• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.4953-4958
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine how nurses recognize the need for supportive care of advanced cancer patients and to provide preliminary data on how adequate circumstances are to be set up and maintained in Korea. For the purpose of this study, we developed a preliminary questionnaire based on a focus group of 8 nurses run by a clinical psychologist and administered it to 228 nurses in a cancer hospital, over a 3-month period. Participants of this study were nurses with more than 5 years' experience of treating advanced cancer patients. The result showed that 207 respondents (90.8%) agreed that a smooth communication system for treatment taking into account the symptoms experienced by patients and rehabilitation issues was needed. More than 80% agreed that the items needed for an integrated management service for advanced cancer patients should include psychological support, an integrated pain and symptom management, and education for the patient and his or her caregivers. These results strongly suggest that a new system distinct from palliative care or hospices is needed for patients with advanced cancer in Korea.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm the effects of auricular acupressure therapy on insomnia and nocturia in the elderly. Methods: This study was a nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. Data collection was conducted from July 1 to August 31, 2013. Subjects were set for totally 36 people with 18 people in the experimental group and 18 people in the control group among the elderly over the age of 60 in silver town, welfare center, and senior citizen center where are located in Seoul area. For the experimental group, auricular acupressure therapy was applied two times during 5 days by fixing it to auricular reaction site with tape using Sinapis alba L. seeds. With SPSS/WIN 19.0 program, the collected data were analyzed. Results: Compared to the control group, the sleeping score and sleeping satisfaction were improved and nocturia frequency was lowered in the experimental group who applied auricular acupressure therapy. Conclusion: Auricular acupressure therapy was considered to be likely useful therapeutic method for the effects of relieving nocturia and insomnia in elderly.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.43-47
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• 2015

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the blood flow on carotid and vertebral artery during the forward shift on head. Methods: A 20-year female healthy subject participated in this study. This study was set up the forward shift on head at the 3cm and 6cm in a shoulder midline (acromion). Measurement method were using duplex ultrasound with colour doppler imaging for the blood flow on carotid and vertebral artery. Results: Carotid artery was increased the blood flow and vertebral artery was decreased the blood flow during forward shift on head. Conclusions: These findings suggest that carotid and vertebral artery changes to the blood flow during forward shift on head. Therefore, we should be consider that hemodynamic factor when apply to the therapeutic exercise for patients of forward head posture.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.145-151
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• 2015

In this paper, we proposed the fabrication methodology of orthotic device using 3D Computer-Aided Design programme and 3D printing technology based on images acquired from 3D scanner. We set the process and methodology of its fabrication method and confirmed whether it is available for clinical by fabricating four kinds of orthotic device for a patient with cerebral palsy. 3D printing technology method was indicated quantitatively and qualitatively about duration, tensile strength stronger comparing with conventional method, and we could propose that the 3D printing technology for the orthosis could be the proper method to mediate and compensate with reported problems related to orthosis.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.23-28
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• 2010

Case of patients with weakness in cardiopulmonary system, other ambulatory function is normal, but oxygen supply function is problem. So they need reduce energy consumption for gait by assistance system. In this study, we designed and developed walking assistant device which helps flexion and extension of hip joint for cardiopulmonary patients. There are two motors, each at the left and right side of pelvis, providing torque to the hip joint. The target angle of the flexion and extension in the hip joint is set according to the normal gait. As a result, reduction of energy consumption was 14.8% by gait assistive device.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2013

Objective: To determine the efficacy and reliability of measuring direct current microcurrent applied through the skin to determine injury in the underlying tissues. Design: Case control study. Methods: First, microcurrent was measured as decreased blood flow induced hypoxia in healthy subjects. Next, reliability was assessed by measuring over ten days with set variations in pressure and distance between the electrodes. Finally, measurements over sprained ankle were compared to measurements over comparable uninjured areas on the same injured subject. Results: For the blood flow test phase, microcurrent significantly decreased an average of 17% after 5 minutes (p<0.05), remained decreased for 30 seconds, and returned to non-occlusive levels after 2 minutes of normal circulation. The results indicate that the microcurrent decrease was not due to blood flow, and most likely from hypoxic cellular damage. For the reliability phase, the coefficients of variation averaged 10.3% for the shoulder, 14.8% for the low back, and 29.1% for the knee. Changing distance 2.5 cm between the electrodes resulted in insignificant changes. Changes in pressure had some significant effect after an increase in force of 2.6 N, affirming the need for consistent pressure for measurement. For the injury test phase, a significant 69% decrease occurred comparing injured areas to the same area on the uninjured side, and a significant 74% occurred comparing injured and non-injured areas on the same limb. Conclusions: Microcurrent through the skin shows promise as an objective method of assessing a soft tissue injury by detecting damage likely due to hypoxia.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.303-310
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between abdominal muscle strength and measures of respiratory function in stroke patients. Methods: The study participants comprised 17 (male: 12, female: 5) stroke patients hospitalized at W rehabilitation hospital in Busan, South Korea. Abdominal muscle strength was assessed using a digital manual dynamometer for 5 seconds contacting the sternal notch of the participants to bend the trunk. Respiratory function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow) was assessed using a spirometer. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis, and the significance level was set 0.05. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between abdominal muscle strength and forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and peak expiratory flow. However, abdominal muscle strength and forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity were not significantly correlated. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there is a relationship between abdominal muscle strength and respiratory function. Exercise programs to strengthen the abdominal muscles are therefore necessary to improve respiratory function in stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.225-234
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• 2021

Objective: We aimed to identify the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: In total, 45 patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into a conventional stretching group (n=22) and a PNF stretching group (n=23). Both interventions were performed three times per week for 6 weeks. Assessments were made using the visual analog scale, Flexion-Abduction-External Rotation test, modified Thomas test, prone hip extension test, and Oswestry disability index before and after the 6-week intervention period. We conducted a paired t-test to compare the within-group findings before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to compare the between-group differences. The statistical significance level was set at α=0.05, for all variables. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability after the intervention (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed in pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability in patients belonging to the PNF stretching group (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the application of PNF stretching can effectively reduce pain and improve hip range of motion and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.235-240
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• 2022

Background: A spinal extension and intensive rehabilitation program reduced the symptoms and pain of kyphosis, and improved function. Objects: This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of a spine extension device on the degree of thoracic kyphosis and extension angles, confirm reduction of the kyphosis angle and an increase in flexibility. Methods: Thirteen adults were enrolled in the experiment, using the spine extension device, which was set to passively extend the spine. The angle between the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra and the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra was measured by dual inclinometer before and after using the spine extension device. Results: In the static posture, the thoracic kyphosis decreased after using the spine extension device in the thoracic extension posture, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05); thoracic extension angle increased with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, the thoracic kyphosis angle and thoracic extension angle of the subjects before and after using spine extension device was compared and analyzed, which proved that the spine extension device can effectively improve the mobility of spinal extension.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.409-413
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• 2022

Objective: This study aims to compare the range of motion of the joints by applying the contraction and relaxation techniques used in manual therapy as electrical stimulation treatment. Based on this, we would like to propose the possibility of using motor nerve electrical stimulation therapy for musculoskeletal physical therapy. Design: Single-arm interventional study Methods: Active and passive straight leg raising tests were performed on 20 healthy men and women in their 20s to measure the angle of hip joint flexion. Then, the electrical stimulation time was set to 10 seconds and 5 seconds of rest, and motor nerve electrical stimulation of 1 Hz was applied with the maximum strength that could withstand the hamstring muscles for 10 minutes. After electrical stimulation, straight leg raising tests again to confirm the range of motion of the hip joint flexion. Results: As a result of this study, it was confirmed that the joint range of motion was significantly improved for both active and passive straight leg raising tests after application of motor nerve electrical stimulation(p<.05). Conclusions: With a strong electrical stimulation treatment of 1 Hz, the effect similar to the contraction and relaxation technique used in manual therapy was confirmed through the joint range of motion. In the future, motor nerve electrical stimulation therapy can be used for musculoskeletal physical therapy to provide a new approach for patients with reduced pain and joint range of motion due to muscle tension.