• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.88-95
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• 2009

There are many assessment techniques used for occupational risk factors of MSDs in the workplaces. However, because all ergonomic assesment techniques or tools are based on theoretical background derived from workphysiology, biomechanics, psychophysics, industrial hygiene, work system, and etc, it is impossible to compare the assessment techniques. This study was conducted to compare the excess rates of risk factors among ergonomic assessment techniques and to make alternative methods. Site-visits to 6 automobile products and parts company provided data for process repeated work where the produced data was examined for evaluating the relationship between workplace lay-out and work posture by using ergonomic assessment techniques. We evaluated 157 jobs for simple repeated work and 37 jobs for manual materials handling (MMH). In simple repeated work, the exceeded rates of AC were 36.3% in OWAS method and 93.0% in RULA method. The exceeded rate for RULA method was significantly higher than those for OWAS method (p<0.05). In MMH, the exceeded rates of AC were 80.0% in NLE method and 76.5% in WAC method. Statistically significant differences were not identified in the exceeded rates for NLE and MAC methods (p<0.05). The analyzed results among ergonomic assessment techniques (OWAS, RULA, NLE/WAC) were applied to the same work places performing simple repeated work and manual materials handling simultaneously. The applied results showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) among ergonomic assessment techniques (OWAS, RULA, NLE/WAC). Exceeded rates of four ergonomic assessment techniques in decreasing order was "RULA>NLE>WAC>OWAS". The RULA method was the strongest assessment technique for automobile products and parts company. We discovered that the results could easily be overestimated or underestimated when the ergonomic assessment techniques were not applied correctly during the evaluation process. Therefore, we recommend using at least 2 methods when evaluating and analysing the results.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Whole body fatigue detection is an important phenomenon and the factors contributing to whole body fatigue can be controlled if a mathematical model is available for its assessment. This research study aims at developing a model that categorizes whole body exertion into fatigued and non-fatigued states based on physiological and perceived variables. For this purpose, logistic regression was used to categorize the fatigued and non-fatigued subject as dichotomous variable. Normalized mean power frequency of eight muscles from 25 subjects was taken as physiological variable along with the heart rate while Borg scale ratings were taken as perceived variables. The logit function was used to develop the logistic regression model. The coefficients of all the variables were found and significance level was checked. The detection accuracy of the model for fatigued and non-fatigues subjects was 83% and 95% respectively. It was observed that the mean power frequency of anterior deltoid and the Borg scale ratings of upper and lower extremities were significant in predicting the whole body fatigued when evaluated dichotomously (p < 0.05). The findings can help in better understanding of the importance of combined physiological and perceived exertion in designing the rest breaks for workers involved in squat lifting tasks in industrial as well as health sectors.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.195-203
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• 2021

Purpose: Neurodynamic tests are used to examine neural tissue in patients with neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, although this has not yet been established in the intensity of nerve tension application. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of neural stretching intensity on nerve excitability using the latency and amplitude of nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) analysis. Methods: Thirty young, healthy male and female subjects (mean age = 21.30 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Nerve excitability was assessed using the median sensory NCV test. The latency and amplitude of the NCV test were measured under four different conditions: reference phase (supra-maximal stimulus, without neural stretching), baseline phase (2/3 of the supra-maximal stimulus, without neural stretching), weak stretch phase (2/3 of the supra-maximal stimulus, with weak neural stretching), and strong stretch phase (2/3 of the supra-maximal stimulus, with strong neural stretching). Results: The NCV latency was significantly delayed after one minute of neural stretching at the baseline, weak phase, and strong phase in comparison with the reference phase. The NCV latency was significantly delayed by increasing the strength of neural stretching. Furthermore, the NCV amplitude was significantly increased at the weak and strong phases, which were under neural stretching, in comparison with the baseline phase. The NCV amplitude was significantly increased by increasing the strength of the neural stretching. Conclusion: Transient neural stretching as a neurodynamic test can increase the sensitivity of the nerve without negatively affecting the nervous system. However, based on the results of this study, strong neural stretching in the neurodynamic test may delay the transmission of nerve impulses and hypersensitivity.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.72-78
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• 2024

Background: Limitations of shoulder range of motion (ROM), particularly shoulder internal rotation (SIR), are commonly associated with musculoskeletal disorders in both the general population and athletes. The limitation can result in connective tissue lesions such as superior labrum tears and symptoms such as rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement syndrome. Maintaining the center of rotation of the glenohumeral joint during SIR can be challenging due to the compensatory scapulothoracic movement and anterior displacement of the humeral head. Therefore, observing the path of the instantaneous center of rotation (PICR) using the olecranon as a marker during SIR may provide valuable insights into understanding the dynamics of the shoulder joint. Objects: The aim of the study was to compare the displacement of the olecranon to measure the rotation control of the humeral head during SIR in individuals with and without restricted SIR ROM. Methods: Twenty-four participants with and without restricted SIR ROM participated in this study. The displacement of olecranon was measured during the shoulder internal rotation control test (SIRCT) using a Kinovea (ver. 0.8.15, Kinovea), the 2-dimensional marker tracking analysis system. An independent t-test was used to compare the horizontal and vertical displacement of the olecranon marker between individuals with and without restricted SIR ROM. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Vertical displacement of the olecranon was significantly greater in the restricted SIR group than in the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the horizontal displacement of the olecranon (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that individuals with restricted SIR ROM had significantly greater vertical displacement of the olecranon. The results suggest that the limitation of SIR ROM may lead to difficulty in rotation control of the humeral head.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.14-30
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• 2024

Objectives: Research on the general prescription patterns of insured herbal preparations in Korea has been limited. This study aimed to analyze prescription patterns of insured herbal preparations, utilizing the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) sample cohort 2.0 data from 2010 to 2019. Methods: NHIS sample cohort 2.0 database, which represents a sample of 2.2% of the Korean population, was analyzed. We analyzed data related to prescriptions recognized as insured herbal preparations. Variables included patient demographics, diagnosis codes, prescription details, and healthcare institution characteristics. We examined trends over the decade, focusing on herbal formulae and single herb extracts. Results: During the study period, 275,358 patients visited Korean traditional medicine clinics and received at least one prescription of herbal preparations, representing 27.5% of the total sample. The number of prescriptions increased by 209%, from 34,621 in 2010 to 72,553 in 2019. Females accounted for 67% of these prescriptions, and 77% were for patients aged 70 and older. The top ten herbal formulae (TTHF), including Ojeok-san and Gungha-tang, constituted 76% of all prescriptions. Herbal formulae were used more frequently than single herb extracts, with certain prescriptions being commonly utilized. There was a notable focus on musculoskeletal disorders, with low back pain being the most common diagnosis. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant increase in the use of insured herbal preparations, primarily in small clinics and among the elderly. Prescription patterns showed a preference for specific single herb extracts and herbal formulae, with consistent trends over time. These findings provide valuable insights for future clinical research and policy development, particularly as herbal medicine's role in the national healthcare system continues to expand.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different obstacle heights on the plantar foot pressure during obstacle crossing. Sixteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal disorders were instructed to perform unobstructed level walking and to step over obstacles corto 10cm, 20cm, 30cm. Plantar foot forces and pressures were recorded by the Footmat system(Tekscan, Boston, USA) during level and obstacle walking with barefoot. Plantar foot surface was defined as seven regions for pressure measurement; two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region, one heel region. One-way ANOVA was used to compare each region data of foot according to various heights. The results indicated that there are significant differences on peak pressure and maximal forces regarding each region at stance phase. As height of obstacle became high, the pathway of COP had a tendency to be short and abducted. Plantar pressure of foot could be changed by obstacle height and these findings demonstrated that obstacle with different height have an effect on structure and function of the foot.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.8
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• pp.257-265
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different ramp inclination on the maximum plantar foot pressure and pathway of the center of pressure. Fifteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal disorders were participated with this study and descended the ramp with different inclination(level, $-5^{\circ}$, $-10^{\circ}$, $-15^{\circ}$). Plantar foot pressures were recorded by the Matscan system(Tekscan, Boston, USA) during level and descending ramp with barefoot. Plantar foot surface was defined as seven regions for pressure measurement; two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region, one heel region. Repeated ANOVA was used to compare each region data of foot according to different ramp inclination. As descending ramp inclination became increased, the pressure of hallux region was significantly increased at $-15^{\circ}$ inclination and the pressure of 2-3 metatasal head region were significantly decreased at $-5^{\circ}$, $-10^{\circ}$, $-15^{\circ}$ inclination. The pathway of COP had a tendency to be shifted inside in forefoot and prolonged to great toe as the descending ramp inclination increased. The results indicated that plantar foot pressure could be changed at hallux and forefoot regions with $-5^{\circ}$ ramp inclination and these findings demonstrated that ramp inclination could affect the structure and function of foot.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.237-244
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changing plantar foot pressure and muscle activation of neck, lumbar and low limb by different way of the using carrier during walking. Twenty healthy and young females who brought up infants and had no musculoskeletal disorders of neck, lumbar and low limb were instructed to perform plantar foot pressure and muscle activation of neck, lumbar and low limb during different ways of the using the carrier and walking. Plantar foot pressures were recorded by RS-scan system(RS scan Ltd, German), muscle activation were recorded by ProComp infinitiTM(Thought Technology Ltd, Canada). The data collected by each way of the using carrier and One-way ANOVA was used to analyze. The results indicated that there was a significant increase on erector spinae muscle activation and pressure of great toe zone by using anterior carrier and there was a increase on activation of paraspinal muscle and metatarsal zone by using posterior carrier. Therefore, the way of using carrier could be influenced upon structure and function of the foot and muscle activation.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.681-686
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• 2024

Korea Post service provides public services to the public, including mail, deposits, and insurance. The work of the postal activities is labor-intensive and physically intensive. Postal workers are exposed to the risk of injury and musculoskeletal disorders, and delivery workers are exposed to the risk of traffic accidents. The Postal Service Headquarters has strengthened safety and health activities to improve hazardous risk factors in the field. In addition, we are promoting activities to spread safety culture continuously. However, it is difficult to determine whether these activities were applied well to the site of the affiliated institution, and it is not known whether they were effective in preventing safety accidents. In addition, there is no objective evaluation system, so the current level of safety and health and problems related to workplace safety and health cannot be identified. Therefore, in this study, we tried to prepare basic data to propose an evaluation system, standard, and evaluation index suitable for the postal business so that the safety level of the public postal business can be evaluated efficiently and objectively. In other words, it was intended to analyze the characteristics of the public postal business and prepare the basis for the development of evaluation indicators considering it, and through this, an effective level evaluation can be performed and problems in safety and health management by institution can be identified.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.316-322
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle activation of lower extremity such as rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and soleus according to 0cm(bare foot), 4cm and 7cm heel height of shoe on the rocking surface in older women. 20 older women who did not have any lower musculoskeletal and neurological disorders in the past were participated in this study. Each subject was standing for 15 seconds on the level 8 of Biodex Stability System (BSS) while wearing 4cm and 7cm heel height shoes including bare foot. Electromyography was used to measure muscle activation of lower extremity, and the muscle activation was expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC). We measured % MVIC of three muscles during 5 seconds except for the first 5 seconds and last 5 seconds. SPSS 12.0 program was used for this study. Repeated one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) was performed to compare the significant difference among the muscles of lower extremities according to heel heights of shoe on the rocking plate. % MVIC of each muscle such as rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and soleus regarding heel heights of shoe had statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The results of contrast test were as follows; 1) % MVIC of rectus femoris had significant differences between barefoot and 4cm, and barefoot and 7cm. 2) % MVIC of tibialis anterior had significant differences between barefoot and 4cm, barefoot and 7cm, and 4cm and 7cm. 3) % MVIC of soleus had significant differences between barefoot and 7cm, 4cm and 7cm. The results indicate that all commonly responsive muscle on the conditions of barefoot, 4cm, and 7cm shoe height on the rcoking surface is tibialis anterior muscle. We found out that the more heels of shoe high, the more muscle activation increases. High-heeled shoes above 7cm remarkably increase the muscle activation of lower extremity and may result in muscle fatigue. Thus, these shoes may summate risk factors of falls in older women. We can acknowledge that the heels above 4 cm affect each muscle activation in lower extremity on the rocking surface.