• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.255-268
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• 2019

Horticultural therapy, as a kind of complementary alternative therapies using nature as a medium, is an intervention method that can be applied to various subjects by utilizing horticultural activities that anyone can enjoy as a leisure activity. This research defined the resilience of individuals as a personal characteristic, and examined differences in the intervention effect of horticultural activities depending on the level of resilience. The results obtained in this study can be utilized in planning a horticultural activity program and setting the purpose and goals of horticultural activity programs. The subjects of this study were divided into the high resilience experimental group (Group A), the low resilience experimental Group (Group C), the high resilience control group (Group B), and the low resilience control group (Group D). The experiment was conducted in the campus of G University from September to November 2017, and the experimental group participated in the program once per week, a total of 10 sessions. The Korean version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, autonomic nervous assessment, and the interpersonal relationship change scale were carried out as pre- and post-assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using a non-parametric test. Group A showed statistically significant positive changes in relaxation of physical tension and stability. In conclusion, those with high resilience showed the higher intervention effects of horticultural activities on physical relaxation and stability than those with low resilience. However, there were some possible limitations in this study. Since the number of subjects was small and subjects were limited to college students, it is impossible to generalize the results of this study. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct follow-up studies to address and overcome these limitations.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2024

Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectal wall protrudes outside the anus. While it is a rare condition, it can cause discomfort for patients due to the protrusion of the rectal structure, discharge of mucus and blood, fecal incontinence, constipation, and other inconveniences. In this review, we analyzed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study that used the herbal medicine Bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) as a complementary therapy to improve the weaknesses and side effects of the standard treatment, surgical therapy, for rectal prolapse. The analysis included 12 RCT studies, and in all studies, the prescription involved the use of Astragali Radix at the highest dosage. Among the 11 studies that evaluated efficacy, 7 studies showed a significant effect compared to the control group. In all 3 studies that evaluating recurrence rates and all 5 studies investigating complications after surgery, the experimental group showed significant effects. Based on these findings, this study could be considered as a foundational evidence for the application of bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) in clinical practice in Korean medicine for patients with rectal prolapse. It could also serve as foundational data for future research.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.337-345
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• 2007

Backgrounds: Although glucocorticoids are one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents, they have limited effect on cysteinyl leukotriene biosynthesis. In addition, the response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and inhaled long-acting ${\beta}_2-agonists$ (LABA) combination therapy in moderate to severe persistent asthmatics varies. Additional therapy with leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) in patients with moderate to severe asthma suboptimally controlled with ICS and LABA combination therapy would be complementary to asthma control. Methods: One hundred and ninety eight asthmatics entered a 2 month, open-label descriptive study. Patients suffering from persistent asthma and suboptimally controlled on a combination therapy of fluticasone/salmeterol or budesonide/formoterol were given montelukast 10 mg daily as an add-on therapy. The level of asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) including $FEV_1%$ predicted at the baseline and after a 2-month treatment with montelukast. A global evaluation of the treatment was also made by the patients and physicians. Results: The mean ACQ score decreased significantly on montelukast ($11.5{\pm}5.4$ at baseline vs. $6.7{\pm}5.0$), with a significant improvement in all individual symptom scores (p<0.01). The $FEV_1%$ predicted values did not show any significant change. 59.9% of patients and 59.4% of physicians reported global improvement in their asthma (${\kappa}=0.85$). Conclusion: These results suggest that the addition of montelukast in patients with persistent asthma that is suboptimally contolled by combination therapy of ICS and LABA might confer complementary effects on asthma control.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.546-555
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• 1999

Objectives : To determine the prevalence, pattern. and out-of-pocket expenditure of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) utilization in Korean adult population. Methods : We conducted a representative telephone survey of 2,042 persons aged 18 or older. Data about any health problem, details of their use of medical doctors(MDs) offices/hospitals/pharmacies services and CAM during the preceding 12 months were collected with structured questionnaire. Results : The utilization rate of CAM among Korean adults was 29% in one year. A total of 231 kinds of CAM was identified from this survey. Annual out-of-pocket expenditure associated with CAM use in 1998 amounted to ${\xi}{\S}1.88$ billion and was comparable to 40.8% of out-of-pocket expenditure paid for MDs offices/hospitals/pharmacies services. Among those(N=424) who paid for both MDs offices/hospitals/pharmacies services an d CAM, 35.8% paid more for CAM. CAM gave more satisfaction than western medicine to those who had experience of both types of therapy. About half of CAM users were willing to recommend CAM to others. Disclosure rate to physician among CAM users was not high(40.6%). Conclusion : CAM became a popular source of health care in Korea, Korean spent a substantial amount of out-of-pocket money on CAM without any public control. Because CAM use is likely to be increased rapidly through lay referral system, health policy makers and health professionals should pay more attention to CAM for making appropriate utilization of CAM.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to achieve a vision for autistic children and their parents aimed at generating interest in ideas such as "Sanitas Per Aquam" (SPA), massage and music therapy, which has begun to have widespread use and to attract attention. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out with autistic children and their parents from February to April 2015 in $Mu{\breve{g}}la$, Turkey. The study was began by interviewing experts in the field and by developing a suitable assessment questionnaire. In order to direct the flow of conversation between the researchers and the autisitc children and their parents, the researchers conducted semi-structured face to face interviews in a form that had been determined by using reports in the literature and the opinions of experts in the field. Results: Forty two boys (84%) and eight girls (16%) with autism participated in our study. Children in the 0 - 7 age group spent long time in the bathroom (P = 0.001). Boys liked to be hugged more than girls (P = 0.01). Children ages 0 - 7 years liked bright lighting while those 15 years of age and older liked gloomy lighting (P = 0.009). Except for these statistically significant sex- and age-related differences, no other statistically significant differences were noted in the parameters of this study. Although the result was not statistically significant, more children with mild autism disorder obeyed commands like inhale or exhale (P = 0.051). Conclusion: Treatment for autism spectrum disorders is not yet fully possible, so many studies are being done to alleviate some symptoms and to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families. As a result of our study, whether touching the areas the children want touched and listening to their favorite music are required to stimulate the brain remain as questions in our minds.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.193-206
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• 2005

Objective: This study is designed to compare the effects of Sulguanjul-Bang No.1 on osteoarthritis in knee joint according to formulation. Methods: 47 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee joint were enrolled in a open clinical trial. The 47 patients were devided into two groups at random and taken Sulguanjul-bang No.1 with decoction type, suspension type respectively for8 weeks. After 8-week treatment period, the following parameters were analyzed ; Visual analogue Scale(VAS), Lysholm index score, patients' global assessment. Results: Sulguanjul-bang No.1 treatment led to significant improvement in the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis as determined by all efficacy measures. After 8 weeks of therapy, there was significant improvement in VAS, Lysholm index and patients' global assessment. But there is no significant difference between two groups. Conclusions: Sulguanjul-bang No.1 was very beneficial pain relief effect and functional improvement irrespect of formulation, decoction type or suspension type.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1-4
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• 2002

The development of Korean Oriental medicine is based upon the accumulation of experience and knowledge gathered over the centuries. The approaches taken are holistic and empirical. There is a need to understand their actions at molecular levels with more rational, objective and scientific studies. Today it appears that Chronic and age-associated diceases may be multifactorial and hence more complex. A different approach may be required. One claimed usage of Korean Oriental medicine is for the treatment and prevention of chronic and age-associated illnesses. Some of the botanical formulas used for this purpose were discovered thousands of years ago and continue to be used today. There are indications that these formulas may indeed be helpful in the treatment or prevention of chronic diseases. This multi-component medicine could not only be very useful meeting the unmet clinical needs but for defining a more synergistic therapy that supports and maintains the bodies natural curative abilities. The potential usefulness of Korean Oriental medicine embodies the belief of maintaining healthy homeostasis of the body through the proper balance of a mixture of chemical at different organs or tissues. This concept is different from western medicine and implies that multiple compounds may act on multiple mechanisms of action to maintain the balance of the complex web of biology. This is very important in view of sciences current direction to integrate fragmented information to develop future medicines. The western and eastern approaches to human health and disease are complementary to each other. The best approach in developing future medicines is to integrate both approaches.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.223-229
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• 2019

The number of knee-related disease patients and knee joint surgeries is steadily increasing every year, and for knee rehabilitation training for these knee joint patients, it is necessary to strengthen the muscle of vastus medialis and quadriceps femoris. However, because of the cost and time-consuming difficulties of receiving regular hospital treatment in the course of knee rehabilitation, we developed knee exoskeleton using rapid prototype for knee rehabilitation with feedback from the electromyogram (EMG) and inertia motion unit (IMU) sensor. The modules was built on the basis of EMG and an IMU sensor applied complementary filter, measuring muscle activity in the vastus medialis and the range of joint operation of the knee, and then performing the game based on this measurement. The IMU sensor performed up to 97.2% accuracy in experiments with ten subjects. The functional game contents consisted of an exergaming platform based on EMG and IMU for the real-time monitoring and performance assessment of personalized isometric and isotonic exercises. This study combined EMG and IMU-based functional game with knee rehabilitation training to enable voluntary rehabilitation training by providing immediate feedback to patients through biometric information, thereby enhancing muscle strength efficiency of rehabilitation.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.79-111
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• 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can lead to emotional and physical problems. Treatments such as antidepressant and cognitive behavioral therapy for MDD have many limitations. Traditional East Asian Herbal Medicine (TEAM) is a representative modality of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) which can be used for MDD. However, no study has systematically reviewed the efficacy or safety of TEAM for MDD so far. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate effectiveness and safety of TEAM as a monotherapy for MDD. We only included TEAM that could be used in context of clinical setting in Korean Medicine. Outcomes were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and total effective rate (TER). After comprehensive electronic search of 11 databases, we included 28 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared HM as monotherapy with antidepressant for MDD. Meta-analysis showed that TEAM had significant benefits in reducing HAMD (MD=-0.40, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.13, p=0.003, I²=85%) and improving TER (RR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.10, p=0.003, I²=0%). It also appeared to be safer than antidepressant in terms of adverse effects. Methods used for RCTs were poor and the quality of evidence was graded 'low' or 'moderate'. These findings indicate that the use of HM as a monotherapy might have potential benefits in MDD treatment as an alternative to antidepressant. However, considering the methodological quality of included RCTs, the clinical evidence is uncertain. Further well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.291-301
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• 2015

It was conducted to investigate effects of the group art-therapy for abused children with depressed, anxiety, negative self image. The subjects were 4 children at OOcity OOgroup home. They lived at group home for 4years 5months with any treatment. Group art therapy had been conducted once a week from Sept. 2013 through Aug. 2014. There were 48sessions and each session lasted 60 minute. To verify the effects of Group art therapy(art activity, works & contents), researchers recorded the subjects' emotional reactions, attitudes, behaviors with the therapeutic purpose in each session and measured CDI, STAIC(TAIC, SAIC), Self-IQYA Korean version Inventory for validity. Pre test(Aug. 2013) & post-test(Aug. 2014) were executed. To do a sum of test reliability, the SPSS 21.0 program is used. The results were: firstly, abused children expressed their emotional state in the works, they changed behaviors and improved relations with friends. Secondly, the score of depression & anxiety in the post_test was lower than in pre_test. Thirdly, the score of self-image in the post_test was higher than in pre_test. Depression & anxiety were reduced and self image changed positively. Exactly, they reduced impulsive act and maintained friendly relationships. Fosterer understood well the children so she would reduce difficulty.