• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2019

Purpose: This study verifies the muscle activity around the amputation site during proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern exercise for the upper extremities on the non-amputated part in upper extremity amputees and provides basic data on effective exercise around an amputation site. Methods: Manual resistance was applied to the PNF upper extremity pattern of the non-amputated part to generate muscle activity around the amputation site. The resistance was adjusted to an intensity that could cause maximal isometric contraction. The muscle activity of the amputation site and the non-amputated part was measured using a surface electromyogram for the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and pectoralis major. Results: During the scapular exercise in the painless range, the amputated side showed significantly lower muscle activity and a lower muscle contraction ratio compared with the non-amputated side. During the PNF pattern exercise in the painless range, the amputated side showed lower muscle activity and a lower muscle contraction ratio compared with the non-amputated side. When the direct scapular exercise of the amputated side was compared with the PNF pattern exercise of the non-amputated side, their muscle contraction ratios were similar. Conclusion: This study confirmed the effectiveness of the PNF pattern exercise of the non-amputated part as a way to indirectly train the injured site with no pain for rehabilitation of patients with serious body injuries, such as amputation. It is necessary to develop effective exercise programs for the rehabilitation of the amputation site based on the results of this study.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.501-508
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively analyze the perceptions of aesthetic values of working women taking ballet fitness classes and to find ways to properly establish ballet fitness classes according to the opinions of the study participants. Participants in the study were 9 working women taking ballet fitness classes at local educational institutions, and FGI (Focus Group Interview) was conducted, and the interview was conducted based on a semi-structured questionnaire. Subsequently, the categorization content was derived through expert review and peer review. As a result, first, the study participants expressed their dissatisfaction, hoping that the ballet fitness class helped improve their daily enjoyment and pain, and even watched ballet performance with interest. Second, the participants of the study were actively publicizing the benefits of ballet fitness classes to their families and nearby acquaintances, and hoped that this exercise would help improve the difficult image of ballet. Based on this study, ballet fitness classes were expected to be sufficiently established as a hobby exercise for working women.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.139-153
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• 2021

Background: In anesthetic techniques, touching bones can cause needle bending. Theoretically, a needle should support such deflection without fracturing. However, it is possible that a needle may fracture depending on the quality and type of needle used. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and micromorphological characteristics of long and short dental anesthetic needles, as well as the mechanical properties of flexural load and bending resistance when needles are subjected to different bending angles. Methods: Long and short needles (30G, Jets, Misawa, Selekto, Terumo, Unoject and 27G, Dencojet, Injex, Jets, Misawa, Procare, Setoject XL, Terumo) were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the needle bevels and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used for the chemical analysis of needle compositions. Flexural loading and bending strength assessments were performed using a universal testing machine by bending the needles (n = 5) to angles of 30°, 60°, or 90°, or until fracture occurred. Results: The Injex 27G, Jets 27G, and Septoject XL 27G needles were all less than 30 mm in length. There were small percentage variations in the chemical compositions of the needles. Superior smoothness was observed for the Unoject 30G needle, which exhibited the highest fracture resistance at 60°. The Jets 30G needle exhibited greater resistance to fractures at 90°. The Procare 27G needle exhibited the highest load resistance to bending, followed by the Septoject XL 27G needle, and both needles were tied for the lowest fracture resistance. No needle fractured when bent to 30° or at less than three bends to 60° or 90°. Conclusions: Greater needle resistance to bending increases the probability of early fracturing. Thinner and shorter needles are more resistant than longer and thicker needles. Performing a single bend does not result in any significant risk of fracture or obliterate the lumen, allowing for the continued passage of anesthetic liquid.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.375-382
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• 2021

Purpose: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the disadvantages of tire pressure asymmetry of a wheelchair tire and recommend the criterion for appropriate tire pressure without generating negative changes in the musculoskeletal system in asymptomatic participants. Methods: Fourteen asymptomatic participants were asked to sit in pressure-controlled wheelchairs and perform desk work for 20 minutes in each tire condition. The asymmetry of the tire conditions was set as 0% difference, 25% difference, and 50% difference from the recommended pressure. The pelvic alignment and muscular recruitment represented as a flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) were measured at pre-test, and after each condition of desk work. The displacement of the center of pressure (COP) was measured during the desk work. Results: The tire air pressure condition significantly affected the FRR and COP (P < 0.05). Both sides of the FRR values were significantly higher under the symmetrical tire conditions (0% difference) and pre-test, compared with the asymmetrical tire condition of 50% difference (P < 0.05). The mediolateral COP displacement of the asymmetrical tire conditions (25% and 50% difference) was significantly higher than that of the symmetrical tire conditions (0%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Asymmetrical tire conditions could cause changes in the muscle recruitment pattern of the erector spine and mediolateral COP displacement. Tire pressure asymmetry higher than 50% could be a risk factor for prevalence of back pain, so this level of asymmetry in tire pressures should be cautioned against for wheelchair users.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.7-15
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was examined to improve the standing posture of a scoliosis client using the ICF Tool. Methods: For examination, the study subject was a 16-year-old female student diagnosed with 3curve-pelvic (3CP) type scoliosis. Information about her were collected through a client interview and based on international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF core set was for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions, and the ICF level 2 items suggested by National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) were added to the recommendations for scoliosis. For evaluation, the ICF assessment sheet was used to identify the interaction among the problems. For the diagnosis, the client's functional problems were described in ICF terms. For the prognosis, the global goals for reaching the client's functional activity and participation level were presented as the long-and short-term goals. For the intervention, a coordinative locomotor training program composed of warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down was applied 3 times a week, 50 minutes a day, for 5 weeks. For the outcome, the differences between before and after the intervention were compared with the ICF qualifier and are shown with the ICF evaluation display. Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function and structure (7° decrease of thoracic angle, 7 score increase of trunk muscle power, 6.47s improve of one leg standing, 4 score decrease of neck pain). The activity for maintaining the standing posture, in which the client had a primary limitation, was improved. Conclusion: Applying the coordinative locomotor training program is expected to improve scoliosis client's standing posture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.257-264
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• 2022

Background: Chronic subscapularis tendon tear (SBT) is a degenerative disease and a common pathologic cause of shoulder pain. Several potential risk factors for chronic SBT have been reported. Although metabolic abnormalities are common risk factors for degenerative disease, their potential etiological roles in chronic SBT remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential risk factors for chronic SBT, with particular attention to metabolic factors. Methods: This study evaluated single shoulders of 939 rural residents. Each subject undertook a questionnaire, physical examinations, blood tests, and simple radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations of bilateral shoulders. Subscapularis tendon integrity was determined by MRI findings based on the thickness of the involved tendons. The association strengths of demographic, physical, social, and radiologic factors, comorbidities, severity of rotator cuff tear (RCT), and serologic parameters for SBT were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. The significance of those analyses was set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of SBT was 32.2% (302/939). The prevalence of partial- and full-thickness tears was 23.5% (221/939) and 8.6% (81/939), respectively. The prevalence of isolated SBT was 20.2% (190/939), SBT combined with supraspinatus or infraspinatus tendon tear was 11.9% (112/939). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, dominant side involvement (p<0.001), manual labor (p=0.002), diabetes (p<0.001), metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), retraction degree of Patte tendon (p<0.001), posterosuperior RCT (p=0.010), and biceps tendon injury (p<0.001) were significantly associated with SBT. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is a potential risk factor for SBT, as are these factors: overuse activity, diabetes, posterosuperior RCT, increased retraction of posterosuperior rotator cuff tendon, and biceps tendon injury.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.154-163
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• 2023

Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus patients usually experience various physical and psychological challenges. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, these challenges have become even harsher. Using the participatory action research approach, this study evaluated how an e-wellness program (eWP) impacted SLE-related knowledge and health behaviors, mental health, and quality of life among lupus patients in Thailand. Methods: A 1-group, pretest-posttest design study was conducted among a purposive sample of lupus patients who were members of Thai SLE Foundation. The 2 main intervention components were: (1) online social support, and (2) lifestyle and stress management workshops. Sixty-eight participants completed all the study requirements, including the Physical and Psychosocial Health Assessment questionnaire. Results: After being in the eWP for 3 months, participants' mean score for SLE-related knowledge increased significantly (t=5.3, p<0.001). The increase in sleep hours was statistically significant (Z=-3.1, p<0.01), with the percentage of participants who slept less than 7 hours decreasing from 52.9% to 29.0%. The percentage of participants reporting sun exposure decreased from 17.7% to 8.8%. The participants also reported significantly lower stress (t(66)=-4.4, p<0.001) and anxiety (t(67)=-2.9, p=0.005). The post-eWP quality of life scores for the pain, planning, intimate relationship, burden to others, emotional health, and fatigue domains also improved significantly (p<0.05). Conclusions: The overall outcomes showed promising results of improved self-care knowledge, health behaviors, mental health status, and quality of life. It is recommended that the SLE Foundation continues to use the eWP model to help the lupus patient community.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.107-117
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the immediate effects of weight-assisting methods on vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle activation, on the VMO/VL muscle activation ratio, and on muscle onset time in healthy subjects when ascending stairs. Methods: Healthy participants were randomly assigned to the belt group (n = 11), hand group (n = 11), and control group (n = 11). In the belt group, a belt was wrapped around the sacrum and pulled forward with both hands, moving the center of weight forward, while ascending stairs. The hand group grasped the hips with both hands and climbed stairs, assisting their weight from the rear and moving the center of weight backward, and the control group climbed the stairs without any intervention. Results: Muscle activation of the VMO decreased significantly after the intervention in the belt and hand groups, and activation of the VL muscle in both groups showed a greater decrease than that of the VMO muscle. Further, the VMO/VL muscle activation ratio increased significantly, with an improvement shown in the order of the belt group, hand group, and control group, while muscle onset time also improved in the order of the belt group, hand group, and control group. Conclusion: The belt group demonstrated the greatest effect across all dependent variables, confirming that in clinical practice, these two weight-assisting methods are more effective interventions during stair ascent for patients with knee joint instability, pain, and imbalance than no assistance.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2023

Purpose: Whiplash-associated disorder is often caused by external impact, such as a car accident, and it involves acceleration and deceleration of the flexion and extension of the neck. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the combination of cyrotherapy and a joint mobilization intervention in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorder is effective for pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), and muscle tone in the neck muscles. Methods: In this study, 20 patients with acute whiplash-associated disorder were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A was treated with cyrotherapy for 5 minutes, while group B was treated with cyrotherapy and a joint mobilization intervention. In both groups, visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), cervical ROM, and muscle tone values were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: According to the VAS values, both groups showed significant differences pre- and post-intervention (p<0.05), and in both groups, NDI was significantly decreased pre- and post-intervention (p<0.05). Finally, in terms of muscle tone, both groups showed significant changes before and after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results showed that cryotherapy and joint mobilization can be effective interventions in patients with whiplash-associated disorder. In addition, to improve the ROM of the cervical joint and reduce NDI, the combination of cryotherapy and joint mobilization is considered more effective than the single intervention of cryotherapy.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.35.1-35.10
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• 2023

Non-human primate (NHP) research faces challenges due to zoonosis risk and complex veterinary management yet lacks standardized guidelines for animal care. Therefore, we developed an advanced veterinary management protocol for NHP quarantine, anesthesia, and postoperative care. Three female 4 to 5-year-old cynomolgus monkeys were anesthetized and underwent various tests, including body weight, temperature, blood tests, urinalysis, microbiological monitoring, and physical and dental examinations. Ivermectin and medicated baths were administered to eradicate ectoparasites and endoparasites, and testing was repeated 30 days later. Following quarantine, we performed computed tomography and anesthesia maintenance for mastoidectomy. To relieve pain and maintain body weight, we administered tramadol intramuscularly 4 times/day for 3 days and meloxicam subcutaneously twice daily for 14 days. Feed replacements were provided. During the 33-day quarantine period, physical examinations revealed no abnormalities indicative of infectious diseases, and no specific clinical symptoms were observed. Through a preliminary test of anesthesia time, we selected ketamine 4 mg/kg + medetomidine 50 ㎍/kg for short experiments such as computed tomography, and ketamine 8 mg/kg + medetomidine 50 ㎍/kg for intubation. Ten days after mastoidectomy, NHPs consumed 100 kcal/kg and recovered their body weight. This study offers advanced veterinary management guideline for NHP research. Such protocols can lead to more standardized and ethical practices in NHP research, thereby enhancing the quality of studies on NHPs and the translation of findings to human health and disease.