• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2020

Background: Thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise is commonly used to manage patients with neck pain. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise alone in patients with chronic neck pain. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic self-mobilization using a tool on cervical range of motion (ROM), disability level, upper body posture, pain and fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: The subjects were 49 patients (21 males, 28 females) with chronic neck pain. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 23) and control group (CG, n = 26). For the EG, thoracic self-mobilization was applied. We placed a tool (made with 2 tennis balls) under 3 different vertebral levels (T1-4, T5-8, T9-12) of the thoracic spine and the subjects performed crunches, which included thoracic flexion and extension in supine position. Five times × 3 sets for each levels, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Cervical pain, disability, upper body posture, FABQ results, and ROM were evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention, and at 8 weeks of follow-up. Assessments included the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS); Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire (NPQ); craniovertebral angles (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) and kyphosis angle (KA) measurements for upper body posture; FABQ and cervical ROM testing. Results: The EG showed a statistically significant improvement after intervention in the QVAS (-51.16%); NPQ (-53.46%); flexion (20.95%), extension (25.32%), left rotation (14.04%), and right rotation (25.32%) in the ROM of the cervical joint; KA (-7.14%); CVA (9.82%); and FSA (-4.12%). Conclusion: These results suggest that, for patients with chronic neck pain, thoracic self-mobilization exercise using a tool (tennis balls) is effective to improve neck pain, disability level, the ROM, and upper body posture.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.146-149
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• 2017

In this study, we compared the standardized value of each signal intensity, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) that digitizes the diffusion of water molecules, and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) using b value 0 400, 1400 ($s/mm^2$). From March 2013 to December 2013, patients with suspicion of simple compound fracture and metastatic spine cancer were included in the MR readout. We used a 1.5 Tesla Achieva MRI system and a Syn-Spine Coil. Sequence is a DWI SE-EPI sagittal (diffusion weighted imaging spin echo-echo planar imaging sagittal) image with b-factor ($s/mm^2$) 0, 400, 1400 were used. Data analysis showed ROI (Region of Interest) in diseased area with high SI (signal intensity) in diffusion-weighted image b value 0 ($s/mm^2$) Using the MRIcro program, each SI was calculated with images of b-value 0, 400, and 1400 ($s/mm^2$), ADC map was obtained using Metlab Software with each image of b-value, The ADC is obtained by applying the ROI to the same position. The standardized values ($SI_{400}/SI_0$, $SI_{400}/SI_0$) of simple compression fractures were $0.47{\pm}0.04$ and $0.23{\pm}0.03$ and the standardized values ($SI_{400}/SI_0$, $SI_{400}/SI_0$) of the metastatic spine were $0.57{\pm}0.07$ and $0.32{\pm}0.08$ And the standardized values of the two diseases were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The ADC ($mm^2/s$) for b value 400 ($s/mm^2$) and 1400 ($s/mm^2$) of the simple compression fracture disease site were $1.70{\pm}0.16$ and $0.93{\pm}0.28$ and $1.24{\pm}0.21$ and $0.80{\pm}0.15$ for the metastatic spine. The ADC ($mm^2/s$) for b value 400($s/mm^2$) was statistically significant (p < 0.05) but the ADC ($mm^2/s$) for b value 1400 (p > 0.05). In conclusion, multi - b value recognition of signal changes in diffusion - weighted imaging is very important for the diagnosis of various spinal diseases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.60-72
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• 2024

Objective : Recently, robotic-assisted spine surgery (RASS) has been considered a minimally invasive and relatively accurate method. In total, 495 robotic-assisted pedicle screw fixation (RAPSF) procedures were attempted on 100 patients during a 14-month period. The current study aimed to analyze the accuracy, potential risk factors, and learning curve of RAPSF. Methods : This retrospective study evaluated the position of RAPSF using the Gertzbein and Robbins scale (GRS). The accuracy was analyzed using the ratio of the clinically acceptable group (GRS grades A and B), the dissatisfying group (GRS grades C, D, and E), and the Surgical Evaluation Assistant program. The RAPSF was divided into the no-breached group (GRS grade A) and breached group (GRS grades B, C, D, and E), and the potential risk factors of RAPSF were evaluated. The learning curve was analyzed by changes in robot-used time per screw and the occurrence tendency of breached and failed screws according to case accumulation. Results : The clinically acceptable group in RAPSF was 98.12%. In the analysis using the Surgical Evaluation Assistant program, the tip offset was 2.37±1.89 mm, the tail offset was 3.09±1.90 mm, and the angular offset was 3.72°±2.72°. In the analysis of potential risk factors, the difference in screw fixation level (p=0.009) and segmental distance between the tracker and the instrumented level (p=0.001) between the no-breached and breached group were statistically significant, but not for the other factors. The mean difference between the no-breach and breach groups was statistically significant in terms of pedicle width (p<0.001) and tail offset (p=0.042). In the learning curve analysis, the occurrence of breached and failed screws and the robot-used time per screw screws showed a significant decreasing trend. Conclusion : In the current study, RAPSF was highly accurate and the specific potential risk factors were not identified. However, pedicle width was presumed to be related to breached screw. Meanwhile, the robot-used time per screw and the incidence of breached and failed screws decreased with the learning curve.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.126-129
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• 1996

Background: Advantages of paramedian approach over midline approach include less tissue trauma and less dependence on patient's ability to assume a fetal position. When midline approach fails in patients who are difficult to take a position with lumbar spine flexed, paramedian approach to interlaminar space may succeed. Methods: Success rates of spinal anesthesia were measured for 47 flexed patients by midline approach, 48 flexed patients by paramedian approach, 23 straightened patients receiving spinal anesthesia by midline approach, and 23 straightened patients by paramedian approach. Results: Success rates in flexed patients were 100% by midline approach and 100% by paramedian approach. Success rates for straightened patients were 13.0% by midline approach and 78.3% by paramedian approach. For straightened patients there were no correlations between success fate and age, weight, Ponderal Index but there were correlations between height and midline approach of spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: Pertaining to adult Koreans, success rates of spinal anesthesia for strainghtened patients were less than those for flexed patients. Success rate of paramedian approach of spinal anesthesia among strainghtened patients were better than those of midline approach.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.309-318
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• 2011

Objectives : To evaluate the effect of foot orthotic in patient with chronic pain and pelvic obliquity in standing. Methods : Four cases of functional spinal scoliosis, were investigated for the changes in the calcaneal stance position angle, pelvic height, pelvic angle, Cobb's angle and walking pattern. Standing full spine X-ray for measuring the pelvic height, pelvic angle, Cobb's angle were checked before and after application of foot orthosis. The foot orthosis was composed of polyprophylen and chamude cover. Results : 1. There was no change in resting calcaneal stance position. 2. Difference of pelvic height and pelvic angle was reduced after application of a foot orthosis. 3. Cobb's angle in 2 cases was reduced after application of a foot orthosis. 4. Walking balance was improved. 5. Visual analogue scale was decreased. Conclusions : The study showed that foot orthosis seemed to be effective for chronic pain, spinal curve, pelvic obliquity and walking balance.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.197-204
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• 2010

Scapular position and motion are essential for normal upper limb mobility; Further, the posture of patients with thoracic kyphosis is related to shoulder girdle function and disorder. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of thoracic posture on the shoulder range of motion and on three-dimensional scapular kinematics. Thirty healthy subjects performed right-arm abduction along the frontal plane while standing in both erect and in slouched trunk posture. The scapular position and rotation, and shoulder and thoracic angles were recorded using a motion analysis system. The scapular upward rotation and internal rotation were significantly altered according to postural tatiges; however, scapular tilt was not affected. Shoulder angle was significantly decreased in the slouched posture as c rpared to tatt in the erect posture. Thus, a slouched posture(thoracic kyphosis) significantly affects the shoulder range of motion and scapular kinematics during shoulder abduction in the frontal plane.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.1521-1527
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• 2018

The original focus of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of lumbar rotational mobilization on the one-legged standing ability. Fifteen subjects (6 men and 9 women, mean age = 22.77 (SD = 1.21), mean height = 165.46cm (SD = 11.65), mean weight = 61.46kg (SD = 8.29) volunteers from healthy individuals were recruited and randomized to a lumbar rotational mobilization (LRM) group and a trunk rotational exercise (TRE) group. Mobilization (grade 3 or 4) was applied to the LRM group on the lumbar spine (L1 to L5) in a side-lying, and trunk twist exercise (left and right side) was applied the to the TRE group with lunge position. Center of pressure (COP) and the velocity of the center of pressure (VCOP) of each participant were measured as a balance ability through one leg standing position. Results are as follows. In within-group difference, the COP of the LRM group reduced during standing with the right foot, but the VCOP change of the LRM was not statistically significant. In between-groups difference, COP of TRE group was decreased compared with LRM group only during left leg standing in the eyes (p <.05). The results of this study suggest that LRM is more effective than TRE in improving balance ability.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.401-406
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the position of the hyoid bone and soft palate and the amount of airway space after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (B-SSRO). Methods: This study is a review of lateral cephalometric tracings of 30 patients who underwent B-SSRO with setbacks at Kyunghee Dental Hospital from 2005 to 2009. Lateral cephalograms were taken before (T0), within one month (T1), and more than six months after the surgery (T2). Results: The hyoid bone at T1 changed significantly towards the inferoposterior position. At T2, it had significantly moved superiorly, but not anteriorly. At T1, the nasopharyngeal space, extending from the posterior nasal spine to the posterior pharyngeal space, decreased significantly, but did not show a significant increase at T2. The nasopharyngeal space, extending from the middle of soft palate to the posterior pharyngeal space, decreased significantly at T1, but did not show a significant decrease at T2. The oropharyngeal airway space decreased significantly at T1 and did not return to its original position at T2. The hypopharyngeal space, extending from the anterior to the posterior pharyngeal space at the level of the most anterior point of the third cervical vertebrae, slightly decreased at T1, but the amount was insignificant; however, the amount of decrease at T2 was significant. The hypopharyngeal space extending from the anterior to the posterior pharyngeal space at the level of the lowest point of the third cervical vertebrae, decreased significantly at T1 but returned to its original position at T2. Conclusion: B-SSRO changes the position of the hyoid bone and muscles inferoposteriorly. These change allows enough space for the tongue and prevent airway obstruction. Airway changes may be related to post-operative edema, posterior movement of the soft palate, anteroposterior movement of the hyoid bone, or compensation for decreased oral cavity volume. The position of the pogonion which measures anterior relapse after surgery did not show significant differences during the follow-up period.

• The Journal of Korea CHUNA Manual Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.99-109
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• 2003

Dr. Lawrence H Jones developed innovative approach for the treatment of neuromuscular and musculo-skeletal disorders such as fibromyalgia, myofacial pain syndrome, any other muscle pain. This technique is called Strain/Counterstrain technique which uses effect of neuromuscular reflex for treatment of strain. First, Relieving spinal or other joint pain by passively putting the joint into its position of greatest comfort; secondly relieving pain by reduction and arrest of the continuing inappropriate proprioceptor activity. This was accomplished by markedly shortening the muscle that contains the malfunctioning muscle spindle by applying. mild strain to its antagonists. In other words, the inappropriate strain reflex is inhibited by application of counterstrain. Many other techniques have been developed for treating of muscle pain due to somatic dysfunction, but we want to introduce you to strain/counterstrain technique because this is basic concept and theory of Chum therapy for controling motor system.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.319-322
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• 2014

Two specimens of pontoniine shrimp, Periclimenes brevicarpalis (Schenkel, 1902), having a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones are reported for the first time in Korea. The specimens were collected by SCUBA diving in Jejudo Island. It has a transparent body with a few large white spots on the carapace, abdomen, telson and uropods. Blue bands are on the cheliped and pereiopods. Five brown eyespots with orange centers are on the telson and uropods. The morphology is described and illustrated with a color image of the living specimens. Two species of Korean Periclimenes, P. ornatus, and P. brevicarpalis, can be distinguished by the position of the anterior dorsolateral spine of the telson. This study extends its previously known range from Japan to Korea. Korean pontoniine now includes six species belonging to five genera of Conchodytes, Cuapetes, Onycocaris, Periclimenaeus, and Periclimenes.