• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.35-45
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• 2015

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate how upper thoracic manipulation and cervical stability training affects cervical range of motion and neck disability index of patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. METHODS: 30 patients with chronic mechanical neck pain, and randomly divided into the upper thoracic manipulation and the cervical stability training group. Upper thoracic manipulation group was conducted to the upper thoracic manipulation, and cervical stability training was conducted to the cervical stability training. Intervention period was 6 weeks, and 3 sessions, each of which was run for 5~10 minutes. The subjects were measured neck range of motion before and after intervention by electro-goniometer. Neck disability index was used to measure neck disability index Korean version. RESULTS: Comparison within groups, there were significant difference in neck range of motion before and after intervention, and Neck disability index significantly reduced in the cervical stability training group. The comparison between groups, there were no significant difference in neck range of motion and neck disability index. CONCLUSION: Upper thoracic manipulation and cervical stability training to the patients with chronic neck pain was helpful to improve neck range of motion and cervical stability training was helpful to improve neck disability index.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.51-60
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• 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) on the pain, ROM (range of motion) and muscle fatigue recovery of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: Twenty-six subjects who are student in their 20s at a university participated in this study, these subjects were assigned into two groups, a control group (n=12) and an experiment group (n=14). The subjects in experimental group were intervened by HBOT (40 minutes, 1.3 ATA), while ones on control group weren't by any intervention after induced DOMS. Results: First, in the comparison of VAS (visual analog scale), there were significant variations with the period (p<0.001), interaction of period (p<0.05) and group (p<0.05). In the comparison of PPT (pressure pain threshold), there were significant variations with the period (p<0.001) and interaction of period (p<0.05). Second, in the comparison of ROM, there were significant variations with the period (p<0.001), interaction of period (p<0.001) and group (p<0.01). Third, in the comparison of CK (creatine kinase) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), there no signigicant variations with all measure variables. Conclusion: The above results indicated that HBOT were effective to decrease the pain and improve the ROM in DOMS. Also the statistical significant variations of blood factors of muscle fatigue were not found in this.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.401-412
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• 2021

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the effect of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) lower trapezius muscle strengthening exercise on pain, shoulder range of motion, and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) in patients with frozen shoulder. Methods: Following baseline measurements, 30 subjects (n=30) with frozen shoulder were randomized into two groups: the PNF group (n=15), which received PNF strength training of the lower trapezius muscles, and the control group (n=15), which received gentle palpation of the skin. Each group participated in the intervention for 30 minutes, three times per week, for six weeks. The visual analogue scales for pain, range of motion, and SPADI of both groups were recorded at both pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant changes in the post-intervention period compared with pre-intervention, and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the six-week intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased pain and SPADI (p < 0.05) and significantly increased shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation range of motion (p < 0.05). The PNF group that received the PNF strength exercise of the lower trapezius muscles showed greater improvements in pain and range of motion than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that the PNF lower trapezius strengthening exercise reduces shoulder pain and disability levels and enhances shoulder range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate effects of a stim-up matt walking exercise program on balance and gait of the frail elderly. Methods: A total of 37 elderly people recruited from S city were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=22) and control group (n=15). The stim-up matt walking exercise program was offered twice a week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21.0. Results: The dynamic balance ability Timed Up and Go test of the experimental group was significantly faster than that of the control group (t=21.72, p<.001). The static balance ability open-eye standing test (t=44.15, p<.001) and close-eye standing test (t=9.01, p=.005) also showed increase in effects of the experimental group. In the walking ability, gait cycle (t=2.48, p=.018), cadence (t=-2.21, p=.034) and gait speed (t=-2.78, p=.009), positive effects were on. However, no statistically significant differences were found in stride length and double support. At the ankle joint range left ankle plantar flexion (t=3.92, p<.001) and left ankle dorsal flexion (t=4.51, p<.001) were higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and also right ankle plantar flexion (t=2.79, p=.008) and right ankle dorsal flexion (t=2.92, p=.006) increased in the experimental group. Conclusion: The significance of this study is that the stim-up matt walking exercise program for the frail elderly proves to be useful for improving balance and walking.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.167-175
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of Jeonbuk tri-pull taping and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise on the shoulder's active range of motion, pain, subluxation, upper extremity function, and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. Methods: In this study, Jeonbuk tri-pull taping and PNF exercise were applied to three patients with stroke and subluxation. The tape was removed and new tape applied for two days every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday over six consecutive weeks. PNF exercise was applied five times a week for six weeks. To measure the range of motion, a smart phone clinometer application was used, and the degree of pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). A jig measuring method was employed to measure the distance of subluxation. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was used to evaluate arm function, and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) was employed to evaluate the activities of daily living. Results: The shoulder's active range of motion was improved in the patients compared to the range of pre-tests, and the pain and subluxation distance were reduced compared to those of pre-tests. Arm function and activities of daily living were increased compared to those of pre-tests. Conclusion: The study results verified that Jeonbuk tri-pull taping and PNF exercise are useful when applied to patients with subluxation and stroke.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of a four-week scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique on scapular symmetry and range of flexion motion (ROM), pain, function, and quality of life (QOL) in post-mastectomy women with breast cancer. Methods: This study included 20 women divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). All patients performed complex decongestive physiotherapy for 40 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. The experimental group performed the extra scapular stabilizing exercise program using the PNF technique for 50 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. Scapular symmetry, shoulder flexion ROM, pain and function, and QOL were subsequently assessed. For ROM measurement, the range of shoulder flexion was measured using a clinometer smart phone application; the pain of the shoulder was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS); the scapular position was measured using a lateral scapular slide test (LSST); the level of pain and functional activity was measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI); and the QOL was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast. Results: There were significant differences in shoulder flexion ROM, VAS, SPADI, and LSST 0˚ and 45˚ when the experimental group was compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, there was an improved within-group change in the ROM, SPADI, LSST, and QOL in both the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique may be used as a possible treatment option for post-mastectomy women with breast cancer that aims to improve scapular position, shoulder ROM and function, and QOL.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.137-146
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• 2021

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) lower trapezius muscle strengthening exercise on pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), and neck disability index (NDI) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: Following baseline measurements, the subjects (n = 30) with chronic neck pain were randomized into two groups: the PNF group (n = 15) that received PNF strength training of the lower trapezius muscles or a control group (n = 15) that received gentle palpation of the skin. Each group participated in the intervention for 30 min, three times per week for six weeks. The visual analogue scale for pain, ROM, and NDI of both groups were recorded at both pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant changes in the post-intervention compared with pre-intervention, and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the six-week intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased pain and NDI (p < 0.05) and significantly increased cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation ROM (p < 0.05). The PNF group that received PNF strength exercise of the lower trapezius muscles showed greater improvements in pain and NDI and cervical rotation of ROM than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that the PNF lower trapezius strengthening exercise reduces neck pain and disability level and enhances cervical ROM in patients with chronic neck pain.

• Archives of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of the augmented reality (AR)-based knee joint short period exercise program and used a motion analyzer with a 3D camera to determine the range of motion and dynamic balance and further investigate the effects of therapeutic exercise on patients. Methods: This study used AR-based motion analysis and a Y-balance test to measure the range of motion (ROM) of each joint: the hip joint and the knee joint. After the measurements, an exercise program was applied to the subjects, using the knee motion program function, and the muscles of the quadriceps femoris and the hamstring were stretched or strengthened. Results: Our results showed knee joint extension at the dominant hip joint flexion position. While there was no significant difference (p>.05) at this position, there were significant differences in the non-dominant hips, unbalanced knee joint flexion, and superior knee joint flexion (p<.05). The Y-balance test using the non-dominant leg supported by the dominant legs showed that the absolute reach was $69.70{\pm}7.06cm$ before the exercise, and the absolute reach after the exercise was $77.56{\pm}6.09cm$ (p<.05). Conclusions: There was a significant difference when the movement of the lower limbs supported the superior limbs, and a significant difference was found in the ROM when the non-dominant side supported the dominant side. Therefore, the AR-based exercise program improves the balance of the human body and the range of motion of the joints, and research that aims to improve patients abilities should continue.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.93-101
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• 2021

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of a myofascial release technique with preservation physical therapy on low back pain, range of motion, and physical function of patients in acute traffic accidents METHODS: Twelve patients with traffic accidents were divided randomly into two groups of six patients each who met the selection criteria. The training was conducted for 45 minutes each time, for two weeks and four times per week. The experimental group received four myofascial release techniques and with preservation physical therapy. The control group received only preservation physical therapy. RESULTS: The VAS test result was statistically significant after the intervention in both groups (p < .05). After the intervention, there was no significant difference between the experimental group and control group. The Schober test result was statistically significant after the intervention in both the experimental and control groups (p < .05), and there was a significant difference between the experimental group and control group after the intervention (p < .05). The KODI assessment result was significant after the intervention in both the experimental and control groups (p < .05), and there was a significant difference between the experimental group and control group after the intervention (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The myofascial release technique with preservation physical therapy had a positive effect on low back pain, range of motion, and body function in acute traffic accident patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.223-233
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• 2022

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the effect of extra thoracic mobilization exercises on shoulder pain and function in patients who had undergone rotator cuff repair. Methods: Following the recording of baseline measurements, 20 subjects who had undergone rotator cuff repair were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n = 10), which did thoracic mobilization exercises, and the control group (n = 10), which received traditional physical therapy. Each group participated in the intervention five times per week for two weeks. The pain (using the visual analogue scales [VAS]), the flexion and abduction range of motion (ROM), and the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) scores of both groups were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests were used to determine whether post-intervention scores were significantly different from pre-intervention scores, and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the two-week intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased VAS and SPADI scores (p < 0.05) and significantly increased flexion and abduction ROM (p < 0.05). The experimental group that undertook the thoracic mobilization exercises showed greater improvements in pain, flexion and abduction ROM, and the SPADI than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that thoracic mobilization exercises reduce shoulder pain and disability and enhance function in patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair.