• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2015

Objectives : Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common female gynecological diseases. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy have been used to treat dysmenorrhea in Korea. The aim of this review was to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for primary dysmenorrhea as described in studies in Korea. Methods : A total of 8 databases were searched, with the search concluding February 15, 2015. These were the Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, DBpia, Korean Studies Information Service System, National Digital Science Library, Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal, Research Information Sharing Service, and Pubmed. Randomized controlled Trails(RCTs) comparing acupuncture or moxibustion therapy with non acupoints stimulation or medication were selected. Data abstraction and assessment of methodology was conducted by authors and disagreements were resolved by discussion. Results : 7 trials were included in this review, with a total of 308 participants. 4 trials reported on acupuncture, 1 trial reported on acupress by magnet, 1 trial reported on pharmacopuncture, and the other trial reported on moxibustion. Quality of methodology was low. 2 trials showed that experimental therapy was effective for pain relief compared to the controlled group. However, 5 trials did not show a significant difference in pain relief. Conclusions : Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may reduce period pain, however, it is needed for well designed RCTs in Korea.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2019

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by pain and limited range of motion in the jaw. TMD patients generally prefer to chew on the unaffected or less-affected side, and this tendency often results in asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were divided into two groups: A TMD group ($n_1=19$) and a control group ($n_2=20$). The jaw opening range and laterotrusion were measured using a digital vernier caliper. The masseter muscle thickness was examined in both the resting state and the maximal clenching state using ultrasonography. The absolute asymmetry indices calculated based on the laterotrusion and masseter muscle thickness of the respective right and left sides. A two-way ANOVA and a Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: No significant different was found in the masseter muscle thickness between the TMD and control group. A significant difference was found in the absolute asymmetry indices of mandibular laterotrusion between the TMD and control groups (p<.05). Furthermore, the ranges of jaw opening were significantly different between males and females (p<.05). The absolute asymmetry index values of masseter muscle thickness at rest and during maximal clenching were also significantly different between males and females (p<.05). Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the subjects with TMD had a larger degree of asymmetry in laterotrusion than those without TMD. Therefore, a physiotherapy program needs to be designed to restore normal laterotrusion capacities for TMD subjects. These results also showed that female subjects had greater absolute asymmetry indices in masseter muscle thickness than male subjects. Therefore, more training is needed to promote bilaterally balanced chewing among women.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.53-61
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• 2019

PURPOSE: Forward head posture (FHP) is a head-on-trunk malalignment that results in musculoskeletal dysfunction and neck pain. To improve forward head posture, both the craniocervical flexion exercise (CCFE) and the visual guide (VG) technique have been used. This study compared the immediate effects of CCFE and VG combined with CCFE on craniovertebral angle (CVA), as well as on the activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and anterior scalene (AS) muscles during CCFE in subjects with FHP. METHODS: In total, 16 subjects (nine males, seven females) with FHP were recruited using the G-power software. Each subject conducted CCFE and CCFE combined with VG in random order. The CVA was recorded using a digital camera and the ImageJ image analysis software. The EMG data of SCM and AS were measured by surface electromyography. A paired T-test was used to assess differences between the effects of the CCFE and VG combined with CCFE interventions in the same group. RESULTS: The CVA was significantly greater for CCFE combined with the VG than for CCFE alone (p<.05). The activity of the SCM and AS muscles was also significantly greater when the VG was combined with CCFE than during CCFE alone across all craniocervical flexion exercise phases (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Use of the VG technique combined with CCFE improved FHP in subjects with FHP compared to CCFE alone.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.191-200
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• 2021

Purpose : Chronic ankle instability can lead to problems in balance and gait due to weakness of the ankle muscles and decreased proprioceptive sensation. Balance training that stimulates proprioceptors is necessary to improve ankle stability. We aimed to compare the effects of unstable support balance exercises using whole body sonic vibration and an aero-step (TOGU) on proprioception and balance in individuals with unilateral functional ankle instability. Methods : Thirty-six participants with unilateral functional ankle instability were randomly recruited and divided into two groups (group 1 = sonic whole body vibration, group 2= TOGU). Individuals in each group participated in training for 5 weeks, 40 minutes per session, 5 times per week, and performed weight-bearing exercises in five postures on different unstable support surfaces. Proprioception was measured by digital inclinometer (Dualer IQ), and balance was measured by force platform (Biodex balance system). Results : Significant differences were observed in proprioception before and after intervention within both group (p<.05). Significant differences were also observed in the balance index before and after intervention within both groups (p<.05). Conclusion : As a result of this study, it is suggested that for individuals with ankle instability, unstable support surface training using a whole body sonic vibrator and TOGU can have a positive effects on proprioception and balance ability.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.105-121
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• 2022

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture for sciatica. Methods We searched 13 online databases (Kmbase, Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], National Digital Science Library [NDSL], Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], Koreanstudies, Koreantk, DBpia, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], J-stage) to find randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that used electro-acupuncture for sciatica. Efficacy rate and visual analogue scale (VAS) were mainly analyzed as a main evaluation criteria. Results Among 583 articles that were searched, 24 RCTs were finally selected and 18 RCTs were statistically analyzed. Electro-acupuncture was more effective than acupuncture in terms of efficacy rate (p<0.00001) and VAS (p<0.00001). Also, Electro-acupuncture was more effective than western medication in terms of efficacy rate (p=0.0005). However, the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture was not identified compared to physical therapy (p=0.42). Electro-acupuncture significantly improved efficacy rate when combined with physical therapy than physical therapy alone (p<0.0001). In addition, electro-acupuncture plus Chuna manual therapy compared to Chuna manual therapy alone showed positive results for efficacy rate (p=0.05) and VAS (p<0.0001). Conclusions Based on results, the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture for sciatica was identified. However, this study has limitations because the RCTs included in this study were small in number and published in a particular region. Although this study could be a groundwork for well designed research for sciatica.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.31-38
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• 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of taping techniques on menstrual pain, body temperature, and menstrual symptoms in women of reproductive age. Methods: This study targeted 40 female students enrolled at G university with menstrual pain rated above 5 on the visual analog scale (VAS). The participants were randomly assigned to four groups: the Kinesio taping, spiral taping, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and control groups. The intervention was applied one day after the onset of menstruation, and menstrual pain, menstrual symptoms, and body temperature were measured before the intervention and 24 hours after the intervention application. We measured menstrual pain using the VAS. Additionally, we evaluated menstrual symptoms using the menstruation symptom scale and measured body temperature of the abdomen and feet using digital infrared thermal imaging. Results: After the intervention, all three experimental groups showed significant improvement in menstrual pain and menstrual symptoms compared to the control group, and there was no significant difference among the three groups. After applying Kinesio taping, there was a slight decrease in the temperature difference between the abdomen and feet, but no statistically significant difference was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that kisesio and spiral taping have similar effects as with anti-inflammatory medication in relieving menstrual pain and menstrual symptoms. Taping can be considered as an effective method to replace medications in order to alleviate menstrual pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 1996

For effective rehabilitation of the shoulder, physical therapists must have correct knowledge of shoulder movements. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between shoulder movements and the rotation of the humerus in the sagittal, coronal and scapular planes. Fifty normal subjects(25 male, 25 female) were tested using a Dualar-plus digital goniometer and an air-splint. The subjects performed active shoulder elevation in each plane with the humerus rotated in both medial and lateral directions. The range of motion(ROM) of the glenohumeral joint was measured three times. The paired t-test was used to determine the difference in ROM between medial and lateral rotation of the humerus. Results showed that, in the sagittal and the coronal planes, there was a significant difference(p < 0.01) in ROM of the shoulder between medial rotation and lateral rotation which was greater. But in the scapular plane, there was no difference between medial and lateral rotation. Physical therapists should consider these results when the goal of treatment is to increase ROM of the shoulder.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2020

With the advancement in modern information technology, virtual reality (VR) is being increasingly used for the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. Recently, a VR-based cognitive behavioral therapy for social phobia has been recognized as a new medical technology in South Korea. This might lead to an increase in the use of VR in the field of psychiatry. The present review provides an overview of the status of VR therapies in various psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, addiction, and eating disorder. Besides, it summarizes the role of VR therapy in the management of disorders associated with child and adolescence psychiatry as well as various other clinical applications. Additionally, we discuss the merits and limitations of VR therapy, which might serve as a useful reference for researchers. In the current environment wherein novel medical models consisting of a combination of digital devices and medicine are being developed; understanding new technologies such as VR could open new doors to mental health treatments.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.106-116
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to assess the quality and to evaluate the effectiveness of music interventions in reducing agitation in older adults with dementia. Methods: Randomized controlled studies and randomized crossover studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AGELINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Korea Med, Kmbase, RISS, National Assembly Digital Library, KISS, and RICH. Two reviewers independently retrieved articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of studies. Results: In total, 10 studies were selected from 1095 unique citations. All included studies were conducted in long term care settings. Overall, risk of bias for included studies was low to moderate. The weighted average effect size across studies was -0.39 (95%CI [-0.69, -0.10], p=.009, $I^2=63%$). Music therapy was effective to reduce agitation of the older adults with dementia. Conclusion: Music intervention can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for the reduction of agitation in dementia. Future studies need to use rigorous research method and to provide description of research methods in greater detail. In addition, future studies are required to explore the effects of music therapy according to severity of agitation and dementia.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.15-20
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• 2014

Objectives : We search the contents about Bi disease in Huang Di Nei Jing(黃帝內經), to analyze the significance of Bi disease, etiopathogenisis and pathogenesis of Bi disease, treatment of Bi disease. Methods : We find that the key feature of Bi disease is joint pain induced by impatency of Qi and blood. Exterior and interior etiological factors are involved in, such as exogenous evil of cold and dampness, emotional disorders, intemperance of taking food, dysfunction of yingqi and weiqi, strong or weak constitution, etc. Results : The important pathogenesis are invaded by exogenous evil because of deficiency, disharmony of yingqi and weiqi and disharmony of five viscera. The key points of treatments are the individual concerned therapy and climate concerned therapy, selecting the acupoint according to the differentiation of symptoms and signs. Conclusions : The combined therapy should be used such as acupuncture and moxibustion, hot application of medicine, massage, Daoyin, outside apply, etc. These supply the theory foundation for etiological factor, pathogenesis, syndrome and treatment, and to direct the diagnosis and treatment of Bi disease later generations.