• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar stabilization training and additional thoracic mobilization on pain, proprioception and static balance in patients with chronic low back pain. The subjects of this study were 48 chronic low back pain patients who were randomly allocated to an experimental group 1 ($n_1=16$, lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization, thoracic hypomobility), experimental group 2 ($n_2=16$, lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization, thoracic normal mobility), and a control group ($n_3=16$, lumbar stabilization, thoracic hypomobility) after a thoracic mobility test. Both experimental groups underwent lumbar stabilization training and additional thoracic mobilization. The control group underwent only lumbar stabilization training. The intervention was performed 3 times per week, 30 minutes each time, for a total of 6 weeks. Thoraco-lumbar joint reposition error was measured using an electrogoniometer and static balance ability was measured using the Tetrax posture analysis system. Subjects' pain level was measured using a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Statistical analyses were performed using a one-way analysis of variance and a paired t-test. Post-hoc testing was carried out with a Bonferroni test. The pain level was significantly lower in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Both experimental groups showed significant reductions in joint reposition error angle (flexion, extension, and side bending) compared to the control group. The static balance level was significantly lower in both experimental groups than in the control group. In summary, lumbar stabilization exercises and additional thoracic mobilization significantly improved the pain level, proprioception, and static balance in patients with chronic low back pain.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Due to climate change and aging of reservoirs, damage to embankment slopes is increasing. However, the safety diagnosis of the reservoir slope is mainly conducted by visual observation, and the time and economic cost are formidable to apply soil mechanical tests and slope stability analysis. Accordingly, this study presented a predicting method for the compaction and strength characteristics of the reservoir embankment soil using a portable static cone penetration test. The predicted items consisted of dry density, cohesion, and internal friction angle, which are the main factors of slope stability analysis. Portable static cone penetration tests were performed at 19 reservoir sites, and prediction equations were constructed from the correlation between penetration resistance data and test results of soil samples. The predicted dry density and strength parameters showed a correlation with test results between R² 0.40 and 0.93, and it was found to replace the test results well when used as input data for slope stability analysis (R² 0.8134 or more, RMSE 0.0320 or less). In addition, the prediction equations for the minimum safety factor of the slope were presented using the penetration resistance and gradient. As a result of comparing the predicted safety factor with the analysis results, R² 0.5125, RMSE 0.0382 in coarse-grained soil, R² 0.4182 and RMSE 0.0628 in fine-grained soil. The results of this study can be used as a way to improve the existing slope safety diagnosis method, and are expected to be used to predict the characteristics of various soils and inspect slopes.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.135-149
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was designed to observe the effect of Chuna manual therapy on the asymmetrical alignment. Methods : To analyze static structural alignment, posterior inferior ilium deviation(PI), inflare change of pelvis were checked from full spine AP X-ray. And Cobb's angle of spine and height of shoulder girdle were analyzed. To evaluate the pain visual analogue score(VAS) was scored. Chuna therapy treated 8-10 times for 1 month. Results and Conclusions : In 3 cases, VAS was improved significantly. Full spine AP X-ray shows improvement of structural imbalace. Shoulder height difference, cobb's angle, pelvic insufficiency improved considerably. These results suggest that Chuna therapy might be effective for malalignment patients.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.135-140
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of distal femoral osteotomy for distal femoral varus and medial patellar luxation (MPL) grade 4 in small-breed dogs. Radiographs and medical records were reviewed to collect data and plan the surgery in small-breed dogs with MPL grade 4. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was also performed in cases of severe bone deformities. Signalment, weight, medial patellar luxation and lameness grade, radiographic bone union, complications, pre- and postoperative femoral varus angle, passive range of motion, static weight bearing distribution and visual analogue scale scores were recorded. Thirteen corrective distal femoral osteotomies were performed with ancillary and additional procedures in 9 dogs; 4 dogs had staged bilateral procedures; and four stifles were suspected to have partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. One stifle underwent patellar groove replacement. The mean ± SD pre- and postoperative femoral varus angles were 109.15°± 3.71° and 96.30°± 2.97°, respectively. Significant improvements in passive range of motion, thigh circumference and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were observed. There was no reluxation of the patella. This study suggests that distal femoral osteotomy with traditional and additional procedures provided satisfactory outcomes in patient healing and functional recovery in small-breed dogs with excessive femoral varus angles.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.235-246
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare and assess the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on the balance ability of young college studets with low back pain after having performed spinal stabilization exercise by using 3-dimensional air-balance system and gym ball. Methods: The subjects of this study were 34 low back patients in their early twenties. They were divided into two groups: 3-dimensional lumbar stabilization exercise group(N=17) and gym ball lumbar stabilization exercise group(N=17). The period of the intervention was for five weeks. VAS(Visual Analogue Scale) for pain test, ODI(Oswestry Disability Index) for ADL limitation test, Tetrax system for static balance test, and Air-balance system 3D for dynamic balance test were used as evaluation tools for this study. Results: Pain showed significant decrease in both groups after having performed the experiment, but ADL limitation of the groups did not show any remarkable difference between before and after the experiment. Dynamic balance ability in the 8-directional angle comparison test significantly increased in all directions except for the backward, left-backward, and right-backward directions. As for dynamic balance ability in the 8-directional postural test, 3D exercise group showed statistically significant reduction in every direction while gym ball exercise group did not(p<.05). However, when it comes to static balance ability in the weight distribution and stability test, there was not significantly change between pre and post test in both groups. Conclusion: This study shows 3-dimensional lumbar stabilization exercise is more effective in the lumbar stabilization of coordinated movement than gym ball exercise, which may imply that 3D air-balance system can be used for the therapeutic treatment of body imbalance for patients with low back pain.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.84-94
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the balance ability at different foot positions using K A T 2000 (Berg, Inc, vista, CA.1994). Thirty (male 15, female 15) normal subjects participated in this study. All subjects were tested at a one leg position or a two leg position that were toe-in $25^{\circ}$, toe-out $25^{\circ}$, and $45^{\circ}$. The starting position was where the subject crossed their arms across the chest and flexed knees slightily. The results of each test were displayed on a screen in a score format, which indicated balance index. These collected data were analyzed by using one way ANOVA, and t-test. The results of this study were as follows: When changing the angle of the foot in the one-foot and two-foot standing positions, there was no statistically significant difference, but the balance performance with the foot rotated by $25^{\circ}$ was better than that with the foot rotated by $45^{\circ}$. When changing the direction of the foot in the one-foot and two-foot standing positions, there was no statistically significant difference, but the balance performance with the foot rotated laterally was better - except for the case when the foot was medially rotated by $25^{\circ}$ in the right-foot static standing position. When the feet were medially rotated by $25^{\circ}$ in the two-foot static standing position, and were medially rotated by $25^{\circ}$ and $45^{\circ}$ in the one-foot static standing position, the balance performance of females was better than that of males. In this study, it was found that the balance performance of the subjects changed when the position of the foot was shifted on an unstable base of support. However, there was little correlation between balance performance and the height, weight and foot length of the subjects. It is necessary to conduct a follow-up study targeting various age groups and those with various diseases using an unstable platform or applying different physical or visual conditions, such as the length of the legs. Physical therapists need to consider the position of the foot in clinical settings for a better balance training or assessment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.125-137
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• 2021

PURPOSE: The growing number of people exposed to a static sitting posture has resulted in an increase in people with a poor posture out of the optimally aligned posture because of the low awareness of a correct sitting posture. Learning the correct sitting posture by applying sensory feedback is essential because a poor posture has negative consequences for the spine. Therefore, this study examined the effects of the sensory feedback types on learning correct sitting posture. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy adult males were assigned to a visual feedback group, a tactile feedback group, and a visuotactile feedback group to learn the correct sitting posture by applying sensory feedback. The spine angle, muscle activity, and muscle thickness were measured in the sitting position using retro-reflexive markers, electromyography, and ultrasound immediately after, five minutes, and 10 minutes after intervention. RESULTS: The intervention time was significantly shorter in the visuotactile feedback group than the visual feedback group (p < .05). Compared to the pre-intervention, the repositioning error angles of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of all groups were reduced significantly immediately after intervention and after five minutes. After 10 minutes, there was a significant difference in the thoracic and lumbar repositioning error angles of the tactile feedback group and the visuotactile feedback group (p < .05). No significant difference was noted at any time compared to the pre-intervention in all groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The use of tactile and visuotactile feedback in intervention to correct the sitting posture is proposed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.200-205
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• 2014

Objective : To prove the extents and details of cervical degeneration after anterior microforaminotomy (AMF) with 6-years follow-up. Methods : A retrospective study of 24 patients, underwent single-level AMF, was performed. Clinical and radiologic data were analyzed with office charts, questionaires, and picture achieving and communication system images. Results : According to Odom's criteria, 91.6% achieved favorable outcome. The mean visual analog scale score was improved from 8.6 to 3, and the mean neck disability index was improved from 27.9 to 7.3 (p<0.01). Eighteen cases (75%) showed disc height (DH) decrease. The disc invasion was correlated with DH decrease (p<0.05). The disc height decrease correlated with static, dynamic changes of shell angle and spur formation (p<0.05). Any radiological parameters did not affect the clinical outcome. Conclusion : AMF is an effective technique for treating unilateral cervical radiculopathy. It showed excellent surgical outcomes even in long-term follow-ups. However, a decrease in DH occurred in a considerable number of patients. Disc invasion during surgery may be the trigger of sequential degeneration.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.57-61
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of direction (pitch and roll) on the perception of support surface rotation while standing. Thirty young healthy subjects participated in this study. Support surface was rotated at an unexpected instant in a very slow speed (0.2 deg/s). The direction of support surface rotation was randomly chosen among pitch (forward and backward) and roll (right and left) directions. The experiment was performed with eyes open and closed. Perception performance was evaluated by the perception threshold, defined as the rotation angle of the surface at the instant when a subject recognized that the support surface was moving. Results showed that the perception threshold was smaller for roll directions than pitch directions irrespective of vision and gender (p < 0.01). This indicates that the perception of support surface rotation is more sensitive in roll direction than in pitch direction. Among three sensory functions related to postural perception, the effect of vestibular and visual functions on the direction difference of the perception should be little because of the very slow surface rotation and independence on visual conditions. Therefore, the direction dependence of perception would have been affected mainly by the somatosensory function.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.74-83
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• 2008

As urban residents' standard of living has recently risen, efforts to improve urban landscapes have increased. It is very important to manage streetscapes to improve the urban landscape because they are one of the essential elements in city construction and urban landscaping. This study focuses on the indicators that manage streetscapes more accurately and realistically. To achieve this purpose, this study used dynamic simulations considering shape and layout of buildings, the primary factors in streetscapes. This study can be summarized as follows: 1. Two indicators to manage streetscape were investigated in previous studies: one to increase visual openness and the other to reduce visual overstimulation. These indicators had high correlation with scenic beauty. Therefore, increasing openness and reducing overstimulation are essential to improve streetscapes. 2. Two household tower type buildings should be arranged along roadsides to increase openness and scenic beauty. However, low tower buildings with two household are not suitable along roadsides because they create monotony and intervals are needed between buildings. 3. To increase openness, the angled arrangement of buildings is suggested $75^{\circ}{\sim}90^{\circ}(105^{\circ}{\sim}135^{\circ})$ for low buildings, $30^{\circ}{\sim}45^{\circ}(135^{\circ}{\sim}150^{\circ})$ for mid-sized buildings, and $75^{\circ}{\sim}90^{\circ}(105^{\circ}{\sim}135^{\circ})$ for high buildings. 4. To reduce overstimulation, the height and setback control regulations should be at an angle of less than $45^{\circ}$. This study suggests more accurate management guidelines by organizing the indicators that could effectively manage streetscapes and by overcoming limitations of reality shown in a static simulation.