• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.117-125
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• 2020

PURPOSE: Aging causes changes in the postural alignment and gait due to changes in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. On the other hand, the relationship between the changes in posture alignment and gait is unclear. This study examined the relationship between the postural alignment and spatiotemporal gait parameters in Korean elderly women. METHODS: Thirty-two-healthy elderly women participated in this study. All subjects were assessed for their posture alignment and gait ability. Stepwise multiple linear regression was performed to determine to what extent the postural alignments could explain the spatiotemporal gait parameters. RESULTS: Coronal head angle was moderately correlated with the velocity (r = -.51), normalized velocity (r = -.46) and gait-stability ratio (r = .58) (p < .05). The trunk angle was moderately correlated with the normalized velocity (r = -.32) and gait-stability ratio (r = .32) and weakly correlated with the velocity (r = -.28) (p < .05). The coronal shoulder angle was moderately correlated with the swing phase (r = -.57), stance phase (r = .56), single limb stance (r = -.56) and double limb stance (r = .51) (p < .05). The coronal head angle and trunk angle accounted for 36% of the variance in velocity, 33% variance in normalized velocity and 46% variance in the gait-stability ratio (p < .05). The coronal shoulder angle accounted for 32% variance in the swing phase, 32% variance in the stance phase, 31% variance in the single limb stance and 26% variance in the double limb stance (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Changes in posture alignment in elderly women may serve as a biomarker to predict a decrease in walking ability due to physical aging.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.199-205
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in gait according to four style of bag's carryied method and three different bag's weights. Twenty healthy adults participated in four conditions. The first condition, they wearing a bag on one side shoulder and walked. The second condition, they carried a bag sling across on shoulder and walked. The third condition, they carried a bag on a back using both shoulders and walked. The fourth condition, they hold a bag in their right hand and walked. During all four conditions participants wore a SmartStep insole in their right shoe and had a pressure control device strapped to their right ankle. Each participant walked 10 meters carrying a 2.5 kg, 5 kg and 7.5 kg bag under all four conditions. There were significantly differents in stance phase rate; swing phase rate and walking speed according to bag weight of 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 7.5 kg.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.407-412
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• 2015

This paper presents the design of a lab-built powered knee prosthesis based on a BLDC motor, a sensored impedance control using a force sensor, and a sensorless impedance control through torque estimation. Firstly, we describe the structure of the lab-built powered knee prosthesis and its limitations. Secondly, we decompose the gait cycle into five stages and apply the position-based impedance control for the powered knee prosthesis. Thirdly, we perform an experiment for the torque estimation and the sensorless impedance control of the prosthesis. The experimental results show that we can use the torque estimation to control the low impedance during the swing phase, although the estimated torque data has a delay compared with the measured torque by a load cell.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.65-74
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• 2006

This study was attempted to Kinematical characteristics of the Endo $360^{\circ}$El-grip Swing on the horizontal bar. To do this, we selected and analyzed the performance of two athletes who did Endo $360^{\circ}$El-grip Swing in the horizontal bar competition of male artistic gymnastic in the 22nd Universiad Games 2003 Daegu. We drew the conclusions from the kinematical factors that were came out through analyzing three-dimensional cinematography of the athletes' movements, by using two video cameras. In point of analyzing the actual competition situation, it is expected that gymnastics and coaches have the effective informations, and the following conclusion had resulted. 1. When performing Endo $360^{\circ}$El-Grip, the average for entire required time was $1.93{\pm}0.06sec$. The average for descent phase time was $0.24{\pm}0.02sec$, ascent phase time was 0.22${\pm}0.07sec$, connecting phase time was $0.87{\pm}0.07sec$, and El-Grip phase time was $0.61{\pm}0.02sec$. The descent phase need short period of time but however to have a stable performance, ensuring ascent and connecting phase time are needed. El-Grip phase need short period of time to have a stable re-grasp. 2. To have a convenient preparation for El-Grip in descent and ascent phase, lowering CM, and ease up in sway and plunge from the High Bar would make descent and ascent even more faster and would have increase effect in trunk rotation. 3. In descent and ascent phase, if shoulder angle and arm slope is dwindling then it would effect rotation angle so might risk it from hitting a Bar when putting legs in and out. 4. In connecting phase, it requires some time to show stable performance when El-Grip phase is continued by using hip angle which would make trunk rotation angle bigger and make descent and ascent time slower. 5. In El-Grip phase, when doing motions like hand standing. using hip angle more than maximum would make CM even faster and it is stable position while performing.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2002.05a
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• pp.132-135
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• 2002

In the present study, an electro-mechanical KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthosis) which satisfies both the stability in stance and the knee flexion in swing was developed and evacuated in eight polio patients. A knee joint control algorithm suitable for polio patients who are lack of the stability in pre-swing was also developed and various control systems and circuits were also designed. In addition, knee flexion angles and knee moments were measured and analyzed for polio patients who used the developed KAFO with the three-dimensional motion analysis system. Energy consumption was also evaluated for the developed KAFO by measuring the movement of the COG (center of gravity) during gait. From the present study, the designed foot switch system successfully determined the gait cycle of polio patients and controlled knee joint of the KAFO, resulting in the passive knee flexion or foot clearance during swing phase. From the three-dimensional gait analysis for polio patients, it was found that the controlled-knee gait with the developed electro-mechanical KAFO showed the knee flexion of 40$^{\circ}$∼45$^{\circ}$ at an appropriate time during swing. Vertical movements of COG in controlled-knee gait (gait with the developed electro-mechanical KAFO) were significantly smaller than those in looked knee gait(gait with the locked knee Joint). and correspondingly controlled-knee gait reduced approximately 40% less energy consumption during horizontal walking gait. More efficient gait patterns could be obtained when various rehabilitation training and therapeutic programs as well as the developed electro-mechanical KAFO were applied for polio patients.

• 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.15 no.1
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• pp.177-195
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematic variables of ankle joints and EMG signal of the lower limbs muscle activity for the different walking speed. The subjects were 6 males of twenties. It was classified into three different walking speed-0.75m/s, 1.25m/s, 1.75m/s. The walking performances were filmed by high speed video camera and EMG signal was gained by ME3000P8 Measurement Unit. Tibialis anterior(TA), Gastrocnemius medial head(GM), Gastrocnemius lateral head(GL), Ssoleus(SO) were selected for the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle joint. The result of this study were as follows: 1. In the gait cycle, The time parameters for the phases were showed significant difference without the terminal stance phase and terminal swing phase for the different walking speed. 2. The angle of ankle joint was no significant difference for each time point and MDF, MPF but increasing walking speed the angle had the increasing pattern slightly. 3. The angular velocity of ankle joint was showed the significant difference for LHC, RTO, RKC, LHU, MPF and MDF point along the walking speed. 4. TA was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity at the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. And it was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 0.75m/s. GM was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s, and even much muscle activity at the 0.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. GL was showed increasing pattern of muscle activity specially in the initial swing phase as the walking speed increased. SO was showed about 3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s during the plantarflexion of ankle joint. It was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 1.25m/s.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.33-41
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• 2005

The purpose of this report was to describe the gait pattern and parameters of the complicated bilateral amputee with right transtibial and left tarsometatarsal amputation. Using a Vicon 370 three dimensional gait analysis system, the gait analysis was performed at pre and post-test. Treadmill Training with 15 degree, incline was practiced for 8weeks, 3times per week. In linear parameters, the Velocity, Stride length and Single limb support were increased than pre-test. but Cadence and Double limb support were less post-test than pre-test. In kinematics, the maximal pelvic tilt angle showed right side $21.87^{\circ}$, left side $20.67^{\circ}$ at pre-swing phase, and decreased as compared with pre-test. Especially, the inimal hip flexion angle showed right side $-6.83^{\circ}$, left side $1.52^{\circ}$ at pre-swing phase and increased as compared with pre-test. The maximal knee flexion angle disclosed right side $2.66^{\circ}$, left side $21.71^{\circ}$ at stance phase, and decreased as compared with pre-test. In kinetics, the hip extension moment on initial contact stage was right side 0.938NM/Kg, left side 0.09NM/Kg, which was impaired compared with normal person.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.12 no.9
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• pp.926-934
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• 2006

This paper proposes intelligent control of a virtual walking machine that can generate infinite floor for various surfaces and can provide proprioceptive feedback of walking to a user. This machine allows users to participate in a life-like walking experience in virtual environments with various terrains. The controller of the machine is implemented hierarchically, at low-level for robust actuator control, at mid-level fur platform control to compensate the external forces by foot contact, and at high-level control for generating walking trajectory. The high level controller is suggested to generate continuous walking on an infinite floor for various terrains. For the high level control, each independent platform follows a man foot during the swing phase, while the other platform moves back during single stance phase. During double limb support, two platforms manipulate neutral positions to compensate the offset errors generated by velocity changes. This control can, therefore, satisfy natural walking conditions in any direction. Transition phase between the swing and the stance phases is detected by using simple switch sensor system, while human foot motions are sensed by careful calibration with a magnetic motion tracker attached to the shoe. Experimental results of walking simulations at level ground, slope, and stairs, show that with the proposed machine, a general person can walk naturally on various terrains with safety and without any considerable disturbances. This interface can be applied to various areas such as VR navigations, rehabilitation, and gait analysis.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.383-392
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• 2020

Purpose: Balance and gait dysfunction caused by aging affect elderly individuals' independent life, which, in turn, can reduce their overall quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in the vestibular function of healthy elderly and young adults based on the subjective visual vertical (SVV) test as well as to compare and analyze the gait ability between these two groups to study the differences and association between vestibular, dizziness, and balance ability. Methods: The subjects were 18 young and 16 elderly adults with no neurological or musculoskeletal damage. To evaluate vestibular function, a subjective visual vertical test was performed. To evaluate the gait function, the step time, step length, stride length, stance phase ratio, and swing phase ratio were measured. Balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and dizziness was evaluated using a dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Results: There were significant differences in the SVV, BBS, and DHI between the young and elderly adults (p < 0.05). The gait variables of the older adults were all significantly different (except for the swing phase ratio) than those of the young adults (p < 0.05). As the result of correlation analysis, the SVV values of the young adults showed a significant negative correlation with step length and stride length (p < 0.05), while the SVV values of the elderly adults only showed a significant positive correlation with the DHI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The elderly appeared to show a decrease in vestibular function when compared to the young adults, and it is thought that walking and balance function declined, while dizziness increased. Moreover, it is believed that these results can be used as basic data for vestibular rehabilitation in the future.