Min-Hyeok Kang

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis: imaging findings

In this pictorial essay, we describe the imaging findings of adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder and emphasize high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in its diagnosis.

Effects of a Home Exercise Program on the Self-report Disability Index and Gait Parameters in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

[Purpose] The present study was performed to identify the effect of a home exercise program on the self-reported disability index and gait parameters in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). [Methods] Fifteen patients with LSS were enrolled in this study and were trained in a 4-week home exercise program (40 min/day). All patients were evaluated with three self-reported disability indices (Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and Spinal Stenosis Scale), and gait parameters were assessed using a GAITRite system before and after the home exercise program. [Results] Patients with LSS showed significant decreases in the self-reported questionnaire scores and pain intensity after the home exercise program. However, the gait parameters did not significantly change. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that home exercise programs can improve self-reported questionnaire scores and decrease pain in patients with LSS.

Postural taping applied to the low back influences kinematics and EMG activity during patient transfer in physical therapists with chronic low back pain

We examined the influence of the application of postural taping on the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, electromyographic (EMG) activity of back extensor muscles, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in the low back during patient transfer. In total, 19 male physical therapists with chronic low back pain performed patient transfers with and without the application of postural taping on the low back. The kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and EMG activity of the erector spinae were recorded using a synchronized 3-D motion capture system and surface EMG. RPE was measured using Borgs CR-10 scale. Differences in kinematic data, EMG activity, and RPE between the two conditions were analyzed using a paired t-test. Peak angle and range of motion (ROM) of lumbar flexion, EMG activity of the erector spinae, and RPE decreased significantly, while peak angle and ROM of pelvic anterior tilt and hip flexion increased significantly during patient transfer under the postural taping condition versus no taping (p<0.05). These findings suggest that postural taping can change back extensor muscle activity and RPE as well as the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in physical therapists with chronic low back pain during patient transfer.

Acute effects of hamstring-stretching exercises on the kinematics of the lumbar spine and hip during stoop lifting.

BACKGROUND Hamstring-stretching exercises are frequently used to change lumbar spine and hip movements in the clinic. However, little research into the effects of hamstring flexibility on lumbar spine and hip movements during lifting tasks has been reported. OBJECTIVE We investigated effects of hamstring-stretching exercises on the kinematics of the lumbar spine and hip during stoop lifting. METHODS We recruited 16 males with a reduced range of motion (ROM) in active knee extension (AKE). The angle of the lumbar spine and hip was measured during stoop lifting using a 3D motion-capture system. The ROM of AKE and the angle of the lumbar spine and hip during stoop lifting between pre- and post-stretching were analyzed using a paired t-test. RESULTS We found that hamstring-stretching exercises increased the ROM of AKE significantly. After hamstring-stretching exercises, there was a significant increase in hip flexion and decreases in both lumbar flexion and the lumbar/hip flexion ratio during the preparation phase of stoop lifting. In the lifting phase, only the movement range of the hip was increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS Hamstring-stretching exercises may be useful for decreasing lumbar flexion and increasing hip flexion in people who perform repetitive stoop lifting in the workplace or during daily activities.

Relationship Between the Kinematics of the Trunk and Lower Extremity and Performance on the Y-Balance Test

The lower quarter Y‐balance test (YBT‐LQ) has been recommended as a measure of dynamic postural control in the clinical setting; however, information about the relationship between performance on the YBT‐LQ and joint kinematics is limited. Thus, the kinematic predictors responsible for performance on the YBT‐LQ need to be identified for accurate evaluation of dynamic postural control.

Relationships among the Y balance test, Berg Balance Scale, and lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females

Background: Older females have less dynamic postural control and muscle strength than do middle-aged females. Aging-related strength losses may limit balancing performance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the Y Balance Test (YBT) and lower limb strength to discriminate between females in 2 age groups, the relationship between YBT distance and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the degree to which performance on YBT distance is related to lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females. Method: The 40 healthy, independently active females were divided into 2 groups: older and middle-aged. The participants underwent measurements of YBT distance using the YBT, maximal muscular strength of the lower limbs using a handheld dynamometer, and the BBS. Results: The YBT distance in 3 directions and lower limb muscle strength for both lower limbs were significantly lower in the older adults than in the middle-aged group. A moderate correlation but insignificant correlation was found between the YBT composite distance and the BBS score. In the older females, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip abductor. In the middle-aged group, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip extensor. Conclusions: Performance on the YBT was influenced by the strength of lower limb. We suggested that YBT can be used to alternative as a measurement of dynamic balance. Proper training programs for older people could include not only strengthening exercises but also YBT performance to improve balance.

Patients With Low Back Pain Demonstrate Increased Activity of the Posterior Oblique Sling Muscle During Prone Hip Extension

To examine activation patterns of the myofascial chain in women experiencing chronic low back pain (CLBP) and women without CLBP during a prone hip extension (PHE) test.

Differences in Muscle Activities of the Infraspinatus and Posterior Deltoid during Shoulder External Rotation in Open Kinetic Chain and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises.

[Purpose] This study investigated the changes in electromyographic (EMG) activities of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles during shoulder external rotation under open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercise conditions. [Subjects] In total, 15 healthy males participated in this study. [Methods] Subjects performed shoulder external rotations under CKC and OKC conditions while standing with and without weight support provided by a height-adjustable table. Pressure biofeedback was used to ensure a constant amount of weight support. The activities of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles during shoulder external rotation were measured using a wireless surface EMG system. The paired t-test was used to compare the EMG activities of the infraspinatus and the posterior deltoid muscles and the ratio of the infraspinatus to the posterior deltoid during shoulder external rotation under OKC and CKC conditions. [Results] The EMG activity of the infraspinatus and the ratio of the infraspinatus to the posterior deltoid activities were significantly increased, whereas the posterior deltoid activity was significantly decreased under the CKC condition compared to the OKC condition. [Conclusion] Clinicians should consider the CKC shoulder external rotation exercise when they wish to selectively strengthen the infraspinatus.

Comparison of the Lumbar Flexion Angle and EMG Activity in Trunk Muscles in Individuals with and without Limited Hip Flexion Range of Motion during Visual Display Terminal Work with Cross-Legged Sitting

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the lumbar flexion angle and electromyography (EMG) measurements of trunk muscle activity in individuals with and without limited hip flexion range of motion (ROM) during visual display terminal (VDT) work with cross-legged sitting. [Subjects] The 15 participants included a control group with sufficient hip flexion ROM (n = 7) and an experimental group with limited hip flexion ROM (n = 8). [Methods] All subjects performed VDT work with cross-legged sitting. The lumbar flexion angle was measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system, and the trunk muscle activity was recorded using a surface EMG system during VDT work with cross-legged sitting. The differences in trunk flexion angle and trunk muscle activity between the two groups were analyzed using independent t-tests. [Results] The lumbar flexion angle was significantly greater in the experimental group than the control group, although trunk muscle activity did not differ between the two groups. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that limited hip flexion leads to greater lumbar flexion during cross-legged sitting.

Difference in Selective Muscle Activity of Thoracic Erector Spinae During Prone Trunk Extension Exercise in Subjects With Slouched Thoracic Posture

The prone trunk extension (PTE) exercise is often used to strengthen the back extensors. Although altered trunk posture is associated with movement impairment, the influences of a slouched thoracic posture on muscle activity of the thoracic erector spinae and thoracic movement during the PTE exercise were overlooked in previous studies.