Earticle

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of unicycle exercise on trunk muscle thickness. Methods: A total of 30 university students were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). In the experimental group, unicycle exercise was performed for 50 minutes, 3 times per week, and a total of 10 weeks. In the control group, trunk muscle strengthening exercises were performed during the same period. To investigate the trunk muscle thickness of the subjects, ultrasound imaging was used to measure the external oblique muscle, internal oblique muscle, transverse abdominis, and multifidus. Results: As a result, it was found that there was a significant difference between groups and between preand post-tests in the external oblique , transverse abdominis, and multifidus muscles. In the internal oblique muscle, there was a significant difference between pre- and post-tests, but not between groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the unicycle exercise increased trunk muscle thickness. This result can be suggested as basic data for the effect of the unicycle exercise on abdominal and back muscle contraction.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of squat exercises performed under different levels of support surface stability on lower limb muscle architecture in individuals with subacute stroke. Specifically, this study aimed to compare the changes in muscle thickness and pennation angle of the paretic tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles between stable and unstable support surface conditions. Methods: Twenty-six individuals with subacute stroke were randomly allocated to either the unstable surface group (n=13) or stable surface group (n=13). Both groups participated in a 4-week intervention consisting of conventional rehabilitation combined with a standardized squat exercise program performed five times per week. The squat depth (approximately 60° knee flexion) and movement speed were controlled using a goniometer and metronome. The muscle thicknesses of the tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius, as well as the pennation angle of the medial gastrocnemius were assessed using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging before and after the intervention. Within-group changes were analyzed using paired t-tests and between-group differences in change scores were examined using independent t-tests. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant increases in tibialis anterior thickness, medial gastrocnemius thickness, and medial gastrocnemius pennation angle after the intervention (p<.01). However, the unstable-surface group showed significantly greater improvements in all outcome variables than the stable-surface group (p<.05), indicating larger structural adaptations of the paretic lower limb muscles under unstable support surface conditions. Conclusions: Squat exercises performed on an unstable support surface induced greater increases in the muscle thickness and pennation angle of the paretic lower limb than those performed on a stable surface. These findings suggest that incorporating unstable support surfaces into squat training may provide additional benefits in promoting neuromuscular and structural adaptations in individuals with subacute stroke. Further studies are required to examine whether these architectural changes translate into functional improvements.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether the use of a massage chair equipped with Golf Mode, specifically developed for golfers, has a positive effect on golfers’ swing performance and physiological changes in the lumbar muscles. Methods: In total, 20 golfers (age: 51.47±14.09 years) with experience ranging from 1 to 40 years participated in this study. Golfers received a 20-min intervention with a massage chair equipped with the Golf Mode, both before and after which their golf swing performance was assessed using a screen golf device. Additionally, muscle contraction thickness during the address posture was observed using wireless ultrasound equipment. After completing all the measurements, the participants were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the Golf Mode. Results: The findings of this study demonstrated significant improvements in four of 11 golf swing performance-related metrics: total distance (P<.01), carry distance (P<.01), ball speed (P=.01), and club head speed (P=0.03). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in muscle thickness during the address posture, indicating physiological changes in muscle flexibility. The study also revealed high levels of satisfaction among the players with their golf performance after the Golf-Mode massage (score: 4.26±0.56 out of 5). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a massage chair equipped with the Golf Mode is effective in improving golf swing distance and has a positive impact on the psychological well-being of players.

본 연구는 토트백이 젊은 여성의 작은가슴근 두께와 위등세모근의 긴장도에 어떤 영향을 미치는지를 확인하였다. 습관적으로 토트백을 들고 다니는 27명의 여성이 본 연구에 동원되었다. 대상자들은 대상자들의 체중의 0 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, 10 % 무게에 해당하는 토트백을 한쪽 손목으로 들고 있는 동안 작은가슴근의 두께와 위등세모근의 긴장도를 측정하였다. 가방의 무게가 증가할수록 위등세모근의 긴장도는 유의하게 증가되었으며(p<.05), 작은가슴근의 두께 역시 가방 무게에 따라 유의하게 증가되는 것을 확인하였다(p<.05). 이러한 결과를 바탕으로, 손목으로 토트백을 드는 습관이 젊은 여성의 위등세모근과 작은가슴근에 해로운 영향을 끼칠 수 있다는 것을 확인하였다. 그러므로, 본 연구는 토트백 즐겨 사용하는 여성들에게 가능하다면 토트백 무게를 감소시킬 것을 제안한다.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of tote bag weight on muscle thickness of pectroalis minor and tone of upper trapezius in young adult women. 27 women habitual of carrying tote bags. The subjects were measured the tone of the upper trapezius muscle and the thickness of the pectoralis minor muscle while carrying tote bags with the weight of 0%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% of the subjects' body weight. As the weight load increased, the upper trapezius muscle demonstrated significantly increased muscle tone (p<.05). additionally, a significantly increased thickness in the pectoralis minor muscle was noted(p<.05). These findings suggest that the habit of carrying a tote bag on the wrist may be disadvantageous to improving the two muscles in young women. Therefore, this study recommend women who likely used tote bag decrease the weight of the bag.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of quadruped exercise according to the change of the support surface on the muscle thickness and muscle tone of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles. Thity healthy adults (16 males and 14 females) voluntarily participated in the experiment. The Q (Quadruped) and Q-L (Quadruped-Lifting right leg) exercises were performed on a stable support surface; whereas the Q-LT (Quadruped-Lifting right leg using TOGU dynamic airchusion) and Q-LS (Quadruped-Lifting right leg using Sling) exercises were performed on an unstable support surface. Outcome measurement included muscle thickness and muscle tone measurement using ultrasound equipment and Myoton, respectively. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. The result of the study showed that in Q-L, Q-LT, and Q-LS, the muscle thickness of the multifidus and erector spinae was significantly increased compared to Q (p<.05). The muslce tone of the multifidus in Q-LT and Q-LS, increased compared to Q (p<.05). The muscle tone of the erector spinae muscle was significantly increased in Q-L, Q-LT and Q-LS compared to Q (p<.05). The muscle thickness was significantly increased in the unstable support surfaces in Q-LT and Q-LS compared to the stable support surfaces of Q and Q-L (p<.05). However, a significant difference between Q-LT and Q-LS was absent, which were the unstable support surfaces. Therefore, the results of this study showed that the quadruped exercise was more effective on an unstable support surface. This result can be used as useful data for the prescription and application of various exercises in clinical practice.

Shoulder impingement syndrome, the main cause of shoulder pain, is often caused by weakness of the scapular retractor muscles. The major scapular retractor muscles are the middle trapezius and rhomboid muscles, however, related research is still lacking. In this study, we used an ultrasound imaging device and a tape measure to quantitatively measure the muscle thickness and muscle length of the middle trapezius and rhomboid muscle, which are activated according to the shoulder abduction angle during the retraction motion in 24 healthy adults. Three motions were performed with shoulder abduction angles of 30°, 60°, and 90°. The mean and standard error of measurement of the muscle thickness and length were calculated, and repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests were performed. Muscle thickness was significantly increased at abduction angle of 90° for the middle trapezius muscle (p<.05) and abduction angle of 60° for the rhomboid muscles (p<.05), respectively. Muscle length was significantly decreased at abduction angle of 90° at both middle trapezius muscle (p<.05) and rhomboid muscle (p<.05), separately. This study suggests that it can be effectively applied by distinguishing the shoulder abduction angles of the two muscles, middle trapezius and rhomboid, during scapular retraction.

This study used ultrasound to measure the effect of bridge exercises in three postures on the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles. The participants in the study were 30 healthy adult men and women. The participants performed general bridge (GB), bridge with use of a sling (BS), and bridge with use of a sling involving contraction of the hip joint adductor muscle (BSHA) 5 times, for 15 seconds each. Ultrasound was used to measure changes in the thickness of the TrA and RF before and after exercise. After the intervention, the TrA showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS (p<0.05). The RF showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS and between GB and BSHA (p<0.05). The results indicate that the bridge exercise using a sling was the most effective posture for increasing the thickness of the transverse abdominis, and the general bridge exercise was the most effective for increasing the thickness of the rectus femoris. Until recently, many different modified bridge exercise methods have been proposed, but there is still a lack of research examining the muscle thickness of the lower and upper limb muscles during the bridge exercise accompanied by hip joint adductor muscle contraction on an unstable surface, such as a sling. Therefore, the results of this study are intended to provide basic data when using training bridge exercises for trunk stabilization.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of kegel and dead-bug exercises combined with the abdominal draw-in maneuver on abdominal muscle thickness in young adults. Thirty healthy adults who voluntarily participated were divided into three groups of 10 each: abdominal draw-in maneuver, kegel exercises with the abdominal draw-in maneuver, and dead-bug exercises with the abdominal draw-in maneuver. Ultrasound imaging equipment and a pressure biofeedback unit were used to measure abdominal muscle thickness before and after the exercise. Data analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc tests were performed using the Bonferroni correction. The external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles showed significant differences between groups (p<.05). For the external oblique muscles, significant differences were found between the groups using the abdominal draw-in maneuver combined with dead-bug exercises and the other two methods (abdominal draw-in maneuver alone and combined with kegel exercises) (p<.05). Although the internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles showed no significant differences between the groups, the group that performed the abdominal draw-in maneuver combined with dead-bug exercises showed the greatest increase in thickness. The most effective exercise method for increasing abdominal muscle thickness is the abdominal draw-in maneuver combined with dead-bug exercises. Therefore, to enhance the abdominal muscle thickness in clinical practice, the abdominal draw-in maneuver combined with dead-bug exercises is recommended rather than the abdominal draw-in maneuver alone or in combination with kegel exercises.

본 연구에서는 실시간 초음파 영상 분석을 통해 세 가지 골반바닥근 수축 운동이 골반바닥근과 배가로근, 배속빗근, 그리고 배바깥빗근의 두께에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. 골반바닥근과 몸통 근육들의 근두께는 초음파 영상 장비를 이용하여 안정시, 전통적 골반바닥근 수축[운동 A]시, 엉덩 모음근과 골반바닥근 동시 수축[운동 B]시, 실시간 초음파 영상장비를 이용한 골반바닥근 수축 유도[운동 C])시 측정하였다. 측정 결과, 다른 운동들에 비해 운동 C 수행 시 안정 시 보다 가장 크게 골반바닥근의 두께가 감소하였고(p<.05), 배가로근 역시 다른 운동들에 비해 운동 C 수행 시 안정 시 보다 근두께가 가장 크게 증가하였다(p<.05). 이와 같은 결과를 바탕으로, 본 연구에서 수행한 세 가지 골반바닥근 수축 방법들 중에서 실시간 초음파 영상 장비를 이용하여 골반바닥근 수축을 유도하는 운동 C 방법이 골반바닥근 수축을 통한 여성들의 오줌새기를 개선시킬 수 있는 방법으로 추천될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of three pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises on the thickness of PFM and transverse abdominal muscle (TrA), the internal oblique muscle, and the external oblique muscle. The PFM and trunk muscles were measured using ultrasonography in 4 conditions—rest, conventional PFM contraction (Ex A), PFM contraction with hip adductor contraction (Ex B), and PFM contraction with real-time ultrasound imaging (Ex C). The thickness of PFM in Ex C showed a significantly more decrease compared to rest and others (all comparisons, p<.05). The thickness of TrA in Ex C showed a significantly more increase compared to rest and others (all comparisons, p<.05). This study would recommend the use of PFM contraction with real-time ultrasonographic imaging to improve women’s incontinence.

본 연구는 서 있는 자세에서 측정된 정적균형과 근육두께(배근육, 넙다리네갈래근)의 상관관계를 확인하였 다. 29명의 건강한 성인 29명이 본 연구에 참여하였으며, 근육두께와 정적균형을 측정하였다. 넙다리곧은근의 근 육 두께는 정적균형체중분포지수와 유의한 상관관계를 나타냈다. 그러나 다른 근육과의 유의한 관계는 발견되지 않았다. 본 연구는 건강한 20대 남성만을 대상으로 하였으며, 그 결과를 다른 연령대에 일반화할 수 없었다. 본 연구의 한계점으로는 근력과 시각이 측정되지 않아 연구의 정확성을 표현하고 결과를 일반화하기에는 무리가 있어 보인다. 향후 연구에서는 대단위의 피험자 수를 대상으로 근력을 추가적으로 측정하여 연구를 진행할 필요가 있다.

This study compares the correlation between muscle thickness (abdominal, quadriceps muscle) and how the muscle thickness affects the static balance when the static balance is measured in a standing position. The subjects of study were to select 29 subjects to find out what relationship muscle thickness had on the static balance when measuring muscle thickness and static balance. rectus femoris muscle thickness showed a significant correlation in statically balanced weight distribution index. In this study, only healthy men in their twenties were selected, and the results could not be generalized to other age groups. As a limitation of this study, muscle strength and peripheral vision were not measured, so it seems difficult to express the accuracy of the study and generalize the results. In future studies, the number of subjects and muscle strength should be measured to proceed with the study.

The purpose of this study was to study the effect of external loads on the thickness change of the transverse abdominis, intra oblique muscle, and extra oblique muscle when prone hip extension with knee flexion. This study was conducted on 25 healthy adults, and prone hip extension with knee flexion was performed with 0kg, 1kg, and 2kg of sandbags worn on the ankles in a prone position. The change in muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound equipment. The thickness of the transverse abdominis and internal oblique muscles increased significantly when prone hip extension was performed with an external load applied rather than prone hip extension without an external load. There was no significant change in muscle thickness of external oblique muscle. We propose that providing an external load when performing prone hip extension is more effective for activation of deep abdominal muscles.

본 연구는 헤드 마운티드 디스플레이(Head-Mounted Display; HMD) 사용이 건강한 젊은 성인들의 목관절가 동범위(CROM)와 목 근육 두께 및 통증에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. HMD 군(남자 16명, 여자 7명)은 HMD를 착용하 고 30분 동안 정해진 영상을 시청하도록 하였다. 대조군(남자 15명, 여자 8명)은 HMD군과 동일한 자세로 HMD 착용 없이 30분 동안 앉아있게 하였다. 실험 전·후에 목관절가동범위, 위등세모근과 어깨올림근의 두께와 압력통증역치를 측정하고 대응표본 t검정과 독립 t검정으로 분석하였다. HMD 군의 목관절가동범위와 양쪽 위등세모근과 어깨올림근의 압력통증역치는 사전 검사 보다 유의하게 감소하였고(p<.05), 양쪽 위등세모근의 두께는 유의하게 증가하였고(p<.05). 반면에, 대조군은 목관절가동범위, 근육 두께 및 압력통증역치에서 유의한 차이가 없었다(p>.05). 분석 결과, 장시간 HMD 사용은 목관절가동범위와 압력통증역치를 감소시키고 근육을 비대하게 하여 목과 어깨의 근골격계 질환을 야기 할 수 있으므로, 본 연구는 올바른 자세를 유지하며 적절한 시간 동안만 HMD를 사용할 것을 권장한다.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of wearing Head-Mounted Display (HMD) on the cervical range of motion (CROM), neck muscle thickness, and pain in healthy young adults. The HMD group(male=16, female=7) was asked to perform sitting comfortably in a backless chair with hands on their knees with the HMD was worn on their heads to watch the video for 30 minutes. The control group(male=15, female=8) was asked to sit in the same posture as the HMD group for 30 minutes. CROM, neck muscle thickness, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of both the upper trapezius and levator scapulae were measured before and after intervention. CROM and PPT of the upper trapezius and levator scapulae in the HMD group were significantly decreased and the thickness of the muscles in the HMD group were significantly increased more than in the pre-test (p<.05). There was no significant difference in CROM, muscle thickness, and PPT in the control group. Wearing HMD for a long time can cause a decrease in CROM and PPT and an increase in muscle thickness, and there is a risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and shoulder. Therefore, this study recommends maintaining the correct posture of the neck and shoulder and using HMD only for an appropriate time.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the muscle thicknesses of the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, and pectoralis major, stabilizing the scapula, according to changes in the position of the unstable support surface. Methods: Thirty males in their 20s were randomly assigned into three groups: stable support group (control group), Togu to the arm (experimental group 1), and Togu to the leg groups (experimental group 2). These different push-up plus exercises were performed for four weeks. Results: We found that there was a significant increase in the muscle thickness of the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, and pectoralis major in all groups during the exercise. The increase in the muscle thickness was the highest in the experimental group 1, followed by experimental group 2 and control group. Conclusion: This study shows that Push-up plus exercise has a positive effect on the scapula stabilization muscles. The exercise with an unstable support surface using Togu would be an effective method for scapular muscles.

본 연구는 일주일 동안의 컴퓨터 사용시간이 몸통 근육 두께와 압력 통증 역치에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. 33명의 대상자를 일주일에 컴퓨터를 10시간 이하(A 그룹), 10시간에서 20시간(B 그룹), 20시간 이상 사용하는 그룹(C 그룹)으로 나누어 위 등세모근, 작은가슴근, 앞 목갈비근, 중간 목갈비근의 근 두께와 위 등세모근, 작은가슴근, 앞 목갈비근, 중간 목갈 비근, 어깨올림근의 압력 통증 역치를 측정하였다. 본 연구의 결과 C 그룹의 작은가슴근, 앞 목갈비근, 중간 목갈비근은 다른 그룹들의 근 두께에 비해 유의하게 증가되었고(p<.05) 위 등세모근, 앞 목갈비근, 작은가슴근, 어깨올림근의 압력통증역치는 다른 그룹들에 비해 유의하게 감소하였다(p<.05). 그러므로, 본 연구는 1주일 동안 컴퓨터를 장시간 사용하는 사람들은 장시 간 컴퓨터 사용이 다양한 근골격계 질환의 원인이 될 수 있음을 인지하고 그에 따른 적절한 예방적 접근을 수행할 것을 권장한다.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of computer game usage time on trunk muscle thickness and pressure pain threshold. The 33 study participants were divided into Group A, which spent less than 10 hours per week playing computer games; Group B, which spent between 10 and 20 hours per week playing computer games; and Group C, which spent more than 20 hours per a week playing computer games. The thickness of the participants’ upper trapezius (UT), pectoralis minor (PM), anterior scalene (AS), and middle scalene (MS) muscles as well as the pressure pain threshold of their UT, PM, AS, MS, and levator scapular (LS) were measured. The study found that the PM, AS, and MS muscle thickness in group C was significantly greater than in the other groups (p<.05), and the UT, AS, PM, and LS pressure pain threshold in group C was significantly lower than in other groups (p<.05). Therefore, those who use computers for a long period of time during the week should recognize that their computer usage may cause musculoskeletal disorders.

본 연구는 초음파 영상(ultrasound imaging)을 이용하여 네발기기 자세(quadruped position)에서 골반압 박벨트(pelvic compression belt)가 뭇갈래근과 척추세움근의 근두께에 융합적으로 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위해 실시되었다. 대상자는 30명의 남자대학생으로 실험에 자발적으로 참여한 자로 선정하였다. 골반압박벨트를 위앞엉덩 뼈가시아래(anterior superior iliac spines)에 착용한 상태와 착용하지 않은 상태에서 네발기기 자세를 실시하였고, 초음파영상 진단장치를 이용하여 근 두께를 측정하였다. 자료분석은 반복측정분산분석을 이용하였다. 연구결과, 뭇 갈래근의 경우 골반압박벨트를 착용하였을 때가 착용하지 않았을 때보다 근두께가 유의하게 증가하였고(p<.05), 척 추세움근의 경우도 골반압박벨트를 착용하였을 때가 착용하지 않았을 때보다 근두께가 유의하게 증가하였다 (p<.05). 따라서 본 연구결과를 통해 골반압박벨트의 착용이 요통환자에게 효과적이며, 임상에서 다양한 네발기기 자세운동의 처방과 적용 시에 유용한 자료로 활용하고자 한다.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the pelvic compression belt on the thickness of the erector spinae and multifidus during hip extension on quadruped position. Thirty male university students volunteered to participate in this study. The pelvic compression belt was positioned below the anterior superior iliac spines with the stabilizing pressure using elastic compression bands. Subjects were instructed to perform hip extension in quadruped position with and without applying the pelvic compression belt. The thickness of the erector spinae and multifidus was measured ultrasound during prone position, quadruped position without applying pelvic compression belt and quadruped position applying pelvic compression belt. Data were analyzed using repeated ANOVA. Muscle thickness of multifidus was significantly higher applying the pelvic compression belt than without applying the pelvic compression belt (p<.05). Muscle thickness of elector spinae was significantly higher applying the pelvic compression belt than without applying the pelvic compression belt (p<.05). Therefore, the research can contribute to the prescription and application of quadruped position exercises in clinical practices.

본 연구는 융합형 초음파 영상(ultrasound fusion imaging)을 이용하여 세 가지 교각운동(bridge exercise) 방법에 따른 몸통근육의 두께변화를 알아보기 위해 실시되었다. 건강한 성인 남녀 32명을 대상으로 교각 운동을 실시하는 동안 배속빗근(internal oblique), 배바깥빗근(external oblique), 배가로근(transverse abdominis) 그리고 뭇갈래근(multifidus)의 두께를 측정하였다. 연구결과, 세 가지 교각운동 방법에 따라 배속빗근, 배가로근, 뭇갈래근에서 유의한 두께변화를 보였다. 배가로근과 뭇갈래근은 exercise C(sling)에서 두께가 가장 증가하였고, exercise B(gym ball)와 exercise A(fixed support surface) 순으로 증가하였다. 배속빗근은 치료용 볼을 이용한 교각운동 시 두께가 가장 증가하였고, 슬링과 고정된 지지면 순으로 증가하였다. 특히, 슬링에서의 교각운동이 몸통 근육 두께증가에 가장 효과적인 방법이라고 사료된다. 최근까지, 몸통근육을 활성화 시키는 효과적인 방법으로 슬링 에서의 교각운동이 많이 제안 되었지만, 융합형 초음파를 이용하여 관찰한 연구는 많지 않았다. 따라서 본 연구의 결과를 통해 임상에서 다양한 교각운동의 처방과 적용 시에 유용한 지침을 제공하고자 한다.

This study examines the effects of different types of bridge exercises on the thickness of trunk muscles through ultrasound fusion imaging on 32 students. The thickness of the internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), transverse abdominis (TrA), and multifidus (Mf) muscles were measured in three different bridge exercises. The exercises included a supine bridge exercise, which was performed on a fixed support surface (Exercise A), a gym ball bridge exercise (Exercise B), and a sling bridge exercise (Exercise C). There were significant differences among the three bridge exercises in the IO, TrA, and Mf muscles. The IO was thickest in Exercise B followed by Exercise A and C. In contrast, the TrA and the Mf muscles were thickest in Exercise C followed by Exercise A and B. Therefore, the sling bridge exercise may be a more effective method of enhancing trunk muscle thickness than the exercises performed in other positions. Until recently, no previous studies had observed substantial changes in muscle thickness using ultrasound fusion imaging. This study suggests that sling bridge exercises contribute most to the activation of trunk muscles. Therefore, the research can contribute to the prescription and application of bridge exercises in clinical practices.

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in ultrasound imaging of the lower limbs in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis who received a total knee replacement (TKR). Methods : The participants for the study were ten patients who were to receive a total knee replacement. Measurements were taken a total of three times: before receiving a total knee replacement, and one week and two weeks after receiving a total knee replacement. The vastus medialis, rectus femoris muscle, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle were measured using ultrasound imaging. Results : Muscle thickness of the vastus medialis, rectus femoris muscle, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle had no significant interaction over time whether surgery was performed or not. White area index (WAI) and density of vastus medialis, rectus femoris muscle, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle had no significant interaction over time whether surgery was performed or not. Conclusion : In conclusion, lower quality muscles were due to a decrease in muscle fiber and an increase in fat fiber. Therefore, initial physical therapy after total knee replacement should consider this point and be designed appropriately as a therapeutic approach for total knee replacement patients.

Background It is known that smoking reduces the effectiveness of aerobic exercises and can have negative effects throughout the body. Purpose This study analyzed the effect on the thickness of accessory muscles of respiration, as well as on forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), during a 20-minute stair-climbing exercise for young male and female adults with and without smoking. Study design Pre-test post-test control group design. Methods Twenty subjects were divided into two groups [smokers (n=10) and non-smokers (n= 10)]. This study measured the changes in the thickness of the sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis minor muscle, as well as FVC and FEV1. Results The results of the study showed that the thickness of the sternocleidomastoid and pecto￢ralis minor muscles increased significantly in both the smoker and non-smoker groups after the stair-climbing exercise, although the thickness of the pectoralis minor muscle increased more significantly among smokers compared to non-smokers. In contrast, no significant differences in FVC and FEV1 were observed between the two groups. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, smokers should understand that increases of the accessory muscle of respiration while ascending and descending stairs can interfere with normal breathing patterns.

Objective To assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of the supraspinatus thickness measured by ultrasonography (US) in normal subjects and to identify the relationship between the supraspinatus thickness measured by US and cross sectional area (CSA) of the supraspinatus muscle by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hemiplegic patients.Method We examined 20 shoulders of normal subjects and 10 shoulders of hemiplegic patients. In normal subjects, one examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness twice by US at the scapular notch and another examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness several days later. The intrarater and interrater reliability of supraspinatus thickness measurements were then evaluated. In hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch was measured by US in affected side and compared with CSA of the supraspinatus muscle at the scapular notch and the Y-view of MRI.Results One examiner’s supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.72±0.21 cm and 1.74±0.24 cm, and the other examiner’s supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.74±0.22 cm in normal subjects. Intraclass correlation coefficients of intrarater and interrater examination were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively. For hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness measured by US was 1.66±0.13 cm and CSA by MRI was 4.83±0.88 cm2 at the Y-view and 5.61±1.19 cm2 at the scapular notch. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch and the CSA at the Y-view was 0.72 and that between the supraspinatus thickness and CSA at the scapular notch was 0.76.Conclusion The supraspinatus thickness measurement by US is a reliable method and is positively correlated with the CSA of the supraspinatus muscle in MRI in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, supraspinatus thickness measurement by US can be used in the evaluation of muscle atrophy and to determine therapeutic effects in hemiplegic patients.

Objective To investigate the relationship between functional level and muscle thickness (MT) of the rectus femoris (RF) and the gastrocnemius (GCM) in young children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods The study participants were comprised of 26 children (50 legs) with spastic CP, aged 3?6 years, and 25 age-matched children with typical development (TD, 50 legs). The MT of the RF, medial GCM, and lateral GCM was measured with ultrasound imaging. The functional level was evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and based on the mobility area of the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). The measurement of spasticity was evaluated with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Results We note that the height, weight, body mass index, and MT of the RF, and the medial and lateral GCM were significantly higher in the TD group (p<0.05). There was a direct relationship between MT of the RF and medial GCM and the GMFM-88, GMFCS, and mobility scores of the K-MBI in individuals with early CP. In addition, we have noted that there was a direct relationship between MT of the lateral GCM and the GMFM-88 and GMFCS. Although there was a tendency toward lower MT with increasing MAS ratings in the knee and ankle, the correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusion In young children with CP, MT of the RF and GCM was lower than in age-matched children with TD. Furthermore, it is noted with confidence that a significant positive correlation existed between MT and functional level as evaluated using the GMFM-88, GMFCS, and mobility area of K-MBI.