• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2021

Background: To determine the benefit of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) with visual biofeedback on promoting patient recovery from incontinence, we investigated variables associated with the early restoration of continence for patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: Of the 83 patients enrolled, 41 consecutive patients completed PFME (the exercise group), and the other 42 consecutive patients just before the PFME program commenced (the control group). The primary outcome was whether PFME engagement was associated with zero pad continence restoration within 3 months of surgery. Results: Continence restoration percentages (defined as zero pads used per day) at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery were 49.4%, 77.1%, and 94.0%, respectively. The exercise group achieved significantly higher recovery rates at 1 month (p=0.037), 3 months (p<0.001), and 6 months (p=023). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that a lower Gleason score (<8; hazard ratio [HR], 2.167), lower prostate specific antigen (<20 ng/dL; HR, 2.909), and engagement in PFME (HR, 3.731) were independent predictors of early recovery from postprostatectomy incontinence. Stratification by age showed that those younger than 65 years did not benefit significantly from exercise (log-rank test, p=0.08), but that their elderly counterparts, aged 65-70 years (p=0.007) and >70 years old (p=0.002) benefited significantly. Conclusion: This study suggests that postoperative engagement in PFME with biofeedback speeds up the recovery of continence in elderly patients (≥65 years old) that undergo RARP.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.175-185
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• 2022

Purpose : This study was conducted to determine the effect of Kegel exercise using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) for 2 weeks on maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and abdominal muscle thickness based on previous studies. Methods : The subjects of this study were 20 healthy female students in their 20s. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. Eleven subjects were assigned to the experimental group (EG) and 9 subjects were assigned to the control group (CG). Subjects measured MVV with a spirometer. In hooklying position, transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) of the dominant side were measured using ultrasound. For the measurement value, the average value of three times was adopted. After 2 weeks of intervention, the measurements were measured in the same way. In the EG, pelvic setting training using PBU was performed before Kegel exercise. The PBU was first placed at the waist in the Kegel exercise position and the starting pressure was set at 40 mmHg and adjusted to 60 mmHg through pelvic floor muscle contraction. After performing pelvic control using PBU, Kegel exercise was performed with 8 seconds of contraction, 8 seconds of relaxation, and 3 sets of 10 reps per set. A significance level of 𝛼=.05 was used to verify statistical significance. Results : In the variable of MVV, a significant increase was confirmed in the EG (p<.05). In the abdominal muscle thickness variable, significant increases were confirmed in IO and TrA in the EG (p<.05). In addition, a significant increase in IO was confirmed in the CG (p<.05). Significant increases in IO and TrA were confirmed between groups (p<.05). Conclusion : Based on the previous study, this study confirmed that Kegel exercise using a PBU had a positive effect on MVV and abdominal muscle thickness based on a 2-week intervention.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 2003

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of EMG biofeedback and pelvic floor electrical stimulation in the stress urinary incontinence patients by Kontinence HMT2000. Materials and Methods: A group of 14 patients with stress urinary incontinence were treated with combined biofeedback and intravaginal electrical stimulation during 12 sessions from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. Results: At immediate post treatment, subjective cure rate was 28% and improvement rate was 57% and failure rate was 15%. Thus the overall success rate for this treatment was 85%. The result of 3 months after treatment showed cure rate 14% and improvement rate was 43%. Intravaginal pressure increased by an average of 11.9 cmH2O. Increased vaginal pressure was found in 93% of the patients and more than 50% increment of intravaginal pressure was 71%. Conclusions: Combined biofeedback and pelvic floor electrical stimulation by use of Kontinence HMT2000 is effective for the patients who have good compliance, relative low degree stress urinary incontinence. In order to attain good results, a well structured program that teaches specific muscle exercise and the patients should be followed by regular interval reinforcement treatment.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.93-102
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• 2015

Prolonged sitting can contribute to low back pain. The lumbar taping can be applied to correct the sitting posture. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lumbar taping on lumbar kinematics and the muscle activities of multifidus (MF) and internal oblique in the individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) as they type for 30 minutes. Nineteen subjects with NSCLBP (9 people in non taping group and 10 people in taping group) were recruited. Lumbar taping was applied to the taping group before typing. Both groups started typing in a neutral sitting position with their feet on the floor. The change of posture and S2 posterior tilting (S2P) were measured to investigate kinematic data. Three sensors were attached on T12, L3, and S2 to identify the change of posture. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities. Palpation meter was used to standardize the angle of pelvic tilt in sagittal plane before typing. All instruments were used to measure each data before and after typing. Independent t-test was used to compare the changing values of lumbar kinematics and muscle activities before and after typing between both groups. The changing values of S2P and change of posture of L3 and S2 were significantly smaller in the taping group compared to the non taping group (p<.05). The changing value of muscle activities of MF between before and after typing was significantly smaller in the taping group compared to the non taping group (p<.05). In conclusion, the lumbar taping during the 30-minute typing task can be applied to maintain correct sitting posture in the lumbar and pelvis and to maintain activation of MF.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2015

Purpose: Abdominal breathing exercises are recommended to activate the breathing muscles and the pelvic floor muscles, as well as to increase postural alignment during exhalation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of improving abdominal muscle strength on menstrual pain in women in their twenties using abdominal breathing exercises. Method: In this study, 32 female university students were included as the subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the area of menstrual pain: lumbar pain (n=16) and lower abdomen pain (n=16). The abdominal breathing positions were divided into two positions, which included a hook lying position and hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the supine position. Exercises were used to strengthen the abdominal muscles during exhalation. Four sets of the exercises were completed three times a week over the course of eight weeks. The degree of pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasound. Result: The thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) increased in the lower abdomen pain group. However, thickness of the external oblique (EO) did not increased following abdominal breathing. No significant difference in posture was identified in the lower abdomen group. TrA thickness increased significantly in the lumbar pain group. However, thickness did not increase significantly in the lumbar pain group. In addition, the lumbar pain group experienced no significant effects on posture. IO thickness increased following hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the lumbar pain group. Menstrual pain decreased following intervention in both groups. There was no significant difference in the degree of pain reduction between both groups. Conclusion: As examples of alternative medicine, abdominal breathing exercises may be effective in decreasing menstrual pain.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.94-102
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• 2009

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a urinary incontinence management program for middle aged women living in a rural area. Method: The research design was a one-group pretest-posttest design. Forty eight women with urinary incontinence aged 40-64, who lived in a rural area were included in the study. The urinary incontinence management program was composed of urinary incontinence education, pelvic floor muscle exercise, behavior management using a voiding diary. The program had three weekly sessions. Knowledge about urinary incontinence, physical symptoms, self-efficacy, and urinary incontinence related quality of life were measured before and after the program. Results: After carrying the urinary incontinence management program, knowledge score improved significantly compared to before the program ($6.31{\pm}3.30$ vs $7.77{\pm}2.55$, p=.01). But the score for self-efficacy, and urinary incontinence related quality of life did not improve. Conclusion: The 3 week urinary incontinence program had an effect on knowledge related to urinary incontinence, but not self efficacy nor urinary incontinence related quality of life. Thus further study is required to better evaluate the effects of the urinary incontinence program.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.104-111
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of exercise program of on improvement of low back pain in pregnant woman. The subject with pregnant woman were 24 members recruited among in pregnant woman of S Hospital in Bucheon between 25 and 35 years old. 24 patients were randomly distributed into two groups(Exercise group = 12, Control group = 12). William's back exercise, Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercise and hydrotherapy were applied to Exercise group respectively. Control group were applied only hydrotherapy. The exercise program of low back was given four times a week for 12 weeks between september 2002 and March 2003. The results were compared by VAS(Visual Analog Scale) and MPQ(McGill Pain Questionnaire) at before exercise(12 weeks of pregnancy), after 6weeks(18 weeks of pregnancy) and after 12weeks(24 weeks of pregnancy). The results of this study were as follow : After the back exercise program in the Exercise group and control group improved low back pain by VAS and MPQ with no statistical significance. On the other hand, back pain by VAS and MPQ was statistical significantly improved in the Exercise group than control group.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1-9
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• 2020

PURPOSE: The current generation has shortened hamstrings due to a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in reduced flexibility of the hamstring and dysfunction. This study was undertaken to compare effects of three different release exercises on hamstring flexibility, in participants with short hamstrings. METHODS: Totally, 20 subjects having short hamstrings were involved in this study. The inclusion criterion for study participation was active knee extension test (AKET) less than 60°. All participants were subjected to 3 methods: hamstring foam roller release (HFRR), sitting self myofascial release (sitting SMR), and standing self myofascial release (Standing SMR). All participants randomly performed all three methods to avoid bias caused by learning or fatigue. Passive knee extension test (PKET), AKET, finger to floor distance test (FTFT), and pelvic tilting angle test (PTAT) were measured pre- and post-exercises. RESULTS: The PKET, AKET and FTFT were significantly increased after HFRR, sitting SMR, and standing SMR exercise (p < .05). However, PTAT was not significantly increased after the three exercises (p > .05). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between PKET, AKET, FTFT and PTAT subsequent to HFRR, sitting SMR, and standing SMR (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that HFRR, sitting SMR and standing SMR were immediately effective in improving hamstring flexibility in participants with short hamstrings.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2015.10a
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• pp.198-201
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• 2015

Using Arduino with a pressure sensor to create an interest in modern health care program is aimed. Currently, Korea is estimated that there are 4.2 million people in total incontinence. Through the convergence of Bio Technology and InformationTechnology these patients it is easy and simple to induce urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction treatment, etc., and to prevent the most effective pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises below). The Kegel medical equipments which are currently sold in the market make users exercise by giving electrical stimulations compulsively. Users need to take off their bottoms and take the Femcon therapy in a closed room. This causes various restrictions of time, space and hygiene. This thesis designs a Kegel medical equipment which combines BT and IT, free form restraint in regard to space and hygiene, without the need to take off bottoms.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of applying a defecation encouragement program for patients undergoing total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA). Methods: This program was based on the nursing best practice guideline: prevention of constipation in the older adult population by the National Guideline Clearing House (NGC) in 2011, which included fluid intake, bowel training, and abdominal and pelvic floor exercises. A team of one orthopaedic clinical nurse specialist and six orthopaedic nurses with a 10 years of clinical experience applied and assisted patients with the program. Formal counsel was provided by one orthopaedic doctor, one gastroenterologist, and one exercise therapist. Patients who defecated one day prior to or on the day of TKRA surgery were included. Data collected from 72 subjects were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 21.0. Results: Time until first defecation after surgery was 2.4±1.1 days in experimental group, which was significantly shorter than the 3.5±0.9 days in control group (t=4.28, p<.001). Constipation assessment scale showed significantly lower points (t=2.55, p=.013) in experimental group (1.3±1.2) compared to control group (2.6±2.6). The experimental group and control group were 17.3±7.67 and 23.7±14.43, respectively, and the experimental group used less laxatives (t=2.83, p=.021). Conclusion: A defecation encouragement program was proved to be an appropriate nursing intervention for patients undergoing TKRA. This study confirmed that constipation is a nursing problem that can be sufficiently prevented if nurses are interested and encourage defecation.