Objective
To compare the movement pattern of the hyoid during the pharyngeal swallowing between healthy young and old person through the motion analysis using the videofluoroscopic study. Method: Eight young and eight old volunteers without dysphagia were included in this study. Movement patterns of the hyoid (degree of anterior and superior displacement, the speed, trajectory and temporal speed curve of the hyoid) were analyzed through the videofluoroscopy and the motion analysis system. Results: The maximal anterior displacement and the maximal speed of the hyoid were decreased in the old group compared with the young. The trajectories of the young and old group showed asymmetrical pathway (returning pathway was different from the departing one). All groups showed two speed peaks at the temporal curve but the peaks at the old group were blunted. Conclusion: Decrease of the maximal anterior movement and the peak speed of the hyoid during the pharyngeal swallowing was found in the old group. It may be due to decrease in the contraction speed of the muscles related to the hyoid movement and elasticity of the laryngeal wall according to the aging. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2006; 30: 485-490)

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of ramp walking.

Method: The sagittal kinematic and temporospatial data of ramp and level walking were obtained by a motion analyzer for ten healthy young adults.

Results: Compared with the values of level walking, the range of motion of ankle at all degrees for up-hill walking and the ROM of hip at 20^o down-hill and all degrees for up-hill walking were significantly different (p＜0.05). The peak dorsiflexion of ankle at 20^o of up-hill and at 20^o down-hill walking increased significantly (p＜0.05) and peak plantar flexion of ankle at all degrees of up-hill walking increased significantly (p＜0.05). The peak flexion of knee at 20^o of up-hill walking increased significantly (p＜0.05) and peak extension of knee at 20^o of up-hill and down-hill walking also increased significantly (p＜0.05). The peak flexion angles of hip at all degrees for up and down-hill walking were significantly different (p＜0.05) and peak extension angles of hip at 10^o of up-hill walking increased significantly (p＜0.05). The temporospatial data showed no significant difference.

Conclusion: Ramp walking showed a different kinematic gait pattern. So, this study may be useful to evaluate the effect of gait training on the ramp and pathologic gait patterns. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 952-957)