• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.84-94
• /
• 1996

This paper reviews physiological changes in the nervous system of patients with hemiparesis that may contribute to muscle weakness. The discussion includes the important role that alterations in the physiology of motor units, notably changes in firing rates and muscle fiber atrophy, play in the manifestation of muscle weakeness. This role is compared with the lesser role that spasticity of the antagonist muscle group appears to play in determining the weakness of agonist muscles. The contribution of other factors that result in mechanical restraint of the agonist by the antagonist is discussed relative to muscle weakness in patients with hemiparesis. More studies on patients with hemiparesis are required to assess what role muscle strength training should play in rehabiliting patients after a stroke.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion: The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.13 no.15
• /
• pp.54.1-54.4
• /
• 2023

Objective: A single-patient case study on the use of OCNT for cervical spinal stenosis. Methods: A50-year-old Korean male with frequent leg muscle cramps and severe muscle weakness was treated with OCNT. Results: After OCNT, pain and cramps disappeared, and muscle strength improved to the point of no longer hindering daily activities. Conclusion: OCNT can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of pain and muscle weakness in patients with cervical spinal stenosis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.19-27
• /
• 2009

Objectives : To investigate the improvement rate of muscle weakness caused by lumbar disc herniation, 17 patients was treated with oriental medicine. Methods : To evaluate weakness of big toe extensor muscles caused by lumbar disc herniation, we measured the active range of motion(ROM) of big toe extension and muscle grading of big toe extensor muscles. We also measured numerical rating scale(NRS), oswestry disability index(ODI) and compared them with the active ROM of big toe extension. Results : 1. Progressive weakness of big toe extensor muscles was observed in 2 patients. Weakness of big toe extensor muscles were improved in 13 patients(76%). 2. Changes in manual muscle testing(MMT) scores corresponded with improvement rate of big toe extension. 3. Numerical rating scale(NRS) and oswestry disability index(ODI) improvement rate did not correspond with improvement rate of big toe extension. Conclusions : Muscle weakness caused by lumbar disc herniation can be treated with oriental medicine and progressive muscle weakness must be observed constantly.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.57-67
• /
• 2016

Background: Many previous studies recommended the side-lying hip abduction (SHA) exercise for targeting the gluteus medius (Gmed) and gluteus maximus (Gmax) muscle activity while the decreasing tensor fasciae latae (TFL) activation. Mischoice of hip position and angle in SHA may increase the risk of lower extremity injuries and undesirable muscle activation. However, information is limited on the effect of composite hip flexion angles and hip rotation on the gluteal muscle activity during SHA. Objects: This study aimed to compare muscle activity (Gmed, TFL, and Gmax) and activity ratios (Gmed/TFL, Gmax/TFL, and Gmed/Gmax) using surface electromyography (EMG) during SHA exercise at three different hip flexion angles either with or without internal rotation (IR) in subjects with Gmed weakness. We hypothesized that applying hip flexion and IR during SHA would increase gluteal muscle activity and decrease TFL activity. Methods: Muscle activity and activity ratios in 20 volunteers with Gmed weakness during 6 different SHA were investigated with surface EMG. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the statistical significance. Results: Significant differences were found among the six different exercises for Gmed ($F_{2,41}=11.817$, p<.001) and Gmax ($F_{3,52}=5.513$, p=.003) muscle activity, and Gmed/TFL ($F_{3,54}=8.735$, p<.001) and Gmax/TFL ($F_{2,37}=4.019$, p=.028) activity ratios. Conclusion: Applying hip flexion is an effective method for increasing gluteal activity, and it elicits great Gmed/TFL and Gmax/TFL activity ratios during SHA in subjects with Gmed weakness.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.125-135
• /
• 2002

In most of the medical literature that discusses the common problem of movement in patients with cerebral lesions. This critical problem is ascribed to a mechanism involving uninhibited neural activity. The goals of neurological physical therapy are focus on reduce of muscle hypertonicity, facilitates muscle activities, and improve of performance in living environment. A variety of studies suggest that spasticity is a distinct problem and separate from the muscle weakness. It has become increasingly recognized that the major functional deficits following brain damage are largely due to negative features such as muscle weakness and loss of performance rather than spasticity. Adequate recruitment of prime mover, not release was able to carry out the movement tasks well. The strengthening exercise of spastic limbs on changes in muscle properties and performance skill, the repeated motor practice has been identified as crucial for motor recovery. This article support the concept that strengthening is an appropriate intervention to improve the quality of physical function in patients with central nervous system lesions. Further studies and therapeutic approaches should be efforts at improving motor neuron recruitment in agonist rather than reducing activity in antagonists while retraining muscle strengthening.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.71-82
• /
• 2015

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare changes in the thickness of the gluteus medius muscle fiber between chronic low back pain(clbp) with gluteus medius weakness and healthy subject. METHODS: Ultrasound imaging was used to measure in the thickness of each fiber of the gluteus medius muscle based on maximal muscle contraction during abduction motion of the hip joint in a healthy group (11 subjects) and a chronic CLBP group (21 subjects). An independent t-test was performed to analyze the difference of thickness in each fiber of the gluteus medius muscle and the rate of changes in the fibers in the two groups. RESULTS: The fiber thickness changes in the gluteus medius muscle were significantly lower for the posterior fiber in the CLBP group compared to the healthy group (p<0.01). The changes in rate of difference of thickness the posterior part of the gluteus medius muscle was significantly lower in the CLBP group than in the healthy group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study CLBP patients with weakness of the gluteus medius muscle that lower for the posterior fiber's difference of thickness and rate of change in the CLBP group compared to the healthy group. Indicate that rehabilitation of CLBP patients with weakness of the gluteus medius muscle should consider the functions of posterior fiber of the gluteus medius muscle.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.147-155
• /
• 1999

In order to investigate the effect of circulating blood and extinguishing blood stasis method on acute ischemic stroke treatment, we compared muscle weakness in two groups. Dansamhwanotang was administered to experimental group and the Sopungtang was administered to comparison group. In prospective and consecutive study, 24 patients(male 14, female 10) were admitted to hospital within 6hours(median $4.21{\pm}2.45)$ after stroke attack. All of them were diagnosed computed tomography as acute cerebral infarction. We divided that patients into two groups. The experimental group was 13, took median $4.17{\pm}1.72hrs$ to admission after stroke attack and the comparison group 11, median $4.31{\pm}2.72hrs$ to admission after stroke attack. There was no statistical difference in time consumed from stroke onset to admission(P>0.05). Muscle weakness was measured on admission and 7 days later on AMA(American Medical Association) method. In the experimental group, muscle weakness on admission was $2.23{\pm}0.51$ and $2.79{\pm}0.72$ in upper and lower extremity, respectively. In comparison group, muscle weakness on admission was $2.17{\pm}0.43$ and $2.67{\pm}0.82$ in upper and lower extremity, respectively. There was no difference in muscle weakness(P〈0.05). In 7 days after, muscle weakness was $2.31{\pm}0.35$ in upper extremity and $3.15{\pm}0.12$ in lower extremity in experimental group, and $2.27{\pm}0.74$ in upper extremity and $3.45{\pm}0.48$, lower extremity in comparison group. There was no meaningful improvement statistically in upper extremity(p<0.05) but significant evolution in lower extremity(p<0.05). The muscle weakness comparison between admission time and 7 days later was as follows. Experimental group had improvement at the degree of $0.24{\pm}0.92$, $0.42{\pm}0.82$ in upper and lower extremity, respectively and comparison group, $0.12{\pm}0.82$, $0.27{\pm}0.97$ in same part(p<0.05). So, Dansamhwanotang administered group had more good muscle weakness improvement than Sopungtang administered group(P>0.05). From the above result, I suppose that circulating blood and extinguishing blood stasis method helps recover hemiparesis caused by acute ischemic cerabral disease, in acute stage at least.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.155-160
• /
• 2021

The masticatory muscle disorder is the most common problem that patients with temporomandibular disorder often complain. For such complaints, treatment is directed towards reducing hyperactivity of muscles or effects of the central nervous system. However, if nonspecific occlusal change or pain persists, it is necessary to consider that muscle weakness might be the cause of the persistence of temporomandibular disorder. Stabilization of occlusion and improvement of the pain symptoms were achieved in both cases through the chewing gum exercise. This exercise may enable masticatory movements done in normal function by using muscle engram and achieve reinforcement of the masticatory muscles with balanced, simultaneous contacts of the teeth. In addition, it may be a viable method for treating temporomandibular disorders that do not respond well to conventional mandibular stabilization therapies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.29-45
• /
• 2024

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of pain level, lower back pain dysfunction level, psychosocial level, hip abductor strength (HAS), number of positive lumbar instability tests, and dynamic balance (DB) by applying lumbar stabilization exercises according to the presence or absence of gluteus medius muscle weakness in chronic lower back pain (CLBP) patients with lumbar instability. METHODS: Thirty-five CLBP patients with lumbar instability were divided into the gluteus medius weakness (n = 18) and gluteus medius non-weakened (n = 17) groups using the gluteus medius manual muscle test. Intervention applied conservative physical therapy and lumbar stabilization exercises to both groups that lasted three times a week for four weeks. To compare the intervention effects, the quadruple visual analog scale (QVAS), the Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ), HAS, lumbar instability tests positive response counter (LIC), and DB were measured. RESULTS: Significant differences were shown for QVAS, K-ODI, FABQ, HAS, LIC, and DB for both groups pre- and post-intervention (p < .05). Compared to the gluteus medius weakness group, the gluteus medius non-weakened group showed a significant difference (p < .05) in the changes in QVAS, K-ODI, FABQ-W, FABQ-total, and HAS. CONCLUSION: In CLBP patients with lumbar instability, having gluteus medius weakness was less effective in improving lumbar stabilization exercise than gluteus medius non-weakness regarding pain level, lower back pain dysfunction level, psychosocial level excluding physical activity, and hip abductor strength. Therefore, additional gluteus medius strengthening exercises are necessary for patients with lumbar instability and gluteus medius muscle weakness.