• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1810-1817
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• 2019

Background: Effect of cervical and lumbar tractions on the reduction in the angle of curvature and the effect of a correction exercise or a general traction method on balance, muscle strength, pain, and body alignment, however insufficient research has been undertaken on self traction exercises targeting patients with scoliosis. Purpose: To determine the effect of cervical and lumbar tractions on the reduction in the angle of curvature and the effect of a correction exercise or a general traction method on balance, muscle strength, pain, and body alignment. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blinded) Methods: Twelve adults(20s) with scoliosis were included in this study and performed a traction program that was composed of a 5-min warm-up exercise, a 15-min main exercise, and a 5-min cool-down exercise (25 minutes in total), three times a week for four weeks. The Chiro traction machine was used for the self-traction exercise. Vertebral alignment, muscle strength, and flexibility were compared before and after the intervention using the paired T-test. Results: The scoliosis angle, pelvic torsion, and lumbar extensor were significantly changed by intervention; however, there was no significant difference in flexibility. Conclusion: The results revealed that self-traction exercise activated blood flow through the extension and contraction of muscles, effectively increasing the function of the muscles around the vertebrae.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1774-1778
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• 2019

Background : Methods of wearing a baby carrier have suggested; however, there have been no studies suggesting ideal ways. Objective : To investigate muscular fatigue and balance of the waist during baby carrier are worn on the front, the side, and the back of the body. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind) Methods : The subjects of this study were 20 healthy men and women in their 20s, who underwent tests of muscular fatigue and balance of the waist bones based on types of wearing baby carrier. Electromyogram (EMG) patches were attached to the L2 and the L4 for testing muscular fatigue, while a device for measuring proprioceptive senses was used to assess balance ability. The measurements were performed before wearing the baby carrier and after 30 minutes of normal walking. The methods of wearing the baby carrier included wearing on the front, the side, and the back of the body. Results : The time taken to adjust the balance was shorter than other types of wearing during the baby carrier were worn on the side, and the ratio of lumbar flexion and relaxation was shown insignificant. Conclusions : These results suggested that wearing the carriers on the side was most effective on reducing fatigue and enhancing balance ability of the waist.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1687-1694
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• 2019

Background: Although cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is reported to have positive effects on mental functions such as depression and sleep improvement, detailed studies regarding awakening, attention and concentration among brain waves reflecting brain activity are lacking. Objective: To examine the effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on various electroencephalograms (EEGs) reflecting brain activities. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind) Methods: This study selected 30 healthy adult women in their 20s who volunteered for this experiment. A total of 30 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups (Sham group, 0.5 Hz CES group, and 100 Hz CES group). EEGs were measured before and after the single CES, and the results were compared and analyzed. Results: The relative theta, alpha, and gamma waves indicated no significant differences in the interaction effects between time and group. The relative fast alpha wave only showed significant differences in the interaction effects between time and group in P4. The relative slow beta wave only indicated statistically significant differences in the interaction effects between time and group in T3 and T4. The relative mid and fast beta waves showed statistically significant differences in the interaction effects between time and group in all areas. Conclusions: These results suggest that a CES of 0.5 Hz awakens consciousness and has a positive influence on brain activity, while a CES of 100 Hz has a positive influence on thinking activity accompanying mental load during concentrating on one subject.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.1823-1829
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• 2019

Background: Stroke patients have leg muscle weakness and impaired balance resulting in compensatory changes. To restore balance in these patients, functional training using postural strategy is needed. Objective: To examine the effects of ankle and hip strategy training on the center of pressure (COP) movement and limits of stability (LOS) in standing posture in stroke patients. Design: The study was an assessor-blinded and randomized-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to an ankle strategy training group and a ankle/ hip strategy training group. Patients in the ankle strategy training group underwent ankle strategy exercise for 30 min, and those in the ankle/ hip strategy training group underwent 15 min of ankle strategy exercise and 15 min of hip strategy exercise. Both groups underwent training thrice a week for four weeks. Forward, backward, paretic side, and non-paretic side COP movements and LOS were measured using BioRescue. Results: After the intervention, except for the backward area in the ankle strategy training group, the COP movement area and the LOS were significantly improved in both the groups. In addition, these improvements were significantly higher in ankle/ hip strategy training group than that in the ankle strategy training group. Conclusions: Ankle strategy training in addition to hip strategy training improves COP movement (forward-backward, paretic side area, and non-paretic side area) and LOS in stroke patients.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.315-327
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the research trends in the treatment of pharmacopuncture for vascular dementia in Traditional Chinese medicine. Methods: We searched for articles in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database from January 2000 to August 2020. Results: Among the total 63 articles, 9 articles were selected. All studies were randomized controlled trial studies. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was most frequently used as diagnostic criteria. Effective rate and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) were most commonly used as outcome measurements. Angelica gigantis Radix (當歸), Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (丹蔘), and Astragali Radix (黃芪) were the most commonly used ingredients in pharmacopuncture. Joksamni (ST36) and Sinsu (BL23) were the most commonly used acupoints for pharmacopuncture treatment. Based on the Risk of Bias (RoB) of these 9 articles, the overall quality of studies was low. Conclusions: Pharmacopuncture could be considered for the treatment of vascular dementia. In the future, various systematic studies on dementia are needed.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.2229-2236
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• 2020

Background: Few comparative studies have been conducted on strengthening the anterior and posterior muscles of the trunk via lumbar stabilization exercises. Objectives: To compare the effects of forward leaning exercise and supine bridging exercise in stability exercise. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind). Methods: Thirty subjects with spondylolisthesis were participated in this study. Fifteen subjects performed the bridging exercises and fifteen subjects performed the forward leaning exercises. Each exercise was held for ten seconds per repetition, and four repetitions were considered one sub-session. A total of four sub-sessions were performed in one full exercise session. The full exercise session required thirty minutes, including rest time. Trunk strength and range of motion and Oswestry disability index were measured. Results: Two weeks later, trunk flexion strength and trunk extension range of motion were significantly increased in the forward leaning exercise group than in the supine bridging group, trunk extension strength were significantly increased in the supine bridging exercise group than in the forward leaning group. After two weeks, the pain score was significantly lower in the forward leaning exercise group than in the supine bridging group. Conclusion: This study has shown that stabilization exercises are effective in increasing range of motion and strength in spondylolisthesis subjects. It was especially confirmed that the method of strengthening the anterior muscles of the trunk is more effective than the standard stabilization exercise method.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.2267-2271
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• 2021

Background: Recently, a new home-based dysphagia rehabilitation method using information and communications technology (ICT) has been reported, but clinical evidence is still lacking. Objectives: To investigate the effects of home-based dysphagia rehabilitation using ICT on tongue muscle strength and volume in patients with developed dysphagia after stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial design. Methods: Twenty patients who developed dysphagia after stroke were enrolled. The experimental group received dysphagia rehabilitation in the form of ICT-based home care. In contrast, the control group received traditional rehabilitation based on swallowing under the supervision of occupational therapists. All interventions were conducted five times a week for four weeks. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant increases in tongue muscle strength and volume after the intervention (P<.05, both). However, there were no significant differences in tongue strength or volume between the two groups after the intervention (P>.05, both). Conclusion: Home-based dysphagia rehabilitation using ICT showed effects similar to those of conventional swallowing rehabilitation in patients who developed dysphagia after stroke. These findings suggest that dysphagia rehabilitation can be conducted at home without the help of a therapist.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.152-159
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• 2022

Background: Subjects with frozen shoulder (FS) might not be comfortable with vigorous physical therapy. Clinical trials assessing the effect of graded motor imagery (GMI) in FS are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of GMI as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy in individuals with painful FS. Methods: Twenty subjects aged 40-65 years having stage I and II of FS were randomly divided into two study groups. The conventional physiotherapy group (n = 10) received electrotherapy and exercises while the GMI group (n = 10) received GMI along with the conventional physiotherapy thrice a week for 3 weeks. Pre- (Session 1) and post- (Session 9) intervention analysis for flexion, abduction, and external rotation range of motion (ROM) using a universal goniometer, fear of movement using the fear avoidance belief questionnaire (FABQ), pain with the visual analogue scale, and functional disability using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was done by a blinded assessor. Results: Statistically significant difference was seen within both the groups for all the outcomes. In terms of increasing abduction ROM as well as reducing fear of movement, pain, and functional disability, the GMI group was significantly better than control group. However, both groups were equally effective for improving flexion and external rotation ROM. Conclusions: Addition of GMI to the conventional physiotherapy proved to be superior to conventional physiotherapy alone in terms of reducing pain, kinesiophobia, and improving shoulder function for stage I and II of FS.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2022

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy in patients with Tourette's syndrome. Methods We queried nine electronic databases using the keywords "Tourette's Syndrome" and "tuina OR chuna" to identify RCTs that investigated the effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy in patients with Tourette's syndrome. Results Thirteen RCTs were selected according to the inclusion criteria. A systematic review showed that Chuna manual therapy can have a curative effect on patients with Tourette's syndrome. Conclusions In this study, 13 RCTs reported that Chuna manual therapy was effective for Tourette's syndrome. These findings provide a basis for its clinical use. However, all studies involved populations belonging to the same country. Many studies lacked details of the research methodology. Therefore, further studies are required to produce high-quality evidence.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.450-456
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• 2021

Objective: Studies confirming the lumber spine kinematics of direct or indirect segmental mobility under the application of joint mobilization, which induces passive force on the spine, are insufficient.Therefore, this study aims to obtain the underlying clinical data by identifying direct or indirect segmental mobility produced by Maitland's PA mobilization technique. Design: Randomized controlled trial design. Methods: Thirty subjects with no back pain participated in this study. X-ray testing equipment (SIG-40-525, Ecoray Inc., Korea) was used to verify the segmented movement of their lumbar. Joint mobilization was performed by physiotherapists with more than 10 years of experience in prescription therapy, and radiography was performed once without PA joint mobilization and once without the mobilization for comparing the lumbar vertebrae before and after the mobilization. The radiographs taken were analyzed using the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) program to measure the spinal displacement, intervertebral height, intervertebral angle, and lumbar lordosis angle. Results: Significant differences were observed in the lumbar displacement, intervertebral angle, and lumbar lordosis angle in all lumbar vertebrae before and after the mobilization. The intervertebral height indicated significant differences in all ventral vertebrae and only in L3-L4 and L4-L5 in dorsal vertebrae. Conclusions: This study suggests that the segmental mobility produced through indirect approaches plays an important role in inducing therapeutic effects in patients with back pain.