• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.17-27
• /
• 2003

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) modulates cortical excitability beyond the duration of the rTMS trains themselves. Depending on rTMS parameters, a lasting inhibition or facilitation of cortical excitability can be induced. Therefore, rTMS of high or low frequency over motor cortex may change certain aspects of motor learning performance and cortical activation. This study investigated the effect of high and low frequency subthreshold rTMS applied to the motor cortex on motor learning of sequential finger movements and brain activation using functional MRI (fMRI). Three healthy right-handed subjects (mean age 23.3) were enrolled. All subjects were trained with sequences of seven-digit rapid sequential finger movements, 30 minutes per day for 5 consecutive days using their left hand. 10 Hz (high frequency) and 1 Hz (low frequency) trains of rTMS with 80% of resting motor threshold and sham stimulation were applied for each subject during the period of motor learning. rTMS was delivered on the scalp over the right primary motor cortex using a figure-eight shaped coil and a Rapid(R) stimulator with two Booster Modules (Magstim Co. Ltd, UK). Functional MRI (fMRI) was performed on a 3T ISOL Forte scanner before and after training in all subjects (35 slices per one brain volume TR/TE = 3000/30 ms, Flip angle $60^{\circ}$, FOV 220 mm, $64{\times}64$ matrix, slice thickness 4 mm). Response time (RT) and target scores (TS) of sequential finger movements were monitored during the training period and fMRl scanning. All subjects showed decreased RT and increased TS which reflecting learning effects over the training session. The subject who received high frequency rTMS showed better performance in TS and RT than those of the subjects with low frequency or sham stimulation of rTMS. In fMRI, the subject who received high frequency rTMS showed increased activation of primary motor cortex, premotor, and medial cerebellar areas after the motor sequence learning after the training, but the subject with low frequency rTMS showed decreased activation in above areas. High frequency subthreshold rTMS on the motor cortex may facilitate the excitability of motor cortex and improve the performance of motor sequence learning in normal subject.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.354-361
• /
• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of regular taekwondo training on neurotrophic factors and cognitive function in obese middle-aged women. Thirty-three middle-aged women with obesity were selected for this study and randomly assigned into a control group(CG, n=18) and an taekwondo group(TG, n=15). The TG performed taekwondo training 5 times weekly for 16 weeks, while the CG did not exercise training. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) levels were analyzed and Stroop Color and Word tests were performed before and after the intervention. The serum BDNF and IGF-1 levels were significantly increased in the TG after the intervention(p<.05). On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found in the serum VEGF levels, or in the Stroop Color and Word Test scores(p>.05). These results suggest that regular taekwondo training may be affects levels of peripheral neurotrophic factors but not cognitive function in obese middle-aged women.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.19-30
• /
• 2016

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Interactive Metronome (IM) training on short-term memory and attention for children with mental retardation. Methods : For this study, single-subject experimental research was conducted using an ABA design. We observed two children, twice a week for 9 weeks, which was 18 sessions in total. We evaluated the children's brain waves without intervention and the child's pseudo randomly selected sample of one short-term memory task as assessed in the baseline A phase for three sessions. In the intervention phase the children received 40-50 minutes of Interactive Metronome training twice a week, a total of 12 sessions. The short-term memory test and long form test as assessed after treatment, without brain wave in short form test measuring. During the baseline A phase, data were collected using the same procedure as the baseline A phase. Results : After the interactive metronome training, positive changes was observed in brain waves, attentions and short-term memory. Conclusion : The results of this study expect that IM training has a potential for improving cognitive functions of children with mental retardation. In addition, the results of this study can be used as basic data in attention and short-term memory of occupational therapy intervention for children with mental retardation.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.29-36
• /
• 2016

Objectives Firefighters and rescue workers are likely to be exposed to a variety of traumatic events; as such, they are vulnerable to the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychometric properties of the Korean version of the PTSD Checklist (PCL), a widely used self-report screening tool for PTSD, were assessed in South Korean firefighters and rescue workers. Methods Data were collected via self-report questionnaires and semi-structured clinical interviews administered to 221 firefighters. Internal consistency, item-total correlation, one-week test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity were examined. Content validity of the PCL was evaluated using factor analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to estimate the optimal cutoff point and area under the curve. Results The PCL demonstrated excellent internal consistency (${\alpha}=0.97$), item-total correlation (r = 0.72-0.88), test-retest reliability (r = 0.95), and convergent and divergent validity. The total score of PCL was positively correlated with the number of traumatic events experienced (p < 0.001). Factor analysis revealed two theoretically congruent factors: re-experience/avoidance and numbing/hyperarousal. The optimal cutoff was 45 and the area under the ROC curve was 0.97. Conclusions The Korean version of the PCL may be a useful PTSD screening instrument for firefighters and rescue workers, further maximizing opportunities for accurate PTSD diagnosis and treatment.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.519-525
• /
• 2023

The human brain constantly emits electrical impulses, which is called brain waves, and brain waves can be defined as the electrical activity of the brain generated by the flow of ions generated by the biochemical interaction of brain cells. There is a study that emotion is one of the factors that can cause stress. Brain waves are the most used in the study of emotions. This paper is a study on whether emotions affect stress, and showed two images of fear and joy to four experimenters and divided them into three stages before, during, and after watching. As a measurement tool, brain waves at the positions of Fp1 and Fp2 were measured using the NeuroBrain System, a system that can automate brain wave measurement, analysis, brain wave reinforcement, and suppression training with remote control. After obtaining the brain wave data for each emotion, the average value was calculated and the study was conducted. As for the frequency related to stress, the values of Alpha and SMR, Low Beta, and High Beta were analyzed. Brainwave analysis affects stress depending on the emotional state, and "fear" emotions cause anxiety by raising Beta levels, resulting in higher Mind Stress levels, while "joy" emotions lower Beta levels, resulting in a significant drop in Mind Stress.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.87-91
• /
• 2013

Objective: The present study was aimed at determining the effect of physical training on glutamate transporter activity in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced ischemia injury rat model. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: In this study, we randomly divided them into three groups. Group I included non-occlusion sham controls (n=10), Group II included non-physical training after MCAO (n=10), and Group III included rats that were subjected to physical training after MCAO (n=10). Rats in the physical training group underwent treadmill training, which began at 24 h after MCAO and continued for 14 consecutive days. The training intensity was gradually increased from 5 m/min on the first day to 12 m/min on day 3, and it was maintained until day 14. Focal cerebral ischemia was examined in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by using the MCAO model. We determined the functional outcomes for each rat on days 1, 7, and 14. Glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) activity in the cortex of rats from all three groups was examined at the end of the experiment. Results: Out result show that MCAO rats exhibited severe neurological deficits on the 1 day, and there was no statistically significant in each groups. We observed that the functional outcomes were improved at days 7 and 14 after middle cerebral artery occlusion, and GLT-1 activity was increased in the physical training group (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results indicated that physical training after focal cerebral ischemia exerts neuroprotective effects against ischemic brain injury by improving motor performance and increasing the levels of GLT-1 activity.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.53-61
• /
• 2018

Background: Stroke patients show abnormal walking patterns due to brain injury. In order to have the desired walking pattern, appropriate stimulation is required to activate the central pattern generator. For this reason, our study performed treadmill ambulatory training with rhythmic auditory stimulation. However we did not consider the influence of visual feedback. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the gait abilities in chronic stroke patients following either treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation and visual feedback (TRASVF) or treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation (TRAS) alone. Methods: Twenty-one stroke patients were divided into two groups: A TRASVF group (10 subjects) and a TRAS group (11 subjects). They received 30 minutes of neuro-developmental therapy (NDT) and walking training for 30 minutes, five times a week for three weeks. Temporal and spatial gait parameters were measured before and after the training period. The Biodex gait trainer treadmill system measured gait parameters. Results: After the training periods, the TRASVF group showed a significant improvement in walking speed, the step length of the affected limb, and time on each foot of the affected limb when compared to the TRAS group (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation and visual feedback improved individual gait ability more than the treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation alone. Therefore, visual feedback should be considered along with rhythmic auditory stimulation training.

• Asian Journal of Innovation and Policy
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.27-53
• /
• 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the unique characteristics of the Korean academic system with regard to brain circulation, with a specific emphasis on the influence of overseas-trained academics on research activities within the Korean academic system. We have analyzed the statistical data on individual characteristics and performances of 48,499 Korean academics in science and engineering. We have examined the results at both the system and individual levels within the broader context of the macro characteristics of the Korean academic system. Our analysis reveals that the total number of domestically-trained academics exceeds the number of overseas-trained academics. However, in terms of research funding, overseas-trained academics tend to receive more funding than domestically-trained academics. Furthermore, after controlling other factors such as funding, personal attributes, and environmental factors, our analysis demonstrates that overseas training has a significant and favorable impact on the publication of internationally renowned journals. As such, the presence of overseas returnees has been essential for the effective functioning of the Korean academic system in the global research network and for conducting high-quality academic research. Therefore, the advantages of dependence on scientific core countries such as the US for overseas training have persisted. Nevertheless, upon scrutinizing the group of recently appointed 5,806 academics exclusively, we have discovered that junior academics who received their education domestically exhibit sufficient academic proficiency compared to their colleagues educated overseas. This observation highlights the potential for the Korean academic system to evolve into a self-sustaining system.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.435-443
• /
• 2011

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of exercise training [ET, 10~18 m/min (speed), 20~30 min (exercise duration)/a day for 5 day/wk, 6 wk) on PGC-$1{\alpha}$, GLUT-1, Tfam, Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD proteins in brain of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were single-injected intraperitoneally with 50mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) to produce STZ-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into 3 experimental groups with 8 rats in each group, as follows: (1) non-STZ group (n=8), (2) STZ-CON group (n=8), (3) STZ-EXE group (n=8). The results of this study suggest that i) serum glucose level was significantly reduced in STZ-EXE group compared with STZ-CON group (p<0.05), ii) PGC-$1{\alpha}$ (p<0.001), mtPGC-$1{\alpha}$ (p<0.001), GLUT-1 (p<0.001), and mtTfam (p<0.001) proteins in brain of STZ-induced diabetic rats were significantly increased in STZ-EXE group compared with STZ-CON group, iii) Cu,Zn-SOD (p<0.001) and Mn-SOD (p<0.01) proteins in the STZ-induced diabetic rats were significantly increased in STZ-EXE group compared with STZ-CON group. In conclusion, the findings of the present study reveal that treadmill exercise training increases brain GLUT-1 protein level possibly through up-regulation of PGC-$1{\alpha}$ and Tfam proteins which represent key regulatory components of stimulation of brain mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, treadmill exercise training may prevent oxidative stress by up-regulation of Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD proteins in the STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.66 no.5
• /
• pp.511-524
• /
• 2023

Objective : This animal model aimed to compare the rat group that received brain irradiation and did not receive additional treatment (only saline) and the rat group that underwent brain irradiation and received Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment. In addition, the effects of G-CSF on brain functions were examined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histopathologically. Methods : This study used 24 female Wistar albino rats. Drug administration (saline or G-CSF) was started at the beginning of the study and continued for 15 days after whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). WBRT was given on day 7 of the start of the study. At the end of 15 days, the behavioral tests, including the three-chamber sociability test, open field test, and passive avoidance learning test, were done. After the behavioral test, the animals performed the MR spectroscopy procedure. At the end of the study, cervical dislocation was applied to all animals. Results : G-CSF treatment positively affected the results of the three-chamber sociability test, open-space test and passive avoidance learning test, cornu Ammonis (CA) 1, CA3, and Purkinje neuron counts, and the brain levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and postsynaptic density protein-95. However, G-CSF treatment reduced the glial fibrillary acidic protein immunostaining index and brain levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa-B, and lactate. In addition, on MR spectroscopy, G-CSF had a reversible effect on brain lactate levels. Conclusion : In this first designed brain irradiation animal model, which evaluated G-CSF effects, we observed that G-CSF had reparative, neuroprotective and anti-neurodegenerative effects and had increased neurotrophic factor expression, neuronal counts, and morphology changes. In addition, G-CSF had a proven lactate-lowering effect in MR spectroscopy and brain materials.