• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.453-463
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Probody Massage Program on the physical characteristics, gross motor function and ROM (Range Of Motion) of children with cerebral palsy. Method : The subjects of this study were two children who have been diagnosed with first grade cerebral palsy that utilized T development support center located in B Metropolitan city for 8 weeks, twice a week, to carry out the Probody Massage Program for 30 minutes. Physiological reactions (height, weight, BMI, blood pressure (an index of inflammation), pulse rate) and large operating functions (sitting, crawling and the joints' range of motion as an angle of the shoulders' upper limb articulation) were measured pretest, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks. Results : The Probody Massage Program showed positive changes in physical characteristics (blood pressure, sitting, and crawling), gross motor function (upper limb shoulder movement), joint range of motion, height, body weight, metabolic activation and blood circulation of children with cerebral palsy. Conclusion : We believe making a practical impact on the growth and development, functional recovery of daily life, and improvement of quality of life of children with cerebral palsy by utilizing Probody Massage Program improves blood pressure (an index of inflammation), pulse, sitting, crawling, and the joints' range of motion as an angle of the shoulder joints' upper limb movement of children with cerebral palsy.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week professional body massage program (PMP) on forward head posture, neck pain, and plantar foot pressure balance in men in their 20s. Method: A total of 20 men with musculoskeletal diseases were recruited for this study. The participants were asked to take part in a PMP twice a week for 12 weeks. The cranial vertical angle (CVA) for forward head posture and visual analogue scale (VSC) for neck pain and right/left foot plantar pressure balances were extracted to compare between pre- and post-program differences. Results: CVAs before ($56.86{\pm}4.55^{\circ}$) and after ($62.72{\pm}4.57^{\circ}$) and VSCs before ($6.95{\pm}1.70$) and after ($1.70{\pm}1.56$) PMP revealed statistically significant differences. The right foot, after PMP, showed a significant increase in the plantar pressure balance from $46.17{\pm}2.95$ to $49.44{\pm}1.29%$, while the left foot decreased significantly from $53.83{\pm}2.95%$ to $50.56{\pm}1.29%$. Therefore, based on these results, it may be said that the foot pressure balance abilities were improved after PMP because the ideal foot pressure ratio is 50%. Conclusion: Consequently, it was suggested that a 12-week PMP could be utilized for improvement of forward head posture, neck pain, and foot plantar pressure balance in men in the 20s with musculoskeletal diseases.