• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.143-153
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• 2024

Purpose : Forward head posture (FHP), characterized by the anterior positioning of the head relative to the spine, is a common postural deviation that can lead to neck pain, reduced mobility, and muscle imbalances. Recently, high-frequency deep heat therapy (HFDT) has been gaining attention for the intervention of FHP. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of HFDT in comparison to instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) for treating FHP among 30 young adults. Methods : Participants were randomly assigned to either the HFDT or IASTM group. The study focused on examining changes in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction. Measurements were taken before and after the interventions. Paired t-tests were used for within-group analyses, and independent t-tests were employed for between-group comparisons. The statistical significance level α was set to .05. Results : Statistically significant improvements were observed across all measured parameters in both groups (p<.05). The HFDT group showed significantly greater enhancements in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction parameters. Specifically, HFDT was more effective than IASTM in improving neck joint mobility, right upper trapezius pain threshold, left rounded shoulder distance, and right lower trapezius strength. The only exceptions were neck flexion range of motion, left upper trapezius pain threshold, right rounded shoulder distance, and left lower trapezius strength, where no significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusion : The findings suggest that HFDT, by combining the benefits of high-frequency therapy and manual therapy, effectively alleviates upper trapezius muscle pain and tension, enhances neck mobility, and strengthens lower trapezius muscles. Thus, HFDT could be considered a valuable intervention for clinicians aiming to address FHP and associated musculoskeletal problems.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the effects of sagittal spinopelvic alignment on the clinical parameters, motor symptoms, and respiratory function in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: This study was a prospective assessment of treated patients (n=28, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage 2-3) in a PD center. Twenty-eight subjects ($68.5{\pm}5.7yrs$) participated in this study. The clinical and demographic parameters, including age, sex, symptoms duration, treatment duration, and H&Y stage, were collected. Kinematic analysis was conducted in the upright standing posture with a motion capture system. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed in the sitting position using a spirometer. The motor symptoms were assessed on part III of the movement disorder society sponsored version of the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (MDS-UPDRS). SPSS 18.0 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: The exceeding 12 degrees group of the lower trunk showed significantly higher on the clinical parameters than the below 12 degrees group. In addition, the exceeding 12 degrees group of the lower trunk showed a significantly lower forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) (%) and 25-75% forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF) (L/s) than in the below group. On the other hand, there was no difference in the upper trunk and the cervical pelvis between the groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the sagittal balance in the lower trunk is related to the clinical parameters and respiratory function, but not the motor symptoms in patients with mild to moderate PD.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.399-405
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• 2001

Attainment of the goals of functional electrical stimulation(FES) applications such as strengthening of muscle, increasing muscular endurance, improvement in joint range of motion or the reduction of spasticity does not insure that patients will be able to produce voluntary muscle contraction sufficient to maintain posture or produce purposeful movements. In many patients who have sustained CNS damage, the control exerted by higher nervous system center over muscle contraction may impaired. In Searched patients, a variety of advanced therapeutic exercise techniques have been employed traditionally to facilitate the return of controlled functional muscular activity or maintain postural alignment until recovery from dysfunction occurs Among the most common clinical applications of FES for functional muscle contraction is as a substitute for static or dynamic orthotic devices

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.363-377
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• 2021

The present study investigated the effects of dynamic tubing gait training(I and II) on the postural alignment, gait, and quality of life in chronic patients with Parkinson's disease. This study is based on the case study that recruited a total of 3 patients with chronic Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr Stage of 1 to 3 each one person). Dynamic tubing gait training (I and II) applied to chronic patients with Parkinson's disease for 25 sessions, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, over 5 weeks period. To investigate the effects of this study, evaluating using the postural alignment test, muscle activity tests, gait analysis, and quality of life scale for patient with Parkinson's disease. After the intervention of Dynamic tubing gait training (I and II), Trunk flexion was decreased. Also, during walking from initial contact (IC) to mid stance (Mst), muscle activity of Quadriceps, Hamstring, and Tibialis Anterior (TA) was increased and muscle activity of Gastrocnemius was decreased. The muscle activation of Erector Spinae (ES T12, L3) was increased in the H&Y I and III stages and decreased in the H&Y II stage. Length of gait line, single support line, ant/post position and lateral symmetry of center of pressure (COP) parameters improved. The spatio-temporal gait parameters including of step length, stride length, and velocity was increased, and cadence decreased. Further the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease was improved. Based on these findings, Dynamic tubing gait training (I and II) could be applied as a new approach to improve posture, gait, quality of life in chronic patients with Parkinson's disease for more than 5 years, whose drug resistance is halved.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.60-66
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• 2011

Foot posture is important in the development of the musculoskeletal structure in the lower limbs because it can change the mechanical alignment. Although foot orthotics are widely used for the correction of malalignments in the lower extremities, the biomechanical effects of wedges have not yet been cleared. The aim of this study was to investigate whether medial wedges affect the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the knee and hip joints in healthy adults that are performing one leg standing. Seventeen healthy volunteers performed the one leg standing under two foot conditions: A level surface, and a $15^{\circ}$ medial wedge. The subjects' EMG data for the gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), tensor fasciae latae (TFL), biceps femoris (BF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) were recorded, along with the surface EMG, and all were analyzed. The EMG activity of the Gmed and TFL had significantly decreased under the medial wedge condition during one leg standing. Further study is needed in order to investigate whether medial wedges influence the EMG activity and kinematic data of the knee and hip joints as well as the ankle joints in adults with flexible flatfoot, while they are performing one leg standing.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this research was to develop a proposal by investigating the work habits associated with exercise programs for the prevention of chronic back pain. Methods : The symptoms, areas and causes of musculoskeletal patients were analyzed during a three-month period in order to develop and apply prevention programs that stimulate lumbar deep layer muscle movement. Results : The results of this study show that the lumbar and shoulders are primary areas of pain. According to the literature, lumbar and shoulder pain is caused due to long periods in the standing position and unhealthy posture during work. A preliminary program was conducted for one month to study lower back pain prevention. Preliminary results of the program showed a lumbar stabilizing effect caused by the strengthening of abdominal muscles. In addition, the alignment of the spine often leads to effective action. Therefore, action-oriented programs should be implemented in order to induce contractions of the transverse abdominis muscle. Conclusion : The completed program should consider habit and practices of workers within their working environment. The promotion of health through exercise for both employers and workers is expected to bring physical and psychological benefits that will positively affect economic results.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.451-461
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• 2019

Purpose: This study identified the effect of abdominal muscle contraction using changes in waist circumference for healthcare workers with back pain due to inadequate posture during working hours. Methods: In this study, we provided educational training focused on posture alignment and utilized waist circumference change sensors to induce the contraction of abdominal muscles as a method to address low back pain in healthcare workers. All 32 participants received the same training and then were assigned to two groups: wearing the keeping core band (CB) and not wearing the keeping core band (NCB). For the CB group, the waist circumference change sensor was applied for 6 weeks during working hours. Wilcoxon's signed-ranks test and paired t-tests were used to compare the differences between the groups. All statistical significance levels were set to α=0.05. Results: Trunk muscle endurance increased significantly in the CB group. There was no significant difference in stability index to evaluate static postural control, but active hip abduction tests, which evaluate dynamic postural control, showed significant decrease in the CB group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the induction of abdominal contraction using the waist circumference change sensor may improve the trunk muscle endurance and the postural control ability of the hip and pelvis of healthcare workers.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2015

Purpose: Abdominal breathing exercises are recommended to activate the breathing muscles and the pelvic floor muscles, as well as to increase postural alignment during exhalation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of improving abdominal muscle strength on menstrual pain in women in their twenties using abdominal breathing exercises. Method: In this study, 32 female university students were included as the subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the area of menstrual pain: lumbar pain (n=16) and lower abdomen pain (n=16). The abdominal breathing positions were divided into two positions, which included a hook lying position and hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the supine position. Exercises were used to strengthen the abdominal muscles during exhalation. Four sets of the exercises were completed three times a week over the course of eight weeks. The degree of pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasound. Result: The thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) increased in the lower abdomen pain group. However, thickness of the external oblique (EO) did not increased following abdominal breathing. No significant difference in posture was identified in the lower abdomen group. TrA thickness increased significantly in the lumbar pain group. However, thickness did not increase significantly in the lumbar pain group. In addition, the lumbar pain group experienced no significant effects on posture. IO thickness increased following hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the lumbar pain group. Menstrual pain decreased following intervention in both groups. There was no significant difference in the degree of pain reduction between both groups. Conclusion: As examples of alternative medicine, abdominal breathing exercises may be effective in decreasing menstrual pain.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.137-144
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• 2019

PURPOSE: The continued use of smartphones has resulted in an abnormal body posture and neck alignment changes. Maintaining this posture for a long time weakens the flexor muscles in the neck and shortens the extensor muscles in the neck. This study examined the correlation between the suboccipital muscle tension and deep neck flexor muscle physical endurance according to the craniovertebral angles. METHODS: The craniovertebral angle, tension of the suboccipital muscle and endurance of the deep neck flexor muscle were measured in 58 healthy 20-year-old male and female college students. The tension of suboccipital muscle and endurance of the deep neck flexor muscle were then divided according to the body mass index (BMI). Their correlation with the craniovertebral angle was then examined. Each parameter was measured three times to determine the interrater reliability. RESULTS: The craniovertebral angle and suboccipital muscle tension showed differed significantly. On the other hand, the craniovertebral angle and deep neck flexor muscle physical endurance showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The results show that the craniovertebral angle and deep neck flexor muscle physical endurance were not correlated, but a smaller craniovertebral angle resulted in a higher suboccipital muscle tension.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.75-88
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• 2024

Objectives This study was designed to compare curvature and intervertebral disc angle of the cervical spine in different prone positions. Methods 30 adults aged 19~60 years were enrolled in this study. Volunteers in this uncontrolled trial were taken an x-ray of cervical spine on lateral. Four radiographs were taken for each volunteer, in standing, prone position with U-type pillow (prone position A), rectangular pillow (prone position B), and prone position without pillow (prone position C). After measuring the cervical angle, Ishihara index, craniovertebral angle, intervertebral angle, we analysed the lordotic angle and foward head posture. The data was anlysed by analysis of variance and pearson correlation coefficient. Results Cervical angles of prone position without pillow (prone position C) significantly decreased compared with those in standing position (p<0.001). Ishihara index of prone position without pillow (prone position C) also significantly decreased compared with those in standing position (p<0.001). Craniovertebral angle of prone position with pillow (prone position A, B) significantly increased with those in standing position (p<0.001). Intervertebral angle of prone position with pillow (prone position A, B) at the C3-7 levels significantly increased with those in standing position (p<0.001). Intervertebral angle of prone position without pillow (prone position C) at the C3-5 levels significantly decreased with those in standing position (p<0.001). The angle of intervertebral disc significntly decreased in kyphotic cervical levels. Conclusions Different prone position clearly resulted changes in cervical spine curvature and intervertebral disc angle. And it is related to cervical spine lordotic angle and sagittal alignment in standing position and prone position.