• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.377-385
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of 'village health worker training program' which aimed to build community participatory health promotion capacity of community leaders in villages of low developed country and to develop methods for further development of the program. Methods : The intervention group were 134 community leaders from 25 barangays (village). Control group were 149 form 4 barangays. Intervention group participated 3-day training program. Questionnaire was developed based on 'Health Promotion Capacity Checklist' which assessed capacity in 4 feathers; 'knowledge', 'skill', 'commitment', and 'resource'. Each feather was assessed in 4 point rating scale. Capacity scores between intervention group and control group were examined to identify changes between the pre- and post-intervention periods. A qualitative evaluation of the program was conducted to assess the appropriateness of the program. The program was conducted in Tuguegarao city, Philippine in January, 2009. Results : The result showed significant increases in the total health promotion capacity and each feather of health promotion capacities between pre and post assessment of intervention group. But there was no significant change in that of control group. Participants marked high level of satisfaction for preparedness, selection of main subjects and education method. Qualitative evaluation revealed that training program facilitated community participatory health promotion capacity of participants. Conclusions : This study suggested that the Village health worker training program is effective for building health promotion capacity of community leaders and it can be a main method for helping low developed countries with further development.

• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.197-215
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• 2021

This study analyzed experimental studies of intervention programs provided to improve reading comprehension of elementary school students using a systematic review research method. Cochrane's handbook was applied, and key questions were formulated according to the PICOTS-SD. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to 1,610 papers searched in KCI, and the final 18 cases were selected for analysis. The risk of bias was evaluated using the 'RevMan5' tool provided by Cochrane. As a result of the evaluation, the risk of bias was low in most areas. And for the qualitative analysis of these papers, a data summary table was prepared. As a result, the types of intervention programs were diverse, and in many cases, upper grade students were applied. The size of the experimental group ranged from 6 to 29, and there were more QED-based studies than RCT-based studies. The most mediation time was 40 minutes, and the number of mediation sessions was 8 to 24. And in all studies, the intervention programs were found to be effective in improving reading comprehension.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2022

Purpose : The hamstring is a group of three muscles, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, placed behind the thigh. The hamstring is one of the most commonly injured muscles and usually occurs during high-speed, high-intensity exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of static stretching and eccentric exercise of hamstrings on flexibility, strength, and functional performance. Methods : This study was conducted on 28 healthy adults. Subjects were divided into a static stretching group (n=15) and an eccentric exercise group (n=13). Subjects measured hamstring flexibility (active knee extension test), hamstring strength (concentric and eccentric peak torque), and functional performance (triple hop for distance and modified 20 m sprint). The intervention was conducted three times a week for six weeks. To compare the difference between values before and after the intervention, paired t-test was used, and an independent t-test was used to compare between groups. Results : In both groups, the active knee extension test, concentric peak torque, triple hop test, and 20 m sprint significantly increased after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p<.05). However, no significant difference was found in eccentric peak torque after intervention in both groups (p>.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups in the effect on the variables (p>.05). Conclusion : Both interventions were found to be effective for flexibility, concentric strength, and functional performance. Eccentric exercise and static stretching are recommended to improve the flexibility and functional performance of the hamstring. This study's results will be considered essential data on the effectiveness of static stretching and eccentric exercise.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.61-72
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• 2022

Purpose : This study was to verify the effect of eccentric training and suggest a specific application method by comparing the effects of acromohumeral distance (AHD), supraspinatus tendon thicknees (STT), pain intensity and functional performance after MWM and eccentric training (MWM-ET) or general exercise (MWM-GE) in chronic subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) patients. Methods : A total of 55 participants were randomly assigned to each group, and according to the intervention method, "MWM-ET group (n=28)" vs. "MWM-GE group (n=27)" was divided into two groups. AHD, STT, pain intensity, and functional performance were measured before intervention, and both groups were re-measured 3 times a week after 6 weeks of intervention in the same way. Results : The AHD was significantly increased in MWM-ET group compared to MWM-GE group. No significant difference was observed between the groups in the STT, but Pain intensity was significantly lower in MWM-ET group than in MWM-GE group, and functional performance was significantly increased in MWM-ET group compared to MWM-GE group. Conclusion : As a result of MWM-ET intervention that further increases AHD compared to MGE, it can be clinically presented as a more effective intervention method for faster recovery from injury due to pain reduction and smooth return to daily life due to improved functional performance.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.13-25
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined cervical stabilization exercise (CSE) and stretching exercise (SE) on office workers with forward head posture (FHP). Methods : A total of 32 office workers with forward head posture were randomly assigned to experimental (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. The experimental group underwent combined CSE and SE, and the control group underwent cervical self-myofascial release and SE. Both groups performed exercises for 40 min per day, thrice per week for a total of 6 weeks. Craniovertebral angle (CVA), respiration, disability, and joint range of motion (ROM) before and 6 weeks after intervention were measured and compared. Results : There was no significant between-group difference in the general characteristics (p>.05). The intra-group comparison showed significant differences in the visual analog scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) of both groups post-intervention (p<.05). CVA and forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds (FEV₁) were significantly improved post-intervention in the experimental group only (p<.05). In the experimental group, all ROM variables were significantly improved post-intervention. In contrast, in the control group, all ROM variables improved significantly post-intervention, except for extension (p<.05). The inter-group comparison showed significant differences in NDI, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, and left rotation between the two groups (p<.05). Conclusion : The combination of CSE and SE, which stabilizes the cervical spine, had positive effects on cranial rotation angle, respiration, disability, and joint ROM in office workers with forward head posture. Therefore, the combination of the two exercises may be an effective option to reduce symptoms and prevent postural problems in office workers with FHP.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.195-204
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• 2023

Purpose : This study applied general training (control group) or cranio-cervical flexor training (experimental group) using a pressure biofeedback unit along with general training for 4 weeks to secondary school teachers with moderate to severe neck pain and forward head posture. After that, we tried to compare the effects through differences in neck pain intensity (using numberical rating scale), functional performance (using neck disability index), and cranio-vertebral angle change. Methods : All 50 subjects were randomly assigned to either the "experimental group (n= 25)" or the "control group (n= 25)", and the measurements were evaluated in the same way before the intervention (baseline) and after the intervention (4 weeks). During the intervention period, the subject visited the physiotherapy center and made a reservation three times a week at a fixed time as much as possible, and each training session was thoroughly conducted under the 1:1 guidance of the therapist in charge so that the correct movement and number of times could be performed without compensatory action. Results : As a result of the homogeneity analysis on the general characteristics of the subjects, there were no significant differences between the groups in all variables (p>.05). Compared to the "control group", the "experimental group" showed significant improvement after intervention in all measured variables of neck pain intensity, functional performance, and cranial-vertebral angle (p<.05). Conclusion : For secondary school teachers with forward head accompanied by neck pain, cranio-cervical flexor training using a compression biofeedback unit is an excellent method to show superior pain reduction and functional performance improvement compared to general training alone. In addition, it can be presented as a more effective intervention method that can promote recovery of forward head posture, which is an essential element of the solution.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.167-175
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• 2023

Purpose : The study aim was to apply high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to and investigate the effects on upper extremity function and activities of daily living. Methods : This study was conducted at Hospital D in U City from April to June 2018. Thirty-two patients diagnosed with stroke according to prior research criteria were selected and divided into two groups. Sixteen people in the experimental group received high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and traditional occupational therapy, and sixteen people in the received sham stimulation and traditional occupational therapy. Both groups received 20 minutes of transcranial magnetic stimulation and 30 minutes of traditional occupational therapy per session, five times per week, for a total of 10 sessions over two weeks. Upper extremity functional evaluation, MFT and activities of daily living (Korean Version of the Modified Barthel Index, K-MBI) were conducted before and after the intervention, and an independent t test was used to confirm the effects of the intervention. Results : No statistically significant difference between the aforementioned groups' MFT and K-MBI scores was noted before the intervention. After the intervention, however, a statistically significant difference was found in K-MBI scores (p<.001). Additionally, after the intervention, a significant difference between the groups' MFT scores was found (p<.05). Conclusion : The results of this study showed that the combination of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and occupational therapy was effective in recovering upper extremity function and activities of daily living in patients diagnosed with acute stroke.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.254-262
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• 2023

Purpose: This study was to determine the effect of Individualized education-counseling program on the performance of Health behavior and Cardiovascular risk after discharge inpatients with percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study of the non-equivalence control group and the subjects of this study were patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease and had no complications due to severe arrhythmia or heart failure. The purpose of the study was explained to the subjects who met the selection conditions, and written consent was obtained, and 50 randomized experimental groups and 50 control groups were selected and assigned. Results: Compared to the control group, health behaviors were significantly higher after 1 week (F=33.63, p<.001) and 12 weeks (F=23.63, p<.001). The cardiovascular risk score based on Framingham risk score differed significantly depending on the measurement period (F=26.18, p<.001), there was no significant difference in the interaction between the two groups and the measurement period (F=0.72, p=.469). Conclusion: It was confirmed that the Individualized education counseling program provided to patients with Percutaneous coronary intervention was effective in increasing the subject's health behavior, but not in lowering the cardiovascular risk.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.384-389
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• 2023

Background: Exposure to welding fume is associated with adverse effects on worker health. The use of various control measures can reduce levels of exposure and the resulting health effects. However, little is known about the factors that may influence workers' use of control measures in the workplace and their perceived intervention needs. This study aimed to investigate workers' and other stakeholders' views on ways to improve the use of welding fume control measures in Australian workplaces. Methods: We conducted a series of online focus group discussions and individual interviews with participants who have some occupational involvement in welding, whether as workers, employers or industry representatives, union representatives, or regulators. A semi-structured question guide was used, and all discussions and interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Results: Five focus group discussions and five individual interviews were conducted with a total of 21 participants. Three major themes emerged. The first addressed the current awareness of welding fume harms and concern about exposure; the second focussed on the current use of control measures, and barriers and facilitators to their use; and the last centred around intervention needs and the contents of a potential effective intervention. Conclusion: Improving the use of control measures to prevent exposure to welding fume requires knowledge around the barriers and facilitators of control, use, and the intervention needs of stakeholders. This study has provided such knowledge, which will facilitate the design and implementation of an intervention to reduce welding fume exposure and ultimately protect the health of workers.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2024

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) impacts the social, physical, and psychological well-being and quality of life of the patient. Several techniques exist for its management, including transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES). Objects: We aimed to demonstrate the effects of TES on ultrasonographic variables and quality of life in women with SUI. Methods: This prospective study recruited 21 women who had been diagnosed with grade 1 or 2 SUI between July 2018 and March 2019. The exclusion criteria were pregnancy and a history of urogenital surgery. All participants were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention initiation. The bladder neck position (BNP), length of the urethra (LU), funneling index (FI), and rhabdosphincter thickness (RT) were measured. The Incontinence-Quality of Life (I-QOL) was used to assess incontinence-specific quality of life. Statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-one patients with SUI used TES for 8 weeks. BNP and FI significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). LU, anterior and posterior RT (indicators of external sphincter hypertrophy) significantly increased post-intervention (p < 0.05). The total I-QOL score increased from 64.81 to 71.86 after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This intervention improved BNP, LU, FI, RT, and subjective indicators such as quality of life in women with SUI. Therefore, TES can be an effective non-surgical treatment method for improving SUI symptoms and quality of life in these patients.