• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제59권6호
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• pp.610-614
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• 2016

Objective : The purpose of this study was to present the outcome of the microsurgical foraminotomy via Wiltse paraspinal approach for foraminal or extraforaminal (FEF) stenosis at L5-S1 level. We investigated risk factors associated with poor outcome of microsurgical foraminotomy at L5-S1 level. Methods : We analyzed 21 patients who underwent the microsurgical foraminotomy for FEF stenosis at L5-S1 level. To investigate risk factors associated with poor outcome, patients were classified into two groups (success and failure in foraminotomy). Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of back and leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiographic parameters including existence of spondylolisthesis, existence and degree of coronal wedging, disc height, foramen height, segmental lordotic angle (SLA) on neutral and dynamic view, segmental range of motion, and global lumbar lordotic angle were investigated. Results : Postoperative VAS score and ODI improved after foraminotomy. However, there were 7 patients (33%) who had persistent or recurrent leg pain. SLA on neutral and extension radiographic films were significantly associated with the failure in foraminotomy (p<0.05). Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis revealed the optimal cut-off values of SLA on neutral and extension radiographic films for predicting failure in foraminotomy were $17.3^{\circ}$ and $24^{\circ}s$, respectively. Conclusion : Microsurgical foraminotomy for FEF stenosis at L5-S1 level can provide good clinical outcomes in selected patients. Poor outcomes were associated with large SLA on preoperative neutral (>$17.3^{\circ}$) and extension radiographic films (>$24^{\circ}$).

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.67-75
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of M-test (Meridian test) as an adjunctive evaluation and treatment in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods This study was a single arm pre-post comparison study. Thirty-six eligible subjects with chronic neck pain were recruited from August to September, 2015. M-test was used for evaluating the condition of meridian, which can induce the limitation of ROM and body discomfort. Subjects were offered intradermal acupuncture treatment on one-acupoint for 48 hours. Cervical numeric rating scale (NRS), cervical range of motion (ROM), neck disability index (NDI) and surface electromyography (SEMG) were measured before and after the treatment. Total NRS and the number of movement limitation of M-test were also measured before and after the treatment. Results Among the 36 participating subjects, 4 subjects were lost to follow-up or excluded in accordance with the criteria. Significant differences on Cervical NRS and NDI were found after the treatment (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in the range of left cervical rotation (p<0.05). Root mean square (RMS) of SEMG significantly decreased on the right sternocleidomastoid muscle (p<0.05), but significantly increased on the right trapezius muscle (p<0.05). Median frequency (MdF) of SEMG significantly increased on both sternocleidomastoid muscles. There appears to be significant differences after the treatment in total NRS and the number of movement limitation of M-test (p<0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that the evaluation and treatment of M-test based on the meridian and collateral theory were effective on cervical NRS and NDI, and also improved the movability of human body.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.1-18
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• 2001

Aging has been recognized as the primary cause of disc degeneration. A biomechanical characteristics of disc degeneration has been demonstrated that intradiscal pressure is reduced. With the increasing population of elderly people, disc degeneration and associated problems of nerve entrapment are becoming more prevalent. Presently, research on reduced intradiscal pressure associated with degeneration is insufficient. In this study. we used the Finite Element Method (FEM) of computerized simulations to investigate the effects of variation in intradiscal pressure on mechanical behaviours of L4-5 intervertebral disc degeneration. Degeneration was classified using four grades based on initial intradiscal pressure; Normal (135 kPa), mild(107 kPa), moderate (47 kPa) and severe (15 kPa). The predicted results f3r bending loads were as follows; 1 . Range of motion increased progressively with severity of degeneration with flexion and lateral bending moments, but decreased with extension moments. 2. Discal bulging of posterolateral aspect was larger in lateral bending and extension moment. But bulging was increased with severity of degeneration in lateral bending and torsion(same side).3. The rate of increasing intradiscal pressure was decreased in all bending motions with severity of degeneration. In conclusion, lateral bending and extension moment yield greatest bulging in severe degeneration. In torsion, although bending load produces disc bulging, disc bulging was associated more strongly with severity of degeneration than increasing torsional moments. Clinical Implications: Discal bulging may produce nerve root impingement and irritation. The effect of loading and posture on the varying degrees of disc degeneration has important implications especially in the elderly. In the presence of disc degeneration, avoidance of end range postures, especially extension and lateral bending may help reduce discal bulging and in turn, nerve entrapment.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.45-52
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• 2004

Altered scapular kinematics in the scapular joint is commonly believed to be a factor contributing to trunk posture. The purpose of this study was to analyze the muscle activity with several changes of the shoulder angle. Tests were performed on 10 male subjects by repeated measures. Each subject was measured while sitting in both erect and slouched trunk positions. In each sitting posture, a three-dimensional motion analysis measurement was used to measure thoracic angle and shoulder abduction angle. Measurements were taken with the shoulder abdcution angle at $0^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$, $120^{\circ}$, and $150^{\circ}$. By using surface Electromyography (EMG) electrodes, we recorded the activity of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, middle deltoid, and serratus anterior muscle while the subject held a 4 kg weight at each angle. The mean of root mean square (RMS) of EMG activity was calculated. The middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and middle deltoid muscle activity showed significantly higher results but serratus anterior muscle activity showed significantly lower results (p<.05). With the shoulder angle increased, the muscle activity was also significantly increased (p<.05). In conclusion, the thoracic spine posture significantly affects the scapular muscle during scapular plane abduction, and the slouched posture is associated with increased trapezius muscle activity and with decreased serratus anterior muscle activity.

• Wind and Structures
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.373-380
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• 2020

For large-scale 5MW offshore wind turbines, the discrete equation of fluid domain and the motion equation of structural domain with geometric nonlinearity were built, the three-dimensional modeling of the blade considering fluid-structure interaction (FSI) was achieved by using Unigraphics (UG) and Geometry modules, and the numerical simulation and the analysis of the vibration characteristics for wind turbine structure under rotating effect were carried out based on ANSYS software. The results indicate that the rotating effect has an apparent effect on displacement and Von Mises stress, and the response and the distribution of displacement and Von Mises stress for the blade in direction of wingspan increase nonlinearly with the equal increase of rotational speeds. Compared with the single blade model, the blade vibration period of the whole machine model is much longer. The structural coupling effect reduces the response peak value of the blade displacement and Von Mises stress, and the increase of rotational speed enhances this coupling effect. The maximum displacement difference between two models decreases first and then increases along wingspan direction, the trend is more visible with the equal increase of rotational speed, and the boundary point with zero displacement difference moves towards the blade root. Furthermore, the Von Mises stress difference increases gradually with the increase of rotational speed and decreases nonlinearly from the blade middle to both sides. The results can provide technical reference for the safe operation and optimal design of offshore wind turbines.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.9-14
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• 2015

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ten minutes of manual passive exercise performed by physical therapists on autonomic nervous system. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy adults, both male and female, were chosen as subjects for this study. The autonomic nervous system was measured by heart rate variability (HRV),before and after passive exercise using the following measurements: mean heart rate (mean HRT), low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) components, the LF/HF ratio, root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD), and the HRV index. The exercise was performed on the subjects by a physical therapist with seven years of experience specializing in the nervous system. The exercise was conducted at the mid-range of motion on the upper and lower limbs of the subjects for two minutes and thirty seconds and for a total of ten minutes. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the LF component. The mean HRT and the LF/HF ratio both increased, but these increases were not significant. The HF component, RMSSD, and HRV index all decreased, but these decreases were not significant. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, mid-range manual passive exercise does not induce stress on the autonomic nervous system. It can safely be performed by a physical therapist.

• Composites Research
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.383-388
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• 2015

이온성 고분자 복합물인 IPMC(Ionic Polymer Metal Composite)는 부드러운 고분자 필름의 양면에 백금으로 구성된 전극층이 부착된 형태로 구성되어 있으며, 외부 물리적 자극에 대응하여 전기적 에너지를 발생시키는 특성을 가지고 있다. 본 논문에서는 IPMC의 굽힘에 대응하여 생성되는 전압을 예측할 수 있는 회로 모델을 제안하였다. 모델의 내부는 IPMC의 물리적인 특성을 묘사하는 전기 소자들로 구성되어 있으며, 실제 측정된 출력 전압과 시뮬레이션 출력 전압 사이의 RMS(Root Mean Square) 오차가 최소화 되도록 파라미터들의 값이 선정되었다. 이어서, 회로 모델의 관측기를 극점 배치 기법을 사용하여 설계하였으며 관측기로부터의 출력 전압 시뮬레이션의 결과 실제 전압 신호와의 오차가 줄어듦을 확인하였다. 또한, 상태 관측기 설계 기법이 측정된 출력 전압으로부터 입력 굽힘 각도를 추정하는 역 모델의 설계에도 적용되었으며 설계된 역 모델이 입력 각도를 큰 오차 없이 추정함을 검증하였다.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.123-127
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• 2015

Objectives: Glide path preparation is recommended to reduce torsional failure of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments and to prevent root canal transportation. This study evaluated whether the repetitive insertions of G-files to the working length maintain the apical size as well as provide sufficient lumen as a glide path for subsequent instrumentation. Materials and Methods: The G-file system (Micro-Mega) composed of G1 and G2 files for glide path preparation was used with the J-shaped, simulated resin canals. After inserting a G1 file twice, a G2 file was inserted to the working length 1, 4, 7, or 10 times for four each experimental group, respectively (n = 10). Then the canals were cleaned by copious irrigation, and lubricated with a separating gel medium. Canal replicas were made using silicone impression material, and the diameter of the replicas was measured at working length (D0) and 1 mm level (D1) under a scanning electron microscope. Data was analysed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests (p = 0.05). Results: The diameter at D0 level did not show any significant difference between the 1, 2, 4, and 10 times of repetitive pecking insertions of G2 files at working length. However, 10 times of pecking motion with G2 file resulted in significantly larger canal diameter at D1 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Under the limitations of this study, the repetitive insertion of a G2 file up to 10 times at working length created an adequate lumen for subsequent apical shaping with other rotary files bigger than International Organization for Standardization (ISO) size 20, without apical transportation at D0 level.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.161-170
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• 2014

PURPOSE: This study concerns the wheelchair-based rehabilitation of elderly people, investigating muscle activity and coordination of upper limbs during wheelchair-based new millennium health gymnastics with varying elbow exercise velocity. METHODS: Twelve elderly people participated in new millennium gymnastics twice per week during 12-weeks. The group was separated into 0.4, 1.0, and 1.6 Hz groups (controlled by the metronome speed). Range of motion was measured by electrogoniometer, electromyography signals used root mean square values. The data application was normalized using reference voluntary contraction (%RVC). Upper limb (wrist and elbow joint) data gathered while standing up after the "falling on hips" was investigated in terms of coordination of angle-angle plots. One-way ANOVA, paired t-test and Scheffe's post hoc comparisons, were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were results taken before and after the experiments. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the triceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis of the 0.4 Hz group (p<.05). There was significant difference in the triceps brachi of the 1 Hz group. No significant differences were found in all muscles of the 1.6 Hz group. Muscle co-activation indexes of the 0.4 Hz group were larger than the others. The 0.4 Hz graph was turning point synchronized clockwise. The 1 Hz graph was out of phase with the negative slope. The 1.6 Hz graph was turning point synchronized counterclockwise, and uncontrolled factor phase was offset on angle-angle plots. CONCLUSION: It is found that improvement of muscle activity and upper limbs coordination of elderly people using wheelchair-based new millennium gymnastics is optimal with elbow exercise velocity with a frequency of 0.4 Hz.

• Biomedical Engineering Letters
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.365-371
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• 2018

Uninterrupted monitoring of multiple subjects is required for mass causality events, in hospital environment or for sports by medical technicians or physicians. Movement of subjects under monitoring requires such system to be wireless, sometimes demands multiple transmitters and a receiver as a base station and monitored parameter must not be corrupted by any noise before further diagnosis. A Bluetooth Piconet network is visualized, where each subject carries a Bluetooth transmitter module that acquires vital sign continuously and relays to Bluetooth enabled device where, further signal processing is done. In this paper, a wireless network is realized to capture ECG of two subjects performing different activities like cycling, jogging, staircase climbing at 100 Hz frequency using prototyped Bluetooth module. The paper demonstrates removal of baseline drift using Fast Fourier Transform and Inverse Fast Fourier Transform and removal of high frequency noise using moving average and S-Golay algorithm. Experimental results highlight the efficacy of the proposed work to monitor any vital sign parameters of multiple subjects simultaneously. The importance of removing baseline drift before high frequency noise removal is shown using experimental results. It is possible to use Bluetooth Piconet frame work to capture ECG simultaneously for more than two subjects. For the applications where there will be larger body movement, baseline drift removal is a major concern and hence along with wireless transmission issues, baseline drift removal before high frequency noise removal is necessary for further feature extraction.