• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.69-79
• /
• 2012

Importance of the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has been increasing in the hospital industry such as health care industry and financial industry. This study investigated in order to identify the factors like general, occupational and ergonomically characteristics of the subjects related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of physical therapists (PTs). Ergonomic tools of rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were used for evaluation workload of the tasks. Prevalence of MSDs were 13 PTs (26.0%) for neck, 31 PTs (62.0%) for shoulder, 9 PTs (18.0%) for arm/elbow, 27 PTs (54.0%) for hand/wrist, 28 PTs (56.0%) for back, 14 PTs (28.0%) for leg/foot. The analysis of the rate of the pain intensity showed that 53.5% subjects experience moderate pain and 14.0% subjects experience severe pain. Factors which were general characteristics, for example, height, ergonomically characteristics such as 'Posture Score A' were related musculoskeletal subjective symptoms in logistic analysis (p<.05). Among physical therapists, action level of RULA were action level 2 (6.0%), action level 3 (52.0%), action level 4 (42.0%). Physical therapists were estimated one of the highest risk factor in this study. This study suggested that the need of preventive education and program for PTs (physical therapists). Comprehensive and systematic management plans should be established to include both ergonomic and sociopsychological aspects.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.37-43
• /
• 2011

Purpose: We studied the changes in motor response time and stop signal response time following visuomotor skill learning of a stop signal task in young healthy subjects. This study also was designed to determine what an effective practice is for different stop signals in the stop signal task (SST). Methods: Forty-five right-handed normal volunteers without a history of neurological dysfunction were recruited. They all gave written informed consent. In all subjects, motor reaction time (RT) and stop signal reaction time (SSRT) were measured for the stop signal task. Tasks were classified into three categories: predictable-stop signal task (P-SST) practice group random-stop signal task (R-SST) practice group control group. Results: Motor reaction time in the P-SST was significantly reduced when comparing pre- and post-tests (p<0.05). Stop signal reaction times in the P-SST and the R-SST were significantly reduced following motor skill learning (p<0.05). Also, the reaction time of the R-SST was shorter than that of the P-SST. Conclusion: These findings indicate that practice of an SST improves motor performance and stop function for some stop signals in the SST. P-SST practice was effective in the stop function of regular movement because of faster of the motor prediction and preparation but the R-SST was effective in the stop function of movements because of faster motor selection.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.77-82
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Recently, many studies have demonstrated that application of external stimulation can modulate cortical excitability of the human brain. We attempted to observe cortical excitability using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or functional electrical stimulation (FES). Methods: We recruited two healthy subjects without a history of neurological or psychiatric problems. fMRI scanning was done during? each constant anodal tDCS and FES session, and each session was repeated three times. The tDCS session consisted of three successive phases (resting phase: 60sec dummy cycle: 10sec tDCS phase: 60sec). The FES session involved stimulation of wrist extensor muscles over two successive phase (resting phase: 15sec FES phase: 15sec). Results: The average map of the tDCS and FES analyses showed that the primary sensory-motor cortex area was activated in all subjects. Conclusion: Our findings show that cortical activation can be induced by constant anodal tDCS and FES. They suggest that the above stimuli have the potential for facilitating brain plasticity and modulating neural excitability if applied as specific therapeutic interventions for brain injured patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.6
• /
• pp.1321-1328
• /
• 2018

Objective: This study was performed to report on the effects of traditional Korean Medicine as a treatment for a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, with lower limb pain as the chief complaint. Methods: We treated this patient with traditional Korean medicine and measured symptom severity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) as well as measuring the length of the patient's self-exercising time. Results: After about 7 weeks of treatment, most pathological symptoms had decreased. There was a gradual decline in the VAS and a gradual increase in the length of the self-exercising time. Although there was an increase in the ODI scale during the first 2 weeks, it eventually showed a decline in the rest of the period. Conclusions: Traditional Korean medicine can be a solution for the patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease suffering from peripheral neurological symptoms.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.55-66
• /
• 2019

Objective : The purpose of this study is to confirm whether the effectiveness of the program is sustainable 9 months after project completion for the children and adolescents participating in a childcare and rehabilitation support project. Methods : This study was carried out in three phases: pre-(2016.5~6), post-(2016.10~12) and follow-up evaluation phases (2017.9) of 120 children and adolescents who participated in a treatment and rehabilitation of children project in 2016. The analysis was conducted using a repeated mesures ANOVA to identify changes in problem behaviors. Results : The problem behavior of preschoolers in middle and high schools decreased after the post-evaluation compared to the pre-evaluation, and the effect of treatment was maintained afterward. Elementary school students displayed fewer problem behaviors after the post-evaluation than in the pre-evaluation, and follow-up more. Conclusions : This study confirms that the effects of therapy are maintained for a long period of time. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that therapeutic intervention is effective for children and adolescents in foster care.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.177-188
• /
• 2023

Purpose : To identify trends in studies on the intersection of neurofeedback (NF) training and rehabilitation interventions for patients with stroke, as conducted over the past decade. Methods : This review included studies published from 2012 to 2022. A comprehensive database search was conducted using keywords such as "stroke", "electroencephalogram (EEG)", "brain wave", "nerve feedback", and "upper extremity function". Results : A total of 703 studies were initially retrieved. Of these, literature predating 2012, duplicate literature, non-experimental studies, and studies that did not target patients with stroke were excluded. After this screening, we retrieved the full texts of 15 articles and re-checked whether each study met the inclusion criteria of this study. The advisory members who participated in this study consisted of people with doctoral degrees and more than 5 years of clinical experience related to the rehabilitation of patients with stroke. Disagreements were resolved through discussions. Ultimately, 8 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Despite differences in the type and duration of NF training, the combination of NF training and rehabilitation intervention was found to be effective in promoting the functional recovery of the upper extremities, eliciting positive EEG changes, and inducing neurological changes in the brain. Conclusion : A meta-analysis involving a wider search range is needed in future studies. In addition, efforts are required to generalize the clinical application of these interventions. This can be achieved by supplementing the research methodologies through extensive review studies that encompass a diverse array of study designs.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.35-45
• /
• 2018

Objective : Questionnaires completed by occupational therapists and patients in institutions conducting a "Pilot Project of Rehabilitation Medical Institutions" were used to determine whether occupational therapy was able to establish appropriate patient support systems for return to home and community. Methods : The questionnaire was completed by 293 occupational therapists from 13 institutions conducting pilot projects and 296 patients from 8 institutions who were able to respond. Results : Although the Pilot Project of Rehabilitation Medical Institutions is being implemented to enable early return of patients to activities of daily living, the most important therapeutic goal is not efficiently applied. In addition, since the health insurance systems utilized in medical institutions are applied as in the pilot project, there is no basis for evaluation and mediation of practical daily activities and vocational rehabilitation for actual return to the community. Conclusion : Through a detailed review of the pilot project, it will be necessary to improve the quality of life through the early return of patients to social activity, and to make practical improvements to reduce unnecessary societal expenditures.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.11-26
• /
• 2018

Objective : This case study was to verify effects of cognitive rehabilitation and swallowing rehabilitation on Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury patient by Suicidal Attempt. Methods : The subject was a 32-year old Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury patient by suicidal attempt. He received treatment once a day five times a week, for a half an hour for each session from September 8th to December 16th, 2016. Treatment were cognitive and swallowing rehabilitation. He was assessed based on Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean (MMSE-K), Korean-Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), Computerized Neurocognitive Function Test (CNT), Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcomes Measurements System (ASHA-NOMS). Results : The patient's total MMSE-K score increased from 25 to 27. His K-MBI score increased from 74 to 88. His memory, attention span, and executive function (DST, VST, SWCT, WCST) by CNT scores were improved. VDS score has no changes to 34, 44.5 and 34. ASHA-NOMS score also has no change to 6, 2 and 6. Conclusion : The study showed that the application of the treatment of cognitive and swallowing in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury patient by suicidal attempt results has positive effects on cognitive functions, and swallowing function.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.103-120
• /
• 2020

Objective : This study aims to understand the phenomenon of social admission in Korea's rehabilitation system by analyzing the perspectives of occupational therapists. Methods : We developed a written questionnaire based on RSAT and, in August 2019, distributed it to occupational therapists with more than three years of experience at the time. Data were analyzed using the van Kaam's method. Further, high frequency words were analyzed by word cloud in order to extract significant statements. Results : Forty-six written interviews were collected from various areas of Korea. We analyzed the data into 2 categories, 4 themes, 13 sub-themes. The two categories were 'hospital system' and 'external factors of occupational therapy practice'. The themes according to 'hospital system' were 'difficulties in implementing multidisciplinary approach' and 'inadequate discharge planning system'. The themes according to 'internal and external factors of occupational therapy' were analyzed as 'difficulties of occupational therapists' and 'difficulties in occupational therapy practice'. Conclusion : Occupational therapists in rehabilitation hospitals recognize that the reason for social admission is insufficient insurance systems related to occupational therapy services in rehab hospitals. This leads to difficulties in occupational therapy practice. We need to develop the insurance systems that can meet patient needs for social recovery.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.107-120
• /
• 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and basis of rehabilitation intervention in patients with spinal cord injury by systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. Methods : Two researchers independently searched and selected a study published in an academic journal using a search term in an international thesis database. A total of 21 studies met the selection criteria, and qualitative evaluation of the study was conducted using the PEDro Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.0 program. Results : A total of 713 subjects were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed a score of 0.406 (95.0% confidence interval: 0.221 ~ 0.591) for intervention using physical activity and 0.505 (95.0% confidence interval: 0.449 ~ 1.528) for electronic stimulation therapy, which showed medium effect; educational intervention had a 0.248 (95.0% confidence interval: 0.033 ~ 0.464), and mixed intervention 0.280 (95.0% confidence interval: 0.122 ~ 0.438). It was shown that the effect of small (small). There was a significant heterogeneity in the statistical heterogeneity test, and thus the random effects model was selected and analyzed. Conclusion : The results showed that rehabilitation interventions were effective for patients with spinal cord injury. During the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients, clinicians are expected to contribute to the development of programs to improve their lifestyles.