• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.338-344
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• 2010

Objective : This study assessed the safety and efficacy of one level unilateral laminotomy bilateral decompression (ULBD) with the placement of a device for intervertebral assisted motion (DIAM) compared with one level ULBD only in elderly patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). Methods : A non randomized prospective analysis was performed on 16 patients who underwent one level ULBD with DIAM (Group A) and 20 patients with one level ULBD only (Group B) between February 2007 and March 2008. Radiographic imaging, visual analog scale (VAS) and MacNab outcome scale were obtained before and after surgery at a mean interval of 21 months (range 17-27 months). Results : The disc height, interpedicular distance, slip distance and segmental lordotic angle were similar between two groups. In the group A, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-operative imaging in terms of the sagittal balance and disc height. Both groups showed significant improvement in the clinical outcomes. In addition, there was significantly less low-back pain in the group A than in the group B at the last follow up, while the clinical improvement of the leg pain and MacNab outcome scale showed no significant difference in the two groups. There were no major complications or DIAM associated complications. Conclusion : ULBD with DIAM is a safe and efficacious treatment for selective elderly patients with DLSS, particularly for relieving low back pain comparing to ULBD. ULBD with DIAM did not alter the disc height or sagittal alignment at the mean 21 months follow-up interval.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exercise therapy on low back pain (LBP), the function of paraspinal and abdominis muscles, and the sacrohorizontal angle as seen on the radiographs of the lumbar spine in a young female golf player with LBP. METHODS: This case report describes an 11-year-old female golfer who presented with LBP. The exercise therapy program comprised lumbar joint mobilization, lumbar spine flexion distraction, abdominal bridge, plank, side plank, and single-leg extensions from a 4-point kneeling position for 40 min/day; this was done twice a week for 8-weeks. LBP [visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI)] and function of paraspinal and abdominis muscles [Ito test, curl-up test, $90^{\circ}$ stop test, squat test, opened eye one leg stance test (OEOL), and closed eye one leg stance test (CEOL)] were measured before and after 4 and 8 weeks of exercise therapy. The radiographs were analyzed for the lumbar Cobb's angle and sacrohorizontal angle before and after 8 weeks of exercise therapy. RESULTS: After 4 and/or 8 weeks of exercise therapy, VAS and ODI scores decreased; results for the Ito test, curl-up test, $90^{\circ}$ stop test, squat test, and OEOL and CEOL of muscle function improved; and the lumbar Cobb's angle and sacrohorizontal angle improved. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that exercise therapy improves LBP, muscle function, and radiographic parameters associated with LBP in young golf players. These findings have clinical implications for exercise therapy in young female golf players who have LBP.

• 디지털융복합연구
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.361-368
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• 2013

본 연구에서는 스프린터와 스케이터 패턴을 통합한 PNF 통합 패턴 운동이 만성 요통 노인 환자의 정적 균형과 동적 균형의 변화를 알아보고자 실시하였다. 본 연구는 만성 요통의 질환이 있는 노인 환자 34명을 대상으로 하였고, 34명을 무작위로 각각 PNF 통합 패턴 운동군(17명)과 스위스볼 운동군(17명)으로 나누었다. 운동전후에 정적 균형 능력 측정을 위해 GOOD BALANCE system(Metitur Oy, Palokka, Finland, 2003)을 사용하였다. 동적 균형 능력 측정을 위해 기능적 팔 뻗기 검사(functional reach test; FRT)와 일어나 걸어가기 검사(timed up and go test; TUG)를 시행하였다. 정적 균형 능력과 동적 균형 능력의 거의 대부분의 항목에서 유의한 차이를 나타내었다(p<.05). 군간 비교에서도 다수의 항목에서 스위스볼 운동군과 PNF 통합 패턴 운동군 사이에 유의한 차이를 나타내었다(p<.05). 이와 같은 연구 결과로 볼 때 PNF 통합 패턴 운동은 만성 요통 노인 환자의 균형 능력을 개선시키는데 효과적임을 알 수 있었으며, 임상에서 PNF 통합 패턴 운동을 이용할 수 있는 기초 자료를 충분히 제공하였다고 할 수 있을 것이다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.285-291
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• 2009

Objective : This study examined the change of range of motion (ROM) at the segments within the dynamic posterior stabilization, segments above and below the system, the clinical course and analyzed the factors influencing them. Methods : This study included a consecutive 27 patients who underwent one-level to three-level dynamic stabilization with Bioflex system at our institute. All of these patients with degenerative disc disease underwent decompressive laminectomy with/without discectomy and dynamic stabilization with Bioflex system at the laminectomy level without fusion. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain, whole lumbar lordosis (from L1 to S1), ROMs from preoperative, immediate postoperative, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 months at whole lumbar (from L1 to S1), each instrumented levels, and one segment above and below this instrumentation were evaluated. Results : VAS scores for leg and back pain decreased significantly throughout the whole study period. Whole lumbar lordosis remained within preoperative range, ROM of whole lumbar and instrumented levels showed a significant decrease. ROM of one level upper and lower to the instrumentation increased, but statistically invalid. There were also 5 cases of complications related with the fixation system. Conclusion : Bioflex posterior dynamic stabilization system supports operation-induced unstable, destroyed segments and assists in physiological motion and stabilization at the instrumented level, decrease back and leg pain, maintain preoperative lumbar lordotic angle and reduce ROM of whole lumbar and instrumented segments. Prevention of adjacent segment degeneration and complication rates are something to be reconsidered through longer follow up period.

• 한국의류산업학회지
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.467-476
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to develop a plausible methodology based on experimental data how to set up darts and split lines on 3D parametric body dressed with tight-fit garment. The results were as following: Through the process of making convex hull, the concave parts were straightened to make a convex hull, especially in the center part of bust, under breast part and scapular part. To figure out the optimum positions of darts and split lines, the inflection points of curve ratio were searched along the horizontal polylines of waist and bust. This procedures produced reliable results with low deviation. Using Rapidform, CATIA and Unigraphics, six patches of bodice patterns were drawn and aligned. Paired t-test results showed the outline and area between 3D surface and 2D were not significantly different, meaning this method could be adaptable when flattening 3D surfaces. The amount of waist dart measured on the pattern showed that the highest portion was allocated on 2nd dart(back), followed by 1st dart(back), 1st dart(front), 2nd dart(front)/side dart, and center back dart. A series of findings suggested that curve ration inflection point could be used as a guide to set up darts and split line on 3D parametric model with low deviation.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.20-25
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• 2022

This study aimed to examine the changes in the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores before and after epidural steroid injection (ESI) in patients with lower back pain, and the correlation between the three scales in patients with reduced scores on these scales. Patients completed the NRS, ODI, and RMDQ before and after receiving ESI. A paired t-test was performed to compare the mean scores obtained before and after ESI. The correlations between the scores were estimated by calculating the difference between the baseline and follow-up scores. Of the 49 patients, 37 completed both questionnaire assessments. Among them, 26 patients (70%) presented a post-ESI decrease in scores obtained on all three scales. The NRS score decreased from 6.81±1.91 points at baseline to 3.66±2.22 points at follow-up (P<0.0001); similarly, the ODI score decreased from 41.65±14.76 to 30.38±16.16 points (P=0.0025); and the RMDQ score decreased from 11.11±5.68 to 7.64±5.74 points (P=0.011). Of the 37 patients who completed the two questionnaires, 26 had reduced NRS, ODI, and RMDQ scores. The intraclass correlation coefficients between the NRS and ODI, NRS and RMDQ, and ODI and RMDQ scores were 0.7943, 0.6615, and 0.7182, respectively. The concordance correlation coefficients between the NRS and ODI, NRS and RMDQ, and ODI and RMDQ scores were 0.6020, 0.4938, and 0.5202, respectively. Among the measurements, the correlation between the NRS and ODI scores was the highest, and a moderate correlation was found between the scores obtained using the other instruments.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.107-114
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• 2024

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 80%. Among nonsurgical treatments for chronic LBP, Korean medicine treatments are highly preferred, and pharmacopuncture therapy combining acupuncture and herbal medicine is widely used. However, no evidence-based study has focused on the use of various types of pharmacopuncture. Methods: The pragmatic randomized controlled clinical trial will include 44 participants; recruitment will start in July 2023. All participants will receive integrated Korean medicine treatment including acupuncture, cupping, and infrared therapy, and the intervention group will also receive pharmacopuncture. After 16 treatment sessions, twice a week for 8 weeks, follow-up assessments will be performed at week 9. As a pragmatic randomized controlled clinical protocol, the type, dose, and acupoints of acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are not determined in advance but are selected and recorded according to the clinical judgment of the Korean medicine doctor. Results: The primary outcome will be measured using a visual analog scale score, and the secondary outcomes include the Oswestry disability index, patient global impression of change, no worse than mild pain, and range of motion. Safety will be assessed by examining participants' self-reported adverse events and vital signs and conducting blood tests before and after the test. Conclusion: This study aims to provide clinical evidence of the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture for chronic LBP.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• 제52권10호
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• pp.785-794
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) is a reliable method used to assess BP accurately. However, patients do not often know how to respond to the measured BP value. We developed a mobile application-based feed-back algorithm (SMBP-App) for tailored recommendations. In this study, we aim to evaluate whether SMBP-App is superior to SMBP alone in terms of BP reduction and drug adherence improvement in patients with hypertension. Methods: Self-Monitoring of blood pressure and Feed-back using APP in Treatment of UnconTrolled Hypertension (SMART-BP) is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy of SMBP-App compared with SMBP alone. Patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension will be randomly assigned to the SMBP-App (90 patients) and SMBP alone (90 patients) groups. In the SMBP group, the patients will perform home BP measurement and receive the standard care, whereas in the SMBP-App group, the patients will receive additional recommendations from the application in response to the obtained BP value. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 12 and 24 weeks after randomization. The primary endpoint of the study is the mean home systolic BP. The secondary endpoints include the drug adherence, the home diastolic BP, home and office BP. Conclusions: SMART-BP is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy of SMBP-App. If we can confirm its efficacy, SMBP-App may be scaled-up to improve the treatment of hypertension.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.111-117
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• 2017

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of weight ball throw training as a preparatory exercise before golf practice for 8 weeks on back muscle strength, weight shifting of lower body, head speed of club, and driving distance of amateur golfers. METHODS: A total of 18 subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=9) and the control group (n=9), respectively. For the experimental group, Weight ball throw training was provided to the height of waist and shoulder similar to golf swing with the following schedule: 3 kg weight ball throw training from the first week to the 4th week; 5 kg weight ball throw training from the 5th week to the 8th week. Before and after 8 weeks of training, back muscle strength, weight shifting of lower body, head speed of club, and driving distance of subjects in the two groups were measured. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant differences in rotational back extension torque, weight shifting of lower body, head speed of club, and driving distance during golf swing (p<.05). However, the control group only showed significant difference in driving distance during golf swing (p<.05). Back extension torque, weight shifting of lower body, and head speed of club showed significant differences between the two groups during golf swing (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Weight ball throw training can positively change rotational back muscle strength, weight shifting of lower body, head speed of club, and driving distance of amateur golfers. Therefore, it might be used as an effective warming up exercise for amateur golfers.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.27-38
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• 2018

Background: Related to escalating health care costs and the questionable effectiveness of multiple interventions including lumbar facet joint interventions, cost effectiveness or cost utility analysis has become the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine influencing coverage decisions. Methods: Cost utility of therapeutic lumbar facet joint nerve blocks in managing chronic low back pain was performed utilizing data from a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with a 2-year follow-up, with direct payment data from 2016. Based on the data from surgical interventions, utilizing the lowest proportion of direct procedural costs of 60%, total cost utility per quality adjusted life year (QALY) was determined by multiplying the derived direct cost at 1.67. Results: Patients in this trial on average received $5.6{\pm}2.6$ procedures over a period of 2 years, with average relief over a period of 2 years of $82.8{\pm}29.6$ weeks with $19{\pm}18.77$ weeks of improvement per procedure. Procedural cost for one-year improvement in quality of life showed USD $2,654.08. Estimated total costs, including indirect costs and drugs with multiplication of direct costs at 1.67, showed a cost of USD $4,432 per QALY. Conclusions: The analysis of therapeutic lumbar facet joint nerve blocks in the treatment of chronic low back pain shows clinical effectiveness and cost utility at USD $2,654.08 for the direct costs of the procedures, and USD $4,432 for the estimated overall cost per one year of QALY, in chronic persistent low back pain non-responsive to conservative management.