• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1015-1028
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• 2013

This study analyzed the relationship among swimming experiences, swimsuit selection criteria, swimsuit purchase satisfaction level, and the physical self-concept of female consumers. This study was based on a descriptive survey method using a questionnaire. The survey was conducted from June 15 through July 20, 2012, and the sample consisted of 330 female consumers in their 20s and 30s residing in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area. Factor analysis and Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ coefficients, ANOVA, Duncan's Test, and multiple regression analysis were employed for the data analysis. The results revealed that individual self-concepts on health, sports competence, and fitness were influenced by swimming experiences. There was a tendency for those with a longer period of swimming experience to have a higher level of brand consideration as a swimsuit selection criterion; in addition, they showed a higher satisfaction level with swimsuits. Individual physical self-concept influenced the consideration given to each swimsuit selection criterion as well as swimsuit purchase satisfaction level. The findings of the study reflect the possibility of utilizing swimming experiences as a criterion for swimsuit market segmentation. Attention to the quality of swimsuits as well as to the physical self-concept of consumers are required for marketing activities.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.101-103
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• 2012

To identify the allergy problem of a 36-year old swimming instructor, who experiences heavy itching and rashes whenever she comes in contact with pool water. Patch tests were performed with European standard series and materials from the work floor. A positive patch test to aluminum chloride and flocculant was observed. Occupational dermatitis is, based on a contact allergy to aluminum chloride in the flocculant.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was conducted to explore the experiences of women with osteoarthritis in the community-based aquatic exercise program. Methods: A total of 13 women who lived urban-rural complex areas participated in 8 weeks of aquatic exercise. Data were collected from two focused group interviews of those who signed informed consent. Results: Four categories emerged from the contents analysis: 1) assisting a remedial program (participant-centered education, alleviation of physical symptoms, and relieving stress), 2) Pleasure of being together (group exercise, feeling of pleasure and joy, and strong and confident supporter), 3) burden of participation (economic burden, low accessibility and unaccustomed swimming pool), 4) organizing and activating a self-help group(acquired confidence over exercise, hoping for continue exercise, and Needs of self-help meeting). Conclusion: Aquatic exercise was good for women living urban-rural area as it gave not only reliving arthritic symptoms but also improving social relationships. It is optimal to assist in making of a self-supporting group and continuing activities through it.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.528-533
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• 2004

The immune system acts to protect the host from infectious agents that exist in the environment and from other noxious insults. The immune system has two functional divisions: the innate and the acquired. Both components involve various factors such as cytokines. A number of methodologies exist to assess aspects of immune function. There are large inter-individual variations in many immune functions even among the healthy. Genetics, age, gender, smoking habits, habitual levels of exercise, alcohol consumption, diet, stage in the female menstrual cycle, stress, history of infections and vaccinations, and early life experiences are likely to be important contributors to the observed variation. While it is clear that individuals with immune responses significantly below 'normal' are more susceptible to infectious agents and exhibit increased infectious morbidity and mortality, it is not clear how the variation in immune function among healthy individuals relates to variation in susceptibility to infection. Oriental medicine is an important factor contributing to immune competence. The author investigated the immune enhancement effects of Bojungikkitanggami-bang (BITB). The forced swimming test (FST) has been used as a screening model for new immune enhancement agents. In the present study, the author investigated the effects of BITB on FST and blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue, glucose (Glc); blood urea nitrogen (BUN); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); creatinine; and total protein (TP). The author found that BITB (1 g/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time in the FST compared to the control. In addition, the contents of Glc, LDH, BUN, TP in the blood serum were increased in BITB (1g/kg)-fed group. Also, the author investigated the effects of BITB on the production of cytokines in human T-cell line, MOLT-4 cells. BITB (1 mg/ml) significantly increased the interferon (IFN)-vproduction compared with media control (about 2.2-fold for IFN-γ) at 24 h. However, BITB has not affect the production of IL-2 and IL-4. In addition, BITB increased the protein expression level of IFN-γ in MOLT-4 cells. Thus, BITB may have therapeutic value in generating or enhancing immune function in a clinical setting.