• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.646-662
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) with transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) on motor function improvement in stroke patients. Methods: This study was conducted on patients diagnosed with stroke more than 2 weeks but within 12 months of onset. A total of 22 patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received EA and tDCS treatment, while the control group received sham EA and sham tDCS treatment. Assessments were conducted using the Korean version of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (K-FMA) scores, grip and pinch strength tests, Box and Block test (BBT), Nine-hole peg test (9HPT), Berg balance scale (BBS), and the Korean version the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) scores. Adverse events were recorded at each intervention. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in general characteristics between the two groups. The K-FMA, BBS, and K-MBI scores of both groups increased significantly after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Although hand strength and dexterity improved after intervention in both groups, the changes were not statistically significant. In the experimental group, the lateral pinch score increased significantly after the intervention, but this increase was not significant compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. All nine reported adverse reactions were minor, with no moderate or severe adverse reactions reported. Conclusion: This study confirmed the potential effectiveness and safety of EA with tDCS in improving motor function in stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.144-152
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• 2005

To evaluate the effect of lead biomarkers including bone lead on neurobehavioral test in lead workers, 652 lead workers without any occupational exposure to organic solvent, mercury and arsenic were agreed to participate this study. For the control subjects 102 non-occupationally lead exposed blue collar workers in general manufacturing industries were also joined this study. All study subjects joined this study with written informed consent. The study variables of lead exposure were blood and patella lead. For the general characteristics of study subjects, standardized questionnaire regarding age, sex, past disease history, job duration, body mass index (BMI), drinking and smoking habit were provided. For the past history of neurotoxicity related diseases, all study subjects were interviewed by qualified occupational health physician. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Compared with controls without occupational lead exposure, lead exposed subjects had worse performance on all tests(p<0.05). 2. After adjustment for covariates (age, sex, job duration, education level, BMI, smoking and drinking status), the signs of the regression coefficients for blood lead were negative for 13 of the 14 tests. Blood lead was a significant predictor of poorer scores on 8 tests (simple reaction time(ms & root MSD), Trail-Making Test B, Digit Symbol Substitution, Purdue Pegboard assembly, Digit Span Test, Benton Visual Retention, and Purdue pegboard both hand). 3. After adjustment for covariates (age, sex, job duration, education level, BMI, smoking and drinking status), the signs of the regression coefficients for patella lead were negative for 12 of the 14 tests. Patella lead was a significant predictor of poorer scores on 8 tests (simple reaction time(ms). Purdue Pegboard assembly, Digit Span Test, Benton Visual Retention. Pursuit Aiming rest (no. of correct & no. of incorrect), Purdue pegboard non-dominant hand and both hand). With above results, blood lead and patella lead were associated with poorer performance of neurobehavioral tests. In addition, patella lead was confirmed to be better predictor of manual dexterity test in neurobehavioral test battery in lead workers

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2016

Objective : This study was examined the effects of task-oriented training therapy after botulinum toxin injection, upper extremity function and activities of daily living for stroke patient. Methods : The subject was a 44 year old male who suffered from hemiplegic patient received a task-oriented training therapy after botulinum toxin injection on involved upper extremity for 30-min sessions 5 times every week during 8 weeks. The scores were obtained before the injection, at 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the injection. The upper extremity function was assessed using a Manual Function Test and Box and Block Test, and also Modified Barthel Index was applied for evaluation of Activities of Daily Living performance ability. Results : The results of this study show that the subject's In-hand manipulation and dexterity function increase significantly. Also, In activities of daily living, personal hygiene area, feeding area, toilet area, dressing area scores are improved significantly. Conclusion : Through this study, task-oriented training after botulinum toxin injection can improve upper extremity function and Activities of Daily Living performance ability of patient with stroke.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.28 no.2 s.50
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• pp.386-397
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• 1995

A cross sectional study was performed to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of chronic exposure of complex organic solvents, using NCTB(Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery) recommended by WHO(World Health Organization). Forty female shoe factory workers and twenty-two controls matched with age were participated. The tests were performed in the morning before start of work, to exclude the effects of acute exposure. Workers were exposed mainly to toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, n-hexane, cyclo-hexane, dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene, benzene, xylenes etc. The ranges of present solvent exposure of hygienic effect were $0.46\sim0.71$ in the process using adhesives indirectly, and $1.83\sim2.39$ in the process using it directly. We reclassified the subjects, according to cumulative exposure. It showed significantly poorer performances in high exposed group on Santa Ana Dexterity and Benton Visual Retention, compared with control group. After controlling confounder, the significances were still remained. But, further cohort studies, having the information of personal exposure dose from entering a factory, are required to clarify the effects of chronic exposure of complex organic solvents in relation to dose and duration of exposure.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 2011

Purpose: Driving is essential to maintain independent living status in modern times. Many patients want to know when they can drive again, but it's only possible if they have the ability to control lower extremity muscles. In this study, we compared the effects of velocity on onset time of lower extremity muscles during driving tasks. Methods: Twelve participants (5 male, 7 female) were enrolled. EMGs were used to test the onset time of lower extremity muscles; tibialis anterior, soleus, rectus femoris. To analyze the data, we used two way ANOVA. Results: According to brake pedaling velocity, there was a significant difference in brake response time (p<0.05). Further, when comparing the lower extremity muscles, there was a significant difference in onset time (p<0.05). The order of muscle recruitment was tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and soleus for achieving maximal velocity, but the order was rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, soleus for achieving submaximal velocity. Conclusion: Brake pedaling velocity has significant effects on onset time of muscle contractions in the lower extremities. We suggested that a future study needs more subjects and more detailed research such as evaluat-ions of visuo-motor coordination and fine motor dexterity.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop an effective horticultural activity program for the vocational rehabilitation of people with mental disabilities. The subjects of this study were seven persons with mental disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation team of a public health center located in G city, Gyeongsangbuk-do. A total of 10 horticultural programs were held from October 10 to December 11, 2018. Five programs were selected among those that were easy for the persons with mental illness to handle and their preference was high. In each session, the same task was repeated 10 times and finally changes in hand functions and working speed were measured. As a result, the assembly task of the Purdue Pegboard test was 23.6 (SD = 10.5) before the program, 26.6 (SD = 11.5) after planting, 27.7 (SD = 12.2) after wrapping pots, and 28.0 (SD = 13.9) after making mini flower baskets, 26.9 (SD = 12.0) after wrapping a single flower, and 29.1 (SD = 11.9) after making corsages. There was a significant difference between the five programs (p = .016). As a result of measuring the time taken to produce the same 10 products, the average planting time was 9.9 (SD = 4.0) minutes in the first class and 6.0 (SD = 2.3) minutes in the second class (p = .018), and making mini flower baskets was reduced from 35.2 (SD = 10.1) minutes to 21.0 (SD = 7.7) minutes (p = .018), wrapping a single flower from 23.3 (SD = 7.9) minutes to 16.2 (SD = 7.3) minutes (p = .043), and making corsages from 53.6 (SD = 15.9) to 40.8 (SD = 16.8) minutes (p = .043). The working time was significantly shortened in the second class compared to the first class. The class for wrapping pots was shortened from 52.7 (SD = 11.7) to 49.6 (SD = 17.8) minutes, but there was no significant difference (p = .398).

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.23-35
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• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study is to understand whether group Sensory Integration(SI) therapy has the effect on improvement of motor skill and social function for children with developmental disorder. Method : The subjects were recruited among children received sensory integration therapy at a Children's Development Institute in Dae-Jeon, experimental group is total 5 participating in group sensory integration therapy and control group is also 5 participating in individual sensory integration therapy. The program was constructed for 90 minutes and all children either in the experimental or in the control group went through intervention for 20 weeks. Bruininks-Oseretsky test of Motor Proficiency II, Korean-Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised and Social Maturity Scale were used in order to evaluate the degree of improvement in motor skill and social function. Results : Most children in the experimental group showed improvement in overall aspects of motor skill and the social function comparing pre-intervention with post-intervention, but they did not show any statistically significant differences. However, comparing experimental group with control group, children in the experimental group showed improvement in motor skill and social function. Furthermore, there is statistically significant improvement especially in manual coordination, manual dexterity, and social age and social quotient in Behavior-Revised and Social Maturity Scale. Conclusions : It is found that a group Sensory Integration therapy program has effect on motor skill and social function for children with developmental disorder in this study. In the future study, group SI therapy should be applied for children with diverse diagnosis in order to generalize the effectiveness of therapy.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.141-158
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• 1997

The purpose of this study were to investigate the job analysis questionnaire was mailed to 250 dietitians who are members of The Korean dietetic association practice group in self-operated foodservices(hereafter group A)and 250 dietitians who are employed in contracted foodservice companies(hereafter group B). Completed questionnaires were received from 285 dietitians(121 in self-operated, 164 in contracted) ; a response rate of 57%. Statistical data analysis was completed using the SAS/win packages for descriptive analysis, t-test, $x^2$-test, The results of this study can be summarized as follows. 1. The dietetic training or internship experiences were significantly different between the two sample group(p<.001), but the perceptions of needs for training or internship were not different between and they thought one to six month training would be needed for the job. 2. The question about the time needed in order to perform an expert job was answered significantly differently(p<.001) 3. Group A usually took part in obligatory continuing education and short-term training courses, and group B usually took part in obligatory continuing education and on-the-job trainings, respectively. However both group perceived all three types of educations would be needed for performing the job better. 4. As for the physical demands of the job, a certain degree of accuracy and dexterity for physical tasks and equipment operations was needed for the job. Concerning the mental demands, they answered that their job needs considerable creativity and judgement for planning and performing their tasks was needed. 5. As for responsibilities, group B's responsibilities were heavier than group A’s(p<.001) and need for confidentiality was also greater for group B than for group A(p<.001). 6. As for the supervising role differences, group A rarely received supervision from others and they were given directions only in essential situations, whereas group B was usually supervised when planning and performing their job and tasks, showing significant difference in positions between the two sample groups(p<.001). But each group supervised co-workers and employees in their department. 7. With regard to personal contact, both groups frequently contacted people in their department and other departments at the company and sometimes people outside the company. 8. Concerning the work environment, there were some risks and discomforts in the physical environment and there was no significant difference between the two sample groups.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.23-35
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• 2013

Purpose : We intend to make the study date for an effect of therapy by comparing the functional level both before and after conducting handwriting training and strength training as a part of treatment to improve muscle strength and function of the patient's non-dominant hand. Method : 8 subjects in writing training group conducted hand writing training 30 minutes at once and three times a week for 4 weeks in total 12 times, and 8 subjects in muscle training group conducted muscle training program of putty and Rolyan ergonomic hand exerciser for 15 minutes respectively in sum up 30 minutes at once and three times a week for 4 weeks in total 12 times. 8 subjects in control group are not applied any training for 4 weeks. Results : It was much more effective in handwriting training than muscle strength training by Grooved pegboard because this study showed the speed decrease from 67.11 to 58.26 seconds in handwriting compared with muscle strength training which showed 5.22 seconds decrease from 67.54 to 62.32(P<.05). It showed about 1.34 muscle strength improvement from 6.60 to 7.94 in handwriting training and 0.92 improvement of muscle strength from 7.04 to 7.96 in muscle strength training by 3-jaw chuck pinch, so handwriting training was more effective(P<.05). It showed 11.58 seconds decrease in handwriting training from 26.62 to 18.01 seconds and 10.93 seconds decrease from 27.43 to 16.50 seconds in muscle strength training, so it was significantly shortened both in handwriting and muscle strength training(P<.05). Conclusion : Dexterity, muscle strength, and handwriting ability of non-dominant hand could improve both the handwriting training and the muscle strength training.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.29-43
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• 2015

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop management guidelines and a procedure for an anthropometric suitability assessment of the main control room (MCR) in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Background: The condition of the MCR should be suitable for the work crews in NPPs. The suitability of the MCR depends closely on the anthropometric dimensions and ergonomic factors of the users. In particular, the MCR workspace design in NPPs is important due to the close relationship with operating crews and their work failures. Many documents and criteria have recommended that anthropometry dimensions and their studies are one of the foremost processes of the MCR design in NPPs. If these factors are not properly considered, users can feel burdened about their work and the human errors that might occur. Method: The procedure for the anthropometric suitability assessment consists of 5 phases: 1) selection of the anthropometric suitability evaluation dimensions, 2) establishment of a measurement method according to the evaluation dimensions, 3) establishment of criteria for suitability evaluation dimensions, 4) establishment of rating scale and improvement methods according to the evaluation dimensions, and 5) assessment of the final grade for evaluation dimensions. The management guidelines for an anthropometric suitability assessment were completed using 10 factors: 1) director, 2) subject, 3) evaluation period, 4) measurement method and criteria, 5) selection of equipment, 6) measurement and evaluation, 7) suitability evaluation, 8) data sharing, 9) data storage, and 10) management according to the suitability grade. Results: We propose a set of 17 anthropometric dimensions for the size, cognition/perception action/behavior, and their relationships with human errors regarding the MCR design variables through a case study. The 17 selected dimensions are height, sitting height, eye height from floor, eye height above seat, arm length, functional reach, extended functional reach, radius reach, visual field, peripheral perception, hyperopia/myopia/astigmatism, color blindness, auditory acuity, finger dexterity, hand function, body angle, and manual muscle test. We proposed criteria on these 17 anthropometric dimensions for a suitability evaluation and suggested an improvement method according to the evaluation dimensions. Conclusion: The results of this study can improve the human performance of the crew in an MCR. These management guidelines and a procedure for an anthropometric suitability assessment will be able to prevent human errors due to inadequate anthropometric dimensions. Application: The proposed set of anthropometric dimensions can be integrated into a managerial index for the anthropometric suitability of the operating crews for more careful countermeasures to human errors in NPPs.