Search

Background: Although recent studies using virtual reality have been actively conducted, studies on exercise therapy interventions and changes in muscle characteristics in patients with scoliosis are limited. Objectives: To investigate the effects of trunk and pelvic exercises program using virtual reality on the characteristics of paraspinal muscles in patients with scoliosis. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty college students with scoliosis were randomly assigned to the trunk and pelvic exercise program using virtual reality group (VRG; n=15) and the general stretching exercise group (SG; n=15). The intervention was conducted three times a week for 8 weeks for 30 min per session. The recorded variables were muscle tone (F), muscle stiffness (S), and muscle elasticity (D). The collected data were analyzed after statistical processing. Results: In the cervical vertebrae, F showed significant differences in the amount of inter-group variation in the VRG compared that in the SG on the right side. The VRG showed significant increases in intra-group variation on both the right and left sides. S showed significant differences in the amount of inter-group variation in the VRG compared to that in the SG on the right side. With regard to the intra-group variation of F in the thoracic vertebrae, the right muscle in the VRG demonstrated significantly increased after the experiment, while D significantly increased in the left muscle in the VRG. Conclusion: Pelvic and trunk exercises program using virtual reality may be applied a better therapeutic intervention for patients with scoliosis.

Background: Thera-Band, Narrow squats, Kinesiology taping helps in the reduction of loading on the knee joints. Despite the fact that the varus knee negatively affects the alignment of the lower extremities, most of the studies have analyzed each independently.Objectives: To investigate the effects of a complex exercise program consisting of elastic band exercises and squat exercises on the distance between the inner knees and balance in young adults with genu varum.Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial.Methods: The complex exercise group performed resistance exercises using an elastic band. The taping group used kinesiology tape on the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris. To select those to be included in the study, we measured the distance between the knees using digital Vernier calipers and to measure the balance ability, we used a balance training system. The data were analyzed with the independent t-test and paired t-test.Results: The study indicated a significant difference in the distance between the knees between the two groups, but no significant differences in the dynamic balance between the groups. Also, the static balance comparison between the groups according to the intervention method included the trace length, C90 area, C90 angle and velocity. There were no significant differences in the static balance between the groups. In addition, the complex exercise program was more effective than taping.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the complex exercise program and taping decrease the between both the knee and increase the balance.

Background: Chronic ankle instability is a common injury that decreases balance and negatively affects functional movements, such as jumping and landing. Objectives: To analyze the effect of taping types and jump heights on balance with eyes open and closed during jump landings in chronic ankle instability. Design: Within-subject design. Methods: The study involved 22 patients with chronic ankle instability. They performed both double-leg and single-leg drop jump landings using three conditions (elastic taping, non-elastic taping, and barefoot) on three different jump platforms (30, 38, and 46 cm). Balance was measured using the Romberg''s test with eyes open and closed. Results: Interaction effect was not statistically significant. Balance with eyes open and closed was significantly improved in both the elastic taping and non-elastic taping conditions compared to the barefoot condition. There was no significant difference according to the jump height. Conclusion: Individuals with chronic ankle instability demonstrated increased balance ability with eyes open and closed when jump landing. Elastic taping and non-elastic taping on the ankle joint can positively affect balance during landing in individuals with chronic ankle instability.

Background : There is lack of studies on the effects of the bag-carrying style on the shoulder muscles and body alignment in adults with rounded shoulder posture (RSP). Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of various bag-carrying styles on muscle tone, muscle stiffness and spinal alignment in 20 adults with RSP as they were walking on a treadmill. Design : Crossover Study Design. Methods: A subject performed treadmill walking for 15 minutes at a speed of 4 ㎞/ｈ while carrying three different types of bags: a backpack, a cross bag, and a shoulder bag. Results : The results showed that the main effect of timing was observed in the muscle tone for all the variables and in muscle stiffness only for the upper and lower trapezius muscles. As for the main effect of timing, the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and the pectoralis major significantly increased in all conditions, while the muscle tone of the lower trapezius significantly decreased in all conditions. The muscle stiffness of the upper trapezius significantly increased in all conditions, while the muscle stiffness of the lower trapezius significantly decreased in all conditions. As for the spinal alignment, the dimple distance data values significantly decreased for the cross-bag style. Conclusions : This study demonstrated that walking with a heavy bag, regardless of the bag-carrying style, increased muscle stiffness around the shoulders in adults with rounded shoulder posture, and walking with a crossbag also induced changes in spinal alignment.

Introduction Recent cancer survivors (Method The cohort consisted of adults with a cancer history in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey ( n = 2372). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of having difficulty in health-related outcomes across the cancer recovery phases (recent versus long-term). Results Most subjects were long-term survivors (84.9%). Recent survivors were more likely to have difficulty in work, mobility-related daily tasks and social participation compared to long-term survivors. No differences were found in basic activities of daily living, cognition and emotional functioning between the groups. Conclusion While recent cancer survivors were independent in basic daily tasks, they had difficulties in performing daily tasks that required a high level of physical function. Clinicians, especially occupational therapists, should prioritize evaluating physical functioning to guide intervention planning for recent cancer survivors.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of chiropractic treatment on the alignment of the lower extremities and plantar pressure in subjects with pelvic misalignment. The study included 20 subjects with pelvic misalignment. They were divided into two groups: the chiropractic treatment group (n=10) and stretching group (n=10). They performed the intervention for 10 minutes, twice a week, for weeks, and pelvic displacement, functional leg length, and plantar pressure were measured In chiropractic group, both pelvic displacement and plantar pressure distribution were significantly decreased and leg length difference was significantly increased (p

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of shoulder stabilization exercises and stretching on shoulder height and muscle activity in young adults with rounded shoulder posture. The subjects were young adults with rounded shoulder posture, and divided into two groups: shoulder stabilization exercises and stretching exercises. The shoulder stabilization exercise group performed Thera band exercises and stretching exercises. The stretching exercise group performed stretching exercises. The groups performed the exercises for 40min, three times a week for four weeks. Shoulder height was measure by Vanier calipers and muscle activity was measured by electromyography. Shoulder height was significantly decreased in both groups after intervention, however there was no difference between groups. There was a significant difference in muscle activity between the two groups after the intervention, however there was no difference between the groups. This study suggests that shoulder stabilization exercise and stretching affect shoulder height and muscle activity.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of various shoes on the static and dynamic balance of young women in their 20s. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of the study were 15 healthy young women and repeated measured design. The subjects walked on the treadmill at a speed of 4 km/h for 30 minutes wearing three types of shoes: sneaker, rain boots, and combat boots. Balance was measured by a Romberg test and a limits of stability test. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. [Results] As the results of the Romberg test, the main effect of time was shown in the EO-COG area, EO-COG length, and EO-COG velocity. As the results of the limits of stability test, the main effects of time in LT, RT, FW, and total. There were significant differences in the LT in the sneaker group, the rain boots group, and the LT and RT in the combat boots group between the pre- and post-test. [Conclusion] The characteristics of shoes such as the materials, hardness, and thickness of the soles, the coefficient of friction of the outsoles, and the collar height affected the static and dynamic balance.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of open and closed chain exercise on the muscle strength and muscle activity of the ankle joint. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty women in their 20s were randomly assigned to two groups: the open kinetic-chain group and the closed kinetic-chain group. Each group performed 5 sets 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Exercise intensity was increased once after two weeks. The muscle activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, tibialis posterior, and peroneus longus muscles were measured. The collected data were analyzed with two-way repeated measures ANOVA. [Results] In the results for muscle strength, both groups showed significant differences in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion between the pre-test and post-test. In the results for muscle activity, no significant differences were noted for either group. [Conclusion] Open and closed kinetic-chain exercises can help to improve muscle strength.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of cervical alignment, pain, and physique to apply proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) techniques in patients with forward head posture (FHP). The subjects of this study were 24 patients diagnosed with FHP. They were randomly divided into two groups: a PNF group(n=12) and a control group(n=12). The intervention was performed a total of 24 times, 30 min a day, six times a week for four weeks. Data on cervical alignment(forward head displacement, FHD), pain(visual analog scale, VAS), and physique(height, weight, and body mass index) were obtained pre- and post-intervention. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the groups and time. For FHD, the VAS, and physique(height and BMI), there was an interaction effect for the groups and time(p

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the extent of lower extremity muscle activity before and after walking based on rain boot shaft length. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects, 12 young and healthy females, were divided into three groups based on rain boot shaft length (long, middle, and short). They walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and gastrocnemius was measured using electromyography before and after walking. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to compare the muscle activities of each group. [Results] There were no significant differences in terms of the interactive effects between group and time for all muscles, the main effects of group, or the main effects of time. [Conclusion] The results of this study may indicate that movement of the lower extremities was not significantly limited by friction force based on the characteristics of the boot material or the circumference of the boot shaft. Thus, it may be helpful instead to consider the material of the sole or the weight of the boots when choosing which rain boots to wear.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects on flexibility of bridge and plank exercises using sling suspension on an unstable surface. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 20 healthy adults in their 20s (plank=10, bridge=10). Both types of exercise were performed three times per week for a period of four weeks. Each exercise was performed in the front and side direction. Exercise intensity was altered through the use of a sling, which was placed at the knee and ankle. Flexibility at trunk forward flexion and backward extension was measured. The trunk forward flexion was measured at sitting position. The trunk backward extension was measured at prone position. The data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the preand post-test for both the bridge and plank exercise groups. In the bridge exercise, significant differences were shown in the trunk forward flexion and the trunk backward extension (p

A-31-year-old male (patient A) and a 19-year-old women (patient B) presented with FHP, neck pain, and headache. The therapeutic exercise program consisted of cervical mobilization, deep cervical flexors strengthening, and cervical extensors stretching, for 40 min/d, 2 d/week, for 8 weeks. Neck pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM), lateral view of cervical spine X-ray (indicating the FHP), and asymmetrical neck and shoulder muscular activity ratio were measured †Corresponding Author : hoseh28@dankook.ac.krThis is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.before, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of corrective exercise.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify changes in the activity and fatigue of the splenius capitis and upper trapezius muscles, which are agonists to the muscles supporting the head, under the three postures most frequently adopted while using a smartphone. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 15 college students in their 20s. They formed a single group and had to adopt three different postures (maximum bending, middle bending, and neutral). While the 15 subjects maintained the postures, muscle activity and fatigue were measured using surface electromyography. [Results] Comparison of the muscle fatigue caused by each posture showed statistically significant differences for the right splenius capitis, left splenius capitis, and left upper trapezius muscles. In addition, maintaining the maximum bending posture while using a smartphone resulted in higher levels of fatigue in the right splenius capitis, left splenius capitis, and left upper trapezius muscles compared with those for the middle bending posture. [Conclusion] Therefore, this study suggests that individuals should bend their neck slightly when using a smartphone, rather than bending it too much, or keep their neck straight to reduce fatigue of the cervical erector muscles.

Due to the development of the modern society,the popularization rate of smart phones graduallyincreased and the time of using smart phonesrapidly increased. However, using a visual displayterminal(VDT) like smart phones for a long timemay trigger musculoskeletal disorders such asneck, lumbar, and shoulder pain(1). Using a VDTmay easily trigger damage to the upper extremi-ties such as the neck and the shoulder because oflimited task postures and repetitive upperextremity pattern, the height of working shelf,and reflection of the light increases tension of theeyes and as a result mental fatigue, damage to theupper extremity muscles and skeleton, and lowback pain are brought about(2). Cervical pain is onthe rise because of muscular stiffness resultingfrom continuously repeated work and maintaininga wrong posture habitually, damage to the cervicalarea in accordance with lack of exercise andincrease in traffic accidents, and cervical pain instudents who utilize computers frequently arisingfrom rapid popularization of computers(3). About70 percent of the population experience cervicalpain at least once in a lifetime and about 10 to 20percent of the population experiencing cervicalpain has a problem in their cervical spine(4). Cervical pain refers to cervical joint syndromecharacterized by pain and limited range of motionof the joints in the cervical area and the sur -rounding tissues. Cervical pain is caused by exter-nal shock, bone diseases, and inflammation. Inparticular, cervical pain is triggered by inflamma -tion in the structures such as tendons, muscles,disc of the cervical spine, and ligaments or othercauses. Cervical pain is included in musculoskele -tal diseases among occupational diseases andworking for a long time under excessive tensioncontinuously damages parts of the body such asthe muscles, joints, and nerves. As an occupationallesion which appears with overlapping of continuousdamages, the symptoms affect the joint area ofthe upper extremities, the head area, the cervical

[Purpose] Effects of muscle fatigue on lower-extremity balance were evaluated in 12 healthy young women in their 20s while they walked on a treadmill wearing rain boots of different lengths. [Methods] The rain boots were divided into three groups based on the shaft length (Long, Middle, Short). Romberg's test was applied and limits of stability were measured before and after treadmill walking. [Results] Romberg's test showed a significant main effect for time. There were significant differences between the center of gravity area, length, and velocity when the eyes were open and the center of gravity length, velocity, and length/cm(2) when the eyes were closed. Changes in the limits of stability also showed a significant main effect of time. There were significant differences in pre-test and post-test values in the left, right, forward, and total directions. [Conclusion] It was found that muscle fatigue in the lower extremities generated by walking in rain boots affected the joints and the adjuster muscles, depending on shaft lengths. Compensation due to visual feedback and the length of the boot shaft affected movement of the distal joints, resulting in a reduced ability to balance.

【The purpose of the present study is to provide exercises, together with music, that are helpful for elderly people's balancing ability, and to determine their effects in order to provide data for the promotion of elderly persons' health. Thirty elderly persons were randomly assigned to a balance training group(BTG) of 15 subjects, or a music and balance training group (music therapy + balance training [MTBTG]) of 15 subjects; intervention was implemented three times per week for six weeks. To measure the changes in their balancing ability before and after the experiment, the limit of stability, the "Timed Up and Go"(TUG) test, and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured. Changes in the limit of stability before and after the experiment were shown to be significant in both the BTG and the MTBTG. Changes in the limit of stability of the right side before and after the experiment showed statistically significant differences between the BTG and the MTBTG. Changes in the TUG test and the BBS before and after the experiment were shown to be statistically significant in both the BTG and the MTBTG. The application of music during balance training thus is considered to have a positive effect on elderly persons' balancing ability.】

[Purpose] This study analyzed the effects of isotonic, isokinetic, and isometric exercises of ankle joint muscles on lower extremity muscle activity and balance control. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 30 healthy adults (15 males) in their 20s who were randomly assigned to three different exercise method groups of 10 people each. The isokinetic exercise group performed three sets at an angular velocity of 60°/sec, including a single rest period after every set of 10 repetitions. The isometric exercise group performed three sets consisting of three 15 repetitions of a 15-second exercise followed by a 5-second rest. [Results] Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that depending on the exercise method, the non-dominant tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius muscle, and peroneus longus showed significant differences in muscle activity for weight-bearing non-dominant sides; when the dominant side was weight-bearing, the dominant gastrocnemius and peroneus longus showed significant differences in muscle activity; and the non-dominant and dominant sides showed significant differences in balance control depending on the duration of support in the area. [Conclusion] Muscle fatigue from the three exercise methods produced a decline in muscle activity and balance control; due to the fatigue before exercise, the side that did not perform the exercises was affected.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of different shoe types on lower extremity muscle activity in healthy young women by using electromyography. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen healthy young women in their 20s were included in this single-group repeated measures study. The subjects were divided into three groups: Converse sneakers, rain boots, and combat boots. The subjects walked on a treadmill at 4 km/h for 30 min, during which six muscles were examined using electromyography: the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, semimembranosus, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and medial head of the gastrocnemius. Between switching shoe types, a 24-h rest period was instated to prevent the fatigue effect from treadmill walking. [Results] One-way analysis of variance used to compare electromyography results among the three groups showed that the main effect of group differed significantly for the vastus medialis. Vastus medialis activity was higher in the rain boots group than the Converse sneakers group, and it was higher in the combat boots group than rain boots group. [Conclusion] Shoe type affects lower extremity muscle activity. Our findings may help individuals choose the ideal shoes for daily walking.

[Purpose] The present study attempted to identify the effect of olfactory stimulation on the balance ability of stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty-three (33 males) stroke patients participated in the study. The stroke patients were divided into three groups: a black pepper oil (BPO) group (n=11), lavender oil (LVO) group (n=11), and distilled water (DW) group (n=11). [Methods] Two sessions (control trial/stimulus trial) of Romberg's test (eyes open 1 min/eyes closed 1 min) were conducted on a force platform to measure the data for the COP (center of pressure). Olfactory stimulation was provided at as a stimulus. [Results] With the eyes open, a statistically significant difference was found in average anterior posterior displacement (Ymean) and average medial lateral displacement (Xmean) among the three groups when comparing the groups before and after stimulation. The comparison between the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in each group showed a significant difference in the area of the 95% confidence ellipse (area) and Xmean of the BPO group and in the area of the LVO group (area, Xmean). [Conclusion] The findings indicate that the interaction of brain areas activated by the olfactory stimulation exerts an influence on the balance ability of stroke patients.

【PURPOSE: This study is to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of gym ball exercise on the pelvis and spine of women in 20s. METHODS: Randomly selected 10 of 20 subjects are allocated to experimental group who will practice gym-ball exercise while the rest 10 subjects are allocated to control group. Values for pelvic obliquity DL-DR, pelvic torsion DL-DR, pelvic rotation, kyphotic angle ICT-ITL (max), and lordotic angle ITL-ILS (max) were measured through recording using 3-dimensional image analyzer as a preliminary inspection. Gym-ball exercise was implemented 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks. Each session consisted of 10 minutes of warm up exercise, 30 minutes of main exercise, and 10 minutes of cool down exercise totaling 50 minutes. Post inspections were measured after exercise. RESULTS: Experimental group showed statistically significant difference in pelvic obliquity DL-DR, pelvic torsion DL-DR, and kyphotic angle ICT-ITL (max) (p】

Balance is essential in performing all activities ofdaily living and is an ability to maintain the body inan equilibrium state(1). Ability to control posturalbalance is to maintain the center of gravity(COG) ona platform with minimal postural sway, when stand -ing in a fixed place, moving voluntarily, or respond -ing to force exerted from outside(1, 2). Ability tomaintain balance or recover disturbed balance duringordinary life is related to diverse sensory functions,motor functions, cognitive functions, and psychoso -cial functions, and environmental elements(3, 4).When moving the body on a flat ground and movingon a narrow beam, dynamically different posturalcontrol strategies are used. In addition, when the useof ankle joint strategy is decreased according to thedegree of center of body mass movement, use of thehip joint strategy increases, and when the use of hipjoint strategy is reduced, use of the ankle joint strat-egy rises, which is called a changeable postural con -trol strategy(5). Janda's sensorimotor training developed from anintervention approach to chronic musculoskeletalpain syndrome emphasized the importance of appro -priate functional adjustment of the sensory motorarea, coordinative movement, joint stability, and pro -prioception in exercise pattern balance(6). Proprio-ception is an ability to change muscular contractionthrough immediate response to force exerted fromoutside and play an important role in reducing func -tional instability and redamage. Recovery of proprio -ception in treatment intervention is an important ele -ment in treatment process(7). Sensorimotor traininghas been used as rehabilitation for damage to theankle joints and postural deficits, and previousresearch reported its preventive effect of ankle andknee joint damage. Recently, sensorimotor exercisehas been applied to motor performance as well asrehabilitation and prevention(8-11).

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of various dual task gait training methods (motor dual task gait training, cognitive dual task gait training, and motor and cognitive dual task gait training) on the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three outpatients performed dual task gait training for 30 minutes per day, three times a week, for eight weeks from June to August, 2012. Balance ability was measured pre-and posttest using the stability test index, the weight distribution index, the functional reach test, the timed up and go test, and the four square step test. Gait ability was measured by the 10 m walk test and a 6 min walk test before and after the training. The paired t-test was used to compare measurements before and after training within each group, and ANOVA was used to compare measurements before and after training among the groups. [Results] Comparisons within each group indicated significant differences in all variables between before and after the training in all three groups. Comparison between the groups showed that the greatest improvements were seen in all tests, except for the timed up and go test, following motor and cognitive dual task gait training. [Conclusion] In a real walking environment, the motor and cognitive dual task gait training was more effective at improving the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients than either the motor dual task gait training or the cognitive dual task gait training alone.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain exercises on the static and dynamic balance of ankle joints in young healthy women. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty women in their 20s were randomly assigned to two groups of ten women each: an open kinetic chain exercise group and a closed kinetic chain exercise group. Each group performed five sets of exercises three times per week for four weeks. Exercise intensity was increased once after two weeks. The subjects' Romberg's test results and their limits of stability were measured to evaluate their static and dynamic balance. The data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance test. [Results] In the results of Romberg's test, the main effect of the time showed a significant difference in the trace length with eyes closed (Effect size: d=0.97). In the result of limits of stability, the interaction effect showed a significant difference in the backward, and the main effect of the group showed a significant difference in the forward. [Conclusion] The open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain exercises both improved the balance of the subjects. The closed kinetic chain exercise was more effective at improving the dynamic balance of young healthy women than the open kinetic chain exercise.

【The purpose of this study was to test the effect of Gastrocnemius and Low Back-muscle isotonic exercise on static dynamic standing balance during the period of 4 weeks. This study was two groups pretest-posttest design. Nineteen subjects who were over 22 years old were randomly assigned to either the experimental group that received the Gastrocnemius muscle exercise(n=9) or the low back muscle exercise(n=10) : The former group performed isotonic exercise(plantar flexion), the latter group performed isotonic exercise(trunk extension) a total of 18 times for three times per week for four weeks. Two groups also performed static and dynamic balance before the exercise and 4weeks after the exercise. The data were analyzed by using the paired t-test and independent t-test. The results were as follows: As compared with change of dynamic balance performance capacity at two groups, a significant difference was shown in the test(p .05). Also, a significant difference of balance between groups was not shown in the test. In this study indicated that gastrocnemius and low back muscle isotonic exercise will have positive impact on standing balance.】

Recently, people ’s interest in health are beingincreased and it is easily found in a fitness centerthat women show keen interest in muscle develop -ment and muscular strength as well as men. When it comes to the symbol of exerciser, you cant’beat the abdominal muscles, pectoralis muscle, firmarm muscle and broad shoulders. Everyone may havehis own reason for exercising. However, most ofexercisers try to make their arm muscle so firm as tobe exposed even with the clothes on it. And peopleestimate the arm strength generally with the girthof arm, that is, the extent of muscle thickness ofarm. The grip strength is the grasping power of handsand normally indicates the muscular strength ofmuscles of arm. The hand is a part of human bodythat is used frequently in activities of daily living andcarries out complex functions. The hand movementsare assorted into 3 big categories of clenching, pick -ing up and grasping. Making all these movementsrequires various kinds of element, among which thegrip strength comes under the most important ele -ment(1). The item of grip strength is indispensable to evalu -ate the hand function in the fields of orthopedics,rehabilitation medicine and industrial medicine. Notonly the muscles of hand are related to the gripstrength but also such muscles as flexor carpi radi-alis, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superfi-cialis, flexor pollicis longus, flexor hallucis brevis,flexor digiti minimi brevis, lumbricale andinterosseous muscle are related and the grip strengthappears as the result of cooperation among all theserelated muscles. Generally the grip strength isrecalled when people talk about the strength ofarm(2). The grip strength both of male and female starts togrow from the age of 10s and it reaches the top levelat the age of 30s to dwindle afterwards. The highestgrip strength of female in their 30s is weaker by43.31%, compared to that of male in their 30s andfemales are weaker by 39.67% than males when wecompare them in terms of overall average(3). The grip strength turns out to show the highest

Acanthamoeba spp. are single-celled protozoan organisms that are widely distributed in the environment. In this study, to understand functional roles of a mannose-binding protein (MBP), Acanthamoeba castellanii was treated with methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (mannose), and adhesion and cytotoxicity of the amoeba were analyzed. In addition, to understand the association of MBP for amoeba phagocytosis, phagocytosis assay was analyzed using non-pathogenic bacterium, Escherichia coli K12. Amoebae treated with mannose for 20 cycles exhibited larger vacuoles occupying the most area of the amoebic cytoplasm in comparison with the control group amoebae and glucose-treated amoebae. Mannose-selected amoebae exhibited lower levels of binding to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Exogenous mannose inhibited >50% inhibition of amoebae (control group) binding to CHO cells. Moreover, exogenous mannose inhibited amoebae (i.e., man-treated) binding to CHO cells by

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of joint exercise, taping, and stretching on hip joint flexion, flexibility, and range of motion. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-five college students in their 20s were randomly assigned and equally divided into three groups, as follows: a stretching group, a taping and exercise group, and an exercise group. Changes in trunk range of motion and hip joint flexibility of the three groups were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] Comparison between flexibility before and after the intervention revealed statistically significant changes in all three groups. Moreover, the evaluation of joint range of motion after the intervention showed that there were statistically significant changes in all three groups. [Conclusion] Taping, stretching, and joint exercise are considered effective for the increase in flexibility and joint range of motion.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between the stature and the muscle performance ratings and the subjective discomfort rations at performing lower arm's pronation and supination according to change sin the height of working table for more efficient performance at designing a working table and performing a work. For the purpose, this study conducted an experiment targeting 40 people in their 20s, who were classified into 4 groups each group composing 10 people at intervals of 5cm from the standard stature of 166.5cm. The experiment measured the maximum isometric pronation and the supination muscular power, and at measuring the factors, the heights of working tables were set as 800mm, 850mm, and 900mm. From the measurement results, it was found that the stature and the maximum muscular power was correlated. That is, as the experiment groups's average stature is higher, the maximum muscular power was higher. For the correlation between the motion patterns(pronation and supination) and the maximum muscular power, it was seen that the maximum muscular power was higher at performing the pronation than the supination. In the correlation between motion patterns and the subjective discomfort ratings, it was seen that the subjective discomfort rating was higher at performing the supination than the pronation. For the correlation between height adjustment and the subjective discomfort ratings, as the height of working table was lower, the subject discomfort rating was lower. Therefore there was no difference in the maximum muscular power according to the height changes of working table, but it was found that as the working table was higher, the user felt more comfortable.

The purpose of this study was to analyze lower limb muscle activity and 3D motion analysis according to change foot arch height during walking. We selected 9 young and healthy people who have been normal foot. And we selected 7 young and healthy people who have been flatfoot. So, people were divided into 2 groups and walked platform during 2 minutes twice for checked by 3D motion analysis. These data were characterized by EMG measurements of three muscles( tibialis anterior, medial and lateral gastrocnemius) while they were walking. The collected data were analyzed by Independent t test using the SPSS statistics program(Ver 12.0). In foot arch change, there were no significant difference in three muscles 3D motion analysis also found that there were no significant difference in joint angles. In this study was to analyze lower limb muscle activity and 3D motion analysis according to change foot arch, but there were no significant difference in 6 muscles neither joint angles.

The purpose of this study is to identify which width of the base of support(BOS) is safer and more effective in lifting by comparing muscle activations and body sways when lifting objects under the width variation of the BOS. A total of fifteen healthy adults participated in this study. For the width variation of the BOS, the participants changed the width between their feet into three different types(10cm, 32cm, 45cm) and lifted a 10kg four times in each type after going up on a force plate. In order to measure body sways according to the width variation of the BOS, a motion analysis system was used. In addition, in order to measure the muscle activations of lower extremities, including the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior, an electromyogram(EMG) analysis was employed. In addition, the Borg's scale was drawn by quantifying the subjective discomfort levels felt from each width of the BOS. In conclusion, no statistically significant differences according to the width variation of the BOS were observed(p=.295, .308)(p>.05). However, a statistically significant difference was exhibited between the Borg's scale, which indicates the discomfort levels from lifting performances, and the width variation of the BOS (p=.000*).

This study was to examine on the respiratory variables, heart rate and muscle activity between the static recovery and dynamic recovery after progressive resistance exercise to maximal point. Subjects were 15 students enrolled in N University. All were tested two times (static recovery and dynamic recovery) and were requested to perform a walking on a treadmill after progressive resistance exercise to maximal point. Electromyography(EMG) was used to monitor the muscle activity(TA: Tibialis Anterior, MG: Medial Gastrocnemius) during gait. CPEX-1 was used to measure the respiratory variables and heart rate. The dynamic recovery group was shown the significant lower heart rate than that of static recovery group at during gait. Respiratory rate showed statistically a significant difference. Electromyography(RMS, root mean square) showed a non-significant difference. But the dynamic recovery group of muscle activity was found highly in TA and MG. This study indicated that the dynamic recovery method evidenced more faster than the static recovery method. And this type of dynamic rest by walking can be a help of recovery after exercise.

With comparison of maximum vertical reaction force and lower limb on drop landing between normal and flat foot group, this study is to provide fundamental data of the prevention of injury and the treatment of exercise which are frequently occurred on flat foot group's drop landing. The surface electrodes were sticked on lateral gastrocnemius muscle, medial gastrocnemius muscle, tibialis anterior and the drop landing on a force plate of 40cm was performed with a normal group who had no musculoskeletal disease and a flat foot group of 9 people who had feet examinations. Vertical reaction force were significantly statistically different between two groups(p

Background/Objectives: To analyze the effect of warming up exercise methods by analyzing the impact of stretching exercises and treadmill walking on lower extremity muscle activity. Methods/Statistical analysis: The subjects were twelve young healthy adults. They performed four methods of warm-up exercises for ten minutes each week, once a week for four weeks: non-exercises, treadmill walking, stretching exercises, and both treadmill walking and stretching exercises. An EMG measured the muscle activity of the rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius. The one-way ANOVA was used to compare the difference in muscle activity between the four warm-up exercise methods. Findings: No interaction effect was shown regarding muscle activities. There was no notable change in activity within the muscle based on the different warm-up methods. Muscle activity between the pre- and post- test also failed to display a difference worthy of note. Improvements/Applications: The short period of time allocated for warm-up exercises may not have been adequate to affect the muscle activities of the lower extremities. A longer program may be needed to study changes in muscle activity within the clinical area.

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stretching and sling exercises on pelvic correction and dysmenorrhea in university students. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The subjects were divided into three groups: sling exercise group, stretching group, and control group. All groups performed each exercise for 40 minutes three times a week for 4 weeks. The control group received thermotherapy. All groups were measured for pelvic alignment, Visual Analog Scale(VAS) and Menstrual Distress Questionnaire(MDQ). Repeated measures ANOVA were used to verify differences between groups and assessment times with respect to pelvic alignment, VAS and MDQ. Findings: Comparisons of all three groups before and after the intervention revealed significant differences in the VAS and MDQ scores. The post-intervention decreases in the VAS scores of the stretching group were more significant than those of the control group. Comparisons of pelvic alignment before and after the intervention in each group indicated that sling exercise significantly decreased sagittal imbalance, coronal imbalance, pelvic inclination, and pelvic torsion. In addition, stretching significantly decreased sagittal imbalance, coronal imbalance, pelvic inclination, pelvic torsion, and pelvic obliquity. The control group, however, did not demonstrate decreases in any of the variables, with the exception of coronal imbalance. In the stretching group, in particular, post-intervention pelvic inclination was more significantly decreased than that of the control group. Improvements/Applications: Sling and stretching exercises improve pelvic alignment, painful menstruation and dysmenorrhea. These exercises can be used as the data for various directions of interventions to alleviate or prevent dysmenorrhea.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of varied support surfaces on body alignment and balance when performing exercises for core stabilization. Methods/Statistical analysis: A total of 19 healthy females took part in this study for 4 weeks. Subjects were separated into stable and unstable surface exercise groups. Core stabilization exercises were carried out 3 times a week for 60 minutes during 4 weeks. Measurements were performed before and after the intervention. We used 4D Formetric analysis to measure for body alignment and BT4 to measure for balance. Differences between the measured values of experimental groups exercising on stable and unstable surfaces were assessed. Findings: There was a notable variancein the mediolateral center of pressure displacement between the pre- and post-tests of the stable and unstable surface groups. Improvements/Applications: Core stabilized and combined exercise on stable and unstable surfaces could improve dynamic mediolateral balance control.