• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.59-68
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• 2014

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of BackJoy on how it effectively reduces the physical load generated in a posture in which the user sits, increases user's comfort and satisfaction, and maintains the correct posture. Background: Because of development of science and economic development, most office workers and students spend about 75% of their working time in chairs. However most of them have a poor posture. Method: This experiment conducted measurement using a pressure mat and surveyed to evaluate fatigue level, satisfaction and comfort of sit. The study is experimented 20 male and 14 female participants. The participants carried out four different types of tasks and each task took 20 minutes long. Results: In the case of experiment results before and after the use of BackJoy, average pressure, contact area and pressure per unit area appear to prove that using BackJoy is more effective. Conclusion: Through this study, the BackJoy's effects for the maintenance of good posture and loads that occur in the body are reduced. In the future study, there are some researches needed for various verifications using an EMG sensor that shows loads of vertebrae and we need to analyze each group of the participants by dividing them. Application: The evaluation method used in this study can be applied to evaluating ergonomic chairs.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.13-26
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• 2003

Objectives： The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence depressive symptoms, and the correlates of depressive symptoms, and to propose countermeasures for individual depression risk factors among college students. Methods： One university and three colleges in Jeju-do were selected as the study population and a total of 1000 students were selected by multiphasic cluster sampling to represent each department and year within each college. Of the 945 total respondents, 421 were men and 524 were women. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to evaluate depression and the BDI STEN score was used to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed for comparisons. Results： 1. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among men was 14.4%, while among women the level rose to 26.8%. 2. Those with poor life satisfaction scores were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms than those with good life satisfaction (odds ratio (OR) ＝ 2.62； (95% confidence interval (95%CI), 1.483-4.629). 3. Students over 23 years old were significantly more likely to have low levels of depressive symptoms than those under 18 (OR ＝ 0.439； 95%CI, 0.247-0.779). 4. Groups with poor body image satisfaction had higher levels of depressive symptoms when compared to respondents who had good body image (OR = 2.847; 95%CI, 1.341-6.045). 5. Students with poor perceived health status were significantly more likely to have high levels of depressive symptoms than those with good perceived health status (OR ＝ 2.029； 95%CI, 1.157-3.557). Conclusion： Universities and colleges should provide education programs, such as health education that facilitates the development of a healthy body image. In addition, they should focus on various scholarships that could improve satisfaction with student life, especially for alienated students. Furthermore, colleges should help direct students towards engagement in more productive work, and lead social policies away from the dominance of appearance.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.766-774
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• 2022

In this study, the fit of commercial sports bras was analyzed according to various design variations, focusing on the shape of the shoulder strap, which is known to cause great discomfort in wearing sports bras. Experimental clothes were set to four commercially available sports bras with different shoulder strap shapes. The results showed that, in "size suitability," the overall satisfaction with experimental clothing B, of which the shoulder strap can be adjusted, was the highest, especially for "underbust circ. fit," "bust circ. Fit," and "shoulder strap length." In the "Shape suitability" and "Wearability" sections, experimental clothing B also showed the highest satisfaction and the shoulder strap adjustment device did not negatively affect wearing satisfaction. In the question on "side wings rolled up," experimental clothing A also received a relatively good score, which is due to its long front length. In the "Compression of the front center" section, the responses for experimental clothing A and B were "appropriate" and for C and D, they were "pressurized." In "motion suitability" as well, satisfaction with experimental clothing B was the highest, followed by experimental clothes A, C, and D. In the "body shape correction" section, clothing B elicited the highest satisfaction, followed by experimental clothes A, C, and D, in that order. Overall, it is recommended that shoulder straps be applied with adjustable straps for the comfort of the shoulder area while wearing sports bras.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.10
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• pp.211-219
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to conduct body shape management on women for a certain period of time to determine the structural relationship between the latent variables of life habits, social support, and life satisfaction and the impact on the quality of life. Body shape management was performed with chiropractic adjustments and myofascial relaxation therapy, and a physical therapist with 25 years of experience was used as an expert. The subject of the study was a sample of women in their 20s to 60s residing in Gwangju Metropolitan City, and women who participated in body shape management procedures more than 20 times for the study were asked to fill out a questionnaire using a self-evaluation writing method. The final analysis target was 100 people who made it reasonable to analyze the data. As a result of the study, it was found that the quality of life of women related to health can vary depending on the presence and degree of body shape management. In addition, the degree of life satisfaction varies according to the level of lifestyle and social support, and the direct, indirect, and total effects of the latent variables related to the quality of life were all significant. In this study, the usual body shape management that can improve the quality of life of women gives meaning to the opportunity for women to have desirable lifestyle and to give them a recognition that values quality of life.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.325-335
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• 1999

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relations among nutrient intake. self body image and satisfaction, and physical fitness of college students in Taegu. A total of 213 apparently healthy college students living in Taegu were selected for the study. The following anthropometric measurements were made on all participants : weight, height: waist and hip circumferences, and bioimpedence. Using weight and height, the body mass index (kg/$m^2$) was calculated. The 24-hour recall were obtained from subjects. Dietary habits and energy expenditure were examined through questionnaires. Nutrients intake were analyzed by computer aided nutritional analysis program. Variables of Physical fitness were consisted of body fat, muscular strength and endurance, agility. power, flexibility, cardiorespiratory function, physical efficiency index(PEI). Data were analyzed by computer using the SAS 6.12(Statistical Analysis System). The mean heights and weights of these students were similar to those reported for the 50th percentile in a national survey. Nutrient intake of the college students in Taegu was considerably lower than RDA. The male subjects' mean intake of two nutrients, vitamin B$_2$ and calcium, were less than 55% of the RDAs. the female subjects' mean intake of two nutrients, iron and calcium, were less than 55% of the RDAs. A most variables of physical fitness except sit and reach in male students showed a significant higher values than those of female students. There was a significant positive relationship between PEI and the intake of animal protein, fat, Ca. and B$_2$ in male students. Also there was a significant positive relationship between exercise duration of PWC 170 and protein, fat, iron, vitamin A, B$_2$, niacin, and energy intake in female students. The muscular strength showed the significant correlation with weight, height, and waist circumference in male and female students. The cardiorespiratory function and Physical efficiency index showed significantly negative correlation with tricep and subscapular skin thickness in the female students. There were significantly positive correlations between WHR and body efficiency index in male students, and significantly positive correlations between WHR and the cardiorespiratory function in female students. There was no significant level of correlation between the degree of satisfaction of body image and physical efficiency index. However. there was a significant positive correlation between waist circumference (and weight) and physical efficiency index in male and female students and almost all of the surveyed male and female college students wanted less waist circumference or weight even though they were in the criteria of standard waist circumference or weight. In conclusion, a beneficial effect of adequate nutrient intake on physical fitness was found, college students must increase their energy and nutrient intake if it is below than the RDA for improving their physical fitness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1683-1695
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• 2009

This study analyzes the production process of eight domestic companies that manufacture scuba diving suits for men with an emphasis on the level of consumer satisfaction in scuba diving suits purchases. One hundred fifty questionnaires were distributed and a total of 140 usable data were coded for further statistical analysis that includes descriptive statistics (frequency and ${\chi}^2$ test) through SPSSWIN 17.0. The results show that a majority of the domestic scuba diving suit companies were either small, manufactured products under original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands, or were involved in the import business. Many of these companies have developed a local sizing system derived from a company database of customer sizing. As a result, different companies have different sizes that lead to confusion and complication among consumers in selecting the correct size for scuba diving suits. The results indicate that most high-priced diving suits are made of imported fabrics because they had superior quality, fitness, and thickness compared to domestic brands. The degree of consumer satisfaction with scuba diving suits was found to be low in comfort, stuffiness, and activity. Respondents indicated that they felt a little tightness in circumstances such as bust, wrist, and thigh in measurements of circumstances. On the other hand, the respondents showed a high degree of satisfaction with body fitness in scuba diving suits. Further research will clarify a standardized sizing system and develop patterns suitable for Korean men's scuba diving suit body sizes.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of improving obesity after 4 week complex Korean medicine treatment in obese patients by retrospectively analyzing. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 44 patients who received obesity treatment at 23 Korean medicine clinics in Daejeon city. We analyzed weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, body fat mass, muscle mass, hip and waist circumference, EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), Korean version of obesity-related quality of life scale (KOQOL), and satisfaction surveys at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Results: The weight, BMI change after 4 weeks and 8 weeks was decreased significantly. In addition, there were significant differences in fat mass, muscle mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Life quality scale EQ-5D and KOQOL showed decreased significantly. In the evaluation of overall satisfaction, safety, help level, recommendation intention, and revisit intention, more than 89% answered positively that they were satisfied. There were no serious side effects. Conclusions: It was significant effect on weight loss and obesity improvement after complex Korean medicine. And quality of life evaluation and satisfaction survey also show positive results.

• Journal of Information Technology Services
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.113-125
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• 2008

To test if the developed ubiquitous health care devices working well and vital information could be collected and monitored systematically through internet and to test if the devices and services could be used further. Kyungwon University, KT Co., Gil Medical Center, LIG Nex1 Co., and Sujeong Health Center conducted an ubiquitous health care demonstration project in Sujeong-Gu, Sungnam, Korea from Mar. 5 to May 16. We developed and applied several medical devices to monitor health of the elderly in their houses through internet. The devices were sphygmomanometer, glucometer, body fat scale, Health Pad, and activity sensor. We distributed the devices to 20 recipients of home care and 7 diabetes patients. After received the devices and were explained how to use them, they used the devices in their houses. The vital signs of the residents were monitored through internet. A nurse monitored and consulted their vital signs in the monitoring center in Kyungwon University during the demonstration period. The consultant called them and consulted on their blood pressure, blood sugar level, and body fat after a few seconds they used the devices as well as provision of recommended contents such as diets and activities through Health Pad. To investigate cognition and satisfaction of the participants for the devices, we surveyed the participants at the end of the demonstration period. For the change in blood pressure, blood sugar level, and activities, we conducted statistical test. After the demonstration period. cognition and satisfaction for the devices and change in blood pressure, blood sugar level, and activities were evaluated. Most of the participants were acknowledged how to use the device and satisfied with the use of the devices. The internet monitoring and services are considered to be promising because most of the participants were satisfied especially because somebody was monitoring their health status. However some weaknesses such as short battery life of the activity sensor, lack of connection of consultations with hospitals, and low understanding on usage of some of the devices need to be complemented.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.199-215
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• 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study is to find the level of physical relaxation of individual subject by monitoring psychophysiological biofeedback to different types of mattresses. And, the study also aims to find a protocol to make a selection of the best mattress based on the measured information. Background: In Korea, there are an increasing number of people using western style bed. However, they are often fastidious in choosing the right mattress for them. In fact, people use their past experience with their old mattress as well as the spontaneous experience they encounter in a show room to finally decide to buy a bed. Method: Total five mattresses were tested in this study. After measuring the elasticity of the mattresses, they were sorted into five different classes. Physiological and psychological variables including Electromyography (EMG), heart rates (HR), oxygen saturations (SaO2) were used. In addition, the peak body pressure concentration rate was used to find uncomfortably pressured body part. Finally, the personal factors and subjective satisfaction were also examined. A protocol was made to select the best mattress for individual subject. The selection rule for the protocol considered all the variables tested in this study. Results: The result revealing psychological comfort range of 0.68 to 0.95, dermal comfort range of 3.15 to 6.07, back muscle relaxation range of 0.25 to 1.64 and personal habit range of 2.0 to 3.4 was drawn in this study. Also a regression model was developed to predict biofeedback with the minimal use of biofeedback devices. Moreover results from the proposed protocol with the regression equation and subjective satisfaction were compared with each other for validation. Ten out of twenty subjects recorded the same level of relaxation, and eight subjects showed one-level difference while two subjects showed two-levels difference. Conclusion: The psychophysiological variables and suitability selection process used in this study seem to be used for selecting and assessing ergonomic products mechanically or emotionally. Application: This regression model can be applied to the mattress industry to estimate back muscle relaxation using dermal, psychophysiology and personal habit values.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.2 s.46
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• pp.230-241
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• 1994

Though people occupationally exposed to machineries and automation in the industrialized society desire work involving decreased strength, due to the continuous and repetitive activities, a new industrial stress is present. Studies on prevalence of musculoskeletal disease and their related risk factors have evolved. In this study in relation to work tasks, we investigated the differences in musculoskeletal symptoms occurring In each body region. The results of the survey were as follows. 1. When comparing age, level of education, work duration, job satisfaction and leisure time activities according to work task, age in control group was $38.83{\pm}5.5$, in comparison to the other 2 groups was smaller(p<0.05), and level of education in control group was higher (p<0.05). Work duration in the cutting department was $8.04{\pm}4.99$ years longer than the other 2 groups (p<0.05), but there was no difference in the job satisfaction and leisure time activities. 2. The mean of symptom scores of each work task was 1.54 in the cutting department, 1.57 in the press department and 1.59 in the control group, and there was no significant differnce in the 3 groups. The mean of symptom scores for upper extremities in the control group was low but no statistically significant diffrence was shown. 3. When comparing the mean of symptom score according to work task in the each body region, in the shoulder region, the symptom score in the press department which desired strength was higher than the other 2 groups but no significant difference was shown. In the wrist region the cutting department scored 1.01 and in comparison to the other 2 groups was significantly increased (p<0.05). 4. The results of the univariate regression analysis on the major individual risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptom relating work showed that previous symptom complaints in the same body region was significant risk factor(p<0.001) in the whole body Besides wrist, hip, and knee, psychological problem was shown to be a significant factor(p<0.05). And the body regions which work task was significant risk factor were wrist and neck region (p<0.05). 5. The results of the multiple regression analysis involving significant factors of each body region from the univariate regression analysis showed that previous symptom complaint in whole body region(p<0.001) and psychological problem in the shoulder, elbow and lumbar region (p<0.05) were significant factors, and work task was significant factor in the wrist (p<0.05).