• Korean Journal of Occupational Therapy
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.43-55
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• 2018

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of fidget spinner training on the hand function and handwriting legibility of lower grade elementary school studens. Methods : This study randomly assigned a study group of 12 children and control group of 12 children from 24 children in grade 1 and 2 (ages 7 through 8), whose are dominantly right handed. The study used was a pre-post process. The intervention was conducted only on the study group twice a week for 5 weeks and for 40 minutes per session, for a total of ten sessions. The measuring instruments used to compare the hand functions and handwriting legibility were the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Grip Strength Test, and Legibility Test. The data analysis used a Wilcoxon signed rank, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Square cross analysis. Results : The fidget spinner training showed significant improvement in the study group's hand function(grip strength and handwriting legibility) and a significant difference was shown between the control and study groups. Conclusion : This study confirmed the value and utility of a fidget spinner as a tool for improving the hand function and handwriting legibility of elementary school students in lower grades. Future studies are expected to verify the effectiveness of the fidget spinner training based on the present study.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.158-163
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among pain, range of motion of the neck, neck disability index and grip strength after thoracic manipulation and cervical stabilization training in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: In this study, twelve subjects with chronic neck pain were included. All participants had thoracic manipulation and cervical stabilization training. Intervention was conducted three times per a week, for 4 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion of neck, neck disability index (NDI), as well as the grip strength before and after intervention were measured in all participants. Paired t-test was used to compare variables before and after intervention. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the correlations between the variables. Results: All variables after the intervention were significantly improved. There was a significant negative correlation between VAS and flexion angle of the neck (r=-0.669, p<0.05). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between NDI and VAS (r=0.636, p<0.05), and a significant negative correlation between NDI and flexion angle of the neck (r=-0.692, p<0.05). Conclusion: Patients with reduced pain following therapeutic intervention illustrated that there would be an improvement in the flexion angle rather than the extension angle of the neck, and that those with increased flexion angle would have less restriction of activities in daily living.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.91-107
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• 2003

We processed meta-analysis to test if the effects of laser therapy and mobilization techniques are evidence-based practice for treating tennis elbow. By researching and collecting the results of previous studies on tennis elbow, we inquired into the difference in the effects of each treatment methods on pain, grip strength, and ROM. A total of 10 international and domestic articles on the treatments of tennis elbow were selected for this study, including 7 articles on the effect of laser therapy and 3 on mobilization techniques. According to the qualitative meta-analysis, all 7 of the articles on laser therapy and 1 of the mobilization technique were double-blinded and randomized the subjects, and all of the 10 studies were designed in a high quality research, using statistics. The results of the studies on laser therapy showed in terms of statistical significance: 4 out of 7 did not decrease pain after therapy, and 3 out of 5 did not increase grip strength after therapy. In the studies on the effects of mobilization technique, both the 2 studies significantly increased grip strength after therapy. For other studies which measured ROM and tension, the mobilization therapy increased ROM significantly, and decreased tension significantly. The results of our study are shown in a diverse form in terms of the effects of different therapy techniques. This is related to the accuracy of the measurement tools for assessments and diagnoses. Further qualitative studies on the evidence-based practice and researches on tennis elbow are needed.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.247-256
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kaltenborn-Evjenth (KE) joint mobilization of the distal radioulnar joints (RUJ) and proximal RUJ in distal radius fractures (DRFs) on range of motion (ROM), grip strength (GS), and patient-written wrist evaluation (PRWE) in each group once, thrice, or fivefold. Methods : Forty-two subjects participated in this study. We divided the subjects with DRFs into groups applying KE concepts RUJ mobilization once, thrice, and fivefold. The patients' ROM and GS were measured using a joint goniometer and dynamometer, respectively. Pain and function were also assessed using a PRWE. In the statistical analysis, all data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and paired t-tests were performed for within-group before-and-after comparisons of each intervention. One-way analysis of variance was used for between-group comparisons of differences. All statistical significance levels were set at α=.05. Results : There were significant differences in the ROM in all three groups before and after the intervention (p<.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups. There were significant differences in the GS in the three groups before and after the intervention (p<.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups. In the pain part of the PRWE, all three groups had significant differences before and after intervention (p<.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups. In the functional part of the PRWE, there were significant differences in the three groups before and after intervention (p<.05), but no significant difference occurred between the groups. Conclusion : Based on the aforementioned results, there were no significant between-group differences in ROM, GS, and PRWE (pain and function) after the application of the K-E joint mobilization to DRFs once, thrice, and fivefold. Nevertheless, there were significant within-group differences in all the above.

• 한국노년학
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.551-567
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• 2018

Demographic and socio-structural information is useful to identify potential welfare recipients who are in need of disease-prevention and intervention services. Thus, the present study aims to explore the differences in grip strength among middle and old-aged adults by living conditions and by living area. The 5th wave data of Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging was utilized. The dependent variable was grip strength, and the independent variables were living alone (living alone or not) and living area (city or non-city). Covariates were age, education, log-transformed household income, spouse existence, body mass index, self-rated health conditions, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, smoking, regular exercise, frequency of meeting with friends, and the number of social participation. Regression analysis was performed for middle-aged men, middle-aged women, old-aged men, and old-aged women, respectively. ANOVA and Chi-test were additionally used to specifically discuss significant results. Cross-sectional weight was applied to all analyses. According to the results, living alone and living area did not have significant effects on grip strength among middle-aged men, old-aged men, and old-aged women. In middle-aged women, however, living alone and living area were significantly associated with grip strength. To be specific, middle-aged women who lived alone in rural areas had the lowest grip strength compared to other middle-aged women. Additional analysis showed that middle-aged women who lived alone in rural areas had risk factors, such as low education level, low income, or high depressive symptoms. It implies that middle-aged women living alone in rural areas may have physical health risks, so they might be in need of disease prevention. This study is meaningful in that it can provide reliable information on the latent welfare recipients by using representative panel data and applying weight values.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.175-181
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• 2007

Zizyphi Spinosi Semen (ZSS), a traditional Chinese folk medicine, has been used for treatment of insomnia and anxiety. This experiment was performed to investigate the anxiolytic-like effect of methanol extract of ZSS (MEZSS) in mice by using the experimental paradigms of anxiety and compared with that of a known anxiolytic, diazepam. In the elevated plus-maze test, it showed that MEZSS (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (2.0 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the percentage of time spent on the open arms and the number of open arms entries. MEZSS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased the number of head dips compared with that of control group in the hole-board test. However, MEZSS has no effect on decreasing the locomotor activity, while diazepam (2.0 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited locomotor activity. MEZSS did not decrease the strength force in the grip strength test, either. In addition, GABAergic involvements were also investigated to understand the possible mechanisms. $GABA_{A}$ receptors subunits and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) were not over expressed, compared with that of the saline group. We also found that MEZSS did not increase chloride influx in cultured cerebellar granule cells. It is concluded that MEZSS might have anxiolytic-like effects, but these effects might not be mediated by GABAergic transmission.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.259-278
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• 1995

This study was done to investigate levels of physical fitness, self efficacy(SE), instrumental activities of daily living(IADL), and quality of life (QL), and their relationships among the elderly Data were collected from 47 noninstitutionalized elderly dwell-ing in their own homes and 43 institutionalized elderly living in homes for older people. The ages of the subjects were 65 years and over. The data were col lected from January 20th to February 20th, 1995. Physical fitness was measured with T.K. K dyna mometer, grip dynamometer, stop watch, and Purdue pegboard. Structured questionnaires developed by Kim by Lawton & Brody, and by Ro were adopted to measure SE, IADL, and QL, respectively. The data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients. The results were as follows : 1. The noninstitutionalized elderly had higher scores in such measures of physical fitness as body weight, skinfold thickness, flexibility and coordination as compared to the institutionalized elderly. 2. On the following measures of physical fitness, men showed higher levels than women ; in height when standing, height when sitting, body weight, and muscle strength. Women had more trunk flexibility than men. 3. Muscle strength was positively correlated with height when standing, height when sitting, and body weight. The following measures of physical fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and coordi nation, were negatively correlated with "up and go”. 4. The noninstitutionalized elderly had higher scores in SE(t=2.28, p<0.05), IADL(t=2.24, p<0.05), and QL(t=2.41, p<0.05) as compared to the institutionalized elderly. 5. SE was positively correlated with both IADL(r=0.41, p<0.001) and QL(r=0.54, p<0.001), and the latter two variables were a positively correlated (r=0.30, p<0.001). 6. SE was positively correlated with the physical fitness measures of height when standing, body weight, strength of leg muscles, strength of back muscles, grip strength, and level of touching the floor, but negatively correlated with "up and go”. 7. Positive correlations were revealed between IADL and the physical fitness measures of height, strength of leg muscles, level of trunk muscle extension, level of touching the floor, and coordination. The IADL was negatively correlated with “up and go”. 8. QL was positively correlated with body weight (r=0.28, p<0.01) and skinfold thickness (r=0.26, p<0.05). 9. Age was negatively correlated with the physical fitness measures of height when standing, height when sitting, “up and go”, strength of leg muscles, strength of back muscles, grip strength, level of trunk muscle extension, and coordination. 10. Age was also negatively correlated with SE (r=-0.24, p<0.05) and IADL(r=-0.22, p<0.05). The above results suggest that caring elderly in their own homes were more effective and that nursing interventions to enhance physical fitness, SE, IADL, and QL especially for the institutionalized elderly are stressed.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.159-166
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• 2015

Silica which is used for reinforcing filler in tire industry is widely known as eco-friendly material exerting $CO_2$ reduction effect through decrease of rolling resistance and improvement of wet grip. Generally silica is classified as a highly polar filler because it contains a large number of silanol (Si-OH) group on its surface. And also silica gives a lower reinforcing effect than carbon black due to its poorer rubber-filler interaction. Therefore silica is treated with silane coupling agent or activator, then following the conventional rubber blend method, vulcanized sheets were prepared using a hot press, and cure characteristics, mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of the test specimens were investigated. It was found that with an increase in the silane coupling agent content the tensile strength, 300% modulus and abrasion resistance increased while Mooney viscosity decreased and crosslink density slightly increased with an increase of activator.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.1-13
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• 2023

Purpose : Along with the rapid development of digital technology, the application of digital healthcare in the medical field is also increasing. According to many experts, increasing the amount of exercise and physical activity is a helpful way to prevent and manage physical problems in modern society. However, a lack of exercise, which is of the lifestyle of modern people, leads to the development of various diseases. This study aimed to examine the effects of digital exercise intervention using artificial intelligence (AI) on the physical abilities of adults whether digital exercise intervention can be a reliable and effective therapeutic option for musculoskeletal disorders in real-world clinical settings. Methods : In this study, exercise was conducted using a digital application to investigate the effects of an AI-based digital exercise intervention on the physical abilities of adults. A total of 13 adults were evaluated, and their physical abilities before and after the exercise intervention were compared. Hand-grip strength, functional leg muscle strength, dynamic balance, and quadriceps muscle strength were assessed. Exercise was performed using a digital application and in a non-face-to-face manner. AI identified the exercise status of each participant and adjusted the exercise difficulty level accordingly. The exercised daily for 4 weeks. Results : A total of 12 participants were analyzed for the final results. Significant improvements were observed in hand-grip strength, functional leg muscle strength (evaluated using the stand-up test), dynamic balance, and straight-gait ability (p<.05), indicating an increase in the overall muscular strength and physical function of the participants. Conclusions : Digital exercise intervention using AI is effective in improving physical abilities related to musculoskeletal function. It can be useful in clinical practice as an effective treatment option for patients with musculoskeletal disorders or muscle weakness.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.199-206
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a virtual upper extremity training program using the RAPAEL Smart Glove on upper extremity function in stroke survivors with chronic hemiparesis and to focus the training program development using the Smart Glove as a feasibility study. Methods: This study was conducted using a single group and pre-post test research design in the outpatient departments of local rehabilitation units. Ten chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors with a diagnosis of first stroke received therapeutic rehabilitation at the rehabilitation units. All the participants used a virtual reality program with the RAPAEL Smart Glove for 30 minutes per session 3 days a week over 8 weeks. They also received conventional occupational therapy with functional electrical stimulation for 40 minutes per session 3 days a week for 8 weeks as an additional therapy. To analyze the effects of this therapeutic intervention, four clinical measures, including the box-block test (BBT), the Wolf motor function test (WMFT), the trail-making score, the Jebsen Taylor hand function test (JTHFT), and grip strength, were used. Results: Upon completion of the intervention in week 8, all the participants demonstrated significant WMFT, JTT, BBT, grip strength, and trail-making score gains compared to the respective baselines at week 0. Conclusion: This study suggests that virtual upper extremity training using the RAPAEL Smart Glove has a reasonable and beneficial effects on upper extremity function in chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors.