• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.202-210
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• 2023

Background: The elderly population is increasing rapidly worldwide. Muscle mass, usual walking speed (UWS), knee extension strength (KES), hand grip strength (HGS), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and depression is used for sarcopenia diagnosis. All four of these factors (KES, HGS, PEF, and depression) correlated with UWS and also to muscle mass. But, many studies have suggested that no correlation exists between muscle mass and UWS. Objects: This study aimed: 1) to investigate whether muscle mass reduction affected UWS, as mediated by KES, HGS, PEF and depression, and 2) to explored whether significant changes in these mediators varied by the body segment in which muscle mass evaluated in elderly female aged 65-80 years. Methods: A total of 100 female aged 65-80 years were surveyed. Muscle mass was measured by body segment (upper and lower segment), and KES, HGS, PEF, depression, and UWS were also assessed. Median analyses were progressed in IBM SPSS software (ver. 23.0, IBM Co.) using a downloaded INDIRECT macro. Results: The direct effect of the KES and PEF were significant, and the indirect effect of KES and PEF were not significant. Thus, KES and PEF served as full mediators of the effect of muscle mass on UWS. Regardless of bodily region, KES and PEF combined with muscle mass were significant mediators of UWS, with similar indirect effect sizes. Conclusion: KES and PEF are the only mediators regardless of body part. Therefore, mediating the KES and PEF may prevent sarcopenia progression in elderly female. Also, sarcopenia can be readily assessed by evaluating either the upper or lower body; it is not necessary to measure total muscle mass.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a 24-week combined exercise training program in older women with hypertension. Women with hypertension who were 70 years and older were randomized into two groups: combined exercise group (CE; n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The CE group performed a combined exercise training program four times per week for 24 weeks and the control group did not. Five factors, including body composition (percent body fat and skeletal muscle mass), health-related physical fitness, adipocytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), kidney risk factors (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] and cystatin C), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the program. The findings showed that total muscle mass, health-related physical fitness factors, and GFR increased significantly in the CE group compared to those in the control. Additionally, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and IL-6, TNF-α, and cystatin C levels in the CE group decreased significantly after the intervention. In contrast, total muscle mass decreased significantly and blood pressure remained unchanged in the control group. These results suggest that CE training may positively impact circulating levels of adipocytokines and cystatin C and improve physical fitness levels in elderly women with hypertension. Therefore, CE training helps to prevent renal disease and improve health-related physical fitness, eventually leading to a better quality of life.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between high-intensity physical activity (work) and beverage intake frequency among Koreans. The data used in this study were obtained from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES) conducted in 2021. Statistical analyses, including χ²-test, and binary logistic regression, were conducted to examine group differences(p<0.05). It was found that 63.6% of the group consumed carbonated water once a week or less, and 68.6% consumed energy drinks once a week or less. These results indicated that carbonated water and energy drinks were more frequently consumed among individuals engaging in high-intensity physical activity(work), and that the majority of beverages were consumed once a week or less. Based on the findings of this study, it was hoped that the results can serve as a basis for the development of healthier alternative beverages to replace carbonated water and energy drinks during high-intensity physical activity(work). Additionally, it highlights the importance of exploring new approaches that promote health and the need for intervention programs aimed at improving health.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.95-105
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• 2024

Objective: The purpose was to investigate changes in mechanical properties, range of motion, and grip strength of the forearm muscle in 13 students depending on the wrapping direction of the floss band. Design: A single-blind, crossover study Methods: Subjects were randomly assigned to the wrapping direction of the flossing band and then performed a concentric exercise of the wrist flexors using a Flex-Bar. Intervention A applied the flossing band in a right spiral direction, Intervention B applied the flossing band in a left spiral direction, and Intervention C performed the exercise alone. All subjects used their dominant right hand, and pre- and post-assessments were conducted between interventions. To analyze differences in changes between groups pre- and post-, all results were subjected to one-way ANOVA, followed by Scheffe's test as a post-hoc analysis. The paired samples t-test was used to analyze the difference between pre- and post-change within groups. Results: First, in the mechanical properties of the Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle, interventions A and B significantly improved muscle tone and stiffness than intervention C (p<0.05), and intervention A showed a significant decrease in decrement (muscle elasticity) than intervention B (p<0.05). Second, interventions A and B showed significant improvement in grip strength than intervention C (p<0.05). Conclusions: The right spiral direction of the flossing band tended to increase the elasticity of the muscles compared to the left spiral direction. Therefore, in future studies, it is necessary to choose the direction of the flossing band to increase the elasticity of the muscles.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.99-106
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study is a data analysis study to determine the physical health problems and reasons for disabilities and activity limitation rates that limit daily life and social activities among the elderly population aged 75 or older in Korea. METHODS: This study data was extracted from the raw data of the 7th National Health and Welfare Survey (2016-2018). The subjects of this study were 1,995 elderly people (823 men, 1,172 women) aged 75 years or older. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2018, the activity limitation rate among the elderly population aged 75 or older in Korea was 20.6% for men, 24.6% for women, and 23.1% overall. The three major diseases with the highest frequency of activity limitations were back and neck problems (36.5%), arthritis and rheumatism (28.7%), and knee and leg pain (14.7%). Activity limitation due to old age was found to be 13.1%, making it the fourth most frequent reason. The rate of activity limitations due to mental retardation and obesity was found to be 0%. The three major activity limitation rates were significantly related to gender. CONCLUSION: The main diseases causing activity limitations among the elderly population aged 75 or older in Korea were back and neck problems, arthritis and rheumatism, and musculoskeletal diseases such as knee and leg pain. Therefore, it is believed that it can be used as basis data for reducing the activity limitation rate of the elderly population in the aging era.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.294-303
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• 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) targeting multiple myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) along myofascial chains on shoulder pain, function, range of motion, and muscle strength in patients with bicipital tendinopathy. While traditional treatments primarily focus on a single MTrP, this study aims to achieve better clinical improvement by simultaneously treating multiple MTrPs along the myofascial chains. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with bicipital tendinopathy were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=14) or a control group (n=14). The experimental group received RSWT targeting multiple MTrPs along myofascial chains, while the control group received RSWT focused on a single MTrP in the biceps brachii. Both groups underwent three treatment sessions over a nine-day period, with one session every three days. Outcomes, including shoulder pain, function, range of motion, and muscle strength, were measured before and after treatment to assess therapeutic effects. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in shoulder pain, function, range of motion, and muscle strength (p<0.05). However, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in all outcome measures compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: RSWT targeting multiple MTrPs along myofascial chains showed significantly greater effects in relieving shoulder pain, improving function, enhancing range of motion, and strengthening muscles in patients with bicipital tendinopathy compared to treatment targeting a single MTrP. Therefore, this study proposes that a comprehensive treatment strategy considering the entire myofascial pathway may be more effective in the rehabilitation of patients with bicipital tendinopathy.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2020

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before-after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects' GCMs for 10-15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle's architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.168-175
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate and report the current status of physical therapy (PT) performed in Korean neonatal intensive care units (NICU) to present foundational data that promotes the advances in neonatal PT in Korea. Methods: Based on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) data, we administered a questionnaire survey to 74 hospitals (39 tertiary and 35 general hospitals) in Korea equipped with a NICU and pediatric PT unit. We developed a 32-item questionnaire with reference to previous Korean studies. The questionnaires were distributed and retrieved via regular mail and an online system. Results: Of the 74 hospitals, 58 (78%) practiced neonatal PT and the duration of each session significantly differed according to the hospital rating. PT was given, depending on clinical symptoms, to infants who were preterm and low birth-weight (96.5%), had brain and spinal cord diseases (84.5%), had pathological tonus (94.8%), with respiratory problems (65.5%), for range of motion exercises (82.8%), for neurodevelopment approaches (72.4%), and for positioning (70.7%). Interdisciplinary meetings were held to share clinical decisionmaking in 17.2% of the hospitals surveyed and parent-participating education to ensure a family-centered approach was offered in 63.8% of the hospitals. The barriers of neonatal PT included low insurance fees, insufficient awareness of colleagues, and the severity of the patient. Conclusion: This study is the first report of the current status of neonatal PT in Korea. The findings of this study will serve as foundational data to review the current neonatal PT practice and promote further advances.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.159-170
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• 2002

Parkinson's disease(PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the functioning of the basal ganglia, a brain area that contributes to the control of movement. The disease is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger. The cells affected usually produce a neurotransmitter(a chemical that transmits nerver impulses) called dopamine, which acts with acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter, to fine-tune muscle control. In Parkinson's disease, the level of dopamine relative to acetylcholine is reduced, adversely affecting muscle control. When the supply of dopamine is depleted, the function of the basal ganglia is disrupted and its ability to control movement-deteriorates. The result is that PD patients experience moderate rigidity, difficulty in initiating movements and slowness in executing them, and a rhythmical tremor at rest. Although the cause of Parkinson's disease is not known, genetic factors may be involved. About 3 in 10 people with the disorder have an affected family member. About 1 in 100 people over the age of 60 in the US have Parkinson's disease. And Parkinson's disease is slightly more common in men. The course of the disease is variable, but drags may be the best effective in treating the symptoms and improving quality of life. But, The doctor may arrange physical therapy to help with physical mobility problems. It is important to continue to exercise and take care of your general health. Try to take a walk each day. Stretching exercises can help you maintain your strength and mobility. So, This papers will serve about the information of PD for clinical physical therapist. Finally, The aim of review is increasing approach method and technique for PD patients by the view of physical therapy.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.311-320
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• 2010

This study aimed to examine the development and characteristics of the workers with upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders and to analyze the upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders for its relationship with the individual socio-demographic characteristics. This study investigated the effect on the limitations of physical activities using standardized surveillance tool and clinical diagnosis. Musculoskeletal symptoms and the limitations of physical activities were examined. The clinical diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders were carried out by physical examination, radiological examination and electromyography-electroneuronography for 22 workers in kitchen hood assembly process and 50 workers in toggle process of leather product manufacturing. The proportion of workers with musculoskeletal disorders was higher and the DASH score was also statistically higher in female and aged workers with longer working hours, longer household working hours, less leisure/hobby activity and higher physical load. Physical activities component score increased in the following order: workers in normal health, workers with musculoskeletal symptoms, and workers with musculoskeletal disorders as clinically diagnosed. Score for each DASH component increased in the following order: sports/performing arts ability, social activities, specific physical functional activities, work or other regular daily activities, work ability, psychological activities, insomnia and upper limb symptoms. The overall and each component DASH scores were higher in workers with symptoms of status praesens and of more severity, and receiving medical intervention. Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders are associated with individual socio-demographic characteristics, and DASH score for physical activities of upper limb was higher in workers with musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders have a remarkable epidemiological significance for physical activities, social activities, work or other regular daily activities, upper limb symptoms and insomnia, where work ability, sports/performing arts ability and preventive measure is needed.