• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.557-565
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture on trunk flexors compared with trunk extensors in patients with chronic low back pain. The experimental group was treated with acupuncture on trunk flexors. The control group was treated with acupuncture on trunk extensors. Acupuncture treatment was performed 12 sessions over the course of 6 weeks. Volunteers who satisfied the requirements were enrolled in the study. Chronic low back pain was evaluated based on the VAS for bothersomeness, VAS for pain intensity at every treatment and 8, 12 and 24 weeks after starting the treatments, and ODI, SF-36 and BDI before and after treatments and 8, 12 and 24 weeks after starting the treatments. The VAS score for bothersomeness significantly decreased after treatment for up to 24 weeks after starting the treatments in both group (p<0.05). The VAS score for bothersomeness in the experimental group decreased more rapidly than that of the control group with statistical significance (p<0.05). The VAS score for pain intensity, ODI, SF-36 and BDI significantly improved after treatment for up to 24 weeks after starting the treatments in both group (p<0.05). The VAS score for pain intensity, ODI, SF-36 and BDI in the experimental group showed more rapid improvement than those of the control group. But, there were no statistical significances. Treating trunk flexors using acupuncture was more effective in decreasing the degree of bothersomeness caused by chronic low back pain than treating trunk extensors with acupuncture. There is a need to perform further studies.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.156-163
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• 2001

Background: The categorical scales and visual analogue scales (VAS) are methods used for evaluating variations of postoperative pain intensity. Several studies have introduced the idea that there is a clear correlation between visual scales and categorical scales. However, when VAS is the only pain measure in the study, we do not know what point on the VAS represents a category on the categorical scale and their degree of correlation with satisfaction for postoperative pain. Methods: 252 patients who had undergone elective surgery were studied. A 5-point categorical scale (none, mild, moderate, severe, worst possible pain), a 0-100 mm VAS (no pain to worst possible pain) and patient satisfaction score were checked 24 hours after surgery using a pain questionnaire and VAS tool. Results: The mean VAS score of the 14 patients reporting 'no-pain' was $1.9{\pm}0.9$, $23.9{\pm}1.0$ for the 132 patients reporting 'mild-pain', $47.2{\pm}1.1$ for the 82 patients reporting 'moderate-pain' and $67.5{\pm}2.8$ for the 24 patients reporting 'severe-pain'. Of the patients reporting moderate pain, 85% scored over 45.6 mm on the corresponding VAS, with a mean score 47.2 mm. The mean satisfaction scores were $90.6{\pm}2.7$ for the 'no pain', patients, $75.1{\pm}1.3$ for ‘mild pain', $58.3{\pm}1.5$ for 'moderate pain', and $55.1{\pm}4.0$ for 'severe pain' patients. The categorical scale was significantly correlated with VAS (P < 0.01). The satisfaction score was significantly inversely correlated with VAS (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results indicate that if a patient records a VAS score in excess of 45.6 mm they would probably have recorded at least moderate pain on a 5-point categorical scale. The categorical scale can be used properly for postoperative pain measurement with VAS. More research is required for the development of suitable pain descriptor for a categorical scale and pain questionnaire in Korean.

• CELLMED
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.17.1-17.4
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• 2021

Episiotomy is the commonest obstetrics intervention in the world to reduce severe perineal injuries. Its prevalence is 43% to 100% in primiparous women in Asia. Further, worldwide approximately 10-95% of pregnant women undergo episiotomy incision during birth. Delay in wound healing probably increases the risk of wound infection, changes the muscular structure, and ultimately causes muscle tone loss. So, wound care is of specific significance to postnatal maternal outcomes. Hence, this case study aimed to evaluate the effect of Marham-i-Raal in episiotomy wound healing and pain relief. The study was conducted in eleven postpartum primi or multipara pregnant women aged between group 19 and 35 years with term gestational age, singleton pregnancy in a cephalic presentation who had a normal vaginal delivery with mediolateral episiotomy, without a perineal tear, and perineal hematoma. Externally, application of Marham-i-Raal 2g on episiotomy incisional wound, twice a day for 10 days was advised. Wound healing of episiotomy and pain intensity was assessed with REEDA ["redness, oedema, ecchymosis, discharge and approximation of the edges"] scoring and VAS scoring for pain intensity respectively. At one hour (baseline), the REEDA mean score of eleven patients was 3.90±1.04 whereas on day 7-10 it was 0.18±0.40 with statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The VAS mean score at one hour was 6.90±1.22 whereas on day 7-10 it was 0.72±0.78 with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Marham-i-Raal would be effective in episiotomy wound healing and reducing pain intensity. Further, randomized double-blind controlled trials in large sample size are recommended.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.185-192
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• 2021

Purpose : Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) for chronic pain intensity reduction and body temperature increase in older adults with chronic pain. Methods : Overall, 144 of 332 participants' records were used in this retrospective chart review. The study was conducted at a private health center in Busan city and the integrative medical center of a tertiary care hospital in Daegu city, South Korea. Patients experiencing chronic pain for over 6 months were assigned to either the LLLT or LEDT group. Both groups underwent 16 sessions of phototherapy held twice a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. The primary outcomes for both groups were the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and body temperatures in both groups. The secondary outcome was the correlation between changes in body temperature and pain intensity. Measurements were recorded at the baseline and at each follow-up session. Results : A decrease in pain intensity and an increase in body temperature (p<.001) were observed in both groups. There was a significant difference in the VAS scores and temperature changes between the groups (p<.001). Odditionally, there were significant differences in the patterns of change in the VAS score and body temperature between the groups as the sessions progressed (p<.01), and a strong inverse correlation between body temperature and pain intensity changes were observed (p<.01). Conclusion : The use of photobiomodulation therapy at a specific wavelength may improve pain severity and simultaneously increase the body temperature among elderly people with chronic pain.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2009

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stretching and strengthening exercise on the static flexibility and pain intensity for the iliopsoas muscle, which is one of the main reasons for the chronic low back pain. Methods: The subjects of this study were 15 male adult patients with showed 6 score or higher in the visual analogue scale(VAS) and complained of low back pain over three months who visited department of the physical therapy, KIA motors Industrial Health Center, from October, 2008 through December, 2008. Fifteen subjects were trained stretching, mat exercises and sling exercises for iliopsoas muscle at 4-5 times a week for 4 weeks. I measured the changes on the extensibility of iliopsoas muscle, static flexibility of low back and VAS between pre- and post exercise treatment. Date were analyzed using the Wilcoxon's signed rank test considering the size of the samples. Results: 1. The angle of the hip joint that showed the extensibility of iliopsoas muscle was relieved, which was significant statistically (p<.05). 2. The static flexibility was statistically significantly improved in the trunk flexion test, trunk extension test and Schober-Test (p<.05). 3. The VAS showed decrease, which is significant statistically (p<.05). Conclusion: It is believed that the exercise treatment of iliopsoas muscle has the significant effects on the improvement of static flexibility and decrease of pain intensity for the chronic low back pain patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.207-210
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was to identify the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain and function of a frozen shoulder. Methods: Thirty patients were assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Both groups received traditional therapy for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. The experimental group, however, received an additional high intensity laser therapy. Pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The functional ability was measured using the patient specific functional scale (PSFS). A paired t-test was used to determine any differences before and after the treatment, and an independent t-test was used to determine any differences between treatment groups. Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant difference for VAS and PSFS score (p<0.05). In comparison between two groups, more experimental group than control group statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: There seems to be a positive effect on pain and function of frozen shoulder from using high intensity laser therapy.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.326-332
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• 2018

Objective: This study was performed to compare the perception of pain between patients treated with passive self-ligating fixed appliances and those treated with Invisalign aligners. Methods: This prospective study conducted in Saudi Arabia used an estimated sample of 64 patients from a private dental clinic. After obtaining written informed consent, the patients were divided into two groups; one group (n = 32) was treated using passive self-ligating fixed appliances and the other group (n = 32) using $Invisalign^{(R)}$ aligners. Immediately after fitting the appliances, the patients' perception of pain was evaluated through a close-ended and coded self-administrated questionnaire by using a visual analog scale (VAS). Their responses were recorded at 4 hours, 24 hours, day 3, and day 7. Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson's chi-square test were performed for statistical analysis. Results: A lower percentage of patients treated with Invisalign aligners reported pain than did patients treated with passive self-ligating fixed appliances, and these differences were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean VAS score for the Invisalign group was significantly lower than that for the passive self-ligating fixed appliance group at different intervals during the first week of treatment. The intensity of pain with both appliances peaked at 24 hours (mean VAS score, 3.87) and was lowest (mean VAS score, 1.62) on day 7. Conclusions: During the first week of orthodontic treatment, patients treated with Invisalign aligners reported lower pain than did those treated with passive self-ligating fixed appliances.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.565-574
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• 2021

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe form of pain that affects the daily activities of a patient. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy is an emerging option for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TENS therapy as an adjunct to drug therapy for the treatment of TN. Methods: A total of 52 patients diagnosed with TN according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (version 3) were included. Each patient was randomized to either the TENS or placebo TENS groups. Intervention was given in continuous mode and 100-Hz frequency for 20 mins biweekly for 6 weeks. Parameters were measured at baseline, TENS completion and 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year of follow up. The parameters observed were mean carbamazepine dose, mean visual analog scale (VAS) score, mean present pain intensity (PPI) score, and functional outcome. Non-parametric analyses, one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test were applied for intragroup comparisons, while the Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test were used for intergroup comparisons of variables. The chi-square test was applied to analyze categorical data. Results: Compared to the placebo TENS group, the mean dose of carbamazepine in the TENS group was significantly reduced at TENS completion, as well as at 6 months and 1 year follow up. Changes in mean VAS score, mean PPI score, and functional outcome did not show significant differences between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: TENS therapy does not lead to any changes in pain levels but it may reduce the mean dose of carbamazepine when used as an adjunct treatment in patients with TN.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2008

Background: Preoperative dexamethasone improves the surgical outcome after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of preoperative dexamethasone on the postoperativepain according to age and gender in patients who undergo LC.Methods: In this double blind prospective study, 400 patients, males or females :< 45 yr and males or femaless 65 yr (n = 50 in each of eight groups) who undergoing LC were randomized to receive dexamethasone 8mg (5 ml) or saline 5 ml intravenously 100 minutes before their operation, Postoperative pain was assessedon a visual analog scale (VAS) at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hour, and the time to administering the first postoperativeanalgesics was recorded.Results: Dexamethasone was administered without consideration for age and gender, and it reduced thepostoperative pain VAS score at 1, 6, and 12 hours, and the opioid analgesic requirement, but there was nosignificant difference between administering saline or dexamethasone in the same gender and age groups.Females U 45 yr who were administered saline had the most pain sensitivity and males S 65 yr who wereadministered dexamethasone had the least pain sensitivity.Conclusions: Preoperative dexamethasone reduces the pain intensity and opioid consumption, but does notreduce the pain intensity, according to age and gender in the patients undergoing LC. As a result, Preoperativedexamethasone should be considered for routine use for patients who are undergoing laparoscopic cho-lecystectomy. (Korean J Pain 2008; 21: 51 56)

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.35-42
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• 2011

Three hundred and fourteen low back pain patients completed the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (KODQ) and the Rasch analysis was then applied to identify the inappropriate items and to determine ODQ item difficulties according to a subject's characteristics. For women and youths, the 'sex life' item showed misfit statistics, whereas for older subjects it was the 'pain intensity' and 'standing' items. Also, in the acute low back group the 'pain intensity', 'standing' and 'sex life' items showed misfit statistics. For all subjects, the most difficult item was 'pain intensity', whereas the easiest item was 'walking'. But for the older and acute groups 'lifting' was the most difficult item and for those who have a visual analogue scale score of 3 or less 'sitting' was the most difficult item. These results show that differential item functioning is present in several items according to sex, age, acute and chronic pain, and VAS score. This study may be useful for adjusting the KODQ item difficulties for low back pain patients with different characteristics.