• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.209-214
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• 2020

Objective: Using biofeedback in instructing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activation is a great method to provide information on muscle contraction. This study aimed to determine the immediate effectiveness of a mobile game-based instruction with an extracorporeal biofeedback device (EBD) to improve PFM contraction in healthy subjects. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Sixteen healthy subjects (4 men and 12 nulliparous women; age, 31±5 years) were enrolled. The subjects were randomly categorized into two groups, those who were to receive instructions on how to contract the PFM by using the EBD (n=7) and those who were to undergo a transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS; n=9) with biofeedback. PFM function was measured as the displacement (mm) of PFM elevation by using the TAUS before and after the instructions in each group. Results: The EBD and TAUS groups showed a significant increase in the displacement of PFM elevation after the instructions from 5.93±4.03 mm to 7.62±3.77 mm and from 5.27±3.39 mm to 7.47±2.79 mm, respectively (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that instructions for PFM contraction using the EBD and TAUS showed an immediate effect; however, no significant difference in effectiveness was observed between the two instruction methods. Therefore, not only can the TAUS method be used but the EBD method can also be used as a PFM instruction method for noninvasive procedures. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of training and exercise on larger sample sizes that includes patient populations with PFM dysfunction.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.10 no.7
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• pp.93-100
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to measure abdominal muscle thickness when Pelvic Floor contraction (PFC) and Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) were separately applied and combined exercise was applied and to compare the effects of the exercise. After the pre-investigation, the subjects were given a explanation of the purpose and the method of the research and then an experiment was conducted targeting a total of 30 subjects, who voluntarily agreed with this. Thicknesses of internal oblique (IO), transverse abdominis (TrA) and external oblique (EO) were measured during a break and then three types of exercise. All the measured values of the experiment were processed using Repeated measure ANOVA, and Bonferroni method was applied. As a result, the three types of exercise showed significant differences in thicknesses of IO, TrA and EO. In conclusion, the subjects had the thickest muscles and muscular activity increased during PFC+ADIM, compared to PFC and ADIM.

• 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 Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.61-74
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• 2008

Background: Purpose of this study is mat exercises and sling exercises that based on proceeding studies for exercising protocol for spinal stabilization. Methods: We analyze many other bibliographies and result of studies. Results: The vertebrae stabilization practices are formed on intra-abdominal pressure and converted into isolation of our body and limbs gradually through co-contraction training of transverse abdominis, pelvic floor muscle and diaphragm. Also, for prevention of low back pain and relapse, it is diverted to reflex muscle contraction training as well as functional integration. What is better, it should carry out with Activity of Daily Living. Conclusion: We should feel the necessity of it, more effective recognition training of local muscle for chronic low back pain patients. Besides, it is suggested that we should import measurable equipment and go hands with discipline.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.406-417
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Telephone-enforced Preoperative Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise (TP-PFME) for prostate cancer patients on Urinary Incontinence (UI), Urinary Function (UF) related satisfaction, depression, and Quality of Life (QoL). Methods: A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used with 85 participants. The two experimental groups (EG) began the PFME protocol two weeks prior to surgery. The subjects in the EG I received telephone calls to reinforce the PFME protocol. The comparison group began the PFME protocol after their surgery. Data were analyzed by the SPSS/WIN 21.0 using descriptive statistics, $x^2$ test, One-way ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, and Repeated measures ANOVA. Results: EG I showed higher performance of PFME at one (p=.001) and three months (p=.015) after surgery than the comparison group. Comparison group showed significantly more severe UI at one (p=.002) and three months (p=.006) after surgery and reported lower UF related satisfaction than EG I at one month after surgery (p=.015). Participants in both experimental groups reported higher QoL scores (p=.001) at three months following surgery than those in the comparison group. There were no significant differences in depression among the three groups. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that preoperative TP-PFME was effective in decreasing the perceived severity of UI as well as increasing UF related satisfaction and QoL.

• 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.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.257-263
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• 2020

Background: The hip muscle plays various roles. Several types of functional performance tests are used for the assessment of patients with various lower extremity injuries. Hip muscle functions are important to test the performance of maintaining the spine, pelvic, and leg during bridging exercise. We designed a novel functional performance test tool, which we named close kinetic chain dynamic lower extremity stability (CKCLE) test to assess hip muscle functions. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between CKCLE test and hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor strengths. Methods: Twenty-two subjects were recruited in the present study (13 males and 9 females). The hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor muscle strengths were measured using a Smart KEMA strength sensor. When the examiner said "Go", the subject performed the CKCLE test by moving one leg from the floor and touching the opposite knee and then return to the floor while maintaining the bridging position. The subjects attempted as many "touches" as possible in the allotted time (20 seconds) during the maximal tests. The correlation between the hip muscle (extensor, external rotator, and abductor) strength of the supporting leg and the number of CKCLE tests performed in 20 seconds was determined using the Pearson correlation. Results: Hip extensor (r = 0.626, p < 0.05), hip external rotator (r = 0.616, p < 0.05), and hip abductor muscle strengths (r = 0.475, p < 0.05) positively correlated with the number of CKCLE tests performed. Conclusion: We designed a CKCLE test and found that performance in the test correlated with hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor muscle strengths. The result suggests that the CKCLE test can be applied as a performance test to assess the functions of the hip extensor, external rotator, and hip abductor muscles.

• 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 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.