Jong-Hyuck Weon

Influence of forward head posture on scapular upward rotators during isometric shoulder flexion

SUMMARY We assessed the effects of forward head posture in the sitting position on the activity of the scapular upward rotators during loaded isometric shoulder flexion in the sagittal plane. Healthy volunteers (n = 21; 11 men, 10 women) with no history of pathology participated in the study. Subjects were instructed to perform isometric shoulder flexion with the right upper extremity in both the forward head posture (FHP) and neutral head posture (NHP) while sitting. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles. Dependent variables were examined by 2 (posture)×3 (muscle) repeated measures analysis of variance. Significantly increased EMG activity in the upper trapezius and lower trapezius and significantly decreased EMG activity in the serratus anterior were found during loaded isometric shoulder flexion with FHP. Thus, FHP may contribute to work-related neck and shoulder pain during loaded shoulder flexion while sitting. These results suggest that maintaining NHP is advantageous in reducing sustained upper and lower trapezius activity and enhancing serratus anterior activity as compared with FHP during loaded shoulder flexion.

Effects of the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver on Muscle Activity, Pelvic Motions, and Knee Flexion During Active Prone Knee Flexion in Patients With Lumbar Extension Rotation Syndrome

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of performing an abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) during active prone knee flexion on the hamstrings and erector spinae muscle activity, the amounts of pelvic motion and knee flexion, and onset of pelvic movements. DESIGN Comparative, repeated-measures study. SETTING University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Men patients (N=18) with lumbar extension rotation syndrome. INTERVENTION Subjects performed prone knee flexion in 2 conditions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES To measure muscle activity, surface electromyogram (EMG) of both erector spinae and the medial and lateral hamstrings was performed. Kinematic data on the pelvic motion and knee flexion were measured using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Repeated 1-way analysis of variance was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS Significantly decreased electromyographic activity in the right and left erector spinae and significantly increased electromyographic activity in the medial and lateral hamstrings activity were shown during prone knee flexion in ADIM condition using the pressure biofeedback unit. In addition, the amounts of anterior pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation, knee flexion, and perceived pain decreased significantly during prone knee flexion in the ADIM condition compared with the same maneuver in the non-ADIM condition. The onset of anterior pelvic tilt and pelvic rotation occurred significantly earlier in the non-ADIM condition, compared with the ADIM condition. CONCLUSIONS ADIM effectively increased activation of knee flexors, decreased activation of back extensors, and reduced the pelvic motions and low back pain during prone knee flexion in patients with lumbar extension rotation syndrome.

Real-time visual feedback can be used to activate scapular upward rotators in people with scapular winging: an experimental study

QUESTION Can real-time visual feedback facilitate the activity of serratus anterior in individuals with scapular winging during shoulder flexion? DESIGN Comparative, repeated-measures experimental study. PARTICIPANTS Nineteen subjects with scapular winging. INTERVENTION Participants performed isometric shoulder flexion at 60° and 90° with and without real-time visual feedback using a video camera to monitor scapular winging. OUTCOME MEASURES Activity in the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles was measured using surface electromyography. A video motion analysis system measured the displacement of a marker attached to the acromion in the frontal and sagittal planes. RESULTS Visual feedback significantly increased activity in the upper trapezius at 60° of shoulder flexion by 2.3% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (95% CI 0.7 to 4.0). Visual feedback also significantly increased activity in the serratus anterior at 60° and 90° of shoulder flexion, by 3.0% (95% CI 2.3 to 3.6) and 5.9% (95% CI 3.3 to 8.5) of maximum voluntary isometric contraction respectively. These effects equated to effect sizes from 0.29 to 0.46. Visual feedback also significantly improved movement of the acromion superiorly at 60° of shoulder flexion and anteriorly at 60° and 90° of shoulder flexion. CONCLUSION Real-time visual feedback can be used to activate the upper trapezius and serratus anterior muscles and to improve movement of the scapula during shoulder flexion in people with scapular winging.

Effect of medial arch support on displacement of the myotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius during standing wall stretching.

STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of standing wall stretching with and without medial arch support (WMAS versus WOMAS) on the displacement of the myotendinous junction (DMTJ) of the medial gastrocnemius, rearfoot angle, and navicular height in subjects with neutral foot alignment and pes planus. BACKGROUND Standing wall stretching is often prescribed to increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion for sports fitness and rehabilitation. However, the effect of standing wall stretching WMAS on DMTJ is unknown. METHODS Fifteen subjects with neutral foot alignment and 15 subjects with pes planus performed standing wall stretching under WMAS and WOMAS conditions. Measurements of DMTJ and rearfoot position were performed using ultrasonography and video imaging. Navicular height was measured using a ruler. Dependent variables were examined with a 2-way mixed-design analysis of variance. The 2 factors were foot type (neutral foot versus pes planus) and stretching condition (WMAS versus WOMAS). RESULTS There were significant interactions of medial arch support by foot type for DMTJ, rearfoot angle, and navicular drop (P<.001). A post hoc paired t test showed that standing wall stretching in the WMAS condition significantly increased the DMTJ, compared to stretching in the WOMAS condition, in subjects with neutral foot (mean +/- SD, 9.6 +/- 1.6 versus 10.5 +/- 1.6 mm; difference, 0.9 mm; 99% CI: 0.4-1.4 mm) and in those with pes planus (10.0 +/- 1.8 versus 12.7 +/- 2.0 mm; difference, 2.7 mm; 99% CI: 1.9-3.5 mm) (P<.001). When comparing WOMAS and WMAS, the difference in DMTJ (1.8 mm; 99% CI: 0.9-2.7 mm) was significantly greater in subjects with pes planus than in those with neutral foot (P<.001). CONCLUSION Standing wall stretching with medial arch support maintained subtalar joint neutral position and increased the length of the gastrocnemius in subjects with pes planus. When prescribing standing wall stretching, clinicians need to emphasize the use of medial arch support to effectively stretch the gastrocnemius in subjects with pes planus.

Comparison of Abdominal Muscle Activity During a Single-Legged Hold in the Hook-Lying Position on the Floor and on a Round Foam Roll

CONTEXT To improve trunk stability or trunk muscle strength, many athletic trainers and physiotherapists use various types of unstable equipment for training. The round foam roll is one of those unstable pieces of equipment and may be useful for improving trunk stability. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of the supporting surface (floor versus round foam roll) on the activity of abdominal muscles during a single-legged hold exercise performed in the hook-lying position on the floor and on a round foam roll. DESIGN Crossover study. SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Nineteen healthy volunteers (11 men, 8 women) from a university population. INTERVENTION(S) The participants were instructed to perform a single-legged hold exercise while in the hook-lying position on the floor (stable surface) and on a round foam roll (unstable surface). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the bilateral rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles. Dependent variables were examined with a paired t test. RESULTS The EMG activities in all abdominal muscles were greater during the single-legged hold exercise performed on the round foam roll than on the stable surface. CONCLUSIONS The single-legged hold exercise in the hooklying position on an unstable supporting surface induced greater abdominal muscle EMG amplitude than the same exercise performed on a stable supporting surface. These results suggest that performing the single-legged hold exercise while in the hook-lying position on a round foam roll is useful for activating the abdominal muscles.

Effect of toe-spread-out exercise on hallux valgus angle and cross-sectional area of abductor hallucis muscle in subjects with hallux valgus

[Purpose] This study investigated whether the toe-spread-out exercise affects the hallux valgus angle, the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis muscle, and the hallux valgus angle during active abduction. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four subjects with hallux valgus were randomly assigned to orthosis and orthosis plus toe-spread-out exercise groups. The orthosis group wore the orthosis for 8 weeks, while the orthosis plus toe-spread-out group also performed the toe-spread-out exercise. The hallux valgus angle, the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis muscle, and the hallux valgus angle during active abduction were measured initially and after 8 weeks by radiography and ultrasonography. [Results] While there were no significant changes in the three parameters in the orthosis group, there were significant differences in the orthosis plus toe-spread-out exercise group after 8 weeks. In addition there were significant differences in the three measures between the two groups. [Conclusion] The toe-spread-out exercise reduces the hallux valgus angle and hallux valgus angle during active abduction, and increases the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis muscle. The toe-spread-out exercise is recommended for patients with mild to moderate hallux valgus.

Reliability and validity of goniometric and photographic measurements of clavicular tilt angle

The aims of the present study were to assess the reliability of clavicular tilt angle measurement using goniometric and photographic measurements and to test the validity of the measurement by comparing the results with radiographic findings (gold standard). Clavicular tilt angles were measured in 18 healthy subjects (36 clavicles) using goniometric, photographic, and radiographic measurement. Repeated measurements using goniometric and photographic measurements were made in two test sessions conducted on different days by two examiners to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the two methods. Radiographic measurement was taken once, and the correlation between the radiographic findings and those of the indirect methods was calculated to test the validity of the goniometric and photographic measurement of clavicular tilt angle. No significant difference in clavicular tilt angle measurement was found between test sessions. The reliability of goniometric measurement (inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) = 0.85 (95% CI = 0.72-0.92) - 0.87 (95% CI = 0.77-0.87); intra-rater ICC = 0.80 (95% CI = 0.64-0.89)) and photographic measurement (inter-rater ICC = 0.89 (95% CI = 0.80-0.94) - 0.95 (95% CI = 0.91-0.98); intra-rater ICC = 0.84 (95% CI = 0.71-0.92) - 0.84 (95% CI = 0.69-0.91)) were excellent. The goniometric and photographic measurements of clavicular tilt angle were highly correlated with the radiographic findings (r = 0.83, 0.78, respectively). Goniometric and photographic measurements of clavicular tilt angle obtained by raters in this study may be considered reliable, and data obtained using the goniometric and photographic measurements are representative of radiographic findings of clavicular tilt angle.

Lower Extremity Strength and the Range of Motion in Relation to Squat Depth

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine which variables of the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the hip, and ankle are associated with squat depth. In total, 101 healthy subjects (64 males, 37 females) participated in the study. Outcome measures consisted of the ROM of hip flexion, hip internal rotation, external rotation, ankle dorsiflexion with an extended and flexed knee joint, and strength of the hip flexor and ankle dorsiflexor. Squat depth was measured using SIMI motion analysis software. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and squat depth. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with squat depth. The multiple regression model indicated that ankle dorsiflexion with a flexed knee and the hip flexion ROM were significantly associated with squat depth in male subjects (R2 = 0.435) and ankle dorsiflexion with an extended knee and dorsiflexor strength were significantly associated with squat depth in female subjects (R2 = 0.324). Thus, exercises to increase the ROM of the ankle dorsiflexion, hip flexion, and dorsiflexor strength can be recommended to improve squat performance. Future studies should assess an increased ROM of the ankle dorsiflexion, hip flexion, or dorsiflexor strength effect on deep squat performance.

Effect of Humeral Elevation Angle on Electromyographic Activity in the Serratus Anterior During the Push-up Plus Exercise.

CONTEXT The push-up-plus (PP) exercise has been recommended for strengthening of the serratus anterior (SA). Previous studies have investigated the effect of different stability properties of the base of support to adjust the difficulty level of SA muscle-strengthening exercises in the PP position. However, the optimal humeral-elevation angle (HEA) for selective activation and maximum contraction of the SA during PP has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of HEA during PP on electromyographic (EMG) activity in the SA, upper trapezius (UT), and pectoralis major (PM) and on the UT:SA and PM:SA activity ratios. DESIGN Comparative, repeated-measures design. SETTING University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS 29 healthy men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The subjects performed PP at 3 different HEAs (60°, 90°, and 120°); EMG activity in the SA, UT, and PM was measured, and the UT:SA and PM:SA activity ratios were calculated. Differences in muscle activity and ratios between the 60°, 90°, and 120° HEAs were assessed using 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance; the Bonferroni correction was applied. RESULTS SA muscle activity was significantly increased, in order of magnitude, at the 120°, 90°, and 60° HEAs. UT:SA and PM:SA activity ratios were significantly greater during performance of the PP at an HEA of 60° than at HEAs of 120° and 90°. CONCLUSION The results suggest that an HEA of 120° should be used during performance of the PP because it produces greater SA activation than HEAs of 60° and 90°.

Effects of scapular upward rotation exercises on alignment of scapula and clavicle and strength of scapular upward rotators in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week scapular upward rotation exercise (SURE) on scapular and clavicular alignment and scapular upward rotators strength in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS). Seventeen volunteer subjects with SDRS were recruited from university populations. The alignment of the scapula and clavicle was measured using radiographic analysis and compared in subjects before and after a 6-week self-SURE program. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure the strength of the scapular upward rotators. The subjects were instructed how to perform the self-SURE program at home. The 6-week self-SURE program was divided into two sections (the first section with non-resistive SURE during weeks 1-3, and the second section with resistive SURE using thera-band during weeks 4-6). The significance of the difference between pre- and post-program was assessed using a paired t-test, with the level of statistical significance set at p<0.05. Significant differences between pre- and post-program were found for scapular and clavicular alignment (p<0.05). Additionally, the comparison between pre- and post-program measurements of the strength of the scapular upward rotators showed significant differences (p<0.05). The results of this study showed that a 6-week self-SURE program is effective for improving scapular and clavicular alignment and increasing the strength of scapular upward rotator muscles in subjects with SDRS.