• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.32-36
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• 2001

Background: There is no reliable objective test for the diagnosis of myofascial pain syndromes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a pressure algometer for the diagnosis of the trigger points and for the evaluation of the treatment in myofascial pain syndromes (MPS). Methods: Twenty female patients with clinical MPS of shoulder were included in this study. Pressure pain thresholds were measured by a pressure algometer at three different sites including the trapezius, supraspinatus and infraspinatus before, and then the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after TPI. Results: Mean pressure pain thresholds were lower in patients with MPS in than normal volunteers in all the examined skeletal muscles. Mean pressure pain thresholds in patients with MPS were increased significantly after TPI in all the examined skeletal muscles. Conclusions: Pressure algometer can be used as relatively objective diagnostic tool for locating trigger points and to quantify the effect of TPI in MPS. However, more investigation is necessary.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers D
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• v.52 no.11
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• pp.657-661
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• 2003

In this paper, we designed a portable digital pressure algometer which not only can measure the pain level objectively and quantitatively, but also is able to do RF communication. This system consists of pressure sensor for pain measurement, analog signal analysis, digital hardware based on PIC16C73B, RF communication and display. To evaluate the performance of the developed system, we measured pressure threshold using commercial analog PA(Pressure Algometer) and the proposed system, and then evaluated the correlation and confidence. Using linear regression analysis, standard deviation of 0.1731 and R-square value of 99.3% were obtained. In conclusion, the above results showed good performance and its usability in measuring the pain clinically.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.1-7
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• 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether comparing the pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometer before and after treatment for functional dyspepsia is of diagnostic value and investigate a possible correlation between PPT measured using an algometer and symptom improvement before and after treatment. Methods: A total of 99 patients with functional dyspepsia symptoms admitted to the OO Korean Medical Hospital from April 14, 2020 to January 21, 2021 were investigated. On the 1st and 14th days of hospitalization, the pressure of the first pain complaint at acupuncture points Juque (巨厥, CV14), Shangwan (上脘, CV13), Zhongwan (中脘, CV12), Xiawan (下脘, CV10), Guanuan (關元, CV4), Tianshu (天樞, ST25), and Daju (大巨, ST27) was measured using the algometer, and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for patient's symptoms were evaluated. The algometer PPT and patient-symptom VAS scores were compared by repeated measures corresponding to the sample t-test to analyze the changes after treatment. A correlation analysis was performed to identify the correlation between patient-symptom VAS scores and algometer PPT. Results: The PPT measured using the algometer significantly increased after treatment in the 99 patients. The patient-symptom VAS score decreased significantly in most cases as treatment progressed. Analysis of the correlation between algometer PPT and patient-symptom VAS scores revealed some notable negative correlations. Conclusion: The algometer can help to set the diagnostic and treatment baselines for patients with functional dyspepsia.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.99-108
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• 2023

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess the quantitative characteristics of pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pressure depth (PD) at the abdominal conception vessel (CV) acupoints according to subjective digestive status and digestive discomfort levels, accomplished by comparing a large group of healthy men and women, using the modified digital algometer. Methods : A total of 1,504 healthy adults aged 19 years or older participated in this study. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate participants' digestive status and discomfort. PPT (kgf/cm²/s) and PD (mm) measurements were obtained at CV14, CV12, and CV4 acupoints using a modified digital algometer. General characteristics were analyzed using the chi-square test, and differences in PPT and PD were assessed using two-sample t-tests and ANCOVA. Results : Significant difference in PPT was found based on digestive status at CV14 and CV12 for both sexes, and in PD at CV14 for women. Women exhibited significant difference in PPT based on digestive discomfort at CV14, CV12, and CV4, while men showed significant difference at CV14 and CV12. Significant difference in PD was observed at CV14 and CV4 among women. Even after adjusting for age and body mass index, significant difference persisted in PPT based on digestive discomfort at CV14 and CV12 for both sexes. PD exhibited significant differences at CV14, CV12, and CV4 among women. Conclusions : Using the modified digital algometer, this study showed the significant difference of pressure pain threshold at the CV14 and CV12 acupoints for subjective digestive discomfort levels in healthy men and women.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.199-205
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was conducted for evaluating whether the postpartum women has lower threshold than healthy non delivered women and men. Methods: We divided the groups by three. Group I is consist of postpartum women who have delivered within 7days. Group II is nonparous women, and the Group III is consist of men. Pain threshold in 6 specific points was measured using the digital algometer from each groups. Results: Pain threshold was obviously higher in Group III than Group I, II, And group II’s threshold was significantly higher than group I’s Conclusion: This study shows the postpartum women had lower pressure pain threshold than non delivered women and men. So clinicians should consider the physiologic and psychologic aspects for the pain control if they meet postpartum women.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.165-172
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was designed to estimate the effects of Spiral Taping theraphy on low back pain or neck pain patients by using pressure pain threshold, visual analogue scale(VAS), and range of motion(ROM). Methods : The patients were allocated into two groups by randomisation. Spiral Taping theraphy group consisted of 11 patients and acupuncture theraphy group consisted of 10 patients. The degree of improvement of neck pain was evaluated by pressure pain threshold, VAS, and ROM before treatment and after treatment. The patients were commonly treated with acupuncture theraphy. After acupuncture Spiral Taping theraphy was peformed in Spiral Taping theraphy group. Results : Pressure pain threshold and VAS were significantly different between two groups. In Spiral Taping theraphy group the pressure pain threshold of the all points was significantly increased and VAS was significantly decreased than control group. But there was no significant difference between the two groups in ROM. Conclusion : The effectiveness of Spiral Taping theraphy on low back pain and neck pain patients was shown through pressure algometer and VAS. These imply that Spiral Taping theraphy may be useful for on low back pain or neck pain. Further study is needed about Spiral Taping theraphy.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.5-10
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was designed to estimate the effects of BU herbal acupuncture theraphy on low back pain of sprain patients by using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and pressure algometer. Methods : 13 volunteers were applied to BU herbal acupuncture stimulation on the BL23, BL24, BL25 and BL26 acupoints. The degree of improvement of low back pain of sprain was evaluated by VAS and pain pressure threshold(at the points of BL23 and BL24 before treatment, before 3rd treatment(after herbal acupuncture). Results : In VAS scores, there were significant differences between before and after herbal acupuncture stimulation. But there was no significant difference between before and after herbal acupuncture stimulation in pain threshold. Conclusions : The effectiveness of BU herbal acupuncture theraphy on low back pain of sprain was shown through VAS and pressure algometer. These imply that BU herbal acupuncture theraphy may be useful for low back pain of sprain. Further study is needed about BU herbal acupuncture.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.77-87
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• 2002

Like acupuncture, magnetic therapy has been known to yield effectiveness when it is applied to relieve from fatigue, musculoskelectal diseases, sore sites, rheumatic arthritis and chronic pain syndromes. However, combined application of acupuncture and magnet has not yet been studied. This study is designed to investigate effectiveness of acupuncture therapy when in the magnetic field for the pain relief. Magnetic field was made by magnetic ring ($7{\psi}{\times}2.3{\psi}{\times}1.5mm$). Twenty-one male swimmers with latent muscular pain at the GB21 area in the university course of physical education in Daegu were chosen and divided into three groups; 1) acupuncture treatment group (n=7), 2) acupuncture treatment with iron ring group (n=7), 3) acupuncture treatment with magnetic ring group (n=7). Manual Acupuncture was given to the GB21 point for 20 minutes. The degree of pressure pain threshold (PPT, $kg/cm^2$) in GB21 was measured with algometer. Before acupuncture treatment, the PPT values were $6.08{\pm}1.69$, $6.39{\pm}1.72$ and $5.59{\pm}1.11$ in acupuncture treatment group, acupuncture treatment with iron ring group, acupuncture treatment with magnetic ring group, respectively. After acupuncture treatment, the PPT values were $6.48{\pm}2.33$, $6.31{\pm}1.31$ and $6.59{\pm}1.80$, respectively. Pressure threshold was significantly increased in the acupuncture treatment with magnetic ring group compared to the other groups. Based on these results, acupuncture treatment with magnetic ring produced better effects on pain threshold, and these effects can be considered to be associated with the currents or voltages induced by the acupuncture needle and magnetic ring at present.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2022

Objectives: Using algometer, measure the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the epigastric pain(心下痞硬) and calculate the cut-off value, and this can serve as the basis for prognostic diagnosis of functional dyspepsia so we would like to evaluate its diagnostic value. Methods: We investigated 353 patients with functional dyspepsia symptoms who admitted Gangnam Weedahm Oriental Hospital from February 1, 2021 to February 27, 2021. At the time of the patient's visit, an oriental medical doctor measured the pressure at the first pain point on the Algometer of (CV14), twice each, at 1minute intervals. The ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve and the optimal cut-off value derived through the diagnosis of the (CV14) PPT value for epigastric pain(心下痞硬) and the gold standard of oriental medical doctor, it was evaluated through. Results: In 353 patients, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.909 (p=0). In addition, the optimal cutting value was 10.05 (kg/cm2), which was statistically significant. Additionally, the sensitivity of the Algometer's PPT measurement was 0.704 and the specificity was 0.884. As a result, if the PPT value of the Algometer exceeds 10.05 (kg/cm²) in terms of the optimal cutting value, it can be seen that epigastric pain(心下痞硬) is lost. Conclusion: Algometer's PPT value measurement can be a reliable test method for quantification of epigastric pain(心下痞硬) diagnosis and can be useful as an objective indicator.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.147-159
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• 2004

Objective : This study was designed to estimate the effects of Rainbow Power therapy on neck pain patients by using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and pressure algometer. Methods : Rainbow Power therapy group consisted of 18 patients and acupuncture therapy group consisted of 7 patients. The degree of improvement of neck pain was evaluated by VAS and pain pressure threshold(at the points of Jianjing GB21 and Jianwaishu SI14) before treatment, before 3rd treatment and before 5th treatment. Rainbow Power therapy was performed at the points of Jianjing GB21, Zhongfu LU1, Yangxi LI5, Ganshu BL18, Weishu BL21 and Shenshu, BL23. Each points were stimulated with RP-UM103(Rainbow Power therapy instrument) for 20 seconds. The points of acupuncture therapy were Jeonggeun, Jeongjong, Sangbaekn and Hegu LI4 and acupuncture was maintained for 15 minutes. After above therapy dry cupping was performed at the points of Jianjing GB21, Jianwaishu SI14, Gaohuang BL43, Tianzong, SI11 and Bingfeng SI12 for 5 minutes. Results : There was no significant difference between the two groups in VAS, pain threshold of Jianjing GB21 and Jianwaishu SI14 following treatment. In the two groups VAS was significantly decreased. In Rainbow Power therapy group the pain threshold of the two points was significantly increased. But there was no significant increase in acupuncture therapy groups about the pain threshold of Jianwaishu SI14. Conclusions : The effectiveness of Rainbow Power therapy on neck pain was shown through VAS and pressure algometer. These imply that Rainbow Power therapy may be useful for neck pain. Further study is needed about Rainbow Power therapy.