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BACKGROUND: Bracing is one of the oldest non-operative treatments for patients with scoliosis. However, a wide variety of braces is used, and some show no effect, while others show conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new orthotic device for the treatment of adult scoliosis. METHODS: Twenty adult patients who were diagnosed with scoliosis and qualified for the study were selected and all participants were treated for 12 hours/day for 12 weeks using a new orthotic device. Various efficacy assessments (Cobb’s angle, spine length, pelvic angle, shoulder angle, thoracic angle, lumbar angle, pelvic sacral angle) were performed before and after the 12-week treatment. The values at each time point were compared. RESULTS: There were significant treatment effects in a time-dependent manner on every efficacy assessment (p< 0.05) after 12 weeks of bracing. CONCLUSION: In this clinical study, it was demonstrated that a new brace that is more comfortable for the wearer reduced scoliosis and may be a useful option for non-operative treatment of scoliosis.

Background The amount of patients with muscle imbalance of the left and right side increases rapidly due to an incorrect lifestyle. Objective We investigated the optimal exercise load required to improve muscle imbalance. Methods Thirty participants were enrolled in the study. They performed squat exercises according to a whole body vibration (WBV) frequency protocol over a period of eight weeks. The exercises were performed three days a week and comprised five sets of fifteen trials per set per day. We validated muscle imbalance improvement using WBV by comparing and analyzing the results at different vibration frequencies. The participants were divided into three WBV protocol groups: no WBV, low-frequency WBV (25 Hz and 5 mm amplitude), and high-frequency WBV (50 Hz and 5 mm amplitude). We estimated the isokinetic muscle functions of the hip, knee, and ankle joints using BIODEX system 3. Ultimately, low-frequency WBV improved balance 10.2 ∼ 26.5% more than high-frequency WBV. Results Continuous load-deviation motions during low-frequency WBV were more effective at improving muscle imbalance than high-frequency WBV. WBV load variation methods improved muscle function and contractility more than external weights or loads by directly transferring kinetic energy into the body. Conclusion In this clinical study, we demonstrated that low-frequency WBV was more effective at improving muscle imbalance. The WBV protocol can be used in rehabilitation programs to improve imbalance without requiring elderly or physically decompensated patients to participate in excessive exercise.

The purpose of this study was to develop and verify the smart insole based FSR sensor for measurement and improvement of the muscle strength imbalance. We recruited 15 subjects with muscle strength difference over 20% and 15 subjects with muscle strength balance below 10%. We developed the human body load insole and integrated modules using FSR sensor. Subjects walked for 5 minutes at a slope of 0% and a speed of 3 km / h on a treadmill with a smart insole. We measured the real-time muscle activity and foot pressure according to the muscle strength imbalance during gait. FSR data of the developed smart insole showed that the insole had similar accuracy and efficacy as muscle activity and foot pressure. This is the interval in which the muscle imbalance shifts from the stance phase to the load reaction, and the weight support is the largest, and the center of gravity of the human body passes over the whole foot, which is considered to cause the greatest imbalance. This suggests that there is a direct or indirect correlation between muscle strength imbalance of the lower limb and the imbalance of the body weight distribution during gait.

This study was to provide independent exercise loads in rowing exercise machine, on the improvement of muscle strength imbalance. We recruited twenty four subjects who exhibited one side's muscle strength is bigger in more of greater than 20% than other on one side. One group was dominant left side and the other group was dominant right side. Subjects performed the rowing exercise in electric load deviation rowing machine (Robo.gym, Humonic Co., Ltd, Daegu, Korea). The exercise was progressed to four sets a day including twenty five repetitions per set, and three days a week, for a total of eight weeks. Measurements consist of evaluation of muscular activity, joint torque in the elbow, shoulder. Exercise load deviation adapted that difference value of muscle strength between left and right side arms multiply 1RM% and its plus 1-RM 75% in each side. The result showed that the level of muscle imbalance significantly decreased in shoulder and elbow joint by adapting exercise load deviation. We found out that exercise load deviation provided to the positive effect both muscle strength and endurance at the same time. As a result of this study, rowing exercise using the exercise load deviation is effective in improving muscle strength imbalance.

Objective In this paper, we investigated the recovery of the lactate level, muscular fatigue, and heart rate recovery (HRR) with respect to whole body vibration (WBV) during the rest stage after a gait exercise. Methods A total of 24 healthy subjects with no medical history of exercise injury participated. The participants were divided into a training group with vibration during rest and a control group with the same conditions but without vibration. The subjects performed a gait exercise with a slope of 15% and velocity of 4 km/h to consume 450 kcal in 30 min. Then, they rested on a vibrating chair or on a chair without vibrations for 30 min. The vibration protocol consists of a frequency of 10 Hz and amplitude of 5 mm. To estimate the recovery effect, we measured the lactate levels in blood, spectral edge frequency (SEF) of MVIC, and HRR before, immediately after exercise, and after rest. Results The results showed that the lactate level in the training group decreased more (93.8%) than in the control group (32.8%). Also, HRR showed a similar trend with a recovery of 88.39% in the training group but 64.72% in the control group. We considered that whole-body vibrations during rest would help remove lactic acid by improving the level of lactic acid oxidation with stimulated blood vessels in the muscles and by helping to maintain blood flow. Also, WBV would lead to compensation to actively decrease the fast excess post-exercise oxygen consumption from blood circulation. Conclusions We suggest that whole-body vibrations during rest can provide fast, efficient fatigue recovery as a cool down exercise for women, the elderly, and patients without other activity after intense exercise.

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is emerging as an alternative exercise method that be easily performed by older adults. This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of WBVT in improving muscle strength and physical performance before resistance exercise, in comparison to conventional resistance exercise after stretching exercise in older adults. The WBVT group (n = 20) performed WBVT using a vibrating platform (SW-VC15™), followed by strengthening exercises. The control group (n = 20) performed stretching instead of WBVT. Both groups underwent a total of 12 sessions (50 min per session). The primary outcome was isokinetic dynamometer. The secondary outcomes were grip strength, short physical performance battery (SPPB), a 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and body composition analysis. In all results, only the time effect was significant, and the group effect or time x group effect was not. Both groups showed a significant increase in isokinetic dynamometer. Although there was no significant group effect, the increase in mean peak torque was greater in the WBVT group. The only WBVT group showed significant improvement in SPPB. In SF-36, only the control group showed significant improvements. WBVT can be safely performed by older adults and may be an alternative exercise method to boost the effect of strengthening exercise.

Muscle strength may vary depending on the pathological issues and static life habits. These conditions lead to abnormal spinal loads and change muscle strength as well as activation patterns, thereby causing spinal disorders. In this study, the effects of muscle strength on the spine stabilization exercise were analyzed using a whole-body tilt device. Musculoskeletal modeling was performed and the results were validated through a comparison with the electromyography (EMG) analysis results. Based on the validated basic model, modeling was performed for the whole-body tilt device. To examine the exercise effect and muscle activation while the maximum muscle force capacity (MFC) was varied from 30[Formula: see text]N/cm2 to 60[Formula: see text]N/cm2 and 90[Formula: see text]N/cm2, the muscle force was predicted through inverse dynamics analysis. When MFC was 30[Formula: see text]N/cm2, the posterior direction of the tilt could not be analyzed (no solution found). When MFC was 60[Formula: see text]N/cm2, it could be analyzed, but the muscle force was predicted to be higher compared to when MFC was 90[Formula: see text]N/cm2. It was confirmed that muscle strength is a very important element for maintaining postural activities and performing exercise. Therefore, for rehabilitation patients and elderly people with weak muscle strength, hard or extreme exercise may cause musculoskeletal injuries.

We aimed to investigate the effect of basic fitness function according to whole-body vibration (WBV) stimulus with slope during deadlift in adults. A total of 15 subjects performed deadlift exercise with a sound-wave vibrator. The subjects consisted of three groups: no slope and WBV group (control), WBV only group (group 1), and slope and WBV group (group 2). Slope was set at [Formula: see text], and the frequency and amplitude of WBV were 10[Formula: see text]Hz and 5[Formula: see text]mm, respectively. The participants performed Romanian deadlift 2 days a week for 4 weeks, including 10 trials per set and five sets a day. We measured basic fitness function factor including the isokinetic muscle contraction test using biodex system3. All groups showed an increase in strength of approximately [Formula: see text]%. Group 2 showed the highest increase. Moreover, maximal peak torque of the lumbar joint showed an increase trend similar to that of back muscle strength. An increase of 15.72%, 24.86%, and 51.44% was noted in the control, group 1, and group 2, respectively. The findings indicate that WBV exercise with slope is the most efficient exercise protocol for improving muscle function of the trunk. WBV with slope could help stimulate trunk muscles more and efficiently, could result in a more positive effect on muscle function compared with WBV only, and could be included in an exercise program for efficient patient rehabilitation.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dynamic squats with slope-whole body vibration (WBV) on the trunk and lower limb in muscle activities. Method : 9 healthy women (age: 21.1±0.6 years, height: 160.5±1.4 cm, body weight: 50.5±2.4 kg) were recruited for this study. Muscle activities in the trunk and lower limb muscles, including biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), rectus abdominum (RA), gastrocnemius (GCM), iliocostalis lumborum (IL) and tibialis anterior (TA), were recorded using an EMG measurement system. The test was performed by conducting dynamic squats with slope-WBV using frequency (10Hz, 50Hz), amplitude (0.5mm), and degree (0°, 5°). Experimental method consisted of 2-pre-sessions and 1-test-session for 20 seconds. Results : The results showed that the muscle activities of the trunk and low limb muscles increased significantly with the 5° slope and lower frequency (10Hz) except for in the TA. From this result, we confirmed that the slope and WBV could efficiently affect stimulation, enhancing muscle activities by facilitating neural control trail and muscle chain tightness. Conclusion : Utilizing the slope-WBV device while squatting could give positive effects on muscle activation in the trunk and lower limb muscles and provide neural stimulation, enhancing muscle chain of control subsystem through TVR (tonic vibration reflex).

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects in the muscle function following 8-week dead-lift training with Whole-body Vibration(WBV) in rehabilitation for sports players. Method : Twenty young sports players. Each subjects were randomly assigned to a resistance training with Whole-body vibration group(TG, n=10), a resistance training without Whole-body vibration group(CG, N=10). The measurements which physical fitness test and joint torque test were performed before the randomization and after the 4-week and 8-week. The WBV group performed the dynamic Dead-lift exercise on a vibration platform during one minute. The CG group performed the equal training without vibration. The WBV and CON group repeated 5 set and trained two times weekly for 8-weeks. Paired t-test was used to test for differences between the groups at baseline and after 4-weeks and 8-Weeks. And independent t-test was used to test for differences between the groups at TG and CG. All analyses were executed using SPSS software 18.0. The level of significance was set at p

This study investigated the feasibility of the Infrared (IR) sensor-based walking aids for detecting the gait intention. To compensate for the defects of Force Sensing Resistors (FSRs) or force sensors, such as the velocity control problem on gait slopes, we used IR sensors to investigate knee joint anterior displacement in order to recognize the gait intention. We also measure leg muscle activities and foot pressure, in order to verify our investigation. We placed two IR sensors on the rollator center to sense left and right leg walking intentions. We took EMG signals of four leg muscles, and analyzed them. Foot pressure analysis parameters were the measured force and mean pressure. We conducted experiments on twenty young healthy adults. The results show that knee joint anterior displacement increases according to gait slope and velocity. We confirm similar results of knee joint anterior displacement through the IR sensors.

This study shows the improvement of muscle activity and muscle strength imbalance in the lower extremities through independent exercise loads in vibration platform. Twenty females of age 20 participated in this study. The subjects were divided into WBV group, with more than 10% of muscle strength imbalance between left and right the lower extremities, and control group, with less than 10% of muscle strength imbalance between left and right the lower extremities. As the prior experiment showed, different exercise postures provide different muscular activities. As a result, the highest muscular activity was found to be in the low squat posture. Therefore, the LS posture was selected for the exercise in this experiment. Vibration intensities were applied to dominant muscle and non-dominant muscle, and the vibration frequency was fixed at 25Hz for the WBV group. The control group was asked to perform the same exercise as the WBV group, without stimulated vibration. This exercise was conducted for a total of 4 weeks. As a result, the WBV group which showed an average deviation of 16% before the experiment, tended to decrease approximately to 5%. In this study, vibration exercise using load deviation is shown to be effective in improving the muscle strength imbalance.

This study was to develop the balance insole system for detecting and improving the muscle imbalance of left and right side in lower limbs. We were to verify the validation of balance insole system by analyzing the strategy of muscular activities and foot pressure according to sound feedback. We developed the balance insole based FSR sensor modules for estimating the muscle imbalance using detecting foot pressure. The insole system was FPCB have 8-spot FSR sensor with sensitivity range of 64-level. The participants were twenty peoples who have muscle strength differences in left and right legs over 20%. We measured the muscular activity and foot pressure of left and right side of lower limbs in various gait environment for verifying the improvement effect of muscle imbalance according to sound feedback. They performed gait in slope at 0, 5, 10, 15% and velocity at 3, 4, 5km/h. The result showed that the level of muscle imbalance reduced within 30% for sound feedback of balance insole system contrast to high level of muscle imbalance at 169.9~279.15% during normal gait for increasing slope and velocity including foot force results. This study found the validation of balance insole system with sound feedback stimulus. Also, we thought that it is necessary to research on the sensitivity of foot area, detection of muscle imbalance and processing algorithm of correction threshold spot.

BACKGROUND Lower back pain has a lifetime prevalence of 80% for people in a modern society, and in recent years, spinal stabilization movement has been highlighted as a method to treat lower back pain and an unbalanced position. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to assess the trunk muscle activities in accordance with the tilt angles (10∘, 20∘, 30∘, 40∘) during trunk tilt exercises with a 3D dynamic exercise device. METHODS Active tilt mode (a self-generated active movement in the angle and direction steered by the user) was used in this study. The rotation capability enabled the investigation of the anterior (A), anterior right (AR), right (R), posterior right (PR), posterior (P), posterior left (PL), left (L), and anterior left (AL) tilt directions. EMG signals of the trunk (3 global muscles: rectus abdominis, RA, external obliques, EO, latissimus dorsi, LD, and 1 local muscle: multifidus, MF) muscles were obtained. RESULTS The MF muscle activity was higher while the anterior tilt was maintained, and the abdominal muscle activity was higher while the posterior tilt was maintained. Also, as the tilt angle increased, the activity of the muscles opposite the tilt direction increased. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that to maintain equilibrium through posture stabilization during whole body tilting, the human body maintains a proper interaction among the body segments as well as between the body and the execution environment. Moreover, stability is maintained through the co-contraction of antagonistic and agonistic muscles. In future studies, it will be important to conduct research on improving imbalance in the trunk muscles.

This study intended to identify the effect of the long time whole body vibration exercise on the muscle function and postural balance. The twenties subjects in young people were recruited, and they were classified into WBV and Non-WBV groups. The vibration exercise was conducted 30 minutes a day for 4 days a week for a total 8 weeks, and the vibration protocol were 25Hz frequency and 5mm amplitude. To verify the muscle function according to the long time vibration exercise, the isokinetic muscle function of the knee joint torque was evaluated, while the total work of maximal peak torque to evaluate the enhancement effect of muscular strength, as well as the average power, angle to peak torque, and acceleration time to evaluate the muscular reaction, was analyzed. Also, changes in COP were measured and analyzed to research the functional change of the postural balance. As a result of the experiment, the Non-WBV group did not show changes in the muscular function and postural balance function, while the WBV group showed increased muscular function by 29.11%(maximal peak torque: 17.91%, total work: 26.78%, average power: 39.11%, angle to peak torque: 25.21%, acceleration time: 36.51%), and increased postural balance function by 64.76%.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate muscle function and basal physical fitness in relation to muscle balance pattern using rowing machines. Twenty four subjects participated in this study, using three different rowing machines. Rowing exercises were performed for twenty-five times a set, four sets a day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. Biodex system 3(Biodex Medical Systems Co., New York, USA) was used to measure joint torques in the elbow, shoulder, lumbar and knee of subjects, for analyzing muscle function. The evaluation of basal physical fitness included body composition, muscle strength, muscle endurance, muscle reaction, agility, flexibility and explosive power. Before the experiment, significant differences of joint torques in the elbow, shoulder, lumbar and knee were present between subjects in the group. After the rowing exercise, significant improvement in every joint was witnessed. All aspects of basic fitness increased significantly, and the most improvement was observed in muscle strength from the joint torque results. As shown in the following results, every joint it was evident to have improved by more than 30% with the use of dependent load deviation type over the previously used water load method. This means that it is more effective for enhancing muscle strength and endurance to keep the muscle balance using dependent load deviation. The human body maintains motor coordination of muscle contraction during exercise. The muscle balances in the upper-lower and left-right arms could assist with effective activation of motor coordination. In this paper, an exercise method using dependent load deviation was demonstrated to be more efficient for improving muscle imbalance and strengthening muscles.

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect on improvement of muscle strength unbalance according to load deviation protocol during whole body vibration exercise. Seventeen female volunteers (age 22±3 years, height 160±4.9 cm, weight 49±.8 kg) participated in this experiment. The subjects performed squat exercise in WBV platform. Exercise were performed five set a day including 15 time a set, three days a week, and during 4 weeks. Vibration stimulus was 25Hz as frequency and intensity was dominant leg 1mm and non-dominant leg 4mm. The results in WBV group showed that the differences of peak torque in 16% were getting decreasing significantly after 4 weeks from 16.2% to 5.2%. This result means that WBV with load deviation protocol could provide muscle strength exercise for muscle strength balance. Our study found out that WBV of load deviation protocol could provide muscle strength exercise for improving muscle imbalance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of indoor horse riding exercise equipment on the young people in their twenties. We classified the effects into flexibility, muscle strengthening, and muscular reaction. Subjects performed horse riding exercise using SRider (Neipplus Co. & Chonbuk National Univ, Korea) that we developed. Twenty male and twenty female subjects were included and they had no experience with horse riding as an exercise and no medical history of falling. Exercise was performed for 45 min a day and 3 days a week during 8 weeks in a constant temperature and humidity environment. Once a week, we conducted the bodyeffect measurements. We measured forward trunk flexion and backward trunk extension to verify the improvement of flexibility. We also measured lumbar joint torque using the BIODEX System3 to verify the improvement of muscle strength and reaction. Our results of flexibility showed that values of forward trunk flexion and backward trunk extension after the exercise were higher than those before the exercise. It also presented that the stimulated three-dimensional movement of the horse riding exercise activated joints and muscles not usually used. Besides, the continuous movement of horse riding can reduce muscle tonus and relax stiff muscles. The muscle strengthening and muscular reaction results showed that peak lumbar joint torque after the exercise was higher than that before the exercise. We found that the horse riding exercise using indoor equipment improved flexibility, muscle strength, and muscular reaction. Moreover, we hope that this work will help us understand the exercise characteristic of this equipment.

This study investigated the effect of whole-body vibration on muscle function and muscular reaction in the knee joint. We recruited thirty healthy subjects and divided them into a training group, who experienced whole-body vibration, and a control group, who did not. The training group performed whole-body vibration exercises for 30 min per day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. We measured knee joint torque to estimate muscle strength and reaction, using BIODEX System 3. Knee joint peak torque and total work performed increased significantly in the training group, and muscle acceleration time decreased. These results suggest that stimulation by whole-body vibration can improve muscle strength and reaction by improving muscle tone and increasing blood temperature and flow speed in muscular fiber. Our results also indicate that 4 weeks of exercise with whole-body vibration is required to improve the reaction response, and six weeks to improve strength.

The purpose of this study was to verify the validation of effect on improvement of muscle strength unbalance according to exercise load deviation during rowing exercise. We performed evaluation of muscular activity and joint torque before the test. We recruited twenty subjects who one side`s muscle strength is bigger in more 20% than other side. Subjects divided two groups. One is dominant left side and the other was dominant right side. Subjects performed rowing exercise in electric load deviation rowing equipment (Robo.gym, Humonic Co., Ltd., Daegu, Korea). Exercise performed four sets a day including 25 times a set, and three days a week. Measurements consist of evaluation of muscular activity and joint torque. Exercise load deviation adapted that different value of muscle strength in both arms multiplied 1RM% and added 1RM 50%. The results in adapted load deviation showed that the differences of maximal peak torque in 22.75% were getting increase significantly during exercise in 5.72%. This interpreted that rowing exercise with loading deviation types could provide muscle strength and muscular endurance exercise in same time for balance. Our study found out that loading deviation could provide muscle strength and muscular endurance exercise for improving muscle unbalance.

The purpose of this study was to verify the validation of exercise effect with loading deviation during rowing exercise. We performed evaluation of based physical fitness and joint torque before the experiment for finding muscle unbalance. So we recruited twenty four subjects who have bigger muscle strength in more 20% than average one. Subjects divided two groups. One is dominant upper limbs(DU) and the other was dominant lower limbs(DL). Subjects performed rowing exercise using electric equipment (Robo.gym.Humonic.korea). Exercise is performed four sets a day including 25 times a set, and three days a week. Measurement consist of evaluation of based physical fitness and joint torque using biodex(biodex system3.USA). Evaluation of exercise effect performed each week in joint torque of shoulder, lumbar and knee joint and each month in based physical fitness. Also we adapted 30% of 1RM for muscular endurance and 70% of 1RM for muscle strength as exercise load. The results showed that the difference of maximal peak torque were getting increase significantly during exercise. Also difference of various factor in based physical fitness were getting increase significantly except flexibility and agility. This interpreted that rowing exercise with loading deviation types could provide muscle strength and muscular endurance exercise in same time. These results could be interpret to two ways. One is effect of improving physical fitness for rowing exercise and the other meaned validation of loading deviation in rowing exercise. Our study is going to verify the validation of loading deviation during rowing and we found out that loading deviation could provide muscle strength and muscular endurance exercise for improving muscle unbalance. Our study can be used development of exercise equipment and program for normal people with muscle unbalance. Also that provide effect of whole body exercise to anybody.

We were investigating the muscle strength and aerobic function effect on the aged according to active and passive load using compact cycle system. We recruited twenty old participants and they performed shoulder rotating, upper cycling and lower cycling exercise. We measured the muscular activity, respiratory gas analysis and body heat. The result of muscular activity showed that the passive load could cause muscular activity at 15.4–65.9% compared to active load. We thought that the passive exercise could provide the prevention of spasticity and maintain effect of remaining muscle function in the elderly by caused muscular activity over 50%. The result of oxygen consumption showed that it is the active exercise that used the bigger oxygen consumption at 42.4% during lower cycling. We thought that the active exercise used the big muscles of lower limbs including trunk muscles during lower cycling. The result of body temperature showed that it rises with increase in oxygen consumption and heart rate, and it increased the bigger for lower cycling. The foundation of this study could apply to fundamental research for developing exercise load of indoor rehabilitation exercise system with convenience and easy use to the elderly.

This research was performed to assess the effects of angled whole body vibration on muscle activity of the lower limbs, by examining adults in their twenties during squat exercises, taking into account two variables of exercise intensity (vibration frequency and gradient). Twenty healthy males in their twenties with previous experience of more than 6 month's weight training and no past medical history were included in this study. The experiment was performed by participating in squat exercises which consisted of 3 sets (1 set = 5 seconds x 3 repetitions of exercise), and the muscle activities of the Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis were measured with variation in the gradients of 0°, 10°, and 20°, and vibration frequencies of 20, 30, and 40 Hz. At 30 and 40 Hz, the vastus lateralis showed the highest change in muscle activity, while activity of the vastus medialis also increased significantly. Analysis of muscle activity according to the gradient showed a significant increase of the vastus lateralis at 20°, while the highest muscle activity at 20° was observed for the vastus medialis. In comparison of the change in lower limb muscle activity according to simultaneous stimulation, at a gradient of 10°, high activity was shown in muscle, while at 20°, high muscle activities were produced at 40 Hz in the vastus lateralis, 40 Hz in the rectus femoris, and both 30 and 40 Hz in the vastus medialis.

The aim of this study is to verify the effect of indoor horse riding exercise on basal physical exercise and lumbar muscular function. The subjects included were 20 healthy females, who participated in the horse riding exercise using SRider (Rider Co. & ChonbuK National Univ, Korea) for 30 minutes per day, 3 days per week, over a period of 8 weeks. The subjects were divided into 4 groups as follows, with 10 subjects in each group: Postural Balance Exercise mode (PBE), Abdomen Exercise mode (ADE), Whole body Exercise mode (WBE), and Multiple Exercise (MTE). Isokinetic muscular function test was performed before and after the horse riding exercise, to assess the effect of horse riding on basal physical exercise and lumbar muscular function. The test result on basal physical exercise and isokinetic muscular function showed improvements with variable degree in the back muscle strength, maximum joint torque, total work, and muscular acceleration time. The result signifies that the horse riding is an antagonistic exercise mainly performed on waist and abdomen area, and the machine induces persistent muscle contraction and causes myotonic induction enhancing the muscle strength. Indoor horse riding exercise proved its effectiveness for senior or the disabled people who need muscle exercises but have difficulties performing outdoor activities.

This study was performed to assess the improvement of muscle strength imbalance in the lower limbs using a four point weight bearing reduction system with a two-belt treadmill. Participants, each having differences in muscle function of the left and right legs of over 20%, were divided into two groups of ten. The participants were involved in experiments progressing 40 minutes per day, 3 days per week, during a period of 4 weeks. The maximal peak torque and average power were measured for testing joint torque in the hip, knee and ankle. The results showed the improvement of muscle imbalance as assessed by the maximal muscle strength was the most effective in the hip joint, while the improvement of muscular reaction was the most effective in the knee joint. We suggest that the method of weight bearing reduction could be sufficient to reduce muscle imbalance in the lower limbs.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of indoor horseback riding exercise equipment on the human body. Subjects performed horseback riding exercise using Slim-Rider. We used human body effect methods to analyze the exercise effect. We classified the effects into flexibility, muscle strengthening, and muscular reaction. Twenty male and 20 female subjects were included. They had no experience with horseback riding as an exercise and no medical history of falling. Subjects exercised 40 min/day 3 days per week for 4 weeks in a constant temperature and humidity environment. Once per week, we conducted the body-effect measurements. We measured forward trunk flexion and backward trunk extension to verify improvements in flexibility. We measured lumbar joint torque using the BIODEX System3 to verify improvements in muscle strength and reaction. The flexibility results showed that indices of forward trunk flexion and backward trunk extension were higher after exercise than those before exercise, suggesting that the stimulated three-dimensional movement of the horseback riding exercise activated joints and muscles not usually used. Besides, the continuous movement of horseback riding can reduce muscle tonus and relax stiff muscles. The muscle strengthening and muscular reaction results showed that peak lumbar joint torque was higher after exercise than that before exercise. Horseback riding exercise stimulates sensory and motor nerves, which improved muscle reaction. We found that horseback riding exercise using indoor equipment improved flexibility, muscle strength, and muscular reaction. We suggest that indoor horseback riding could provide exercise for patients undergoing rehabilitation or treatment.

Ankle exoskeleton with an artificial pneumatic actuator, which is intended for the assistance and enhancement of muscular activity, was developed. In this study, the effectiveness of the system was investigated during plantarflexion motion of ankle joint. To find an effectiveness of the system, the subjects performed maximal voluntary isokinetic plantarflexion contraction on a Biodex-dynamometer. Plantarfexion torque of the ankle joint is assisted by subject's soleus muscle that is generated when ankle joint do plantarflexion motion. We used the muscular stiffness signal of a soleus muscle for feed-forward control of ankle-foot orthosis as physiological signal. For measurement of this signal, we made the muscular stiffness force sensor. We compared a muscular stiffness force of a soleus muscle between with feed-forward control and without it and a maximal plantarflexion torque between not wearing a ankle-foot orthosis, without feed-forward control wearing it and with feed-forward control wearing it in each ten elderly adults. The experimental result showed that a muscular stiffness force of a soleus muscle with feed-forward control was reduced and plantarflexion torque of an ankle joint only wearing ankle-foot orthosis was reduced but a plantarflexion torque with feed-forward control was increased. The amount of a increasing with feed-forward control is higher than the amount of a decreasing only wearing it. Therefore, we confirmed the effectiveness of the developed ankle-foot orthosis with feed-forward control.