• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.487-497
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• 2014

Objective: This study aims to develop and evaluate a multi-purpose rollator, which may be used as a seat, as a traditional walker, or as a storage basket for elderly farmers. Background: The rollators on the market are not user-friendly designed and seen inconvenient for elderly farmers to use, although they are sold at considerably high price. Since they lack enough space to load stuffs and are not durable or stable enough, they do not seem to be suitable for elderly farmers to use in rural areas. Method: Two types of methods were used in this study. First, the survey consisted of 19 questions was conducted among elderly farmers in rural areas, after using the developed rollator, to evaluate the usability of the rollator developed in this study. Second, EMG experiment was conducted to compare the existing rollator and developed rollator quantitatively. Through this experiment, we tried to verify the differences of muscle responses, when using the traditional and the developed ones, which have their own brake system, in the ramp. Results: The developed rollator was highly evaluated in most of the questions in the usability survey, except for the 'Weight' category in which the opinions were divided into three different types (Worse: 31%, Similar: 30%, Better: 36%). The result of EMG experiment showed that the existing rollator (7.4%MVC) demands more muscle strength than the developed rollator (5.5%MVC) does. By statistically analyzing the results of upper limb and lower limb respectively, we found out that all the muscles except deltoid in upper limb showed statistically significant differences in muscle activity when using the existing and the developed rollator. However, there was no statistical difference in lower limb muscles. Conclusion: The developed rollator in this study has maximized the functionality of the brake system, the storage and the chair, which were pointed out as the weaknesses of existing rollators. Furthermore, the developed rollator is designed to be more user-friendly, safe, durable, and effective for elderly farmers to use in rural areas, where roads are rough and bumpy. Application: We expect that the emergency brake system developed in this study would be utilized for other convenience equipment, such as strollers and carts, and that it would be able to develop and produce more secure and reliable equipment in the future.

• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.125-138
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects a music group therapy program has on cognitive function and life satisfaction. We targeted the elderly who are receiving service at a daycare center. This study monitored seventeen elderly subjects who were available for language communication, walking, and defecation function even if the subject had a slight mind-body function disorder based on using the service of the daycare facilities. The subjects visited each of the welfare centers one week prior to the Korean classical music group therapy program. We conducted a pre-test of MMSE-K(Mini-Mental State Examination, Korean version) modified by Park and Gwon(1989). We also supplemented the MMSE developed by Folstein(1975) and LSI-A(Life Satisfaction Index) for the elderly developed by Neugarten, Havighurst and Tobin(1961). We conducted the Korean classical music group therapy program for 15 sessions at 50 minutes each for 1~2 times a week from July 9 to September 13, 2013 at the daycare center for OO senior welfare center. The welfare center belongs to the experimental group, excluding the OO general welfare center, which is the control group. Finally, we carried out the post-test of the MMSE-K and LSI-A in the same manner as the pre-test. We carried out the post-test on July 17, 2013, 4 days after concluding the Korean classical music group therapy program. A t-test was used in order to analyze the differences in cognitive function and life satisfaction according to each group. We used SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. This study has significance by proving that the use of Korean classical music is conducive in the improvement of cognitive function and life satisfaction of the elderly at the daycare facilities. Also, we presented the actual contents of the study to the clinical field.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.329-337
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• 2018

This study was designed to investigate the effect of medical education on the health behavior of elderly people aged 65 years or older who have the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. From 2014 community health survey data, 9042 people with hypertension and diabetes who had disease management education experience in elderly people over 65 years old were used as the final analysis data. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test and multi-variable logistic regression. The results of the study showed that the perceived rate of cardiovascular health factors was higher in the elderly living alone with disease management education (p <.001), and the probability of walking more than 3 days per week was 1.145(P = .002), not drinking at the present time was 1.212 times (p <.001), eating thinly was 1.184 times (p = .002). From the results of this study, it is required to develop the health promotion policy that reflects the importance of education by health care providers and the health information provided to the elderly living alone.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.441-453
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• 2018

This study was conducted to understand and describe Korean nurses' perception of person-centered care for elderly patients in long-term care hospitals. Qualitative data were collected through four focus group interviews consisting of 21 nurses working in four long-term care hospitals in Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces. Participants completed interviews from July 19 to 30, 2018. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by employing the thematic analysis method. Six main themes for the attributes of person-centered care for elderly patients in the long-term care hospitals were conceptualized: respecting individual needs, walking to the end, supporting hidden dreams, becoming a family partner, helping patients live like they are at home, and changing culture. Person-centered care perceived by nurses was conducted to provide individualized nursing according to elderly's preferences and help them discover the value and meaning of life through various activity programs. Nurses also recognized person-centered care to maintain cooperative relationships with their family members and share their decision-making process, as well as to form a physical environment and organizational culture that respects the rights and autonomy of the elderly. Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to identify the diverse needs of the elderly and develop nursing intervention programs based on person-centered care.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.271-279
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• 2019

The life expectancy of people has been steadily extended due to the improvement of living standards and the development of medical technology. Besides, the low birth rate and long life expectancy decrease the youth population while the elderly population is steadily increasing. Many elderly people have enough time and financial allowance, and the interest in health care is increased all over society. There are also increasing numbers of elderly people who exercise lightly in the playgrounds and parks such as running and walking. Outdoor fitness equipment that can be easily seen in neighbourhood parks, public spaces, etc. can be good health promotion tools that can be easily accessed in the daily life of the elderly. Outdoor fitness equipment Description Signs require a design that takes into account the declining vision of older users. Proper design is also important for the prevention of safety accidents in use. The purpose of this study is to find out the perception of the elderly about outdoor fitness exercise equipment sign system and to find the problem of recognition. To do this, we conduct user observation and interview surveys for the elderly. As a result, the emphasis of the caveat or problems with the size of the writing were pointed out, and it was necessary to explain the picture rather than the text. Also, there was a high demand for refraining from using foreign words, using universal words and including motor effects in signs. Based on the results of the user observation and interviews, we propose guidelines for the use of outdoor exercise equipment.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was done to determine whether muscle strength training programs have an impact on improving symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) and physical function among elderly women with UI who reside in long-term care facilities. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants had to be over 65 years, score over 15 score on the mini-mental state examination, and be able to walk alone or with an assistant. Seventy residents were randomly allocated to either the training group (n=35) or control group (n=35). The program consisted of 50 minutes, twice a week for 8 weeks, and included Kegel's exercise, Thera-band training and indoor walking. Main outcomes were UI symptoms, peak vaginal pressure and physical functions measured with timed up and go test (TUG), one leg standing test (OLST), activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength. Changes in outcome measurements were calculated from baseline to 4 weeks and to 8 weeks using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There were significant differences in peak vaginal pressure (p<.001), TUG (p<.001), OLST (p=.012) and grip strength (p<.001) in the interaction between groups and time. Conclusion: Future studies are suggested to confirm the effect of muscle strength training in long-term care facilities where elderly women with UI reside.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was conducted to test the effect of a 5 weeks health education program on stroke for rural elderly people. Methods: A total of 55 rural elders in Kok Sung County were participated in the health education on stroke program. Descriptive statistics, and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis with SPSS 12.0. Results: The results are summarized as follows : Mean age was 67.3 years and 88.2% of participants were female. The mean pre-test scores for knowledge of stroke were 0.35 and post-test, 0.85 (p< .001). Percentage of accurate response rates of warning signs of stroke were sudden dizziness pre-test 45.5% post-test 80.0%, sudden trouble speaking or understanding, pre-test 27.3% post-test 41.8%, sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, pre-test 32.7% post-test 70.9%, sudden numbness or weakness of the arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, pre-test 47.3% post-test 72.7%, sudden confusion, pre-test 27.3% post-test 81.8%, sudden numbness or weakness of the face especially on one side of the body, pre-test 40.0% post-test 76.4%, sudden severe headache with no known cause, pre-test 40.0% post-test 70.9%, Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, pre-test 38.1% post-test 66.0%, nausea or vomiting pre-test 16.4% post-test 43.6%. The increases after the health education on stroke were statistically significant. Conclusions: Health education on stroke for rural elderly people are needed and should focus on community health care programs, especially for those who are older, had a low level of education, and low socio-economical status.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1330-1338
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• 2011

Social activities of the elderly have been increasing as our society progresses toward an aging society. As their activities increase, so does the occurrence of falls that could lead to fractures. Falls are serious health hazards to the elderly. Therefore, development of a device that can detect fall accidents and prevent fracture is essential. In this study, we developed a portable fall detection system for the fracture prevention system of the elderly. The device is intended to detect a fall and activate a second device such as an air bag deployment system that can prevent fracture. The fall detection device contains a 3-axis acceleration sensor and two 2-axis tilt sensors. We measured acceleration and tilt angle of body during fall and activities of daily(ADL) living using the fall detection device that is attached on the subjects'. Moving mattress which is actuated by a pneumatic system was used in fall experiments and it could provide forced falls. Sensor data during fall and ADL were sent to computer and filtered with low-pass filter. The developed fall detection device was successful in detecting a fall about 0.1 second before a severe impact to occur and detecting the direction of the fall to provide enough time and information for the fracture preventive device to be activated. The fall detection device was also able to differentiate fall from ADL such as walking, sitting down, standing up, lying down, and running.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2007.06a
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• pp.347-350
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• 2007

An ECG analysis with activity monitoring for the home care of elderly persons or patients, using wireless sensors technology was design and implemented. The changes in heart rate occur before, during, or following behavior such as posture changes, walking and running. Therefore, it is often very important to record heart rate along with posture and behavior, for continuously monitoring a patient's cardiovascular regulatory system during their daily life activity. The ECG and accelerometer data are continuously recorded with a built-in automatic alarm detection system, for giving early alarm signals even if the patient is unconscious or unaware of cardiac arrhythmias. The hardware allows data to be transmitted wirelessly from on-body sensors to a base station attached to server PC using IEEE802.15.4. If any abnormality un at server then the alarm condition sends to the doctor' PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.505-512
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• 2020

This study is done to provide basic data on the effective operation of the new policies by examining the satisfaction level of the elderly with dementia visiting dementia care centers located in 25 autonomous districts of S city. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 217 elderly with dementia who visited the above dementia care center from July 1 to September 30, 2019. The satisfaction tool is a chart score scale that displays negative-positive expressions at both ends of a straight line. The result shows that satisfaction level is significantly higher in the group with trust in the visiting institutions than in the group with distrust (t=9.74, p<.001), higher in cognitive impairment group than in dementia group (t=0.13, p=.034), and higher in mild depression group than in more severe depression group (t=2.31, p=.022). Satisfaction ratios analyzed by logistic regression shows significant differences in factors like gender, age, education, and walking pattern. In conclusion, it is important to run health support programs that consider user characteristics to improve the satisfaction of newly introduced dementia care centers.