• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of direct and indirect methods of contract-relax techniques in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching for improving hamstring flexibility. Methods: Twenty-six subjects were randomly assigned to either a direct contract-relax technique group or an indirect contract-relax group. For each group, stretching intervention was performed three times a week for a period of two weeks, with 12 seconds for the contraction and 10 seconds for the relaxation per once. The direct contract-relax technique for hamstring flexibility was applied by asking the subject to press down on the shoulder of the trainer in the straight leg-raising position. Conversely, the indirect contract-relax technique was performed by raising the leg with resistance. To facilitate a comparative analysis of hamstring flexibility between the two groups before and after the stretching intervention, two-way repeated ANOVA was performed. Hamstring flexibility for each group was measured using a passive straight leg-raising test. Results: The results showed significant improvement in hamstring flexibility for all subjects in the two groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, both direct and indirect contract-relax techniques are confirmed to be useful for improving hamstring flexibility. The choice of suitable technique has to be made individually according to the condition of each subject.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.99-107
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the image changes of two cases of Lumbar intervertebral Disc Sequestration after oriental medical treatment. Methods : We examined 2 patients with Lumbar intervertebral Disc Sequestration who showed changes on MRI images before/after the treatment. And we assessed clinical symptoms by using numeric rating scale(NRS) and straight leg raising test(SLRT). Results & Conclusions : In this study, the first MRI examination of Lumbar intervertebral Disc Sequestration patients was performed at the first visit and re-examination of MRI was done after treatment. In each case, the size of the disc sequestration was considerably reduced in MRI image. And both patients represented effective improvment in NRS score and SLRT test angle.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.196-201
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• 2005

Objective : Among upper lumbar disc herniations, L1-2 disc herniations are especially rare. We present the specific clinical features of L1-2 disc herniation and compared results of different surgical options. Methods : The authors undertook a retrospective single institution review of the patients who underwent surgery for L1-2 disc herniation. Thirty patients who underwent surgery for isolated L1-2 disc herniations were included. Results : Buttock pain was more frequent than anterior or anterolateral thigh pain. Standing and/or walking intolerance was more common than sitting intolerance. The straight leg raising test was positive only in 15 patients [50%]. Iliopsoas weakness was more frequent than quadriceps weakness. Percutaneous discectomy group demonstrated worse outcome than laminectomy group or lateral retroperitoneal approach group. Conclusion : Standing and/or walking intolerance, positive femoral nerve stretch test, and iliopsoas weakness can be useful clues to the diagnosis of L1-2 disc herniation. Posterior approach using partial laminectomy and medial facetectomy or minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal approach seems like a better surgical option for L1-2 disc herniation than percutaneous endoscopic discectomy.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.99-103
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• 2009

We studied the historical changes of intervertebral disc displacement using magnetic resonance imaging. The phenomenon of the spontaneous regression of herniated discs is well known. The case of a 40-years-old male presenting with a large disc herniation at L5-S1, experiencing severe sciatic pain, and having the straight leg raising test positive at 25 degrees is presented. The extruded disc was documented by clinical examination. He was treated conservatively with epidural steroid injection (ESI), medication, physical therapy and self-exercise and reevaluated in 10 weeks later, 30 and 1 year. Large extruded disc can be treated successfully by physical therapy with ESI. However, the degeneration and the dehydration of disc result in decrease of disc height. Consequently, the regression of extruded disc might have been due to the resorption and the dehydration.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.57-66
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• 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects using pressure biofeedback and teaching abdominal hollowing exercise on pelvic stabilization during the active straight leg raising test. METHOD: The subjects were divided into 3 groups who were fourty eight healthy participants, aged 20~25 years recruited for this study. First group wad control group. This group didn't any education. Second group was teaching them for a week. And last group was teaching abdominal hollowing exercise. The rotation angles of pelvic were measured by the motion anayalyser on flat surface and on form roll for the active leg raising. RESULT: Using pressure biofeedback and teaching abdominal hollowing exercise groups were significantly effective than control group in rotation angles of pelvis. And using pressure biofeedback group was more effective than teaching core stability muscles contraction group. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that patients with low back pain and pelvic instability can improve pelvic stabilization through pressure biofeedback and teaching abdominal hollowing exercise.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.166-172
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• 2018

Purpose: This study compared the different sling and resistance exercises on pelvic rotation during active straight leg raises (ASLR) and on pain in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Twenty subjects were divided randomly into a sling group (SG) and a resistance exercise group (REG). Internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), rectus abdominis (RA), and rectus femoris (RF) muscle activity; pelvic rotation angle during ASLR; and visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold were measured. Sling and resistance exercises were then performed for 30 minutes and the measurements taken again. Results: Both groups showed significantly lower RF muscle activity and significantly higher EO and IO muscle activity (p<0.05). The RA muscle activity decreased significantly in the SG, but increased significantly in the REG (p<0.05). The pelvic rotation angle was significantly lower in the SG (p<0.05). The pain press threshold increased significantly in both groups (p<0.05). The visual analogue scale decreased significantly in the SG (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both exercises appear to be beneficial for modifying the muscle activity and pain control in the intervention of CLBP. On the other hand, the sling was more effective in increasing the pressure threshold than resistance exercise, and the pelvic rotation angle was reduced. Therefore, both exercises can help patients with CLBP change their muscle activity and control pain. CLBP patients should use a sling for short periods of time to learn to reduce the pain and control pelvic rotation.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.85-89
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• 2007

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate if Sweet Bee Venom therapy has the equal effect in comparison with Bee Venom Therapy on Low back pain with Radiation pain. Methods Clinical studies were done 24 patients who were treated low back pain with radiation pain to Dept. of Acupuncture & Moxibusition, of Oriental Medicine Se-Myung University from April 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups ; Bee Venom treated group(Group A, n=10), Sweet Bee Venom treatred group(Group B, n=14). In Bee Venom treated group(Group A), we treated patients with dry needle acupuncture and Bee Venom therapy. In Sweet Bee Venom treatred group(Group B), we treated patients with dry needle acupuncture and Sweet Bee Venom therapy. All process of treatment were performed by double blinding method. To estimate the efficacy of controlling pain. we checked Visual Analog Scale(VAS). For evaluating functional change of patients, Straight Leg Raising Test(S.L.R.T) was measured. Results 1. In controlling pain, Sweet Bee Venom treatred group(Group B) had similar ability in comparison with Bee Venom treated group(Group A). 2. In promoting function, Sweet Bee Venom treatred group(Group B) had similar ability in comparison with Bee Venom treated group(Group A). Conclusions It may be equal effects as compared with using Bee Venom to treat low back pain with radiation pain using Sweet Bee Venom. We can try to treat other disease known to have effect with Bee Venom.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.207-214
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• 2006

Objectives : This study is designed in order to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Scalp Acupuncture and Do-ma Acupuncture related with Governer Vessel(Dok) and Bladder Meridian(Chok-taeyang) on acute low back pain Methods : We investigated 30 patients suffering from acute low back pain were admitted to Dunsan O.M.hospital from March. 1st 2005 to December. 30th 2005. We divided into two groups: one group was treated with Scalp acupunture, another group was treated with common acupuncture. 30 patients, were diagnosed only straightened curvature on lateral view of lumbar spine X -ray. Scalp acupunture related with Governer Vessel(Dok) and Bladder Meridian(Chok-taeyang) and Do-ma acupuncture. To estimate the efficacy of treatment that applied for two groups, we compared the visual analog scale(VAS), Oswestry disabiliby index(ODI) and Straight Leg Raising Test(SLRT) score of two groups statistically. Results : Both Scalp acupuncture related with Governer Vessel(Dok) and Bladder Meridian (Chok-taeyang) and Do-ma acupuncture therapy showed good effect on acute low back pain. It was proved by the difference between VAS, ODI and SLRT score checked before treatment and what checked after treatment on each groups. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of Scalp Acupuncture and Do-ma Acupuncture on acute low back pain can be recommended as a useful therapy to treat acute low back pain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.265-276
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• 2000

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to observe the clinical characteristics of 6 patients who were not improved after admitted conservative treatment in this 311 patients. Methods : We retrospectivety reviewed 311 patients of Herniated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc which undenvent admitted conservative treatment from November 1997 to June 2000. 311 patients were diagnosed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in addition to physical examination. Other complications were not detected in 311 patients with Hemiated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc. In case that the scoliosis appeared to caused by severe pain, we included this scoliosis patient with the object of survey. Results : 1. In 6 patients who were not improved, 4 patients were large herniation and 2 patients were medium herniation. 2. In all of 6 patients, the angle of straight leg raising test was low and was not imporved unril discharge. 3. X-ray findings showed straightening in all of 6 patients, disc space narrowing in 3 of 6 patients. 4. X-ray findings showed scoliosis in 3 of 4 patients who were severe pain. 5. The onset was relarively long from 30 days to 7 years. 6. The age was relatively young from 10's to 30's. 7. The adimission date was ralatively long from 32 days to 105 days. Conclusions : In 6 patients, there were observed much volume of disc herniation, low angle of straight leg raising test, young people in an age group, straightening of x-ray finding.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.135-143
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) relaxation technique (hold relax; HR, contract relax; CR) and static stretch (SS) on hamstring flexibility and vertical jump performance in healthy adults over a four-week period. Methods: Twenty-four healthy adults volunteered to participate in PNF and static stretch sessions. The subjects were divided into three groups as follows: 8 subjects in the SS group, 8 subjects in the HR group, and 8 subjects in the CR group. In the HR and CR groups, contractions lasted 15 seconds per trial and consisted of 5 sets of 15 seconds of hamstring contraction immediately followed by 15 seconds of passive static hamstring stretching. For the static group, the participants were asked to stretch by hanging a leg over a table for 30 seconds. Subjects in all groups performed the exercises three days per week for 4 weeks. The active straight leg raising (ASLR) test, active knee extension (AKE) test, and vertical jump test were performed before the intervention and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Results: The SS, HR, and CR techniques effected positive improvement in hamstring flexibility and vertical jump performances but neither of the stretching methods had any statistically significant different effects according to group, although there were interactions (between group and time) in the ALSR group from 1 week to 2 week and in the AKE test from pretest to 1 week. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, SS, HR, and CR were shown to affect hamstring flexibility and vertical jump performance in healthy adults. In particular, it was determined that within a short period, hamstring flexibility could be attributed more to CR than to SS.