• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.8
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• pp.422-429
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• 2021

Background: Carnosine has antioxidative and neuroprotective properties against hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury. Hypothermia is used as a therapeutic tool for HI encephalopathy in newborn infants with perinatal asphyxia. However, the combined effects of these therapies are unknown. Purpose: Here we investigated the effects of combined carnosine and hypothermia therapy on HI brain injury in neonatal rats. Methods: Postnatal day 7 (P7) rats were subjected to HI brain injury and randomly assigned to 4 groups: vehicle; carnosine alone; vehicle and hypothermia; and carnosine and hypothermia. Carnosine (250 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered at 3 points: immediately following HI injury, 24 hours later, and 48 hours later. Hypothermia was performed by placing the rats in a chamber maintained at 27℃ for 3 hours to induce whole-body cooling. Sham-treated rats were also included as a normal control. The rats were euthanized for experiments at P10, P14, and P35. Histological and morphological analyses, in situ zymography, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assays, and immunofluorescence studies were conducted to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the various interventional treatments. Results: Vehicle-treated P10 rats with HI injury showed an increased infarct volume compared to sham-treated rats during the triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining study. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that vehicle-treated P35 rats with HI injury had decreased brain volume in the affected hemisphere. Compared to the vehicle group, carnosine and hypothermia alone did not result in any protective effects against HI brain injury. However, a combination of carnosine and hypothermia effectively reduced the extent of brain damage. The results of in situ zymography, TUNEL assays, and immunofluorescence studies showed that neuroprotective effects were achieved with combination therapy only. Conclusion: Carnosine and hypothermia may have synergistic neuroprotective effects against brain damage following HI injury.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.1136-1149
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• 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform a meta analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that applied Opae-san to peptic ulcer. Methods: The databases NDSL, RISS, KISS, KISTI, Oasis, DBpia, Cochrane, EMBASE, Pubmed, and CNKI were searched to identify RCTs that evaluated the therapeutic response to Opae-san on peptic ulcer. The selected studies were assessed using Cochrane Group's risk of bias tool. Results: 12 RCTs were selected from a total of 312 identified. Combined therapies of Opae-san plus triple therapy were superior to only triple therapy in achieving the effective rate (risk ratio=1.26, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.35, p<0.001, I2=0%), the helicobacter pylori eradication rate (risk ratio=1.23, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.34, p<0.001, I2=7%) and the recurrence rate (risk ratio=0.31, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.82, p=0.02, I2=0%). But only Opae-san was not superior in achieving the effective rate compared to anti gastric secretion drugs. Conclusions: The current evidence suggests that combined therapies of Opae-san plus triple therapy yield a higher effective rate, and helicobacter pylori eradication rate and a lower recurrence rate. However, in most of these studies, it is difficult to evaluate the bias and therefore better designed studies are needed.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.87-97
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• 2021

This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the stress reduction of meaning-centered therapy (MCT) studies in Korea and to identify the characteristics of MCT for stress reduction. MCT studies aimed at reducing stress symptoms were searched among peer reviewed journal articles and unpublished dissertations until April, 2020. Two independent researchers assessed the risk of bias and the quality of the report using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. As a result of searching with 7 databases, 7 studies were finally selected. Seven MCTs were for all age groups, and 5 studies reported MCT was effective in reducing stress symptoms. Both single and combined type interventions were effective in reducing stress symptom, Researchers used the combined MCT more than single MCT program. The study with no significant effect was related to school test stress. There is a need to develop MCTs suitable for school-age youth with test stress in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of lowintensity resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction on muscle activity and muscle fatigue to determine if such a combination may be an alternative to high-intensity resistance exercise in maintaining the muscle mass and strength and preventing degenerative loss of skeletal muscle and to provide basic data for presenting the effectiveness of exercise. METHODS: The interventions were provided for five weeks, four sessions a week, once a day, 60 minutes a session to Experimental group I (n = 13), in which low-intensity resistance exercise was applied by combining blood flow restriction with the biceps curl and experimental group II (n = 12), in which only high-intensity resistance exercise was applied. As a pre-test, the biceps brachii muscle activity and fatigue were measured by surface electromyography, and the hemodynamic variables, such as blood pressure and heart rate, were measured. The post-test was performed identically to the pre-test and compared and analyzed with the pre-test. RESULTS: A significant difference within-group was observed in the biceps brachii muscle activity and fatigue in experimental group I and only in biceps brachii activity in experimental group II. No significant differences were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Since the low-intensity resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction has similar effects to high-intensity resistance exercise, it is considered an alternative for improving muscle function in groups unable to perform high-intensity resistance exercise.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.62-71
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• 2023

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Thermal stimulation combined virtual reality training (TV) on improvement of upper extremity AROM and function in patient with chronic stroke. Design: Two groups pre-post randomized controlled design. Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly allocated two groups; the TV group (n=15) and Virtual Reality training group (VT) (n=15). The TV group received treatment for 30 min - 15 min of Thermal stimulation, and 15 min of VR training. The VT group received 15 min of VR training. Each group performed 30 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome upper extremity AROM and function were measured by a active range of motion test, Manual Function Test (MFT) and Jebsen-Taylor hand function Test (JTT). The upper extremity active range of motion was evaluated using a digital dual inclinometer. MFT and JTT were used to evaluate the hand function. The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in muscle strength and upper extremity function during intervention period. TV group revealed significant differences in AROM and upper extremity function as compared to the VT groups (p<.05). Our results showed that TV was more effective on upper extremity AROM and function in patients with chronic stroke. Conclusion: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in muscle strength and upper extremity function during intervention period. TV group revealed significant differences in AROM and upper extremity function as compared to the VT groups (p<.05). Our results showed that TV was more effective on upper extremity AROM and function in patients with chronic stroke.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.71-77
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• 2024

Purpose: The prolonged use of digital devices has led to the widespread adoption of poor postures, particularly rounded shoulder posture (RSP), associated with shoulder impingement and pain. This study investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on RSP in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty adults with RSP were randomly assigned to NMES only, exercise only, or NMES with exercise groups. NMES was applied to the lower trapezius, which was the target muscle in this study, for a total of 2 weeks, 5 times per week, 20 minutes per session. The exercise program included pectoralis minor stretching, wall-slide exercise, dynamic hug exercise with band, and Brugger stretching for upper body with band, which were performed for a total of 2 weeks, 5 times per week, 20 minutes per session. Outcome measures, including the Supine Method (SM) for posture and surface electromyography (EMG) of the lower trapezius for muscle activity, were assessed before the intervention, after 5 sessions, and after 10 sessions. Results: All the groups showed significant changes in the SM and % maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) over time (p<0.05). The NMES group had significantly reduced SM at 1 week, while the exercise and combined groups had reduced SM at 2 weeks (p<0.017). All the groups had increased %MVIC at 2 weeks (p<0.017), with no significant differences observed between groups. Conclusion: NMES alone can be as effective as exercise in improving RSP. NMES combined with exercise also showed positive outcomes, thus offering diverse treatment options for this condition.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.2051-2054
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• 2015

Background: Radiation therapy is a key part of the combined modality treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which can achieve locoregional control of disease. The 3D-conformal radiation oncology can be extended-field (EFRT), involved-field (IFRT) and involved node (INRT). New techniques have resulted in a smaller radiation field and lower dose for critical organs such as lung heart and breast. Materials and Methods: In our research, we made a virtual simulation for one patient who was treated in four different radiotherapeutic techniques: mantle field (MFRT), EFRT, IFRT and INRT. After delineatiion we compared dose-volume histograms for each technique. The fusion of CT for planning radiotherapy with the initial PET/CT was made using Softver Xio 4.6 in the Focal program. The dose for all four techniques was 36Gy. Results: Our results support the use of PET/CT in radiation therapy planning. With IFRT and INRT, the burden on the organs at risk is less than with MFRT and EFRT. On the other hand, the dose distribution in the target volume is much better with the latter. Conclusions: The aim of modern radiotherapy of HL and NHL is to reduce the intensity of treatment and therefore PET/CT should be used to reduce and not increase the amount of tissue receiving radiation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2018

PURPOSE: The present study aims to determine the effect of lower extremity muscle strength exercise at the non-paralyzed side of patients of stroke using a mirror on gait and balance. METHODS: Subjects were assigned randomly to a group of lower extremity exercise without using a mirror (n=10), a group of lower extremity motion exercise using a mirror (n=10), and a group of lower extremity muscle strength exercise using a mirror (n=10). The exercise is added to a physiotherapy program conducted at the hospital and subjects conducted their designed lower extremity exercises 30 times a day (5 sets), five days per week for four weeks. RESULTS: The study result showed that BBS(Berg balance scale)(p<.05) and TUG(timed up and go test)(p<.05) had a significant difference. In the comparison on gait ability, stride length, step length, step width and single support was a significant difference within two groups using a mirror before and after the intervention(p<.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusively, low extremity motion exercise using a mirror and low extremity muscle strength exercise using a mirror conducted along with general physiotherapy exercises had a positive effect on functions of lower extremity in patients with stroke and the recovery of paralyzed side thereby incurring a significant difference in balance and gait abilities.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.8-16
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• 2008

The range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion in older women was associated with gait abnormalities and the risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-stretching exercise on the flexibility of the plantar flexors of the ankle and the characteristics of gait in healthy elderly women. Fifteen participants were assigned randomly into an exercise (n=8) or control (n=7) group. The exercise group attended a self-stretching program approximately 30 minutes for 3 days per week for 4 weeks. The active ankle dorsiflexion ROM and gait measurements were taken prior to beginning the stretching program and 1 day after the last stretching day. Results showed that the active ankle dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased in the exercise group than in the control group after the stretching program (p<.05). However, gait parameters, including gait speed, cadence, and stride length were not significantly different between the two groups (p>.05). The results suggest that a 4-week self-stretching program is capable of provoking a significant increase in ankle dorsiflexion ROM in elderly, community-dwelling women. Additional research is needed to investigate the effect of gait-specific exercise combined with stretching exercise on gait ability.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.34-45
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laughter therapy and cognitive reinforcement program on self-efficacy, depression and cognitive functions of the elderly with mild cognitive impairments (MCI). Methods: The study design was a non-equivalent control group pre and posttest design. Thirty-six subjects over the age of 65 with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment were assigned either to a treatment or a comparison group. Data were collected from February 7 to March 27, 2012 in the dementia supporting center. An eight week treatment program that included laughter therapy coupled with a cognitive reinforcing program including hand exercise, laughter dance routine, laughter technic and cognitive training for attention, memory, orientation and execution skill. Results: MoCA-K (t=-6.86, p<.001) and Stroop test CW correct (t=-2.54, p=.008), self-efficacy (t=-3.62, p=.001) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the comparison group. Reported depression (t=2.29, p=.014), Stroop test CW error (U=53.50, p<.001) in the treatment group was significantly less than the comparison group. Conclusion: In this study, the treatment was effective in improving self-efficacy, cognitive function and reducing depression in the elderly with MCI.