• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.203-210
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vestibular sensory stimulation exercise on the limit of stability, dynamic weight shift, and upper and lower extremities reaction time in adult women. Methods : This study was conducted with 30 female. All subjects were randomly and equally assigned to an experimental group and a control group of 15 each. Subjects assigned to the experimental group received vestibular sensory stimulation training for 6 weeks. For the intervention, vestibular sensory stimulation exercises were conducted by referring to the Hamid exercise method and the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercise method, and the control group did not receive any intervention. All subjects were tested for limit of stability, dynamic weight shift, and upper and lower extremities reaction time before and after the intervention. Results : The results of this study showed significant differences between groups in reaction time, moving velocity, and directional control in the limit of stability test after intervention. In the dynamic weight shift test after intervention, there was a significant difference between the groups in the slow directional control of left and right. And in the upper and lower extremities reaction time test after intervention, both scores and reaction time showed significant differences between groups. Conclusion : As a result, the three vestibular sensory stimulation exercises applied in this study improved the limit of stability, dynamic weight shift, and upper and lower extremities reaction time.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.129-136
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of applying intensity on the muscle activity and muscle hardness of the upper trapezius muscle in adult males when TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) was applied. In addition, this study intends to prepare the scientific basic data of TENS for the purpose of relaxation based on the experimental results. Methods : Eighty-seven healthy adult males participated in the experiment, and they were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. All subjects in this study were healthy subjects without musculoskeletal or nervous system damage. All subjects were subjects who voluntarily consented to the purpose and method of the experiment. All subjects were provided with a load by typing for 20 minutes, and muscle activity and muscle hardness of the upper trapezius muscle were measured immediately. Afterwards, TENS was given to each groups for 15 minutes, and the experimental group received stimulation at the motor threshold level, and the control group received a placebo stimulation. After stimulation, muscle activity and muscle hardness of the upper trapezius muscle were measured in the same method. The measured data were compared between groups through an independent t-test and dependent t-test. The statistical significance level was set at .05. Results : The application of TENS statistically significantly decreased the muscle activity and muscle hardness of the trapezius muscle in the experimental group, and the results showed a significant difference from the control group. Conclusion : Application of TENS significantly decreased the muscle activity and muscle stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle. The application of TENS of applying intensity that induces muscle contraction may induce relaxation by reducing the muscle activity and muscle hardness of the trapezius muscle.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.57-69
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ankle strengthening exercise combined with sling-assisted gluteus medius strengthening on ankle instability score, and static and dynamic balance ability, muscle strength in adults in their 20s with chronic ankle instability. Methods : Twenty-eight adults in their 20s with chronic ankle instability were recruited. After screening test, they were randomized through R studio program as an experimental group (n=14) to apply an ankle strengthening exercise combined with sling-assisted gluteus medius strengthening and a control group (n=14) to apply ankle strengthening exercise. The intervention lasted two times a week for 6 weeks. To compare the intervention effects, the Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score, static and dynamic balance ability, and muscle strength of lower extremities were measured. Results : The experimental group showed a significant increase in pre and post-intervention Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score, static and dynamic balance ability, and muscle strengt (p<.05). The control group showed a significant increase in pre and post-intervention CAIT score, dynamic balance ability, and muscle strength (p<.05). The experimental group showed a significant increase in CAIT score, dynamic balance ability, and muscle strength compared to the control group (p<.05), and showed a high effect size. Conclusions : The results of this study confirmed that ankle strengthening exercise combined with sling-assisted gluteus medius strengthening on people with chronic ankle instability the possibility that it could be effective in improving ankle instability and improving dynamic balance ability, and strength by movement. Although additional research is needed to increase the number of participants due to the small sample size, it is hoped that this study will be an optimistic clinical protocol for people with chronic ankle instability.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.199-207
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of shoulder stabilization exercise accompanied by application of a pelvic compression belt on the muscle activity, pain and function of the muscles around the shoulder in subjects with round shoulders. Methods : For the study method, 28 students who were enrolled in K University with a distance of 1 cm or more between the clavicle of the peak and the outer ear path were selected through GPS 400 global postural analysis system measurement. The subjects were randomly assigned to 14 participants in the group wearing a pelvic compression belt and 14 patients in the group not wearing a pelvic compression belt. In all subjects, the muscle activities of the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles and the shoulder pain disorder index (SPADI) were measured. The intervention was performed 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and the applied intervention was push-up plus and modified prone cobra exercise. The muscle activities of the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles and SPADI score were compared using dependent t test before and after intervention. Results : In this study, both groups showed that the muscle activity of the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior significantly increased after the intervention compared to before the intervention. On the other hand, SPADI showed no significant difference. Conclusion : The results of this study showed that muscle activity in the peri-shoulder joint was increased after push-up plus and modified prone cobra exercise in both groups, regardless of whether pelvic compression was applied or not. Therefore, it was found that shoulder stabilization exercise using the pelvic compression belt also contributed to the enhancement of muscle activity in the joints around the shoulder.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2023

Purpose : This study suggests that the unique chakra arrangement of Tibetan singing bowls resembles the mantra of chakra lotus in the tantric tradition and the structure of chakra ascent, The two aim at the liberation of consciousness and confirm that they have a body, mind, and conscious healing mechanism. Methods : First, the structural characteristics of Tibetan singing bowls arrangement and chakra lotus mantra arrangement were investigated through the consideration of previous studies. Next, the healing mechanism of Tibetan singing bowls, which has been learned in Nepal, was examined through previous studies and literature to clarify that the rise of chakra in the two systems has a balance of body, mind, and consciousness and aims at liberation of consciousness. Results : The arrangement of Tibetan chakras is similar to the mantra of chakra lotus. Both have a structure in which the auxiliary sound of the previous chakra is interlocked with the structure of being the main sound of the next chakra to raise the chakra. At this time, the rise of the chakra is the liberation of consciousness by the ultimate purpose. Conclusion : Tibetan chakra are structurally similar to chakra lotus mantras and chakra ascents, as they have a theoretical background to tantric traditions. Chakra is the quality of inner consciousness that is conveyed to the outside and expressed in its own actions. Therefore, chakras should be well coordinated to lead our lives healthily. In this point, the chakra arrangement of Tibetan singing bowls is a system that exposes the inner balance to the outside and heals us more directly. Therefore, Tibetan singing bowls therapy has an integrated medical value in restoring our mind and body balance. Because chakras are dimensions of consciousness, the study of chakras is abstract or lacking, so more systematic and scientific study of chakras is needed.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.159-166
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• 2023

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in muscle activity of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles according to abdominal muscle exercise methods such as plank exercise, side plank exercise, and crunch exercise. Methods : This study was conducted with 37 college students. All subjects participating in this study were randomly assigned to the plank exercise group, the side plank exercise group, and the crunch exercise group. The exercise corresponding to each group was performed for a total of 8 weeks. The muscle activity of the abdominal muscles was measured before the experiment, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, and the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles were measured. Results : As a result of comparison according to the period in the change in muscle activity of the abdominal muscles after exercise, the amount of change in muscle activity in all three muscles showed a significant difference. As a result of the post-hoc analysis, the muscle activity value of the internal oblique muscle after 4 weeks in the plank exercise showed a significant difference from the value after 8 weeks. In the side plank exercise, the muscle activity values of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles before and after 4 weeks showed significant differences from those after 8 weeks. And in the crunch exercise, the muscle activity value of the rectus abdominis muscle before exercise showed a significant difference from the value after 8 weeks. Conclusion : Plank exercise increases the muscle activity of the rectus abdominis, side plank exercise increases the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles, and crunch exercise increases the muscle activity of the rectus abdominis. Therefore, it is thought that the stability of the trunk can be improved more efficiently if all three exercises are performed.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.91-98
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• 2023

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the posture holding band on muscle activity of the rectus femoris, medial vastus, and vastus lateralis muscles and weight distribution during squat exercise. Methods : This study was conducted with 30 healthy adult men and women in their 20s, and all subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. Squat exercise was performed for 6 weeks. The experimental group received squat exercise while wearing a posture holding band, and the control group applied without wearing a posture holding band. Muscle activity of the quadriceps femoris (rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis) and weight distribution (knee flexion 0 °, 30 °, 60 °, and 90 °) was measured. Results : According to the results of this study, all three muscles showed a main effect on time and group, and a significant interaction was shown only in the vastus lateralis. In addition, the value of the weight distribution difference according to the knee flexion angle did not show a main effect according to time and group at 30 ° of knee flexion, but showed an interaction. Conclusion : It was confirmed that the application of the posture holding band during squat exercise increased the muscle activity of the quadriceps muscle, and showed greater changes in the vastus lateralis muscle. In addition, it was confirmed that the difference in weight distribution was reduced in the knee flexion, and in particular, a greater change was shown in reducing the difference in weight distribution in the knee flexion of 30 °. Therefore, it is considered that the effect of the exercise can be further enhanced if the unnecessary movement of the trunk is controlled by using equipment such as a posture holding band during squat exercise.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.59-67
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• 2023

Purpose : Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized as an important cellular response in metastatic proceduresand characterized by loss of cellular polarity as well as gain of mesenchymal features, which enables migration and invasion. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common primary carcinomas in the liver and exhibits a poor prognosis due to frequent extrahepatic metastasis. Taraxacum officinale has been used for a long time in oriental medicine because of its various pharmacological activitiessuch as anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticarcinogenic activities. In this study, the anti-metastatic activity of T. officinale water extract (TOWE) and ethanol extract (TOEE) was investigated through the regulation of EMT in the Huh7 cells. Methods : The effects of TOWE and TOEE on migratory and invasive activities were investigated by wound healing and in vitro invasion assays. Western blot analysis was also applied to analyze protein expression levels associated with EMT and their upstream transcription factors in Huh7 cells. Results : TOWE and TOEE treatment potently inhibited migration and invasion of Huh7 cells compared to the untreated group. Both extracts treatment inhibited protein expression levels of N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and vimentin while E-cadherin was significantly accelerated. In addition, the activated status of transcription factors, Snail, nuclear factor (NF)-κ B, and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB)1 was also inhibited with statistical significance. In comparison to both extracts, TOEE more potently attenuated migration, invasion, and EMT markers as well as their transcription factors in Huh7 cells than TOWE, which means that TOEE might possess more functional phytochemicals than TOWE. Conclusion : Consequently, TOWE and TOEEattenuated metastatic activity of hepatocellular carcinoma through the regulation of EMT markers and their transcription factors in Huh7 cells, which means that T. officinale might be a promising strategy for a chemopreventive agent against HCC metastasis.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2023

Purpose : The fruit of Actinidia polygama has been used in oriental medicine for the treatment of gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation. Though A. polygama exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, the exact mechanism for anti-inflammation was not evaluated yet. In this study, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of A. polygama ethanol extract (APEE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : WST-1 assay was applied to analyze the cytotoxic effect of APEE in RAW 264.7 cells. The productions of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E₂ were analyzed by the Griess reaction and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) assay, respectively. In addition, protein expressions for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were measured by Western blot analysis. The activated status of an inflammatory transcription factor, NF-κ B, and its upstream signaling molecules, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), was also evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results : As a result, APEE treatment did not exhibit any cytotoxicity until the concentration of 200 ㎍/㎖. APEE treatment significantly inhibited NO and PGE₂ productions as well as their enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. The inflammatory transcription factor, NF-κ B, was also attenuated by APEE treatment. In addition, the phosphorylated status of MAPKs such as extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun NH2 kinase (JNK), and p38, were significantly diminished by APEE treatment in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion : Consequently, APEE treatment significantly attenuated the production of inflammatory mediators and their enzyme expressions in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The inflammatory transcription factor, NF-κ B, and upstream signaling molecules, MAPKs, were also significantly attenuated by APEE treatment in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate that APEE might be a candidate to be utilized as a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.181-196
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• 2023

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical activity on impaired fasting glucose in adults aged 20 years or older. Methods : This study utilized raw data from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Examination survey (2019~2021). The subjects of this study were 5,344 adults aged 20 years or older who were confirmed to be free of diabetes. The control variables in this study model are health behavior characteristics (subjective health status, smoking, drinking), anthropometric characteristics (body mass index), and personal background characteristics (gender, age, income level, education level, marital status). As for the analysis method, the degree of physical activity was made into a dummy variable, and a probit model was used. Results : As a result of this study, compared to quartile 1 of the relative grip strength value obtained by dividing the grip strength by the body mass index (body mass index, kg, m²), fasting blood glucose levels were significantly higher in quartile 2 (.05, p<.01), quartile 3 (.04, p<.01), and quartile 4 (.04, p<.01). It was found that the probability of belonging to the normal category was higher than that of impaired fasting glucose. In addition, in the group of adults aged 20 or older who had a lot of aerobic and anaerobic physical activity, fasting blood sugar was more likely to be in the normal category. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, it was suggested that diabetes should be managed through physical activity in the pre-diabetic stage, as prevention is important as well as treatment. From a practical point of view, muscle strength, such as grip strength, can be identified as a reliable indicator for identifying impaired fasting glucose.