• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.319-334
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• 1995

To investigate the risk factors of low back pain, an epidemiological study was carried out among male workers aged 20-55 employed in an automobile industry in Korea during the time period from February 1993 to October 1995. Workers participated to this study were divided into low back pain group(LBP) and control group, according to the self-reports by written questionnaires. General characteristics, medical history, work related factors, fatigue, and MMPI were compared between two groups. To clarify the relationship between job related low back pain and radiologic features of lumbar spine, radiographic study was carried out. The resultant data were processed for $x^2-test$, t-test, and stepwise logistic regression to confirm the adjusted odds ratios. The results were as follows: 1. History of back disease, lifting and carrying work, excessive physical fatigue, and weakend back strength of individual workers were directly associated with low back pain. Odd ratios of these 4 risk factors of low back pain were 5.07, 3.34, 1.49, and 1.22 respectively. 2. The frequency of low back pain history was significantly higher in LBP group. 3. Back muscle strength of lumbar spine of LBP group were significantly lower than control group. 4. The workers in LBP group revealed high fatigue symptoms. 5. In MMPI test LBP group showed higher scales in hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychopathic deviate, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, and hypomania. 6. LBP group were more frequently involved in lifting and carrying, working in awkward position, bending, twisting and using lower extremities. 7. LBP group were exposed more to vibration during working. 8. In the Analysis of radiographs of lumbar spine, Jacob's line not crossing fourth lumhar disc space, transitional vertebrae and lumbar displacement more than 4.4mm in standing lateral view were more frequently observed in LBP group than control group. Through these results, it is concluded that identification of previous history of back problem, change of work or working environment for workers with previous back problem and measures to relieve both physical and psychological fatigue of the workers are required for optimal management of work-related back problems among workers. In the present study, several results were different from the previous reports: Jacob's line not corssing fourth lumbar disc space, lumbarization, and vertebral slipping (spondylolisthesis) more than 4.4mm are related to backache. Meticulous studies are required to elucidate the difference.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2017

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and the relevant risk factors for lumbar spondylosis (LS) among middle-aged and elderly rural Korean residents and to explore the association between radiographic LS and lower back pain (LBP) in relation to age and gender. Methods : This community-based, cross-sectional study evaluated 1512 subjects with available radiograph. The prevalence of LBP was obtained using a questionnaire and disability resulting from LBP was measured using a validated Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (ODI). In lumbar spine radiographs, vertebral levels from L1/2 to L4/5 were evaluated for the presence of osteophytes and joint-space narrowing (JSN), and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading was applied. Results : Of 4261 subjects aged 40-79 years, data from 1512 subjects were included. The prevalence of radiographic LS indicated by grade ${\geq}2$ osteophytes and JSN were 53.9 and 15.8%, respectively. Seventy-three percent of subjects had KL grade ${\geq}2$ spondylosis and LBP was present in 36.5% of subjects. Although LS was more common among males, the prevalence of LBP was higher among females. Age, male gender and history of hand or knee arthritis were risk factors for LS. LS was significantly associated with LBP mostly among females over 60 years old and correlated with the ODI after adjusting for age and gender. Conclusion : Our study among rural Korean residents revealed a high prevalence of LS and LBP. The association between LS and LBP was observed mostly among females and LS was significantly correlated with the severity of back pain.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.11-23
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• 1998

Dynamic motion difference between normal subjects and low-back pain (LBP) patients has been investigated in terms of kinematic variables such as range of motion, velocity and acceleration of the back and hip. Ten healthy subjects and ten LBP patients were recruited in this study. Electro-goniometer such as Lumbar Motion Monitor and Hip Monitor have been used for quantitative measurement of the trunk motion during repetitive flexion and extension for ten seconds. Results indicated that the velocity and acceleration of the back and hip were important parameters to quantitatively identify LBP patients. The consistency of cyclic trunk motion and the relationship between the back and hip were measured in terms of Variance Ratio and Phase Angle in order to accurately assess the motion characteristics of LBP patients. In particular, the hip motion has been proven to be a very important factor in describing the kinematics of damaged lower back. The functional evaluation technique suggested in this study will be a tool to assist physicians for an accurate diagnosis and timely rehabilitation along with current image diagnosis techniques.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.482-487
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• 2014

Objective : We assessed the life-time prevalence (LTP) of chronic low back pain (LBP) in young Korean males. We also evaluated the relationship between lumbar spinal lesions and their health related quality-of-life (HRQOL). Methods : A cross-sectional, self-reported survey was conducted in Korean males (aged 19-year-old) who underwent physical examinations for the conscript. We examined 3331 examinees in November 2014. We included 2411 subjects, who accepted to participate this study without any comorbidities. We interviewed using simple binary questions for their LBP experience and chronicity. HRQOL was assessed by Short-Form Health-Survey-36 (SF-36) in chronic LBP and healthy control groups. Radiological assessment was performed in chronic LBP group to determine whether there were any pathological causes of their symptoms. Results : The LTP of chronic LBP was 13.4%. Most (71.7%) of them didn't have any lumbar spinal lesions (i.e., non-specific chronic LBP). The SF-36 subscale and summary scores were significantly lower in subjects with chronic LBP. Between specific and non-specific chronic LBP group, all physical and mental subscale scores were significantly lower in specific chronic LBP group, except mental health (MH) subscale score. In MH subscale and mental component summary score, statistical significant differences didn't appear between two groups (p=0.154, 0.126). Conclusion : In Korean males 19 years of age, the LTP of chronic LBP was 13.4%, and more than two-thirds were non-specific chronic LBP. Chronic LBP had a significant impact on HRQOL. The presence of lumbar spinal pathoanatomical lesions affected mainly on the physical aspect of HRQOL. It influenced little on the mental health.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.57-67
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of low back pain(LBP) and pelvic displacement on foot orthosis. Before and after experiments were designed to compare the effect. 21 LBP patients who were the subjects diagnosed of applying foot orthosis for 3 weeks after, investigated about pelvic obliquity angle, displacement of ilium, lumbo-sacral angle by x-ray test which is one of pelvic displacement tests, visual analogue scale is used for LBP measurement. The result show the followings; First, Pelvic obliquity angle was significantly reduced after applying foot orthosis compared before using it(p<.05). Second, Displacement of ilium was significantly reduced after applying foot orthosis compared before using it(p<.05). Third, Lumbo-sacral angle was significantly reduced after applying foot orthosis compared before using it(p<.05). Fourth, LBP was significantly reduced after applying foot orthosis compared before using it(p<.05). This study tries to suggest new LBP treatment to reduce pelvic displacement by apply foot orthosis. In conclusion, foot orthosis reduces pelvic obliquity angle, displacement of ilium, lumbo-sacral angle and also decrease LBP. Further more, It needs of biomechanical study which can recognize relation between foot arch and pelvic displacement. This study will serve as a clinically useful data for diagnosis and treatment of LBP and biomechanical analysis of lower limb.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2018

Background: A limited hip rotational range of motion (ROM) has been considered to be one of characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in athletes. Although LBP frequently occurs in jiu-jitsu athletes, no previous has compared hip rotational ROM between jiu-jitsu athletes with and without LBP. Objects: The aim of the study was to compare ROM for hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER), and total hip rotation between jiu-jitsu athletes with and without LBP. Methods: Jiu-jitsu athletes were recruited for the LBP group ($n_1=15$) and control group without LBP ($n_2=15$). IR, ER, and total rotational range of hip joint were measured using a goniometer. Analysis of variance was used to compare the ROM between groups and sides. Results: The LBP group showed a significantly lower range of passive hip IR, passive total rotation, active IR, active ER, and active total rotation than the control group (p<.05). Dominant side of passive hip IR and active IR had a significantly lower ROM than non-dominant side (p<.05). In passive ER ROM, non-dominant side was significantly greater than dominant side (p<.05). Conclusion: Compared to jiu-jitsu athletes without LBP, athletes with LBP exhibit a loss of hip rotational ROM. Based on these results, clinicians and athletic trainers should measure hip rotational ROM when designing the management plan for jiu-jitsu athletes with LBP.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.28-37
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• 2004

Background: Lumbar joint dysfunction is reported to be the main cause of lower back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of joint dysfunction on the postural balance of the lower hack and pelvis in different normal activities such as walking or stair management. Also it was studied whether the status of LBP (intensity and duration of LBP, length of treatment) contributes to die pelvic height difference (PHD) in various postures. Subjects: 28 patients with LBP and 32 normal adult volunteers, 60 years of age or younger, who came to the Community Health Center and orthopedic clinics in Incheon, South Korea. Methods: In order to determine the accuracy of the manual angulometer method in measuring the PHD, it was compared to the pelvic x-ray method in selected subjects. In the manual angulometer method, the arm of the angulometer was placed on the top of both iliac crests. The PHD was measured in static upright stance, then one-legged stance, on the affected leg or unaffected leg each time. Information regarding the disease status was obtained through interviews. Visual assessment scale was used to grade the intensity of LBP. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 10.0/PC program. Homogeneity between the two groups was tested by 2-test and t-test. To compare the PHD of the subgroups, we used t-test, F-test and two-way ANOVA. Relationships among dependent variables were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Conclusion: In patients with LBP, lumbar joint dysfunction causes lumbar and pelvic postural asymmetry during normal activities.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.49-52
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• 2021

Bertolotti's syndrome (BS) refers to chronic low back pain (LBP) associated with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV). Many studies suggest that the anomalous articulation alters biomechanics, resulting in discomfort on the ipsilateral side. Herein, we present an unusual case of BS presenting pain on the non-articulated side. A 46-year-old man visited our clinic with history of chronic LBP, refractory to treatment of analgesics, modalities and manual therapies. Electrodiagnostic studies showed no evidence of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Radiographies noted unilateral pseudoarticulation of L5~S1 vertebrae, on the contralateral side of his pain. The pain improved dramatically after sacroiliac joint block and facet joint block with iliolumbar ligament infiltration on the non-articulated side. Clinicians should be cautious that the unaffected joint in BS may serve an important role in altered lumbopelvic biomechanism, since it might eventually lead to intractable chronic LBP when overlooked.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.63-76
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• 2003

This research was performed to compare spinal segment motion angle between low back pain (LBP) group and painless group during trunk flexion-extension and to investigate the effect of transversus abdominis strengthening exercise on spinal segment motion angle in LBP group. Nine subjects with LBP and ten subjects without LBP participated. Transversus abdominis strengthening exercise was performed in LBP group for three weeks, and spinal segment motion angles were compared before and after the exercise performance. Spinal segment motion angles were measured both in sitting and standing position. Results were as followed: 1) Subjects' average age was 24.79 years, height was 167.84 cm, and weight was 59.95 kg. 2) Spinal segment motion angle of T10/l1 was significantly higher in LBP group compared with painless group (p<.05) in sitting position during trunk flexion-extension. 3) In sitting position, whereas entire lumbar segment motion angles were lower in LBP group compared with painless group (p<.05), angle of L4/5 was higher in LBP group compared with painless group (p<.05). 4) There was no significant difference in thoracic segment motion angle in standing position. 5) After three weeks of transversus abdominis strengthening exercise, thoracic segment motion angle increased both in sitting and standing position (p<.05). 6) In painless group, there was no significant difference in entire spinal segment motion angles in sitting and standing position (p>.05). When spinal segment motion angles were compared between sitting and standing position, there were slight differences. In sitting position, there was no difference in spinal segment motion angle between LBP group and painless group while hip joint motion angle and sacral inclination angle of LBP group was lower than those of painless group (p<.05). In standing position, lumbar segment motion angle was significantly lower in LBP group than that of painless group. Transversus abdominis strengthening exercise influenced thoracic segment motion angle more significantly than lumbar segment motion angle.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.190-198
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• 2023

Objective : Low back pain (LBP) is a global health problem that affects the productivity of the patients. Several factors such as individual, occupational, and psychosocial factors increase the risk of LBP. However, only a few studies investigated those factors, especially in middle adulthood in Indonesia. Indonesia is a country with a young population that has been rapidly developing in recent years. This study was conducted to find out the factors associated with LBP in middle adulthood. Methods : This study is a cross-sectional observational analytic study using a convenience sampling method with a total sample of 3005 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire which was then analyzed using the chi-square test, Kolmogorov-smirnov, Spearman's Rank, and logistic regression test. Results : From the result of this study, it was found that the 12-month prevalence of LBP in middle-aged adults was 44,29%. Female (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.098-1.545; p=0.002), lack of physical exercises (OR, 0.87; 95% Cl, 0.794-0.959; p=0.005), high body mass index (OR, 1.09; 95% Cl, 1.009-1.187; p=0.002), stress level (OR, 1.26; 95% Cl, 1.088-1.458; p=0.002), and years of work experience (OR, 1.1; 95% Cl, 1.001-1.225; p=0.047) were determined as risk factors that significantly associated with LBP. Conclusion : LBP is quite common among middle-aged adults in Indonesia. Female gender, higher body mass index, lack of physical activity, stress level, and years of work experience were all potential risk factors for LBP in middle-aged adults. Middle-aged adults in Indonesia should be aware of LBP and avoid disabilities by identifying risk factors that may worsen LBP in the future.