• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.130-135
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• 2006

Objective : After ischemic stroke, partial recovery of function frequently occurs and may depend on the plasticity of axonal connections. Here, we examine whether blockade of the Nogo/NogoReceptor[NgR] pathway might enhance axonal sprouting and thereby recovery after focal brain infarction. Methods : Adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing $250{\sim}350g$ were used. Left middle cerebral artery occlusion[MCAO] was induced with a intraluminal filament. An osmotic mini pump [Alzet 2ML4, Alza Scientific Products, Palo Alto, CA] for the infusion of NgR-Ecto[310]-Fc to block Nogo/NgR pathway was implanted 1 week after cerebral ischemia. Prior to induction of ischemia, all animals received training in the staircase and rotarod test. Two weeks after biotin dextran amine injection, animals were perfused transcardially with PBS, followed by 4% paraformadehyde/PBS solution. Brain and cervical spinal cord were dissected. Eight coronal sections spaced at 1mm intervals throughout the forebrain of each animal with cresyl violet acetate for determination of infarction size. Images of each section were digitized and the infarct area per section was measured with image analysis software. Results : Histological examination at 11 weeks post-MCAO demonstrates reproducible stroke lesions and no significant difference in the size of the stroke between the NgR[310]Ecto-Fc protein treated group and the control group. Behavioral recovery is significantly better and more rapid in the NgR-Ecto[310]-Fe treated group. Blockade of NgR enhances axonal sprouting from the uninjured cerebral cortex and improves the return of motor task performance. Conclusion : Pharmacological interruption of NgR allows a greater degree of axonal plasticity in response this is associated with improved functional recovery of complicated motor tasks.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.111-127
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• 2005

Objective : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Mokhyangsaenghwa-tang (MS) and Mokhyangsaenghwa-tang plus Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu (MS-C) on postpartum recovery and lactation. Materials and Methods : We used 18-week pregnant Spraque Dawley rats and administered the decoctions of MS and MS-C to rats once a day for 4 days or 8 days. Then we observed changes in the body weight of pup rats and complete blood cell count, liver function test, renal function test, mammary gland tissue, level of serum prolactin, ${\beta}-casein$ and WAP of postpartum rats. Result : A significant increase in body weight was observed in MS-C treated pup rats compared with in MS treated group. The levels of WBC and platelet from MS group and MS-C group were decreased compared with the control group. The levels of RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit from MS group and MS-C group showed statistically significant increases compared with the control group. The levels of protein, albumin from MS group and MS-C group were increased compared with the control group. The levels of BUN, creatinine from MS group and MS-C group did not show statistically significant changes compared with the control group. The mammary gland tissues from MS group and MS-C group showed increased angiogenesis. The levels of serum prolactin from MS group and MS-C group were increased compared with the control group. The expression of ${\beta}-casein$ and WAP genes from postpartum rats treated with MS and MS-C was increased. Conclusion : This study shows that MS and MS-C improved postpartum recovery and lactation in rats.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.517-525
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• 2022

Objective: The rehabilitation protocols for functional recovery have been emphasized after total knee arthroplasty, and Pilates is in the spotlight as a safe and easily modified exercise method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mat Pilates exercise on lower extremity function, postural balance, and walking in the individuals with total knee arthroplasty. Design: One group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Eighteen older women with unilateral total knee arthroplasty was recruited in the study. The subjects were evaluated on lower extremity function, postural balance, and walking before and after mat Pilates exercise. All subject performed one hour mat Pilates exercise, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Mat Pilates exercises were focused on core stability and lower extremity strengthening and, more dynamic movements were added to increase the difficulty of movements every two weeks. The lower extremity function was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), knee joint position sense, and five times sit-to-stand test. Postural balance was assessed by single leg stance test, functional reach test, and timed up and go test. Walking was measured by OptoGait system to temporospatial parameter. Results: The lower extremity function, postural balance, and walking were significantly improved after mat Pilates exercise, except for five times sit-to-stand test (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the mat Pilates exercise was a useful method to improve lower extremity function, postural balance, and walking in the older women with unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.41-47
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of differences in exercise time arrangement on the functional recovery of the lower limbs and balance of stroke patients. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 100 patients who were hospitalized in two hospitals located in Gyeonggi-do. Before the experiment, 60 of these patients who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30), whose exercise time was concentrated, and a control group (n = 30), whose exercise time was diffuse. The two groups underwent six weeks of physical and occupational therapy four times a day for five days a week. One session of therapy took 30 minutes, including three sets of physical therapy and one set of occupational therapy. The rest time between the sessions was different for each group. The experimental group had five minutes of rest between each therapy session, and the control group had two hours of rest time between each session. The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), an assessment of each patient's limit of stability (LOS), and a timed up and go test (TUG) were used as test tools. RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant increases in their FMA results, LOS measurements, and TUG results. The FMA results of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: Thus, concentrated exercise time was more effective than diffuse exercise time for the recovery of motor function.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.86-93
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of task-oriented arm training for chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. The experimental design in this study was the pre-test and post-test with control group for 4-week intervention. Thirty patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke were recruited from 2 rehabilitation units. The subjects were divided randomly into experimental and control groups. The experimental group conducted task-oriented approach, involving 3 subparts of upper extremity activities, and the control group involved in the general upper extremity exercises. Functional movements of the upper extremities were assessed using clinical measures, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity Section, Box and Block Test, and Action Research Arm Test. The score of Fugl-Meyer Assessment showed greater increases in the experimental group than in the control group after training. The improvement in Box and Block Test between pre-test and post-test measurements was significantly greater after task-oriented arm training compared to general upper extremity exercises. Action Research Arm Test scores also improved after task-oriented arm training compared to exercises in the control group. The task-oriented arm training improves the gross and fine motor activities and encouraging the use of the paretic arm through activity dependent intervention expedites the recovery of functional activities in the upper extremities for chronic hemiparetic stroke.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.105-117
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• 2021

Purpose : This study examined the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined high intensity interval training (HIIT) on the aerobic exercise capacity of college soccer players. Methods : The subjects of this study were 30 college soccer players. They were divided into a high intensity interval training group combining transcranial direct current stimulation (Group I) and a high intensity interval training group (Group II). Each group had 15 subjects randomly assigned. After receiving general soccer training, each group additionally received high intensity interval training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation and high intensity interval training for 30 minutes 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Their VO₂max and 20 meter shuttle run test, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test were analyzed before the intervention. After 8 weeks of intervention, the above items were re-measured and an intergroup analysis was performed. Results : As a result of comparative analysis of VO₂max intake between groups, 20 meter shuttle run test and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, a statistically significant difference was found. The high intensity interval training group (Group I) combined with transcranial direct current stimulation showed a significant difference in aerobic exercise capacity compared to the high intensity interval training group (Group II). Conclusion : These results showed that high intensity interval training group combined with transcranial direct current stimulation was more effective for aerobic exercise. Based on this study, this study proposes an effective program for patients as well as elite athletes. In the future, it is necessary to develop an effective transcranial direct current stimulation program and to study how to apply it for various patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.7
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• pp.824-831
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• 2009

Purpose : We aimed to investigate the efficacy of and functional recovery after intracerebral transplantation of different doses of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) in immature rat brain with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods : Postnatal 7-days-old Sprague-Dawley rats, which had undergone unilateral HI operation, were given stereotaxic intracerebral injections of either vehicle or mMSCs and then tested for locomotory activity in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week of the stem cell injection. In the 8th week, Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory dysfunction for a week. Results : In the open field test, no differences were observed in the total distance/the total duration (F=0.412, P=0.745) among the 4 study groups. In the invisible-platform Morris water maze test, significant differences were observed in escape latency (F=380.319, P<0.01) among the 4 groups. The escape latency in the control group significantly differed from that in the high-dose mMSC and/or sham group on training days 2-5 (Scheffe's test, P<0.05) and became prominent with time progression (F=6.034, P<0.01). In spatial probe trial and visible-platform Morris water maze test, no significant improvement was observed in the rats that had undergone transplantation. Conclusion : Although the rats that received a high dose of mMSCs showed significant recovery in the learning-related behavioral test only, our data support that mMSCs may be used as a valuable source to improve outcome in HIE. Further study is necessary to identify the optimal dose that shows maximal efficacy for HIE treatment.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.22-36
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• 1997

Functional recovery of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients were studied by examining functional independence measure (FIM) to evaluate the functional state of the patients at admission to and at discharge from the hospital and its relationship with the family support. Study subjects consisted of 129 CVA patients, who were admitted and received rehabilitation treatment at K Medical Center of Oriental Medicine from August 3 to December 18, 1997. The results were as follows: 1) Total FIM score was $72.37{\pm}25.16$ at admission and $101.67{\pm}22.13$ at discharge. The difference of average score was 29.30, which was statistically significant by paired t-test. 2) The largest difference between FIM scores at admission and at clischarge was observed in items of walking and wheel-chair riding, and the smallest clifference in items of social interaction. 3) The recovery was faster with motor function than with cognitive function, because the difference of FIM scores at admission and at discharge was much larger with motor function. 4) Recovery was better in groups under age 49 than in groups above age 70. Functional recorvery was prominent especially in groups with normal sensory state and speech functions, and groups without urinary incontinence. Recovery was less significantly in patients with paraplegic patients hospitalized longer than 2 months, patients with family all the time, and patients with CVA over 11 days. 5) We could not find any relationship between functional recovery and family support. FIM scores were lower in groups of old age(r=-0.325), long stayed in hospital (r=-0.426), and long period of time after the onset of disease(r= -0.339) with a reciprocal correlation between FIM scores and these parameters. 6) Stepwise multiple regression analysis was done to evaluate factors to affect the recovery from CVA. FIM score at admission could explain 51.2 % of the functional recovery. Important factors were periods of hospitalization, state of sensory function, age, and education (listed in decreasing order of importance). In total, they could explain 64.89% of the functional recovery. These results indicate that functional recovery of CVA patients, who were admitted to oriental medicine hospital for rehabilitation treatment, could be estimated by measuring FIM scores. Recovery was significantly better at discharge from the hospital than at admission and motor function recovery rate was much faster than that of cognitive function. 2. Recommendation Based on these results, we recommend following further studies. 1) Comparative study of recovery of motor function and of sensory function would be necessary by measuring FIM scores once a week to evaluate the recovery of CVA patients. 2) It would be interesting to see whether there is any difference of functional recovery between patients treated with either western medicine or oriental medicine. 3) Psychological factors affecting the recovery of CVA patients need to be studied.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.11 no.11
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• pp.4374-4381
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• 2010

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of complex exercise program for upper extremity function and balance proficiency in person with stroke. The subject in this study was a 68 year old woman with left hemiplegia after stroke, and the study period was from April 16th, 2005 to August 30, 2007. Complex exercise program was compromised of range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and repetitive task-oriented activities and so on, and the subject performed exercises three times a week, one hour a day. The upper extremity function of the subject was evaluated by the Brunnstrom Hand Recovery Stage, the Brunnstrom Upper Extremity Recovery Stage, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Function, and the Manual Function Test, and the balance proficiency was measured by the Tinetti Gait & Balance Scale, and the One Leg Standing Test. The results indicated that the upper extremity test scores were all improved, the balance proficiency test marks were maintained and improved, therefore complex exercise program was effective method to forward upper extremity and balance proficiency in person with stroke.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.263-273
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate effect of scalp acupuncture (SA) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) intervention on neuromotor function in photothrombotic cerebral infarction (PCI) rat model. Sixty male SD rats were used. PCI was induced on M1 cortex of right frontal lobe. SA was performed at the Qianding (GV21), Xuanli (GB6) acupoints of ipsilesional M1. Low-frequency rTMS was delivered to contralesional M1. All rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A, normal (n, 15); group B, PCI without any stimulation intervention (n, 15); group C, PCI with SA (n, 15); group D, PCI with rTMS (n, 15). Rota-rod test and Ladder rung walking test (LWT) were done weekly for 8 weeks after PCI. SA or rTMS was started from post-PCI 4^th day as protocol for 8 weeks. H/E stain and IHC were done. Western blot and qRT-PCR study were performed for MAP2 and BDNF from ipsilesional M1 peri-infarction tissue. Brain MRI study was conducted to quantify the volume of cerebral infarction. As a result, left forelimb and hindlimb function significantly improved more in group C and D than control group, with expressed more BDNF and MAP2. And brain MRI showed focal infarction of right M1 after PCI, and infarction volume progressively decreased in group C and D than group B from post-PCI 5^th to 8^th week. SA or rTMS was more effective than no intervention group on neuromotor function of PCI rat model. The functional recovery was associated with stimulation intervention-related neurogenesis.