• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.5-48
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• 2014

Introduction : One of the important domains in OT is performance skills which include sensory perceptual skills, motor and praxis skills, emotional regulation skills, cognitive skills, and communication/social skills. All of these skills are support ed by integrated neurological processes. Body : Stereology robust tool when employed to investigate morphological changes in neurons, cortex area, and specific parts of brain involved in special brain function. Stereology is an interdisciplinary field focused or analyzing biological tissue with the three-dimensional interpretation of planer sections by using estimating method and mathematically unbiased sampling. With the unbiased stereological method based on probability theory, researchers can estimate morphological and anatomical changes in biological reference areas accurately and efficiently. Changes in anatomical and cytoarchitectural parameters, such as volume, number, and length, affect specific brain function related to the brain area. Occupational therapists provide treatment to improve functions for participation of occupation in neurological disorder. The functional improvements in neurological disorder reflect neurobiological changes because functional difficulties, such as motor cognitive disorder, are due to neurological disturbances. Thus, combination of two kinds of evidence, neurological changes and functional improvement, provide fundamental evidence for OT intervention in neurological disorder. Even though most of stereological studies are in animal model and in postmortem human because of practical and ethical issues, stereology provides fundamental knowledge to support OT theory and practice. Conclusion : Therefore, stereology informs translation from neuroscience to OT based on structure-function relationship in performance skills and experience-dependent neural plasticity.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.51-59
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• 2019

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of comprehensive art therapy on physical function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods : Ten ambulant children with diplegic (n=8) or hemiplegic (n=2) CP participated in this study. All were randomly assigned to either the art therapy group (n=5) or the control group (n=5). Both groups received physical therapy based on neurodevelopmental techniques for 20 minutes a day, 1 day a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Children in the art therapy group received additional comprehensive art therapy for 70 minutes once a week for 3 months. Tests for various measurements-Motricity Index (MI) for strength, Trunk Control Test (TCT) for trunk ability, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for gross motor function, Denver Developmental Screening Test-II (DDST-II) for developmental milestones, Functional Independence Measure of Children (WeeFIM) for abilities to complete daily activities, Leg and Hand Ability Test (LHAT) for limb function-were performed before and after treatments. Results : The upper extremity and whole extremity strengths of MI, self-care and total scores of WeeFIM, and leg and arm functions of LHAT improved significantly only for individuals in the art therapy group after the art therapy (p<.05). The value of MI after treatment was at the upper extremity and whole extremity strengths the leg function of LHAT was also significantly improved compared to the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : This study revealed that comprehensive art therapy along with physiotherapy was effective in increasing upper extremity strength and leg ability in children with CP. This suggests that comprehensive art therapy may be a useful adjunctive therapy for children with CP.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.24-38
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• 2021

Objective : This study aimed to create a Korea translation of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) and to then test the adapted version for construct validity. Methods : The translation and content validation process were conducted in accordance with a four-step process, namely translation, integration, content validity examination, and backward translation. The construct validity of the translated version was evaluated using the EASI for children aged 3~12 years with and without sensory integration problems, comparing the two groups as well as preschool and school-aged groups. The group comparison was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS. Results : In terms of content validity, all 20 items averaged more than 3.17 points. Of the four EASI categories, there was a difference in Sensory Perception (p=0.044) between the typical and sensory integration groups, and there was a statistical difference between tactile and vestibular sensations. Between the preschool and school-aged children, statistical difference was observed in two categories, namely Praxis and Ocular-Postural-Bilateral Motor Integration. Conclusion : Based on its construct validity, the Korean version of EASI is suitable for use in research. The construct validity study highlighted items that explain differences between typical and diagnostic children and items that explain those differences by age. Our findings could therefore be considered when interpreting EASI results.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to establish scientific evidence though a systematic review, of the existing interventional methods and their respective effects, for swallowing disorders among dementia patients. The interventional methods were based on patient characteristics. Methods : An electronic literature search was performed using five electronic databases from 2010 to 2020. The keywords were 'Dementia', 'Alzheimer disease', 'Deglutition disorder', 'Swallowing disorder', 'Dysphagia'. Five articles met the inclusion criteria. Results : One study with moderate-to-severe and four studies with severe dementia patients were included. The interventions consisted of one remedial intervention, three compensatory interventions, and one comprehensive intervention. Compensatory intervention, including behavioral and psychological management, were used in moderate-to-severe patients. For the severe patients, remedial, compensatory, and comprehensive intervention were used to address the feeding tube problem. The interventions used in each study had a positive effect on the outcome variables associated with swallowing ability. Conclusion : The purpose of the intervention and the intervention factors changed depending on the patient's dementia stage. The intervention was effective when considering the progressive stage of the patient. These results may serve as a guide in designing effective interventions for swallowing disorders in dementia patients.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.436-444
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate the research trends related to work rehabilitation in the field of occupational therapy based on studies published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT). Thirty five articles in the AJOT from January, 2000, to June, 2016, were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to classify the articles according to their study methodology, evidence level, study subjects, and so on. When they were categorized according to the study methodology, eight studies (22.9%) were published as review or meta-analyses and 7 studies (20%) as qualitative and naturalistic inquiries. Group comparison/correlational and experimental outcome methods were used in 4 studies (11.4%). 3 studies (8.6%) were conducted using a case study/single-subject design or survey. 14 studies (40.0%) were evidence level V ones and 7 studies (33.3%) dealt with mental illness. When they were classified according to the study subjects, 25 studies (71.4%) were related to the work-rehabilitation process and 10 studies (28.6%) were related to the meaning and value of work. Through this study, we were able to determine the main research trends, study methodology, study participants, and evidence level related to vocational rehabilitation in the field of occupational therapy. Additionally, it is necessary to examine studies in the field of vocational rehabilitation, which have a high level of evidence and include various kinds of participants, as well as the process of vocational rehabilitation.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.139-158
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• 2003

This study evaluated the community-based rehabilitation services provided by the Wonju Public Health Center from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2002. Ninety-four persons with disabilities dwelling in the community participated and the surveys were completed in an interview during home visits. The respondents' demographic, socio-economic, and medical characteristics, rehabilitation service received, willingness to receive home-visit rehabilitation services, and satisfaction with the rehabilitation services were analyzed by frequency and percentage. A Likert scoring system consisting of five agreement-disagreement categories was applied to each item, consisting of Very Satisfied, Satisfied, So-So, Poorly Satisfied, and Very Poorly Satisfied. The major findings were as follows: 1) The rehabilitation services used included medical rehabilitation (26.9%), followed by social assistance (23.5%), diagnosis by a physician at home (17.3%), medical examination (12.3%), housekeeping services (6.2%), and vocational and educational rehabilitation (3.5%). 2) Of the medical services, the respondents desired physical therapy at home and free rental of rehabilitation equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, the most, followed by home visit occupational therapy, nursing services, and oriental medicine service in descending order. 3) Some of the respondents expressed so-so satisfaction (50.0%) or dissatisfaction (16.9%) with the rehabilitation services provided by the Wonju Public Health Center. These findings should prove useful when planning or extending community-based rehabilitation programs for the homebound disabled in the community.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.31-42
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• 2015

Objective : The aim of this study is to prove the effects of mental practice in balance ability of elderly population, and to investigate the possibility of application as an effective intervention method for fall prevention. Methods : This study provided mental practice to 3 subjects over 65 years old who have experienced fall, but do not have cognitive dysfunctions and independent in gait without any use of assistive devices from July to October, 2013. Within the individual case study, 4 sessions of initial baseline process (A), 5 sessions of mental practice (B), 4 sessions of re-initial baseline process (A') were proceeded using ABA design. Independent variable used mental practice for enhancing balance ability and fall efficacy in elderly population, and dependent variable were Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to find out the change in overall balance ability, Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) to see the change in fall efficacy, One-Leg Standing test(OLS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) to determine the changes in both static and dynamic balance. Analysis of the results were provided via mean value and graph. Results : After the application of mental practice method, all of the subjects have shown increase in fall efficacy baseline values, and in addition, overall balance ability and both static and dynamic balances either increased or maintained. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that mental practice has positive effects on fall efficacy improvement and maintenance in elderly, thereby suggesting mental practice for fall prevention in elderly populations.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.67-80
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• 2023

Objective : This study aimed to investigate the current status of physical therapy in children and adolescents. Methods : Sixty questionnaires from physical therapists treating children and adolescents with disabilities were analyzed. The questionnaire consisted of questions on physical therapy, participants, satisfaction, and the assessment of pediatric and adolescent physical therapy. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to investigate the current status, participants, and satisfaction. Differences between physical therapy participation difficulty, importance-ability of major aspects of pediatric and adolescent physical therapy, and therapy goal frequency were analyzed using paired T-test. Results : 11 to 15 cases (66.7%) and one-on-one treatment (95.0%) were performed independently (95.0%). The main ages of the subjects were preschool and school, the diagnoses were brain lesions and developmental delay, and treatment was conducted for up to 20 years or older. Satisfaction with pediatric and adolescent physical therapy was high (70.0%), as was the intensity of work (71.7%). Neurodevelopmental therapy, gait training, and goal-directed rehabilitation were the main treatments, and Gross Motor Function Measures of 88 and 66, respectively, were used. Respondents said that current fee system is inadequate (66.1%) and appropriate fee system is needed. Conclusion : This study extensively investigated the content of and factors related to pediatric and adolescent physical therapy. Based on the current situation, efforts to improve the expertise and continuity of pediatric and adolescent physical therapists and apply the latest treatment techniques are required.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2013

Objective : The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of the social support and social network on the quality of life of the elderly residing in a local community. Method : The subjects of this study were 75 healthy old men and women of 13 sites of welfare centers for the disabled and public health centers and senior welfare centers in Busan and Gyeongju. A survey was conducted with a questionnaire that include general characteristics, cognitive ability, social support, social network and quality of life. The analysis was made on 63 replies except 12 subjects who had been excluded by the subject selection criteria. Result : As a result of analyzing correlation of variables affecting life quality, there was positive correlation in contact frequency(p<.05), intimacy(p<.001), and social support(p<.001). Finally, it was analyzed that the variable of intimacy (p<.001) affected life quality of general aged people living in regional community. Conclusion : It was found that intimacy of general aged people living in regional community was a major variable to affect life quality. It could be identified that intimacy which is qualitative feature of social, relational network for the aged who live passive life was important.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.33-42
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• 2019

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge regarding constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and its application in clinical practice by physiatrists and therapists in pediatric rehabilitation area in Korea. Methods : Online survey via E-mails was sent to a total of 510 members (204 physiatrists and 306 therapists) of the Korean Society of Pediatric Rehabilitation and Developmental Medicine (KSPRDM). Results : The response rate was 35.1% (179 of 510). A total of 179 questionnaires was completed by 39 physiatrists, 89 physiotherapists, 48 occupational therapists, and 3 speech therapists. 45.8% of responders had worked over 6 years in the pediatric rehabilitation setting and a total of 58.1% (n=104) of the sample had used CIMT. The main limitations of clinically applying CIMT included limited staff and inappropriate clinical setting (35.1%, n=61), lack of understanding (19.5%, n=34), and developmental issues of function on the unaffected side (13.8%, n=24). The cooperation of patients (77.6%, n=76), cognitive/behavioral factors (42.9%, n=42), and cooperation of caregivers (25.5%, n=25) were the 3 major concerns that could be limitations with CIMT. Conclusions : Although considerable evidence supports the use of CIMT, many of physiatrist and therapists do not apply this method in practice. The improvement of limitations is necessary for wide use of CIMT in clinical practice in Korea.