• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.343-350
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• 2006

Medical magnetic stimulator generates strong magnetic field pulses. Clinical applications of the magnetic pulse are the stimulation of nervous system and the contraction of muscle. The unique source of the strong magnetic pulse is a capacitor-inductor resonator and this inductor generates a strong sinusoidal magnetic pulse by discharging the capacitor with high initial voltage. Continuous muscle contraction needs sequential generation of the magnetic pulses. However, to keep the magnitude of sequential pulses identical, an expensive high-voltage power supply have to support voltage drop of the capacitor between the pulses. A protection circuit between the supply and the resonator is necessary to protect the supply from reverse current caused by capacitor voltage reversal. In this paper, a new circuit structure of the magnetic stimulator adopting a low-frequency fly-back switching is proposed. The new circuit supports sequential pulse generation and allows the reverse current without damage. Performance of the new circuit is examined and a low-cost magnetic stimulator for urinary incontinence therapy is being developed using the presented method.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.89-96
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• 2017

Objectives : The aim of the study was to ascertain the effectiveness of magnetic acupuncture in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methods : The patients were treated with magnetic acupuncture using a magnetic therapy stimulator (Whata 153), as well as with moxibustion therapy. Acupuncture treatment was conducted on the acupoints of Ashi-as well as on 太谿 (KI3), 崑崙 (BL60), and 委中 (BL40)-for 15 minutes. The intensity of pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the tenderness threshold (TT) was measured at each visit using an algometer. Results : After treatment, evaluation using the VAS had improved, as had the TT; furthermore, plantar fasciitis pain was reduced. Conclusion : Magnetic acupuncture relieved pain in plantar fasciitis. In further clinical study, more research on magnetic acupuncture is required.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.11
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• pp.289-296
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• 2009

In this study, I presented power control unit with potential use in the magnetic stimulation of biological systems. The effect of the magnetic stimulation depends on the geometry and orientation of the induced electric field as well as on the current pulse waveform delivered by the stimulator coil. TMS is achieved from the outside of the head using pulses of electromagnetic field that induce an electric field in the brain. There are numerous possibities in the applications TMS, such as diagnosis and therapy through the brain stimulation. These factors are very important to define the equipment requirements and characteristics in that the topology of the power supply and the size and geometry of the coil. The proposed solution is the generation of current pulses with variable amplitude and duration, according to a user defined input. Another solution is the topology that uses elements to store and transfer energy from the power source to the load. In addition to proposed topology, an adequate control strategy and right set of the power circuit parameters made possible to obtain unipolar waves and bipolar waves.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.11-17
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve balance ability in acute stage stroke patients. METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 subjects diagnosed with hemiparesis caused by stroke. The experimental group consisted of 15 patients that underwent rTMS for 15 mins and the control group consisted of 15 patients that underwent sham rTMS (for 15 minutes). A 70-mm figure 8 coil and a Magstim Rapid stimulator was used in both groups. Patients in the experimental group received 10 Hz rTMS applied to the hotspot in the lesioned hemisphere in 10-second trains with 50-second intervals between trains, for 15 minutes (total 2,000 pulses). Both groups received conventional physical therapy for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Static balance ability analysis was performed using the Gaitview system to measure pressure rate, postural sway, and total pressure, and dynamic balance ability analysis was performed to measure pressure variables using a balance system. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in post-training gains for pressure rate, total pressure in static balance, and overall stability index in dynamic balance between the experimental group and the control group (p<.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that high frequency rTMS may be beneficial for improving static and dynamic balance recovery in acute stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.1209-1216
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• 2010

It has increased that peripheral disturbance(blood flow, nerve, Raynaud's phenomenon) and finger rheumatoid arthritis which is caused by the diabetic complications. To improve these pain issues, we proposed new method for the Finger Disease Therapy(FDT). In this paper, we manufactured solenoid cylindrical coil which was only for the FDT using a variable micro-electromagnetic. Also, we designed the Finger Disease Therapy System(FDTS) which could select three stimulation modes(N_pulse, S_pulse, N/S_pulse) and frequency(0.25hz, 0.5hz, 1hz). We used a Teslameter to measure magnetic flux inner solenoid, and measured magnetic flux as distance(0 ~ 3cm) inner solenoid with stimulation modes and frequency. In the results, magnetic flux was the highest in center of solenoid(0cm) for all stimulation modes. Also, the highest magnetic flux was measured as N_pulse(294.3mT), S_pulse(293.8mT) in 1Hz and N/S_pulse (275.4mT) in 0.25Hz, respectively. Therefore, we developed the FDTS using various pattern and intensity for finger diseases therapy, and checked therapy clinic application possibility of the FDTS as measuring magnetic flux inner solenoid.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report a case of a patient efficacy of electromagnetic acupuncture using Whata 153 in facial nerve palsy in Herpes zoster oticus. Methods : We treated the patient with magnetic acupuncture combined with electro-acupuncture. Acupuncture points were at the face (BL2, GB14, TE23, ST4, ST6, ST3). All the acupuncture points were stimulated with magnetic field and 4 of them were combined with electro-acupuncture. Results & Conclusions : The improvement of facial movement and symptom was evaluated by Yanagihara grading system(Y-system), House-Brackmann scale(HB scale) and Sunnybrook facial grading system(SFGS). After treatment, all of the scales(Y-system, HB scale and SFGS) and symptom of the patient were improved. From the above results, we suggest that magnetic acupuncture and electro-acupuncture might be effective on facial nerve palsy in Herpes zoster oticus.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of direct functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) of affected spinal cord on motor recovery following spinal cord injury in rats. Methods: After a contusion injury at the spinal level T9 using an NYU Impactor, functional magnetic stimulation was delivered by a magnetic stimulator through a round prototype coil (7 cm in diameter). Stimulation parameters were set as follows: repetition rate = 50 Hz (stimulus intensity 100% = 0.18 T), stimulation time = 20 min. Functional magnetic stimulation was administered twice a day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks starting 4 days after spinal cord injury. Functional magnetic stimulationwas delivered directly to the affected spinal cord. Outcomes of locomotor performance were assessed by the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and by an inclined plane test weekly for 8 weeks. Results: In the BBB test, hindlimb motor function in the Functional magnetic stimulation group improved significantly more compared to the control group at 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 weeks (p<0.05). In the inclined plane test, the angle of the plane in the functional magnetic stimulation group increased significantly more compared to the control group at 4, 5, 7, and 8 weeks (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that direct Functional magnetic stimulation of the lesional site may have beneficial effects on motor improvement after spinal cord injury.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.87-93
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• 2009

Purpose: TThis study examined the effect of repetitive magnetic stimulation (RMS) on the viability and proliferative response of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hATSCs) in vitro. Methods: The hATSCs were cultured primarily from human adipose tissue harvested by liposuction and incubated in a $37^{\circ}C$ plastic chamber. The cells were exposed to a repetitive magnetic field using a customized magnetic stimulator (Biocon-5000, Mcube Technology). The RMS parameters were set as follows: repetition rate=10Hz, 25Hz (stimulus intensity 100%= 0.1 Tesla, at 4cm from the coil), stimulated time= 1, 5, and 20 minutes. Twenty four hours after one application of RMS, the hATSCs were compared with the sham stimulation, which were kept under the same conditions without the application of RMS. The cells were observed by optical microscopy to determine the morphology and assessed by trypan blue staining for cell proliferation. The apoptosis and viability of the hATSCs were also analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of Annexin V and MTT assay. Results: After RMS, the morphology of the hATSCs was not changed and the apoptosis of hATSCs were not increased compared to the sham stimulation. The viability of the cells was similar to the cells given the sham stimulation. Interestingly, the level of hATSC proliferation was significantly higher in all RMS groups. Conclusion: The application of RMS may not cause a change in morphology and viability of hATSCs but can increase the level of cell proliferation in vitro. RMS might be useful as an adjuvant tool in combination with stem cell therapy without adverse effects.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.17-27
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• 2003

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) modulates cortical excitability beyond the duration of the rTMS trains themselves. Depending on rTMS parameters, a lasting inhibition or facilitation of cortical excitability can be induced. Therefore, rTMS of high or low frequency over motor cortex may change certain aspects of motor learning performance and cortical activation. This study investigated the effect of high and low frequency subthreshold rTMS applied to the motor cortex on motor learning of sequential finger movements and brain activation using functional MRI (fMRI). Three healthy right-handed subjects (mean age 23.3) were enrolled. All subjects were trained with sequences of seven-digit rapid sequential finger movements, 30 minutes per day for 5 consecutive days using their left hand. 10 Hz (high frequency) and 1 Hz (low frequency) trains of rTMS with 80% of resting motor threshold and sham stimulation were applied for each subject during the period of motor learning. rTMS was delivered on the scalp over the right primary motor cortex using a figure-eight shaped coil and a Rapid(R) stimulator with two Booster Modules (Magstim Co. Ltd, UK). Functional MRI (fMRI) was performed on a 3T ISOL Forte scanner before and after training in all subjects (35 slices per one brain volume TR/TE = 3000/30 ms, Flip angle $60^{\circ}$, FOV 220 mm, $64{\times}64$ matrix, slice thickness 4 mm). Response time (RT) and target scores (TS) of sequential finger movements were monitored during the training period and fMRl scanning. All subjects showed decreased RT and increased TS which reflecting learning effects over the training session. The subject who received high frequency rTMS showed better performance in TS and RT than those of the subjects with low frequency or sham stimulation of rTMS. In fMRI, the subject who received high frequency rTMS showed increased activation of primary motor cortex, premotor, and medial cerebellar areas after the motor sequence learning after the training, but the subject with low frequency rTMS showed decreased activation in above areas. High frequency subthreshold rTMS on the motor cortex may facilitate the excitability of motor cortex and improve the performance of motor sequence learning in normal subject.