• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2020

Background: A backpack is available equipment for moving some objects. Most studies have found that the appropriate weight limit of backpack for students is between 10% to 15% of their body weight (BW). However, Some students should carry a backpack heavier than 15% of BW. Therefore, It is associated with abnormal shoulder and neck posture on students. Objects: This study tested the effects that various amounts of weight carried by university students in their backpacks had on their cervical posture and electromyography of neck muscle. Methods: The subjects consisted of 12 students (6 male, 6 female) in university. There were three loading conditions tested: no backpack, a backpack that weighed 10% and 15% of the student's BW. The dependent variables were the craniovertebral angle (tragus to C7) and the neck muscle activities (sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius). All 12 subjects were asked to walk while wearing a backpack for 5 minutes and were then instructed to rest for 2 minutes. Results: When assessing the craniovertebral angle, the results of this study were significantly decreased in the order of 0%, 10%, and 15%. And then, there were significantly increased electromyography of neck muscles that comparison of the weight of 10% and 15% on 0%. It was found that as the weight of the backpack increased, the craniovertebral angle decreased (p < 0.05) and the muscle activities increased (upper trapezius p = 0.012, sternocleidomastoid p = 0.013). Conclusion: Our study recommended that some students shouldn't carry on over the 15% backpack of own weight, and also they should distribute backpack load to equal on body for optimal posture.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.2119-2125
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• 2020

Background: Adults with forward head posture (FHP) often suffer from thoracic hyperkyphosis and thoracic dysfunction, and including reduction of the craniovertebral angle (CV angle) and tightening of the superficial neck muscles. In order to treat thoracic dysfunction, interventions aimed at improving thoracic mobility are necessary. Objectives: To examine the effects of maitland manual mobilization therapy on the thoracic spine in adults with FHP. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty adults with FHP who met the selection criteria were randomized to the thoracic multiple joint mobilization (TMJM; n=15) group and the thoracic general joint mobilization (TGJM; n=15) group. Joint mobilizations were performed for 23 minutes a day for 4 weeks continuously, two times per week. Outcome measures were ImageJ, BTS FREE EMG 1000, neck disability Index (NDI). Results: Although changes in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and NDI scores over time between the two groups differed, other variables were noted only changes observed over time. Muscle activity in the right sternocleidomastoid increased again in the TGJM group post-intervention and 2 weeks after the end of the experiment, but changes in other variables were retained or improved, confirming the lasting effects of thoracic joint mobilization. Conclusion: Thoracic multiple joint mobilization may be recommended as a more effective intervention for adults with FHP.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.852-858
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to provide fundamental clinical data for the treatment plan and rehabilitation of patients with cervical hypolordosis by comparing the cervical headache and muscle activity after cervical stretching exercise and cervical traction, which are generally applied to patients with cervical hypolordosis. The research subjects included 20 patients without gender division who were diagnosed with cervical hypolordosis. After applying cervical stretching exercise and cervical traction for six weeks, cervical headache and the activity of the muscles around the cervical vertebra(upper trapezius muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle, splenius capitis muscle, and anterior temporal muscle) were investigated and the following results were obtained. In a comparison of the within group intervention effects of the two groups, cervical pain statistically significantly decreased in the cervical stretching exercise group. According to the results of analyzing the change of muscle tension in the upper trapezius muscle, both the cervical traction group and showed a statistically significant within group difference in the left and right side. According to the results of analyzing the change in the muscle tension of the splenius capitis muscle, both groups showed a statistically significant within group difference in the left and right side. In a between-group comparison, a statistically significant difference in the right side was observed. These results confirm that cervical vertebra traction and cervical stretching exercise decrease the cervical headache and muscle activity of the upper trapezius muscle and the splenius capitis muscle among patients with cervical hypolordosis.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.265-271
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• 2021

This study aimed to define the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache and propose an efficient method of clinical evaluation and physical therapy. Fifteen patients with cervicogenic headache and 15 healthy individuals were recruited and categorized into the test group and the control group, respectively. The groups were compared in terms of muscle characteristics, muscle activity and posture, and the intervariable correlations were analyzed for the test group. A significant between-group difference was found in the stiffness of the suboccipital muscle and the tone and stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle (p<.001). In posture comparison, a significant difference was noted in neck tilt angle and the T1 slope angle (p<.05). The activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was also significantly different between the groups (p<.001). When the correlations among the muscle characteristics, the posture, and the activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle were analyzed for the test group, a positive correlation was found between the tone and the stiffness of the suboccipital muscle (p<.001) and between the tone and the stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle (p<.001). The findings of this study suggest a more efficient approach for the assessment and treatment of cervicogenic headache patients. It is considered that, further studies including more subjects of various job categories and comparing the outcomes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2019

Purpose : This study aims to investigate the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and muscle activity of the inspiratory primary and accessory muscle during breathing exercise with different air hole diameters of the inspiratory muscle trainer (IMT). Methods : The Borg's scale and surface electromyography (EMG) was used to collect data of the RPE and muscle activity of the inspiratory primary the external intercostal (EI) and diaphragm (DIA) and accessory muscles anterior scalene (AS), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), pectoralis major (PM), and upper trapezius (UT) muscles during breathing exercise with different air hole diameters (6 mm, 4 mm, and 2 mm) of the IMT in healthy young male subjects. Results : The RPE and muscle activities of the AS, SCM, and UT are increased significantly in accordance to the decreasing diameter of air hole of air tip in IMT. However, there are no differences in the muscle activities of the PM, EI, and DIA based on differences of diameters of air hole of air tip in IMT. Conclusion : The smaller the diametr of IMT air-hole, RPE and muscle activities of AS, SCM and UT were increased. Therefore, further study would be necessary to investigate the proper intensity and relaxation posture for the exercise protocol to strengthen the inspiratory primary muscles.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.159-168
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• 2023

Purpose: Coordinated activity between the jaw and neck muscles is important in oral motor tasks such as chewing. This study examined coherence between the jaw and neck muscles during chewing in healthy adults. Methods: A total of 12 healthy adults underwent electromyography (EMG) of the jaw and neck muscles during right-sided chewing at a frequency of 1 Hz. Surface electrodes were placed over the temporalis (TA), masseter (MS), anterior digastric (DA), and sternocleidomastoid (SM) muscles on the right side. EMG signals were processed for coherence and phase analysis using advanced signal processing techniques. Results: The MS and TA muscle pair exhibited high synchronization when chewing (median coherence=0.992). Contrarily, the coherence values between the MS and DA, as well as the MS and SM muscle pairs, were relatively low (median coherence=0.848 and 0.957, respectively). Phase analysis revealed minimal temporal differences between the MS and TA muscle pair and the MS and SM muscle pair, whereas substantial phase shifts were observed between the MS and DA muscle pair. Conclusions: During chewing in healthy adults, the TA muscle works synergistically whereas the DA muscle antagonistically with the MS muscle, and the SM muscle supports the activity of the MS muscle. The observed synchrony and coordination provide insights into the intricate interplay among these muscles during oral motor tasks.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.141-150
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of stress and meridian muscle electrography in Korean adult males. Methods : Sixty-nine volunteers suffering from stress participated in this study. Physical examination, stress survey and meridian muscle electrography were performed. Each variable was compared with each other by correlation analysis. Results : Correlation between stress response inventory and fatigue of trapezius muscle right upper portion was statistically significant. In relationship between sub scales of stress response inventory and meridian muscle electrography, fatigue of trapezius muscle right upper portion was statistically significant with tension, depression, and frustration. Contraction power of left sternocleidomastoid muscle was significant with somatization and others were not significant. Conclusions : In Korean adult males, trapezius muscle shows more fatigue under more stress. This suggests that stress influences muscle fatigue. Although meridian muscle electrography is not a typical method for the evaluation of pain nor stress, this is referential method to clinical evaluation of painful shoulder caused stress.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.89-101
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• 1996

This study was performed to investigate influence of the changes of head posture on resting electromyographic (EMG) activity in anterior temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid muscle and trapezius, and on status of occlusal contacts. For this study twenty-nine patients with temporomandibular disorders(TMD) and thirty dental students without any masticatory symptoms were selected as patients group and control group, respectively. EMG activity($\mu$V) at rest was observed in four kind of head postures such as natural or normal head posture(NHP), forward head posture(FHP), upward head posture(UHP), downward head posture(DHP), and in NHP and FHP, EMG activity with flat occlusal splint was also checked. BioEMG$^\textregistered$(Bioelectromyograph, Bioresearch Inc., USA) was used to record EMG activity in the above four muscles with eight locations on both sides. The author used T-Scan$^\textregistered$(Tekscan Co., USA) system to investigate the changes of oclusal contats on clenching in the four head postures about number, force, time(duration) and total left-right statistis(TLR, occlusal stability crossing left-right dental arch on clenching). For taking in upward or downward head posture, head was inclined $10^{\circ}$ upward or downward and CROM$^\textregistered$ (cervical-range-of motion, Performance attainment Inc., USA) was used to maintain same posture during the procedure. The results obtained were as follows : 1. For resting EMG activity, anterior temporalis did not show any difference by change of head posture, but masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscle showed higher value of EMG activity in FHP and UHP, and trapezius showed higher value of EMG activity in FHP and DHP. 2. EMG activity of trapezius was higher than that of any other muscles in NHP, FHP, and DHP, but in UHP, the activity was the lowest reversely. 3. Patients group showed higher EMG activity than control group did in all the muscles in NHP. And significant difference between the two groups were also observed in anterior temporalis in FHP, in sternocleidomastoid muscle in UHP, and in sterno-cleidomastoid muscle and trapezius in DHP with higher activity in patients group. 4. There was no change of EMG activity in NHp with splint, but EMG activity in anterior temporalis and masseter was decreased in FHP with splint. 5. In general, status of occlusal contacts was not changed with head posture in all subjects, and difference between patients group and control group was only noted for number and force of tooth contact in UHP and DHP with more value in control group. 6. Correlationship between EMG activity and number ad force of tooth contacts was shown negatively with regard to masseter in NHP, and trapezius in UHP and DHP.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.43-49
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to the effects of temporomandibular joint movement restriction on treatment of SCM muscle pain. Methods: The Subjects(n=20) were males(n=7) and females(n=13) that had SCM muscle pain and movement restriction at one side oftemporomandibular joint. The massage and Taping performed on the SCM muscle during 4 weeks. The measured items of SCM pain were pressure-pain scale, DITI. The measured items of temporomandibular joint movement restriction were VAS, ROM, deviation. Results: SCM muscle of pressure-pain scale is lower in ipsilateral than counterlateral, But temperature is higher in ipsilateral than counterlateral. Pressure-pain scale was statistical significance (p<0.05). After studying, the pain and temperature of SCM muscle was decreased and statistical significance(p<0.05). After studying, VAS of Temporomandibular joint was decreased, ROM was increased, deviation was decreased. All of measured items of Before and after studying found a statistical significance(p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that SCM muscle pain related TM joint pain and movement restriction. The patient with TM joint movement restriction that may take effect on reducing SCM muscle pain.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.115-118
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• 2021

Intramuscular hemangioma is a rare vascular benign proliferation that can occur within any muscle, particularly in the trunk and extremities. In the head and neck region, the masseter muscle is most commonly involved, followed by the periorbital and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Diagnosing intramuscular hemangioma is challenging because there are no characteristic symptoms; instead, magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality to diagnose these lesions. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice, although the local recurrence rate is high. Herein, we report a rare case of intramuscular hemangioma located in the zygomaticus minor muscle, which is related to smiling and usually runs along the orbicularis oculi muscle. Distinguishing or separating these two muscles is challenging. However, based on the muscle vector of the midface and radiological findings, the two muscles were successfully separated. The zygomaticus minor was cut very slightly to approach to the lesion and the muscle fibers were split to excise it. A follow-up examination revealed no nerve damage or muscle dysfunction at 4 weeks postoperatively. This rare case may serve as a reference for managing intramuscular hemangioma in the head and neck region.