• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.51-67
• /
• 2023

In this research, the degradation rate of physical properties of the Angouran pit bedrock (calc-schist) is first investigated under the specific numbers of freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles. Then, the durability of calc-schist specimens against the F-T cycle number (N) is examined considering the mechanical parameters, and using the decay function and half-time techniques. For this purpose, point load strength (I_S(50)), second durability index (I_d2), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), and compressive (V_P) and shear (V_S) wave velocities of calc-schist specimens are measured after 0, 7, 15, 40, and 75 N. For comparing the degradation rate of mechanical properties of available rock types on the Angouran mine walls, these tests are also carried out on the limestone and amphibolite schist specimens beside the calc-schist. According to test results, the exponential regression models are developed between the mechanical parameters of rock specimen's and N variable. Also, the long-term durability of each rock type versus N is studied using the decay function and half-time techniques. Results indicated that the degradation rate differs for the above rock types in which amphibolite schist and calc-schist specimens have the highest and least resistance against the N, respectively. The obtained results from this study can play a key role in the optimal design of the mine's final walls.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.317-325
• /
• 2013

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cognitive functional improvement of cognitive occupational therapy using cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL) executive function and depression tests in community living elders with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Thirty two elders who diagnosed MCI (n=13) and dementia (n=19) were enrolled in this study. They visited to local elder welfare office and nursing care home from Feb. 2012 to Jun. 2012. They received occupational activity program in terms of physical activity, cognitive function and occupational function of Craft as the manner of a session per week for 8 weeks. The cognitive function, executive function, depression score were improved in both group. Furthermore in MCI participants, cognitive function scores for concentration and memory functions were significant improved more than dementia subjects. Further studies dealing with the development of novel occupational program for cognitive function improvement and its preventive effects were needed.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.73-83
• /
• 2022

Purpose : Low back pain (LBP) is reported as a risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders due to muscle stiffness and hypokinetics. The lumbar spine in an unstable state causes imbalance and lumbar instability. Therefore, This study examined the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and self-complex exercise program on pain, function, psychosocial level, static balance ability, and transverse abdominal muscle (TrA) thickness and contraction ratio in patients with lumbar instability. Methods : The design of this is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Twenty-six LBP patients participated in this study. Screening tests were performed and assigned to the experimental group (n=13) and control group (n=13) using a random allocation program. Both groups underwent a lumbar stabilization exercise program. In addition, the experimental group implemented the self-complex exercise program. All interventions were applied three times per week for four weeks. The quadruple visual analog (QVAS), the Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), Korean version of fear-avoidance belief questionnaire (FABQ), static balance ability, TrA thickness, and contraction ratio were compared to evaluate the effect on intervention. Statistical significance was set at 𝛼=.05. Results : Both groups showed significant differences before and after the intervention in QVAS, K-ODI, FABQ, static balance ability, and TrA thickness in contraction (p<.05). In addition, significant differences in K-ODI and FABQ were observed between the experimental group and control group (p<.05). Conclusion : A lumbar stabilization exercise and self-complex exercise program resulted in reduced dysfunctions, psychosocial stability in patients with lumbar instability. Therefore, Lumbar stabilization exercise and self-complex exercise program for patients with lumbar instability are effective method with clinical significance in improving the function and psychosocial stability.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.43-54
• /
• 2020

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of mild-intensity exercise (MIE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on the recovery of the motor function over time in sciatic nerve crush injury rats. METHODS: The MIE group ran on a treadmill at a speed of 8.3 m/min to perform low-intensity training with maximum oxygen uptakes ranging from 40 to 50%. The HIIE group ran on the treadmill at a speed of 25 m/min to perform high-intensity training with a maximum oxygen uptake of 80%. The interval training was performed based on a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio. The effects of each form of exercise on the rats' walking abilities following their recovery from the peripheral nerve injuries were evaluated based on the results of behavior tests performed at one and 14 days. RESULTS: According to the test results, the MIE group showed significant improvements in the rats' ankle angle in the initial stance phase, and in the ankle and knee angles in the toe-off phase (p<.05). The HIIE group exhibited significant improvements in the ankle and knee angles in the initial stance phase, SFI(p<.05). CONCLUSION: The state of such patients can be improved by applying the results of this study in that MIE and HIIE on a treadmill can contribute to the recovery of the peripheral nerve and motor skill. In particular, MIE is used as a walking functional training in the toe-off stance phase, while HIIE is suitable in the initial stance stage.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.38-60
• /
• 2003

The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Far-infrared on mice rheumatoid arthritis induced by type II collagen. The author peformed several experimental tests which were the hematoxylin-eosin tissue stain, the hind paw thickness, and ELSIA of cytokines(TNF-$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$). On day 14 and 21, FIR-Tx. group decreased in synovial membrane thickness more than control II group FIR-Tx group decreased in hind paw thickness more than control II group. In the ELISA test of TNF-$\alpha$ concentration, control II group significantly increased in the concentration more than normal and FIR-Tx. group on day 7, 14, and 21. In the ELISA test of IL-$\beta$ concentration, FIR-Tx. group decreased in the concentration more than control II group on day 14 and 21. With J's Linear Function Data Process Program, researchers can get the estimated the concentration or the hind paw thickness from this experiment. The estimated results would be a good guide to therapists and researchers, planning Far-infrared application on the rheumatoid arthritis. These results indicated that far-infrared irradiating appeared to reduce the concentration of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-1$\beta$ at mouse model of autoimmune arthritis. It would be considered that Far-infrared has an effect on relieving rheumatoid arthritis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.22
• /
• pp.9753-9757
• /
• 2014

Purpose: To study the quality of life and to identify associated factors among breast cancer patients undergoing treatment in national cancer centers in Nepal. Materials and Methods: One hundred breast cancer patients were selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-BR23 were used to assess quality of life and modified Medical Outcome Study -Social Support survey(mMOS-SS) was used to assess social support. Only multi-item scales of EORTC C30 and BR23 were analyzed for relationships. Independent sample T-tests and ANOVA were applied to analyze differences in mean scores. Results: The score of global health status/quality of life (GHS/GQoL) was marginally above average (mean=52.8). The worst performed scales in C-30 were emotional and social function while best performed scales were physical and role function. In BR-23, most of the patients fell into the problematic group regarding sexual function and enjoyment. Almost 90% had financial difficulties. Symptom scales did not demonstrate many problems. Older individuals, patients with stage I breast cancer and thosewith good social support were found to have good GHS/GQoL. Of all the influencing factors, social support was established to have strong statistical associations with most of the functional scales: GHS/GQoL (0.003), emotional function (<0.001), cognitive function (0.020), social function (<0.001) and body image function (0.011). Body image was significantly associated with most of the influencing factors: monthly family income (0.003), type of treatment (<0.001), type of surgery (<0.001), stage of cancer (0.017) and social support (0.011). Conclusions: Strategies to improve social support of the patients undergoing treatment should be given priority and financial difficulties faced by breast cancer patients should be well addressed from a policy making level by initiating health financing system.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.63 no.6
• /
• pp.219-225
• /
• 2020

Background: There is increasing concern that moderate preterm (32-33 weeks' gestation) and late preterm (34-36 weeks' gestation) birth may be associated with minor neurodevelopmental problems affecting poor school performance. Purpose: We explored the cognitive function, cognitive visual function, executive function, and behavioral problems at school age in moderate to late preterm infants. Methods: Children aged 7-10 years who were born at 32⁺⁰ to 36⁺⁶ weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from August 2006 to July 2011 at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital were included. We excluded children with severe neurologic impairments, congenital malformations, or chromosomal abnormalities. Neuropsychological assessments consisted of 5 neuropsychological tests and 3 questionnaires. Results: A total of 37 children (mean age, 9.1±1.2 years) participated. The mean gestational age at birth was 34.6±7.5 weeks, while the mean birth weight was 2,229.2±472.8 g. The mean full-scale intelligence quotient was 92.89±11.90; 24.3% scored between 70 and 85 (borderline intelligence functioning). An abnormal score was noted for at least one of the variables on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic system for 65% of the children. Scores below borderline function for executive quotient and memory quotient were 32.4% and 24.3%, respectively. Borderline or clinically relevant internalizing problems were noted in 13.5% on the Child Behavior Check List. There were no significant associations between perinatal factors or socioeconomic status and cognitive, visual perception, executive function, or behavior outcomes. Conclusion: Moderate to late preterm infants are at risk of developing borderline intelligence functioning and attention problems at early school age. Cognitive and executive functions that are important for academic performance must be carefully monitored and continuously followed up in moderate to late preterm infants.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.12 no.6
• /
• pp.2644-2651
• /
• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate difference between grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function according to touch and heat sensory stimulus. Forty healthy men were recruited. After obtaining subjects characteristics, examined grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function, then we made touch sensory input using soft brush and tried the test again. Next day, we made thermal input using hot pack and did retest, too. The result showed significant differences appeared on every variable in grip strength and upper limb dexterity test (p<.001), and significant differences appeared on every variable except lifting small objects in hand function (p<.01). In conclusion, sensory input is to increase grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function. The thermal sensory input has a tendency to increase grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function than that of touch sensory input in effect of stimulus classification. The application of proper stimulus helps to facilitate upper limb and hand function in rehabilitation and in industrial field. So it is necessary to try more tests of frequency and intensity of stimulus.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.149-157
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of using smartphones for tele-rehabilitation on head position and neck dysfunction in workers with visual display terminal (VDT) syndromes over a four-week period. Methods: Sixteen VDT workers volunteered to participate in stretch exercise and posture education sessions. The subjects were divided into three groups as follows: five subjects in the visit group (VSG), six subjects in the video group (VEG), and five subjects in tele-rehabilitation group (TG). The subjects in all the groups performed the exercises three days per week for four weeks. Cranial rotation angle (CRA), craniovertebral angle (CVA) measurement, and neck disability index (NDI) tests were performed before and four weeks after the intervention. Results: No significant difference in the CRA and CVA variables was found among groups. No significant difference in the CRA variable was found within each group. A significant difference in the CRA variable was found in the VSG after the four-week intervention. No significant difference in NDI was found among the groups. The NDIs among all the groups were significantly decreased after the intervention when compared with the NDIs measured before the intervention. Conclusion: The use of smartphones in the tele-rehabilitation of VDT workers with neck pain was found to be as effective on neck function as the conventional intervention method. The tele-rehabilitation of VDT workers with neck dysfunctions may be presented as an alternative way.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.29-38
• /
• 2022

Background: Task-oriented training on an unstable support surface is an effective intervention for improving the ankle joint stability and muscle strength in patients with ankle instability. This study examined the effects of balance training on an unstable support surface in patients with ankle sprains with ankle instability. Methods: Forty-four patients with ankle sprains participated in this study. Screening tests were performed and assigned to an experimental group, who performed task-oriented training on an unstable support surface (n=22), and a control group, who performed task-oriented training on a support surface (n=22) using a randomization program. All interventions were applied 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The numeric rating scale (NRS), cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT), balance ability, muscle activity, and muscle thickness were compared to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in the NRS, CAIT, balance ability, and muscle activity between before and after the intervention (p<.05). In addition, there were significant differences in balance ability, muscle activity, and muscle thickness between the experimental and control groups (p<.05). Conclusion: Task-oriented training on an unstable support surface is an effective intervention for improving the balance ability, muscle activity, and muscle thickness during contraction.