• Medical Lasers
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.138-145
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• 2021

Low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation (LLLT/PBM) therapy has been widely applied to enhance and accelerate the recovery of oral mucositis. This study investigates the documented effect of LLLT on oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy. This review appraises 6 animal studies and 12 clinical studies published in the Pubmed database during the past 10 years, related to the application of LLLT for the treatment of mucositis. Despite varied parameters and diverse conditions, the assessed articles indicate that application of LLLT on oral mucositis using near-infrared wavelengths is prophylactic, reduces pain, and enables a rapid recovery. Various combined treatments were also identified among the published papers, which further establishes the efficacy of LLLT as a viable treatment.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.94-102
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to review existing assessment tools for patients with low back pain and improve them through combination. A total of 314 patients with low back pain participated. Their condition was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPD), and the Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS). Rasch analysis was applied to identify inappropriate items, item difficulties, and the separation index. In this study, the 'sex life' item of the ODQ (10 items) and the 'sleeping' item of the BPFS (12 items) showed misfit statistics, whereas all items of the QBPD (20 items) were appropriate. After combining the ODQ, QBPD and BPFS, Rasch analysis was applied. The 'pain intensity', and the 'sex life' item of the ODQ and the 'throw a ball' item of QBPD showed misfit statistics. These 3 items were retained for further analysis. The remaining 42 combined ODQ-QBPD-BPFS items were arranged according to difficulty. For all subjects, the most difficult item was 'pain intensity', whereas the easiest was 'take food out of the refrigerator'. As the separation index of 42 combined ODQ-QBPD-BPFS was higher than that of the three questionnaires separately, difficulty of items varied with some need for rearrangement. The results of this study confirmed the possibility and need for a new back pain disability assessment tool, and produced one. Further study is needed to refine the questionnaire in consideration of psychosocial and occupational factors.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.60-67
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• 2017

Background: Scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS) is a common scapular alignment impairment that causes insufficient upward rotation and muscle imbalance, shortened levator scapulae (LS) and rhomboid, and lengthened serratus anterior (SA) and trapezius. A modified shrug exercise (MSE), performing a shrug exercise with the shoulders at $150^{\circ}$ abduction, is known as an effective exercise to increase scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Previous studies revealed that scapular exercise are more effective when combined with trunk stabilization exercises in decreasing scapular winging and increasing scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Objects: The purpose of our study was to clarify the effect of MSE with or without trunk stabilization exercises in subjects with SDRS. Methods: Eighteen volunteer subjects (male=10, female=8) with SDRS were recruited for this experiment. All subjects performed MSE under 3 different conditions: (1) MSE, (2) MSE with an abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM), and (3) MSE with an abdominal expansion maneuver (AEM). The muscle thickness of the lower trapezius (LT) and the SA were measured using an ultrasonography in each condition. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the LT, LS, SA, and upper trapezius (UT) muscle activities. Data were statistically analysed using one-way repeated analysis of variance at a significance level of .05. Results: The muscle thickness of the LT and the SA were the significant different in the MSE, MSE with ADIM (MSE+ADIM) and MSE with AEM (MSE+AEM) conditions (p<.05) In both LT and SA, the order of thick muscle thickness was MSE+AEM, MSE+ADIM, and MSE alone. No significant differences were found in the EMG activities of the SA, UT, LS, and LT in all condition. Conclusion: In conclusion, MSE is more beneficial to people with SDRS when combined with trunk stabilization exercises by increased thickness of scapular stabilizer muscles.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.21-27
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• 2007

The purposes of this study were to compare core muscle activities with and without the use of Pilates resistive equipment during bridging exercises and to investigate the efficacy of a Pilates device. Fourteen healthy individuals (6 males, 8 females) between 20 to 26 years of age were examined. They were engaged in a bridging exercise with and without a magic circle. Three consecutive repetitions of each exercise were performed. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure the electrical activities of the right side internal oblique, the adductor longus, the multifidus, and the gluteus maximus muscles. Normalized EMG activities were compared using a paired t-test and the level of significance was set at =.05. The results showed that the EMG activities of the internal oblique (p=.0078), the adductor longus (p=.0007), and the gluteus maximus (p=.0001) muscles were significantly higher when using the magic circle during the Pilates bridging exercise. Also, statistically significant change existed in the multifidus muscle (p=.0106). The bridging exercise, combined with hip adduction using the magic circle, may enhance core stabilization. Therefore, using a magic circle during hip adduction combined with bridging exercise may be recommended usefully for individuals wanting to strength the core muscles. Further research is needed to access the nature of motor control of the Pilates mat exercises and to deliver exercise intervention for lower back pain patients.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.27-43
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• 2006

Objectives : Recently the number of obesity population has grown, the idea recognizing obesity as an obvious disease which needs medical treatments has increased too. Obesity has become a rising and serious issue of public health in many developed countries. In this study, analyzing 15 recent Chinese research papers written about obesity treatment, we tried to understand the recent trend in obesity treatment in China; and examine the special features and curative rates of their treatment. Methods : We searched recent research papers which was related to obesity. Search pool includes 9198 papers on 5 Chinese journal, 2302 papers on zhongyizazhi(中醫雜誌), 1826 papers on zhongsiyijehezazhi(中西醫結合雜紙), 2389 papers on xinzhongyi(新中醫), 1069 papers on shanghaizhongyiyazazhi(上海中醫藥雜紙), 1612 papers on zhejiangzhongyizazhi(淅江中醫藥雜). First, we searched with the term '肥'. Among the search results, we selected the papers containing the term '肥滿' or ', and excluded the other papers which had no direct relation to obesity.(e.g., ' '肥厚性' etc.) In this way, 21 papers were selected, 18 papers satisfied our study object. Among them we adopted 15 clinical papers for our study, excluding 3 experimental papers. Results : Acupuncture therapy; the rate of excellent curative effect ranges from 9.4% to 77.8%, that of curative effect from 68.7% to 94.3%. Herbal therapy; the rate of excellent curative effect ranges from 6.5% to 52.3%, that of curative effect from 72% to 93.8%. Combined method; the rate of excellent curative effect is 44.8%, that of curative effect 83.5%. Conclusions : These results provides evidence that acupuncture therapy is the most effective among acupuncture therapy, herbal therapy and combined method in treatment of obesity. In addition, acupuncture therapy that uses a small number of acupoints and strong stimulation is more effective than any other therapies.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a three dimensional balance trainer in combination with a video-game system and visual feedback on balance recovery and gait function in subacute stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-three subacute stroke patients were assigned to either an experimental (n=12) or a control group (n=11) using a random permuted block design and sealed envelopes. The experimental group received additional 3-dimensional balance training combined with visual feedback and a game program for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Both groups received 30-min of conservative physical therapy sessions based on neurodevelopmental therapy. Before and after the 20 sessions, walking abilities were evaluated by the the GaitRite system and balances were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) was used to assess trunk muscle performances. Results: After the 4-week intervention, BBS and TIS scores were significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05), and increases in these scores were significantly greater in the experimental group (p<0.05). After the 4-week intervention, gait speed and cadence were significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05), and as was observed for BBS and TIS scores, changes of gait speed and cadence were significantly greater in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study shows that the 3-dimensional balance trainer combined with visual biofeedback and a video-game system provides a therapeutic means for improving balance and gait ability in subacute stroke patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.159-169
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide an effective method of exercise therapy for patients with cervicogenic headache. Methods: The subjects were divided into the following three groups according to the intervention received: cervix-stabilizing exercise (n=12, group 1), transcranial direct current stimulation (n=12, group 2), and cervix-stabilizing exercise combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (n=12, group 3). The intragroup and intergroup differences in muscle characteristics and neck disability index were compared and analyzed. Results: The comparison and analysis of the changes in muscle tone and post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant intragroup decreases in the upper trapezius and suboccipitals in groups I and III, and statistically significant intergroup differences in the upper trapezius, with greater changes in group III than in group II, and in the suboccipitals, with greater changes in groupIII than in groups Iand II. The comparison and analysis of the change in muscle stiffness and post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significanti ntra group decrease in the upper trapezius in group Iand suboccipitals in group III, and a statistically significant intergroup difference in both muscles, with greater change in group III than in group II. The comparison and analysis of change in neck disability index and post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant intragroup decrease in all the three groups and a statistically significant intergroup difference, with greater change in group III than in groups I and II. Conclusion: The neck-stabilizing exercise and transcranial direct current stimulation were shown to be effective in decreasing the tone of the cervical muscles by stabilizing the cervical bone and improving muscle durability, and in improving the movement and limitation of joint range of motion by decreasing muscle tone and stiffness.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.10-15
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• 2021

Objective: Limited ankle dorsiflexion is related to ankle injuries. There are various exercises to increase the flexibility of the gastrocnemius for improving the passive range of motion in ankle dorsiflexion. However, to performances in daily activities and athletic sports and higher efficiency of walking and running, both ankle dorsiflexion passive and active range of motion are needed. To investigate the effects of combined gastrocnemius stretching and tibialis anterior resistance exercise on ankle kinematics (passive and active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion) and tibialis anterior muscle activity in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Design: Cross-sectional single-group repeated measures design. Methods: Fourteen subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion were recruited (in the right ankle in 7 and the left ankle in 7). All subjects performed gastrocnemius stretching alone and tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching. The passive and active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion were measured after interventions immediately. The tibialis anterior activity was measured during active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion measurement. Results: There was no significant difference of ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion between gastrocnemius stretching alone and the tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching. The tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching significantly increased active range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion compared to gastrocnemius stretching alone (p<0.05). The tibialis anterior resistance exercise after gastrocnemius stretching significantly increased tibialis anterior activity better than did gastrocnemius stretching alone. Conclusions: Thus, subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion should be encouraged to perform tibialis anterior resistance exercises.

• Journal of the Health Care and Life Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.465-470
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• 2023

This study aims to understand marine therapy through an overall review of the marine therapy industry and provide basic data for policy establishment on marine therapy based on this. Talasotherapy refers to the medical use of marine climate, seawater, marine mud, algae, sand and other marine extracts, which are beneficial components of the ocean for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Centers in Taean, Goseong, Uljin, and other marine healing pilot projects should be well combined with programs within rehabilitation clinics so that local tourism and marine healing programs can be combined, and how well the existing marine infrastructure is established is a very important factor. Establish legal and institutional foundations, inter-ministerial and central-local cooperative governance by reorganizing laws and regulations related to marine healing and establishing a cooperative system between ministries and regions. It is necessary to expand the function of the marine therapy R&D project to play a role as a marine therapy center for each coastal region.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.323-329
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• 1994

Purpose: In supraglottic cancer, radiation therapy is used to preserve the laryngeal function but combined surgery and radiation therapy is required in advanced stage. The authors Present the results of radiation therapy alone and combined surgery Plus Postoperative radiation therapy for supraglottic cancer. Methods and Materials: A retrospective analysis was done for 43 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx who were treated from Feburary 1982 to December 1991, in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Hospital. Patient distribution according to the AJCC staging system was as follows: I, 3($7.0\%$); II, 7($16.3\%$); III, 17($39.5\%$); IV, 16($37.2\%$). Patients' age ranged from 30 to 72 years(median 62). Follow up durations were from 21 to 137 months(median 27). Seventeen patients($39.5\%$) were treated by radiation therapy alone with radiation doses of 6840-7380 cGy and 26 patients($60.5\%$) were treated with surgery plus postoperative irradiation with doses of 5820-6660 cGy. Results: Overall five-year survival rate for all stage was $51.8\%$, with $100\%$ for Stage I and II, $47.3\%$ for Stage III, and $29.2\%$ for Stage III. The difference of the survival rate by stage was statistically significant(p=0.0152). Five-year survival rates were $100\%$ for locally confined tumor in the supraglottic larynx, $37.5\%$ for transglottic extension, $26.7\%$ for hypopharynx extension, and only two of 5 patients with both transglottic and hypopharynx extension were alive(p=0.0033). Five-year survival rates by neck node status were as follows: $55.0\%$ for NO, $64.3\%$ for N1, $50.0\%$ for N2, and all 2 of N3 were died of disease. Overall survival rate for radiation therapy alone group was $42.8\%$, and it was $56.7\%$ for surgery plus postoperative radiation therapy group with no statistically significant difference(p=0.5215). In Stage I and II, all Patients survived. In Stage III and IV, 5-year survival rate for radiation therapy alone group was $28.5\%$ and $43.4\%$ for surgery plus postoperative irradiation group(p=0.5103). Local control rate was $58.8\%$(10/17) for radiation therapy alone group and $73.1\%$ (19/26) for surgery plus postoperative irradiation group. Three patients from surgery plus postoperative radiation therapy group developed distant metastasis in lungs. Conclusion: Treatment results of radiation therapy alone was excellent in early stage supraglottic cancer. In advanced stage, even the difference was statistically not significant, the result of postoperative radiation therapy group was superior compared with radiation therapy alone group. Since 1992, concomitant chemoradiotherapy with hyperfractionated radiotherapy is being used to improve the result of the treatment and preserve the laryngeal function in advanced stage supraglottic cancer.