• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.255-266
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• 2022

Purpose: This study sought to study the effects of cross-legged sitting posture on joint motion. It also examined the correlation between the changes in the joint range of motion, musculoskeletal symptoms, and facial asymmetry. Methods: The Acumar Digital Inclinometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, USA) was used to measure the range of motion (ROM). We measured the flexion and extension of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine using a dual inclinometer, and measured the ROM of the shoulder and hip joint with a single inclinometer. The Likert scale questionnaire was used to investigate musculoskeletal symptoms and facial asymmetry. Results: The data analysis was performed using the Jamovi version 1.6.23 statistical software. After confirming the normality of the ROM with descriptive statistics, it was compared with the normal ROM through a one-sample t-test. Correlation matrix analysis was performed to confirm the association between facial asymmetry and musculoskeletal symptoms. The result of the one-sample t-test showed a significant increase in the thoracic spine extension and right and left hip external rotation (p<0.001^***), while most other joints were restricted. As per the frequency analysis, facial asymmetry was found to be 81.70%. Conclusion: The independent variable, namely cross-legged sitting posture led to an increase in ROM. The study also suggests that facial asymmetry and musculoskeletal symptoms could occur. Therefore, to prevent the increase and limitation of ROM and to prevent the occurrence of facial asymmetry and musculoskeletal symptoms, it is suggested that the usual cross-legged sitting posture should be avoided.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.23-29
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• 2012

Purpose : Purpose of this study was to investigate whether cervicothoracic posture was associated with scapula orientation and muscle activity during shoulder abduction. Methods : Cervicothoracic junction angle and thoracic kyphosis angle were measured in health twenty subjects. Then, scapular resting orientation and range of motion (upward/downward rotation, internal/external rotation) and muscle activity (upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior) was determined using motion capture system and surface electromyography while subjects performed shoulder abduction. Results : Cervicothoracic junction angle was significantly associated with range of motion of scapular internal/external rotation during shoulder abduction. Thoracic kyphosis angle was significantly associated with scapular resting orientation of upward/downward rotation and average IEMG of lower trapezius. Conclusion : The result of this study shows that poor cervicothoracic posture is relationship with altered scapular kinematics cause of shoulder dysfunction. These findings suggested that cervicothoracic posture may be considered in occupation and exercise including arm elevation over head as well as used as predict factor to estimate shoulder dysfunction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.7
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• pp.479-486
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of upper thoracic joint mobilization technique using Kaltenborn-Evjenth concept on the range of cervical and thoracic motion and pain in patients with chronic neck pain. The subjects were divided into a thoracic joint mobilization group(n=7) and a conservative physical therapy group(n=7). Each of the groups received thoracic joint mobilization or conservative physical therapy three times a week lasted for four weeks. The measurements were performed for the range of thoracic segmental motion(SpinalMouse), the pain(visual analogue scale) and the range of cervical joint motion(Inclinometer, Dualer IQ). They were made four times: before experiment, at 2weeks, 4weeks, and 4weeks after experiment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1008-1014
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• 1994

Increased interest in alternative approach to thoractomy has developed because of the considerable morbidity associated with the standard posterolateral thoracotomy[ST]. Muscle sparing thoracotomy is appeared as excellent alternative because of less postoperative pain and morbidity than standard posterolateral one. Vertical axillary muscle sparing thoracotomy[VM] is the newly revised modified muscle sparing thoracotomy that overcomes the disadvantages of previous lateral muscle sparing thoracotomy such as seroma, cosmetic problems, and need of subcutaneous drains. We conducted a prospective study of 45 consecutive patients to compare postoperative pain, muscle strength of serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi, and range of motion of the shoulder girdle between ST and VM group. There were no difference in preoperative status, surgical procedure, morbidity, mortality and hospital stay between two groups. But there were significant less postoperative narcotics requirements, more preserved latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscle strength, nd larger range of motion of shoulder girdle [ especially flexion and internal rotation in VM group. The opening time was prolonged[p<0.01] but closing time was less in VM group [p<0.01]. The sum of opening and closing time was not different in two group. The length of incision line was shorter in VM group. The vertical skin incision was concealed by the upper arm.In conclusion vertical axillary muscle sparing thoracotomy is good alternative for various intrathoracic procedures with less postoperative pain, well preserved muscle strength,increased range of motion of the shoulder girdle and impressive cosmetic outcome.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.65-70
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the intertester reliability and validity of four nonradiologic measurements of thoracic spine rotation in healthy adults. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 male and 20 female university students aged between 19 and 26. To measure thoracic rotation, a goniometer, a bubble inclinometer, a dual inclinometer, and a smartphone application-clinometer were used. The measurement was performed twice for each device and the same measurement was performed by two examiners. The measurements were performed in the lumbar locked position. The arm in the direction of rotation was taken back and placed onto the back of the lumbar region. With right and left trunk rotation, the head was rotated together but remained in the center line so that the axial rotation was maintained. Both examiners performed the measuring procedures and directly handled the measuring instrument. All measurement results were recorded by the recorder. Results: The range of motion (ROM) of thoracic rotation in lumbar locked position for all four devices was 47 degrees. The intra-rater reliability estimates ranged from 0.738 to 0.906 (p<0.05). The inter-rater reliability estimates ranged from 0.736 to 0.853 (p<0.05). The goniometer, bubble inclinometer, dual inclinometer, and smartphone clinometer showed high validity (p<0.05). This result indicates that all four devices may be used by the same examiner and by other examiners obtaining follow-up measurement. Conclusions: The use of the goniometer, bubble inclinometer, dual inclinometer, and smartphone clinometer for measurements in the lumbar locked posture are reliable and valid nonradiologic measures of thoracic rotational ROM in healthy adults.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2021

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the benefits of thoracic manipulation and the trunk stability exercises on spine trunk flexibility and the pain index of chronic low back pain patients. METHODS: The study included 44 patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The participants were divided into two groups: the first group was assigned for trunk stability exercises (TSE), and the second group was randomly assigned TSE and thoracic manipulation at the same time (TSE+TM). Both groups carried out each assigned treatment thrice a week for 8 weeks. The study outcome was based on assessment of spine trunk flexibility and the pain index. Spine trunk flexibility was measured by spine flexion and extension through a range of motion and thoracic cage circumference. The pain index was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Spine flexion and extension range of motion showed a significant difference within each group and between the groups before and after the treatment. The measurement of the thoracic cage circumference also showed a notable difference within each group and between the groups before and after the treatment. There was no change in the pain index. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that thoracic manipulation with the trunk stability exercises is an efficient treatment for improving the spine trunk flexibility and soothing pain for chronic low back pain patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.223-233
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• 2022

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the effect of extra thoracic mobilization exercises on shoulder pain and function in patients who had undergone rotator cuff repair. Methods: Following the recording of baseline measurements, 20 subjects who had undergone rotator cuff repair were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n = 10), which did thoracic mobilization exercises, and the control group (n = 10), which received traditional physical therapy. Each group participated in the intervention five times per week for two weeks. The pain (using the visual analogue scales [VAS]), the flexion and abduction range of motion (ROM), and the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) scores of both groups were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests were used to determine whether post-intervention scores were significantly different from pre-intervention scores, and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the two-week intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased VAS and SPADI scores (p < 0.05) and significantly increased flexion and abduction ROM (p < 0.05). The experimental group that undertook the thoracic mobilization exercises showed greater improvements in pain, flexion and abduction ROM, and the SPADI than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that thoracic mobilization exercises reduce shoulder pain and disability and enhance function in patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.140-148
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the scapulothoracic mobilization on subject with lateral epicondylalgia. This was done through lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion. Methods: Before the experiment, Lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion were measured. Scapulothoracic joint mobilization was applied and then measurements were taken again to compared the changes. Results: After applying the scapulothoracic joint mobilization, lateral slide scapular test, grip strength, visual analogue scale, glenohumeral joint external rotation range of motion significantly improved. Conclusion: This study found that the scapulothoracic mobilization was effective in improving functional aspects and pain on subject with lateral epicondylalgia. The results suggest that the scapulothoracic joint mobilization is a significant considered intervention method that could be used for subject with lateral epicondylalgia.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2013.05a
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• pp.1423-1424
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• 2013

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.29-40
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of an exercise program for the thoracic spine and scapula rather than the neck, which is the primary site of pain. METHODS: Thirty-two elementary school teachers with a forward head posture (FHP) were assigned randomly to either the experimental group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 16). The experimental group performed scapular stabilization exercise (SSE) and thoracic extension exercise (TEE), and the control group performed cervical self-myofascial release exercise and stretching exercise. The pulmonary functions, pain, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and cervical range of motion (CROM) were measured before the intervention and six weeks after. RESULTS: The within-group comparisons showed that the VAS and CROM (except for extension) in both groups were significantly different before and after the intervention (p < .05). The changes in the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV1), and CVA were significant only in the experimental group (p < .05). The between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in the FVC, FEV1, VAS, CVA, and left lateral flexion (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The combination of SSE and TEE in the experimental group was more effective in improving the FHP and breathing ability. Moreover, the experimental group and control combination appeared to be effective in reducing pain and improving the CROM. The combination of SSE and TEE, which are exercises that do not target the cervical spine directly, was effective in improving the posture, respiration, neck pain, and CROM in elementary school teachers with FHP.