• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.195-201
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to report the treatment effects of Korean medicine for patients with lateral epicondylitis. This study was done on 12 cases of patients with lateral epicondylitis who visited in Korean Medicine Clinic of Ganghwa-gun Public Health Care Center. We used muscle contraction/relaxation strengthen technique, Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), acupuncture on patients and mesured numerical rating scale (NRS), pain disability index (PDI), and grip strength test to evaluate treatment effects. Among twelve patients, eleven cases showed decreasing in NRS and all cases showed decreasing in PDI. Ten cases showed increasing in grip strength test. Korean medical treatments including muscle contraction/relaxation strengthen technique and IASTM are thought to be one of the effective treatment for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.359-364
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and a neural dynamic technique (NDYT). As an intervention to treat spastic lower limb muscle tone, stiffness, and static balance in stroke patients. Methods: Totally, 26 participants were assigned randomly to two groups: the IASTM (n=13) and NDYT (n=13) groups. Both groups were subjected to their respective technique for 15 minutes, 5 times a week, for 6 weeks. Muscle tone, stiffness, and static balance were evaluated before and after training, to compare both group changes. Results: IASTM group showed significant decrease in the gastrocnemius medial region and semitendinosus muscle tone and stiffness (p<0.05) compare to NDYT group; however, no significant different was observed in static balance between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that IASTM is an effective method for decreasing the muscle tone and stiffness in acute stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of muscle energy technique (MET) and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on knee extension ROM, knee extensor/flexor strength and muscle thickness immediately and after 24 hours. Methods: A total of 30 subjects participated in this study. The participants were assigned to either MET (n=15) or IASTM (n=15). 90-90 straight leg raise, knee extensor/flexor muscle strength, muscle thickness test were measured before, immediately after and 24 hours after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved knee extension ROM on immediate (MET 10.7°, IASTM 10.21° increased) and after 24 hours assessment (MET 5.61°, IASTM 5.47° increased)(p<.05). In the MET group, knee extension and flexion muscle strength increased immediately after intervention (p<.05). In the IASTM group, knee extension muscle strength increased and knee flexor muscle strength decreased immediately after intervention (p<.05). Furthermore, both groups showed a pattern of returning to the initial strength after 24 hours. In both groups, no significant difference in muscle thickness immediately and after 24 hours was observed (p>.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, MET and IASTM technique showed lasting effectiveness in flexibility of shortened hamstring immediately after and in 24 hours after the intervention. In both groups, MET increased muscle strength and increased ROM, while IASTM decreased muscle strength and increased ROM, with no change in muscle thickness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.29-35
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study examined the immediate effects of Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (GIASTM) and self-stretching on the muscular properties of the gastrocnemius in athletes. METHODS: Thirty subjects (All in their 20 s) were distributed randomly and evenly into two groups of 15 each: GIASTM and stretching. The subjects had no history of gastrocnemius damage in the previous three months. The muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and mechanical stress relaxation time (MSRT) of the gastrocnemius were blind-tested. RESULTS: The GIASTM group showed significant changes in all categories, while only MSRT changed significantly in the self-stretching group after intervention. A comparison of the two groups revealed significant differences in stiffness, elasticity, and MSRT (Time required for the muscle to recover after distortion after intervention in the GIASTM group. CONCLUSION: In this study, significant decreases in muscle tone and stiffness, as well as significant increases in elasticity, were observed in the gastrocnemius of the GIASTM group. On the other hand, sSelf-stretching showed significant differences in MSRT. Therefore, GIASTM is more effective in the recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle from fatigue than self-stretching. This study suggests that GIASTM can help prevent damage to the gastrocnemius in athletes and contribute to their training and rehabilitation programs.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.23-38
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• 2024

Objectives This study examined recent domestic and international clinical research trends in Gua sha therapy to suggest future direction for research. Methods We used six domestic and international databases (Research Information Sharing Service, Korean studies Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) to select clinical studies with an original text in English or Korean published after 2018. Results Finally, 55 studies were selected. Randomized controlled trials accounted for the largest amount with 42 studies. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization was the most frequent term referring to Gua sha. Muscle shortening, limited range of motion, and plantar fasciitis were the most common symptoms, with six cases each. Additionally, there were two studies targeting symptoms other than the musculoskeletal system. Conclusions Additional research is needed on the effects of Gua sha therapy on the back of the lower extremities and hip joints, and research is needed on the possibility of their clinical use for diseases or symptoms other than those of the musculoskeletal system. And standards for the terminology of Gua sha and the types and methods of applied interventions are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.27-32
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of IASTM and static stretching techniques on ankle joint range of motion (ROM), static foot pressure. Methods: Twenty four subjects with gastrocnemius shortness participated in this study. The subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups: The soft tissue mobilization technique (IASTM) group received intervention using a IASTM instrument for two minutes, and the stactic stretching group performed self stretching for 30 seconds, four times. The ROM of the ankle joint was measured by active ankle dorsi-flexion test, and a TPScan was utilized to collect the plantar foot pressure. This experiment was performed by two physical therapists. The significant level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The results were as follows: 1) The ROM of the ankle joint and was significantly increased in both groups. 2) Plantar foot pressure was no significant in both groups. 3) There were no significant differences between the IASTM group and static stretching group for any variable. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that static stretching is an effective and easy technique for restoring proper muscle length in subjects with gastrocnemius shortness. We recommend that static stretching technique be used for treat gastrocnemius shortness in clinical setting and home program.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2024

Background: This study examined the Immediate effects of IASTM using microcurrent and the flossing band on the lower extremity fascia thickness in subjects with Intrinsic patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Sixty-six subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized into three groups (22 each in the microcurrent IASTM (instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization) group, and flossing band group, and combined microcurrent IASTM and flossing band group) to evaluate the immediate effects of the lower extremity fascia thickness before and after intervention. The thickness of the lower extremity fascia was measured using an ultrasound machine. Using SPSS Window. 22.0, a Shapiro Wilk was conducted to test the normality of all variables; within-group comparisons were made with a paired-samples t-test, and between-group interventions were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Results: Changes in the thickness of the fascia in the thigh area were observed before and after intervention in all three groups. There was a significant decrease, and in the combined group, there was a significant decrease in fascia thickness compared to when the IASTM group and the flossing band group were applied separately (p<.05). Conclusion: Through this study, the effect on fascia thickness was confirmed when IASTM and flossing band intervention were combined, and it is believed that it can be used as basic clinical data for patients with knee-thigh pain syndrome.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.176-181
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• 2021

This study was conducted to confirm the effect of vibration on muscle activity in IASTM. The subjects were 20 healthy adults. The intervention applied in this study was IASTM applied to the biceps brachii muscle. In the case of the experimental group, unlike the control group, the vibration function was turned on when IASTM was applied. The interventions for each group were applied, and the muscle activity of the biceps brachii muscle was measured before and after the intervention. All measured values were calculated as %MVIC values, dependent t test and independent t test were performed and analyzed for comparisons. As a result of this study, only in the control group, the muscle activity of the biceps brachii muscle after the intervention was significantly decreased compared to before the intervention. When vibration is applied together with IASTM, the relaxation effect is reduced, which is considered to be inappropriate for treatment.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.143-153
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• 2024

Purpose : Forward head posture (FHP), characterized by the anterior positioning of the head relative to the spine, is a common postural deviation that can lead to neck pain, reduced mobility, and muscle imbalances. Recently, high-frequency deep heat therapy (HFDT) has been gaining attention for the intervention of FHP. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of HFDT in comparison to instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) for treating FHP among 30 young adults. Methods : Participants were randomly assigned to either the HFDT or IASTM group. The study focused on examining changes in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction. Measurements were taken before and after the interventions. Paired t-tests were used for within-group analyses, and independent t-tests were employed for between-group comparisons. The statistical significance level α was set to .05. Results : Statistically significant improvements were observed across all measured parameters in both groups (p<.05). The HFDT group showed significantly greater enhancements in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction parameters. Specifically, HFDT was more effective than IASTM in improving neck joint mobility, right upper trapezius pain threshold, left rounded shoulder distance, and right lower trapezius strength. The only exceptions were neck flexion range of motion, left upper trapezius pain threshold, right rounded shoulder distance, and left lower trapezius strength, where no significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusion : The findings suggest that HFDT, by combining the benefits of high-frequency therapy and manual therapy, effectively alleviates upper trapezius muscle pain and tension, enhances neck mobility, and strengthens lower trapezius muscles. Thus, HFDT could be considered a valuable intervention for clinicians aiming to address FHP and associated musculoskeletal problems.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.179-184
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• 2017

Objectives : Despite the applicability of Korean Medicine(KM) treatments for facial asymmetry, no relevant study has been reported. In this case report, we report the effect and safety of KM treatments on facial asymmetry by mandibular lateral displacement. Methods : Three patients suffering from facial asymmetry received twelve KM treatment sessions composed of Motion Style Treatment(MST), Yinyang Balance Appliance(YBA) of Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy(FCST), and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization(IASTM). The photos of each patient were taken before and after the treatment. And four primary reference lines were assessed before and after the treatment. Results : All subjects were improved after KM treatments on photos. However, no statistical significance was observed. Conclusions : This case report is the first to introduce the effect of KM treatments on facial asymmetry. Further well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed to verify these results.