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OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to analyse the effects of working posture, physical balance and work accumulation on shifts in plantar pressure in dental hygienists, by measuring REBA, which evaluates working posture, and plantar pressure, which evaluates physical balance. METHODS This study was conducted on 24 dental hygienists currently working in dental clinics. The ergonomic assessment method of the Rapid Entire Body Assessment was used to evaluate working posture in the dental hygienists, and a Gait Analyzer was used to measure plantar pressure. RESULTS The subjects' mean REBA score was 4.96 ± 1.04 points, and 87.5% of the subjects showed poor working posture, with a REBA score of at least four points. Among subjects with a REBA score of four points or more, seven of the eight parts of the sole of the foot showed significant differences in plantar pressure between the right and left feet (P

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of McKenzie exercise, Kinesio taping, and myofascial release (MFR) on forward head posture (FHP). [Participants and Methods] Twenty-eight individuals with an FHP were enrolled. participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A, Group B and Group C. Group A underwent McKenzie exercise and MFR. Group B underwent McKenzie exercise and Kinesio taping. Group C underwent McKenzie exercise, MFR, and Kinesio taping. Interventions for all three groups were provided three times per week for four weeks. The acromion and tragus of ear (A-T length), craniovertebral angle (CVA), Cranial rotation angle (CRA), and neck disability index (NDI) were measured. [Results] The A-T length significantly differed after intervention in all three groups. CVA only significantly differed after intervention in group C. All three groups showed an increase in CRA after intervention; however, these increases were not statistically significant. [Conclusion] Considering these results, these three types of exercise may be recommended as effective exercises to improve posture in adults with FHP.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of modified cervical exercise and determine whether such exercise improves the range of motion of the cervical movement in smartphone users with forward head posture. [Subjects and Methods] Some 32 subjects with forward head posture participated in this study. They were randomly allocated to three groups, and the modified cervical exercises were performed either once, twice, or three times per day. The exercise program was followed for four weeks and then the joint range of motion of the participants was measured. [Results] A significantly increased range of motion was seen in all three groups that performed the modified cervical exercises. The analysis of the effects among the three groups indicated that the greatest effect was seen in Group C, members of which performed the modified exercises three times per day. In addition, a significant difference was found between Group A and Group C in terms of the inter-group results. [Conclusion] According to the results of this study, although the modified cervical exercises were performed for only a relatively short duration (four weeks), the exercises brought about an improvement in the forward head posture that was induced by using a smartphone.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of calf muscle massage on ankle flexibility and balance. [Subjects and Methods] The study's subjects were 32 healthy college students, divided into two groups according to the massage methods applied. Both groups received five-minutes of massage to each calf, making a total of ten minutes. Massage group A received effleurage, tapotement and pressure, and massage group B received effleurage, friction and petrissage. The functional reaching test and the modified one leg standing test were performed to measure the flexibility and balance of the ankles both before and after the massage application. [Results] In the functional reaching test performed after the calf muscle massage intervention, both groups showed significant increases. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups. In the modified one leg standing test, massage group A showed a significant increase in flexibility and balance after the intervention only when the left foot was used for support. Massage group B showed a significant increase when each foot was used for support. A significant difference between the groups was only observed only when the left foot was used for support. [Conclusion] Calf muscle massage may be effective for enhancing the flexibility and balance function of the ankle joint. In particular, a combined application of friction and petrissage massage techniques may be more effective for increasing ankle joint flexibility. Therefore, the application of calf massage can be considered an appropriate method for improving balancing ability.

This study investigated the effect of tongue stretching exercises (TSE) on tongue motility and oromotor function in patients with dysphagia after stroke.This study was designed as a 4-week, double-blind, two-group, block randomized controlled trial. A total of 25 patients were randomly allocated into either the experimental (n = 13) or the control group (n = 12). The experimental group received TSE from an occupational therapist. TSE were divided into dynamic and static passive stretching exercises (20 repetitions each). The intervention was performed five times a week for four weeks. Tongue motility was measured before and after the intervention as the distance from the lower lip to the tip of tongue during maximum protrusion of the tongue. Measurements were performed twice each time and the mean value recorded. Oromotor function was assessed using the oral phase events of the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study.The experimental group showed significant differences in tongue motility, bolus formation, tongue to palate contact, premature bolus loss, and oral transit time in the oral phase of VDS (p 0.05 for all) before and after the intervention, whereas the control group showed a significant difference only in lip closure (p 0.05).This study demonstrated that TSE have a positive effect on tongue motility and oromotor function in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Therefore, we recommend TSE as an effective treatment for dysphagia.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in isokinetic muscle function in football athletes with a knee injury with and without kinesio taping. [Subjects] The subjects for this study were 10 football athletes (males) with a knee injury. [Methods] Measurements were performed by using Cybex dynamometer under uniform motion before and after the application of kinesio tape to the quadriceps and hamstring muscle. Maximal concentric knee extension and flexion at three angular velocities (60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s) were measured. [Results] A significant difference was found in peak torque and total work of the flexion at 120°/s and 180°/s, as well as in the average power of extension at 180°/s. [Conclusion] Though it is not the main therapy for muscle function in football athletes with injury, kinesio taping was an effective adjunct therapy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in movements of the neck, trunk and hip according to foot position while performing sit-to-stand (STS) exercises from a height-fixed chair. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects consisted of 22 university students (12 males and 10 females). STS was conducted using a height-fixed chair at three positions: symmetric foot position, right foot position, and left foot position. Through three-dimensional motion analyzer, the movements of the neck, trunk, and hip were analyzed. [Results] While performing STS, the height was more influential on changed in angle of the neck, trunk, and hip. Moreover, when the height of the chair and the height of the subject were not matched correctly, more effective STS could be achieved when both of feet were laid symmetrically rather than at the other two positions. [Conclusion] It is necessary to employ an appropriate chair height that is matched with the height of the patients when therapy using STS is performed.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of different sitting positions on the skin temperature of the lower extremity. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 23 healthy university students (8 males, 15 females). [Methods] Normal sitting (NS), upper leg cross (ULC) and ankle on knee (AOK) positions were conducted to measure the changes in skin temperature using digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI). [Results] ULC upper ankle, NS upper shin, ULC upper shin and NS lower shin showed significant declines in temperature with time. [Conclusion] These finding suggest that the ULC and NS sitting positions cause decline of blood flow volume to the lower extremity resulting in decrease of temperature of the lower extremity. Especially, sitting with the legs crossed interferes with the circulation of blood flowing volume much more than just sitting in a chair.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to verify a new method for improving respiratory functions by applying both abdominal stimulation and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to train the inspiratory muscle and the expiratory muscle simultaneously, to improve the efficiency of IMT of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] Eighteen stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). [Methods] The experimental group was administered IMT with abdominal stimulation, and the control group was administered only IMT. During the intervention period, the experimental group and control group received training 20 min/day, 3 times/wk, for 4 weeks. To examine the lung functions of the subjects, FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEF25-75 were measured using an electronic spirometer. The diaphragm thickness ratio was calculated from measurements made with a 7.5-MHz linear probe ultrasonic imaging system. [Result] The experimental group and the control group showed significant increases in diaphragm thickness ratio on the paretic side, but not on the non-paretic side. With regard to lung function, the experimental group showed significant increases in FEV1, PEF, and FEF25-75. The changes between before and after the intervention in the two groups were compared with each other, and the results showed significant differences in FEV1 and PEF. [Conclusion] The present study identified that IMT accompanied by abdominal stimulation improved the pulmonary function of chronic stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the potential effects of resistance exercise according to the positions of the arms and the rotation of the humerus on the subhumeral acromial space. [Subjects] The study subjects were 34 subjects without shoulder pain. [Methods] Ultrasonographic measurements of the acromiohumeral distance of the subjects were made at three shoulder positions: 90° flexion, scaption at 90° abduction, and 90° abduction in an upright sitting position. The subjects were instructed to vertically push against a table to the maximum level with the humerus in internal, neutral, and external rotation. The measurements were made three times in each position. [Results] There was a significant difference in acromiohuneral distance between neutral and internal rotation of the humerus, and between external rotation and internal rotation of the humerus. In the scaption position, there was a significant difference between neutral and internal rotation of the humerus, and between external rotation and internal rotation of the humerus. In the 90° flexion position, there was a significant difference between neutral and internal rotation, and between neutral and external rotation. There was a significant difference between the flexion position and the abduction position, and between the flexion position and the scaption position. In terms of the internal rotation of the humerus, there was a significant difference between 90° flexion and 90° abduction. [Conclusion] These findings can be applied in exercises prescribed to increase the acromiohumeral distance and to aid the treatment and evaluation of shoulder dysfunctions.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Nordic pole walking on the electromyographic activities of upper extremity and lower extremity muscles. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups as follows: without Nordic pole walking group (n=13) and with Nordic pole walking group (n=13). The EMG data were collected by measurement while the subjects walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes by measuring from one heel strike to the next. [Results] Both the average values and maximum values of the muscle activity of the upper extremity increased in both the group that used Nordic poles and the group that did not use Nordic poles, and the values showed statistically significant differences. There was an increase in the average value for muscle activity of the latissimus dorsi, but the difference was not statistically significant, although there was a statistically significant increase in its maximum value. The average and maximum values for muscle activity of the lower extremity did not show large differences in either group, and the values did not show any statistically significant differences. [Conclusion] The use of Nordic poles by increased muscle activity of the upper extremity compared with regular walking but did not affect the lower extremity.

Background/Objectives: Forced weight support and whole-body vibration exercise are being widely used in patients with stroke to improve balance and gait. Thirty patients with stroke participated in the experiment. Methods/Statistical analysis: A 10-mm insole underneath the non-affected lower foot and Galileo equipment were used in the experimental group. Only a 10-mm insole was provided underneath the shoe in the control group, and all activities of daily living were performed without the whole-body vibration exercise. The Berg balance scale (BBS), Timed up & go (TUG), and bio rescue balance tests before and after intervention were conducted in all subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 22.0. Findings: There were statistically significant differences in the BBS test result, limit of stability (LOS), and 10 compared to comparator controls. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the TUG test result and foot print (FP). The experimental group displayed statistically significant differences between the BBS, TUG, FP, LOS, and 10mWT items in the before- and after-intervention comparisons. On the contrary, the control group displayed statistically significant differences in the BBS, TUG, FP, and 10mWT items; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the LOS. Improvements/Applications: In balance and gait, the forced weight support and whole-body vibration exercise yielded symmetrical body weight support and improved the walking speed of the patients with stroke.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mirror therapy on the upper extremity functions of stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 14 hemiplegia patients (8 males, 6 females; 9 infarction, 5 hemorrhage; 8 right hemiplegia, 6 left hemiplegia) who voluntarily consented to participate in the study. [Methods] The Korean version of the manual function test (MFT) was used in this study. The test was performed in the following order: arm movement (4 items), grasp and pinch (2 items), and manipulation (2 items). The experiment was conducted with the subjects sitting in a chair. The mirror was vertically placed in the sagittal plane on the desk. The paretic hand was placed behind the mirror, and the non-paretic hand was placed in front of the mirror so that it was reflected in the mirror. In this position, the subjects completed activities repetitively according to the mirror therapy program over the course of four weeks. [Results] There were significant increases in the grasp-and-pinch score and manipulation score. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the grasp-and-pinch and manipulation functions were improved through mirror therapy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the degree of changes in gait and feet after wet heat and dry heat exposure for 20 minutes. [Subjects] The participants of this study were 17 young adult males. The subjects were divided into a wet heat group of 9 subjects and dry heat group of 8 subjects. [Methods] Dry heat was applied for 20 min. To facilitate temperature adjustment of an electrical hot pack, to which a temperature controller was attached to the hot compress, the outer cover of the electrical pad was wrapped in a cotton towel and then rolled around the femur and the leg. As a hot compress, a constant-temperature water tank with double-boiling functionality was used for the hot pack unit. Its surface was covered with a towel twice or three times, as needed. We measured gait and feet. [Results] Left and right step time and the step width significantly increased in the wet heat group. Left foot flat to heel off significantly increased in the dry heat group. Right heel contact to foot flat significantly increased in the wet heat group. Left rearfoot pressure significantly increased in the dry heat group. [Conclusion] Wet heat affects physical functions like gait more than dry heat. However, there is no great difference between wet heat and dry heat with respect to the distribution of foot pressure.

Imagery training has similar effects to those of actual exercise therapy. In this study, two types of imagery training were administered to adults with functional ankle instability (FAI). Kinesthetic imagery training involves imagery around the self, while visual imagery training involves imagery around someone else. Eight-week imagery training intervention comprising four 30-minute sessions a week was administered to two randomly divided groups. The Biorescue program was used to measure foot pressure and stability limits before and after the intervention. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical software package(version 23.0;SPSS). In the kinesthetic imagery training group, there was a significant difference on the left side before versus after foot print pressure. In the visual imagery training group, there was a significant difference on the left and right sides before versus after foot print pressure. In both groups, there was a significant difference in left back and right front before versus after foot pressure. There was no significant difference before versus after the limit of stability program. This study found that adults with FAI experience a balance effect through either approach but there was no significant difference between them. The two imagery training approaches are economical alternatives to balance rehabilitation for FAI.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of muscle activation of the upper limb muscles during reaching movements in patients recovering from stroke. [Subjects] Nineteen hemiplegic patients participated in low-reaching and high-reaching tasks. [Methods] Changes in muscle activation resulting from performing low-reaching (reaching toward an object at the height of the knee) and high-reaching (reaching toward an object at the height of the shoulder) were measured using surface EMG. The surface electrodes were attached to the trapezius upper fibers, the deltoid anterior fibers, the deltoid middle fibers, the biceps, the triceps, the extensor carpi radialis and the flexor carpi radialis of both the paretic upper limb and the non-paretic upper limb. The independent t-test was used to compare muscle activation. [Results] Based on the results of measurements of muscle activation of the paretic upper limb, the muscle activation of the trapezius upper fibers and that of the deltoid anterior/middle fibers showed significant increases in high-reaching compared to low-reaching. However, for the non-paretic upper limb, significant increases were shown only in the trapezius upper fibers. These results indicate that, there is no difference between the muscle activation of the paretic side and that of the non-paretic side in high reaching while in low-reaching, the muscle activation values of the deltoid anterior fibers and the triceps of the non-paretic side are larger than those of the paretic side. [Conclusion] Muscle activation in reaching movements differs depending on the height of the target and we consider that these differences should be considered when therapeutic interventions are prescribed.

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the balance of the stance limb of hemiplegic stroke patients during the crossing of obstacles of different heights. [Subjects] Twenty stroke patients (right hemiplegia) crossed obstacles of different heights (0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm). [Methods] Stance time and muscle activity of the stance limb were measured during obstacle crossing. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the stance time and muscle activities of the stance limb at the various obstacle heights. [Results] The results show that the stance time of the unaffected lower limb was significantly longer than that of the paretic lower limb and obstacle height increased, the stance time of the unaffected lower limb increased significantly. The participants exhibited increase in electromyography of the unaffected limb with increasing obstacle height. Particularly, the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius of the unaffected limb showed significant increases, and the tibialis anterior of the unaffected limb showed a significant difference between heights of 10 cm and 20 cm. Finally, the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius showed significant difference between paretic and unaffected limb at all obstacle hights. [Conclusion] The results suggest that training the gastrocnemius of the paretic limb is an effective therapy for hemiplegic stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the plantar foot pressure distribution of stroke patients while crossing obstacles of different heights. [Subjects] Eight subjects (right hemiplegia) participated in this study. [Methods] Plantar foot pressure was recoded by a RS-scan system (RS scan Ltd., German). One-way ANOVA was used to compare foot data of the various heights. [Results] The peak plantar pressure values of the paretic lower limb during the stance phase showed significant differences among the T1, M1, M2, M3 and M4 regions. However, the peak plantar pressure values of the non-paretic lower limb showed significant differences only in the T1, MF, HM and HL regions. [Conclusion] This study found that when stroke patients attempted to cross an obstacle, crossing the obstacle with the non-paretic lower limb while supporting the body with the paretic lower limb was a more stable and efficient obstacle crossing strategy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aquatic gait training on plantar foot pressure, foot kinesiology and gait speed in right hemiplegic patients. The subject were 20 stroke patients who elapsed from 12 month to 24 month after stroke(aquatic gait training group(n

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of 60-minute walking workouts using nordic walking poles on skin temperatures, and examine differences in body heat changes between nordic walking and general walking. Infrared thermal imaging was measured in healthy male and female adults (nordic 17, general 16). The participants were attached radial markers on upper extremity, trunk, and lower extremity to be recognized accurately. After attaching the markers then measured standard skin temperature by Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (IRIS-XP, MEDI-CORE, Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea). Both group walked for 60 minutes, the retest were taken 4 times per 20 minutes. Region of interest was set at below the radial marker and compared average value between nordic walking and general walking. For nordic walking, all muscles except the triceps in the upper extremity showed statistically significant differences in body heat changes according to time variations (0,20,40,60) (

The backward walking can be used as an exercise program mainly after injury. However, the present reality is such that studies evaluating the effect of backward walking through the foot pressure are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in foot pressure through forward and backward walking training before and after the interventions by group. The subjects for this study were 20 people in control group, and 20 people in the experimental group. Measurement tool used was the gait analyzer. All subjects were evaluated in the same manner for the foot pressure before and after the intervention. Interventions were conducted five times a week for four weeks, 30 minutes a day. After having light clothing and flat shoes, subjects walked forward in the control group, while the subjects walked backward in the experimental group. As a result, there was no significant difference in foot pressure between the control and the experimental group. However, in the control group, F2, F5, and R4 showed statistically significant reduction in pre- and poet-test. In the experimental group, F5 and F6 showed statistically significant reduction in pre and poet-test. It is considered that the results of this study could be used as a basis when applying the backward walking training in the clinical trials.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation therapy and manual therapy on foot pressure changes related to leg length discrepancy. The subjects of this study were 13 subjects (5 males, 8 females) with differences in leg length who agreed to participate in this study. Leg length was measured in a prone position, and foot pressure changes induced by weight support were determined using Gaitview (alFoots, Korea). The measurements were conducted prior to treatment, 15 minutes after TENS, and 40 minutes after manual therapy. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the results derived prior to the experiment, after the TENS therapy, and after the manual therapy. No statistically significant difference in sole pressure was found among the pre-treatment, post-TENS treatment, and post-manual therapy results. But Pressure differences between the left and right feet tended to gradually decrease prior to treatment, after the TENS therapy, and after the manual therapy. And asymmetry in foot pressure tended to decrease, that is, in terms of foot pressure differences between the fore and rear feet. TENS and manual therapy for the treatment of differences in leg length do not considerably affect foot pressure but reduce differences in left and right leg pressure and pressure between the forefoot and rear foot, thereby positively affecting foot balance.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine whether plantar flexor static stretching and dynamic stretching using an Aero-Step results in changes in foot pressure during gait in healthy adults. [Subjects] Eighteen normal adults were randomly allocated to either a dynamic stretching using an Aero-Step group (DSUAS) group (n = 8) or a static stretching (SS) group (n = 10). [Methods] The DSUAS and SS participants took part in an exercise program for 15 minutes. Outcome measures were foot plantar pressure, which was measured during the subject's gait stance phase; the asymmetric ratio of foot pressure for both feet; and the visual analogue scale (VAS) measured during the interventions. [Results] There were significant differences in the asymmetric ratio of foot pressure for both feet and VAS between the two groups after intervention. However, there were no significant differences in foot plantar pressure during the gait stance phase within both groups. [Conclusion] DSUSAS is an effective stretching method, as pain during it is lower than that with SS, which can minimize the asymmetric ratio of foot pressure for both feet during gait due to asymmetric postural alignment.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of birth history and delivery method on vaginal pressure and abdominal muscle activity during pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC). [Subjects] Thirty healthy female volunteers (26∼39 years of age) were selected for the research. Their delivery histories were: nulliparous 10, vaginal delivery 10 and cesarean delivery 10. None of the participants had a history of incontinence. [Methods] Abdominal muscle activities and vaginal pressure were recorded in the crook-lying position. During pelvic floor muscle contraction. [Results] Pelvic floor muscle contractions induces significantly different vaginal pressures between subjects with nulliparous and vaginal delivery histories (p

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of a Pelvic Floor Muscle exercise program by comparing muscle activities at different ages, using biofeedback to regulate vaginal pressure. [Subjects] Two groups of female participants without medical history of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction were evaluated. The mean age of Group I was 33.5 years and that of Group II 49.69 years. [Methods] Participants were instructed to perform the pelvic floor muscle exercise. Biofeedback was given for vaginal pressure of the pelvic floor muscles, and we measured the activities of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles by electromyogram at 5 different levels of vaginal pressure. [Results] In Group II, as the vaginal pressure increased, the internal oblique values showed significant differences. When the vaginal pressure was 20 cmH2O, 30 cmH2O, and Maximum, the muscle activities of Group II increased significantly more than in Group I. [Conclusion] When the pelvic floor muscles were contracted, Group I showed greater differences in the internal oblique muscle activity than Group II.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between hand power and muscle activation during power grip and pinch grip. [Subjects] Fifty healthy adults were randomly arranged into two groups. [Methods] Hand power was measured using a hand dynamometer and pinch grip was measured with a pinch gauge. Muscle activation was measured using electromyography. [Results] The results were as follows: the power grip group and pinch grip group showed a significant difference in hand strength, but there was no significant difference in muscle activation. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the power grip showed greater hand strength than the pinch grip. However, no significant difference was found between the activation of the forearm and hand muscles. In other words, increased strength did not necessarily mean increased muscle activation. Therefore, the pinch grip is a more effective method of exercise.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of shoulder stabilizer muscle activity using the contraction of the finger flexor muscle. [Subjects] We divided the study subjects into a grasp group (n=17) and a non-grasp group (n=17). [Methods] The shoulder muscle activities of both the grasp group and the non-grasp group were measured by electromyography. [Results] Both the grasp group that used the contraction of the finger flexor muscle and the non-grasp group that did not use the contraction of the finger flexor muscle showed a state where shoulder stabilizer muscle activation increased as the weight borne by them increased. The serratus anterior muscles and rhomboid muscles showed differences between the two groups. [Conclusion] Exercises using finger flexor muscle activation is a more effective method for patients who need shoulder stabilizer muscle strengthening exercises because of shoulder stabilizer muscle weakness.

[Purpose] This study examined the muscle activation when subjects gripped a handle with a circumference equal to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of their hand length to determine the size that can be gripped most stably relative to the hand length. [Subjects and Methods] The muscle activation of 34 subjects was measured using electromyography. To make a cylinder proportionate to the hand length, multiple pencils were combined and the circumference was measured with a tape measure. The cylinders were made with circumferences of 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 % of the hand length. [Results] The largest muscle activation was observed at handle circumferences of 50% and 75% of the hand length in the wrist extensor bundle and at 75% of the hand length in the flexor digitorum superficialis. [Conclusion] Therefore, circumferences of the middle range of hand length seems to be most appropriate for hammer handles and handles with high resistance which require large strength at industrial sites.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the activation of the muscles around the shoulder in relation to the cervical flexion and extension during the push-up plus exercise in order to provide the fundamental data to establish the posture that can maximize the effect of the shoulder stabilizer exercise. [Subjects] The subjects of the experiment were 18 healthy people, male adults in their age of twenties with normal ROM and without musculoskeletal disease at the shoulder complex and upper limb. [Methods] Muscular activity of the shoulder stabilizer muscles in cervical flexion and extension and the neutral position were measured by electromyogramphy (EMG). [Results] The muscle activations among the cervical positions were compared and the results showed that there were a significant differences for the serratus anterior muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle, cervical paraspinalis muscle and pectoralis major muscle. [Conclusion] These results show that different shoulder stabilizers are activated during the push-up plus exercise depending on not only the location of the neck but also the internal or external rotation and abduction/adduction angle of the shoulder joint, suggesting that establishment of an accurate position for the strengthening of each muscle is necessary.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate how the foot plantar pressure varied as males wore shoes with insole heights of 0 cm, 2.5 cm and 5 cm. [Subjects] The subjects of this study 20 young adult males who voluntarily consented to participate in the study and had no disease history or any problem with walking. [Methods] The subjects rested for 20 minutes in the laboratory in advance and walked on flat ground for 30 minutes. Then, the foot plantar pressure was measured three times. The mean value was calculated for the analysis. The subjects rested for 30 minutes again and carried out the same experiment in the same manner, wearing height-increasing insoles of 2.5 cm and 5 cm. Gait Analyzer was used to measure the foot plantar pressure of the individual subjects. [Results] In the F4, F5, F6, R3 and R4 regions, the plantar pressure was significantly increased, but there was no significant difference foot regions. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the height-increasing insoles used by young adult males, who consider their outer appearance important, possibly cause anomalies of the feet, the foot plantar pressure was changed by the insole height.