• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.69-74
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• 2018

Background: We conducted a cross-sectional study to analyze the pain characteristics and satisfaction scores in traffic accident (TA) patients seeking Korean medicine treatment. Methods: A survey was conducted in 845 outpatients who visited 10 Korean medicine institutions due to TA-associated symptoms from February 25th, 2016 to March 9th, 2016. The questionnaire included information about patient sociodemographic characteristics, accident circumstance details, pain levels, treatment methods, satisfaction and pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 14.0. Results: A total 754 of the 845 respondents had experienced acute pain of onset within 1-2 days. Pain in the neck or low back was most common, and low back pain (LBP) was more prevalent in pedestrian-vehicle accident cases. Patients showed highest satisfaction with pharmacopuncture treatment, followed by acupuncture and Chuna manual therapy. Although treatments were not completed at the time of the survey, the majority of patients were satisfied with the Korean medicine treatments they received and indicated their intent to reuse this treatment in the future. The degree of pain reduction after treatment was a factor that influenced patient satisfaction with and intention to reuse Korean medicine. Conclusion: This study determined the characteristics and status of TA patients using Korean medicine and suggests the need for further more inclusive studies.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.118-127
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• 2004

The foot and ankle are one of the most common sites for acute musculoskeletal injuries related to sports activity. Foot and ankle injury includes ligament injury, tendon injury, bone and osteochondral injury, nerve injuy, heel pain syndrome, phalangeal injury. This is a article about nonoperative management of foot and ankle injury. Therefore, this article includes various exercise technique, range of motion, stretching for muscle relaxation, proprioception training for rehabilitation. We recommend that orthopedic surgeon should discuss with patient and specialist for treatment plan after foot and ankle injury

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.440-447
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• 2022

Background: Agricultural handle equipment is present on all production areas' farms. They are handy and portable; however, excessive use can lead to acute traumas or accidental injuries. Repetitive movements, awkward postures, and hand-arm vibrations predispose them to pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to observe the interaction of handle equipment in terms of electromyographic activity and analyze the postural work-related alterations. Materials and methods: Twenty male agricultural operators, mean age 24±1.54 years, underwent the electromyographic analysis testing their muscular activities with a brushcutter, electric saw, and hedge trimmer in four different test conditions. Results: The brushcutter proved to be the agricultural handle equipment with the higher mean frequency (3.37±0.38 Hz) and root mean square (5.25±1.24 ms^-2). Furthermore, the digital postural analysis showed a general asymmetry of the main arm and the respective side of the trunk. The head resulted right inclined in the anterior frontal plane by 5.7°±1.2°; the right scapula lower than the left in the posterior frontal plane (8.5°±1.8°), and a working trunk inclination of 34.15°±5.7°. Conclusions: Vibrations of handle equipment and awkward working postures represent a risk for agricultural operators. Preventive measures are required to avoid young operators from experiencing musculoskeletal disorders all lifelong.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.65-81
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• 2024

Objectives This study aimed to understand the general research trends, applicated disease, and methodology of transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, contemplating its clinical use in traditional Korean medicine and future research directions. Methods A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley Framework Stage and adhering to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews: checklist and explanation. Papers published until October 30, 2023, were investigated across 10 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean Studies Information Service System, KMbase, Science ON, Research Information Sharing Service. The search terms used were 'Transcutaneous/Percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation'. Results Since 2021, the application of transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for musculoskeletal symptoms has been actively researched, predominantly in Asia (37%), Europe (37%), and North America (21%). All 19 papers were part of clinical studies. Chronic pain was noted that most applied disease, it also was found to potentially aid in acute post-surgical pain relief. Major assessment tools include not only simple pain metrics but also pain perception, vagal nerve tension, quality of life, and inflammatory markers. Most procedures were carried out through the ear, which offers a favorable site for therapeutic stimulation without notable side effects. And parameter analysis, frequencies typically ranged around 25 Hz to 30 Hz, while pulse widths were commonly set at 250 ㎲ or 300 ㎲. Conclusions Transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is easily accessible through acupuncture in Korean medicine. Therefore, if future studies establish parameters and clinical significance, it could be utilized as a therapeutic modality.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.153-157
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• 2024

Septic arthritis of the manubriosternal joint is a rare condition, especially in adolescents, who often present with nonspecific symptoms that can mimic more common conditions such as musculoskeletal chest pain, costochondritis. Here, we report a case of septic arthritis in a 17-year-old girl and highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing this condition in adolescents. Initially presenting with acute chest pain diagnosed as transient nonspecific chest pain, the patient's subsequent visits to the emergency department unveiled escalating symptoms, including high fever, prompting advanced imaging. Ultimately, the diagnosis of septic arthritis of the manubriosternal joint was confirmed, with blood culture growth revealing Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnostic delays have been attributed to the absence of typical symptoms and patient reluctance to be hospitalized. Our case emphasizes the importance of considering rare infectious etiologies in adolescents with chest pain and emphasizes the need for heightened suspicion in unusual anatomical sites. Further research is required to elucidate the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with this condition to aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment.

• Korean journal of aerospace and environmental medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2020

The medical fitness of pilots is part of the civil aviation safety scenery. This study aimed to analyze the health problems occurring among Korean commercial pilots. Three data sources were used to identify the health problems: 7,574 aviation medical examination data, 5,400 sick leaves and 39 cases of a decrease in medical fitness during flight duty period and layover of Korean commercial pilots who have been working for K airline from Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2018. This study was retrospectively analyzed using SPSS 22 statistical program. Waiver of medical certificates was an average 11.9% of total issuance for 3 years, with a denial of 0.1%. The leading cause of denial of medical certificates was predominantly of cardiovascular cause (55.6%). Mild respiratory and digestive disease accounted for 82% of total sick prevalence and 68% of total sick days. The psychiatric and cardiovascular disease were ranked high according to the number of days lost per case. The most common cause of decrease in medical fitness during flight duty period was acute abdominal pain (36.4%) and musculoskeletal disorder (40%) when staying abroad. Aeromedical emphasis on minimizing cardiovascular risk remains appropriate. Major pilot health problems identified in this study should be considered in establishing pilot health promotion programs for aviation safety.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.571-576
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate work related diseases in Korean firefighters and to prepare the preventive measure for health management for the firefighters. Structured self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the firefighters. The result revealed that 37.7% of fire fighters had chronic diseases and 12.3% had chronic low back pains. The affected parts included lumbar region(41.5%), shoulder(33.0%), and neck(23.6%). The affected parts caused physical pain and work discomfort for more than a month. A total of 54.1% firefighters visited to the hospital within a year. This results suggest that it is necessary to develop the health promotion program for the prevention of musculoskeletal disease and regular health checkup for the acute disorders caused by workload.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.66-72
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• 2024

Background: This study examines the relationship between functional disability and work ability in workers affected by low back pain (LBP) through an analysis of correlations between the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Work Ability Index (WAI). The role of personal and work factors on functional disability/work ability levels has also been studied. LBP is the most common musculoskeletal problem and a major disabling health problem worldwide. Its etiology is multifactorial. Multidisciplinary approaches may help reduce the burden of pain and disability and improve job continuity and reintegration at work. Methods: A cohort of 264 patients affected by LBP from an Italian outpatient clinic were included in a clinical diagnostic/therapeutic trial aiming at rehabilitation and return to work through an integrated investigation protocol. Data were collected during the first medical examination using anamnestic and clinical tools. The final sample is composed of 252 patients, 57.1% man, 44.0 % blue collars, 46.4% with the high school degree, 45.6% married. Results: WAI and ODI reported a negative and fair correlation (r = -0.454; p = .000). Workers with acute LBP symptoms have a higher probability of severe disability than those with chronic LBP symptoms. White collars without depressive symptoms reported higher work ability - even in chronic disability conditions-than those with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The study found that ODI and WAI have a convergent validity and this suggests that the two tools measure capture distinctive aspects of disability related to personal, environmental, and occupational characteristics. The most important and modifiable prognostic factors found for ODI and WAI were depressive symptoms, workday absence, and intensity of back pain. The study also found a mild association between age and ODI. The study's findings highlight the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to manage and prevent disability due to LBP.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.5
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• pp.444-448
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• 2007

Recently, intra-Muscular Stimulation (IMS) therapy is being increasingly used for musculoskeletal pain. This procedure is generally regarded as a safe procedure for the general public. Some cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax caused by acupuncture have been reported in the medical literature. However, a case of an IMS therapy associated pneumothorax has not reported. We experienced two cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax after IMS therapy. A 62 year-old man received IMS therapy on the right shoulder due to posterior neck pain. After IMS therapy, acute dyspnea and chest discomfort developed. The other patient was a 74 year-old woman who also received IMS therapy. This patient experienced a nonproductive cough and acute dyspnea after the treatment. As the popularity of this form of alternative medicine increases, we might expect to see more cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax. Physicians should be aware of the adverse events associated with IMS therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.7-15
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was examined to improve the standing posture of a scoliosis client using the ICF Tool. Methods: For examination, the study subject was a 16-year-old female student diagnosed with 3curve-pelvic (3CP) type scoliosis. Information about her were collected through a client interview and based on international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF core set was for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions, and the ICF level 2 items suggested by National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) were added to the recommendations for scoliosis. For evaluation, the ICF assessment sheet was used to identify the interaction among the problems. For the diagnosis, the client's functional problems were described in ICF terms. For the prognosis, the global goals for reaching the client's functional activity and participation level were presented as the long-and short-term goals. For the intervention, a coordinative locomotor training program composed of warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down was applied 3 times a week, 50 minutes a day, for 5 weeks. For the outcome, the differences between before and after the intervention were compared with the ICF qualifier and are shown with the ICF evaluation display. Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function and structure (7° decrease of thoracic angle, 7 score increase of trunk muscle power, 6.47s improve of one leg standing, 4 score decrease of neck pain). The activity for maintaining the standing posture, in which the client had a primary limitation, was improved. Conclusion: Applying the coordinative locomotor training program is expected to improve scoliosis client's standing posture.