• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.25-32
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• 2017

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ribcage stabilization using a belt in the supine position during double leg lowering (DLL) by investigating the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the abdominal muscles. Methods : Twenty-two subjects with lumbar extension syndrome were recruited. EMG activity was recorded from rectus abdominalis (RA) and internal oblique abdominalis (IO), external oblique abdominalis (EO) muscles while subjects performed three double leg lowering exercises: double leg lowering (DLL), double leg lowering with abdominal draw-in maneuver (DLL-ADIM), and double leg lowering with ribcage stabilization using a belt (DLL-belt). RA, IO, and EO EMG activity were analyzed via one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Bonferroni correction was performed where significant differences were identified (p<.017, .05/3). Results : RA, IO, and EO EMG activity differed significantly among the three exercises (p<.05). The use of post hoc pair-wise comparison with Bonferroni correction showed that RA muscle activity significantly differed among the three exercises (p<.017), and IO muscle activity in the DLL exercise was significantly decreased compared to the DLL-ADIM and DLL-belt exercises (p<.017). There was no significant difference between IO muscle activity for DLL-ADIM and DLL-belt exercises (p>.017). EO muscle activity in the DLL-belt exercise was significantly increased compared to both DLL and DLL-ADIM exercises (p<.017), but there was no significant difference between EO muscle activity for DLL and DLL-ADIM exercises (p>.017). Conclusion : DLL-belt is a more effective exercise for activating the abdominal muscles than DLL-ADIM exercise. Therefore, we recommend DLL-belt exercises for strengthening the abdominal muscles.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.81-86
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigated the muscle activity difference of lower extremity by abdominal co-contractive activation. 30 healthy women without pain in the low back and lower extremity were conducted. Muscle activities of lower extremity were measured with the active straight leg raise (ASLR) in 20cm raised from the floor without bending the knee at rest, abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) and abdominal bracing maneuver (ABM), respectively. Hip adductor longus (HadL), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF) muscle activity in the Abdominal bracing maneuver were statistically significantly higher, also gluteus medius (Gmed) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle activity in the ADIM were higher. We provide the evidence to the positive effects of individual abdominal co-contractive activation training which can enhance postural stability and lower extremity strengthening with volitional preemptive abdominal contraction.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.49-52
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the area of the base of support formed by the human body on the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of upper limb muscles. Methods: The study was conducted with 20 normal adults. To identify changes in the base of support, the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the biceps muscle was measured in a standing position, a sitting position, and a lying position for each subject. The sizes of the base of support formed in the standing, sitting, and lying positions were set to 1, 2, and 3 respectively, based on the sizes, to analyze the correlations. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the biceps muscle was measured using surface electromyograms (EMGs) (Noraxon DTS, Germany). Results: The results showed negative correlations in which, as the size of the base of support increased, the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the biceps muscle decreased. Conclusion: Changes in the base of support of the body affect the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the upper limbs. Therefore, when resistance exercises are applied for muscle strengthening, the positions should be changed considering the changes in muscle activity according to those positions. In addition, when EMGs are used to measure the maximal voluntary isometric contraction, the measurements should be conducted in the same positions, considering muscle activity that changes according to the base of support and positions, for data quantification.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.29-34
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• 2019

Background: The serratus anterior is one of the most important muscle for maintaining good scapular alignment in the shoulder joint. The pectoralis major and upper trapezius may also compensate for weak serratus anterior muscles. The push-up plus exercise has been identified as the optimal exercise for maximum activation of the serratus anterior. Objects: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in surface electromyography (EMG) activity of upper trapezius, pectoralis major, and serratus anterior muscles during push-up plus exercises on variously angled surfaces in subjects with winged scapula. Methods: Sixteen subjects with winged scapula (male=5, female=11) volunteered for this study. The subjects performed push-up plus exercise on four different tilt angles, namely $0^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, and $90^{\circ}$. EMG activities in the serratus anterior, upper trapezius, and pectoralis major muscles during performance of push-up plus exercise were measured in all subjects. Data were processed from repeated measures one-way analysis of variance. Results: There was significant difference in the muscle activity of the serratus anterior on the different surface angles (p<.05). The results of the post-hoc analysis showed significantly greater serratus anterior muscle activity on a surface at a $0^{\circ}$ angle than at others tilt angles (p<.05). There was also significant difference in the ratio of serratus anterior to upper trapezius and serratus anterior to pectoralis major across the four surfaces (p<.05), and post-hoc analysis showed significantly greater values on the $0^{\circ}$ surface than on other tilts (p<.05). Conclusion: This study found that performing push-up plus exercises on a flat surface with $0^{\circ}$ and $30^{\circ}$ tilt angle achieves high activation of the serratus anterior muscle for selective strengthening. It can also take into account the sequential application, which is first performed at a $30^{\circ}$ and at a $0^{\circ}$ tilt angle for and effective but not excessive muscle activation.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.311-319
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine of this study is to study the effect of squat exercise on muscle activation in a sling device using various types of ropes and to propose an effective sling exercise method for strengthening the lower extremity strength. Method: 20 adult male subjects (age: 25.2±2.4 yrs, height: 176.5±3.2 cm, weight: 77.2±4.5 kg) participated in this study. In the experiment, a total of four squats were conducted: squat [SE], sling squat using inelastic rope [IR], sling squat using elastic rope [ER], and sling squat using two elastic ropes [TER]. Squats were performed 5 times for each condition, and a 60-second break was given for each condition to minimize muscle fatigue. The activation of biceps brachii, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles was measured. Results: It was found that the activation of all muscles was the lowest during the squat exercise [SE]. During the sling squat using inelastic rope [IR], the muscle activation of the biceps brachii was the highest. During the sling squat using elastic rope [ER], the activation of the rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles was found to be the highest. In the sling squat using two elastic ropes [TER], most of the muscle activation was similar to that of the sling squat using inelastic rope [IR]. Conclusion: Our results of the experiment, it was found that sling squat exercise using elastic rope had a positive effect on the activation of all muscles. It is thought that performing a squat exercise under moderate weight load and unstable conditions, such as sling squat exercise using elastic rope, can increase the muscle activity of the lower limbs and perform more effective exercise effect than performing a conventional squat exercise under stable conditions. In the future, if research is conducted not only on adult men, but also on various ages and patients, it will be able to provide positive help in improving balance, stability and stamina through squat exercise.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.278-285
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• 2021

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of open kinetic chain (OKC) exercise for the gastrocnemius (GCM) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles on static and dynamic balance and muscle strength. Methods: We recruited 21 healthy participants, dividing them into 3 groups (GCM, TA, and non-exercise). Each group contains 7 participants. Two exercise groups (GCM and TA) performed OKC exercise with elastic bands twice per week for 4 weeks, while non-exercise group did nothing. We obtained the data for static and dynamic balance and muscle strength before and after the intervention. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare and analyze the pre-post-intervention differences among the groups. Results: For static balance, the stability index of the TA group was the lowest for the dynamic platform (p<0.05). The dynamic balance of the TA group increased for the anterior and posteromedial directions (p<0.05). The peak torque increased in the TA group for dorsiflexion (D/F) movement and in the GCM group for plantar flexion movement compared with the other groups, except for the left direction during D/F (p<0.05). Conclusion: OKC exercises with elastic bands were effective for selectively increasing muscle strength. It is clinically thought that strength training for TA muscles will be effective among the muscles of the ankle.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.12-17
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• 2022

Purpose: Ankle dorsiflexion is an essential element of normal functions, including walking, activities of daily living and sport activities. The tibialis anterior (TA) muscle functioned as a dorsiflexor and as a dynamic stabilizer of the ankle joint during walking and jumping. This study aimed to compare TA muscle thickness using ultrasonography according to the four different toe and ankle postures for the selective TA strengthening exercise. Methods: This study were recruited 26 (males: 15, females: 11) aged 20-30 years, with no injury ankle and calf in the medical history, had normal dorsiflexion and inversion range of motion (ROM). The thickness of the TA muscle was measured by ultrasonography in the four different toe and ankle postures: 1. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe extension and ankle inversion (ITEDF); 2. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe flexion and ankle inversion (ITFDF); 3. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe extension and neutral position (NTEDF); 4. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe flexion and neutral position (NTFDF). One-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction were used to confirm the significant difference among conditions. The level of statistical significance was set at α=0.01. Results: TA muscle thickness with ITFDF was significantly greater than in any other ankle positions, including ITEDF, NTFDF, and NTEDF (p<0.01). Conclusion: Among the four toe and ankle postures, isometric contraction in ITFDF postures showed the greatest increase in thickness of TA rather than ITEDF, NTEDF, and NTFDF postures. Based on these results, ITFDF can be recommended in an efficient way to selectively strengthen TA muscle.

• Journal of Korean Medical Ki-Gong Academy
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

Objective : The purpose of this study is to report the results of treating patients with acute low back pain syndrome who are difficult to walk with Whidam's Vibrator Pelvic Sugi Therapy. Methods : We used combinations of korean medicine such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, and thermal therapy. At the same time, the patient was treated with Whidam's Vibrator Pelvic Sugi Therapy. The first period of hospitalization was 14 days and the second period was 54 days. At the second hospitalization, back pain recurred and was unable to walk. At the first hospitalization, L5-S1 HIVD and L4-5 Mild HIVD were diagnosed on lumbar MRI, and there was no abnormality in blood tests. Results : By relieving muscle tension and restoring the weakened muscle elasticity with herbal treatment and Whidam's Vibrator Pelvic Sugi Therapy, back pain decreased and the inability to walk gradually improved, making it possible to walk on its own. Conclusions : The results of standing and walking on one's own were obtained by relieving muscle tension and restoring weakened muscle elasticity in acute back pain syndrome with gait disturbance diagnosed with lumbar herniated intervertebral disc through korean medicine treatment and Whidam's Vibrator Pelvic Sugi Therapy. Whidam's Vibrator Pelvic Sugi Therapy is thought to help acute back pain by restoring muscle elasticity and strengthening muscle strength. In the future, it is expected that additional clinical studies will be conducted on various pain diseases with Whidam's Vibrator Pelvic Sugi Therapy.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.141-153
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to determine the effects of a 12-week program of beta-glucan intake and muscle strengthening exercises on the body composition, physical fitness, blood lipids, insulin and insulin resistance of adult women. Methods : For this study, 45 adult women were selected and divided into two groups : the experimental group (n= 25), which received a combination of beta-glucan and strength exercise, and the control group (n= 20), which received only strength exercise. The program was conducted for 50 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Results : Several significant differences were found in both groups pre-to post program. First, in both groups, there were significant differences in hip circumferences (p<.05). Second, the results showed significant improvements in left grip strength and sit-ups achieved (p<.05), right grip strength (p<.001). Third although the results show no significant post-program differences in either group, there was a significant pre-to post-program difference in free fatty acids in both groups (p<.05). Fourth, the results show no significant differences in insulin or insulin resistance in either group, nor do they show any significant differences between the groups. Conclusion : The above results indicate that both groups exhibited decreased hip circumference and increased muscle strength (left grip strength) and muscle endurance. Furthermore, they indicate that when the beta-glucan intake and exercises were combined, the effects were more pronounced. Finally, because both groups exhibited significant increases in fat-free mass, muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength (right grip strength), and coordination as well as decreases in free fatty acids, it can be concluded that both the combined program of beta-glucan intake and exercise and a program of exercise alone can positively affect these outcomes.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 2006

Objectives: The object of this study is to report a clinical effect regarding the conservative treatment of the patients who were diagnosed as the herniated intervertebral lumbar disc(HIVD). Methods: The patients were treated by the oriental medical conservative treatment (Acupuncture, Moxibustion, oriental medicine, and Chu-na therapy). Result of conclusions: 1) Oriental medicine conservative treatment proved its effectiveness during the treatment of HIVD, patients. Especially, Chu-na therapy was superior on pain relive. 2) Treatment of HIVD, took less than 3 months in most cases except protruded or extruded disc. 3) In case of seniors who cannot have a surgical operation because of organ and muscle wickness, the oriental treatment was effective in terms of strengthening muscle and organs.