• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.469-474
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between the stature and the muscle performance ratings and the subjective discomfort rations at performing lower arm's pronation and supination according to change sin the height of working table for more efficient performance at designing a working table and performing a work. For the purpose, this study conducted an experiment targeting 40 people in their 20s, who were classified into 4 groups each group composing 10 people at intervals of 5cm from the standard stature of 166.5cm. The experiment measured the maximum isometric pronation and the supination muscular power, and at measuring the factors, the heights of working tables were set as 800mm, 850mm, and 900mm. From the measurement results, it was found that the stature and the maximum muscular power was correlated. That is, as the experiment groups's average stature is higher, the maximum muscular power was higher. For the correlation between the motion patterns(pronation and supination) and the maximum muscular power, it was seen that the maximum muscular power was higher at performing the pronation than the supination. In the correlation between motion patterns and the subjective discomfort ratings, it was seen that the subjective discomfort rating was higher at performing the supination than the pronation. For the correlation between height adjustment and the subjective discomfort ratings, as the height of working table was lower, the subject discomfort rating was lower. Therefore there was no difference in the maximum muscular power according to the height changes of working table, but it was found that as the working table was higher, the user felt more comfortable.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.81-94
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• 1997

Cardiac catheterization has become a routine diagnostic procedure indicated for evaluation of a wide variety of cardiac conditions. Patients are admitted to the coronary care unit after cardiac catheterization. These conscious patients used to report discomfort in the CCU, but no studies have been done to reduce discomfort induced by bed rest, sand bag on the femoral puncture site and restricted mobility for about 20 hours postprocedure. The main objective of thesis is to provide basic data to nursing on interventions which decrease discomfort perceived by patients in the CCU following cardiac catheterization. The subjects were 79 patients following cardiac catheterization who were admitted to the CCU of a general hospital in Inchon. These patients were divided into a massage-applied group, an exercise-applied group and an contrast group. Questionare was prepared by Lee(1995), and tested for content reliability by item analysis : Cron bach's ${\alpha}$ for the instrument measuring discomfort was. 63. The data were collected from January 25 to May 15, 1996. Analysis of data was done by paired t-test, ANOVA ,SNK test, Chi-square test. The results of the study are summarized as follows : 1. There were no significant differences among a massage-applied group, an exercise-applied group and an contrast group according to general information except religion and admission period. 2. There were found no significant differences among the three groups in the results of pretest (The score of the first : 55.5, the second : 54.3 and the last : 51.6), 3. In the degree of discomfort according to general characteristics were found some significant differences for marital status. But there were no significant differences for sex, age, occupation, number of family, religion, educational status and admission period. 4. There was effect on reduced discomfort with massage or exercise following cardiac catheterization.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.103-114
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• 2009

This study investigated perceived discomfort and reasons related to use three information technology products (personal computer, mobile phone and digital television remote controller), and extracted the universal design factors. 240 people (30 females and 30 males for four age groups) participated in the one-to-one interview type of questionnaire, and replied to degree of discomfort at level of items and the reasons of discomfort at level of detailed elements for each product. As a result, almost all age groups answered that using input buttons of mobile phone and remote controller and watching display of mobile phone caused discomfort. Binary logistic regression of the detailed elements showed that response rate of discomfort mostly increased with age, except for specific elements such as shape of mouse and remote controller, and location of function button of mobile phone. Some of the detailed elements had high response rate of discomfort from all age groups. The age groups also showed similar tendency for the elements to select one alternative for the reason of discomfort, but not for sound volume and size of mobile phone and button sensitivity of remote controller. Finally, the universal design factors were extracted for each product based on the results, and divided into common factors and factors classified by the age group. Through this study, we identified using practices of various age groups and their demands for the products. It is expected that extracted detailed elements can be considered as important design factors to design the products universally.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.16-29
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a warmed blanket on relieving the cold discomfort after Cesarean Section delivery. A nonequivalent control group pre-test/post-test design was used for this quasi-experimental study. Sixty women were recruited for this study and divided by two groups: experimental and control groups. Blankets warmed to $40^{\circ}C$ were applied to the women in the experimental group for one hour and unwarmed blankets were applied to the control group. Using Abbey's shivering scales, subjective thermal sensation score, and Celsius mercury thermometer, cold discomfort was measured at four time points: 1) baseline measure (at the point the blanket was applied) 2) 15 min. later, 3) 30 min. later, and 4) 45 min. after application. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN and t-test and MANOVA were used to examine the effects of the warmed blanket for relieving cold discomfort. The results of the study are as follows. The experimental group had less cold discomfort than the control group(Wilts's value =0.580, p=0.000) at the 45 minute point after blanket application. the Experimental group reported less shivering and subjective thermal sensation than the control group. Shivering scores showed significant differences between the two groups at each of the four time points (baseline, 15 min., 30 min., and 45 min.) and subjective thermal sensation score showed significant differences between two groups at 45 minutes. after blanket application. In conclusion, the application of a warmed blanket was more effective on shivering and subjective thermal sensation than body temperature measured by objective means. Because women in this study were in the normal range of body temperature, differences in the objective body temperature between the two groups may not be sensitive enough to be detected. Even though differences in objective body temperature were not found, reduced subjective discomfort for low body temperature may be a sufficient significant finding in for nurse clinicians to utilize this method on their practice. Further studies in this area are needed to support these findings.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.37C no.10
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• pp.870-887
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• 2012

This paper qualitatively analyzes the stereo 3D content factors causing viewer's discomfort. For this, we perform a subjective test that each subject strokes a specific key whenever he or she feels discomfort during watching stereo 3D contents. Also we extract the quantitative values of the factors in the 3D contents to obtain the temporal changes of the factors. Those two sets of data are used to analyze the contents to find the content factors which cause viewer's discomfort. The factors to be considered are the amount and the frequency of the disparity change, story of the contents, situation or environments of a scene, movement and position of the image or camera, color and luminance information as well as disparities themselves. Most researches have dealt with each factor causing viewer's discomfort but this paper focuses on the composite factors rather than each of them. That is, this paper deals with the various strong and weak factors and their composites causing viewer's discomfort in addition to the big disparities which have been mostly so far.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.319-325
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• 2018

Background: Prolonged neck flexion during smartphone use is known as a factor of neck pain and alteration of neck muscle activity. Studies on the effects of shoulder taping on neck discomfort and neck muscle responses while texting on a smartphone are still lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of shoulder taping on neck discomfort using a numerical rating scale, and neck muscle activity and fatigue using a surface electromyography during a texting task on a touchscreen smartphone. Methods: Twenty-five healthy adolescents used the dominant hand to perform a 30-minute texting task using a touchscreen smartphone at two separate times under one of the following two conditions: taping across the upper trapezius muscle and no taping. Neck discomfort, normalized root mean square, and normalized median frequency slopes for upper trapezius, cervical erector spinae, and sternocleidomastoid muscles were recorded. Results: The results revealed that shoulder taping provided significantly lower neck discomfort than no taping (p < 0.001). However, shoulder taping did not significantly alter normalized root mean square and normalized median frequency slope values of all muscles when compared with no taping controls. Conclusion: Shoulder taping reduces neck discomfort but does not affect neck muscle activity and fatigue while texting on a touchscreen smartphone.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.142-153
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• 2023

Background: Cognitive impairment has been reported to be closely associated with poor oral health, and the relationship is bidirectional, as older adults with poor oral health and chewing function are at a higher risk of cognitive decline (CD). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether masticatory discomfort in Korean elderly increases the risk of daily living difficulty (DLD) related to CD and whether there is a difference in risk according to gender and age. Methods: The data used were obtained from the Korean Community Health Survey (2019). The final analysis included 22,154 people aged 65 years and older who completed the survey and responded to all items on the variables used in the study. Chi-square test, trend test, and complex sample logistic regression were performed for statistical analysis, to clarify the purpose of this study. Results: As masticatory discomfort increased, the elderly's DLD tended to increase (p-for trend, p<0.001). For logistic regression, adjusting for all covariates, participants who reported masticatory discomfort as "discomfort" (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.11~3.50) and "severe discomfort" (AOR=2.95, 95% CI=2.49~3.50) had a more than a two-fold increased risk of CD-related DLD compared to participants who reported "no discomfort at all." In age-stratified analyses, elderly men aged 75~84 years and elderly women aged 65~74 years had the highest risk of developing CD-related DLD. Conclusion: Oral care interventions to improve masticatory function in older adults may slow CD and improve CD-related DLD. We hope that this study will raise awareness among caregivers and clinical professionals regarding the importance of oral care for older adults with CD.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.147-159
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• 1995

Although there are many research studies on the effectiveness of heat and cold therapy for patients with arthritis at home or health care center, little attention has been paid to determining which therapy associates with season is effective for patients with chronic arthritis. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of heat and cold therapy associated with season for patients with arthritis. An experimental design using replications with intervention was employed. A total of 27 female arthritic patients were selected. Data were collected in summer and winter. Hot bag and ice bag were applied on each patient's knee for each 20 minutes alternatively. Joint pain, discomfort and range of motion were measured. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, and two-way ANOVA. The results of this study were ; 1. Joint pain Heat therapy was effective for pain relief, as compared with cold therapy. Heat therapy was more effective for pain relief in winter than in summer. Cold therapy was effective for pain relief, but there was no statistically significant difference of pain relief between summer and winter. 2. Discomfort Discomfort was decreased using heat therapy, whereas it was increased using cold therapy. Although discomfort was decreased using heat therapy in both summer and winter, there was no statistically significant difference of discomfort between summer and winter. Using cold therapy, discomfort was decreased in summer, but increased in winter. and season had effect on discomfort. 3. Range of motion Although there was no statistically significant difference between the range of motion for both heat and cold therapy, range of motion was Increased using both heat and cold therapy. In winter, range of motion was increased rather than in summer by using heat therapy. Using cold therapy, The range of motion was decreased in both summer and winter. There was no stastistically significant difference of range of motion between heat therapy and cold therapy. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference of range of motion between summer and winter. In conclusion, both heat and cold therapy were effective for pain relief, discomfort, and range of motion, especially heat therapy. Heat therapy was effective for pain relief, discomfort, and range of motion in winter, as compared with summer. Cold therapy, however, was effective for only pain relief in winter, The findings suggest the use of heat therapy for patients with arthritis especially in winter.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.695-703
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• 2011

Objective: This study was to investigate the effects of coordinated upper-limb body postures on the subjective discomfort rating, heart rate, and muscle activities. Background: Although generally many checklists such as OWAS, RULA, and REBA were applied to evaluate various body postures, the body postures were might be overestimated or underestimated because each body part(i.e., back, shoulder, and elbow etc.) was evaluated separately, and then added all rates of individual body parts to assess an overall risk level for the body posture in these methodologies. Methods: A total of 20 participants maintained 14 postures which were combinations of back, shoulder, and elbow flexion angles and then muscle activities, subjective discomfort, and heart rates were collected every three minute during a sustained 15 minute and 0.5kg weight holding task. Four muscle groups were investigated: erector spine, anterior deltoid, upper trapezius, triceps brachii. Results: Results showed that subjective discomfort was the lowest when the angle of back and shoulder were both $0^{\circ}s$, while the body posture with $45^{\circ}$ of back angle and $45^{\circ}$ shoulder angle was rated as the most subjective discomfort posture. In general, the subjective discomfort ratings increased as back and shoulder flexion angles increased. It was noted that, however, the subjective discomfort of body posture with a $45^{\circ}$ back angle and $45^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion angle was lower than that of body posture with a $0^{\circ}$ back and $45^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion angle. The research findings of heart rates and muscle activities showed similar results for the analyses of subjective discomfort ratings. Conclusions: The possible limitations of the current ergonomics evaluation techniques which assessing a body posture with summing all body part score after individually analyzed in this study. Based on the analyses of subjective discomfort, heart rate, and muscle activities, it was recommended that a use of effects of coordinated upper-limb body postures would be considered when one evaluates work-load for various working postures. Application: These findings can be used for developing a more accurate assessment checklist for working posture as well as preventing musculoskeletal disorders of workers in workplaces.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.435-448
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• 2022

Objectives: As the time spent wearing masks has increased with spread of COVID-19, various research related to masks have been reported. However, there are still few experiments on the physiological response of the body to wearing industrial dust masks in South Korea. Considering the actual working hours at the work site, it is necessary to investigate the comfort of industrial dust masks. Therefore, this study aims to confirm the change in subjective discomfort level according to the wearing time for industrial dust masks in South Korea that have been certified for safety by KCS. Methods: This study evaluated subjective discomfort level over four hours. The experimental conditions were five types: not worn (control group), special grade, first grade, second grade (with valve), and second grade (without valve). The subjective discomfort levels were classified for breathing, warmth (body and face) and wetness (body and face). Subjects recorded their discomfort level on a checklist every one hour. Results: In special grade and second grade (without valve), the discomfort level in terms of breathing, warmth (face), and wetness (face) was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, the effects of all kinds of industrial dust masks on the discomfort level in the body were low. Conclusions: Since this study was conducted on subjects working in an office with a comfortable working environment, it is difficult to apply it to workers at actual industrial sites. However, it is considered meaningful as the first clinical study to evaluate the subjective level of discomfort over a long time for domestic industrial dust masks that have been certified for safety by KCS.