• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.607-614
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• 2023

Clear overlapping of the bilateral epicondyle and proper separation of the elbow joint are crucial for obtaining accurate lateral general radiographs of the elbow. However, due to the complex anatomical structure of the elbow, achieving optimal positioning is challenging, leading to the need for repeated x-ray examinations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the angle of the forearm in patients where accurate lateral images of the elbow joint can't be obtained after vertical incidence using a styrofoam device during elbow joint lateral x-ray imaging. Twenty patients were enrolled in our study following the established protocol. First, a vertical x-ray at an angle of 0° between the forearm and the table was taken (control group). Here, if the lateral image of the elbow joint was deemed inadequate, the forearm angle was adjusted using custom-made styrofoam supports with 5° and 10° inclinations (experimental groups). For the evaluation method, two assessors utilized a 5-point Likert scale to assess the images. The reliability of the assessments was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. As a result, patients with inadequate overlap of the bilateral epicondyle and separation of the elbow joint in the initial examination (control group) were able to obtain the best images when setting a 10° angle between the forearm and the table. The subjective evaluation was 1.6 ± 0.8 points at 0°, 2.7 ± 0.8 points at 5°, and 4.4 ± 1.3 points at 10°, respectively. The reliability analysis for the angles of 0°, 5°, and 10° yielded Cronbach's alpha values of 0.867, 0.697, and 0.922, respectively. In conclusion, when it is not possible to obtain accurate images using the conventional position and X-ray beam direction, it is considered that by initially acquiring images with an angle of 10° between the forearm and the table, and gradually decreasing the angle while obtaining images, it would be possible to achieve the optimal image while reducing the number of repeat examinations.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.239-244
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between upper limb muscle power and bat swing speed in elementary school baseball players. This study subjects were 32 subjects. Upper extremity muscle strength was measured in the Both Shoulder joints extensor flexor abductor adductor, Both elbow joints extensor flexor and bat swing speed. The correlation between upper extremity muscle strength and bat swing speed was analyzed using pearson's correlation analysis. There was a significant correlation between dominant upper extremity muscle strength and bat swing speed in the order of shoulder adductor, shoulder abductor, elbow flexor, and shoulder flexor and in correlation between non-dominant upper extremity muscle strength and bat swing speed in the order of shoulder adductor, elbow flexor, shoulder abductor, shoulder extensor, elbow extensor, and shoulder flexor. From these results, it can be seen that the stronger the upper extremity muscle strength, the bat swing speed is the more positive correlation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 2024

The elbow joint is made up of three different bones. X-rays or other radiological exams are commonly used to diagnose elbow injuries or disorders caused by physical activity and external forces. Previous research on the elbow joint reported a new examination method that meets the imaging evaluation criteria in the tilt position by Z-axis elevation of the forearm. Therefore, this study aims to design an optimized instrument and develop an aid applicable to other upper extremity exams. After completing the 2D drawing and 3D modeling design, the final design divided into four parts was fabricated with a 3D printer using ABS plastic and assembled. The developed examination aid consists of a four-stage Z-axis elevation tilt angle function (0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°) and can rotate and fixate 360° in 1-degree increments. It was designed to withstand a maximum equivalent stress of 56.107 Pa and a displacement of 1.6548e-5 mm through structural analysis to address loading issues caused by cumulative frequency of use and physical utilization. In addition to X-ray exams of the elbow joint, the developed aid can be used for shoulder function tests by rotating the humerus and also be applied to MRI and CT exams as it is made of non-metallic materials. It will contribute to the accuracy and efficiency of medical imaging diagnosis through clinical applications of various devices and medical imaging exams in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.312-318
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• 2003

The purpose of this study were to determine the effect on grip and pinch strength with elbow and wrist angle change. 112 college students, 88 males, and 24 females aged 19 to 34 years, participated in the study. A Grip and pinch strength was measured in two elbow position($0^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$) and three wrist position($80^{\circ},\;0^{\circ},\;23^{\circ}$). The data were analyzed by mean and deviation, and t-test using the PC/SAS system. These results were obtained as follows; 1. There was a more strength grip and pinch power in $0^{\circ}$ than $90^{\circ}$ elbow flexion at three wrist angle. 2. There was a significant high grip and pinch strength in $23^{\circ}$ dorsiflexion among three wrist angle(p<0.01). 3. The grip and pinch strength power was measured higher in male than female every elbow and wrist angle(p<0.01).

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function in patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and to provide an effective intervention method for lateral epicondylitis. Methods: Twenty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned to the ESWT group (n = 10) and the stretching exercise group (n = 10). Interventions in both groups were performed six times twice a week for three weeks. The visible analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain change. A dynamometer was used to measure grip strength (GS). Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) was used to measure the upper-extremity function. Results: There were significant differences in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function in both groups before and after intervention (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function between the groups after intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed very positive improvement in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function after ESWT in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Therefore, ESWT can be recommended for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.628-634
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• 2016

Many pitchers suffer from various types of injury (distortion, sprain and so on). The rate of injury is increased if there are differences in strength between the extensor and flexor muscles when a joint movement is performed with maximum speed. However, there has been insufficient research into the injury caused by strength differences between the extensor and flexor muscles. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine the effects of elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury on the maximal isometric strength in young baseball pitchers. The data collection was conducted for 2 weeks. The subjects (n=36) who participated in this study were placed into either the injury group (n = 18, IG) or normal group (n = 18, NG). The maximal isometric strength for the pectoralis major (PM), infraspintus (I), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), flexor carpi radialis (ECR) and extensor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles were determined by an isometric strength machine (K-DFX) and then the differences in strength were calculated by muscle group. All of the data were analyzed by SPSS 18.0 with the independent t-test. In the results, the maximal isometric strengths in the IG for the I (p=0.035), BB (p=0.031) and TB (p=0.041) were significantly lower than those in the NG, while that for the ECR (p=0.047) was significantly greater. In addition, the differences of the maximal isometric strength between the PM and I (p = 0.008), BB and TB (p = 0.002), and FCR and ECR (p = 0.032) in the IG were significantly greater than those in the NG. In conclusion, the differences in muscle strengths of the subjects in the IG were greater than those in the NG, which suggests that they might have a higher injury rate in the future. However, they might be able to recover from their injury and achieve better performance if the differences in strength were reduced by training.

• Proceedings of the KAIS Fall Conference
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• 2009.12a
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• pp.491-494
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• 2009

본 논문에서는 비우세 팔굽관절 굽힘근육에 원심성운동을 실시하여, 지연성근육통을 유발시킨 후, 자연치유과 경피신경전기자극치료, 그리고 냉치료의 효과를 조사하는데 그 목적이 있다. 자연치유군과 경피신경 전기자극치료군, 그리고 냉치료군의 평가를 위해 팔꿉관절의 운동시에 시상통증척도(VAS), 최대 염력, 실 효치 값을 측정하여 평가하였다. 대상자는 신체적 결함이 없는 30명의 성인을 대상으로 하였고, 대상자들은 지연성근육통 유발 후, 3개의 군인 자연치유군, 경피신경전기자극치료군, 냉치료군으로 나누었고, $60^{\circ}$/초의 등속성 각속도에서 최대 근력으로 운동시에 최대 연력과 실효치 값, 그리고 시상통증척도를 측정하여 평가하였다. 1. 시상통증척도는 경피신경전기자극치료군의 치료3일차에서 다른 군과 다른 기간에 비해 가장 낮은 수치를 나타내었고, 통계적으로 유의하였다(p<.05). 2. 최대 염력은 경피신경전기자극치료군의 치료3일차에서 다른 군과 다른 기간에 비해 가장 높은 수치를 나타내었고, 통계적으로 유의하였다(p<.05).3. 실효치 값은 경피신경전기자극치료군의 치료3일차에서 다른 군과 다른 기간에 비해 가장 높은 수치를 나타내었고, 통계적으로 유의하였다(p<.05). 이상의 연구 결과로 보아 경피신경전기자극치료는 지연성근육통에 대하여 자연 치유나 냉치료에 비해 더욱 효과적인 치료 방법임을 알 수 있다. 그러므로, 지연성근육통을 가진 환자의 치료 시에 경피신경전기자극치료의 적용은 권장되어야 한다.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.66-75
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of two types of stretching extensor carpi radialis on the visual analog scale (VAS), pressure-pain thresholds (PPTs), grip strength (GS), and strength of wrist extensor (SWE) in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. Sixteen patients with lateral epicondylalgia were recruited for this study and randomly assigned to two groups; the conventional stretching group (CS) and the stretching of proximal functional massage group (PFM); the VAS, PPTs, GS, and SWE were measured before and after the intervention. Over a period of stretching exercises were performed for five minutes per day, five days per week. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to determine the statistical differences in the VAS, PPTs, GS, and SWE (pre- and post-test). The Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the effects of stretching exercises between the CS and PFM groups. The results of this study demonstrated that in the PFM group, the PPTs, GS, and SWE significantly increased, and the VAS decreased (p<.05). In the CS group, the VAS and GS increased significantly after the three-week intervention (p<.05). Pain was decreased and strength (GS and SWE) was increased in the PFM group, compared to the CS group (p<.05). The findings of this study indicate that PFM technique can be applied for decreasing pain and increasing the GS and SWE in patients with lateral epicondylalgia.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the simultaneous application of the combination of isotonics (CI) in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and sport taping on the pain and grip strength of patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis among H badminton club members and to provide intervention methods for lateral epicondylitis. Methods: The subjects included 10 patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis. The CI technique in PNF as well as sport taping were applied to the subjects five times per week for two weeks. The visible analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure decreasing changes in pain, and a grip dynamometer was used to measure grip strength (GS). Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare values measured before and after the experiment in order to determine differences. Results: The intensities of pain of the experimental groups changed significantly between the times before and after the experiment (p<0.05), and grip strength also changed significantly from the time before after the experiment (p<0.05). Conclusion: When the CI technique of PNF as well as sport taping were applied to patients with lateral epicondylitis, the patients showed significant improvements in pain and grip strength. Since the intervention had quite positive effects on the subjects that complained of lateral epicondylitis by reducing their pain and increasing their grip strength, studies of efficient exercise interventions will be continuously conducted to propose the development of intervention programs.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.118-125
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• 2020

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is the most common chronic musculoskeletal pain condition of the upper extremities. LE is often related to forceful grip activities that require isometric contraction of the wrist extensors. A previous study evaluated the effect of the diamond taping technique on grip strength and pain; however, there has been no report on the change in the electromyography (EMG) findings of wrist extensors. Objects: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diamond taping technique, using a rigid tape, on the EMG activities of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) during grip activities. Methods: Twenty-four healthy subjects (mean age = 21.50 ± 2.76 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were instructed to perform forceful grip activities with and without diamond-type taping on the origin area of the ECR. Grip strength tests were performed at 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% for maximal isometric contraction force. EMG data were collected from the ECR. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used to analyze the effect of grip force and taping (with and without). Statistical significance levels were set at α = 0.05. Comparison of the results with and without taping at different grip force were analyzed using independent t-test. Statistical significance levels were set at α = 0.01. Results: Statistically significant association was observed between the taping application and forceful grip activity as revealed by the EMG data of the ECR (p < 0.05). EMG of the ECR significantly reduced for all muscle strength levels (p < 0.01) after taping. Conclusion: This study shows an impressive effect of the diamond taping technique, using rigid tape, on wrist extensors during grip activities. Decreasing muscle activity via this taping approach could be utilized to enhance pain-free grip force and reduce pain in patients with LE. Our study suggested that this taping technique could be considered as an effective management strategy of LE.