• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.253-261
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• 2013

PURPOSE: The Purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the thickness of Sternocleidomastoid muscle(SCM) and deep cervical flexor muscle(DCF) through CranioCervical Flexion Exercise(CCFEx) Using Sling. METHODS: Subjects were randomly allocated two group: control group (n=21) without neck pain, experimental group (n=17) with pain. Muscle thickness was measured using CranioCervical Flexion Test(CCFT) and ultrasonography before or after intervention. RESULTS: In experimental group, compared with muscle thickness of exercise before, SCM thickness rate of change was slightly decreased according to pressure increased after exercise(p<.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that CCFEx using sling is effective for SCM and DCF of choric neck pain patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.329-337
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess more effective exercise prescription for the people with chronic neck pain by comparing stretching exercise and isometric exercise about strength and pain. Method : The research design of the study was that 20 young adults with mild neck disability (5-14 out of 50 in Neck Disability Index) were randomized into 2 groups and underwent stretching exercise(10 peoples) and isometric exercise(10 peoples) at 3 times a week for 5weeks. Measures of pain scale (Visual Analog Scale) and Muscle strength of deep neck flexor (Pressure Biofeedback) were assessed before and after intervention. The pre and post exercise results were compared using paired t-test and the effectiveness of intervention of two groups were compared using Independent t test. Results : The results of this study were that pain reduction was seen after stretching and isometric exercise and significantly difference. There was significantly improvement of cervical flexor strength after stretching and isometric exercise. But, there was no significant difference between stretching and isometric exercise groups. Conclusion : The stretching and isometric exercise for chronic neck pain patients may use according to preference of patient because the effects of treatment was same. Further studies are needed to analyzed psycho social factors, cost effects, group approach.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.453-458
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the activities of the abdominal and neck flexor muscles of children with and without cerebral palsy (CP) while lifting the head in a supine position. Methods: The subjects were eight children with CP and eight children without the disease. The activities of the external abdominal oblique (EO), internal abdominal oblique (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and RA/SCM muscles were collected by surface electromyography (EMG) when the children lifted their heads. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the activity of each muscle during the head-lifting exercise. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. Results: The activities of the EO, IO, and RA, and RA/SCM muscles differed significantly between the children with and without CP, but there was no significant between-group difference in the activity of the SCM muscle. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the abdominal muscles are not employed as much in the activities of children with CP compared to those without the disease. Additionally, those with CP were more dependent on the neck flexor muscle during the head-lifting exercise in a supine position.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 2019

Background: This study was planned to assess and compare the effectiveness of cervical region stabilization exercise and strengthening exercise on pain and range of motion in patient with chronic neck pain. Methods: Fifty-one patient with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated into strengthening and stabilization exercise (SSE) group (n=27) and Strengthening exercise (SE) group (n=24). The program was carried for 12 sessions, 3 days/week in 4weeks. Pain intensity with visual analog scale (VAS), cervical range of motion, deep cervical flexor strengthening were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: After the program, pain intensity decreased in group SE and SSE were found (p<.05). Range of motion and deep cervical muscle strength increased in group SE and SSE were found(p<.05). The intergroup comparison showed that significant difference in range of motion and deep cervical muscle strength (p<.05). Conclusions: The study suggest that both SSE program and SE program might be a useful treatment for patients with chronic neck pain. However SSE program might be superior in improving cervical range of motion and deep cervical flexor strength compare to SE program.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.88-97
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• 2024

Background: This study was to investigate effects of Correlation Analysis between Cervical-Vertebra Angle and Neck Range of Motion, Muscle Strength, Sternocleidomastoid Thickness of Patients with Forward Head Posture Design: Correlation Analysis. Methods: The subjects of this study were a total of 54 people in the forward head position and their ages were between 30 and 50 years old. The subjects cranio-vertebral angles, neck extension, neck flexion, neck rotation angles, neck flexor strength, neck extensor strength, sternocleidomastoid thickness were evaluated through measuring instruments. The thickness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was measured using an imaging ultrasound diagnostic device (ultra sound, Versana Premier, GE Medical systems, China). CVA was measured by measuring the side photo of the subject was taken with a camera and evaluated.. neck joint range of motion was measured through digital inclinometer for extension, flexion, and neck rotation. neck muscle strength was measured by measuring the using a digital sthenometer. Data analysis in this study was statistically processed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM SPSS Inc., USA). Correlation analysis was used and the statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The results neck extension(r= 0.70^**), neck flexion(r= 0.67^**), neck rotation(r= 0.56^**), neck extensor muscle strengt(r= 0.85^**), neck flexor muscle strength(r= 0.66^**), sternocleidomastoid thicknes(r= -0.81^**) It indicates that there is a correlation. Conclusion:These results improve the Cervical-vertebra angle of patients with forward head posture should include a program to improve the thickness of the SCM. In the future, study can be used as an evidentiary material for treatment interventions to improve the Cervical-vertebra angle of patients with forward head posture.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.123-131
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• 2021

Purpose : The time spent using smart devices is constantly increasing, particularly in recent times. Using smart devices for a long time with an incorrect posture may lead to cerebral palsy (CP), instability, and abnormal muscle tone. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationships among cervical instability, deep neck flexor (DNF) activity, range of motion (ROM), and muscle tonus. Methods : Fifty subjects with CP participated in this study, and they were physiotherapists at W Hospital in Daejeon. Those who voluntarily participated in the research were selected as candidates who fulfilled the selection criteria. According to an instability test, 25 subjects were assigned to the instability and control groups. All subjects first underwent the instability test to be allocated to the appropriate group. Those in the instability group tested positive on the instability test. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), ROM, muscle tone, and DNF activity were measured to evaluate their relationships. The DNF strength and endurance were measured using a cranio-cervical flexion test. The upper trapezius (UT), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and suboccipital (SO) muscle tones were measured using a contact soft tissue tone measuring instrument. The statistical significance level was set to .05. Results : There were significant differences in the flexion, extension, and rotation of the cervical ROM (CROM) between the two groups (p<.05). The SCM, UT, and SO muscle tones were significantly different between the two groups (p<.05). The DNF strength and endurance showed a significant difference between the two groups (p<.05). Conclusion : We found that there were significant increases in the CROM and muscle tone and decrease in the DNF strength and endurance in the instability group. This indicated that cervical instability is affected by the DNF strength and endurance. We may recommend DNF exercises in cases of cervical instability in clinical environments.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.31-39
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• 2017

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short neck flexor strengthening in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on swallowing function in patients with chronic stroke and to provide basic data for swallowing rehabilitation in stroke patients. Method : The study involved 30 chronic stroke patients who visited ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ General Hospital in Daegu Metropolitan City between March and July, 2017. The subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). Both groups underwent traditional swallowing rehabilitation therapy for 30 minutes five times a week over a six-week period. The experimental group performed short neck flexor exercises, which are part of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, for 30 minutes three times a week over a six-week period. The control group performed neuromuscular electrical stimulation for 30 minutes three times a week over a six-week period. Based on its results, changes in the patients' swallowing function and degree of food intake were analyzed. Result : In terms of the ASHA NOMS scale and new VFSS scale, the experimental group and the control group showed statistically significant changes in ten sub-items and six sub-items, respectively. Statistically significant differences in one sub-item were found between the groups. Conclusion : PNF-based short neck flexion exercise appear to be effective at improving swallowing function of stroke patients with dysphagia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.139-146
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of craniocervical flexion exercise with masticatory muscle contraction in patients with neck pain. Patients with neck pain also experience muscle weakness and limitation of activities of daily living. Craniocervical flexion exercise with masticatory muscle contraction may increase the thickness of the deep cervical flexor muscles, thereby reducing pain and limitations on activities of daily living. METHODS: Twenty-six volunteers participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=13) and a control group (n=13). Both groups performed craniocervical flexion exercise using a pressure biofeedback unit; the experimental group performed craniocervical flexion exercise with masticatory muscle contraction for 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Assessment tools included ultrasonography for measurement of muscle thickness and the Neck Disability Index for the level of pain and function. RESULTS: The rate of change in muscle thickness in both groups significantly increased (p<.05), with a significantly greater increase in the experimental group than in the control group (p<.05). The Neck Disability Index score significantly improved (p<.05) in both groups, with significantly greater improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group (p<.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that craniocervical flexion exercise with masticatory muscle contraction can be effective in increasing muscle thickness and improving the Neck Disability Index score in patients with neck pain.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.164-177
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• 2024

Background: Neck and jaw pain is common and is associated with jaw functional limitations, postural stability, muscular endurance, and proprioception. This study aimed to investigate the effect of jaw and neck pain on cranio-cervico-mandibular functions and postural stability in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs). Methods: Fifty-two patients with TMJDs were included and assessed using Fonseca's Questionnaire and the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index. An isometric strength test was performed for the TMJ depressor and cervical muscles. The TMJ position sense (TMJPS) test and cervical joint position error test (CJPET) were employed for proprioception. Total sway degree was obtained for the assessment of postural stability. Deep neck flexor endurance (DNFE) was assessed using the craniocervical flexion test. The mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ) was employed to assess mandibular function, and the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured for forward head posture. Results: Jaw and neck pain negatively affected CVA (R² = 0.130), TMJPS (R² = 0.286), DNFE (R² = 0.355), TMJ depressor (R² = 0.145), cervical flexor (R² = 0.144), and extensor (R² = 0.148) muscle strength. Jaw and neck pain also positively affected CJPET for flexion (R² = 0.116) and extension (R² = 0.146), as well as total sway degree (R² = 0.128) and MFIQ (R² = 0.230). Conclusions: Patients with painful TMJDs, could have impaired muscle strength and proprioception of the TMJ and cervical region. The jaw and neck pain could also affect postural stability, and the endurance of deep neck flexors as well as mandibular functions in TMJDs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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• 2023.07a
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• pp.305-307
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• 2023

본 연구는 전방머리자세 대학생을 대상으로 목뼈안정화운동이 머리뼈척추각, 깊은목굽힘근 지구력 및 뒤통수밑근 근긴장도의 변화를 알아보고자 하였다. 이 연구 결과 CSEG에서 CVA, DNFET에서 유의하게 증가하였으며 뒤통수근 근긴장도에서는 경직도에서만 유의하게 감소하였다. 목뼈 안정화운동은 목뼈의 중립자세를 유지하면서 깊은목 굽힘근 활성화되고 근지구력이 향상되었으며, 턱을 당기는 동작으로 튀통수근의 경직이 감소한 것으로 생각된다. 또한 지구력 증가시키고 근 긴장도에 감소는 통증을 조절함에 있어서도 도움이 될 것이다. 따라서 목뼈안정화운동은 깊은목굽힘근과 뒤통수근의 개선을 위한 중재방법임을 확인할 수 있었으며, 전방머리자세 예방하기 위해 필요할 것으로 생각된다.