• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.481-486
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the effect of calf muscle fatigue on postural sway according to foot posture (a pes cavus, a normal foot, and a pes planus). Methods: The subjects of this study were 12, 11, and 9 students of U University with a pes cavus, a normal foot, and a pes planus, respectively, according to a Navicular Drop Test. Postural sway was measured with a balance instrument (BioRescue, RM Ingenierie, France) while the subjects stood static on two legs as well as during one-leg standing using the dominant leg in two conditions (with the eyes open and with the eyes closed for 30 seconds). Muscle fatigue was then induced in the calf muscle of the dominant leg, and both muscle fatigue and postural sway were measured using an EMG. To compare the degree of postural sway between the three groups after muscle fatigue was induced, the change values were calculated. The results were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test, and a post-hoc test was conducted using the Bonferroni correction. Results: Significant inter-group differences were detected for postural sway during two-leg standing with the eyes closed and during one-leg standing with the eyes open and with the eyes closed (p<0.05). The post-hoc test showed significant differences between the pes cavus and normal foot groups and between the pes planus and normal foot groups for all three variables (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was detected between the pes cavus and pes planus groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the pes cavus and pes planus cause more fatigue and postural sway than a normal foot. Therefore, attention should be paid to changes in balance caused by muscle fatigue.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.136-141
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• 2021

Purpose: Dementia is a disease in which cognitive function declines, leading to deterioration of body functions and activities of daily living. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of dual-task training, including cognitive tasks, on cognitive and body function and β-amyloid levels in Alzheimer's dementia patients. Methods: 34 inpatients diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia at a nursing hospital located in South Korea. The patients were randomly divided into a dual-task group (n=16) and a single-task group (n=18). Each group was trained for 30 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. The MMSE-K was used to measure the patients' cognitive function. To assess the patients' static balance ability, their LOS was measured using BioRescue. while dynamic balance was measured using the BBS. The 10MWT were conducted to evaluate the patients' walking ability. Blood analysis was performed to measure levels of β-amyloid. Results: Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in gait function after the training (p<0.05). The dual-task group exhibited statistically significant differences in cognitive function, static and dynamic balance function, and β-amyloid levels after training (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dual-task training were found to be effective in improving cognitive and bodily functioning and reducing β-amyloid levels in Alzheimer's dementia patients. Thus, this may be suggested as an effective exercise method for the treatment and early prevention of Alzheimer's dementia.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.64-72
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of wall squat exercise according to the difference in the support surface on the thickness change of external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominalis of the trunk muscles and the change in distance of center of pressure when the eyes are opened and closed. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 26 healthy adults, 18 males and 8 females. The composition of each group using the single-blind method was 13 people in the unstable side wall squat exercise group and 13 people in the stable side wall squat exercise group. Experimental measurements were divided into before, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after the experiment, and changes in muscle thickness and balance were confirmed. Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasinic, and static balance change was measured using Bio-rescue. Results: There were significant differences in the thickness changes of external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominalis according to the wall squat exercise method by period and in the interaction between the period and the group (p<0.05). As a result of the post-hoc analysis, there was a significant difference in the change between the two groups in external oblique muscle after 6 weeks. And there was a significant difference in the distance of the pressure center between eyes open and closed eyes (p<0.05). Conclusion: In terms of instability, wall squat exercise was positive for changes in trunk muscle thickness. It suggests the possibility of using it for trunk muscle strengthening training in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.212-217
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• 2022

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the effects of visual cue deprivation balance training by applying head control feedback to the balance function and the fall index in older people. Methods: The study was conducted on 26 older people at the S Hospital in Gyeongsansi. The patients were randomly divided into the experimental groupI (EGI, n=9), the experimental groupII (EGII, n=9), and the control group (CG, n=8). The three groups were trained for 30 minutes three times a week for four weeks. To assess the patients' static balance function, their limits of stability (LOS) was measured using the BioRescue system, (RM Ingenierie, France), composed of a pressure platform that can measure force in diverse ways, a computer, and a monitor. The dynamic balance function was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Also, the fall index was measured to evaluate the risk of falling. A paired t-test was performed to compare pre- and post-training performance within the groups. One-way ANOVA was performed for comparing the three groups. A post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was also performed. Results: The results of the LOS showed a significant difference after training in the EGI and EGII groups (p<0.05). As a result of the difference between the three groups, there was a significant difference after training (p<0.05). The results of the BBS showed a significant difference after training in the EGI group (p<0.05). As a result of the difference between the three groups, there was a significant difference after training (p<0.05). Conclusion: Visual cue deprivation balance training applying head control feedback is effective in improving the dynamic balance function in older people. It is also necessary to constantly maintain the head orientation by feedback and to properly control the head movement.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.253-262
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of performing the half squat exercise with Kinesio taping (HSEKT) on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity and balance ability in general university students. Methods: The 32 participants were randomly assigned to either the HSEKT group (half squats with Kinesio taping) or the control group (half squats with sham Kinesio taping). Both groups performed half squats with either Kinesio taping (HSEKT group) or sham Kinesio taping (control group) for 30 min/day, 3 times/week for 6 weeks. The Noraxon mini direct transmission system (DTS) electromyography (EMG) system was used to evaluate trunk and lower extremity muscle activity. BioRescue equipment was used to measure the movement area of the center of pressure with eyes open and eyes closed. The muscle activity of the trunk and lower extremities and the balance ability of all participants were measured before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to statistically analyze the pre- and post-intervention EMG and balance ability results. Results: The trunk and lower extremity muscle activity was found to have significantly improved in the HSEKT group and the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the balance ability of the HSEKT group differed significantly after 6 weeks of training compared to that of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that performing half squats with Kinesio taping had a positive effect on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity and balance ability in general university students.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.127-135
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• 2023

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of magnetic therapy (MT) on pain threshold, blood flow, and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods : A single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 30 patient with knee osteoarthritis. They were randomly allocated 2 groups; magnetic therapy group (MTG; n=15) and placebo magnetic therapy group (PG; n=15). The MTG group received 30 minutes magnetic therapy and 20 minute conservative physical therapy (Hotpack, ICT), magnetic therapy was conducted in magnetic therapy device (OM-100, NUGA, Korea). In the placebo magnetic group received 30 minutes placebo magnetic therapy and 20 minute conservative physical therapy. Each group performed 50 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome pressure pain threshold test, blood flow, balance ability were measured by a pressure threshold meter (Commander algometer, JTECH medical, USA), laser dofler image (Moor LDI2-IR, Moor instruments, USA), balance measurement system (BioRescue, Marseille, France). The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in pain threshold, blood flow, and balance ability during intervention period. magnetic therapy group revealed significant differences in pain threshold, blood flow, and balance as compared to the placebo magnetic therapy group groups (p<.05). Our results showed that magnetic therapy was more effective than placebo therapy on pain threshold, blood flow, and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that magnetic therapy can improve pain threshold, blood flow, and Balance, highlight the benefits of magnetic therapy. This study will be able to be used as an intervention data for recovering pain threshold, blood flow, and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.221-230
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• 2023

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality combined robot assist gait training (VRG) on improvement of balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients. Methods : A single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 35 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly allocated 2 groups; VRG group (n=18) and conservative treatment group (CG; n=17). The VRG group received 30 minutes robot assisted gait training combined virtual reality training, robot assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device (2 sessions of 15 minutes in a 3D-recorded walking environment and 15 minutes in a downtown walking environment). In the conservative treatment group, neurodevelopmental therapy and exercise therapy were performed according to the function of stroke patients. Each group performed 30 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome balance and respiratory function were measured by a balance measurement system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), Berg balance scale, functional reach test for balance, Spirometry (Cosmed Micro Quark, Cosmed, Italy) for respiratory function Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and maximum expiratory volume (PEF) were measured according to the protocol. The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in balance and respiratory function during intervention period. VRG revealed significant differences in balance and respiratory function as compared to the CG groups (p<.05). Our results showed that VRG was more effective on balance and respiratory function in patients with chronic stroke. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that VRG can improve balance and respiratory function, highlight the benefits of VRG. This study will be able to be used as an intervention data for recovering balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.55-64
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training on balance and gait ability in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-one stroke patients were allocated randomly into one of two groups: robot-assisted gait training combined virtual reality training group (RGVR group; n = 16) and control group (n = 15). The RGVR group received 30 minutes of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training. Robot-assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device. In the Control group, neurodevelopmental therapy was performed according to the function of chronic stroke patients. Both groups underwent training for 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. The balance assessment system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), BBS, and TUG were used to evaluate the balance ability. The OptoGait (Microgate Srl, Bolzano, Italy) and 10 mWT were measured to evaluate the gait ability. The measurements were performed before and after the eight-week intervention period. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in their balance and gait ability during the intervention. RGVR showed significant differences in balance and gait ability compared to the control group groups (p < .05). These results showed that RGVR was more effective on balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. CONCLUSION: RGVR can improve balance and gait ability, highlighting the benefits of RGVR. This study provides intervention data for recovering the balance and gait ability of chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.1433-1442
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• 2024

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is a common, malignant type of tumor in human, and is accompanied with higher mortality. Muscleblind-like 3 (MBNL3) was found to be a pivotal participator in aggravating this cancer's progression. However, the regulatory effects of MBNL3 on GAC development have not been investigated. We therefore sought to study the functions of MBNL3 in GAC progression. In this study, it was demonstrated that MBNL3 exhibited higher expression, and GAC patients with higher MBNL3 expression had poor prognosis. Overexpression of MBNL3 facilitated, and knockdown of MBNL3 suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in GAC. Further experiments showed that miR-302e targets MBNL3. Rescue assays then uncovered that the miR-302e/MBNL3 axis aggravated GAC progression. In addition, MBNL3 activated the AKT/VEGFA pathway, and the suppressive regulatory impacts of MBNL3 knockdown on GAC cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis could be rescued after 740 Y-P treatment. Through in vivo assay, it was proved that MBNL3 accelerated tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, MBNL3 acted as a target of miR-302e to facilitate cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma through the AKT/VEGFA pathway. Our findings illustrate that MBNL3 may be an available bio-target for GAC treatment.

• Journal of Science and Technology Studies
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.185-207
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• 2012

Since the Hwang scandal, the South Korean state has expressed often-conflicting interests of encouraging stem cell research and the IVF industry to save the country and introducing the ethical regulation in conformity with "Global Standard." As the tightening ethical regulation of stem cell research has enervated the field of human Embryonic stem cell(hESC) research, somatic stem cells (re-)emerged as an alternative savior that could rescue the future of research communities, bio-industry, practicing doctors, patients and the nation itself from the crisis. The recent literature on Korean biotechnology, however, mainly focus on hESC and relatively little attention has been given to the rapidly growing field of research on somatic stem cells like hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs) or Adipose derived stem cells(ASCs). While the hESC therapy is often regarded as experimental and ethically controversial, the HSCs or Mesenchymal stem cell(MSC) therapies have already made their ways into people's everyday life through market without much public discussion. Many ordinary people in South Korea are familiar with the story of patients who survived leukemia with the HSCs treatment; the number of doctors who are actively marketing the ASCs therapies is on the rapid increase; the concept of cosmetic products made from ASCs is gaining popularity among consumers. In this context, this article argues that the current ethical debates solely focusing on hESC or on the state policy and research regulation are too limiting to fully illuminate the politics of stem cell technologies in South Korea.