• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.253-267
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• 2023

Background: Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is considered to have both nociceptive and neuropathic components. However, the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of the neuropathic components are yet poorly understood. Methods: We estimate the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) features in patients with CIBP at a tertiary care pain clinic setting using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire and evaluate their associated factors and their impact after 4 weeks of treatment using the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System. Results: A total of 133 patients were recruited. The estimated prevalence of NP was 30.8% (95% confidence interval: 23.6%-39.1%). Initially, the patients with NP had significantly higher average pain scores (6.00 vs. 5.05, P = 0.006), higher total interference scores (5.84 vs. 4.89, P = 0.033), and symptom distress scores (35.88 vs. 26.52, P = 0.002). After 4 weeks of treatment, patients in both groups reported significantly decreased pain intensity and improved quality of life. However, the patients with NP still reported significantly higher average pain (4.61 vs. 3.58, P = 0.048), trending toward higher total interference scores (3.52 vs. 2.99, P = 0.426), and symptom distress scores (23.30 vs. 20.77, P = 0.524). From multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for NP were younger age, pain in the extremities, and higher average pain scores. Conclusions: NP are common in patients with CIBP. These conditions negatively affect pain intensity and the patient's quality of life before and after treatment.

• Journal of Sasang Constitution and Immune Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

Objectives This study aimed to examine the differences in the distribution of metabolic syndrome(MetS) and cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet(CHHF) according to Sasang constitution, and to determine whether CHHF and MetS have an inverse association. Methods MetS and its components, CHHF, Sasang constitution data from 1,998 participants in the Korean medicine Daejeon Citizen Cohort study(KDCC) were obtained. The participants were divided into a non-CHHF(n = 1,270, 63.6%), intermediate(n = 220, 11.0%) and CHHF(n = 508, 25.4%) group according to the thermal sensitivity questionnaire. Sasang constitution was diagnosed by Korea Sasang Constitutional Diagnostic Questionnaire(KS-15). One-way ANOVA and the chi-square test were used for participants' general characteristics and thermal sensitivity and MetS related factors. ANCOVA and logistic regression were used to compare the differences and the odds ratios(ORs) for MetS and its components. Results The MetS and CHHF prevalence rates of the Taeeumin, Soeumin, and Soyangin were 27.6%, 3.8%, 7.7%, and 18.3%, 42.3%, 26.4% respectively. The ANCOVA for MetS components showed that the waist circumference was significantly lower in the CHHF group as compared to the non-CHHF group in total and Soyangin. The logistic regression for MetS prevalence showed that CHHF had a significant inverse association in total(OR = 0.611) and Taeeumin(OR = 0.521). Conclusions The MetS prevalence had the highest in Taeeumin, followed by Soyangin and Soeumin, while the prevalence of CHHF was highest in Soeumin, followed by Soyangin and Taeeumin. In addition, it was confirmed that CHHF and MetS had an inverse association independently.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2022

Background: This study investigated the effects of a single-leg hopping test and Q-angle when applying Mulligan taping, flossing bands, and a combination of Mulligan taping and flossing bands to chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. Methods: The subjects of the study were 68 patients with chronic ankle instability, randomly divided into three groups receiving the following treatments: Mulligan taping (n=22), flossing bands (n=23), and a combination of Mulligan taping and flossing bands (n=23). The immediate effects of the treatments were evaluated using the single-leg hopping test and Q-angle measurement for functional movement before and after the intervention. Results: All three groups showed significant improvements in the single-leg hopping test after the intervention, and there was a significant difference between the performance of the simultaneous application group and the Mulligan taping group (p<.01). As a result of the post-hoc test, there was a significant difference in the simultaneous application group than in the mulligan taping group (p<.01). When measuring the Q-angle change during the activity of descending stairs, there was also a significant effect in all three groups, with no significant differences when comparing the changes between groups (p>.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, Mulligan taping and flossing bands were confirmed as effective interventions for the functional movement of the lower extremities in patients with CAI. This study can provide basic data on the effectiveness of interventions in patients with CAI.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.147-155
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• 2022

Background: Although various conventional approaches have been employed to reduce spasticity in neurological rehabilitation, only a few studies have shown scientific evidence for its effectiveness. Thus, we introduced a different concept (Ueda method) of rehabilitation therapy that can complement the limitations of conventional therapy. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of the application of the Ueda method on patients with spasticity after stroke via an electrophysiological study. Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind pilot study in two rehabilitation hospitals involving 30 stroke patients who were randomly allocated to the Ueda (n = 15) and convention (n = 15) groups. Electromyographic data of six examined muscles in both upper extremities of all patients were recorded. The A-ApA index and activation ratios of upper extremity muscles were evaluated and compared between the groups to confirm post-intervention changes in upper-extremity flexor spasticity and flexion synergies. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to confirm the therapeutic effect (2 × 2) as a function of group (Ueda vs. convention) and time (pre-/post-intervention) on all outcome measures (p < 0.05). Results: In the Ueda group, the mean A-ApA index values differed significantly before and after the intervention (p = 0.041), indicating a weak evidence level; however, the effect size was medium (d = -0.503). The interaction effects of the A-ApA index between the Ueda and convention groups and between pre-intervention and post-intervention stages were significant (p = 0.012). The effect size was large (n_p² = 0.220). In the Ueda group, the activation ratios of the anterior deltoid fiber significantly decreased after the intervention in all reaching tasks. Conclusion: The Ueda method reduces upper-extremity flexor spasticity and changes its synergy in stroke patients and should be considered a rehabilitation therapy for spastic stroke patients.

• Korean Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.181-184
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• 2012

The malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is an extremely rare soft tissue sarcoma. It is a highly malignant sarcoma, which is locally invasive, frequently leading to multiple recurrences and eventual metastatic spread. The peak incidence of disease is known to occur sporadically between the age of 20s and 50s, and is usually associated with the neurofibromatosis type I. In human body, the trunk and extremities are the most commonly involved sites, with only 8-14% of all lesions appearing in the head and neck region. We present a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor involving the right parapharynx in a 48-year-old patient who complained of headaches in the right parietal area and of dysphagia that aggravated over a month. After surgery, tumor was finally diagnosed as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor by histopathologic examinations. The authors report a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the right parapharynx with a review of the literature.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2013

■ Objectives The aim of this study is to look into the correlation between motor performance and displacement of center of pressure(CoP) in hemiplegic patients with cerebral stroke. ■ Methods We measured manual muscle test(MMT) as motor performance value and, anterior/posterior position(Ant./Post. position) and lateral symmetry of CoP as displacement of CoP values from 129 stroke patients. The gait analysis was carried out using treadmill gait analysis equipment. ■ Results In terms of motor performance, MMT of upper extremity negatively correlated with Ant/Post position of CoP, however, one of lower extremity did not. In addition, MMT of both extremities negatively correlated with lateral symmetry of CoP. ■ Conclusion Displacement of CoP was negatively correlated with hemiplegic patient's motor performance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.211-220
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• 2023

Background: Smartphone addiction has emerged as a significant social problem. Numerous studies have indicated the association between smartphone use and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremities. Objects: This cross-sectional survey aimed to compare the characteristics of musculoskeletal pain in the neck, trunk, and upper limbs between individuals with smartphone addiction and those without addiction. Methods: We collected a total of 326 healthy individuals' data from China and Korea who had owned and used smartphones for more than 5 years between 20-50s through an online questionnaire consisting of 84 questions in four major sections. The first part contained basic information on the participant's personal characteristics and smartphones. The second part contained questions about smartphone use and posture. The third part was the smartphone addiction. The fourth part was to investigate musculoskeletal pain in various upper body parts. Results: Smartphone addiction has a weak negative correlation with age (r = -0.20, p < 0.01) and a weak positive correlation with the hours of smartphone use (r = 0.376, p < 0.01). Frequent musculoskeletal pain symptoms related to smartphone use were observed in the neck, shoulder, lower back, and wrists. The hours of smartphone use was slightly positively associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder (r = 0.162, p < 0.05) and lower back (r = 0.125, p < 0.05). The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck (χ² = 3.993, p < 0.05), shoulder (χ² = 6.465, p < 0.05), and wrist (χ² = 4.645, p < 0.05) was significantly higher among females than males. Conclusion: The results suggest that smartphone addiction should be recognized as a dual concern encompassing both physical health and psychosocial aspects. Furthermore, healthcare professionals, including physicians and physical therapists, should consider clients' smartphone usage patterns when assessing and treating with musculoskeletal pain.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.88-91
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• 2019

Unexplained pain and weakness, i.e., without obvious predisposing factors, are often encountered by physiatrists and efforts should be made to determine the cause. A 63-year-old male presented with radiating pain in his right arm and mild weakness of the right hand. An electrodiagnostic examination revealed distal symmetric sensory polyneuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, and denervation potentials in the forearm muscles, which were inconsistent with the cervical spine MRI images and symptoms. A predisposing undiscovered disease was revealed, i.e., squamous cell carcinoma in the lung; brain metastasis affecting the left primary motor cortex was also detected. Therefore, we concluded that the pain and weakness were related to paraneoplastic syndrome and brain metastases of the hand knob. The observed denervation potentials were characterized as trans-synaptic changes in the brain metastasis. This case highlights the importance of unexplainable focal pain and weakness in the increasing prevalence of cancer.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.206-209
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• 2023

Purpose: Since its implementation, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FBS) has played an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial tree and pulmonary disease. Although FBS is often performed by endoscopists, it has also been performed by surgeons, albeit rarely. This study investigated FBS from the surgeon's perspective. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent FBS performed by a single thoracic surgeon between March 2017 and December 2021. Accordingly, the epidemiology, purpose, results, and complications of FBS were analyzed. Results: A total of 47 patients received FBS, whereas 13 patients underwent repeat FBS. Their mean age was 60.7 years. The main organs injured involved the chest (n=22), brain (n=9), abdominal organ (n=7), cervical spine (n=4), extremities (n=4), and face (n=1). The average Injury Severity Score was 22.5. Indications for FBS included atelectasis or haziness on chest x-ray (n=34), pneumonia (n=17), difficult ventilator management (n=7), percutaneous dilatory tracheostomy (n=3), blood aspiration (n=2), foreign body removal (n=2), and intubation due to a difficult airway (n=1). The findings of FBS were mucous plugs (n=36), blood and blood clots (n=16), percutaneous dilatory tracheostomy (n=3), foreign bodies (n=2), granulation tissue at the tracheostomy site (n=2), tracheostomy tube malposition (n=1), bronchus spasm (n=1), difficult airway intubation (n=1), and negative findings (n=5). None of the patients developed complications. Conclusions: FBS is an important modality in the trauma field that allows for the possibility of diagnosis and therapy. With sufficient practice, surgeons may safely perform FBS at the bedside with relative ease.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.177-188
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• 2023

Purpose : To identify trends in studies on the intersection of neurofeedback (NF) training and rehabilitation interventions for patients with stroke, as conducted over the past decade. Methods : This review included studies published from 2012 to 2022. A comprehensive database search was conducted using keywords such as "stroke", "electroencephalogram (EEG)", "brain wave", "nerve feedback", and "upper extremity function". Results : A total of 703 studies were initially retrieved. Of these, literature predating 2012, duplicate literature, non-experimental studies, and studies that did not target patients with stroke were excluded. After this screening, we retrieved the full texts of 15 articles and re-checked whether each study met the inclusion criteria of this study. The advisory members who participated in this study consisted of people with doctoral degrees and more than 5 years of clinical experience related to the rehabilitation of patients with stroke. Disagreements were resolved through discussions. Ultimately, 8 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Despite differences in the type and duration of NF training, the combination of NF training and rehabilitation intervention was found to be effective in promoting the functional recovery of the upper extremities, eliciting positive EEG changes, and inducing neurological changes in the brain. Conclusion : A meta-analysis involving a wider search range is needed in future studies. In addition, efforts are required to generalize the clinical application of these interventions. This can be achieved by supplementing the research methodologies through extensive review studies that encompass a diverse array of study designs.