• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.25-29
• /
• 2018

Background: The understanding of the relationship between risk perception, knowledge, and protective behaviors could play a major role in occupational risk control and management. Research exploring how workers perceive, recognize, and react to risks in different occupational settings is scarce in Thailand. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of noise-related risk perceptions and knowledge to the use of hearing protective devices (HPDs) among sawmill workers in Thailand. Methods: Sawmill workers (n = 540) from four factories in Trang, Southern Thailand, participated in a questionnaire interview from December 2015 to January 2016. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used to explore the risk factors related to HPD use. Path diagram analysis was demonstrated and used to evaluate associations. Results: Risk perception was significantly correlated with HPD use (p < 0.01), HPD training (p = 0.01), and the number of years of work experience (p = 0.03). Sawmill workers were likely to use HPDs based on their risk perception and HPD training. However, HPD training was inversely correlated with age and the number of years of work experience. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of risk perceptions and knowledge, and these factors should be emphasized in the design and implementation of any personal safety intervention program for sawmill workers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.137-146
• /
• 2018

PURPOSE: This study examine the effect of community ambulation training on gait, depression and self - efficacy of stroke patients in order to develop more effective training methods of community rehabilitation. METHODS: In the experimental group, community ambulation training combined with indoor and outdoor walking was performed for 30 minutes three times a week for six weeks. In the control group, general indoor walking training was performed. The physical factors were assessed by a 10-meter walking test, six-minute walking test and community gait test. Psychological factors were assessed by the Korean version of the Epidemiology Center Depression Scale and Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale. RESULTS: In the 10-meter walking test, the normal walking speed was significantly improved after the intervention in both the experimental group and the control group (p<.05). However, the fast walking speed was significantly improved only in the experimental group (p <.05). ln the community gait test, the experimental group showed significant improvement (p<.05), but the control group did not. Depression and self-efficacy were significantly improved in the experimental group (p<.05) but not in the control group. CONCLUSION: Community ambulation training may improve the gait ability of stroke patients and reduce their depression and improve self-efficacy.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.339-351
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study identified the effects of dual-task gait training on balance, gait function, and activity of daily living in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study used a single-subject design. Two patients with Parkinson's disease participated in this study. Dual-task gait training was performed 1 hour per day 8 times during intervention phase. The subjects were measured 8 times in the baseline phase, 8 times in the intervention phase, and 8 times in the follow-up phase. The outcome measurements included a timed up and go test (TUG), a Berg balance scale (BBS), a 10 meter walk test (10MWT), a 6 minute walk test (6MWT), a dynamic gait index (DGI) and a Korean modified Barthel index (K-MBI). Results: When compared to the average of the baseline process, the data collected during the intervention period showed that the TUG and 10MWT results improved and the tendency line was above the baseline. In addition, BBS, 6MWT, DGI, and K-MBI values for both patients increased remarkably after the training. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that dual-task gait training may be helpful to improve balance, walking function, and activity of daily living for patients with Parkinson's disease. Further studies need to confirm our findings.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This systematic review aims to determine whether robot-assisted training is more effective in gait training for persons with subacute hemiparetic stroke. Methods: This study adopted a systematic review study design focused on subacute hemiparetic stroke, and four core academic databases were searched until June 11, 2021, for relevant studies, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Central. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of robotic-assisted training on gait performance in persons with a diagnosis of subacute hemiparetic stroke. The selected RCT studies were qualitatively synthesized based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, settings, and study design (PICOS-SD). Results: The study selected five RCTs involving 253 subacute hemiparetic stroke patients and performing robotic-assisted gait training using the following devices: the Lokomat, Morning Walk, Walkbot, ProStep Plus, or Gait Trainer II. Five RCTs were eligible for the meta-analysis after quantitative synthesis, and the results showed that the robot-assisted gait training group had a greater gait performance than the control group based on the 10-meter walk test, Berg balance scale, Rivermed mobility index, functional ambulation category, and modified Barthel index. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the gait performance of subacute hemiparetic stroke patients changes throughout robot-assisted gait training, but there were no indications that any of the clinically relevant effects of robot-assisted training are greater than those of conventional gait training. Further, the small sample size and different therapeutic intensities indicate that definitive conclusions could not be made.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.123-132
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The discovery of mirror neuron system may positively affect functional recovery; therefore, rehabilitation is needed that is practical for use in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of action observation training on upper motor function in people who had suffered strokes. Methods: Three elderly patients with stroke, aged to years, were recruited from a stroke rehabilitation center. A nonconcurrent, multiple baseline subject approach was taken, with an A-B-A treatment single-subject experimental design, and the experiment was conducted for 3 weeks. The action observation training was repeated 5 times in 5 days during the intervention period. The arm function, including WMFT, BBT, and grip and pinch strength, was evaluated in each subject 5 times during the baseline period, the intervention period, and the baseline regression period. Results: The results of the evaluation for each subject were presented as mean values and video graphs. The WMFT scores of 2 subjects were improved during the intervention period in comparison with the baseline period, and this improvement was maintained even during the regression baseline period. The BBT and the grip and pinch strength were not improved. Conclusion: Based on these results, we suggest that the action observation training for 5 sessions was effective in improving upper limb function of stroke patients but was not effective in improving hand dexterity or grip and pinch strength.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.223-233
• /
• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and understand customized home visiting nurses' experiences in telephone visiting. Methods: Qualitative data were collected from several discussions of 4 focus groups consisting of 20 customized home visiting nurses. All interviews were recorded and transcribed according to thematic content analysis processes. Results: The five main themes on customized home visiting nurses' experiences of telephone visiting were 'greeting', 'counseling', 'using strategies', 'maintaining attitude for enhancing relations' and 'enduring difficulties'. The category of 'counseling' was composed of confirming, educating, supporting, adjusting, and indicating. And, the category of 'using strategies' included complimenting, scolding, persuading, compensating, and ignoring. Conclusion: Developing a standardized manual on telephone visiting is needed to guide an effective counseling. In order for a customized home visiting nurse to be a good telephone counselor, training of motivational interviewing is recommended.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.84 no.1
• /
• pp.46-54
• /
• 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate inhaler device handling in elderly patients. Inhaler devices with respect to misuse and error correction were also compared. Methods: Inhaler use technique was assessed using standardized checklists at the first visit and 3-month follow-up visit after retraining. The primary outcome was difference in the acceptable use ratio among inhaler devices. Secondary outcomes included differences in error correction, the most common step of misuse, and factors affecting the accuracy of inhaler use. Results: A total of 251 patients (mean age, 76.4 years) were included. The handling of 320 devices was assessed in the study. All patients had been trained before. However, only 24.7% of them used inhalers correctly. Proportions of acceptable use for Evohaler, Respimat, Turbuhaler, Ellipta, and Breezhaler/Handihaler were 38.7%, 50.0%, 61.4%, 60.8%, and 43.2%, respectively (p=0.026). At the second visit, the acceptable use ratio had increased. There were no significant differences among inhaler types (Evohaler, 63.9%; Respimat, 86.1%; Turbuhaler, 74.3%; Ellipta, 64.6%; and Breezhaler/Handihaler, 65.3% [p=0.129]). In multivariate analysis, body mass index, Turbuhaler, and Ellipta showed positive correlations with acceptable use of inhalers, whereas Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test score showed a negative correlation. Conclusion: Although new inhalers have been developed, the accuracy of inhaler use remains low. Elderly patients showed more errors when using pressurized metered-dose inhalers than using dry powder inhalers and soft-mist inhalers. However, there were no significant differences in misuse among inhaler devices after individual training. Results of this study suggests that repeat training is more important than inhaler type.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.167-181
• /
• 2018

Purpose: We developed and tested the effects of a coping skill training program for caregivers in feeding difficulty among older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities. Methods: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The subjects comprised 34 caregivers (experimental group: 17, control group: 17) and 40 older adults with dementia (experimental group: 20, control group: 20). The developed program was delivered in 4-hour sessions over 6 weeks (including 2 weeks of lectures and lab practice on feeding difficulty coping skills, and 4 weeks of field practice). Data were collected before, immediately after, and 4 weeks after the program (January 3 to April 6, 2016). The data were analyzed using t-test and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS/WIN 20.0. Results: Compared to their counterparts in the control group, caregivers in the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in feeding knowledge and feeding behavior, while older adults with dementia showed greater improvements in feeding difficulty and Body Mass Index. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that this coping skill training program for caregivers in feeding difficulty is an effective intervention for older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.119-129
• /
• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the effects of a multifaceted cognitive training program on cognitive function, depression, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in community dwelling elders with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The subjects were recruited from a community health center in D metropolitan city and were assigned to the experimental or control group. Weekly 50-minute session intervention was delivered to the experimental group over 12 weeks. 8 weeks and 12weeks after intervention, the changes in cognitive function, depression, and IADL in the groups were measured and compared. Data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, and post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction using SPSS/WIN 23.0. Results: When compared with their counterparts (n=15), the elders in the experimental group (n=12) showed significant improvement in cognitive function and depression at week 12. The mean scores of IADL at week 12 were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: The results indicate that this multifaceted cognitive training program is effective in improving cognitive function, depression, and avoiding deterioration of IADL among elders with mild cognitive impairment.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.110-116
• /
• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to determine the physical effect on grip strength and balance ability of progressive resistance training using an elastic band for middle elderly women. Methods: We randomly recruited 13 middle elderly female subjects (from 75 years old to 84 years old). They practiced the elastic band exercise for 50 minutes once every week and were instructed to perform the same exercise as a home exercise for 16 weeks. Subjects who participated voluntarily had not participated in any other exercise program. Grip strength, one leg stance, and TIme Up & Go Test (TUG) were measured before and after elastic band exercise using the one group pre-posttest design. Wilcoxon's signed ranks test and simple regression analysis were performed using SPSS 18.0. Results: Significant differences in TUG and grip strength test scores were observed pre and post exercise (p<0.05), except one leg stance test. Significant correlation was observed only between age and change of right one leg stance. Conclusion: Progressive resistance training using an elastic band for middle elderly women was effective for dynamic balance and grip strength, but was not effective for static balance. Therefore, investigation of factors that affect improvement of static balance using an elastic band and the lasting duration of the effect and its association with age will be necessary in the future.