• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.188-202
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• 2004

This research was designed to investigate biomechanical aspects of the evolution based on the hypothesis of dynamic cooperative interactions between the locomotion pattern and the body shape in the evolution of human bipedal walking The musculoskeletal model used in the computer simulation consisted of 12 rigid segments and 26 muscles. The nervous system was represented by 18 rhythmic pattern generators. The genetic algorithm was employed based on the natural selection theory to represent the evolutionary mechanism. Evolutionary strategy was assumed to minimize the cost function that is weighted sum of the energy consumption, the muscular fatigue and the load on the skeletal system. The simulation results showed that repeated manipulations of the genetic algorithm resulted in the change of body shape and locomotion pattern from those of chimpanzee to those of human. It was suggested that improving locomotive efficiency and the load on the musculoskeletal system are feasible factors driving the evolution of the human body shape and the bipedal locomotion pattern. The hypothetical evolution method employed in this study can be a new powerful tool for investigation of the evolution process.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.23-38
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• 2024

Objectives This study examined recent domestic and international clinical research trends in Gua sha therapy to suggest future direction for research. Methods We used six domestic and international databases (Research Information Sharing Service, Korean studies Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) to select clinical studies with an original text in English or Korean published after 2018. Results Finally, 55 studies were selected. Randomized controlled trials accounted for the largest amount with 42 studies. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization was the most frequent term referring to Gua sha. Muscle shortening, limited range of motion, and plantar fasciitis were the most common symptoms, with six cases each. Additionally, there were two studies targeting symptoms other than the musculoskeletal system. Conclusions Additional research is needed on the effects of Gua sha therapy on the back of the lower extremities and hip joints, and research is needed on the possibility of their clinical use for diseases or symptoms other than those of the musculoskeletal system. And standards for the terminology of Gua sha and the types and methods of applied interventions are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.90-111
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the effect and safety of Korean Traditional Medicine treatment for postpartum pain, and to suggest desirable future clinical research trend. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on postpartum pain were searched using domestic and foreign search engines to investigate the effect and safety of Korean Traditional Medicine on postpartum pain, and 12 studies were selected as a result. Results: There were 4 studies using Acupoint Therapy, 3 studies using Herbal Medicine, 3 studies using Using Acupoint Therapy and Herbal Medicine together, and 2 studies using Manipulative Therapy for postpartum pain. As control interventions, non-treatment, other Korean Traditional Medicine treatment, or Western medicine were used. All the studies reported a significant effect in experimental group compared to the control group, with no or minor side effects. Conclusions: Korean Traditional Medicine treatment showed effectiveness and safety for postpartum pain. In the future, it is necessary to eliminate the ambiguity of recruiting subjects and to study the most effective application method of Korean Traditional Medicine treatment for postpartum pain.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.125-135
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• 2020

To report the effect of an Korean medical treatment, including Space spinal conduction exercise and manipulation treatment for a patient suffering with spondylolisthesis. Three patients were treated by oriental medical treatment including acupuncture, oriental medicine, Space spinal conduction exercise and manipulation treatment and the results were assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS), walking condition, and back pain, sciatica. After treatment, the NRS changed from 8~9 to 1~2 and walking condition get better. The patient's back pain and sciatica have improved. In this study, oriental medical treatment, including Space spinal conduction exercise and manipulation treatment was an effective treatment for patients with spondylolisthesis. However, additional studies are needed, as are more and observations of these patients.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.65-77
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• 2020

Objectives This study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Chuna therapy for spondylolisthesis. Methods We searched th following 10 online databases without a language restriction (National Digital Science Library [NDSL], Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], KMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane library, Ebscohost, EMBASE, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastru [CNKI]) to find randomized controlled trials that used Chuna therapy for spondylolisthesis. The methodological quality of each randomized controlled clinical trial was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and meta-analyses were perfomed. Results Eleven randomized controlled trials were included. Chuna therapy showed statistically significant reduction of symptoms. Meta-analysis showed positive results for Chuna therapy for spondylolisthesis in terms of therapeutic effects to traction, chinese medicine, therapeutic exercise. Conclusion In this study, we reviewed studies about Chuna therapy used for spondylolisthesis. The studies showed that Chuna therapy can significantly effective on spondylolisthesis. But according to Cochrane risk of bias evaluation method, most of the studies's risk of bias were unclear. Therefore, more high-quality studies will be needed.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.152-159
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• 2022

Background: Subjects with frozen shoulder (FS) might not be comfortable with vigorous physical therapy. Clinical trials assessing the effect of graded motor imagery (GMI) in FS are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of GMI as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy in individuals with painful FS. Methods: Twenty subjects aged 40-65 years having stage I and II of FS were randomly divided into two study groups. The conventional physiotherapy group (n = 10) received electrotherapy and exercises while the GMI group (n = 10) received GMI along with the conventional physiotherapy thrice a week for 3 weeks. Pre- (Session 1) and post- (Session 9) intervention analysis for flexion, abduction, and external rotation range of motion (ROM) using a universal goniometer, fear of movement using the fear avoidance belief questionnaire (FABQ), pain with the visual analogue scale, and functional disability using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was done by a blinded assessor. Results: Statistically significant difference was seen within both the groups for all the outcomes. In terms of increasing abduction ROM as well as reducing fear of movement, pain, and functional disability, the GMI group was significantly better than control group. However, both groups were equally effective for improving flexion and external rotation ROM. Conclusions: Addition of GMI to the conventional physiotherapy proved to be superior to conventional physiotherapy alone in terms of reducing pain, kinesiophobia, and improving shoulder function for stage I and II of FS.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.31-35
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• 2023

Purpose: This study sought to identify whether fascial therapy using myofascial release (MFR) and Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) techniques affected not only the area where treatment was being given but also remote areas connected to the treatment area by fascial continuity through comparison of the pain pressure threshold (PPT). Methods: The subjects were 16 healthy normal adults in their 20s and 30s who were divided into the MFR and FDM groups before the experiment. The PPT was measured at 4 different points on the body of the subjects. C7, T7, L5, and gastrocnemius along the superficial back line (SBL) before and after the intervention. Results: Only the FDM group subjects showed a significant increase in the PPT at T7 after the intervention. (p<0.05). In addition, the FDM group demonstrated significantly increased PPT at L5 compared to the MFR group. However, neither the FDM nor the MFR group showed a meaningful change in the PPT at the remote area in the lower leg. Conclusion: These findings showed that FDM can affect PPT more and has a positive effect on the pain threshold compared to MFR. However, neither FDM nor MFR showed any effect on the PPT in a remote area.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.464-470
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• 2022

Objective: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a condition comprising fibrous band-like cords that appear in the axilla of patients after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) during breast cancer surgery and result in pain and reduced mobility. The cords appearing with AWS are hardened veins or lymphatic vessels. Manual therapy and stretching are recommended for pain control and mobility improvement. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of cytoskeletal manual therapy (CMT), which is a new soft tissue mobilization technique. Design: A case report Methods: A 41-year-old woman with AWS after breast cancer surgery and ALND visited a physical therapy clinic because of shoulder pain, decreased function, and decreased mobility. The cords were palpable and pain occurred 2 weeks after surgery. CMT was performed three times per week for a total of 6 weeks. Her pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), and shoulder function were measured. Results: Measurements were performed after 2 weeks and 6 weeks of CMT and evaluated using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Her pain intensity largely decreased after 2 weeks (4-point score reduction) and after 6 weeks (5-point score reduction) of CMT. After CMT, her full ROM was restored and her shoulder function was improved (7-point score reduction). Conclusions: CMT is effective for pain control, mobility improvement, and functional improvement of patients with AWS.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2020

Objective: To compare the effects of joint mobilization, gym ball exercises, and breathing exercises on breathing pattern disorders and joint position sense in persons with chronic lower back pain. Design: Three-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Thirty-six individuals with chronic low back pain who were undergoing a postural correction and vertebral movement at a rehabilitation center participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into the joint mobilization group (n=12), gym ball exercises group (n=12), and the breathing exercises group (n=12). The exercises were applied for 40 minutes a day, twice a week for a total of 12 weeks. Measurement tools included the end-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂), respiration rate (RR), breath hold time, Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ), excursion, and joint position error (JPE). Results: The groups showed significant differences in the ETCO₂, RR, NQ, Excursion and JPE test before and after the intervention (p<0.05). The differences between the groups were significant in the group that received the gym ball and breathing exercises in ETCO₂ and RR (p<0.05). The differences between the groups were most significant in the group that received breathing exercises in NQ and excursion (p<0.05). The differences between the groups were significant in the group that received the gym ball and breathing exercises in JPE Lt. and Rt. (p<0.05). Conclusions: All three interventions had a significant impact on the biomechanical changes, respiratory variables, and joint position sense in participants with chronic lower back pain. Breathing exercises were found to be particularly effective in improving respiratory parameters.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.195-201
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to report the treatment effects of Korean medicine for patients with lateral epicondylitis. This study was done on 12 cases of patients with lateral epicondylitis who visited in Korean Medicine Clinic of Ganghwa-gun Public Health Care Center. We used muscle contraction/relaxation strengthen technique, Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), acupuncture on patients and mesured numerical rating scale (NRS), pain disability index (PDI), and grip strength test to evaluate treatment effects. Among twelve patients, eleven cases showed decreasing in NRS and all cases showed decreasing in PDI. Ten cases showed increasing in grip strength test. Korean medical treatments including muscle contraction/relaxation strengthen technique and IASTM are thought to be one of the effective treatment for patients with lateral epicondylitis.