• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.65-73
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• 2022

PURPOSE: The present research examined the effects of progressive robot-assisted step training on the strength of the lower extremity and gait speed of an individual with stroke through changes between the baseline and the intervention stage (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). METHODS: A single-subject (A-B) design was performed for a chronic stroke patient aged 70 years old. The robot-assisted step training was conducted three times a week during 12 months (40 minutes/session), and the assessment was conducted a total of seven times between the baseline and the intervention (No. 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months) to determine the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: As a result of the intervention, the muscle strength at the lower extremity of the paralysis side increased by the greatest extent 12 months after the intervention compared to the baseline, and the gait speed via the 10-meter walk test was increased as well. CONCLUSION: Long-term robot-assisted step training might be an effective intervention for improving the strength of the paretic lower extremity muscles and gait speed in stroke patients with difficulty walking independently. Further studies with sufficient sample sizes and a randomized control group will be needed to evaluate the long-term effects of robotic stepping rehabilitation.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.86-92
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary therapy with Korean herbal medicine and cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture on change of body composition retrospectively. We analyzed the medical records of 26 patients, who carried out dietary therapy with Korean herbal medicine and cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture at Moemfit Clinic, Charmjin Oriental Medicine for 8-12 weeks. And exercise and nutrition were recommended self-developed food, Moemfit Shake, Moemfit Hankki and walking exercise for one hour a day. The body composition values (body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, waist-hip ratio, visceral fat area, percent body fat) decreased after dietary therapy with Korean herbal medicine and cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture significantly. But, percent skeletal muscle increased significantly. Results from this investigation showed that dietary therapy Korean with herbal medicine and cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture has positive effects on changes of body compositions.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.95-105
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze 3 years of inpatient dermatologic and surgical consultation to Korean medicine ophthalmology, otolaryngology & dermatology department in Korean medicine hospital. Methods : We classified dermatological and surgical inpatient consultations between September 1st, 2019 and August 31st, 2022, based on electronic medical record by gender, age, hospitalized department, categories of diseases. Results : Total number of consultations were 336. The proportion of female and male were 2.5:1, and the average of age was 65.6 and 60, respectively. The most frequently referred skin disease category was infectious skin disease(39.9%), followed by eczema(20.2%), dermatoses due to physical forces(10.1%), pigment anomalies(7.1%), nevi and tumors(4.8%), diseases of the skin appendages(4.2%), urticaria(3.9%), and others(4.9%). Consultations from department of Korean rehabilitation medicine, and Korean internal medicine were most common, because they have a comparatively large number of inpatients and long hospitalization period. In case of infectious disease and skin ulcer, patients from Korean internal medicine were frequently consulted due to characteristics of stroke and internal diseases. Conclusions : This study identified the frequency of consultation and the disease group with many requests for each department. Identifying the characteristics of diseases with a high frequency of consultation will prevent various dermatological problems that may occur by department. In addition, it was found that a prompt consultation was needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment in dermatological problem.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.43-50
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• 2022

A comparative analysis of the state and results of the functioning of the education system of Ukraine with the national educational systems of the USA and Great Britain was carried out. Based on which we found out similar and different in the process of developing the system of training specialists in higher education institutions of the USA, Great Britain, and Ukraine. Describing the main quantitative indicators of education in the UK, USA and Ukraine, we found common features and distinctive features. Consideration in the comparative aspect of trends in the development of higher teacher education in the United States, Great Britain and in Ukraine gives grounds for conclusion. For these countries, such groups of norms as types of educational institutions, forms of Education; introduction of a unified system of credit units in order to create conditions for broad mobility of students; availability of different levels of training; study of the best experience of educational activities of other states and its introduction into the educational process in combination with the cultural traditions of Ukraine coincide. Describing the main quantitative indicators of education in the analyzed countries, we found distinctive features.Teacher development systems in the UK, USA and Ukraine are compared. It was found out that the use of methods of Great Britain and the United States on the organization of independent work in the process of professional development of teachers will have a positive impact on training in the system of advanced training of teachers in Ukraine. The article examines the information culture of future specialists, which is based on knowledge about the information environment, the laws of its functioning and development, and the perfect ability to navigate the limitless modern world of information.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.241-250
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• 2022

It is known that chronic pain and injury of upper limb joint tissue in manual wheelchair users is usually caused by muscle imbalance, and the propulsion speed is reported to increase this muscle imbalance. In this study, kinematic variables, electromyography, and ultrasonographic images of the upper limb were measured and analyzed at two different propulsion speeds to provide a quantitative basis for the risk of upper extremity joint injury. Eleven patients with spinal cord injury for the experimental group (G_E) and 27 healthy adults for the control group (G_C) participated in this study. Joint angles and electromyography were measured while subjects performed self-selected comfortable and fast-speed wheelchair propulsion. Ultrasound images were recorded before and after each propulsion task to measure the acromiohumeral distance (AHD). The range of motion of the shoulder (14.35 deg in G_E; 20.24 deg in G_C) and elbow (5.25 deg in G_E; 2.57 deg in G_C) joints were significantly decreased (p<0.001). Muscle activation levels of the anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii increased at fast propulsion. Specifically, triceps brachii showed a significant increase in muscle activation at fast propulsion. AHD decreased at fast propulsion. Moreover, the AHD of G_E was already narrowed by about 60% compared to the G_C from the pre-tests. Increased load on wheelchair propulsion, such as fast propulsion, is considered to cause upper limb joint impingement and soft tissue injury due to overuse of the extensor muscles in a narrow joint space. It is expected that the results of this study can be a quantitative and objective basis for training and rehabilitation for manual wheelchair users to prevent joint pain and damage.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.203-214
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• 2022

Purpose: We investigated the effects of multimodal vs. stabilization exercises on chronic low back pain. Methods: Study participants were randomly assigned to a multimodal exercise (n = 20) or a stabilization exercise group (n = 20). Participants in the multimodal exercise group performed stabilization, stretching, and endurance exercises, whereas those in the stabilization exercise group performed only stabilization exercises. Participants in both groups performed the exercises for 1 hour thrice a week for 5 weeks. The following outcomes were evaluated: pain intensity (numeric rating scale), disability (the Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), pain-induced fear (the Fear of Daily Activities Questionnaire [FDAQ], the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire [FABQ], and the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia-11 [TSK-11]). Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after intervention. Results: Significant post-intervention improvement was observed in pain intensity and the RMDQ and FDAQ scores in both groups (p < 0.01). The post-intervention ODI, FABQ, and TSK-11 scores were improved in the multimodal exercise group (p < 0.01). Additionally, significant differences were observed in pain intensity, as well as in the ODI, FDAQ, and FABQ scores in the multimodal exercise group compared with these findings in the stabilization exercise group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The multimodal and stabilization exercise programs reduced pain intensity, disability, and pain-induced fear. Compared with stabilization exercises, multimodal exercises more effectively reduced pain intensity, disability, and pain-induced fear. This study highlights that musculoskeletal rehabilitation for people with chronic low back pain should include a multimodal exercise program.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.214-237
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• 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture and electroacupuncture for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). We searched 11 databases to find randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2018 and January 2023 that used acupuncture and electroacupuncture to treat patients with TMD. We performed a meta-analysis of 18 RCTs involving 1,109 patients. Nine studies reported that the treatment and control groups showed improvement in the evaluation index post-treatment. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the treatment groups receiving acupuncture combined with manual therapy had significantly improved visual analog scale score and dysfunction index than the control groups receiving manual therapy. Moreover, the treatment groups receiving acupuncture combined with Western medicine had statistically improved maximum mouth opening than the control groups using Western medicine. In conclusion, acupuncture and electroacupuncture have clinical effects on TMD patients. Given that 11 studies were obtained from the Chinese database, a regional bias would be considered. Furthermore, the included studies had high a risk of bias in terms of randomization, concealment, and blinding. Further studies are required to correct these limitations.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.223-229
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• 2023

Purpose: Assessing physical strength and muscle mass is crucial, but many methods rely on specialized equipment, which can be challenging. In situations where a quick and straightforward test is needed, the sit-to-stand test (STST) proves useful. Although several studies have investigated STST and muscle mass separately, the actual correlation between these two factors has not been extensively researched. Hence, the objective was to comprehensively investigate the correlations between the different tests. Methods: The study participants consisted of 20 healthy young men in their 20s. In this study, measurements were taken for muscle mass, the five-times sit-to-stand test, the 30-second sit-to-stand test, and the 1-minute sit-to-stand test. The results of each test were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: Although no significant correlation was found between muscle mass and STST, interestingly, significant correlations were observed among the different types of STST. Conclusion: The STST is a rapid and straightforward test used to assess lower limb strength and balance ability in individuals. However, there is a dearth of research on STST conducted in domestic settings. Based on the findings of this study, further research is necessary to establish age- and gender-specific reference values for STST. This will allow its broader application, encompassing not only older adults and patients but also healthy individuals.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.84-97
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• 2023

Background: The concept of high-impact chronic pain (HICP) has been proposed for patients with chronic pain who have significant limitations in work, social life, and personal care. Recognition of HICP and being able to distinguish patients with HICP from other chronic pain patients who do not have life interference allows the necessary measures to be taken in order to restore the physical and emotional functioning of the affected persons. The aim was to reveal the risk factors and predictors associated with HICP. Methods: Patients with chronic pain without life interference (grade 1 and 2) and patients with HICP were compared. Significant data were evaluated with regression analysis to reveal the associated risk factors. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate predictors and present cutoff scores. Results: One thousand and six patients completed the study. From pain related cognitive processes, fear of pain (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.98; P = 0.007) and helplessness (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12; P = 0.018) were found to be risk factors associated with HICP. Predictors of HICP were evaluated by ROC analysis. The highest discrimination value was found for pain intensity (cut-off score > 6.5; 83.8% sensitive; 68.7% specific; area under the curve = 0.823; P < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the first study in our geography to evaluate HICP with measurement tools that evaluate all dimensions of pain. Moreover, it is the first study in the literature to evaluate predictors and cut-off scores using ROC analysis for HICP.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.33-51
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• 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the current status of clinical practice patterns of Korean medicine in the treatment of degenerative arthritis of the hip and finger joints using web-based survey. Methods: An e-mail questionnaire survey was conducted with the Korean Medicine Doctor(K.M.D) registered in the Korean Medicine Association. The survey data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Although the response rate of the survey was low, the characteristics of the respondents generally reflected the characteristics of the study population. A total of 35.2% of the respondents had heard of the guidelines; however, they did not use them for medical treatment. The reason as answered by 32.8% of the respondents was "not enough treatment time to check the manual and apply it." More than half (78.80%) answered that they were treating patients with both degenerative hip and finger arthritis; however, the average monthly number of first-time patients was ≤5. A total of 379 (60.9%) respondents answered that "acupuncture is very important," which was the only one that exceeded the majority compared to other treatments. As a result of the safety investigation, "Acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping" were considered high in safety, while "Pharmacopuncture and Bee venom acupuncture" were considered low in safety. Conclusions: This survey helped to determine the current clinical practice patterns of Korean medicine treatments, further providing basic data for CPGs for degenerative arthritis of the hip and finger joints.