• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.35-49
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• 2014

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find the effects of the lumbar stabilization exercise and strength exercise on pain, ROM, strength, muscle thickness of low back pain(LBP) patients. Method : The subjects were consisted of twelve patients who had nonspecific LBP. All subjects randomly assigned to lumbar stabilization exercise group(N=6) and strength exercise group(N=6). We measured muscular strength, ROM by using Tergumed-extension, rotation and muscle thickness by using ultrasonography and pain score by using Visual analog scale(VAS). The lumbar stabilization exercise group received TOGU exercise, strength exercise group received Tergumed exercise. The data analyzed by repeated measure of Independent t-test, paired t-test, reliability test. Result : The results were as follows. The result which measured of the change of pain score was a significant decrease. The result which measured of the change of ROM and strength was a significant increase. The result which measured of the change of the Internal abdominal oblique, External abdominal oblique on muscle thickness was a significant increase. Stabilization exercise group and Strength exercise group showed the significant difference in muscle thickness on Transversus abdominis, Multifidus. Stabilization exercise group was more increased in muscle thickness. Conclusion : Therefore, we suggest that stabilization exercise is effective for non-specific low back pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.58-68
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• 2015

This study aimed to determine the effect of lower trapezius muscle strengthening exercises on pain, neck disability index (NDI), cervical range of motion (ROM), and lower trapezius muscle strength in patients with unilateral neck pain. Following baseline measurements, the subjects (N=40) with unilateral neck pain were randomized into one of two 5 weeks exercise intervention groups: a experimental group (EG, $n_1=20$) that received strength training of the lower trapezius muscles or a control group (CG, $n_2=20$) that received routine physical therapy program. Each group participated in the intervention for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, for 5 weeks. All participants performed 2 repetitions of each intervention per day. The numeric pain rating scale for pain, NDI, ROM, and lower trapezius strength were recorded both pre- and post-intervention for both groups. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant changes post-intervention compared with pre-intervention and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the 2 groups. After the 5-weeks intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased pain and disability level (p<.05) and significantly increased cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation ROM (p<.05). The EG that received strength training of the lower trapezius muscles showed greater improvements in pain and functional disability level, cervical rotation, and lower trapezius strength than the CG (p<.05). These results suggest that a lower trapezius strengthening exercises reduce neck pain and neck disability level and enhance cervical ROM and lower trapezius strength level in patients with unilateral neck pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.39-50
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• 2018

Background: High string instrument (violin, viola) players are at high risk for developing musculoskeletal problems. In particular, a higher prevalence of shoulder problems has been reported. However, evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for musicians with this condition is lacking until now. Objects: This case series study investigated the effect of a specific exercise program on shoulder pain, dysfunction, and posture of professional orchestral high string musicians. Methods: Five professional orchestral high string players with shoulder pain participated in this study. A six-week specific exercise program focus on scapular stability for shoulder pain consisted of scapular muscle exercise. Physical examinations for pain and dysfunction, posture were performed, were identified among all subjects before starting the exercise program. Results: The results revealed that shoulder pain decreased by 67.86% and the effect of pain on instrument play decreased by 63.33%. The shoulder pain and disability Index and the performing arts module-quick disability of the arm, shoulder and hand scale decreased by 71.72% and 51.61% respectively. The exercise program improved function and posture. Conclusion: A specific exercise program for high string players was effective in managing shoulder pain. This case series is intended to provide empirical data on the effectiveness of an exercise program aimed at assessing the effect of exercise on pain, dysfunction, and posture of professional orchestra musicians associated with specific instrument groups.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1803-1809
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• 2019

Background: Cervical mobilization has been applied mainly for the improvement of arm and neck movements and pain reduction, and little research has been done to improve the executive function. Since this kind of so-called mechanical neck pain is one of most common symptoms, there are controversial issues about this with spine alignment. Posteroanterior (PA) mobilization from the Maitland concept is a process of examination, assessment, and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorder by manipulative physical therapy. Objective: To examine the short-term benefits of mobilization for patients with non-specific neck pain. Design: Dual-group Pretest-Posttest Design from the Quasi-Experimental research Methods: Fourteen participants (male 8, female 6; 20's of their age) with non-specific neck pains which are distributed all the unilateral or bilateral body side were recruited. Participants were categorized to Neck Pain with Movement Coordination Impairments (NPMCI) and Neck Pain with Mobility Deficits (NPMD) groups according to the results of physical examination. Professional physical therapist who has over 15-years-of clinical experience applicated manipulative therapy for the neck pain, an occupational therapist only conducted evaluations; K-NDI (Korean version of the Neck Disability Index), VAS (Visual Analog Scale), BDS-K (Korean version of Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale) for decreasing possible adverse effects; there were no person who reported other symptoms followed 4 weeks from the trial. Results: In the NPMCI group, data analysis indicated statistical differences between the PA mobilization interventions in NDI and BDS-K; even though, pain was reduced in VAS, this is not a significantly differ. In the NPMD group, data analysis represented statistical differences between the PA mobilization interventions in NDI, VAS and BDS-K; the scores were represented to be increased or the pain got relief. Conclusions: PA mobilization techniques according to Maitland concept have beneficial effects in patients with neck pain and other clinical positive effects which included neck disability, pain itself and motor function of upper extremity.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.64-68
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• 2021

Objective: In clinical practice, there are a lot of exercise to reduce body weight or reduce the amount of body fat in order to solve back pain. However, many studies have contradicted the relationship between back pain and weight or body fat mass. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fat mass, body mass index and low back pain of office worker. Design: Crossed-sectional study Methods: Among the white-collar workers diagnosed with non-specific back pain by doctors, subjects who were not included in the exclusion criteria were selected to measure the subject's body fat mass, body mass index, pain intensity, and disability index due to back pain. The NPRS was used for the intensity of back pain of office workers, and the ODI was used for the degree of disability due to back pain. A body composition analyzer was used to measure the body fat mass and body mass index of white-collar workers. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the comparison between the normal group and the excessive group according to the criteria of fat mass and body mass index. In the correlation analysis of fat mass, body mass index, pain intensity, and disability index, it was found that there was a significant correlation between fat mass and body mass index. However, neither fat mass nor body mass index had a significant correlation with pain intensity and disability index. Conclusions: The fat mass and body mass index of office worker do not affect low back pain.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.1-6
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• 2022

Background: This study investigated the effects of Kinesio taping application on lower back pressure pain and balance ability among university students with chronic lower back pain. Methods: A total of thirty university students between 20 to 30 years of age with chronic lower back pain were divided randomly into two groups, the control and the experimental group. In the control group (n=15), placebo taping was applied to the lumbar region. In the experimental group (n=15), Kinesio taping was applied to the erector spine muscles of the lower back. The groups were assessed for lower back pressure pain and balance ability, before and after the taping application. Pain was measured by the pain pressure threshold (PPT), and balance was measured using the good balance system (GBS). Results: There were significant improvements in both the PPT and GBS of the Kinesio taping group compared to pre-treatment values (p<.05), while the placebo taping group showed no significant change (p>.05). In addition, the Kinesio taping group had a statistically significant difference in PPT and GBS compared to the placebo taping group (p<.05). Conclusion: The Kinesio taping application is more effective than the placebo taping application in the improvement of lower back pressure pain and balance ability among university students with chronic lower back pain.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.223-230
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• 2024

Objective: In this study, we compared the key indices of isokinetic tests for knee joint extension and flexion according to the presence or absence of pain in elite athletes with past knee and thigh injuries. Design: Crossed-sectional study Methods: This study was conducted on 33 elite athletes. The elite athletes who participated in this study were divided into a group with pain and a group without pain due to past knee and thigh injuries. The subjects in each group performed an isokinetic muscle strength test for knee joint extension and flexion. After the isokinetic muscle strength test, the main indices of the isokinetic test were compared between the pain group and the non-pain group. Results: In the comparison of the pain group and the non-pain group for 60°/s knee flexion and extension in elite athletes, there was a significant difference only in the torque max average/kg for knee extension. However, there was no statistically significant difference in all other variables. The comparison of the pain group and the non-pain group for 240°/s also showed a significant difference in the torque max average/kg for knee extension, and there was no statistically significant difference in all other variables. Conclusions: In subjects who have experienced previous knee or thigh injuries and have mild pain during strong isokinetic strength tests, torque average/kg is affected, but other strength variables are not affected. Therefore, it would be good to consider this aspect and use it as a basis for testing and training elite athletes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.151-159
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• 2019

Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sitting questionmark exercise (SQE) and brugger's relief exercise (BRE) on pain, ROM, proprioception, NDI in 60 Patients with Chronic Cervical Pain (CCP). Methods : In this study the VAS and NDI were used to investigate changes in pain and disability with SQE and BRE. The pre and post intervention intra group differences were analysed with a paired t-test for mean values, and the inter group differences were analyzed with an independent t-test for mean values. Results : The pain of both of groups was lowered with statistical significance. Pain of SQE group is lower than that of BRE group with statistical significance. ROM in both groups was improved, but there is no significant difference between two groups. NDI in both of groups were significantly decreased after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between groups. there was NDI ratio (%) significant difference between each groups. Conclusion : SQE intervention may be considered a more effective clinical approach for reducing pain and restoring proprioception in patients with CCP.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.213-225
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related on pain in female office workers. Methods : Neck pain group of 31 female subjects complained of neck and arm discomfort. Normal group of 20 female subjects had no complaints or minimal discomfort. Cervical curvature and muscle tone were assessed by whole spine x-ray, meridian-electromyography(MEMG), craniovertebral angle, and Moire. Neck pain was evaluated by Neck Disability Index(NDI) and Visual Analog Scale(VAS). The emotional and other physical factors that could effect neck pain were checked by questionnaires including Beck Depression Index(BDI), Stress Reaction Index(SRI), Holmes & Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale(SRRS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ), and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale(GSRS). Results : The contraction and fatigue of upper trapezius by MEMG was significantly higher in the neck pain group. And BDI, SRI, SRRS, and GSRS were significantly higher in the neck pain group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the Jackson's angle, Cobb's method, craniovertebral angle, and moire between two groups. Conclusions : The results suggest that neck pain is related to mental stress rather than physical stress and physical stress does not change cervical curvature significantly.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.258-263
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• 2021

Purpose: Myofascial syndrome is a chronic muscle pain caused by repetitive motions with stress-related muscle tension. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the evidence for diagnosing myofascial pain syndrome in trapezius muscle using a pressure algometer and surface electromyography. Methods: The experiments were performed using a total of 10 subjects, and the target locations were determined by means of a pressure algometer in the right upper trapezius muscle. The part with the lowest pain value as the trigger point and the part with the highest pain value as the non-pain trigger point were selected for measuring the locations. The median frequency and average frequency were measured in those locations with electromyography. To check the muscle fatigue, the upper trapezius muscle was moved up and down for 2 seconds at 5-second intervals in 30 seconds. The measured values were evaluated using the independent paired t-test and MannWhitney U-test. Results: The median frequency at the non-trigger point (13.7) was significantly higher than that at the trigger point (7.3). Furthermore, the mean frequency (14.7) at the non-trigger point was significantly higher than that at the trigger point (6.3). Conclusion: The results showed the correlations between the trigger points of the muscle pain and frequency analysis of surface electromyography. Thus, this study may be possible to use as a diagnostic tool for myofascial pain syndrome.