• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.219-225
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• 2020

Background: There is increasing concern that moderate preterm (32-33 weeks' gestation) and late preterm (34-36 weeks' gestation) birth may be associated with minor neurodevelopmental problems affecting poor school performance. Purpose: We explored the cognitive function, cognitive visual function, executive function, and behavioral problems at school age in moderate to late preterm infants. Methods: Children aged 7-10 years who were born at 32⁺⁰ to 36⁺⁶ weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from August 2006 to July 2011 at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital were included. We excluded children with severe neurologic impairments, congenital malformations, or chromosomal abnormalities. Neuropsychological assessments consisted of 5 neuropsychological tests and 3 questionnaires. Results: A total of 37 children (mean age, 9.1±1.2 years) participated. The mean gestational age at birth was 34.6±7.5 weeks, while the mean birth weight was 2,229.2±472.8 g. The mean full-scale intelligence quotient was 92.89±11.90; 24.3% scored between 70 and 85 (borderline intelligence functioning). An abnormal score was noted for at least one of the variables on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic system for 65% of the children. Scores below borderline function for executive quotient and memory quotient were 32.4% and 24.3%, respectively. Borderline or clinically relevant internalizing problems were noted in 13.5% on the Child Behavior Check List. There were no significant associations between perinatal factors or socioeconomic status and cognitive, visual perception, executive function, or behavior outcomes. Conclusion: Moderate to late preterm infants are at risk of developing borderline intelligence functioning and attention problems at early school age. Cognitive and executive functions that are important for academic performance must be carefully monitored and continuously followed up in moderate to late preterm infants.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.213-220
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• 2009

In this study, we have developed a novel step detection algorithm for gait evaluation of patients with hemiplegia based on trunk accelerometry device. For this, we have used a bandpass filter and a least square acceleration (LSA) filter which is characterized by emphasizing the peak or valley point of the acceleration signals for each 3-axis accelerometer signals. To evaluate the algorithm, the detected steps by developed algorithm and real steps by the motion analysis system were compared. As a result, we could obtain the sensitivity of 96.44%, the specificity of 99.94% and the accuracy of 99.90% for the patients' data sets and the sensitivity of 100%, the specificity of 99.93% and the accuracy of 99.93% for the normal data sets. In conclusion, the developed algorithm is useful for the step detection for patients with hemiplegia as well as normal subjects.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess visual biofeedback's influence on trunk muscles' (EMG) activity and endurance holding time for correct position during whole-body tilt exercise. For the study, we recruited 14 volunteers who showed no symptom of lumbar disease during medical tests. We measured the EMG activity of their rectus abdominis, external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique and erector spinae muscles, and their endurance holding time for correct position during $40^{\circ}$ anterior and posterior whole-body tilt under two conditions: whole-body tilt with and without visual biofeedback. Resistance with gravitational force on the trunk during whole-body tilt was applied by using a device that had a monitor on which the subjects could check their alignment and that sounded an alarm if a subject's alignment collapsed. The study showed an increase in the EMG activity of external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique/rectus abdominis ratio and endurance holding time for correct position during both $40^{\circ}$ anterior and posterior whole-body tilt with visual biofeedback compared with without visual biofeedback (p<.05). We suggest that the whole-body tilt exercise with visual biofeedback could be a beneficial strategy for selectively strengthening the internal abdominal oblique muscle and minimizing the rectus abdominis muscle's activity while maintaining correct alignment during whole-body tilt exercise.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.8-16
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mobilization of the sciatic nerve on hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke. This study was a randomized clinical trial with a crossover design. Sixteen subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two intervention groups and underwent either of the following two interventions: sciatic nerve mobilization or static stretching of the hamstring. We assessed hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance using a digital inclinometer, a hand-held dynamometer, and the 10-meter walk test, respectively. Subjects had a 24-hour rest period between each session in order to minimize carryover effects. Measurements for each test were assessed prior to and immediately after the intervention sessions. Using a two-way analysis of variance test with repeated measures, data from the two trials were analyzed by comparing the differences between both techniques. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. Sciatic nerve mobilization resulted in significantly better knee extensor strength (p=.023, from $15.32{\pm}5.98$ to $18.16{\pm}6.95kg$) and knee flexor strength (p=.011, from $7.80{\pm}4.80$ to $8.15{\pm}4.24kg$) in the experimental group than in the control group. However, no significant effects of static stretching of the hamstring were observed on hamstring flexibility from the ankle plantar flexion (p=.966) and ankle neutral positions (p=.210) and on gait performance (p=.396). This study indicated that the sciatic nerve mobilization technique may be more effective in muscle activation of the knee extensor muscle and knee flexor muscle than hamstring static stretching technique in patients with chronic stroke.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.58-65
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• 2017

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired postural control, but critically require the control of stability. Consequently, therapeutic interventions for enhancing postural control in children with CP have undergone extensive research. One intervention is sensorimotor training (SMT) using a Flexi-bar, but this has not previously been studied with respect to targeting trunk control in children with CP. Objects: This study was conducted to determine the effect of SMT using a Flexi-bar on postural balance and gait performance in children with CP. Methods: Three children with ambulatory spastic diplegia (SD) participated in the SMT program by using a Flexi-bar for forty minutes per day, three times a week, for six weeks. Outcome variables included the pediatric balance scale (PBS), trunk control movement scale (TCMS), 10 meter walking test (10MWT), and 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. Results: The SMT provided no statistically significant improvement in PBS, TCMS, 10MWT, or 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. However, positive changes were observed in individual outcomes, as balance and trunk control movement were improved. Conclusion: SMT using a Flexi-bar may be considered by clinicians as a potential intervention for increasing postural balance and performance in children with SD. Future studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of Flexi-bar exercise in improving the functional activity of subjects with SD.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.399-406
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• 2013

Reports about the intrusion of a natural tooth bounded by implants are very rare, although some concerns have been discussed on the intrusion of teeth connected to implants. A female aged 56 years received an implant (mandibular right first premolar) and post/core onto root rest (mandibular right second premolar) and was restored by single zirconia crown, respectively. Molars were implant restorations. Four month after loading, second premolar was intruded and prominent gap was shown between opposite tooth. Because nonspecific discomfort was expressed, observation was decided after explanation of prognosis of tooth without treatment. Three month later reversal to original position was detected on the periapical radiographs and fully recovered position with intimate contact was completed 11 more months later. Till now 2 years and 3 month observation is being performed. Through the observation of spontaneous recovery of a natural tooth bounded by implants, the cause of intrusion and a mechanism of spontaneous recovery could be estimated.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.127-140
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• 2013

The Locator attachment is used widely for implant retained overdenture. It can be used solitary and needs small vertical space. Locator can be applicable for parallel implants and divergent implants. Nylon male cap allow personalized retention for each case. In this literature review, initial retention force and changes in retention force of various attachments were evaluated. Rotation freedom and stress distribution around the attachment were reviewed. Moreover, patient satisfaction and maintenance care of Locator attachment were described. From all of the researches, it was drawn that Locator attachment can be used successfully and widely in several clinical situations.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.115-131
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• 2002

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) training of the knee extensors is a useful way to rehabilitate the ability to stand and walk. However, training using FES has not been able to solve the problem of fatigue; clinical application of FES quickly produces muscle fatigue, due to the continuous activation of the muscles of the lower extremity. Therefore, reduction of muscle fatigue is an important factor in increasing the effectiveness of FES training in paraplegia. Intermittent high frequency alternating stimulation is a method that combines the advantages of high frequency (leading to strong muscle contractions) and alternating stimulation (reducing muscle fatigue), thereby continuously strengthening muscles. It is not known whether low frequency simultaneous stimulation results in stronger muscle contraction than high frequency alternating stimulation. This study compared the effectiveness of high frequency alternating stimulation with low frequency synchronized stimulation. Muscle power using FES on the quadriceps of 20 normal subjects were compared. Intermittent high frequency alternating stimulation did not produce more powerful muscle contraction than intermittent low frequency synchronized stimulation, because the muscle characteristics differed individually. Significant individual variation according to muscle characteristics was founded when applying FES. Accordingly, when physical therapists use FES to treat patients, they must be aware of individual variation in muscle characteristics.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

Purpose: To evaluate osseous changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to correlate the imaging findings with the severity of TMJ dysfunction, clinical findings, and laboratory findings. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 28 subjects, including 14 RA patients and 14 controls, who were scheduled to undergo CBCT imaging for the diagnosis of a complaint not related to or affecting the TMJ. The Fonseca's questionnaire was used to assess the severity of TMJ dysfunction. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were assessed in the RA patients. CBCT was then performed in all subjects and osseous TMJ abnormalities were assessed. Results: According to the Fonseca's questionnaire, 14.3% of the patients had no TMJ dysfunction, while 50%, 21.4%, and 14.3% had mild, moderate, and severe dysfunction, respectively. RF was positive in 64.3% of patients, and the ESR level was high in 100%. Imaging findings revealed a statistically significantly higher prevalence of erosion (85.7%), flattening (89.3%), osteophyte formation (32.1%), subchondral cyst (32.1%), sclerosis (64.3%), and condylar irregularities (28.6%) in the RA patients than in the controls. No correlations were found between CBCT findings and the clinical findings, the severity of TMJ dysfunction, disease duration, or laboratory results. Conclusion: RA patients might show extensive osseous abnormalities with no/mild clinical signs or symptoms of TMJ dysfunction that necessitate TMJ imaging for these patients. CBCT is a valuable and efficient modality that can assess osseous TMJ changes in RA patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.72-80
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects on fine motor, muscle strength (hand-grip), explosive muscular strength (vertical jump) and muscular endurance (sit-up) after ingesting coffee. Hence this study targeted a sample group of 38 healthy men in their twenties, without cardiac disorders and muscle disorders and none of them were hypersensitive to caffeine with symptoms such as palpitation and dyspnea. Nineteen of them ingested coffee, whereas the other nineteen men ingested decaffeinated coffee at the same amount. The amount of coffee was controlled by weight so as to regulate intake to 6 mg caffeine per kg. Research material was evaluated through O'Conner's finger dexterity test, hand-grip strength test, vertical jump test and sit-up test. The data were analyzed by means of paired t-test and ANCOVA. The material was then, analyzed by means of two-way ANOVA in order to verify the effect of one or two cups of coffee on fine motor and hand-grip strength. All parameters were measured by an independent observer. The results were as follows: There were no significant differences to fine motor, hand-grip strength, vertical jump, sit-up before and after drinking decaffeinated coffee, but there was a difference to those before and after drinking caffeine coffee. There was no significant difference to hand dexterity and hand-grip strength in one or two cups of coffee. Intake of a certain dosage of caffeine effects activation of muscles working in a short period based on the results. As a consequence, intake of certain dosages of caffeine was beneficial to enhance efficiency of activity during exercises, but it is will be difficult to obtain the desired result with only one or two cups of coffee.