• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.595-609
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the guidelines for Medic Work Table (MWT) based on the anthropometric data of medical technologists. Background: Users' anthropometric data such as sitting height, sitting elbow height, knee height, and so on are significant factors for designing comfortable and useful furniture. Thus, many guidelines for different types of desks and chairs based on the users' anthropometric data have been suggested to many researchers. However, few researches have been conducted to provide design guidelines for MWT for blood collecting task. Medical technologists often use their upper extremities to perform blood collecting task with high repetitions. These repeated motions could be a critical factor in the prevalence rate of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Therefore, a study on ergonomic design of MWT would be essential in preventing the WMSDs and improving the quality of the working environment of medical technologists. Method: This study suggested design guidelines for ergonomic MWT by focusing on the heights of the upper side and underside, depths of the inside and outside, and width of MWT through anthropometric studies and literature reviews. Afterwards, a new MWT was made using the suggested design guidelines for this study. Five healthy medical technologists participated to evaluate the original MWT and new MWT. All participants took part in the range of motion (ROM) test, electromyography (EMG) muscle activity test, and usability test to validate the suggested guidelines in this study. EMG signals of related muscles (Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Deltoid Anterior, and Biceps Branchii) were recorded through the surface electromyography system from both the original MWT and the new MWT. The ROM test of the shoulder and elbow flexion was also assessed using motion sensors. Results: The newly designed MWT showed decreased ROMs of the shoulder and elbow up to 22% and 18% compared to the original MWT. The muscle activities in the new MWT also showed a decrease of 13% in Anterior Deltoid, 6% in Biceps Brachii, 5% in Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, and 8% in Extensor Carpi Ulnaris muscle groups, compared to the original MWT. In the usability test, the satisfaction score of the new MWT was also 56.1% higher than that of the original MWT. Conclusion: This study suggested guidelines for designing MWT and validating the guidelines through qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results of motion analysis, muscle activity, and usability tests demonstrated that the newly designed MWT may lead to less physical stress, less awkward posture, and better physical user interface. Application: The recommended guidelines of the MWT would be helpful information for designing an ergonomic MWT that reduces physical loads and improves the performance of many medical technologists.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2017

Background: The method of measuring the walking function of patients with chronic stroke differs depending on patients walking capability and environmental conditions. Objects: This study aimed to demonstrate the influences of walking capacity and environmental conditions on the results of short- and long-distance walk tests in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Forty patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study, and allocated to group-1 (<.4m/s, household walking, $n_1=13$), group-2 (.4~.8m/s, limited community ambulation, $n_2=16$), and group-3 (>.8m/s, community ambulation, $n_3=11$) according to their walking capacity. The 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and 6-min walk tests, (6MWT) were used to compare the short- and long-distance walk tests results, which were randomly performed under indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Results: The comparison of the results obtained under the indoor and outdoor conditions revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in the 6MWT and 10MWT (p<.05). Post-hoc tests' results showed significant differences between groups-1 and -2 and between groups-1 and -3 in the 10MWT, and between group-1 and -3 in the 6MWT. Furthermore, in group-2 the 10MWT and 6MWT results significantly differed between the indoor and outdoor conditions, and the values measured under the indoor and outdoor conditions significantly differed between 10MWT and 6MWT (p<.05). Group-3 showed a significant difference in 10MWT results between the indoor and outdoor conditions (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the results of the short- and long-distance walk tests may differ depending on the walking capacity of patients with chronic stroke and the environmental condition under which the measurement is made, and these effects were greatest for the patients with the limited community ambulation capacity.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical performance, such as gait and postural control, and cognition on as assessed by clinical tools in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods : Twenty-six patients who had hemiparetic stroke participated in this study, and were evaluated four common clinical measurements, including the Berg balance scale (BBS), 10 meter walk test (10MWT), 6 minute walking test (6MWT), and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Multiple regression analysis was used BBS score, 10MWT, and 6MWT as the dependent variables; MoCA score, post-stroke duration, age, and affected side as independent variables. Results : In the regression equation of the BBS score, the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.875, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.786, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining the BBS score. In the regression equation for the 10MWT, ther was 0.888, the R2 was 0.999, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining 10MWT. Finally, the r was 0.777, the R2 was 0.998, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining 6MWT in the regression equation of the 6MWT. Conclusion : The results show that cognitive abilities affect gait proficiencies in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Therefore, these results suggest that cognitive tests are necessary for examining and evaluating the abilities of postural control and gait performance for chronic stroke patients in research and clinical environments.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.93-99
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• 1975

In order to compare the diagnostic value of Modified California Mastitis Test (MCMT), Modified Whiteside Test (MWT) and Resazurin Reduction Test (RRT) using the direct microscopic leucocyte count (DMLC) as standard, a total of 739 quarter milk samples were examined. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Of the 739 samples, 24.4% had positive DMLC value (over 500,000 leucocytes per mI.), 32.6% positive MCMT reaction, 34.9% positive RRT reaction and 39.9% positive MWT reaction. 2. The identical ratings of the three mastitis screening tests with DMLC values were 60.7% (MWT), 61. 8% (MCMT) and 72.1% (RRT). 3. The mean reaction values of the predicted mastitis screening tests were $1.09{\pm}0.01$ (MWT), $1.12{\pm}0.06$ (MCMT) and $1.25{\pm}0.40$ (RRT). The efficiency ratings of them were 34.8% (MWT), 49.3% (RRT) and 55.0% (MCMT) respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.79-83
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined training using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns and treadmills on the balance and walking ability of stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-three stroke patients were randomized into a control group (n=11), receiving only treadmill training and an experimental group (n=12) receiving combined training. The use of both PNF exercise and treadmill were implemented in the combined training. Interventions were performed 5 times a week for 6 weeks. Balance ability was measured by a timed up and go (TUG) test. Walking ability was measured by a 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). A paired t-test was used to compare differences between pre- and post-intervention and independent t-tests were used to compare between groups. Results: Changes in TUG, 10MWT, and 6MWT before and after interventions were significantly different for both the experimental group and the control group (p<0.05). In addition, within-group changes in the TUG, 10MWT, and 6MWT were more effective in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Combined training using PNF techniques and treadmills may be useful in improving the balance and walking ability of stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.470-478
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) balance exercise on the ability to balance and walk in patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial Methods: Following baseline measurements, patients (n=24) with hemiplegia caused by stroke were randomized into two groups: the PNF balance group (n=12) that received PNF balance exercise and the balance group (n=12) that received general balance exercise. Each group joined the intervention for 30 minutes, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. Both groups performed the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, as well as the 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for walking. The data were collected both before and after the intervention. The paired t-test was used to compare the post-intervention changes compared with pre-intervention data. An independent t-test was used to analyze the differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the 6-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in balance (TUG, BBS) and walking (10MWT, 6MWT) parameters (p<0.05). The patients in the PNF balance group showed greater improvements in balance (TUG, BBS) and walking (10MWT, 6MWT) than those in the balance group (p<0.05). Conclusions: PNF balance exercise shows improvements in balance and walking parameters in patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.13-19
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• 2011

Purpose: In real life there are both straight-paths and curved-paths. To evaluate walking ability of both kinds, a figure-8 walking test (F8WT) was developed. The aim of this study was to validate the measure in hemiplegic patients with walking difficulties and to identify correlations of curved walking ability with straight walking ability, motor function, and walking performance ability. Methods: Twenty subjects participated in this study. Curved walking was measured by a F8WT. Straight walking ability was measured by a 10-meter walking test (10MWT). Dynamic balancea bility was measured by timed up and go (TUG) tests. Walking performance ability was measured using a modified motor assessment scale (MMAS). Motor function was measured by the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Linear regression analyses were performed to explore other functional tests in mobility ability by F8WT time, 10MWT (dependent variable). Results: There was a significant positive correlation of F8WT time with 10MWT and TUG. There was a significant negative correlation of F8WT time with MMAS and FMA-coordination. There was a significant positive correlation of 10MWT with TUG. There was a significant negative correlation of 10MWT with MMAS and FMA-coordination. The F8WT time for curved walking ability was attributed to 10MWT for straight walking ability as 94% level of contribution. Conclusion: The results suggest that the F8WT is a good instrument for measuring walking ability because there is a robust correlation of F8WT time with 10MWT, TUG, MMAS, and FMA-coordination in hemiplegic patients who, after stroke, have a mobility deficiency.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.281-286
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlations among the resting physical factors related to a six-minute walk test (6MWT) and to determine the effects of the resting physical factors on the distance and intensity related to the 6MWT in healthy female subjects. Methods: A total of 43 healthy female subjects ($22.84{\pm}3.90yrs$) participated in this study. They performed the 6MWT, and the physical factors related to the 6MWT were assessed. SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the data, and the mean and standard deviation were calculated, and the collected data were analyzed by the Pearson's correlation coefficient (among physical factors related to 6MWT) and independent t-test (between six-minute walk distance [6MWD] groups and six-minute walk intensity [6MWI] groups). Results: The 6MWD had a significant negative correlation with the resting HR (beat/min) in healthy female subjects (r=-0.49, p<0.05). The 6MWI had a significant negative correlation with the resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r=-0.45, p<0.01). A comparison of the 6MWD revealed the long distance group (LDG, 700-799 m) to be significantly higher than the middle distance group (MDG, 600-699 m) in the 6MWI (%), %predicted distance (%), predicted VO2max (mL/kg/min), resting HR (beat/min), and resting SBP (mmHg)(p<0.05). In the comparison of 6MWI, the moderate intensity group (MIG, 64-75%HRmax) was significantly lower than the low intensity group (LIG, 50-63%HRmax) in the resting SBP (mmHg) (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that the resting physical factors are related to the 6MWD and 6MWI of the 6MWT in healthy females. In particular, SBP is associated with not only the 6MWD but also the 6MWI in 6MWT.

• Proceedings of the Korean Nuclear Society Conference
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• 1999.05a
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• pp.280-280
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• 1999

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.63-70
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• 2021

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the improvement of global synkinesis (GS) and gait in stroke patients by the weight shift exercise. METHODS: Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to experimental group I (n = 10) and experimental group II (n = 10). In experimental group I, weight shift with upper extremity exercises in a standing position were mediated and in experimental group II, upper extremity exercises in a standing position were mediated. These interventions were conducted in both groups for three sessions per week, 30 minutes per session over four weeks. Before the interventions, leg GS was measured using surface electromyography and the 10m walk test (10MWT). The same parameters were measured four weeks later. RESULTS: The GS and 10MWT of the experimental group I showed that there was a statistically significant difference between dorsiflexion (p < .05) and plantarflexion (p < .01) and 10MWT (p < .01). In experimental group II, there was a statistically significant difference only in 10MWT (p < .01). The comparison between the changes in both groups showed that in the case of GS, there was a statistically significant difference in the dorsiflexion (p < .01) and plantarflexion (p < .05), and in the 10MWT too (p < .05). CONCLUSION: GS of the lower extremities was decreased by improving posture control and enlarging soft tissues due to the symmetrical weight shift in experimental group I, which turned out to be effective in improving the gait speed.