• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.29-40
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• 2019

PURPOSE: Despite the widespread occurrence in the general population, few studies have directly evaluated the effects of shingles on non-specific neck pain (NSNP). This study investigated whether sensory training or therapeutic stretching exercises are more effective in increasing neck mobility and reducing neck pain in chronic NSNP patients. METHODS: Eighty-one subjects aged between 20 and 32 years with chronic neck pain (> six months), were allocated randomly to three groups: sensorimotor training group (STG), therapeutic stretching group (TSG), and home exercise group (HEG). All participants received a half-hour training session, three times weekly for six weeks. The outcomes were evaluated using the neck disability index for measuring neck pain, and a universal goniometer to measure the cervical passive range of motion before and after the six-week intervention. RESULTS: The post-test neck disability index scores in the STG (t = 4.86) and TSG (t = 3.24) were decreased significantly (p < .05). The passive range of motion changes in all cervical movements in the STG was increased significantly (p < .05) after intervention compared to those in the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Sensorimotor training using chin tuck exercises may improve neck pain and mobility in subjects with chronic NSNP.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.42-56
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• 2019

Background: Individuals with mechanical neck pain show biomechanical and neurophysiological changes, including cervical spine muscle weakness. As a result of deep muscle weakness, it causes stability disability and reduced upper thoracic spine mobility, which finally leads to functional movement restriction such as limited range of motion and dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that thoracic spine manipulation and mobilization could reduce symptoms of mechanical neck pain in patients. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic mobility exercise on cervicothoracic function, posture feature, and pain intensity in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Methods: The study subjects were 26 persons who were randomly assigned to the experimental (with thoracic mobility exercise) and control groups (without thoracic mobility exercise), with 13 subjects in each group. The cervicothoracic function (neck functional disability level and cervicothoracic range of motion), posture feature, and pain rating (using a quadrupled visual analogue scale [QVAS]) were measured before, after 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks. Results: Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found with repeated analyses of variance for the Korean neck disability index (KNDI), all cervical range of motion (CROM), all thoracic range of motion (TROM), cranial rotation angle, sagittal shoulder posture (SSP), and QVAS (p<.05). All groups showed significant improvements from all times in all the evaluated methods. The KNDI, CROM, TROM of left rotation, and SSP in the experimental group showed significant improvements after 3 weeks, and the TROM of the right rotation and QVAS in the experimental group showed significant improvements after 6 weeks when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Thoracic mobility exercise during 6 weeks might be effective intervention to improve the functional level, posture feature, and QVAS pain rating for managing individuals with mechanical neck pain.

• 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.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.239-246
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• 2019

This study aims to examine the correlation between pectoralis minor, shoulder mobility, and neck range of motion on rounded shoulder posture for Life-care increase in Women university student. The 80 female adults with rounded shoulder posture were selected for this study. Measurements of shoulder height were obtained by measuring the rounded shoulder posture using a caliper. To measure the length of pectoralis minor, a tape measure was used to measure from the point where the 4th rib and sternum meets to the inferior medial side of coracoid process. Shoulder mobility was measured by holding fists in both hands, then raising one side of the elbow until the palm on that side can be placed on the back, while lowering the other side of the elbow until the back of the hand on that side can be placed on the back. Neck range of motion was used to measure the neck movement including the flexion and the extension, lateral flexion to the right or to the left, and rotation to the right or to the left. The results of this study showed that there are significant negative correlations between pectoralis minor index, shoulder mobility, and neck range of motion in rounded shoulder posture(p<0.05). From these results, in female students with rounded shoulder, the lateral flexion of the neck to the left decreased as the left shoulder mobility increased, the neck extension decreased as the right pectoralis minor shortened, and the rotation of the neck to the left decreased as the left shoulder mobility increased.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2008

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a disease-specific exercise (DSE) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function and neck mobility in TMJ dysfunction associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Ten AS patients (seven males and three females) with TMJ dysfunction were recruited for this study. The DSE included exercises to correct head and neck posture and to improve the flexibility of the neck and TMJs. The patients attended treatment three times a week for 4 weeks, averaging 1 hour each session. Assessments were performed pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6 weeks after the completion of treatment. General physical status was assessed by four clinical measures (tragus-to-wall distance, modified Schober test, lumbar side flexion, and intermalleolar distance), the Bath ankylosing spondylitis function index (BASFI), and the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index. The main outcome measures included TMJ function (craniomandibular index (CMI)), and neck mobility (flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral rotation). None of the measures of general physical status, with the exception of BASFI, were significant1y different between the pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6-week follow-up (p>.05). However, CMI and all neck movements, except for extension, significant1y improved after the treatment (p<.05). These improvements were maintained during the follow-up period. The DSE used in the present study seems to be a clinical1y useful method for managing patients with symptoms from the stomatognathic system in AS. Further studies with more subjects and longer treatment times, including the follow-up period, will be conducted to validate these findings.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2010

Backgrounds and Objects: Carcinoma of the tongue is the most common cancer of the oral cavity. A primary treatment strategy includes surgery and/or radiotherapy. Resection of the tongue often results in speech dysfunction, which depends on the site and extent of resection, type of reconstruction, and the mobility of remaining tongue. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of articulation errors that were resulted from the partial glossectomy without free flap reconstruction. Materials & Method : Articulation evaluations including speech intelligibility and percent of correct consonants (PCC) were performed for 24 patients who underwent partial glossectomy for their T1 or T2 tongue cancer. Mobility of the tongue, size of the resected tongue, and the history of adjuvant radiotherapy were analyzed for their relationship with the results of articulation evaluation. Results: Speech intelligibility score was $6.4{\pm}0.9$ (on 7-point scale) and overall PCC was 96.9%. There were close relationships between the size of resection and limitations in the tongue mobility, especially in "protrusion and elevation (r=-0.687)" and "retroflexion (r=-0.775)". Errors in "alveolar fricatives" and "palatal affricates" were also closely related with the size of resection (r=-0.537 and -0.538, respectively). PCC for "liquid sound" /r/ was 83.2%, which was closely related with the history of radiation therapy. Conclusion : Overall articulatory function was satisfactory in cases of early tongue cancer after partial glossectomy of a limited volume without flap reconstruction. However, the size of resection and the history of radiation therapy were closely related to the limitations in some types of tongue mobility and the resultant articulation errors.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.390-394
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• 2022

A 6-year-old, 36.5 kg castrated male Golden Retriever presented for revision surgery for left total hip replacement. The patient underwent removal of the cup and head implants due to unmanageable prosthetic hip dislocation, despite revision surgery. On physical examination, the dog showed persistent weight-bearing lameness after exercise of the left hindlimb with mild muscle atrophy. Radiographic examination revealed dorsolateral displacement of the femur with a remnant stem and bony proliferation around the cranial and caudal acetabulum rims. The surgical plan was to apply the dual mobility cup to increase the range of motion and jump distance to correct soft tissue elongation and laxity caused by a prolonged period of craniodorsal dislocation of the femur. The preparation of the acetabulum for cup fixation was performed with a 29-mm reamer, and the 29.5-mm outer shell was fixed with five 2.4-mm cortical screws. The head and medium neck of the dual-mobility system were placed on the cup, and the hip joint was reduced between the neck and stem. The dog exhibited slight weight bearing on a controlled leash walk the day after surgery. The patient was discharged 2 weeks postoperatively without any complications. Six months postoperatively, osseointegration and a well-positioned cup implant were observed, and the dog showed excellent limb function without hip dislocation until 18 months of phone call follow-up.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.39-51
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of neck and shoulder self-stretching exercise using audiovisual media on neck pain, postural alignment, and joint position error in women with chronic neck pain. Methods: The subjects included 20 women that gave consent to participate in the study voluntarily. They performed the self-stretching exercises using audiovisual media was carried out 20 minutes 5 times a week during 3 weeks. Neck disability index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to measure the functional disability and pain, A pressure pain threshold was measured using an algometer, and a cervical range of motion (CROM) measurement tool was used to measure the range of motion and error of proprioceptive position sense of the cervical spine. To assess posture alignment, forward head angle (FHA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) were measured using image J software. Results: The neck pain intensity was statistically significantly within group (p<.05). Neck and shoulder functional disability were a statistically significant difference within group (p<.05). Splenius capitis and upper trapezius pressure pain threshold were statistically significant difference in within group (p<.05). The postural alignment was statistically significantly within group (p<.05). The cervical range of motion in neck extension, right and left lateral flexion were statistically significantly within group (p<.05). The joint position error in neck flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion decreased statistically significantly within group (p<.05). Conclusion: Self-stretching exercise using audiovisual media increased the mobility of the neck, decreased neck pain and joint position error, and improved posture alignment. As a result, there was a positive effect by applying the self-stretching exercise using audiovisual media to people with neck pain. Based on this, it is thought that it can be used as the basis for research related to home training programs for healthy self-management.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1803-1809
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• 2019

Background: Cervical mobilization has been applied mainly for the improvement of arm and neck movements and pain reduction, and little research has been done to improve the executive function. Since this kind of so-called mechanical neck pain is one of most common symptoms, there are controversial issues about this with spine alignment. Posteroanterior (PA) mobilization from the Maitland concept is a process of examination, assessment, and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorder by manipulative physical therapy. Objective: To examine the short-term benefits of mobilization for patients with non-specific neck pain. Design: Dual-group Pretest-Posttest Design from the Quasi-Experimental research Methods: Fourteen participants (male 8, female 6; 20's of their age) with non-specific neck pains which are distributed all the unilateral or bilateral body side were recruited. Participants were categorized to Neck Pain with Movement Coordination Impairments (NPMCI) and Neck Pain with Mobility Deficits (NPMD) groups according to the results of physical examination. Professional physical therapist who has over 15-years-of clinical experience applicated manipulative therapy for the neck pain, an occupational therapist only conducted evaluations; K-NDI (Korean version of the Neck Disability Index), VAS (Visual Analog Scale), BDS-K (Korean version of Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale) for decreasing possible adverse effects; there were no person who reported other symptoms followed 4 weeks from the trial. Results: In the NPMCI group, data analysis indicated statistical differences between the PA mobilization interventions in NDI and BDS-K; even though, pain was reduced in VAS, this is not a significantly differ. In the NPMD group, data analysis represented statistical differences between the PA mobilization interventions in NDI, VAS and BDS-K; the scores were represented to be increased or the pain got relief. Conclusions: PA mobilization techniques according to Maitland concept have beneficial effects in patients with neck pain and other clinical positive effects which included neck disability, pain itself and motor function of upper extremity.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2017

Background: Active trigger points (TrPs) of the suboccipital muscles greatly contribute to the occurrence of chronic tension-type headache, with increased sensitivity of TrPs and facilitated referred pain. Objects: This study aimed to investigate whether the integration of high-frequency diathermy into suboccipital release is more beneficial than the use of suboccipital release alone. Methods: Thirty subjects were assigned to either experimental group-1 (EG-1) to undergo suboccipital release combined with high-frequency diathermy (frequency: 0.3 MHz, and electrode type: resistive electronic transfer), or EG-2 to undergo suboccipital release alone, or the control group (CG) with no intervention, with 10 subjects in each group. The assessment tools included the headache impact test 6 (HIT-6), perceived level of tenderness, neck disability index, and neck mobility. Intervention was performed for 10 minutes, twice per week, for 4 weeks, and measurements were performed before and after the interventions. Results: The between-group comparison of the post-test values and changes between pretest and post-test showed significant differences for all parameters at p<.05, except for the left-to-right lateral bending range. In the post hoc test, EG-1 showed significant differences for the parameters in comparison with the CG, while no significant differences in the perceived tenderness level, on both temporal regions, were found between EG-2 and CG. Furthermore, the HIT-6 score and perceived tenderness level, in the right temporal region, showed significant differences between EG-1 and EG-2. In the within-group comparison, EG-1 and EG-2 appeared to be significantly different between pretest and post-test (p<.05), except for the perceived tenderness level in the right temporal region, with significance for the EG-1 group only (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the suboccipital release technique may be advantageous to improve headache, tenderness, and neck function and mobility, with more favorable effects with the incorporation of high-frequency diathermy.