• Title/Summary/Keyword: elastic ruler

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An experimental study on locating acupoints using an elastic ruler;an experience from a meridianology practice class (고무줄자를 이용한 취혈방법에 대한 실험연구;경혈학실습 시간의 경험)

  • Lee, Joon-Moo
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.25 no.2
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    • pp.107-114
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    • 2008
  • Objectives : Accurate location of acupoints is a prerequisite for both practice and research into acupoint specificity. Given that accurate location of acupoints is one of the most important issues in meridianology education, this study aimed at evaluating if the elastic ruler method for locating acupoints is suitable for meridianology practice class. Methods : Fifty-six students who took meridianology practice class participated in the experiment. Firstly, they were asked to locate PC6, CV12 and ST36 without any assisting tools and the distance between standard acupoint and their acupoint location was measured. Secondly, they were again asked to locate the same points this time with an elastic ruler. Then the first and second measurements were compared using a paired t-test. Results : Analysis of the results found using an elastic ruler significantly improved the difference between the student's acupoint location and the standard acupoint: there was a significant difference between 1st and 2nd measurements for PC6 (1.87${\pm}$0.29mm vs. 1.28${\pm}$0.19mm, P=0.037) and for ST36 (2.70${\pm}$0.22mm vs. 1.38${\pm}$0.15mm, P<0.0001). Conclusions : Using an elastic ruler as an assisting tool for locating acupoints in meridianology practice class should be considered for improving accuracy in acupoint location.

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A Study of Accuracy and Usability for Acupuncture Points Locating Devices (경혈정위 보조도구의 정확성 및 편의성 평가 연구)

  • Chae, Youn-Byoung;Kang, O-Seok;Hahm, Dae-Hyun;Lee, Seung-Ho;Kim, Jai-Soon;Kim, Kwan-Hyung;Kim, Hee-Young;Lee, Hye-Jung;Park, Hi-Joon
    • Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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    • v.24 no.2
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    • pp.61-76
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    • 2007
  • Objectives : Accurate and reproducible location of an acupuncture point (AP) have been considered an essential component of meaningful acupuncture research as well as clinical practice. Several kinds of devices have been developed and widely used for the convenience of locating APs. However, the accuracy and convenience of these devices have not been systematically evaluated. The present study was performed to find out the most suitable tools for the location accuracy and location easiness of APs among the devices respectively. Methods : Twenty subjects attempted to locate APs, including PC5 and SP6 in the arm and leg, using four different AP positioning methods: one Conventional Ruler method and three alternative methods including Cunometer, Transparent AP meter, and Elastic Ruler method. The position marked on each AP was plotted onto a thin, flexible, and transparent plastic film, and the dispersion rate of the positions was determined and recorded. The elapsed time for locating each AP was measured. After that each subject was answered to a short questionnaire regarding the degree of convenience and confidence of use of each method for AP location. Results : All of three alternative methods took less time than Conventional Ruler method did. Among these alternative methods, the accuracy of Elastic Ruler method was markedly higher than others. The degree of convenience of the Cunometer and the confidence of Elastic Ruler method were the highest among these alternative methods. Conclusions : The present study indicates that the Elastic Ruler method was the most compatible for the conventional Ruler methods. However, there are many factors need to be reconsidered. Improved devices for locating AP are imperatively needed for clinical practice.

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The Influence of Unloading Taping Method Using Non-elastic Tape on the Pain, Opening Mouth, Functional Level, Quality of Life in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (비탄력 테이프를 이용한 무부하 테이핑 기법이 턱관절장애 환자의 통증 수준, 개구범위, 기능적 수준, 삶의 질에 미치는 영향)

  • Hwang, Jea-hoon;Kim, Suhn-yeop
    • Physical Therapy Korea
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    • v.23 no.3
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    • pp.29-39
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    • 2016
  • Background: In the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, the goals of traditional physical therapy are not only to reduce the inflammatory process leading to pain, but also to decrease joint overload and muscle hyperactivity. To achieve those goals, physical therapists generally use a photo-therapy, joint mobilization, and massage. Objects: To examine the impact of an unloading technique using non-elastic taping on the pain, opening mouth, functional level, and quality of life in patients with TMJ disorder. Method: Twenty patients with TMJ disorder were included in this study and randomly divided into the experimental ($n_1$=10), and control ($n_2$=10) groups. Traditional physical therapy including massage and stretching for 30 min was performed in both groups. Non-elastic taping was performed in the experimental group after traditional physical therapy, and they were recommended to keep the tape attached for 12 hours. Outcomes for pain, functional level, and quality of life were measured using a survey. The opening mouth was measured using a general ruler. Result: Significant differences were observed in the pain level, opening mouth, functional level, and quality of life after the intervention and on follow-up in both groups. However, we found that while the levels of all parameters were maintained throughout the follow-up period in the experimental group, the functional status level was not maintained throughout the follow-up period in the control group. Conclusion: Our unloading technique using non-elastic tape results comparable to those achieved by traditional physical therapy in the treatment of TMJ. However, the unloading taping method using non-elastic tape is more effective than traditional physical therapy in maintaining the impact of intervention.