• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.157-166
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• 2019

Purpose: This study compares and examines the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on patients with chronic low back pain through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods: Domestic literature was searched with combinations of keywords including "proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation," "PNF," "back pain," and "low back pain" using the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), and Korean Medical Database (KMbase). Six studies (n=148) were finally included in the analysis through a selection and exclusion process. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results: According to the meta-analysis results, the low back pains of the PNF group and the contrast group showed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 2.21 (95% CI: -3.35, -1.07, p=0.01, $I^2=83%$) after intervention. Thus, the PNF group showed a statistically significant decrease in low back pain compared with the control group. In addition, the SMDs of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lung function, and the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were -1.34 (95% CI: -1.88, -0.79, p<0.01, $I^2=35%$), 1.14 (95% CI: 0.49, 1.79, p=0.01, $I^2=0%$), and -1.59 (95% CI: -2.56, -0.62, p=0.01, $I^2=46%$), respectively. Thus, the PNF group showed statistically significant differences from the control group. Conclusion: At present, there is some limit to obtaining definite results about effect sizes because there are relatively few randomized controlled experiments that analyze the effects of PNF exercise in patients with chronic low back pain. Therefore, continuous efforts should be made to conduct randomized clinical trials and long-term efficacy studies in the future.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.338-343
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• 2014

Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation of medial branch in patients with chronic low back pain originating from facet joints. Methods : Between October 2010 and December 2013, 52 consecutive patients had suffering from chronic low back pain had undergone endoscopic radiofrequency denervation of medial branch of dorsal ramus. The clinical outcomes of these 52 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Korean version of Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI), and patients' satisfaction with the procedure were assessed. Results : The pain scores on the VAS for back pain had improved significantly from a preoperative mean of 7.1 to a postoperative mean of 2 at the last follow-up (p<0.001). The clinical outcomes based on the K-ODI had also improved significantly from a preoperative mean of 26.5% to postoperative mean of 7.7% at the last follow-up (p<0.001). 80% of patients were satisfied with the procedure. There were no complications associated with the procedure. Conclusion : Our preliminary results demonstrate that endoscopic radiofrequency denervation of medial branch could be an effective alternative treatment modality for chronic back pain originating from facet joints that provides long-term pain relief.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2020

Objective: A prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients with chronic low back pain to evaluate the efficacy of portable low power laser therapy (LPLT) and the effect when combined with exercise therapy on pain and functions. Method: 60 patients were recruited and 56 patients, excluding 4 dropouts, were randomly allocated to the LPLT group (Group 1: 19 patients), placebo laser therapy with exercise group (Group 2: 18 patients), and LPLT with exercise group (Group 3: 19 patients). Laser therapy and exercise was performed five times a week for 4 weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Schober test, lumbar range of motion (ROM) measures (flexion, extension and lateral flexion), Oswestry Disability index (ODI) were measured at baseline, at 4 weeks after intervention, and at 6 weeks after 2 weeks of no intervention. Results: Statistically significant improvements were noted in all group by time interaction with respect to all outcome parameters (p<0.05). All parameters in each group improved not only in the period of treatment (4 weeks), but also in the final evaluation (6 weeks) 2 weeks after the end of treatment. Post-hoc analysis showed statistically significant difference between the LPLT with exercise group and the other groups in all outcome parameters except for the ODI at 4 weeks and at 6 weeks. Conclusion: Portable LPLT is effective treatment in reducing pain and improving lumbar ROM and with exercise is more effective than laser or exercise monotherapy for the chronic low back pain patients.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.81-90
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• 2009

Objectives : To analyze the therapeutic outcomes of back pain modalities in patients with disc herniation according to the change of Magnetic Resonanse Imaging(MRI) whom were treated with herbal medicine, chuna, acupuncture, bee-venom acupuncture. Methods : Clinical outcomes of 35 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation by MRI examination, treated conservatively, were analyzed according to MRI follow-up change. Patients underwent MRI examaintion at baseline and after 24th week of treatment. Patients are divided into three groups ; improved, unchanged, worsened. 35 patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated with chuna therapy, acupuncture, bee-venom acupuncture once a week and took herbal medicine after a meal two times daily. The patients' clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 12th week, 24th week by Visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI). Results : 1. MRI follow-up exams on regression of disc herniation resulted on 42.86% of cases by conservative treatment. 2. VAS(low back pain and sciatica) and ODI of disability of daily activities showed significant decrease in "improved" and "unchanged" groups compared to "worsened" group(P<0.05). 3. VAS(low back pain and sciatica) and ODI change after treatment did not show any relationship with MRI follow-up change(P<0.05). Conclusions : This study suggests that "improved" and "unchanged" groups compared to "worsened" group on MRI follow-up in patients with lumbar disc herniation were more effective when treated with herbal medicine, chuna therapy, acupuncture, bee-venom acupuncture. MRI follow-up change does not affect clinical changes in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.239-246
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• 2018

Objective : This case study reports the therapeutic effect of Korean Medicine (KM) treatments including CS(care special pain) and BV(bee venom) pharmacopuncture on herniated intervertebral disc(HIVD) of lumbar spine(L-spine). Methods : Two patients diagnosed with HIVD of L-spine were treated with CS and BV pharmacopuncture on GV3 and EX-B2, acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine. The Numeric Rating Scale(NRS), the Oswestry low back pain Disablility Index(ODI) and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire(RMDQ) scores were evaluated before and after treatment for comparison. Results : Low back pain(LBP) and radiating pain was improved with a decrease in patients' NRS, ODI and RMDQ scores. Conclusion : These results suggest that KM treatments including combined CS and BV pharmacopuncture could be an effective treatment on patients with HIVD of L-Spine.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the heating-conduction acupuncture therapy on the postpartum low back pain patients. Methods : Heating-conduction acupuncture therapy was administered three and four times on three postpartum low back pain patients. The improvement of clinical symptoms was evaluated by SF-MPQ(short form-McGill pain questionnarie), VAS(visual analogue scale) and ODI(oswestry disability index). Results : After treatment, each three patients' SF-MPQ, VAS and ODI score reduced respectively. Conclusions : Heating-conduction acupuncture therapy for postpartum low back pain patients was effective. Although this cases presented valuable result, further research is encouraged to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.85-93
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• 2021

Objectives This study aims to compare the effect of an ultrasound on a guided group and an unguided group on Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on the facet joint in patients with acute low back pain caused by traffic accidents. Methods 21 patients with acute low back pain caused by traffic accidents from March 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021 were included in this study. The study was conducted as a retrospective study which analyzes the patient's medical records. 11 patients (Group A) received ultrasound guided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy and 10 patients (Group B) received unguided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on the facet joint. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate improvements in functions and pain, and five point Likert scale to evaluate patient's satisfaction. Results Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the VAS and ODI on the 5th day of hospitalization. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Difference in the Likert scale between the groups was not statistically significant either. Conclusions We found that ultrasound guided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on the facet joint showed similar efficacy compared with unguided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy at facet joint on acute low back pain patients caused by traffic accidents.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.97-106
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture therapy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods : We investigated 16 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. We divided patients into two groups : Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture was performed with acupuncture therapy for one group, and the other group received acupuncture therapy only. To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment applied to the two groups, we used the Visual Analog Scale(VAS) and the Oswestry Low-back Pain Disability Index(ODI). We compared the VAS and ODI scores of the two groups statistically. Results : The Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture group received more effective relief than the acupunctureonly group as measured by decreasedpain and disability reported on the VAS and ODI by patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Conclusions: Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture therapy can be used in addition to acupuncture therapy for highly effective treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Further clinical studies are needed to verify these findings.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.221-230
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• 2020

This study aimed to investigate the difference of sensory changes by central and peripheral stimulation for improving life care in chronic low back pain patients. Twelve chronic low back pain patients were randomly assigned to central stimulation (CS, n=6) and peripheral stimulation (PS, n=6). Quantitative sensory test (QST), pressure pain threshold (PPT) and Korean oswestry back pain disability index (KODI) were used to quantitatively measure and analyze. As a result, QST, PPT and KODI showed significant differences by period (p<.01) but did not showed any difference between the two groups (p>.05). Therefore, both stimulations had significant effects on increased sensory threshold and function improvement of the muscles that became sensitive due to pain. It is thought to be significant in improving life care for patients with chronic low back pain.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.9-16
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• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect on psychosocial status in elderly women with chronic low back pain after practicing lumbar stabilizing exercise using the gym ball, and to developed and activated on exercise program for healthy senile life. Methods : The subjects were 23 elderly women with chronic low back pain. Mean age of subjects was $67{\pm}13$ years. The lumbar stabilizing exercise using the gym ball was performed 3 times a week during the 8 weeks study period. The research tool were ODI(Oswestry Disability Index), VAS(Visual Analogue Scale), SES(Self-esteem Scale), GDSSF-K(Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea Version), PSS (perceived stress scale), Life satisfaction, and MMSE-K. The analysis of data was processed by the statistical program SPSS 12.0 and paired t-test and frequency analysis were used to compare psychosocial status between the pretest and post tests. Result : The lumbar stabilizing exercise using the gym ball increased significantly SES and Life satisfaction of subjects, and ODI, VAS(trunk flexion & trunk extention), GDSSF-K, and PSS were decreased significantly(p<.05). While VAS(trunk rotation) were not significantly. Conclusion : The lumbar stabilizing exercise using the gym ball improved psychosocial status in elderly women with chronic low back pain.