• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2018

Background: The continuous co-contraction of the trunk muscles through trunk stabilization exercises is important to patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). However, intentional abdominal muscle contraction (IAMC) for trunk stabilization has been used only for specific training in the treatment room. Objects: The purpose of this study was to provide feedback to adults with LSS to enable IAMC during activities of daily living (ADLs). Methods: The participants with spinal stenosis were divided into an experimental group of 15 adults and a control group of 16 adults. Electromyographic signals were measured while the subjects kept their both hands held up at $90^{\circ}$. The measured muscles were the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES). Pelvic tilt was measured using a digital pelvic inclinometer. The degree of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional capacity was measured using the Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (KODI). Results: While the experimental group showed statistically significantly higher activities in the RA, EO, and IO after the intervention compared with the control group. Pelvic tilt was significantly decreased only in the experimental group. Both the experimental and control groups exhibited statistically significant declines in the VAS and KODI (p<.01). In terms of the levels of changes, the experimental group exhibited a statistically significant larger decline only in the VAS and the pelvic tilt when compared with the control group (p<.05). Conclusions: The subjects could stabilize their trunks, and relieve their pain and dysfunctions and reduce pelvic tilt by learning abdominal muscle contraction during ADLs. The combination of therapeutic exercises and IAMC may have greater effects on patients with LSS.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2007

The chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (abbreviated CFIDS or CFS) is a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue(over 6 months.), along with cognitive, musculoskeletal, and sleep abnormalities. The etiology of this illness is unlikely to be a single agent. Findings to date suggest that physiological and psychological factors work together to predispose and perpetuate the illness. Diagnosis is made difficult by the nonspecific clinical findings and no available diagnostic testing. With no known cause or cure for the chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, treatment is based on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life of affected patients. There is emerging evidence that chronic fatigue syndrome may be familial. In the future, studies will examine the extent to which genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. Most patients with CFS have psychiatric problems such as a generalized anxiety disorder, or major or minor depression, therefore, these mental health disorders may be correlated with the pathophysiology of the CFS. The treatment for CFS must be individualized, due to the heterogeneity of the CFS population. Also the treatment of CFS is built on a foundation of patient-physician relationship, respect and advocacy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.570-578
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• 2001

Background: With cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), weight loss and low body weight have been found to correlate with increased mortality and poor prognosis. Therefore, nutritional aspects are an important part of the treatment in cases of COPD. In Korea, there is only limited data available for the changes of resting pulmonary function in relation to nutritional status. This study was carried out to investigate the differences of resting pulmonary function in relation to the nutritional status of patients with COPD. Method : 83 stable patients, with moderate to severe COPD, were clinically assessed for their nutritional status and resting pulmonary function. The patients' nutritional status was evaluated by body weight and fat-free mass (FFM), which was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. According to their nutritional status, the 83 patients were divided into two groups, designated as the depleted, and non-depleted, groups. Result : Of the 83 patients, 31% were characterized by body weight loss and depletion of FFM, whereas 28% had either weight loss or depleted FFM. In the depleted group, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate(p<0.05) and Kco(p<0.01), but significantly higher airway resistance(Raw, p<0.05) were noted. There was no difference for the non-depleted group in forced expiratory volume at one second, residual volume, inspiratory vital capacity, or total lung capacity. Maximal inspiratory pressure($P_{Imax}$) was also significantly lower in the depleted group(p<0.05). Conclusion : We conclude, from our clinical studies, that nutritional depletion is significantly associated with the change in resting pulmonary function for patients with moderate to severe COPD.