• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.269-276
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mirror movements(MM) on upper extremity's function and measure the change of MM on stroke patients depending on the elapse of time. Methods : Sixteen stroke patients with MM and Sixteen stroke patients without MM were recruited for this study. Intended movements and MM were measured by two dynanometers of MP150 system(BIOPAC System Inc., Santa Barbara, U.S.A). The upper extremity's motor function was measured using manual function test(MFT), Fugl-Meyer assesment(FMA). Results : The change rates of upper extremity's motor function test showed significant group differences in FMA but not in MFT between the patients with MM and without MM from the first test to the second test. In each group motor function generally more increased. The magnitudes of MM decreased from the first test to the second test. Conclusion : These results indicate that stroke patients with MM have a significant motor deficit. But motor deficit could be recovered by spontaneous recovery or treatments and a clinical sign of MM was improved. In the future, we suggest that studies of assessments of MM after rehabilitation and treatment interventions of MM on stroke patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.492-501
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was executed in order to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture on upper-extremity spasticity control in stroke patients. Methods : Eighteen patients with stroke were enrolled and classified into two groups, the study and control group. The control group did not receive any oriental medical treatment. In the study group, the electroacupuncture points were applied to Kokt'aek (PC3) and $Ch'{\u{o}}ch'{\u{o}}n$ (PC2), Naegwan (PC6) and $Ch'{\u{o}}kt'aek$(LU5) of the affected limb. H-reflexl M-response ratio (HIM ratio), modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA) were used for evaluation of spasticity control before electroacupuncture, within two hours after electroacupuncture, and at two weeks. Results : In MAS, the study group declined more than the control group. but there was no statisticallysignificant consideration. In H/M ratio. the study group was more efficient than the control group. and spasticity decreased successively during the series in the study group. In FMA, motor function in the study group improved more than in the control group and motor function in the study group increased successively during the series. Conclusions : These results showed that electro acupuncture was a useful method to decrease upper-extremity spasticity in patients with stroke. Further studies are needed to explore more cases and the long-lasting carryover effects on upper-extremity spasticity in electroacupuncture.