• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.29-43
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• 2023

Background: In the rehabilitation of stroke patients, regular physical activity is very important not only as a treatment for maximal functional recovery but also as a strategy to prevent the recurrence of stroke. The purpose of this study was to objectively measure the amount of physical activity in people with stroke, and to examine the differences in motor and cognitive function according to a level of physical activity. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Physical activity (GENEActiv), motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korean version), and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index were evaluated in adult stroke patients with hemiplegia. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the level of physical activity according to the motor and cognitive function. There was no statistically significant difference in motor and cognitive function according to the level of physical activity, but there was a statistically significant difference in the MBI (p<.01). Conclusion: As a result of the difference in the MBI according to the level of physical activity, it was found that the more moderate to vigorous physical activities are performed, the higher the independence in daily living. These results can be interpreted as that the more often you participate in physical activities such as physical therapy (gait training), the better your independence in ADL. Since regular physical activity participation of adult stroke patients can improve daily living performance, it is considered necessary to participate in physical activities such as continuous physical therapy.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.128-138
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• 1998

Background : There is increased recognition that rigorous approach to functional assessment will complement the assessment of clinical status. This study is to develop the appropriate visual function index in Korean patients with cataracts by the assessment of the reliability, validity of visual function indexes including VF-14. Methods : An prospective study was performed with 92 patients who had undergone either one eye or both eye cataract surgery by 3 ophthalmologists practicing at a university hospital. Patients were interviewed. and clinical data were obtained. Doctors were questioned with self-entered questionnaire forms. Medical record was examined to understand surgery process. The survey was conducted at 1-2 days before cataract surgery. Results : We used following measures : 7 visual function indexes, global measures of patients' trouble and satisfaction with vision, and best-corrected visual acuity(VA) in each eye. 7 visual function indexes showed a high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficients ${\geq}$ 0.86). The better visual acuity(operated eye, better eye), the higher patient satisfaction with vision, the lower symptom score, the lower patient trouble with vision was correlated with preoperative visual function index scores. Among 7 indexes, VF-12 with the exclusion of 2 items drivings from VF-14 is a high Cronbach's alpha coefficient and correlation coefficient and the highest $R^2$. Conclusion : We conclude that VF-12 is reliable and valid in Korea. So we suggest that in Korea, all items of VF-14, the visual function index, which is in use internationally, ought to be surveyed and VF-12 which has been excluded by 2 items of drivings from VF-14 ought to be used for analysis.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.123-130
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• 2018

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mirror therapy with functional electrical stimulation to improve upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. Method : Thirty patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups 15 patients in each. All subjects received the general occupational therapy consisting of five 30 min sessions per week for 8 weeks, in addition to 30 min of mirror therapy with functional electrical stimulation for the experimental group and 30 min of functional electrical stimulation for the control group for each session. To measure the functions of the upper limb and performance capacities in ADL, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Manual Function Test (MFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used before and after the interventions. Results : Both the experimental and control groups showed a statistically significant increase in post-treatment FMA, MFT and MBI scores compared to their pre-treatment scores (p<.05). In addition, intergroup comparisons revealed a statistically significant increase in the scores of all assessments for the experimental group compared to those for the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : Based on these results, it is reasonable to conclude that mirror therapy with functional electrical stimulation is an effective intervention for improving upper limb motor function and ADL performance in stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.33-42
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• 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate correlations of the Trunk Control Test (TCT), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS-TC), and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and to compare the TCT, PASS-TC, TIS and its subscales in relation to balance, gait and functional performance ability after stroke. Sixty-two stroke patients attending a rehabilitation program participated in the study. Trunk control was measured with the use of TCT, PASS-TC, TIS balance (Berg Balance scale; BSS), gait ability (10 m walk test), functional performance ability (Tuned Up and Go Test TUG) and the mobility part of the Modified Barthel index (MBI), Fugl Meyer-Upper/Lower Extremity ($FM-U{\cdot}L/E$), The scatter-plot (correlation coefficient) was composed for the total scores of the TCT, PASS-TC, and TIS. The multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of trunk control on balance, gait, and functional performance ability. Twenty eight participants (45.2%) and twenty participants (32.3%) obtained the maximum score on the TCT and PASS-TC respectively; no subject reached the maximum score on the Trunk Impairment Scale. There were significant correlations between the TIS and TCT (r=.38, p<.01), PASS-TC (r=.30, p<.05), TCT and PASS-TC (r=.59, p<.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the BBS score (${\beta}=.420{\sim}.832$) had slightly more power in predicting trunk control than the $FM-U{\cdot}L/E$. TIS-dynamic sitting balance, TUG and the MBI-mobility part. This study 치early indicates that trunk control is still impaired in stroke patients. Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of balance, gait and functional performance ability. The results imply that management of trunk rehabilitation after stroke should be emphasized.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.133-144
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effects of task-oriented treadmill training on the gait and balance ability and functional activity in 20 patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: The study subjects were twenty stroke patients, ten randomly placed in the experimental group and ten in the control group. Both the experimental and control groups received 30 minutes of traditional physical therapy and an additional 15 minutes of functional electrical stimulation therapy. The experimental group was given task-oriented treadmill training, while the control group received general treadmill training. Each session lasted for 25 minutes, three times a week, over four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant differences in the 10-metre walk test (10MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Modified Barthel index (MBI). However, statistically significant differences in the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were seen only in the experimental group. There were statistically significant differences in the between-group differences value comparisons in the 10MWT, BBS, TUG, FMA, and MBI. CONCLUSION: Task-oriented treadmill training positively impacts gait, balance, and daily function in subacute stroke patients. This study highlights the benefits of training on unstable surfaces and offers valuable insights for stroke rehabilitation and gait training.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.66-72
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• 2024

Background: This study examines the relationship between functional disability and work ability in workers affected by low back pain (LBP) through an analysis of correlations between the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Work Ability Index (WAI). The role of personal and work factors on functional disability/work ability levels has also been studied. LBP is the most common musculoskeletal problem and a major disabling health problem worldwide. Its etiology is multifactorial. Multidisciplinary approaches may help reduce the burden of pain and disability and improve job continuity and reintegration at work. Methods: A cohort of 264 patients affected by LBP from an Italian outpatient clinic were included in a clinical diagnostic/therapeutic trial aiming at rehabilitation and return to work through an integrated investigation protocol. Data were collected during the first medical examination using anamnestic and clinical tools. The final sample is composed of 252 patients, 57.1% man, 44.0 % blue collars, 46.4% with the high school degree, 45.6% married. Results: WAI and ODI reported a negative and fair correlation (r = -0.454; p = .000). Workers with acute LBP symptoms have a higher probability of severe disability than those with chronic LBP symptoms. White collars without depressive symptoms reported higher work ability - even in chronic disability conditions-than those with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The study found that ODI and WAI have a convergent validity and this suggests that the two tools measure capture distinctive aspects of disability related to personal, environmental, and occupational characteristics. The most important and modifiable prognostic factors found for ODI and WAI were depressive symptoms, workday absence, and intensity of back pain. The study also found a mild association between age and ODI. The study's findings highlight the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to manage and prevent disability due to LBP.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.8-34
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• 2014

We reviewed foreign evaluation systems based on the macrobenthic and macroalgal communities and developed a system, composed of a set of ecological indices able to evaluate the functionality (FI, Functional Index; estimation of stability and productivity) and maturity (MI, Maturity Index; comparisons with biological parameters of natural reefs) of artificial reefs by comparing the status in the adjacent natural reefs in Korean coastal waters. The evaluation system was applied to natural and artificial reefs/reef-planned areas (natural reefs), established in the 5 marine ranching areas (Bangnyeong-Daechung, Yeonpyung, Taean, Seocheon and Buan) in the west coast of Korea. The FI ranged between 31.6 (Bangnyeong-Daechung) and 72.5% (Buan) and MI did between 53.1 (Seocheon) and 76.9% (Taean) in average. The evaluation of artificial reefs by the two indices, showed the most appropriate status in Taean. The FI between the adjacent artificial and natural reefs were in significant linear relationship ($r^2=0.83$, p=0.01). This indicated the local status of biological community may be critical in determining the functionality of the artificial reefs. We have suggested an integrative but preliminary evaluation system of artificial reefs in this study. The output from the evaluation system may be utilized as a tool for environment/resource managers or policy makers, responsible for effective use of funds and decision making. Given the importance, we need to use the options to enhance and improve the accuracy as follows: (1) continuous validation of the evaluation system and rescaling the criteria of indicators, (2) vigorous utilization of observation and experience through the application and data accumulation and (3) development and testing of brand-new indicators.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.29-43
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• 2015

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop management guidelines and a procedure for an anthropometric suitability assessment of the main control room (MCR) in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Background: The condition of the MCR should be suitable for the work crews in NPPs. The suitability of the MCR depends closely on the anthropometric dimensions and ergonomic factors of the users. In particular, the MCR workspace design in NPPs is important due to the close relationship with operating crews and their work failures. Many documents and criteria have recommended that anthropometry dimensions and their studies are one of the foremost processes of the MCR design in NPPs. If these factors are not properly considered, users can feel burdened about their work and the human errors that might occur. Method: The procedure for the anthropometric suitability assessment consists of 5 phases: 1) selection of the anthropometric suitability evaluation dimensions, 2) establishment of a measurement method according to the evaluation dimensions, 3) establishment of criteria for suitability evaluation dimensions, 4) establishment of rating scale and improvement methods according to the evaluation dimensions, and 5) assessment of the final grade for evaluation dimensions. The management guidelines for an anthropometric suitability assessment were completed using 10 factors: 1) director, 2) subject, 3) evaluation period, 4) measurement method and criteria, 5) selection of equipment, 6) measurement and evaluation, 7) suitability evaluation, 8) data sharing, 9) data storage, and 10) management according to the suitability grade. Results: We propose a set of 17 anthropometric dimensions for the size, cognition/perception action/behavior, and their relationships with human errors regarding the MCR design variables through a case study. The 17 selected dimensions are height, sitting height, eye height from floor, eye height above seat, arm length, functional reach, extended functional reach, radius reach, visual field, peripheral perception, hyperopia/myopia/astigmatism, color blindness, auditory acuity, finger dexterity, hand function, body angle, and manual muscle test. We proposed criteria on these 17 anthropometric dimensions for a suitability evaluation and suggested an improvement method according to the evaluation dimensions. Conclusion: The results of this study can improve the human performance of the crew in an MCR. These management guidelines and a procedure for an anthropometric suitability assessment will be able to prevent human errors due to inadequate anthropometric dimensions. Application: The proposed set of anthropometric dimensions can be integrated into a managerial index for the anthropometric suitability of the operating crews for more careful countermeasures to human errors in NPPs.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.216-223
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate factors affecting the assessment of objective and subjective masticatory ability in the elderly, and to evaluate masticatory ability assessment more accurately. Methods: A total of 112 participants were recruited after oral examination in senior citizen welfare facilities. The participants' masticatory ability was evaluated objectively (Mixing ability index; MAI), and subjectively (Key food intake ability; KFIA). Participants' general characteristics and oral health-related variables were also recorded. Based on masticatory ability assessment, participants were classified as either high or low. IBM SPSS Statistics Ver.23.0 was used for all analyses, including descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman rank correlation, and Logistic regression analysis. Results: Higher masticatory ability was positively correlated with higher scores on MAI and KFIA. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between MAI and KFIA. When analyzing factors affecting objective and subjective masticatory ability assessments, Functional tooth units (FTUs) were revealed as a related factor. In subjective masticatory ability assessment, oral moisture, difficulty in chewing, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were also influential factors. Conclusions: In order to accurately assess masticatory ability, it is necessary to use both objective and subjective measures. Additionally, to improve the masticatory ability in the elderly, treatment should be provided to improve overall oral health and satisfaction.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was designed to assess the general distribution, clinical effectiveness of Korean medical treatment on knee pain and the correlation between Korean medical therapy on knee pain and BMI. Methods : This is an observational study. 65 patients admitted to Daejeon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine with musculoskeletal disorders were observed from July, 2014 to July, 2015. They were analyzed according to sex, age, pain lesion, body mass index(BMI) and treatment efficacy. All patients received a combination of treatments during hospitalization, including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicines and physical therapy. A zero to ten numerating rating scale (NRS) assessing pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index(WOMAC) index and Range of Motion(ROM) was used before and after treatments. Statistical correlations among assessment measurements were evaluated by examining the paired t-test and the Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results : The average BMI of all patients was $24.03{\pm}2.95kg/m^2$. According to clinical definition of obesity by Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, 33.8% of all patients was within normal weight, 1.5% was underweight, 33.8% was overweight, 24.6% was obesity and 6.2% was morbid obesity. For knee pain patients, NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) decreased from $6.28{\pm}1.63$ to $3.94{\pm}2.03$(p<0.001). WOMAC index decreased from $48.14{\pm}17.63$ to $40.37{\pm}18.28$(p<0.001). But, there were no significant correlations in statistics among BMI, knee pain index and knee pain index improvement. Conclusions : Korean medical combination treatment might be effective in reducing pain and improving functional disorders for patients with knee pain. This study further confirmed the efficacy of Korean medical treatment on knee pain. But, more studies on correlation between knee pain and obesity and development of assessment measurement are needed.