• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.487-498
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• 2010

Purpose : To investigate the immediate effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) on the spasticity and the balance in the stroke patients. Methods : 26 subjects with spasticity over lower limbs were allocated randomly into two groups : (1) TENS group, (2) placebo-TENS group. TENS was applied on the both gastrocnemius for 60 minutes(100 Hz, 0.25 ms, 2 times sensory threshold). The modified Ashworth Scale(MAS) and Manual Muscle Tester were used to assess the spasticity of the ankle plantar flexors. Static balance under three conditions was measured by force-plate; in (1) the condition of standing with eyes opened, (2) with eyes closed and (3) the condition of standing on unstable surface with eyes opened. Results : When compared with the pre and post TENS application, TENS showed significant reduction of ankle spasticity in MAS and MMT measurement. Also, Application of high-frequency TENS improved the balance under three conditions. Conclusion : A single session of TENS to stroke patients could reduce spasticity and improve the balance.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.73-78
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• 2015

Objective: This study focused on subacute stroke patients who were asked to kick a ball while walking on a treadmill. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) combined with ball-kicking on muscle strength, balance, and gait. Design: Single blind, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty stroke patients who volunteered to participate in this study were randomly assigned to either the BWSTT combined with ball-kicking (BWSTT-BK; 10 participants) group or the BWSTT group (10 participants). Participants in the BWSTTBK group performed treadmill walking combined with simultaneous ball-kicking for 30 minutes daily for 5 weeks. Participants from the BWSTT group performed only treadmill walking. The muscular strength, balance, and gait ability were measured before and after the 5-week training. To assess for muscular strength, a digital muscle tester was used to measure hip flexor, knee extensor, and dorsiflexor strength. To assess for balance, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) was used. To assess for gait, the 10 meter walk test (10MWT) and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) was used. Results: The BWSTT-BK group showed significantly improved muscular strength, balance, and gait according to BBS, TUG, 10MWT, FGA, and digital muscle testing scores compared to the BWSTT group (p<0.05). In addition, within-group comparison showed significant improvement in all variables (p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that BWSTT-BK results in more favourable outcomes for stroke patients. Therefore, BWSTT-BK may be useful for the recovery of gait ability of stroke patients.

• Proceedings of the KWS Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.53-58
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• 2002

Electrical insulation and mechanical properties of the plasma sprayed oxide ceramic coatings were studied before and after the sealing treatment of the ceramic coatings. Plasma sprayed A1$_2$O$_3$-TiO$_2$ coating as the reference coating was sealed using three commercial sealants based on polymer. Penetration depth of the sealants to the ceramic coating was evaluated directly from the optical microscope using a fluorescent dye. It is estimated that the penetration depth of the sealants to the ceramic coating is from 0.2 to 0.5 mm depending on the sealants used. The preliminary test results with a DC puncture tester imply that the dielectric breakdown voltage mechanism of plasma sprayed ceramic coatings has been determined to be a corona mechanism. Dielectric breakdown voltage of the as-sprayed and as-ground samples have shown a linear trend with regard to the thickness showing an average dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm for the thickness scale studied. It is also shown that grinding the coating before sealing and adding fluorescent dye do not agent the penetration depth of sealants. All of the microhardness, two-body abrasive wear resistance, bond strength, and surface roughness of the ceramic coating after the sealing treatment are improved. The extent of improvement is different from the sealants used. However, three-point bending stress of the ceramic coating after the sealing treatment is decreased. This is attributed to the reduced micro-crack toughening effect since the cracks propagate easily through the lamellar of the coating without crack deflection and/or branching after the sealing treatment.

• Composites Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.9-17
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• 2003

We have implemented a system of falling weight impact tester in order to evaluate the impact energy absorbing characteristics and impact strength of CFRP laminate plates. The absorbed energy of T-300 orthotropic composites is higher than that of quasi-isotropic specimen over impact energy 7J, but in case of using T700 fiber, much difference does not show. Also, absorbed energy of T-300 orthotropic composites, which are composed of the same stacking number and orientation became more than that of T700 fiber specimen however there was no big difference in case of quasi-isotropic specimens. Delamination area of impacted specimens was measured with ultrasonic C-scanner to find correlation between impact energy and delamination area. Delamination area and frequency responses were evaluated between impacted and unimpacted specimens. There is a strong correlation between frequency responses and impact-induced delamination. The presence and scale of damages have been investigated based on the variations of frequency responses.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.221-231
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of three interventions on pain, blood pressure, and pulse rate during infiltration anesthesia in patients about to undergo gamma knife surgeries. Methods: The three interventions employed in a university-affiliated Hospital in J City, South Korea were as follows: EMLA cream plus Vapocoolant spray (Vapocoolant, n=30), EMLA cream plus 10.0% Lidocaine spray (Lidocaine, n=30), and EMLA cream only (EMLA, n=30). The equivalent control-group pre test - post test study design was used. Pain was assessed subjectively using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and objectively using a Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) tester. NRS scores were assessed after infiltration anesthesia and the GSR was assessed during infiltration anesthesia. Blood pressure and pulse rate were assessed twice: before and after infiltration anesthesia. Data were collected between August 3, 2016 and March 24, 2017. Results: NRS scores after infiltration anesthesia and the GSR during infiltration anesthesia were significantly lower in the Vapocoolant group than in the Lidocaine and EMLA groups (F=13.56, p<.001 and F=14.43, p<.001, respectively). The increase in systolic blood pressure (F=4.77, p=.011) and in pulse rates (F=4.78, p=.011) before and after infiltration anesthesia were significantly smaller in the Vapocoolant group than in the Lidocaine and EMLA groups; however, no significant differences were observed in diastolic blood pressures (F=1.51, p=.227). Conclusion: EMLA cream plus Vapocoolant spray was the most effective intervention to relieve pain and to lower increase in systolic blood pressure and pulse rate caused by infiltration anesthesia for stereotactic frame fixation. Thus, application of Vapocoolant spray in addition to EMLA cream is highly recommended as a nursing intervention for patients undergoing gamma knife surgeries.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.154-163
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eccentric contraction training (ECT) and concentric contraction training (CCT) on the muscle thickness (MT), muscle strength (MS) and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) of the lower extremities in persons with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty persons with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to the ECT or the CCT group. The ECT was performed in a specially designed system of eccentric contraction of both legs and, the CCT was performed using a traditional stepper system for concentric contraction of both legs. The training was performed for 30 min/times, 3 times/wk for 6 weeks. Rehabilitation ultrasound imaging was used to measure MT of the vastus medialis/lateralis (VL), and soleus (SOL), a digital muscle tester was used to measure MS, and a visual analog scale was used to assess DOMS. Results: In the ECT group, MT was significantly improved except for SOL resting (p<0.01). In the CCT group, the MT was significantly improved except for VL contraction (p<0.05). The MS was significantly improved in both groups, especially in the ECT group (p<0.01). In the ECT group, muscle soreness was highest in the first week after training but gradually decreased, and in the CCT group, it was highest in the second week of training but gradually decreased (p<0.01). Conclusions: ECT can improve lower limb MT, MS, and DOMS of chronic stroke survivors. Therefore, it is recommended that ECT be used in the rehabilitation of persons with chronic stroke.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.55-62
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• 2018

A patient with right upper limb weakness was diagnosed with idiopathic polyneuropathy and received a series of Korean Medicine including acupuncture, electroacupuncture, bee venom acupuncture, and administration of herbal medicine BacJung-hwan for 17 days of hospitalization period. The progression of the weakness was measured by Hand grip tester, neuralgia and numbness were measured by the NRS(Numerical Rating Scale) scores. After treatment, the right grip strength improved from 12kg to 35kg and the right upper limb neuralgia of the NRS5 was improved to NRS2. The present case study suggests that the potential effects of Korean Medicine treatment for idiopathic polyneuropathy.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.465-473
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the desensitizing effects of a Nd:YAG laser (Sunlase, SUNRISE Technologies, Inc., USA) irradiation on cervically exposed hypersensitive dentine. 45 patients was irradiated with pulsed Nd:YAG laser (1.5 W, 20 Hz, 75 mJ/pulse, 4 minutes) as the experimental group, 27 patients was mock irradiated as the control group. The degree of sensitivity to the thermal and tactile stimuli were determined qualitatively with an evaporative stimulus defined as two times air blast at a distance of 3 mm from each site to be tested and with a mechanical stimulus as a slightly scratching the cervical site with a dental explorer. A qualitative registration of the degree of discomfort was determined according to a numerical pain scale(NPS) in an 11-point scale in which 0= "no pain" and 10="most excruciating pain imaginable". Recordings were assessed before treatment, immediately after, 1 and 2 weeks after treatment. Pain tolerance threshold and pulp vitality were evaluated with electric pulp tester before and immediately after treatment. 1. Desensitizing of hypersensitive dentine with Nd:YAG laser irradiation was more effective than that with mock irradiation. 2. The placebo effect of mock irradiation was recognized for severe sensitive teeth($NPS\;{\geqq}\;6$), but not for moderate sensitive teeth(NPS < 6). 3. Laser irradiation did not affect the pain tolerance threshold and pulp vitality of the hypersensitive teeth. 4. Desensitizing effect of laser irradiation for the hypersensitive teeth had been continuing at least 2 weeks. It was concluded that desensitizing of hypersensitive dentine with a Nd:YAG laser is effective and the maintenance of the positive result was more prolonged than the placebo effect.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.215-224
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• 2011

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 904 nm GaAs laser irradiation for patients with hypersensitive teeth and to find the possibility of clinical use of this Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for the control of hypersensitive teeth. Eleven patients visited Dept. of Oral Medicine, Dankook University participated in this study. Each patient contributed at least two or more contralateral pairs of hypersensitive teeth with exposed dentine at cervical surfaces. Total number of teeth used from subjects participated in this study was 50: 25 experimental and control teeth respectively. All participants were treated with 904 nm GaAs diode laser every week during 4 weeks. Tactile and cold (ice stick) tests were carried out before LLLT every week during 4 weeks and 1 week later after the last LLLT by measuring visual analogue scale (VAS) of patients and by measuring a score of electrical pulp tester (EPT) simultaneously. The VAS score in tactile test decreased significantly with time, but there was not statistically difference between those of groups. The score of EPT in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group, although there was no change with time. In cold test, there was significant difference between two groups and cold sensitivity of the experimental group significantly decreased with time after every LLL irradiation, compared with that of control group. Based on the results, it is suggested that the 904 nm GaAs laser irradiation could be positively used as an effective, reversible method in treating cervical dentine hypersensitivity.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.28 no.2 s.67
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• pp.329-341
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• 1998

Sterilization has received much attention in orthodontic practices over the past several years. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of sterilization on the physical properties of orthodontic pliers-AEZ, Unitek, and Dentronix ligature cutters. This study was designed to examine the tips of ligature cutters before and after 200 and 400 sterilization cycles using the Bowmar RHT-1000, the Dentronix DDS-5000, and the Eschmann SES-2000. The tip surface and the fracture surface were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The microstructure was observed with an optical microscope. The hardness test was carried out with the mic개-Vickers hardness tester and the Rockwell C Scale hardness tester. The chemical composition was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The results of this study were as follows : 1. The number and the size of corrosion products on the tip surface and the proportion of cleavage planes in fractured specimen increased, but the hardness of the tip decreased in proportion to sterilization cycles. From these observations, it was considered that mechanical properities decreased in proportion to sterilization cycles. 2. The number and the size of chromium carbides increased in proportion to sterilization cycles. Coarse microstructure decreased mechanical properities. 3. The AEZ and Unitek ligature cutters were Fe-Cr stainless steels, but the Dentronix ligature cutter was Co-Cr alloy. There were many differences among manufactures, but the chemical composition was .not changed after sterilization cycles. 4. The tip edge of ligature cutter used in a clinic revealed microcracks with the SEM observation. Clinical experience confirmed that ligature cutters were gradually degraded by sterilization.