sitting postures are recommended for use in navicular drop tests to diagnose flat feet.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.222-228
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• 2011

With comparison of maximum vertical reaction force and lower limb on drop landing between normal and flat foot group, this study is to provide fundamental data of the prevention of injury and the treatment of exercise which are frequently occurred on flat foot group's drop landing. The surface electrodes were sticked on lateral gastrocnemius muscle, medial gastrocnemius muscle, tibialis anterior and the drop landing on a force plate of 40cm was performed with a normal group who had no musculoskeletal disease and a flat foot group of 9 people who had feet examinations. Vertical reaction force were significantly statistically different between two groups(p<.001). Muscle activity of lower limbs in all three parts were not statistically different but showed high tendency on average in the flat foot group. The flat foot group had difficulties in diversification of impact burden and high muscle activity. Therefore, it was suggested that muscular strengthening of knee joints and plantar flexions of foot joints which were highly affected in impact absorption will be required.