• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.87-95
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of talus stability taping during gastrocnemius stretching on ankle passive dorsiflexion, talus posterior glide, and balance in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Fifteen subjects (eight males and seven females) with limited ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. Ankle passive dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), talus posterior glide, and the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) were measured pre-stretching, after applying gastrocnemius stretching (GS), and after applying gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping (GSTST). The two types of stretching were performed at random. Results: Ankle passive dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased by both types of stretching (p < 0.05), and ROM was significantly more increased post-GSTST than post-GS (p < 0.05). In addition, talus posterior glide was significantly increased post-GSTST than pre-stretching and post-GS (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between post-GS and pre-stretching (p > 0.05). YBT-LQ score was significantly increased post-GSTST than pre-stretching (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gastrocnemius stretching with talus stability taping is an effective method for subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion to improve ankle passive dorsiflexion, talus posterior gliding, and balance.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.182-188
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare ankle function between adults with and without Down syndrome (DS). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ten adults with DS and 18 without participated in this study and underwent manual muscle test (MMT), range of motion (ROM) assessment, star excursion balance test (SEBT), and functional movement screen (FMS). The tests were demonstrated to increase their accuracy and the actual measurements were assessed after one or two demonstrations. To minimize the standby time and fatigue, the travelled distance and measuring order were adjusted. To remove the influence of shoes on the measurements, the shoes were taken off and only socks were worn. Results: Dorsal and plantar flexion MMTs of both ankles were significantly weaker and plantar flexion ROM of both ankles were significantly lower in adults with DS compared with those without (p<0.05). However, dorsal flexion ROM of both ankles were not significantly different between them. There were significant differences in distances measured in all the directions (anterior, anterolateral, lateral, posterolateral, posterior, posteromedial, medial, and anteromedial directions) of SEBT (p<0.05). Significant differences were also demonstrated in the scores of hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, and rotary stability among the seven items of FMS (p<0.05). Conclusions: To enhance the dynamic stability of adults with DS, it is necessary to improve ankle stability by strengthening the ankle dorsal and plantar flexors.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.67-75
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• 2002

The purpose of this study is to assess the ability of balance control in virtual moving surround stimulation using head mount display (HMD) device and force platform in patients with brain injury. Fifteen patients with stroke (mean age 54.47 yrs) and fifteen healthy normal persons participated. COP parameters were obtained total path distance, frequency of anterior-posterior and medial-lateral component by FFT analysis, weight-spectrum analysis in the two different conditions; (1) during comfortable standing with opened or closed eyes, (2) during virtual moving surround stimulation delivered using HMD with four different moving pattern. Moving patterns consisted of close-far, superior-inferior lilting (pitch) , right-left tilting (roll) and horizontal rotation (yaw) movement. In all parameters, the test-retest reliability was high. Also, the construct validity of virtual moving surround stimulation was excellent (p＜0.05). A posturographic balance assessment system equiped with virtual moving surround stimulation using HMD is considered clinically useful in evaluation of balance control in patients with brain injury.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.245-252
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• 2023

Background: Various functional tests such as upper quarter Y-balance test (UQYBT) are used to evaluate shoulder stability and mobility in clinical or sports fields. Previous studies have been conducted to determine the correlation between the scapular or trunk muscle and UQYBT. However, the correlation between UQYBT and hip flexor, which can be considered as a core muscle, has not been confirmed. Objects: To verify the relationship between the UQYBT and scapular muscle (scapular protractor and lower trapezius [LT]), trunk muscle, and hip flexor strengths in healthy male participants. Methods: A total of 37 healthy male participants were recruited and underwent UQYBT in the push-up posture. The isometric strength of the scapular protractor, LT, trunk flexor and extensor, and hip flexors were measured using a smart KEMA strength sensor (KOREATECH Inc.). Results: The superolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related to trunk extensor (r = 0.443, p < 0.01), scapular protractor (r = 0.412, p < 0.05), LT (r = 0.436, p < 0.01), and both sides of the hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.669, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.641, p < 0.01). The inferolateral direction of the UQYBT was moderately related to the scapular protractor (r = 0.429, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.511, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.481, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.521, p < 0.01). The medial direction of the UQYBT was moderately to strongly related with the scapular protractor (r = 0.522, p < 0.01), LT (r = 0.541, p < 0.01), and both sides of hip flexors (supporting-side: r = 0.605, p < 0.01; non-supporting-side: r = 0.561, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that the strength of the scapular muscles, trunk muscles, and hip flexor muscles correlated to the UQYBT. Therefore, the strength of not only the scapular and trunk muscles but also the hip flexor muscles should be considered to improve the UQYBT.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.62-72
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• 2008

Purpose: There has been a need to integrating the self-help program for arthritis with the Tai Chi for arthritis(SHTCA). The purpose of this study was to develop and to examine the effect of SHTCA for arthritis applying the nine movement Tai Chi. Method: This study was designed the pre-post test, quasi-experimental design. A total 47 participants were recruited in W-city in Korea, an experimental group(26) and a control group(21) at pre-test, but after the eight weeks the composition of the groups were changed to 22 experimental group and 15 control group. The experimental group participated in the SHTCA once a week for eight weeks. SHTCA program consisted of understanding of the arthritis, contracting of the promise, exercise for muscle strength and joint flexibility and the nine movements of Tai Chi exercise. The measures used to examine the effect of the SHTCA were shoulder flexibility, back flexibility, grasping power, balance, abdominal obesity rates, perception of health status, and EQ-5D standardized five dimensions, mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Results: At The completion of the eight weeks of SHTCA applying the nine movement Tai Chi, the experimental group reported a significance in a number of variables compared to those of the control group: the right shoulder flexibility(p=.018), left shoulder flexibility(p=.031), right grasping power(p=.014), left grasping power(p=.024), the perception of health status(p=.005) and abdominal obesity rates(p=.027). Conclusion: This SHTCA applying the nine movement Tai Chi would be helpful on right shoulder flexibility, left shoulder flexibility, right grasping power, left grasping power, abdominal obesity rates and the perception of health status for arthritis patients.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.25-29
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to analyze quantitative and qualitative differences according to shoe type for the grand jete landing in ballet. The subjects for this study were 9 female ballet majors with an average of 12 years of experience. Subjects jumped, performing a front split, and landed on 1 foot, a movement called the grand jete. Analysis was performed on the students' landing. Independent variables were 3 shoe types: split sole, traditional out sole, and 5-toed forefoot shoes, with bare feet as a control group. Dependent variables were vertical passive ground reaction force and qualitative elements. Passive ground reaction force variables(maximum passive peak value, number of passive peaks, passive force-time integral, and center of pressure) were measured by the Kistler 9281B Force Platform. Qualitative elements were comfort, cushioning, pain, and fit. Statistical analysis included both 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for follow-up. Finalized data demonstrated that the 5-toed forefoot shoe allows the forefoot to expand and the toes to individually press down upon landing, increasing foot contact with the surface. Five-toed forefoot shoes minimize passive peaks and pain, while increasing comfort, cushioning, and fit. Most ballet movements are composed of jumping, balancing, landing, and spinning. Wearing 5-toed forefoot shoes allows for a natural range of movement in each toe, to improve both technique and balance. Pain and injuries from ballet can be minimized by wearing the correct shoe type. According to this analysis, it is possible to customized ballet shoes to increase the efficiency of techniques and movements.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.55-70
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three relaxation techniques, namely, Static Stretching Exercise (SSE), Eccentric Contraction Exercise (ECE), and Suboccipital Muscle Release (SMR) on the flexibility and balance of the lower limb in adults with hamstring shortening. Methods: The participants were 45 adults in their 20s with hamstring shortening. They performed three exercises (i.e., SSE, ECE, and SMR) for two weeks. We measured flexibility, muscle tone and stiffness, proprioception, and balance before and after the intervention, applying each relaxation technique. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was set at α=0.05. Results: Flexibility increased in the SSE, ECE, and SMR groups, with the SSE group showing the greatest improvement. Muscle tone and stiffness decreased in all groups, with the ECE group exhibiting the highest reduction. Proprioception increased in the SSE, ECE, and SMR groups, with SSE demonstrating the greatest enhancement. Balance also increased in all groups, with the ECE group showing the most pronounced improvement. Conclusion: Overall, all three relaxation techniques for hamstring shortening resulted in improved flexibility, muscle tone and stiffness, proprioception, and balance of the lower limb in adults with hamstring shortening. The findings of this study underscore the importance of selecting an appropriate technique according to the purpose of treatment and the condition of the patient.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the combined patterns of PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on the static balance ability. Methods : The measurements of the static balance ability were completed by 10 subjects for 6 weeks, from October to November 2007. The combined patterns of PNF were carried out by means of self-exercising suggested by Dietz, which were designed as four cases: two positions (standing and quadruped) for both patterns(sprinter and skater), respectively. The exercises were practiced once a day, 3 times a week in same condition. By using the GOOD BALANCE system, assessment of the static balance ability was taken at before and after exercise from 6 positions: normal standing, one leg left and one leg right standing when eye open and close, respectively. For each case, the experimental data was obtained in 3 items: mean X speed, mean Y speed and velocity moment. Results : The results of this study were as follows : 1. There were statistically significant differences of Mean X speed, Mean Y speed and Velocity moment between the before and the after exercise in the case of normal standing when eye open and close(NSEO and NSEC), respectively. 2. There was statistically significant difference of Mean X speed between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg left standing when eye open(OLLEO). In this case, however, the statistically significant differences were not found in both terms of Mean Y speed and Velocity moment. 3. There were statistically significant differences of Mean X speed and Mean Y speed between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg left standing when eye close(OLLEC). In this case, however, the statistically significant difference was not found in term of Velocity moment. 4. There were statistically significant differences of Mean X speed, Mean Y speed and Velocity moment between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg right standing when eye close(OLREC). 5. There was statistically significant difference of Mean X speed between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg right standing when eye open(OLREO). In this case, however, the statistically significant differences were not found in both terms of Mean Y speed and Velocity moment. 6. There were statistically significant differences of total Mean X speed, total Mean Y speed and total Velocity moment between the before and the after exercise. Conclusions : The above results from this study indicated that the combined patterns of PNF have improved the static balance ability. However the used self-exercise can be applied to normal people, i.e., the exercise is difficult to apply into clinical patients. The further study should be focused at development of various modified forms of the combined patterns of PNF in keeping up the improvement effect of this exercise.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.23-33
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of walking on a treadmill while using dynamic functional electrical stimulation (Dynamic FES) on functional ability and gait in chronic stroke patients. This was a prospective, randomized controlled study. Twelve patients with chronic stroke (>24 months) who were under grade 3 in dorsiflexor strength with manual muscle test were included and randomized into intervention (Dynamic FES) ($n_1$=7) and control (FES) ($n_2$=5). Both the Dynamic FES group and FES group were given a neuromuscular development treatment. The Dynamic FES group has implemented a total of 60 minutes of exercise treatment and gait training with Dynamic FES application. The FES group, with the addition of applying FES while sitting, has also implemented a total of 90 minutes of gait training on treadmill after the exercise treatment. Both two groups accomplished the program, twice a week, for a total of 24 times in a 12-week period. Exercise treatment, gait training on treadmill, and both Dynamic FES and FES were implemented for 30 minutes each. Korean version activities-specific balance confidence scale (K-ABC) was measured to determine self-efficacy in balance function. Timed up and go (TUG) test was performed to evaluate the physical performance. K-ABC, TUG, Berg balance scale (BBS), modified physical performance test (mPPT) and G-walk were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, statistically significant differences (p<.05) were apparent in the Dynamic FES group in the changes in K-ABC and BBS. mPPT, TUG, gait speed, stride length and stance phase duration (%) were compared with the FES group. K-ABC had higher correlation to BBS, along with mPPT to TUG. Our results suggest that walking with Dynamic FES in chronic stroke patients may be beneficial for improving their balance confidence, functional ability and gait.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.73-88
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• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find out The effect of Low back pain on the total pattens of Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF). Methods : The subjects of the study were 62 low back pain patients. They were divided into two groups: 31 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group. the experimental group performed modalities and PNF total patterns three times for a week. the control group performed only modalities and ROM exercise three times for a week. Back muscle strength was measured by a back muscle strength measuring machine, the intensity of pain was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the level of disability was measured by Oswestry low back pain disability index. Study measurements were compared before and after 6 weeks exercise program. The two groups of subjects were assessed by utilizing two different balance measurement: Static standing balance was measured by balance performance monitor (BPM) and Dynamic standing balance was measured by one leg standing(OLS). The scale for static standing balance was measured by using, sway area, sway path, max velocity. Results : The results of this study were as follow: 1) The score on visual analogue scale shows statistically significant increase on PNF group of post test(p<.05). 2) The score on Oswestry low back pain disability index. shows statistically significant decrease on PNF group of post test(p<.05). 3) The change sway area was statistically significant on pre-test and post-test(p<.05). 4) The change sway path was statistically significant on pre-test and post-test(p<.05). 5) The change max velocity was statistically significant on pre-test and post-test(p<.05). 6) The score on one leg standing shows statistically significant increase on PNF group of post test(p<.05). Conclusion : These results of this study indicated that Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Total patterns which performed for six weeks had a statistically significant influence on low back pain. If the exercise for muscle strength is performed along with therapeutic stabilizing exercise, a better effect can be expected on low back pain. We hope that this study will provide a basic data for further research with a bigger group and on a long-term effect.