• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2009

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to study the effect of rectus abdominal muscle contraction by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation trunk stabilization training using extremity simultaneous pattern (PNF trunk stabilization training) and traditional trunk stabilization training methods. Methods : A group of 24 adults male and female, healthy, with no previous medical history nor disability in neuromuscular system and musculoskeletal system was chosen as subjects, and was divided into a control group, a PNF trunk stabilization training group and a traditional trunk stabilization training group. Experiments were performed on the last two groups, 3 times a week for 6 weeks, totaling 18 times. Using a dynamometer, muscle strength and endurance time on trunk flexion were measured before and after each experiment, and surface electromyography in left and right rectus abdominis were measured. Results : following results were obtained; 1. As for the change in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), all subjects in the trunk stabilization training group showed significant difference from those in the control group. 2. As for surface electromyography measurement and the changes in root mean square at the time of trunk flexion, in the left rectus abdominis, PNF trunk stabilization training group showed significant difference from the control group, while in the right rectus abdominis, traditional trunk stabilization training group showed significant difference. Conclusion : To sum up the results, both trunk stabilization training groups showed improvement in the MVIC of abdominal muscle, motor unit action potential activity, but the difference between two trunk stabilization training groups was not significant. Therefore, while trunk stabilization training significantly improved abdominal muscle contraction, but the difference attributable to training methods was found to be insignificant.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.217-227
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises on the neck disability index and deep neck flexor endurance of acute whiplash injury patients and to provide basic data for PNF exercises for musculoskeletal system disorder patients. Methods: Twenty acute whiplash injury patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=10) and were treated with PNF exercises whereas a control group (n=10) underwent general exercises. Each session lasted 15 minutes and was performed five times a week for two weeks. The degree of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the degree of neck disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI). Craniocervical flexor endurance (CCFE) tests were conducted to measure deep neck flexor endurance. Results: In terms of the intragroup changes in VAS, NDI, and CCFE, there were significant decreases in both the experimental and the control groups. After intervention, there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in terms of intergroup changes in VAS, NDI and CCFE. Conclusion: Although the exercises that are generally applied to acute whiplash injury patients are effective on the whole, PNF exercises are considered to be beneficial, given the improvements in the neck disability index and deep neck flexor endurance.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.192-194
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• 2003

A neonate born at 38 gestational weeks was admitted due to generalized tonic-clonic seizure and cyanosis. The neonate was born six days previously at home through normal delivery and the umbilical cord was cut using scissors sterilized in boiling water. The neonate weighed 3,180 g at admission. Physical examination revealed cyanosis, opisthotonus, trismus and reactive muscle spasms. Laboratory exam, brain sonogram and EEG showed no significant abnormal findings. Based on her history and physical examination, the neonate was diagnosed with tetanus and put in an incubator isolated in a quiet, dark room. Treatment with tetanus human immunoglobulin along with antibiotics (penicillin G) were started immediately, and mechanical ventilation, administration of neuromuscular blocking agent and muscle relaxant were also started off. The frequency of seizure episode decreased gradually, and on the 32nd hospital day, mechanical ventilatory support was stopped along with extubation two days later. Thereafter, the neonate was in continuous generalized hypertonic state and showed feeding difficulty, but there was gradual improvement. She was dismissed on the 49th hospital day and is currently under OPD follow-up, doing well with no special problems. Respiratory management is critical to neonatal tetanus. We report here a case of tetanus treated with inhibition of self-respiration, neuromuscular blocker and application of ventilator, and present this method as a useful direction for future treatment of neonatal tetanus.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2009

It can be used easily to reduce rehabilitation and treatment time if diagnostic and therapeutic devices are attached to cloth or body. Therefore we developed neuromuscular wearable ultra-miniature lighting modules which can improve the neuromuscular function and verified its clinical effectiveness. The system is based on the ultra-miniature lighting treatment module and there are two types of systems. One of them is designed as an attached type and the other type is combined with clothing. The wearable ultra-miniature lighting module is composed of controller (battery, MCU, bidirectional transmitter and receiver), cable, treatment medium generating device and other peripheral devices. To verify the clinical effectiveness of this device, we observed the difference of the strength of a muscle before and after 650nm and 25mW laser irradiation on the reflex point for 1 to 4 seconds. Among 48 patients having the degenerative osteoarthritis, the muscle strength before and after irradiation of laser was $21.8{\pm}7.99$ and $27.3{\pm}8.43$. According to the result, the muscle strength after treatment was significantly increased (p<0.01). To whom having difficulty in visiting to OPD(Out-Patient Department), doctors medically examine the patients and find the therapeutic point, attachment of this wearable ultra-miniature lighting module can function as self treatment (treating instrument) and treatment assist at home. If doctor can remotely control the patient and take part in treatment, the therapeutic device could contribute to prevention and care device.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.36-50
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of high intensity, high frequency microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation(MENS) of auricular and somatic acupuncture points and low intensity, low frequency microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation(MENS) of auricular and somatic acupuncture points on experimental pressure threshold at the elbow according to the time. Fifty healthy adults, aged 19 to 26 years, were assigned randomly to one of five groups: 1) the high intensity, high frequency somatic group(n=10) received MENS to somatic acupuncture points, 2) the high intensity, high frequency auricular group(n=10) received MENS to auricular acupuncture points, 3) the low intensity, low frequency somatic group(n=10) received MENS to somatic acupuncture points, 4) the low intensity, low frequency somatic group(n=10) receive MENS to somatic acupuncture points, and 5) the placebo group(n=10) received placebo treatment and served as controls. Pressure threshold was measured before, after, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes. Pressure threshold has increased significantly(p<.05) in the high intensity, high frequency auricular group following treatment after 5 minutes, with no statistically significant differences in pressure threshold change scores among five groups, Only the high intensity, high frequency auricular group demonstrated statistically significant change score in pressure threshold following treatment after, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes after compared to the placebo group. The results indicated that MENS applied to the high intensity, high frequency auricular group increases pressure threshold.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.197-204
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• 2000

Neuromuscular disorders are common causes of weakness and hypotonia in the infantile period and in childhood. Accurate diagnosis of specific neuromuscular disorders depends first on identification of which aspect of the peripheral neuromuscular system is affected-the motor neuron in the spinal cord, the nerve root or peripheral nerve, the neuromuscular junction, or the muscle-and then on the determination of the etiology and specific clinical entity. Spinal muscular atrophy(SMA) is the most common autosomal-recessive genetic disorder lethal to infants. The three major childhood-onset forms of SMA are now usually called type I, type II and typeⅢ. Progression of the disease is due to loss of anterior horn cells, thought to be caused by apoptosis. Diagnosis is based on the course of the illness, as well as certain changes seen on nerve and muscle biopsy and electrodiagnostic studies. More recently, our understanding of the genetics of this disorder has provided a noninvasive approach to diagnosis. We report on a 3-year-old male patient with spinal muscular atrophy type II. He had progressive muscular weakness since 18 months of age. The upper arms were slightly, and the thighs moderately atrophic. There was muscle weakness of both the upper and lower limbs, being more proximal in distribution. Electromyogram revealed a neurogenic pattern.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.56-65
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of one proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique and static stretching on calf muscle tightness. The subjects consist of 9 hemiplegics, and 9 quadriplegics. The eighteen subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups: prorioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(6 persons), static stretching(6 persons) and control(6 persons). Contract relax antagonist contract and static stretching techniques were applied continuously for twenty minutes each. Of the many proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, only the contract relax antagonist contract technique was applied. The static stretching technique was applied with the subject placed in standing on a seventy degree inclined tilt table for twenty minutes. A wedge was placed under the feet to obtain maximum dorsiflexion. Wedge thickness varied with each subject. Results revealed: (1) a significant difference between the experimental and the control groups(p<0.05). (2) a significant difference between contract relax antagonist contract and static stretching groups(p<0.05). (3) At day five, the final increments were: contract relax antagonist contract $11.9{\pm}1.90^{\circ}$, static stretching $7.7{\pm}2.3^{\circ}$(mean${\pm}$standard deviation).

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.219-229
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• 2016

Purpose: Patients with Parkinson's disease suffer many restrictions in daily life. This case report investigated how intervention with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based physical therapy can affect the activities of Parkinson's patients. Methods: The subject was a 67-year-old female patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 3 years ago. Since the last five months, overall activities have become difficult for her, and she finally visited a hospital to take outpatient physical therapy because of the gait difficulties she suffered. The patient's medical history, system review, body structure and function, and activities were evaluated. The patient had difficulties in activities such as lying down, sitting, standing, maintaining a standing position, and walking. The PNF-based intervention was used for treating the impairments and improving the activities. The intervention was performed for 30 min a day, three times a week, for eight weeks. The qualifier of the international classification of functioning, disability, and health was used to measure the result, and the measurement was conducted before and after the intervention for eight weeks. Results: According to the result, the scores for maintaining a standing position, moving around within the home, and going to the toilet improved to "no problem" from "moderate problem." The scores for shifting the body's center of gravity, walking short distances, and washing oneself improved from "moderate problem" to "mild problem." The scores for sitting and standing improved to "no problem" and "mild problem" from "complete problem." The scores for preparing meals and doing housework improved from "severe problems" to "mild problem" or "moderate problem." The scores for walking long distances, moving around outside the home and other buildings, and using transportation did not show significant changes. Conclusion: Intervention with PNF-based physical therapy improved the activity of patients with Parkinson's disease, thus proving its effectiveness. The case report suggested that a therapist can use PNF as a physical therapy intervention for patients with Parkinson's who suffered restrictions in daily activities.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.52-65
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• 2006

Sling exercises therapy can speak as appliable comprehensive exercises therapy technique efficiently in general exercise field for injured worker's rehabilitation process and health improvement patient or athlete, injury or disease that have pain or dysfunction to neuromuscular system using that shake. At 1990 an early stage, because physical therapist and doctors of medical treatment developed country norway of north europe cooperate sling exercises therapy's concept trend spreading worldwide establishing theory newly based on scientific basic be. Musculoskeletal system, old man and young child's nervous system injurer's treatment and exercise and industry worker's rehabilitation process, athlete's rehabilitation etc. several fields introduced in early 2000s to Korea apply. Sling exercises therapy neuromuscular system disease continuous abatement as general concept of active exercise and treatment that use sling exercises equipment by purpose know can. This review article wishes to introduce about neuromuscular activation, "Neurac" technique that can speak as step developed more concept based on application principle etc, of basic sling exercises effort's change by suspension point's change that is concept, stability exercises principle, open kinetic chain exercises and closed kinetic chain exercises. Arranged about Plateau potential's characteristic and working mechanism and Neurac technique's application method that can say as Neurac technique's neuro-physiologic base, and presented treatment method of lumbar part disease and cervical part, shoulder joint part disease to application example. Because plateau potential forward player that induce using Neurac technique in part muscles that act role that keep spine surrounding stability in this article keeps muscle's contraction continuously, between global and local muscles, presented several study findings that can cause affirmative change in insufficient muscle adjustment state such as imbalance of muscles' action order. Expect that case studies that use this Neurac technique here after consist continuously.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.149-155
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise in the progressive sitting position on the dynamic balance ability of a patient with a cerebellar injury. Methods: The subject had ataxia due to cerebellar injury. The subject participated in a PNF bilateral scapular pattern exercise with stabilizing reversal technique during a progressive sitting position session as well as baseline for 20 minutes a day for 4 weeks. In the first session, PNF exercises were performed at a height of 40 cm for 10 minutes, and in the second session they were performed at 50 cm for 10 minutes from a lower center of gravity (COG) to a higher COG sitting position. We used the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) to measure the subject's dynamic balance ability every two days through the entire session. Results: After participating in the program, the subject's dynamic balance ability improved compared to the first baseline, as measured by BBS (2 points increased), FTSST (5.3 sec decreased), and TUGT (2 sec decreased). The increase was also maintained in the second baseline session. Conclusion: PNF exercise using bilateral scapula patterns with a stabilizing reversal technique helps to enhance the dynamic balance ability of a cerebellar injury patient.