• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.395-409
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to optimize the number and positions of foot pressure sensors using the reliability analysis of the center of pressure (COP) in smart shoes. Background: Foot pressure can be different according to foot region, and it is important which region of the foot pressure needs to be measured. Method: Thirty adults (age: $20.5{\pm}1.8years$, body weight: $71.4{\pm}6.5kg$, height: $1.76{\pm}0.04m$) participated in this study. The foot pressure data were collected using the insole of Pedar-X system (Novel GmbH, USA) with a sampling frequency of 100Hz during 1.3m/s speed walking on the treadmill (Instrumented treadmill, Bertec, USA). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated between the COP positions using 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 99 sensors, while one-way repeated measure ANOVA was performed between the standard deviation (SD) of the COP positions. Results: The medio-lateral (M/L) COP position using 99 sensors was positively correlated with the M/L COP positions using 6, 7, and 8 sensors; however, it was not correlated with the M/L COP positions using 4 and 5 sensors during landing phase (1~4%) (p<.05). The antero-posterior (A/P) COP position using 99 sensors was positively correlated with the A/P COP positions using 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 sensors (p<.05). The SD of the COP position using 99 sensors was smaller than the SD of the M/L COP positions using 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 sensors (p<.05). Conclusion: Based on our findings, it is desirable to arrange at least 6 sensors in smart shoes. Application: The study of optimizing the number and positions of foot pressure sensors would contribute to developing more effective smart shoes using foot pressure technology.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.739-750
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• 2004

Purpose: This study was to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure, serum lipids level and life satisfaction in essential hypertension patients. Method: The research design used was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Foot Reflexology was used as the experimental treatment from June 23rd, 2003 until August 31st, 2003. Thirty-four subjects were assigned to an experimental group(18) and control group(16). Foot Reflexology was administered twice a week for 6 weeks and self foot Reflexology was administered twice a week for 4 weeks on the experimental group. Result: There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure but no significant decrease indiastolic pressure in the experimental group compared to the control group. The total cholesterol level in the experimental group compared to the control group was not significantly decreased after foot reflexology. However, the triglyceride level in theexperimental group compared to the control group was significantly decreased after foot reflexology. On the other hand, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein levels in the experimental group compared to the control group was not significantly decreased after foot reflexology. Life satisfaction in the experimental group compared to the control group was significantly improved after foot reflexology. Conclusion: The results proved that foot reflexology was an effective nursing intervention to decrease systolic pressure, and triglyceride but not for the blood cholesterol and to improve life satisfaction. Therefore, blood cholesterol should be further evaluated in a larger group of subjects and for a longer period. Further research is regarded as necessary to evaluate and to compareeffects of self-foot reflexology and foot reflexology.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.113-119
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• 2020

Purpose: A flatfoot that fails to form a longitudinal foot arch is a common lower limb deformity in children. This study evaluated the structural and functional effects of the insole for pediatric flexible flat foot (PFFF). Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine PFFF patients (20 boys and 9 girls, 58 feet) with bilateral symptomatic flatfoot deformities between February 2017 and May 2019 were included in this study. Sixteen patients (32 cases, study group) were treated with a pressured based 3-dimensional printing insole, and 13 patients (26 cases, control group) were followed up regularly without any treatment. Flatfoot was diagnosed by a lateral talo-first metatarsal angle of more than 4° in convex downward and talocalcaneal angles of more than 30° and a calcaneal pitch of less than 20°. The foot pressures, including the midfoot pressure, total foot pressure, and the ratio of the midfoot pressure to the total foot pressure, were evaluated by pedobarography. The clinical scores were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Pediatrics Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) scores. Results: The mean age of the study group was 9.16 years, and the mean age of the control group was 7.73 years. The mean follow-up period was 16 months. The change in the lateral talocalcaneal angle was -4.664°±1.239° in the study group and -0.484°±1.513° in the control group. A significant difference in the amount of change of the lateral talocalcaneal angle was observed between the two groups (p=0.034). The midfoot pressures were similar in the two groups. Conclusion: Pressure based customized 3-dimensional printing insole in PFFF may have some effect on the hindfoot bony alignment, but it does not affect the changes in midfoot pressure.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.138-147
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• 2004

Purpose: This study was done to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure, serum lipids, fatigue and self-efficacy in patients with hypertension. Methods: The research was done between June 23 and July 31, 2003 and the design was an experimental treatment design. The thirty-four participants were assigned to either an experimental group (18) or a control group (16), Foot reflexology was administered twice a week for 6 weeks to participants in the experimental group. Results: There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic pressure in the experimental group compared to the control group. After the foot reflexology, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels for the experimental group did not decrease significantly compared to the control group. High density lipoprotein find low density lipoprotein levels also did not decrease significantly after foot reflexology Fatigue in the experimental group decreased significantly after foot reflexology. Self-efficacy in the experimental group did not decrease significantly after foot reflexology. Conclusion: The results show that foot reflexology is an effective nursing: intervention to decrease systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and to treat fatigue but not serum lipids. Therefore, blood cholesterol should be further evaluated with a larger group of participants and for a longer period. Further research is necessary to evaluate and to compare effects of self-foot reflexology and foot reflexology.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2014

Purpose: This study examined the effect of trunk stabilization exercise upon the lumbar stabilization and foot pressure on an unstable surface with back pain. Methods: The subjects of the study were 10 patients who showed the symptom of back pain with excessive lumbar curve. This study was 4 weeks, 30 minutes per session, three times a week for a total of 12 times as a result of exercise radiation imaging device and foot pressure analyzer. Results: The sacrohorizontal angle was statistically significant(p<0.05). Comparison of the difference between static right and left foot pressure ratio analysis was statistically significant(p<0.05). Dynamic right and left foot pressure comparisons for the difference was statistically significant in the analysis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Trunk stabilization exercise and the reduction of the excessive sacrohorizontal angle, and static and dynamic foot pressure imbalance reduced left and right.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.285-292
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• 2016

Objective: This study collected data on muscle fatigue and ground reaction force during walking to provide a basis for development of custom-fitted outdoor walking shoes. The study analyzed an upright body exercise program using spine stabilization technique to determine the effect on foot plantar pressure in archers, demonstrate the effectiveness of upright body exercise, and develop a new, effective, and efficient training program. Method: A 12-week upright body exercise program was evaluated for the effect on plantar pressure in archers. Ten prize-winning archers (3 men, 7 women) in B metropolitan city, each with ${\geq}10years$ of experience, were given an explanation of the content and purpose of the program, and provided informed consent. Upright body exercise was performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks. A resistive pressure sensor was used to measure foot plantar pressure distribution and analyze quantitative information on variation in postural stability and weight shifting in dynamic balance during shooting, as well as plantar pressure in static balance with the eyes open and closed. Results: There were no significant differences in foot plantar pressure before and after participation in the exercise program. There was no statistically significant difference in foot plantar pressure in static balance with the eyes open or closed, or in foot plantar pressure in dynamic balance during shooting. Conclusion: An upright body exercise program had positive effects on foot plantar pressure in static and dynamic balance in archers by reducing body sway and physical imbalance during shooting and with eyes closed. This program is expected to help archers improve their posture and psychological state, and thereby improve performance.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2012

This study is for providing fundamental data of sport biomechanics in GRF & plantar pressure of stepping foot of skilled & unskilled players' at the soccer instep shooting moments. Wearing Pedar-x of Novel, the study has drawn the following conclusion after measuring and analyzing the impact on the GRF and plantar pressure of stepping foot at the instep shooting moments. First, maximum vertical GRF showed higher in the skilled group than in the unskilled group. The results showed significantly different. This study reached the conclusion that the players in the skilled group performed faster and stronger stepping foot motions that the ones in the unskilled(p<.01). Second, since the plantar pressure of the skilled group appeared significantly higher than that of the unskilled, it has brought us to the conclusion that the skilled group performed faster and stronger stepping foot motions than the unskilled group (p<.05). Third, at the moment of instep kicking, the skilled group's average maximum plantar foot pressure of stepping foot was higher than the unskilled. Though the difference was not statistically significant, it can be concluded that the skilled group performed faster and stronger stepping foot motions than the unskilled group(p>.05). Fourth, for the COP moving route of stepping foot while instep kicking, the skilled people performed accurate and strong shooting motions directly toward the target direction with stable postures, no matter how it's left, right, front or back.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.81-85
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the changing plantar foot pressure by the backpack load of 0, 10, 15, and 20% of their body weight while level walking in flat foot and so to recommend suitable backpack weight limitations for flat foot subjects. Method : 14 young flat foot subjects($24.29{\pm}2.16yrs$) participated in this study. the subjects were assigned to carry backpack load and there was four level walking modes : (1) unloaded walking(0%), (2) 10% body weight(BW) load, (3) 15% BW load and (4) 20% BW load. Repeated ANOVA was used to compare each region data of foot according to different backpack weight. Results : As backpack load became increased, the contact area of midfoot was significantly increased, and contact area of forefoot and rearfoot were significantly decreased. maximum pressure at each region during walking tended to be greater as the load increased, but a significant difference was found only for the heel medial and lateral regions Conclusion : Based on this data, the weight of backpack could influenced structure and function of the foot in flat foot.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to identify spinal curvatures, plantar pressure and foot angles in a walking. Methods : 19 outpatients under 19 years old were included. Plantar pressure and foot angle in a walking were measured by using Gaitview AFA-50. Spinal curvatures were measured by using radiograph. Results : The cervical lordotic angle is significantly difference with left and right plantar pressure(p=0.027). The thoracic kyphotic angle is significantly difference with left and right plantar pressure(p=0.026). Cobb's angle is significantly difference with left and right plantar pressure(p=0.027). The other plantar pressure were no difference from spinal curvatures and foot angle in a walking. Conclusion : There were no correlation between plantar pressure, spinal curvatures and foot angle. We consider that needed more additional study.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.49-53
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the plantar pressure distribution between the affected and unaffected side in adult hemiplegia during gait with the use of a quad-cane. Methods: Thirty-four stroke patients from 34 to 83 years of age were enrolled in this study, and in random order, all patients were asked to walk at their most comfortable speed three times along a walkway with the use of quad-cane over a period of three days. Plantar pressure distribution was measured with regard to foot contact pattern and center of pressure (CoP) trajectories during the stance phase, progressing from heel-strike to toe-off. The F-scan system was used to compare the foot pressure of the affected and unaffected sides. Results: A significant reduction in the total contact area, the width of fore foot (FF) and hind foot (HF), and anterior/posterior (AP) CoP trajectory of the affected side was found. However, contact pressure of the hind foot on the affected side during walking increased when compared to that on the unaffected side. Conclusion: We demonstrated that plantar pressure distribution on the affected side of adult hemiplegia patients was generally poorer than that on the unaffected side when these patients walked with cane assistance. However, the use of a quad-cane was shown to increase contact pressure of the hind foot on the affected side because weight can be borne on the affected side during heel-strike with use of the cane.