• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.125-135
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• 2022

Objectives: A restrospective chart review were conducted to investigate the overall weight loss effect of the integrated Korean medicine treatment on obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m²) in Korean medicine clinic and analyze the difference in the effect according to lifestyle behaviors. Methods: The medical records of 43 obese patients were retrospectively analyzed including body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body composition who received integrated Korean medicine treatment for 4 weeks at 24 Korean medicine clinics in Daejeon metropolitan city. All outcome measures were evaluated again 8 weeks after the end of treatment at week 12 for follow-up. EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), the Korean version of the obesity-related quality of life scale (KOQOL) and patient's satisfaction were also evaluated. The analysis was divided according to the treatment period and observation period, and subgroup analysis was performed according to drinking and exercise habits. Results: Body weight, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat were significantly reduced at week 4 and week 12. Theses weight reduction effects were significantly greater within treatment period (0 to 4 week) than observation period (4 to 12 week). Especially in the non-exercise group, the changes in body fat mass and body fat percent showed a significant difference between the treatment period and the observation period. KOQOL were also significantly improved at 12 week, but not in EQ-5D. No severe adverse events were observed. Conclusions: The integrated Korean medicine treatment could be effective to treat obesity including weight loss. It is necessary to prevent additional weight regain through regular exercise even after Korean medicine treatment.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.345-356
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical therapy combined with a virtual reality (VR) game on pain, quality of life (QOL), engagement, and knee function in post-knee-surgery patients. Methods: Twenty-four patients who had undergone knee surgery four weeks or more before the study were recruited. Two withdrew from the study during the four-week experimental period, and a total of 22 patients were included in the final analysis. Routine physical therapy consisting of electrostimulation (10 min.) and therapeutic massage (10 min.) was the base intervention for all groups. The experimental group (n = 10) was additionally exposed to a VR game intervention, while the control group (n = 12) underwent an intervention involving similar motions as the experimental intervention but with no VR. The intervention for the experimental group used the game Rig Fit Adventure on Nintendo switch. Both groups underwent their respective interventions 3 times a week (35 min. per session) for 4 weeks. Pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), and QOL was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimensional five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Engagement was assessed using the Korea flow state scale (K-FSS). Finally, knee movement and function were assessed based on knee flexion and extension, range of motion (ROM), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: After the four-week physical therapy, both groups showed significant reductions in pain (on the NRS), increased knee ROM (flexion), better WOMAC scores, and increased EQ-5D-5L scores (p < 0.05), with the experimental group showing significantly better improvements in EQ-5D-5L and K-FSS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that a VR-game-integrated intervention is effective for improving pain, QOL, engagement, and knee function in post-knee surgery patients and that VR-game-integrated interventions could be therapeutic alternatives for patients bedridden for prolonged periods with little motivation for rehabilitation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.904-910
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• 2023

Objectives: The aim of this case report is to present the effects of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with left facial paraesthesia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and post-traumatic neck pain induced by cerebral infarction. Methods: A 26-year-old male patient was treated with Cheongpa-Jeon H, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture (Shinbaro2), and Chuna Therapy for 24 days of hospitalization. Left facial paraesthesia, TMJ pain, and post-traumatic neck pain were assessed with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). Post-traumatic neck pain was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Results: After 24 days of treatment, the patient's left facial paraesthesia and left arm tingling sensation were relieved from NRS 6 to NRS 2. Left TMJ pain was reduced from NRS 5 to NRS 2. The EQ-5D score increased from 0.138 to 0.73. The NDI score decreased from 71.11 to 37.78. Conclusion: These results show that left facial paraesthesia, TMJ pain, and post-traumatic neck pain can be relieved with Korean medicine treatment. However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.215-223
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to report the effects of Korean medicine treatment on the gait disorder. Patient with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disorder. We treated the patient using Korean medicine treatment including Motion-Style-Acupuncture-Treatment, pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, and herbal medicine during 30 days. Numerical rating scale (NRS), EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) index, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the changes of symptoms were measured for assessment. After 30 days inpatient treatment, NRS decreased from 4 to 2, EQ-5D index, ODI, MBI, and the symptoms of the patient also were improved. In conclusion, this case shows Korean medicine treatment might be an effective treatment for gait disorder Patient with MOG-associated disorder.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.243-249
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• 2023

This case study showed improvement both in pain and gait disturbance caused by SCH. KM can be a positive treatment for reducing pain or improving gait disturbance caused by SCH, and it can be considered a treatment option for SCH. Future studies with a larger number of cases and longer period of follow-up in SCH with gait disturbance and rigidity are needed.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.205-216
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• 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Mindfulness & Loving Beingness (M&L) psychotherapy combined with traditional Korean medicine in treating acute sleep disorders in patients hospitalized following traffic accidents. Methods: We applied traditional Korean medicine treatments in conjunction with various mindfulness meditation techniques from M&L therapy, including Resource Mindfulness and Nourishment Brief Therapy. This study was conducted on three patients who reported acute sleep disorder symptoms on the first day of hospitalization following a traffic accident. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5-K), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Results: ISI and PCL-5-K scores showed significant improvements after treatment, indicating reduced sleep disturbances and stress symptoms. Additionally, EQ-5D and PGIC scores were enhanced, reflecting an overall improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: This study suggests that integrating M&L therapy with traditional Korean medicine could significantly improve symptoms in patients with acute sleep disorders following traffic accidents.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.37-57
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• 2024

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hair Ampoules with Malva Verticillata Seed Extract in alopecia patients. Methods : This 24-week clinical study enrolled 70 patients with Alopecia. A series of clinical examinations, subjects were evaluated at 0, 8, 16 and 24-week, counting of the number of hairs on the crown, and subject survey after using the Ampoules. Results : The clinical evaluation showed a significantly difference (p<0.05) after 24 weeks of product use compared to the baseline in the change in hair count in the treatment group compared to the control group within and between groups. It showed greater improvement in the treatment group than in the control group in hair count, hair thickness, and hair loss symptoms in the top of the head and forehead. No severe adverse events were observed during the clinical trial. Counclusions : This suggests that this hair ampoules containing Malva Verticillata Seed Extract could help prevent hair loss in alopecia patients without inducing side effects.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1294-1317
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• 2023

Background: Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) is a common complication in severe COVID-19 cases, often associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome or mechanical ventilation. Patients with PCPF frequently experience a decline in their quality of life due to persistent COVID-19 sequelae, including cough and chest pain. However, there is currently no established standard treatment, and the efficacy of existing medications remains uncertain. Case Report: A 65-year-old female patient presenting with cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue due to PCPF received Korean medicine treatment for 25 days. Symptom evaluation utilized the modified Medical Research Council scale, the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, and the Numeral Rating Scale. Quality of life and functional status were assessed using the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status and the EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level. The extent of pulmonary fibrosis was assessed by comparing chest computed tomography (chest CT) scans before and after hospitalization. Following treatment, the patient demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in clinical symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and decreased fibrotic lesions on CT scans. Conclusion: This case report suggests that Korean medicine treatment may be effective in improving clinical symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea caused by PCPF, while also enhancing post-COVID-19 quality of life and ameliorating pulmonary fibrotic lesions.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.81-94
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a progressive balance training program with whole-body vibration stimulation on knee joint pain, dysfunction, psychosocial status, and balance ability in individuals aged ≥ 65 years with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 40 individuals aged ≥ 65 years with osteoarthritis of the knees participated in the study. Using a randomization program, participants were assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Both groups were assigned a knee strength training program, and a progressive balance training program with whole-body vibration stimulation was assigned to the experimental group. All interventions were conducted three times a week for four weeks. Participants were evaluated for the following: pain (numeric rating scale, NRS), knee dysfunction (Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, K-WOMAC), fall efficacy (Korean Version Falls Efficacy Scale, K-FES), quality of life (Euro Quality of life 5 Dimension, EQ-5D), and advanced balance scale score (Fullerton advanced balance scale, FAB) before and after the intervention, and the effects of the intervention were compared accordingly between groups. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant differences in the results of the NRS, K-WOMAC, K-FES, and EQ-5D assessments before and after the intervention, and there was a significant difference in the amount of change between the two groups (p < .05). There was a significant improvement in FAB in all but items FAB 8 and FAB 9 after the intervention in the experimental group. In the control group, there was a significant improvement in FAB 1, FAB 2, FAB 7, and FAB total after the intervention (p < .05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the amount of change between the two groups in all items except FAB 8 and FAB 9 (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The progressive balance training program with whole body vibration stimulation is an effective intervention method with clinical significance in improving knee joint pain, knee disability index, psychosocial level, and balance ability in adults aged ≥ 65 with osteoarthritis of the knees.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.295-303
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• 2024

Background Dupuytren's disease decreases quality of life significantly and often requires surgical treatment, nevertheless there is no actual gold standard. The aim of this study was to introduce the use of minimally invasive pull-through technique. Methods From 2016 to 2020, 52 patients suffering from Dupuytren's contracture were treated with the minimally invasive pull-through technique. We evaluated the improvement in range of motion, pain, disability, and quality of life in the long term. Total extension deficit, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH), and EuroQol five dimensions-five levels index were systematically scored before each surgical intervention and reevaluated after 24 months. Results Fourteen patients (26.9%) had already received a previous intervention (percutaneous needle aponeurotomy or collagenase Clostridium histolyticum). The mean preoperative total active extension deficit was 84.0 ± 23.3 degrees (55-130 degrees). Mean follow-up was 36 months. There were no cases of tendon rupture or neurovascular injury. Total active extension deficit at the final follow-up was 3.4 ± 2.3 degrees (0-12 degrees). The mean active range of motion of the MCP and PIP joints were, respectively, 90.5 ± 3.3 degrees (85-96 degrees) and 82.7 ± 2.5 degrees (80-87 degrees). At 24 months after cord excision, a mean 10.7 points improvement in the QuickDASH questionnaire was registered (p < 0.001). Pull-through technique was equally effective both on patients with a primary or a recurrent disease. Eight patients (15.4%) had a recurrence of disease in the metacarpophalangeal joint or proximal interphalangeal joint. Conclusion The pull-through technique is a simple, accessible, and effective technique for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. The use of palmar mini-incisions combined with minimal dissection has a low risk of iatrogenic injury to the neurovascular bundles and tendons, and has a low risk of recurrence rate. This study reflects level of evidence IV.