• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.509-514
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• 2012

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the effects of upper backbone joint mobilization and self-stretching exercise in the patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Thirty seven patients with chronic neck pain were divides into self stretching group(SSG, n=18) and mobilization group(MG, n=19). To assess the degree of neck pain, the visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized, and to measure the joint range of motion at the flexion-extension, it was compared and analyzed by using the cervical range of motion (CROM) device. RESULTS: The joint range of motion and visual analog scale of SSG and MG showed significant effects on both groups. In the comparison of groups, there was no significant difference, but it indicated effects on improving the pain and the range of joint motion in MG. CONCLUSION: According to the analysis, not only self-stretching exercise intervening for direct treatment but also upper backbone joint mobilization intervening for indirect treatment are effective to improve the pain and the range of motion.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cervical deep muscle flexion exercise (CCFE) on craniovertebral angle, pain, and neck disability for patients with chronic neck pain Methods: The subjects of this study were randomly divided into three groups of 30 patients with chronic neck pain: rectus abodominis functional massage (n=10), cervical deep muscle flexion exercises group (n=10), and the control group(n=10). To assess visual analog scale (VAS) was used to test the neck pain, To assess neck posture was used to craniovertebral angle, VAS was used to test the neck pain, neck disability index (NDI) was used to test the neck dysfunction. All measurements were performed before and after each intervention was applied 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Results: In the results of all measurements, 2 groups except for the control group showed a significant change in the recovery of posture, neck pain, neck disability index (p<.05). Conclusions: Our results of this study showed that applying cervical deep muscle flexion exercise and rectus abodominis functional massage to patients with chronic neck pain improved cervical posture, neck pain, neck disability.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.197-202
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) program on neck pain, cervical range of motion, pressure pain, and the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio in a visual display terminal (VDT) worker. Methods: We recruited a 33-year-old VDT worker diagnosed with chronic VDT syndrome. The subject was treated using a PNF program for 20 minutes a day, three times a week for six weeks. All evaluations were performed every two weeks on the first test day. Results: The PNF program resulted in a significant improvement in the subject's neck pain, cervical range of motion, pressure pain, and the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio after six weeks, in comparison to the subject's condition before treatment. Conclusion: The PNF program can be used effectively to improve neck pain, cervical range of motion, pressure pain, and the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio in visual display terminal (VDT) workers.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 2019

Background: This study was planned to assess and compare the effectiveness of cervical region stabilization exercise and strengthening exercise on pain and range of motion in patient with chronic neck pain. Methods: Fifty-one patient with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated into strengthening and stabilization exercise (SSE) group (n=27) and Strengthening exercise (SE) group (n=24). The program was carried for 12 sessions, 3 days/week in 4weeks. Pain intensity with visual analog scale (VAS), cervical range of motion, deep cervical flexor strengthening were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: After the program, pain intensity decreased in group SE and SSE were found (p<.05). Range of motion and deep cervical muscle strength increased in group SE and SSE were found(p<.05). The intergroup comparison showed that significant difference in range of motion and deep cervical muscle strength (p<.05). Conclusions: The study suggest that both SSE program and SE program might be a useful treatment for patients with chronic neck pain. However SSE program might be superior in improving cervical range of motion and deep cervical flexor strength compare to SE program.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.69-78
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• 2021

Background: Approximately 30% of people suffer from chronic neck and shoulder pain. Chronic neck and shoulder pain arise due to the exposure to continuous low loading and monotonous work. This is a common musculoskeletal disorder in a society. As physical therapists, we should give appropriate treatment to these people. Methods: A total of 26 patients with chronic neck and shoulder myalgia were randomly allocated into two experimental groups. First, 13 patients received shoulder strength training, while the other 13 patients received cervical mobilization. Outcome measures included bilateral pressure pain threshold by using an algometer at upper trapezius, visual analogue scale (VAS) to express their pain scale, and muscle tension by using myoton pro device pre-intervention and after the final treatment. Results: The VAS and muscle tension in upper trapezius significantly decreased (p<.05) in both groups; however, no differences between two groups were observed (p>.05). The pressure pain threshold in upper trapezius significantly increased (p<.05) in both groups; yet, again, the differences between the groups did not reach statistical significance (p>.05). Conclusion: As methods of treatment, shoulder-specific strength training and cervical mobilization can be appropriate approaches to the treatment of neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorder.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.11
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• pp.209-216
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• 2018

This study aimed to investigate the association of the muscle activity around the neck of the operator(dental hygienists') according to the change in the patient's neck angle during a direct visual inspection on the maxillary right-side molar palatal surface. The operators were $4^{th}$ year dental hygiene students, who are future dentalhy gienists, having accurate understanding on and awareness of the location of the operation site, hand fixation, and how to use the tools. Data on the change in the muscle activity around the neck were collected by using surface electromyography and neck goniometer. SPSS statistics 20 was used for statistical analyses including Shapiro-wilk test and one-way ANOVA. As a result, the activities of the operator upper trapezius, cervical erector spinae, and levator scapulae muscles significantly decreased when the patient's head was angled compared to when it was not. For the angle of the operator head, the head bend significantly decreased when the patient's head was angled than when it was not. Based on the study results, it is expected that angling the patient's head when treating his or her teeth will decrease the excessive muscle activity around the neck of the operator, and will reduce muscle fatigue. Therefore, angling the head of the patient while treating his or her teeth is recommended. This suggests that muscle pain caused by repetitive actions in the wrong posture can be reduced.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 2016

In this paper a cervical rehabilitation robot for Mckenzie exercises to be effective to neck pain relief is proposed. The robot has two degrees of freedom (DOF) for Lateral flexion and extension, Dorsal and Vental flexion which enable user to perform cervical stretching and isometric exercises for neck muscles. The mechanical parts of the cervical rehabilitation robot can be mounted on a back- or head-rest of chair, and user can perform the Mckenzie exercise with seated. In experiments we measured the range of motion of cervical part, EMG signals from neck muscles and the contact forces of a head bracket fixing the head part of user, and then evaluated their performances. From the experimental results, we showed a feasibility of the cervical rehabilitation robot proposed in this study.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of neck exercises on neck-shoulder posture and pain of high school students with neck disorders. Methods: Twenty seven subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups a craniocervical flexion training group (CCFT), a neck strengthening exercise group (ST), and a basic stretching exercise group (CG). CCFT and ST exercised five times a week for eight weeks under the researcher's guidance. The control group performed basic stretching exercises. Diagnostic radiologic equipment was used for the measurement of neck-shoulder posture. Neck disability index, and numeric rating scales were used. Results: The CCFT showed a significant pre-post treatment difference on measures of neck flexion angle and forward shoulder angle changes compared to the ST and CG groups (p<0.05). The CCFT group also showed a significantly greater improvement on the neck disability index and numeric rating scales changes than the ST and CG groups (p<0.01). Conclusion: Because CCFT decreases neck flexion angle, forward shoulder angle, neck disability index, and pain in the forward head posture, it is useful for treating patients with neck disorders.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2021

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is associated with weakness in the deep neck flexor muscles, a shortening of the neck extensors, and a reduction in endurance. In addition, muscle imbalance can lead to neck pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction. This study compared neck extensor muscle fatigue, muscle strength, and muscle endurance time between patients with CNP and healthy adults during isometric neck extension. Methods: Thirty participants (15 patients with CNP and 15 healthy adults) were recruited in this research. The outcome measures included splenius capitis (SC) muscle fatigue, isometric neck extensor strength, and muscle endurance. The independent T-test was used to compare the continuous dependent variables between the CNP group and the healthy group. Results: The independent T-test indicated that muscle fatigue in the left SC differed significantly between the CNP group and the healthy group. A significant difference was also noted in the isometric neck extensor and neck extensor strength between the groups. Conclusion: Our results provided promising clinical evidence that patients with CLP have reduced neck extensor strength and endurance and increased SC muscle fatigue, which results in neck pain.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.7
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• pp.655-659
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• 2007

Purpose : The aim of this study was to document the causes of chronic abdominal pain in children referred to a hospital setting and evaluate the frequency and characteristics of functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) classified by Rome III criteria. Methods : One hundred thirty two patients with chronic abdominal pain were evaluated. Examinations were performed in order to find organic causes in patients when organic disease was suspected. Results : Among the 132 patients, 20 patients (15.2%) had organic diseases and 112 patients (84.8%) were diagnosed as having FGIDs. Functional dyspepsia was the most common cause of FGIDs, followed by irritable bowel syndrome. Overlap of some FGIDs was observed in seven patients (5.3%). Conclusion : FGIDs are the main causes of chronic abdominal pain in children and functional dyspepsia was the most prevalent disorder.