• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pain, static balance, and dynamic balance abilities of women with chronic low back pain by performing thoracic and hip joint mobility exercises and lumbar stability exercises. Methods: The subjects of this study were 20 adult women with low back pain who lived in C city for more than 12 weeks. The experimental group performed the thoracic and hip mobility exercises with lumbar stability exercises and the control group performed the lumbar stability exercise with general exercise program. Both groups participated in the exercise program three times a week for six weeks, from December 20, 2022 to March 7, 2023. The balance ability were measured using BT4, and pain was measured using visual analog scale (VAS). The collected data were analyzed by independent sample t-test and paired t-test using SPSS version 23.0 program. Results: After 6 weeks of intervention, there was a significant change in VAS between the experimental group and the control group, and there was no difference between the two groups (p>.05). In the case of balance ability, there was a no significant increase in the experimental group (p>.05). Conclusion: Thoracic and hip joint mobility exercises and lumbar stability exercises for adult female patients with chronic low back pain may be partially effective in static balance and dynamic balance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2020

Background: Thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise is commonly used to manage patients with neck pain. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise alone in patients with chronic neck pain. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic self-mobilization using a tool on cervical range of motion (ROM), disability level, upper body posture, pain and fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: The subjects were 49 patients (21 males, 28 females) with chronic neck pain. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 23) and control group (CG, n = 26). For the EG, thoracic self-mobilization was applied. We placed a tool (made with 2 tennis balls) under 3 different vertebral levels (T1-4, T5-8, T9-12) of the thoracic spine and the subjects performed crunches, which included thoracic flexion and extension in supine position. Five times × 3 sets for each levels, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Cervical pain, disability, upper body posture, FABQ results, and ROM were evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention, and at 8 weeks of follow-up. Assessments included the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS); Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire (NPQ); craniovertebral angles (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) and kyphosis angle (KA) measurements for upper body posture; FABQ and cervical ROM testing. Results: The EG showed a statistically significant improvement after intervention in the QVAS (-51.16%); NPQ (-53.46%); flexion (20.95%), extension (25.32%), left rotation (14.04%), and right rotation (25.32%) in the ROM of the cervical joint; KA (-7.14%); CVA (9.82%); and FSA (-4.12%). Conclusion: These results suggest that, for patients with chronic neck pain, thoracic self-mobilization exercise using a tool (tennis balls) is effective to improve neck pain, disability level, the ROM, and upper body posture.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 2023

Objective: Patients with scoliosis complain of various symptoms such as muscle imbalance, dysfunction, back pain, abnormal posture and gait abnormality. The most basic treatment for scoliosis is to observe the progress based on conservative treatment. Therefore, in this case report, the effect of cytoskeletal manual therapy (CMT), a soft tissue mobilization technique, on pain intensity, muscle thickness, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in a patient with scoliosis was investigated. Design: A case report Methods: A 25-year-old male diagnosed with scoliosis visited the Neuromusculoskeletal Science Laboratory with chronic back pain. In the laboratory, scoliosis was confirmed through the X-ray image used for his diagnosis, and it was confirmed again through Adam's forward bending test. Pain, pressure pain threshold and muscle thickness were measured to compare the immediate effects of CMT applied in the laboratory for 40 minutes. Treatments were visited two weeks after the first visit and outcome measures were assessed after a total of two visits. Results: After receiving CMT up to the second session, the pain intensity decreased by 4 points and the screening angle decreased by 15 degrees. Muscle thickness decreased in all but 10 mm on the dominant side of the thoracic spine. All of the PPTs increased, and the greatest increase was 3.1 lb on the dominant side of the thoracic spine. Conclusions: CMT showed positive improvement in pain during trunk flexion, spinal curvature, muscle imbalance, and pressure pain, which is considered as an ancillary treatment option for scoliosis management.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.20-28
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• 2004

The studys purpose were the effects of work posture, treatment method and prevention for Video Display Terminal(VDT) workers in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders(WMSD) The results were as follows: 1. The prevalence rate of VDT workers in WMSD was $20{\sim}40%$. The complaint was mostly shoulder, neck, and hack area pain 2. VDT worker used to forward flexed posture and then affect of increase of muscle fatigue and pain 3. When exercise therapy PT and ADL training, were used workers decrease in pain, muscle strength, balance training, endurance strength and relief of psychiatricIn conclusion, VDT worker need good health and posture to rest and exercise with time space and treatment. It is best to prevent WMSD. VDT workers need health management by itself and systemic rehabilitation program by speciality therapist.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2006

Purpose: This study was to investigate how induced microcurrent shoes affect relief of feet pain, which often occurs to persons who are more than fifty years old and how they prevent fatigue of feet generated during everyday life. The subjects of this study were comprised af five males and five females, who agreed with this research and ate more than fifty years old. And they all have plantar faciitis and pain in their feet. Methods: Subjects ware the induced microcurrent shoes far more than 4 hours everyday during the test. When they wore those shoes, they also wore the specially produced shacks made of silver-mixed thread and they were asked to avoid serious exercise. Prior to starting test and after the test, assessments were carried out two times. In the examination before the test, general shoes were used and in examination after the test, induced microcurrent shoes used. Muscle fatigue was measured by electromyography(MP150, Biopac, USA). When the walking rate of subjects on a treadmill was increased from 2.Km/h to 3Km/h for 10 minutes, muscle activities of a lower leg were measured during the whale walking process by MP150 remote monitoring system(TEL 100C). And pain was measured by VAS. Results: The results are as follows. 1. Comparisons of VAS before and after experimentation showed that degree of pain was significantly decreased(p < .05). 2. Degree of fatigue of Tibialis anterior was significantly decreased after 6 weeks of treatment(p < .05). 3. Degree of fatigue of Soleus was slightly decreased after 6 weeks of treatment, but did not show significant difference (p > .05). Conclusion: The above results suggest that induced microcurrent shoes is helpful decreasing fatigue of feet and relief of feet pain.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2017

Objective: This study aimed to identify the area with greatest effect using self-myofascial release technique (self-MFR) in the hamstring, suboccipital, and plantar regions. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-two adult subjects were evaluated for flexibility and hamstring pain threshold after self-MFR. Based on the superficial back line, the self-MFR application areas were the suboccipital region, hamstring, and plantar regions. Self-MFR was applied to each area using a wooden pole for a total of 4 minutes. Self-MFR was applied for 3 days at the same time of day, which was randomly assigned for each subject. Treatment was applied to one area each day. The sit and reach test (SRT), active range of motion (AROM), and passive ROM (PROM) were used to determine changes in flexibility, and an algometer was used to determine pain threshold. Pre/post-self-MFR effectiveness was tested using a paired t-test. Repeated measurement was used to compare self-MFR effects in the suboccipital, hamstring, and plantar regions. Results: When the self-MFR technique was applied to the 3 areas, the SRT showed significant improvement over baseline (p<0.05). Bilateral AROM and PROM showed significant improvements (p<0.05). When the self-MFR technique was applied to the hamstring, the semimembranosus showed a significant change in pain threshold (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that indirect application based on the Anatomy Trains could be effective for those who need to improve muscle flexibility. Moreover, self-MFR easily alleviates myofascial pain while maintaining flexibility, and can be performed at any time and place.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2014

Purpose: This study examined the effect of trunk stabilization exercise upon the lumbar stabilization and foot pressure on an unstable surface with back pain. Methods: The subjects of the study were 10 patients who showed the symptom of back pain with excessive lumbar curve. This study was 4 weeks, 30 minutes per session, three times a week for a total of 12 times as a result of exercise radiation imaging device and foot pressure analyzer. Results: The sacrohorizontal angle was statistically significant(p<0.05). Comparison of the difference between static right and left foot pressure ratio analysis was statistically significant(p<0.05). Dynamic right and left foot pressure comparisons for the difference was statistically significant in the analysis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Trunk stabilization exercise and the reduction of the excessive sacrohorizontal angle, and static and dynamic foot pressure imbalance reduced left and right.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.207-210
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was to identify the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain and function of a frozen shoulder. Methods: Thirty patients were assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Both groups received traditional therapy for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. The experimental group, however, received an additional high intensity laser therapy. Pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The functional ability was measured using the patient specific functional scale (PSFS). A paired t-test was used to determine any differences before and after the treatment, and an independent t-test was used to determine any differences between treatment groups. Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant difference for VAS and PSFS score (p<0.05). In comparison between two groups, more experimental group than control group statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: There seems to be a positive effect on pain and function of frozen shoulder from using high intensity laser therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.49-56
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible role for cranial artery velocity in cervicogenic headache. Methods: We studied 13 patients with cervicogenic headaches (M=9, F=4, age=$24.50{\pm}3.50\;y$) these were compared to 20 normal subjects (M=10, F=10, age=$23.30{\pm}2.90\;y$). Cervicogenic headache patients were divided into two groups (a myofascial relaxation group, a placebo group). Pain levels were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound recordings were used to measure blood flow velocity in the cranial artery. Results: Cervicogenic headache patients exhibited a significantly lower blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery. The patients who received an intervention had a significantly higher blood flow velocity in the left middle cerebral artery, right vertebral artery and basilar artery. Compared to the placebo group, the myofascial relaxation group exhibited a significantly decreased level of pain. Conclusion: Cervicogenic headache is pain referred to the head from a source in the cervical spine. Manual therapy affect to cervical spine and soft tissue as well as the passage of these vessels and nerves to recover because it is thought to be able to help.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2008

Purpose : This study observed the recovery of function and pain on the eletrostimulation therapy(transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) and micro current therapy(MT)). Methods : Subjects were assigned randomly either experimental group(n=17) who were taken TENS or the control group(n=20) who were taken MT. Also subjects were assessed for pain(Visual Analog Scale; VAS) and function(Oswestry LBP disability index). Results : The VAS has a statistically significant difference with each groups(p<.05), but there was no statistically significant difference with intergroup during treatment period(p>.05). The Oswestry LBP disability index has a statistically significant difference with each groups(p<.05), also there was a statistically significant difference with intergroup during treatment period(p<.05). Conclusion : The efficancy of microcurrent therapy used in this study should be futher investigated in a long period study and objective study outcomes.