Objectives: This study evaluated students' satisfaction with education in traditional Korean medicine. We included analysis of the factors affecting students' satisfaction. Methods: The questionnaires were developed and distributed to Korean medicine students asking students' satisfaction in seven categories of education: overall satisfaction, curriculum, professors, lecture and practical sessions, grades and evaluation, student activities, and facilities and environment. The responses were analyzed statistically. Results: The score of overall satisfaction of students was 2.69 on average. There was significant correlation between overall satisfaction level and individual factors of the students such as academic year, the timing and the motive of deciding to enter the Colleges of Korean Medicine. Generally, students' satisfaction increases as the number of students per professor decreases. Conclusions: To increase students' satisfaction, the educational environment and the curriculum should be improved. Also, regular assessment of students' satisfaction is demanded.

Objectives: This study evaluated clinical trials of acupuncture treatment for hypertension and to assess their methodology and results. Methods: Eight Korean databases and four international databases were searched for clinical trials of acupuncture treatment for hypertension up to June 2011. Study quality was assessed using the risk of bias (ROB) tool. Results: Twenty-four trials of acupuncture for hypertension were included. There were 14 randomized and 1 non-randomized controlled trials and 9 before-after studies. The most frequently used acupuncture points were zsnli (ST36), qch (LI11), fngch (GB20), snynjio (SP06), snjin (LI03) and hgu (LI04). In more than half of the studies, needle retention time was 20~30 minutes. Compared to baseline, change of blood pressure after treatment was significant in all studies. However, the results of effect on blood pressure between acupuncture and control were not consistent. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to suggest that acupuncture is an effective treatment for hypertension. Further well-designed clinical trials will be required to evaluate the effects and safety of acupuncture treatment for hypertension.

Objectives: This study reviewed research trends concerning the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and to suggest future research directions appropriate to medical circumstances in Korea. Methods: We searched for surveys of CAM use in 8 databases including 6 Korean databases, Ovid MEDLINE, and the CINAHL electronic database. Three independent reviewers working in pairs screened titles and abstracts of articles for eligibility. Full text was retrieved in case of disagreement on the eligibility. The main analysis targets included survey researcher's affiliation, terminology used in the title, study subject, definition of CAM, classifications of CAM modalities, and the area assortment of CAM and traditional Korean medicine (TKM). Results: 92 articles were included for analysis. The major constituent of affiliation was doctors (53%). According to years, study subjects were diversified to a large range of diseases. Since 2003, terminology is absorbed to use CAM. But actually, the most commonly used definition in the research was comprehensive such as "not generally considered part of major medicine" (55.4%) and the most used classification of CAM was self-criteria (61.9%). As for area assortment of CAM and TKM, many therapies exist in a gray zone between CAM and TKM. Conclusions: Standardized definition and classification criteria about CAM fit to the Korean healthcare system have not yet developed. For traditional Korean medicine academia, more concern should be paid to establishing appropriate development of definitions and classification criteria.

Objectives: We measured the density of smoke and harmful gases emitted from burning adhesive indirect moxa. Through the test we aimed to find out if there was an excessive amount of smoke emitted and if it included harmful gases. Methods: 9 types of adhesive indirect moxa were chosen. The buffer layers which do not burn during treatment were removed and 10g of each moxa were made into powder and put into a holder. A smoke density chamber (Smoke Density Chamber FTT. U.K) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR I 4001. MIDAC U.S.A.) were used to measure the density of smoke and harmful gases emitted from burning moxa by ISO 5659-2 test. Results: The result of measuring maximum smoke density showed that the regular indirect adhesive moxa (A-F) emitted high density smoke of 172.1-291.4Ds. The smokeless moxas, Seoam moxas, emitted the least amount of 3.4-5.5Ds. Concentrations of 7 typical harmful gases (CO, HCl, HCN, HBr, HF, SO2, NOx) were measured and all of the moxas emitted CO due to incomplete combustion. 4 types of moxa emitted NOx and all smokless moxas emitted NOx. HBr, HCN, HCl, HF, SO2 were not found in any of the moxas. Conclusions: The amount of harmful gases emitted from burning moxa was much lower than short-term exposure standards of chemical and physical factors (Ministry of Labor 2010-44). Further experiments measuring gases from moxa combustion should be done in larger environments similar to normal medical clinics.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and develop the contents of a children's care program with traditional Korean medicine in a public health center. Methods: Data were collected from 28 parents who participated in a children care program with traditional Korean medicine. The program was started in June of 2011 in Gangjin-Gun public health center and finished in September of the same year. The questionnaires to measure effect and satisfaction with the program were composed of demographic items, family information, Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), children health improvement checklist, etc. The questionnaires were executed before and after the program. Results: The PWBS scores increased (4.00, 3.66) and PSI scores decreased (-7.30. -5.95) significantly after the program. The satisfaction with the program was 100%, and 94% in the two groups, and treatment and lecture were mentioned as the best aspects of the program. Eating habits, sleep conditions, and activity also improved after the program. Conclusions: From these results, the children care program with traditional Korean medicine is worthy for improving children's health condition and reducing their parents' stress.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between Yin-deficiency questionnaire score and various biofunctional signals in women. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on charts of 195 patients who visited Gangdong Kyung Hee Hospital between April 1st and September 30th, 2011. The subjects were categorized into two groups, a low Yin-deficiency group (n=118) and a high Yin-deficiency group (n=77). The authors analyzed the correlation between Yin-deficiency questionnaire score and biofunctional signals by Pearson's correlation coefficient test and the difference in biofunctional signals between the two groups by independent samples t-test using SPSS for windows. Results: 1. Negative correlations were observed between the temperature difference of back-humerus, standard deviation of all R-R intervals (SDNN), total power (TP), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) on heart rate variability parameters, and Yin-deficiency questionnaire score. A positive correlation was observed between the temperature difference of knee-humerus and Yin-deficiency questionnaire score. 2. The temperature difference of back-humerus in the high Yin-deficiency group was significantly higher than that in the low Yin-deficiency group. The temperature difference of knee-humerus, height, waist-hip ratio, SDNN, TP, LF, and HF of the high Yin-deficiency group were significantly lower than those of the low Yin-deficiency group. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the comprehensive diagnosis of Yin-deficiency and biofunctional signals is useful.

Objectives: Sahrmann, an American physical therapist, has developed a set of movement-related diagnoses on musculoskeletal pain syndromes (MPS). We reviewed articles for studies of objectification and quantification of Oriental medicine diagnosis system about MPS. Methods: The authors reviewed a total of 12 studies found on PubMed to obtain movement system impairment (MSI)-based classification categories. Results: The MSI system has been developed for objectification and quantification of physical therapists' MPS diagnoses. The MSI system of classification is based on the basic premise that loss of precise movement is the result of specific repetitive movements and positions in everyday life. The MSI system defines 8 categories in the shoulder region, 5 in the lumbar region, and 7 in the knee region. Treatment involves (1) educating the person about the specific directions of alignment and movement that appear to be contributing to the musculoskeletal problem, (2) modifying the direction - specific alignment and movement patterns during daily activities, and (3) exercises to address the impairments. Conclusions: The authors propose that MSI studies could help to advance an Oriental medical diagnosis system on musculoskeletal pain syndromes, because MSI shares similarity with Oriental medicine in terms of holism, views of constant motion, and mi-byung (subhealth) treatment.

Objectives: Eight constitution medicine (ECM), which was first introduced in 1965, has been further developed and refined over the decades, and has consolidated its foundation through many studies on theories, diagnosis and clinical application. However, there have been few reviews on dissertations of ECM. In this study, we reviewed previously published studies related to ECM. Methods: We reviewed a total of 55 ECM-related studies published from 1965 to 2010 found on PubMed and various domestic Oriental medicine journals. Each thesis was classified as a theoretical, diagnostic, or remedy-related study. Results: 1. In the review of theoretical studies, shortly after ECM's introduction in 1965 by Kwon, the authors found studies on constitutional diseases, diets and food table which helped establish the background of ECM. ECM has further developed by comparing its theories with Sasang constitutional medicine, Huang-di-nei-jing, Saam, and Taegeuk acupuncture theories. 2. Research on diagnosis has been focused on its objectivity and accuracy. Constitution could be diagnosed by pulse-taking. To compensate for the lack of accuracy innate in pulse-taking, the Eight Constitution Questionnaire has been invented. 3. Remedies can be largely divided into acupuncture and diet. There were case studies comparing treatment effect of ECM acupuncture to other treatments. Diet related studies were carried out in the fields of immunology and nutrition. Conclusions: The authors reviewed studies that contributed to improved understanding of theories and clinical implications of ECM. Although there were various approaches to its theoretical and clinical grounds, more clinical research is needed. There is also a need to evaluate the accuracy of the experts' diagnoses of the constitution. The relationship between the diet and constitution also needs further research.

Objectives: Clinically, patients with dyspepsia often complain of several gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-GI symptoms. However, there have been few studies investigating the relationship between GI symptoms and extra-GI symptoms. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical features of the 991 outpatients with GI and extra-GI symptom and the relationships between GI and extra-GI symptoms. Methods: 991 patients newly visiting Weedahm Oriental Hospital for GI symptoms were included. Those who had disorders caused by the hepatobiliary-pancreatic system were excluded. The 991 outpatients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire inquiring about demography, past medical history, past institutional care, GI symptoms and extra-GI symptoms. Results: Among 991 patients, 780 (78.7%) had more than three GI symptoms and 451 (45.5%) had more than five. Among 991 patients, 545 (55.0%) had more than three extra-GI symptoms and 285 (28.8%) had more than five. There was a statistically significant correlation between GI symptoms and extra-GI symptoms such as headache, fatigue, forgetfulness, eyeball pain, unrest, dizziness, muscle pain, chest pain, and dyspnea. Conclusions: We found that there was statistically significant correlation between GI symptoms and extra-GI symptoms, which suggests the possibility of main common pathophysiology between GI symptoms and extra-GI symptoms. Further studies will be required to elucidate the main common pathophysiology between GI symptoms and extra-GI symptoms.

Objectives: This article describes the effectiveness of, and student satisfaction with, the medical interview course. Methods: In the years 2010 and 2011, forty-two students took the medical interview course at the School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University. The evaluation of the course was conducted using student questionnaires. Results: The students believed that learning medical interview skills was very helpful, and there was an increase in the number of students who thought they could improve their skills by learning the medical interview course contents. Also, they have come to feel that 'building a relationship' is the most important skill in the medical interview process. We used experiential teaching methods such as doctor-patient role-playing, and the students rated that method better than others. In addition, the students responded that the appropriate time to take a medical interview course is in the middle of a clinical practice. They also thought that the current credit value of the course was appropriate. Moreover, the students wanted to add some specific contents about specialized communication skills for Korean medical treatment. Conclusions: The medical interview course received a favorable evaluation from the students who finished the course. Among the course contents, they were most concerned with building the doctor-patient relationship. Also, they preferred experiential teaching methods more than didactic methods. The current timing and credit value of the medical interview class was evaluated as appropriate, and the students felt that communication skills specific to Korean medical treatment need to be taught. Therefore, we conclude the medical interview course is important and is worth considering as an independent course.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate work-related risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in various departments and tasks at an oriental medicine hospital. Methods: 269 hospital workers were selected for the study. The questionnaire survey included general characteristics, work-related characteristics and MSDs. Cross-tabulation analysis, multiple logistic regression, adjusted for age, work time, job demand and workload, were used to evaluate the effects of work-related factors on MSDs. Results: There were differences in MSDs depending on gender, age, occupation, and work-related factors. Prevalence rates of MSDs were 23.79% shoulder, 14.13% back, 10.41% neck. Risk factors for MSDs was packaging of drugs, transfer, and exercise therapy of physical therapist. Shoulder pain was significantly influenced by using power tools, over-reaching, and job demand while back pain was significantly influenced by weight-lifting operations and keyboard typing. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that consideration of MSDs characteristics of workers in oriental medicine hospital is necessary to change unsuitable work environments and educate on preventing MSDs.

Objectives: This study investigated the correlation among Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Timed "Up and Go" Test (TUG) and gait (velocity, cadence, step-length, stride-length and single-limb support). Methods: The 70 subjects were assessed on trunk control measured with the use of the PASS, dynamic balance (TUG) and gait function (by GAITRite). The data were analyzed using Pearson product correlation. Results: The PASS total scores were significantly correlated with PASS-M, PASS-C, and PASS-T (r =.80 ~ .88 p<.01). All items of the PASS were significantly correlated with TUG (r = -.63 ~ -.81 p<.01), velocity (r = .44~.58 p<.01), cadence (r =.38 ~.51. p<.01), affected side step length (r = .44 ~.56 p<.01) and affected side stride length (r = .45 ~.59 p<.01). But affected side single-limb support was lowly correlated with PASS-M, PASS-C, PASS-T and PASS-total (r = .25~.36 p<.05). Conclusions: Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of dynamic balance and gait. Based on these results, trunk control is an essential core component of balance and gait. Trunk control training programs after stroke should be developed and emphasized.

Objectives: Cynanchi wilfordii Radix has commonly been used with or instead of Polygoni multiflori Radix in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate their history in the traditional Oriental medical literature and quantitative determination of conduritol F from Cynanchi wilfordii Radix according to various harvest times. Methods: We conducted studies of the traditional Oriental medical literature and analysis of the component, conduritol F, simultaneously. Efficacy and origin of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix in literature study, time of harvest in component research. Chromatographic analysis performed using Silica(2) 100A column (Phenomenex 5 um, 250 mm 4.6 mm) with a mixture of acetonitrile and water (98 : 2)(v/v). The analyses detected at UV (210 nm). Results: Conduritol F was detected in Cynanchi wilfordii Radix, but in Cynanchi auriculati Radix was not. We indicate that conduritol F is as a distinguishable indicator with other materia medica. We think the proper harvesting time is October and November. Conclusions: Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of dynamic balance and gait. Based on these results, trunk control is an essential core component of balance and gait. Trunk control training programs after stroke should be developed and emphasized.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent disorder, particularly among the middle-aged. In this study, we report a new approach to improve OSA using oriental medicine and acupuncture. Methods: Three men diagnosed with OSA were enrolled in this study. They took oriental medicine 3 times a day and were given acupuncture twice a week for about 4 months. Results: We analyzed apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), average saturation (AS) and lowest saturation (LS) before and after treatment. AHI highly decreased in all patients and ODI also decreased in two of the three patients. Conclusions: These results indicate that oriental medicine and acupuncture therapy was effective in the improvement of OSA. Further study in a larger group with severity grades is recommended.