• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.109-126
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• 2003

This study was designed 10 investigate the effects of therapeutic gymnastic ball exercise on pain, flexibility, lumbar disability level and daily activity levels in male patients of the armed forces medical hospital who complain of chronic low back pain. Twenty-three males were placed in the experimental group and twenty-nine males were placed in the control group. All of the subjects were chosen on the basis of availability among in-patients who were diagnosed with low back pain. The control patients were matched to the experimental group and they were selected considering gender, pain duration and age. Gymnastic ball exercise therapy was developed by the author with the assistance of a rehabilitation specialist. Gymnastic ball exercise therapy includes muscle relaxation, flexibility, muscle strength and posture development exercises. The gymnastic ball exercise therapy was carried out by the experimental group three times a week for eight weeks. Before and after the experiments, the intensity of pain, the lumbar joint mobility (flexibility), the lumbar disability levels, and the daily activity levels of the subjects were measured, respectively. The intensity of pain and the lumbar disability levels were measured by the Visual Analogue Scale, the level of flexibility by a measurement ruler, and the level of disability by the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale. Data were analysed using a t-test, a paired t-test and an unpaired t-test. The results were as follows: 1. The intensity of pain in the lumbar spine in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group during the 4th week and 8th week. 2. The flexibility of the lumbar spine in the experimental group was significantly increased compared with that of the control group during the 4th week and 8 week. 3. The level of pain caused by anterior, posterior, left lateral and right lateral bending and by rotation in experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. 4. The Oswestry Disability score of the experimental group was significantly increased compared with that of control group. These findings indicate that gymnastic ball exercise therapy could be effective in decreasing pain and lumbar disability, and increasing the daily activity levels and lumbar flexibility in patients with chronic low back pain. The study also suggests that gymnastic ball exercise therapy could be an essential factor for effective nursing intervention for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.28-31
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• 2015

Objective: Psychomotor imagery has been widely used to improve motor performance and motor learning. Recent research suggests that during visualization, changes occur in neurophysiological networks that make physical practice more effective in configuring functional networks for skillful behaviors. The aim of our pilot study was to determine if there was change and to what extent there was differentiation in modulation in electroencephalography (EEG) frequencies between visualizing a state of rest and a state of exercise performance and to identify the preponderant frequency. Design: Quasi-experimental design uncontrolled before and after study. Methods: EEG brain wave activity was recorded from 0-40 Hz from nine cerebral cortical scalp regions F3, Fz, F4, C3, Cz, C4, P3, POz, and P4 with a wireless telemetric EEG system. The subjects, while sitting on a chair with eyes closed, were asked to visualize themselves in a state of routine rest/relaxation and after a period of time in a state of their routine exercise performance. Results: The gamma frequency, 31-40 Hz, (${\gamma}$) was the predominant wave band in differentiation between visualizing a state of rest versus visualizing a state of exercise performance. Conclusions: We suggest these preliminarily findings show the EEG electrocortical activity for athletes is differentially modulated during visualization of exercise performance in comparison to rest with a predominant ${\gamma}$ wave band frequency observed during the state of exercise. Further controlled experimental studies will be performed to elaborate these observations and delineate the significance to optimization of psychomotor exercise performance.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.579-595
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• 2000

The purposes of this study were to compare pelvic tilt before and after manipulation of sacroiliac joint in 31 low back pain patients (11 males, 20 females) with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint of patients was manipulated on the side of anterior pelvic tilt, using the technique described by Stoddard (1962) and Greenmann (1996). I used this technique because it usually eliminated sacroiliac joint dysfunction in one treatment session. SPSS for window computer system was used to analyze the data. Also t-test was performed for comparison of pelvic tilt angle before and after manipulation, and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was performed for intratester reliability for measurements of pelvic tilt angle before and after manipulation. The result were as follows: 1. Intratester reliability was good for measures of pelvic tilt (r=.98). 2. The pelvic tilt after manipulation was significantly decreased (mean=$3.40^{\circ}$) compared with the pelvic tilt before manipulation (p=.001). All subjects showed asymmetrical right versus left pelvic tilt before manipulation. 40% of subjects showed decreased asymmetrical right versus left pelvic tilt after manipulation, and 60% of subjects showed symmetrical right versus left pelvic tilt after manipulation. I think that pelvic tilt asymmetry with hypomobility due to loss of joint play could be symmetrized by manipulation or mobilization, but pelvic tilt asymmetry with unilateral pelvic muscle shortening could not be symmetrized by manipulation or mobilization without relaxation and stretching of shortened muscles.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.109-116
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• 2009

Purpose: $17\beta$-estradiol is the most active endogenous estrogen, which is related to favorable changes in the plasma lipid profile, to relaxation of the coronary vessels, and to a decrease in platelet aggregation and vascular smooth muscle cell migration. However, although the beneficial effect of estrogens on plasma lipoproteins (ie, lowering low-density lipoprotein and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) contributes to cardiovascular protection, it does not fully account for the protective effect, particularly in the application of physical therapy, including low frequency electrical stimulation. Methods: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the inhibition of stressors, such as endothelin-1 (ET-1), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), prostaglandin $F2\alpha$ ($PGF2\alpha$), and a protein kinase C (PKC) activator 12-deoxyphorbol 13-isobutyrate (DPB), induced isometric tension by $17\beta$-estradiol in vascular smooth muscle strips, respectively. In addition, the effects of low frequency electrical stimulation at the meridian points (CV-3, -4, Ki-12, SP-6, LR-3, BL-25, -28, -32, -52) on the indirect antihypertensive effect were examined by monitoring the changes in the serum $17\beta$-estradiol concentration in healthy volunteers. Results: Isometric tension analysis showed that the responses of inhibited tension by $17\beta$-estradiol were similar to the same stressors in rat aortic smooth muscle strips. Furthermore, although the continued amplitude modulation (AM) type of electrical stimulation was not increased significantly by electrical stimulation, the current of the frequency modulation (FM) type of low frequency electrical stimulation increased the serum $17\beta$-estradiol concentration in normal volunteers. Conclusion: These results, in part, suggest that $17\beta$-estradiol has the capacity to supress stressor-induced muscle tension, and electrical stimulation, particularly current of the FM type, has a modulatory effect on the sex steroid hormones, particularly $17\beta$-estradiol, in healthy volunteers.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.23-37
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• 2004

Fibromyalgia syndrome(FMS) is a chronic pain disorder of unknown etiology characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches and pains, stiffness, and general fatigue, disturbed sleep and sleepiness. Frequently misdiagnosed, FMS is often confused with myofascial pain syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, polymyositis, hypothyroidism, metastatic carcinoma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or systemic lupus erythematosus, any of which may occur concomitantly with FMS. The management of FMS often begins with a thorough examination and a diagnosis from a physician who is formally trained in tender-point/trigger-point recognition. An initial diagnosis provides reassurance to the patient and often reduces the anxiety and depression patterns associated with FMS. The most common goals in the management of FMS are (1) to break the pain cycle, (2) to restore sleep patterns, and (3) to increase functional activity levels. Because FMS is a multifactorial syndrome, it is likely that the best treatment will encompass multiple strategies. Medication with analgesics and antidepressants and also physiotherapy, are often prescribed and give some relief. The other most effective intervention for long-term management of FS to date is physical exercise. Physical therapists can instruct patients in the use of heat at home (moist hot packs, heating pads, whirlpools, warm showers or baths, and hot pads) to increase local blood flow and to decrease muscle spasm and tension. Also instruct patients in the proper use of cold modalities (ice packs, ice massage, and cool baths) to anesthetize localized areas of pain (tender points) and break the pain cycle. Massage and tender-point massage also may promote muscle relaxation. To date, the two most important interventions for the long-term management of FS are patient education and physical exercise. Lately, is handling FMS and Chronic Fatigue syndrome(CFS) together, becuase FMS and CFS are poorly understood disorders that share similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Because of the clinical similarities between both disorders it was suggested that they share a common pathophysiological mechanism, namely, central nervous system dysfunction.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2009

Anatomy: Facet joint syndrome most often affects the lower back and neck and refers to pain that occurs in the facet joints, which are the connections between the vertebrae in the spine that enable the spine to bend and twist. Many physicians have believed that the usual lesion of facet syndrome was an anatomical impairments of facet joint itself.. Facet joint injection using local anesthetics is a reliable method for the diagnosis and treatment for facet syndrome. Etiology: One of many possible causes is imbalances that can occur in stress levels, hormone levels, and nutritional levels. These imbalances can adversely affect posture, which can lead to neck and back pain. The common disorder called facet syndrome exhibits lower back pain, with or without, radiating pain to buttock and thigh due to facet joint arthropathy. Pain in the facet joint is supposedly the secondary effect of narrowing of joint space by sustained muscle contracture around joints. Syndrome: Facet joint syndrome tends to produce pain or tenderness in the lower back that increases with twisting or arching the body, as well as pain that moves to the buttocks or the back of the thighs. Other symptoms include stiffness or difficulty standing up straight or getting out of a chair. Pain can be felt in other areas such as the shoulders or mid-back area. Treatment: Non-drug treatments include hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises. Stimulating blood flow using massage or a hot tub may also help. Alternative treatments include yoga and relaxation therapy. If your pain persists after trying these treatments, a surgical procedure called radiofrequency rhizotomy, which destroys the sensory nerves of the joint, may bring relief. Facet joint injection has been helpful in diagnosis and therapy for this facet syndrome. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of medial branches is known to be an effective method of relieving pain caused by facet joint problems. We conclude that spasmolytic treatment of muscles connecting the two vertebral articular space would be better for treatment and diagnosis of facet syndrome rather than facet block with local anesthetic and steroid only.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of sensorimotor training on knee joint stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: The subjects were sixteen 16 adults who received anterior cruciate reconstruction by arthroscopy, and underwent sensorimotor training for which was to have them maintenanceain of a standing position with a step Balance ball on the affected side over 30 degrees knee flexion with 100% weight bearing for 15-20 seconds. Before the genuine experiment commenced, the Lysholm scale was had been used to assess functional disorders on the affected knee joint. KT-2000 Arthrometer measurement equipment was used to measure anterior displacement of tibia against to femur before and after the sensorimotor training. Results: There was significant relaxation on the affected side in tibia anterior displacement of the affected and sound sides on in supine position before the sensorimotor training. There was little significant difference in tibia anterior displacement of the affected knee joints on in the supine position before and after the sensorimotor training. The results also showed that there was a reduction in the difference of tibia anterior displacement of the affected knee joints on in the standing position. These results suggest that the effects of sensorimotor training on knee joint stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is to induce the change of tibia anterior displacement against femur and the variation of muscles activation. Conclusion: The sensorimotor training may contribute to the improvement of joint functional stability in people who are in post-operation state and with orthopedic musculoskelectal injuries.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.173-181
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to compare muscle activity after applying two muscle energy techniques (MET) to subjects with forward head posture to see if the post isometric relaxation (PIR) technique is more effective than the reciprocal inhibition (RI) technique. Methods : The muscle activity was measured using EMG after applying the PIR and RI techniques to 30 adults at K College. Subjects were selected for forward head posture whose ear center was 2.5 ㎝ front of the center of the shoulder. EMG equipment was used to measure muscle activity, and the measurement sites were measured in cervical flexor and extensor muscles. The experiment period was performed once a week for a total of two weeks, and after the pre-measurement was performed for 5 minutes PIR and RI exercise. In the PIR technique, the head is tilted back in a sitting position, and the experimenter applies resistance with the same force for 7~10 seconds and repeats 3-5 times after rest. In the RI technique, in a sitting position, the subject gives the force to bend the head forward, and the experimenter applies resistance with the same force for 7 to 10 seconds, and repeats 3 to 5 times after rest. Results : The result is same as the following. In the comparison of muscle activity, there was a significant decrease in both PIR and RI at 1 and 2 weeks. And there was a greater decrease in muscle activity in PIR. There was no difference in the comparison of decrease in muscle activity at 1 week and 2 week. Conclusion : Both PRI and RI can be said to be effective in improving the function of the forward head posture in the neck muscles. Therefore, the selection of the two techniques in clinical practice should be appropriately performed under the judgment of experts according to the patient's situation.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an ultrasound-based bar graph proportional to the quadriceps muscle thickness as a real-time visual feedback training tool in the elderly. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-four elderly persons participated in this study and were randomly divided into three groups: oral training group (n=8, group 1), ultrasound imaging group (n=8, group 2), and graph group (n=8, group 3). In the pre condition, all participants performed maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the quadriceps with knee extension three times with oral training. In the post condition, group 1 performed MVIC of the quadriceps with oral training, group 2 performed MVIC of the quadriceps with real-time visual feedback using ultrasound imaging, and group 3 performed MVIC of the quadriceps with real-time visual feedback using a bar graph proportional to the quadriceps muscle thickness, three times for all groups. Muscle thickness, activity (mean, peak), tone, stiffness, logarithmic decrement, relaxation, and creep were measured in both conditions in all participants. Results: Visual feedback with a bar graph showed significant effects on muscle thickness, mean muscle activity, and peak muscle activity compared with oral training and visual feedback with ultrasound imaging (p<0.05). Conclusions: Isometric training of the quadriceps with real-time visual feedback using a bar graph proportional to the quadriceps muscle thickness may be more effective than other methods in improving muscle thickness and muscle activity. This study presented a tool that can help increase muscle thickness in the elderly.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.565-576
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• 2020

Background and objective: The elderly living in homeless living facilities for a long time suffer from various mental health problems. This study aims to determine the psychological, emotional, and social effects of a horticultural therapy program composed of gardening activities, which was designed based on the semantic structures of life for the homeless elderly living in the facilities for a long time. Methods: A total of 12 subjects (6 in the control group and 6 in the experimental group) participated in the study. The horticultural therapy program consisted mainly of gardening activities, and a total of 16 sessions were conducted once a week for 16 weeks, 60-90 minutes per session. The subjects were tested to evaluate their self-esteem, depression, and horticultural activities. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon rank test, and Friedman test, which were nonparametric tests, conducted at a 95% significance level. Results: First, in the case of self-esteem, a significant difference was found between the groups, 20.00 points (SD = 5.69) in the control group, and 25.50 points (SD = 3.73) in the experimental group (p = .034). Second, in the case of depression, no statistically significant difference was found in the posttest. Finally, in the case of the horticultural activity evaluation, the scores of most variables gradually and significantly increased during the program [Verbal interaction during activity (p = .006), Self-concept and identity (p = .006), Need-drive adaptation (p < .001), Interpersonal and social relations (p < .001)]. Conclusion: These results support that the horticultural therapy program could help the elderly improve psychological relaxation, emotional stability, and social relationships. In order to generalize the results, it is suggested to increase the number of subjects or conduct additional repetitive experiments in further research.