• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2010

Purpose : This research intended to find out the effects of scalenus medius muscle relaxed posture on the increase of head-neck rotation for general adults. Methods : This research was conducted on 30 subjects whose both sides head neck rotation angles are not the same and that agreed to participate in the experiment. In a posture of sitting erectly on a mat, both sides head neck rotation angles were measured with C-ROM equipment, and while supporting arm in direction opposite the side where head neck rotation limited and leaning over the body at 45 degree and neck at vertical condition against ground, head-neck rotation angles were measured each with C-ROM equipment. Results : The Head-Neck rotation angle on the side of limited head-neck rotation demonstrated more increase in scalenus medius relaxed posture than in erect sitting posture, showing significant difference statistically(p<0.05). The head-neck rotation angle on the side of non-limited Head-Neck rotation demonstrated more decrease in scalenus medius relaxed posture than in erect sitting posture, not showing any significant difference statistically (p>0.05). Conclusions : This posture may be used for preventing limit of head-neck rotation caused of scalenus medius muscle tension and increasing head-neck rotation.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.27-40
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• 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of stabilization exercises performed after an abdominal drawing-in exercise using pressure biofeedback for 8 weeks on craniovertebral angle, muscle performance, neck pain level and neck disability index in lactating women with neck pain. Methods: Twenty lactating women voluntarily participated and were randomly divided into control group and experimental groups. The control group (n=10) was subjected to abdominal drawing-in exercises before lumbar stabilization exercises, while the experimental group (n=10) was subjected to abdominal drawing-in exercises using pressure biofeedback before lumbar stabilization exercises 50 minutes, thrice weekly for 8 weeks. The craniovertebral angle (CVA), transverse abdominis and deep neck flexor muscle performance, visual analog scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: As a result of the study, there was significant difference between each group, and when looking at the differences before and after each group, there was a significant difference in CVA, transverse abdominis and deep neck flexor muscle performance, VAS, NDI in both groups. Conclusion: The above results revealed that selective muscle activation through abdominal drawing-in exercises using pressure biofeedback were effective on CVA, transverse abdominis and deep neck flexor muscle performance, VAS, NDI in lactating women with neck pain.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.40-48
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• 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare sling exercise group to McKenzie exercise group in patients with chronic neck pain. Design: Two group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Twenty subjects who have chronic neck pain were randomly divided into sling exercise group (n=10) and McKenzie exercise (n=10). Sling exercise group (n=10) received sling exercise for 30 minutes per day, twice a week over a 4 week period. And the other group were exercised McKenzie exercise (n=8) for 30 minutes per day, twice a week over a 4 week period. Neck disability index (NDI), Visual analog scale (VAS), algometer, digital manual muscle tester (MMT) and cervical muscle strength and cervical range of motion (ROM) are closely measured to identify the effect of sling exercise and McKenzie exercise. Results: For NDI, VAS, algometer on both trapezius, both rotation of cervical muscle strength, both lateral flexion of cervical muscle strength, cervical extension of ROM and both lateral flexion of ROM were significantly increased after intervention in sling exercise group (p<0.05), For VAS, algometer on both trapezius, left (Lt.) rotation of cervical muscle strength, Lt. lateral flexion of cervical muscle strength, cervical flexion and extension of ROM and Lt. lateral flexion of ROM were significantly increased after than before intervention in McKenzie exercise group (p<0.05). Conclusions: These study outcomes clearly support the notion that sling and McKenzie exercise improved pain, Muscle strength and ROM of patients with chronic neck pain. These results suggest that sling and McKenzie exercise program is suitable for chronic neck pain.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.51-59
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• 2020

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide clinical basic data to reduce pain and improve function by comparing neck muscle activity and neck alignment using self-stretching and passive stretching exercises for chronic neck pain caused by forward head posture. METHODS: The subjects were divided into 15 subjects assigned to perform self-stretching exercise and 15 subjects assigned to perform passive stretching exercise. The intervention was conducted for a total of 4 weeks. The muscle activity in the neck was measured by surface electromyography (EMG) before intervention, and craniovertebral and cranial rotation angles were measured by X-ray. The 4-week intervention was conducted and the above items re-measured in the same manner and analyzed. RESULTS: Muscle activity within both groups after intervention using self-stretching or passive stretching exercise was significantly different (p < .05)(p < .01). Neck alignment of both groups was significantly different (p < .001)(p < .01). Further, muscle activities of the upper trapezius and splenius capitis muscles showed significant differences (p<.05). Lastly, neck alignment showed statistically significant difference (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Self-stretching exercise activated motor nerves as a posture correction exercise, thereby improving inhibition of muscle activity, muscle contraction delay, and pathological conditions of the muscle. For future research, interventions of self-stretching exercise will be needed for patients with chronic back pain accompanied by forward head posture, and various clinical studies on postural improvement of forward head posture by maintaining a normal muscle tone state are needed.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.28-37
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of smartphone use on muscle fatigue and tenderness in the cervical erector spinae (CES) and the upper trapezius (UT) and on the cervical range of motion among subjects with and without neck muscle pain. The subjects were 30 smartphone users in their 20 s who -were assigned to either an experimental group with neck muscle pain or a control group without neck muscle pain. Muscle fatigue and tenderness in the CES and the UT as well as the subjects' cervical range of motion were measured before and after 20-min smartphone sessions in a sitting position. In a between-group comparison of muscle fatigue, the experimental group showed a significantly greater decrease in median frequency in the CES and the right UT after smartphone use (p<.05). Regarding the assessment of muscle tenderness after smartphone use, the experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) in all muscles (p<.05), whereas the control group showed a significantly decreased PPT in the right CES and the UT (p<.05). The assessment of the cervical range of motion revealed a statistically significant reduction in the cervical flexion-extension and left lateral flexion in the experimental group (p<.05) after smartphone use. However, there was no significant change in the cervical range of motion in the control group (p>.05) after smartphone use. When compared with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated greater changes in cervical extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, except for cervical flexion (p<.05). In conclusion, when smartphone users have pre-existing neck muscle pain, the use of a smartphone further increased muscle fatigue and tenderness in the neck and reduced PPT and the cervical range of motion.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.319-324
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effect of dorsal neck muscle fatigue on the cervical range of motion (CROM) and proprioception in adults with the forward head posture (FHP). Methods: Thirty pain-free subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects were measured the forward head angle by taking the capture of the sagittal plane of their upper body to determine the FHP. Subjects were distributed into two groups: the FHP group (n=14) and Control group (n=16). All subjects were measured the CROM and the Head repositioning accuracy (HRA) for joint proprioception before and after inducing muscle fatigue of the dorsal neck. The CROM and HRA were measured in neck flexion, extension, right-left lateral flexion, and right-left rotation. Sorenson's test was used to induce muscle fatigue of the dorsal neck. Results: Total CROMs were significantly decreased after dorsal neck muscle fatigue in both groups (p<0.05). Total HRAs were significantly increased after dorsal neck muscle fatigue in the FHP group (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the control group (p>0.05). Total CROM changes were not significant differences between groups (p>0.05), but total HRA changes were significant differences between groups (p<0.05) except for right and left lateral flexion (p>0.05). Conclusion: Immediate CROM and proprioception reduction after the dorsal neck muscle fatigue were observed in adults with the FHP. Therefore, FHP can significantly affect the CROM and positioning consistency of cervical proprioception.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2023

Background: In modern society, the use of computers accounts for a large proportion of our daily lives. Although substantial research is being actively conducted on musculoskeletal diseases resulting from computer use, there has been a recent surge in interest in improving the working environment for prevention. Objects: This study aimed to examine the effects of posture correction feedback (PCF) on changes in neck posture and muscle activation during computer typing. Methods: The participants performed a computer typing task in two sessions, each lasting 16 minutes. The participant's dominant side was photographed and analyzed using ImageJ software to verify neck posture. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to confirm the participant's cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius muscle activities. The EMG signal was analyzed using the percentage of reference voluntary contraction and amplitude probability distribution function (APDF). In the second session, visual and auditory feedback for posture correction was provided if the neck was flexed by more than 15° in the initial position during computer typing. A 20-minute rest period was provided between the two sessions. Results: The neck angle (p = 0.014), CES muscle activity (p = 0.008), and APDF (p = 0.015) showed significant differences depending on the presence of the PCF. Furthermore, significant differences were observed regarding the CES muscle activity (p = 0.001) and APDF (p = 0.002) over time. Conclusion: Our study showed that the feedback system can correct poor posture and reduces unnecessary muscle activation during computer work. The improved neck posture and reduced CES muscle activity observed in this study suggest that neck pain can be prevented. Based on these results, we suggest that the PCF system can be used to prevent neck pain.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 2022

Objectives Objective of this study is to investigate the role of paraspinal muscles by examining the correlation between slip percentage (SP) of spondylolisthesis and fatty infiltration of lumbar paraspinal muscle. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 45 patients diagnosed with spondylolisthesis based on medical records. Using T2-weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging, cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of psoas major (PM), multifidus (MU) and erector spinae (ES) were calculated and divided by CSA of lower level vertebral body (VB). SP was measured using sagittal T2-weighted images. Correlation of SP with muscle relative cross-sectional area (RCSA) and muscle fatty infiltration by Goutallier classification was respectively analyzed using Spearman correlation. Statistic assessment conducted by Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired t-test using program GraphPad prism 5 (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Results Spondylolisthesis forward slip percentage by Taillard's method was negatively associated with both side MU RCSAs. No significant correlation was found between PM RCSA, ES RCSA and SP. Forward slippage was significantly correlated with fatty infiltration of lumbar paraspinal muscle measured by Goutallier classification. Conclusions This study is to understand the role of paraspinal muscle affecting spinal instability by investigating correlation between statistical deviation of lumbar muscle characters (RCSA, fatty infiltration of lumbar muscle) and SP. We found that spondylolisthesis SP is positively related to fatty infiltration of lumbar paraspinal muscle. and is negatively associated with both side MU RCSAs.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.331-340
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• 2022

Purpose: Thisstudy aimed to identify the effect of varying the expansibility of elastic tape on the onset time of muscle contraction during neck extension for forward head posture syndrome. Methods: Forty-five young adults with forward head posture syndrome volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to the expansibility of the elastic tape (25%, 50%, 75%). The onset time of muscle contraction for the neck extensor during neck extension was measured using an electromyographic system (Free EMG, BTS, Italy). Multivariate analysis of variance was employed to determine the effect of different expansibilities of elastic tape on the onset time of muscle contraction during neck extension for forward head posture syndrome. When there was a statistically significant difference by MANOVA, Scheffe was used as a post-hoc test. The level of significance was set at α=0.05. Results: In the comparison of the onset time of muscle contraction of varying elastic tape expansibilities and measurement times, there was a significant difference between the groups (Lt. UT, Lt. SCM, Rt. SCM) (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the interaction between the measurement time and the group, between the measurement time (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In the neck extension, 75% of the tape extensibility in the Lt. UT and both SCM shortened the muscle contraction onset time.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.7-20
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• 2019

Objectives The purpose of this study was to improve the comfort of daily life such as reduction of headache and increase of movement of neck by using muscle relaxation approach and joint movement approach for office worker with tension type headache of foward head posture sitting over 5 hours. Methods For this, 9 male and 15 female participated in the foward head posture with tension type headache. Each group consisted of 3 male and 5 female. Groups are divided into groups, such as muscle relaxation therapy, joint movement therapy, muscle relaxation and joint movement therapy. After intervention for each group for a month, we measured neck movement and head disability index and neck disability index 2 week. SPSS 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for data analysis. The one-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, compared t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results Three intervention groups have brought improvements in neck movement and daily life comfort. There is significant difference in the improvement of neck extension and change in neck disability index between 2 and 4 weeks in the joint movement approach compared to muscle relaxation approach, muscle relaxation and joint movement approach. Conclusions Office workers are exposed to tension type headache. However, muscle relaxation approach and joint movement approach can improve neck movement and daily life comfort.