• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.101-106
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• 2010

The purposes of this paper are to investigate an effect of weight of material and gender on postural stability and to introduce formulas for those. There were five levels of weights 0, 9, 18, 27 and 36 kg, and two levels of genders were conducted. Eight male and five female subjects participated in this experiment, ten tests were performed for each level of weights to measure the postural stability by using the stability platform. The effect of the genders and the load on the postural stability were statistically analysed by the two way ANOVA test and the regression analysis. The ANOVA test showed that the effect of weights was statistically significant on postural stability to the both male and female subjects. And the postural stability of female subjects was better than that of male subjects. A linear regression formula for the balancing time and the load and a formula for the reduction rate postural stability and the relative load were introduced by the regression analysis.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.30-37
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• 2008

This study was designed to examine the effects of temporary immobilization of the ankle and knee joints on standing in healthy young adults with the use of a postural control mechanism. The subjects were twenty-four college students (12 males and 12 females, aged between 20 and 28). A Biodex balance system SD 950-302 and its software were used to measure indirect balance parameters in standing. Each subject underwent postural stability tests in 4-different joint conditions: free joints, ankle immobilization only, knee immobilization only, and ankle and knee immobilization. In addition, the postural stability test was conducted once with the subject's eyes open and once with the eyes closed conditions. For data analysis of the postural stability tests, the overall stability index, antero-posterior stability index, and medio-lateral stability index were recorded. The overall stability index (p=.000) and medial-lateral index (p=.003) were significantly greater different conditions with eyes closed in postural stability. Therefore, the eyes closed condition is expected to be used as an effective postural stability training for treatment planning in patients with unstable postures. In addition, training based on the dynamic multi-segment model can improve postural stability and is available to therapeutic programs, helping people with unstable balance to reduce their risk of falling.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2017

Background: The multiple hop test is an active performance test that has been commonly used to assess individuals with functional ankle instability. Previous studies have suggested that insufficiency of dynamic postural stability and passive stability during dynamic activities can have an influence on performance in the multiple hop test. However, no study has investigated the effects of dynamic postural stability training and ankle bracing on multiple hop test performance in individuals with functional ankle instability. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of dynamic postural stability training versus ankle bracing in the performance of the multiple hop test for participants with functional ankle instability. Methods: Twenty-nine participants with functional ankle instability who scored below 24 in the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool were selected. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: a dynamic postural stability training group (n1=14) and an ankle bracing control group ($n_2=15$). The multiple hop tests were performed before and after applying each intervention. Dynamic postural stability training was performed using visual-feedback-based balance-training equipment; participants in this group were asked to perform a heel raise in a standing position while watching the centering of their forefoot pressure to prevent excessive ankle inversion. Ankle bracing was applied in the control group. Results: When comparing the pre- and post-intervention period for both groups, both methods significantly improved the results of the multiple hop test (p<.05). However, no significant differences were shown between the dynamic postural stability training and ankle bracing groups (p>.05). Conclusion: Both dynamic postural stability training and ankle bracing showed significant improvement (2.85 seconds and 2.05 seconds, respectively) in test performance. Further study is needed to determine the long-term effects of dynamic postural stability training and to determine whether insufficient dynamic postural stability is a causative factor for functional ankle instability.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to determine the effects of knee malalignment including genu varum, valgum, and recurvatum on static and dynamic postural stability. Methods: A total of 80 subjects were enrolled in this study. Subjects who showed over 3 cm in the distance between the knees were classified as the genu varum group, and subjects who showed over 3 cm in the distance between the ankles were classified as the genu valgum group. Subjects who showed over 1 cm in the distance between the patella and a table in prone position were classified as the genu recurvatum group. Static and dynamic stability were measured as overall, anterioposterior, and mediolateral balance index using a Biodex Balance System. Results: This study showed that knee alignment affected static and dynamic postural stability. In particular, there were significant differences in the mediolateral stability index among genu varum, valgum group, and the other groups, but no differences in overall and anteriolateral stability index. Significant differences in the anterioposterior stability index were observed between genu recurvatum and the other groups, however, there were no differences in overall and mediolateral stability index. Conclusion: The findings were that knee malalignment affects postural stability toward a specific direction. Treatment to improve postural stability for treatment of knee malalignment or to prevent falling or injuries is needed and postural stability toward a specific direction according to the knee alignment conditions should be considered.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2010

The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of lower extremity plyometric training on the proprioception and postural stability of collegiate soccer players with postural instability. The study was conducted from April 17, 2009 to September 28, 2009(for a total of 6 weeks). Ten male collegiate soccer players were enrolled into the study, then divided into two groups: the plyometric training group(PMT) and the classical postural stability training group(CPT). Plyometric training on the lower extremities showed statistically significant improvement on proprioception and postural stability(p<.05). Although not all neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying such an effect were revealed, it is proposed that plyometric training can be used as an effective training program to improve functional postural stability in soccer players with preexisting postural instability.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.23-30
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• 2009

Core stability exercises for patients with hemiplegia have become increasingly important and a variety of exercises have been developed over the years to give the hemiplegic patients more stable postural control. This study examined the therapeutic effects of the core stability exercises on the ability of static and dynamic postural control. Fifteen hemiplegic patients (7 males, 8 females, age ranging from 46 to 76 years) hospitalized in a Daejoen rehabilitation hospital were enrolled in this study. Nine and 6 patients had a cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage, respectively. The subjects participated in a core stability exercise program consisting of a total of 12 sessions 3 times each week over a 4-week period with each exercise lasting approximately 15 minutes. The ability of static and dynamic postural control by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG), respectively, were measured before and after the core stability exercise. A Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare the effects of the ability of static and dynamic postural control before and after core stability exercise in patients with hemiplegia. The ${\alpha}$=.05 level of significance was used for the statistical tests. Core stability exercises were effective in improving the ability of static postural control; BBS (p<.05). Core stability exercises were also effective in improving the ability of dynamic postural control; TUG (p<.05). Overall, core stability exercise is believed to be an important therapeutic method in rehabilitation programs for hemiplegic patients.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.77-84
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of lower limb muscle activity on postural stability and ground type in elderly women subjects. Method : Forty two subjects participated in the experiment (high group - age: $74.29{\pm}4.13yr$, height: $152.44{\pm}5.54cm$, weight: $57.43{\pm}6.16kg$, BMI: $24.77{\pm}2.99$, low group - age: $77.67{\pm}5.16yr$, height: $151.40{\pm}3.93cm$, weight: $60.92{\pm}6.40kg$, BMI: $26.59{\pm}2.57$). Wireless EMG with eight channels was used. Ground types were classified as flat and cushion. Results : In the double-support phase, left and right rectus femoris, left biceps femoris, left and right tibialis anterior, and left gastrocnemius did not show a significant difference in postural stability according to ground type. However right biceps femoris and gastrocnemius showed higher muscle activity in the elderly women group with lower postural stability. In the single-support phase, left and right rectus femoris, right biceps femoris, and left and right tibialis anterior did not show a significant difference in postural stability according to ground type. In addition, left biceps femoris had higher muscle activity in the elderly women group with lower postural stability. Left gastrocnemius had higher muscle activity in the elderly women group with higher postural stability and right gastrocnemius had higher muscle activity in the elderly women group on cushion ground. Conclusion : In a dynamic postural stability and cushion ground, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscle activity were high. As a result, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscle strengthening exercise on cushion ground could be beneficial in the prevention of falling.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fatigue induction on ground reaction force (GRF) components, postural stability, and vertical jump performance in Taekwondo athletes. Method: Ten Taekwondo athletes (5 men, 5 women; mean age, $22.30{\pm}2.62years$; mean height, $174.21{\pm}9.20cm$; mean body weight, $67.28{\pm}12.56kg$) participated in this study. Fatigue was induced by a short period of strenuous exercise performed on a motorized treadmill. The analyzed variables included vertical jump performance, static stability (mediolateral [ML], center of pressure [COP], anteroposterior [AP] COP, ${\Delta}COPx$, ${\Delta}COPy$, and COP area), postural stability index values (ML stability index [MLSI], AP stability index [APSI], vertical stability index [VSI], dynamic postural stability index [DPSI]), and GRF components (ML force, AP force, peak vertical force [PVF], and loading rate). To analyze the variables measured in this study, PASW version 22.0 was used to calculate the mean and standard deviation, while a paired t-test was used to evaluate the pre- versus post-fatigue results. Pearson's correlation coefficients among variables were also analyzed. The statistical significance level was set at ${\alpha}$ = .05. Results: Vertical jump performance decreased significantly after the induction of fatigue, while AP COP, ${\Delta}COPx$, COP area, APSI, VSI, and DPSI increased significantly. PVF and loading rate increased significantly after the induction of fatigue, while the postural stability variables (AP COP, ${\Delta}COPy$, COP area, APSI, VSI, DPSI) were similarly correlated with GRF components (PVF, loading rate) after fatigue was achieved (r = .600, $R^2$ = 37%). Conclusion: These results suggest that the induction of fatigue can decrease postural stability and exercise performance of Taekwondo athletes during training and competition sessions.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2004

The objective of this study is to identify the effects of material position and physical fatigue on postural stability. Ten male subjects participated in this study. After bicycling exercises, their centers of pressure (COPs) were measured under four material handling positions and four excercise levels. The measured COPs were then utilized to calculate postural sway length in each experimental condition. Subjects' postural stability was quantified using the sway length. Results showed that the effect of different material handling position was significant on the postural sway length in both the posterior-anterior axis and the medio-lateral axis. Results also showed that the postural sway length was increased as physical fatigue accumulated, significantly in subject's posterior-anterior axis. The results imply that bearing a material on the back or front with both hands appeared to cause least sway length and instability.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.192-198
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• 2012

Objectives: Slip and fall accidents in the workplace are one of the top causes of work related fatalities and injuries. Previous studies have indicated that fall risk was related to postural and dynamic stability. However, the usage of this theoretical relationship was limited by laboratory based measuring instruments. The current study proposed a new method for stability assessment by use of inertial measurement units (IMUs). Methods: Accelerations at different body parts were recorded by the IMUs. Postural and local dynamic stability was assessed from these measures and compared with that computed from the traditional method. Results: The results demonstrated: 1) significant differences between fall prone and healthy groups in IMU assessed dynamic stability; and 2) better power of discrimination with multi stability index assessed by IMUs. Conclusion: The findings can be utilized in the design of a portable screening or monitoring tool for fall risk assessment in various industrial settings.