• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.38-42
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• 2014

Objective: In this study, we applied a neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique to healthy adults to elucidate its effects on hamstring flexibility and postural balance. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: This study targeted twenty four healthy adults (16 men, 8 women). A neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique was applied 5 times to all subjects' dominant leg. The subjects were asked to sit on the bed while performing cervical and thoracic flexion, as well as knee flexion with ankle plantar flexion. Then, they were asked to perform cervical and thoracic extension and knee extension with their ankle in dorsiflexion and maintain the position for 60 s. For postural balance, we measured postural sway while the subjects maintained a one-legged standing posture using the Good Balance System and measured the hip joint flexion range of motion using a standardized passive straight leg raise (SLR) test. Results: SLR test increased significantly from $79^{\circ}$ before the intervention to $91.67^{\circ}$ after the intervention (p<0.05). Regarding the participants' balance evaluated using the one-legged standing test, the X-speed decreased significantly from 18.61 mm/s to 17.17 mm/s (p<0.05), the Y-speed decreased from 22.28 mm/s to 20.52 mm/s (p<0.05), and the velocity moment was significantly decreased from $89.33mm^2/s$ to $74.99mm^2/s$ after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusions: Application of the neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique exhibited improved hamstring flexibility and postural balance of healthy adults.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.9
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• pp.3952-3958
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• 2011

This study was to investigate the difference in gait pattern between the visual handicap children and non handicap children in by analyze the biomechanical variation and pattern of lower limb. Therefore, we have made a choice of four visually handicapped children and two subjects, who had no medical disorder for the last six months. In order to collect the gait pattern data of each group, we have used six infrared cameras and one forceplate Also, we have used QTM program to collect the raw data and Visual3D program to calculate kinetic variable. The results were as follows, An/Posterior GRF of breaking phase and propulsion phase in stance phase was lower in visual handicapped children than that of non handicapped children and breaking phase was longer than propulsion phase. extension moment at the ankle was quite lower than general gait pattern and there was little variation at the knee joint which makes the results differ from the general gait pattern. However, hip joint moment was relatively higher than that of other joints. Mechanical variation of lower limb, in case of foot and shank, showed similar results. but generated very low mechanical energy. In thigh, the form of mechanical energy generation was slightly different in each group but generated more mechanical energy than other segments.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2016

Weibull distribution with two parameters, shape (k) and scale (s) parameters are used to model the fatigue failure analysis due to periodic vortex shedding of the synovial fluid in knee joints. In order to determine the later parameter, a suitable statistical model is required for velocity distribution of synovial fluid flow. Hence, wide applicability of Weibull distribution in life testing and reliability analysis can be applied to describe the probability distribution of synovial fluid flow velocity. In this work, comparisons of three most widely used methods for estimating Weibull parameters are carried out; i.e. the least square estimation method (LSEM), maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and the method of moment (MOM), to study fatigue failure of bone joint due to periodic vortex shedding of synovial fluid. The performances of these methods are compared through the analysis of computer generated synovial fluidflow velocity distribution in the physiological range. Significant values for the (k) and (s) parameters are obtained by comparing these methods. The criterions such as root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination ($R^2$), maximum error between the cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) or Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) and the chi square tests are used for the comparison of the suitability of these methods. The results show that maximum likelihood method performs well for most of the cases studied and hence recommended.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.1532-1537
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different arthroplasty designs on knee kinematic and lower limb muscular activation for up-stair and down-stair movement. 3-D video analysis of whole body and joint kinematics and EMG analysis of quadriceps and hamstrings were conducted. One-way ANOVAs were used for statistical analyses (p=0.05). The single-radius group exhibited more arthroplasty limb quadriceps EMG and hamstring coactivation EMG than the multi-radius group. Single-radius demonstrated more abduction angular displacement and reached peak abduction earlier than the multi-radius arthroplasty limb. The single- radius the percent body fat showed similar values in the Elderly, Single and Multi-radius group among the periods, however Control group was Lowered among the periods. Single-radius group limb also increased the quadriceps muscle activation level to produce more knee extension moment to compensate for the short quadriceps moment arm. Resting metabolic rate was significantly increased in control group in the period of LI. Energy expenditure was extremely increased in all groups except control group among the periods. We can say this is the exercise effects.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.209-218
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• 2013

This study was to perform the kinetic analysis of forward $1\frac{1}{2}$ somersault on the platform diving. Six men's diving players of the Korea national reserve athletes participated in this study. The variables were analyzed response time, velocity, center of mass (COM), angle, center of pressure (COP) and ground reaction force (GRF) of motion. For measure and analysis of this study, used to synchronized to 4 camcorder and 1 force plate, used to the Kwon3D XP (Ver. 4.0, Visol, Korea) and Kwon GRF (Ver. 2.0, Visol, Korea) for analyzed of variables. The results were as follows; Time factor were observed in maximum knee flexion depending on the extent of use at phase 1 of take-off to execute the somersault. This enabled the subject to secure the highest possible body position in space at the moment of jumping to execute the somersault and prepare for the entry into the water with more ease. Regarding the displacement of COM, all subjects showed rightward movement in the lateral displacement during technical execution. Changes in forward and downward movements were observed in the horizontal and vertical displacements, respectively. In terms of angular shift, the shoulder joint angle tended to decrease on average, and the elbow joints showed gradually increasing angles. This finding can be explained by the shift of the coordinate points of body segments around the rotational axis in order to execute the half-bending movement that can be implemented by pulling the lower limb segments toward the trunk using the upper limb segments. The hip joint angles gradually decreased; this accelerated the rotational movement by narrowing the distance to the trunk. Movement-specific shifts in the COP occurred in the front of and vertical directions. Regarding the changes in GRF, which is influenced by the strong compressive load exerted by the supporting feet, efficient aerial movements were executed through a vertical jump, with no energy lost to the lateral GRF.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.27-40
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• 2004

The objective of this study is to identify the kinematic variables of giant swing backward to handstand as well as individual variations of each athlete performing this skill, which in turn will provide the basis for developing suitable training methods and for improving athlete's performance in actual games. For this end, 3 male athletes, members of the national team, who are in ${\Box}{\Box}H{\Box}{\Box}$ University, have been randomly chosen and their giant swing backward to handstand performance was recorded using two digital cameras and analyzed in 3 dimensional graphics. This study came to the following conclusion. 1. Proper time allocation for giant swing backward to handstand are: Phase 1 should provide enough time to attain energy for swing track of a grand round movement. The phase 3 is to throw the body up high in the air and stay in the air as long as possible to smoothen up the transition to the next stage and the phase 4 should be kept short with the moment arm coefficient of the body reduced. 2. As for appropriate changes of locations of body center, the phase 1 should be comprised of horizontal, perpendicular, compositional to make up a big rotational radius. Up to the Phase 3 the changes of displacements of vertical locations should be a good scale and athlete's body should go up high quickly to increase the perpendicular climbing power 3. When it comes to the speed changes of body center, the vertical and horizontal speed should be spurred by the reaction of the body in Phase 2 and Phase 3. In the Phase 4, fast vertical speed throws the body center up high to ensure enough time for in-the-air movement. 4. The changes of angles of body center are: in Phase 2, shoulder joint is stretching and coxa should be curved up to utilize the body reaction. In the Phase 4, shoulder joint and coxa should be stretched out to get the body center as high as possible in the air for stable landing. 5. The speeds of changes in joints angles are: in the Phase 2 should have the speed of angles of shoulder joints increase to get the body up in the air as quickly as possible. The Phase 3 should have the speed of angles in shoulder joint slow down, while putting the angles of a knee joint up to speed as quickly as possible to ensure enough time for in-the-air movement.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.155-165
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to analyze kinematic quantitative factors required of a forehand counter drive in table tennis through 3-D analysis. Four national table tennis players participated in this study. The mean of elapsed time for total drive motion was $1.009{\pm}0.23\;s$. At the phase of impact B1 was the fastest as 0.075 s. This may affect efficiency in the initial velocity and spin of the ball by making a powerful counter drive. The pattern of center of mass showed that it moved back and returned to where it was then moved forward. At the back swing, lower stance made wide base of support and a stronger and safer stance. It may help increasing the ball spin. Angle of the elbow was extended up to $110.75{\pm}1.25^{\circ}$ at the back swing and the angle decreased by $93.75{\pm}3.51^{\circ}$ at impact. Decreased rotation range of swinging arm increased linear velocity of racket-head and impulse on the ball. Eventually it led more spin to the ball and maximized the ball speed. Angle of knee joint decreased from ready position to back swing, then increased from the moment of the impact and decreased at the follow thorough. The velocity of racket-head was the fastest at impact of phase 2. Horizontal velocity was $7796.5{\pm}362\;mm/s$ and vertical velocity was $4589.4{\pm}298.4\;mm/s$ at the moment. It may help increase the speed and spin of the ball in a moment. The means of each ground reaction force result showed maximum at the back swing(E2) except A2. Vertical ground reaction force means suggest that all males and females showed maximum vertical power(E2), The maximum power of means was $499.7{\pm}38.8\;N$ for male players and $519.5{\pm}136.7\;N$ for female players.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.133-149
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• 2003

The purposes of present study were to determine the major check-points of golf swing from the review of previous studies, and to suggest additional information on the teaching theory of golf. The golf swing motion of 6 male and female elite university golf players were filmed with 16mm Locam II high speed cameras at the speed of 200f/s, and variables such as time, displacement, angle, velocity were calculated and analyzed by 3D Cinematography using DLT method. The results were: 1. Differences were shown in the ratio of weight distribution on the feet, cocking angle, take-back velocity, club-head velocity at impact depending upon the physical characteristics and club used for swing. 2. Time for the down-swing and impact were $0.27{\sim}0.29s$ in men and $0.29{\sim}0.32s$ in women, which was 1/3 of the time for the back-swing. Women showed longer total swing time than men because of longer time in back-swing, follow-through and finish. 3. Men showed larger range of motion in shoulder and knee joints than women, on the other hand women showed larger range of motion in hip joint than men. 4. Cocking motion and right elbow flexion were occurred at the top of back-swing and cocking release was occurred at the moment of impact. Maximum rotations of shoulder and hip joints were found between the top of back-swing and down-swing phase. 5. Women showed lower back-swing velocity than men, and men showed higher club velocity(men: $38.2{\sim}38.6m/s$, women: $35.1{\sim}36.4m/s$) than women.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.105-111
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect that difference in forefoot of shoe flexibility during the quick lunge from a jump smashing on the lower limbs and the plantar pressure distribution. For this 10 elite badminton players with over 10 years experience and right handed participated. Two kinds of badminton shoes were selected and tested mechanical testing for the forefoot flexibility. Motion analysis, ground reaction forces and plantar pressure distribution were recorded. It was required to conduct lunge movement after jumping smashing as possible as high. Photo sensor was located in 3 meter away from standing position and its height was 40 cm. Subjects were conducted to return original position after touching the sensor as under clear movement as possible as fast. Forefoot stiffness had an effect on shoe peak bending degree and peak bending angular velocity in propulsion phase. Forefoot flexibility had an effect on ankle plantar flexion and knee flexion moment. It appears that joint power on lower limb and peak plantar pressure were not influenced by the flexibility of shoes.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.71-82
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate kinematic comparisons of Tsukahara vault in gymnastics between a top-level athlete and sublevel collegiate athletes in order to obtain information on key biomechanical points for successful Tsukahara vaults. Methods: An Olympic gold medalist (height, 160 cm; weight, 52 kg; age, 25 years) and five sublevel collegiate gymnasts (height, $168.2{\pm}3.4cm$; weight, $59.6{\pm}3.1kg$; age, $23.2{\pm}1.6years$) participated in this study. They repeatedly performed Tsukahara vaults including one somersault. Fourteen motion-capturing cameras were used to collect the trajectories of 26 body markers during Tsukahara vaults. Event time, displacement and velocity of the center of mass, joint angles, the distance between the two hands on the horse, and averaged horizontal and vertical impact forces were calculated and compared. Results: The top-level athlete showed a larger range of motion (ROM) of the hip and knee joints compared to sublevel collegiate athletes during board contact. During horse contact, the top-level athlete had a narrow distance between the two hands with extended elbows and shoulders in order to produce a strong blocking force from the horse with a shorter contact time. At the moment of horse take-off, reactive hip extension of the top-level athlete enhanced propulsive take-off velocity and hip posture during post-flight phase. Conclusion: Even though a high velocity of the center of mass is important, the posture and interactive action during horse contact is crucial to post-flight performance and the advanced performance of Tsukahara vaults.