• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.75-79
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of $\alpha$-wave music and art appreciation on hand function. Methods: A total of 22 university students participated in this study (10 males and 12 females). Twelve subjects received $\alpha$-wave music and art appreciation. The other subjects received neither. All subjects were assessed for hand function (manual dexterity, power grip, pinch, lateral pinch, tactile sense) using a Purdue pegboard, dynamometer, pinch gauge, and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament wire. The data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. Results: The results were as follows: 1. In the experimental group, manual dexterity and tactile sense were significantly increased between pre- and post-intervention (p<0.05). Within the control group, manual dexterity and power grip were significantly increased between pre- and post-test (p<0.05). 2. With regard to dexterity and tactile sense, the experimental group experienced a significant post-intervention increase compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in power grip, pinch, or lateral pinch changes between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that $\alpha$-wave music and art appreciation affect hand function with regard to manual dexterity and tactile sense.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2015

The human hand is a complex structure that performs various functions for activities of daily living and occupations. This paper presents a literature review on the methodologies used to evaluate hand functions from a biomechanics standpoint, including anthropometry, kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography (EMG). Anthropometry describes the dimensions and measurements of the hand. Kinematics includes hand movements and the range of motion of finger joints. Kinetics includes hand models for tendon and joint force analysis. EMG is used on hand muscles associated with hand functions and with signal-processing technology.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.367-375
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• 2023

Most partial hand amputees experience limited wrist movement, which hinders the efficient functioning of upper limb, affecting hand-to-use coordination and the usability of the prosthetic hand. This limitation can lead to secondary musculoskeletal issues due to repetitive compensatory movement patterns. However, current partial hand prosthetic lack rotational wrist movement due to challenges in accommodating various hand shapes and limited space. In our study, we proposed a prosthetic hand with a wrist rotation module for partial hand amputees, aiming to reduce compensatory movement. To validate the proposed wrist rotation module, we conducted motion analysis during reach-to-grasp task. Furthermore, during the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, we evaluated both the effect on upper limb movement and the usability of the prosthetic hand, comparing configurations with and without the wrist rotation module. The results showed that the prosthetic hand equipped with rotational wrist movements reduces compensatory movements and promotes efficient upper limb movement patterns. This finding highlights the value of incorporating a wrist rotation module in prosthetic hands to improve upper limb movement for partial hand amputees.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 2006

The function of the thumb is critical to overall hand function. The thumb enables motions such as pinch, grip, fine manipulation and allows to circumduction and opposition. It's loss is a serious problem not only from cosmetic point of view but also functional. Therefore, we should make every effort on thumb reconstruction. Many methods of thumb reconstruction from simple osteoplasty to complex microsurgical reconstruction have been reported. We should understand merits and demerits of each method and choose proper method on case by case. When both hands are injured and there is no option but to amputate one hand and the thumb of another hand is lost, spare part flap from the thumb of the amputated hand to another hand can solve cosmetic problem, functional problem and donor morbidity. We report a case of amputated thumb which has been reconstructed with amputated ring finger of the contralateral hand using spare part flap concept.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the upper limb strength, active joint range of motion (AROM), and upper limb function in persons with chronic stroke using virtual reality training in combination with upper limb sensory stimulation. Design: Two-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: 20 subjects were divided into two groups of 10, the sensory motor stimulation and virtual reality training (SMVR) and virtual reality training (VR) groups. The training was conducted for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 8 weeks.The participants' upper limb strength was measured via the hand-held dynamometer, joint angle AROM was measured via dual inclinometer, function was measured using the Jebson-Taylor hand function test and the manual function test. Results: Significant differences were observed in all groups before and after the training for upper extremity strength, AROM, and function (p<0.05). Between the two groups, the SMVR group showed significant improvement in muscle strength, AROM, and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test scores compared with the VR groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, we confirmed that sensory stimulation and VR had positive effects on upper extremity strength, AROM, and function of persons with chronic stroke. The results suggest that in the future, VR in combination with sensory stimulation of the upper limb is likely to become an effective method (a rehabilitation training program) to improve the upper limb function of persons with chronic stroke.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.29-40
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• 2018

Objective : The purpose of this study was establishing clinical norms of TEMPA Korean version for Korean adult population in addition to identifying characteristics of hand function by age and gender based on the collected data. Methods : A total of 138 healthy adults between ages 20 and 59 were recruited by continuous sampling. All subjects had been employed TEMPA Korean version and Jarmar dynamometer and pinch gauge to evaluate hand function and strength. Results : The results showed that there were no statistically significant difference in overall hand function among the age groups and between genders. Also, while there were no significant differences in overall speed and qualitative movement, age groups of 40s and 50s showed a declining tendency in speed in some of the tasks. Also, hand strength increases up to 40s and start declining from the 50s, but most results did not show significant differences among the age groups. Conclusion : Normative data of TEMPA Korean version for Korean adult population was established, therefore, it can be used in clinical setting and research as evidence based. Furthermore, occupational therapists need to consider about the signs of decline in hand function and strength in middle-aged adults and to provide education programs to maintain their hand function.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.2644-2651
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate difference between grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function according to touch and heat sensory stimulus. Forty healthy men were recruited. After obtaining subjects characteristics, examined grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function, then we made touch sensory input using soft brush and tried the test again. Next day, we made thermal input using hot pack and did retest, too. The result showed significant differences appeared on every variable in grip strength and upper limb dexterity test (p<.001), and significant differences appeared on every variable except lifting small objects in hand function (p<.01). In conclusion, sensory input is to increase grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function. The thermal sensory input has a tendency to increase grip strength, upper limb dexterity, and hand function than that of touch sensory input in effect of stimulus classification. The application of proper stimulus helps to facilitate upper limb and hand function in rehabilitation and in industrial field. So it is necessary to try more tests of frequency and intensity of stimulus.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.71-81
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• 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study is to ob serve effects of CPM(Continuous Passive Motion) on hand functional and upper-extremity muscular strength rehabilitation for stroke patients. Method: Objects of this study, three patients have the symptoms of hemiplegia due to stroke. These are acute patients, within a 18 months after treatment and correspond in Brunnstrom stage 4~6. This study used single subject (A-B) design for three patients with a stroke and the effect of CPM was measured using Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, Purdue Pegboard test, hand muscular strength test. They received CPM for 3 weeks, 2 per day, 30 minutes for each, total 30 times. Results: Two patients' results of fingertip grip test in hand strength measurements did not change. Results of Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, Purdue Pegboard test and other hand muscular strength test were improved. To validate statistical results nonparametric statistical method, Wilcoxon signed ranks test was performed. P-Values are greater than 0.05 so difference between be fore and after treatment is not statistically significant result. Conclusion: Despite of limitation of short program period and fewer participants, CPM which has been conducted for stroke patients showed the effect on improvement of hand function and muscle strength. This study shows that CPM which is mainly used to treate lower-extremity rehabilitation can be use to improve performance of hand function and strength for patients with stroke.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.23-33
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• 2016

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cognitive function and upper extremity function in the elderly. The articles were analyzed based on patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome using the P.I.C.O. principle. Methods: We systematically examined papers from January, 2000 to November, 2015 published papers through the foreign journals which were Medline & Pubmed for three months. mainly used key words were elderly, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Mild cognitive impairment, age-related, aging, cognitive, upper extremity function, hand function, hand-grip strength, grip force, complex motor function, bimanual, dexterity, UE performance, and coordination. Results: The number of discovered outcomes for association between cognitive function and upper extremity function in the elderly was 7; grip strength & sex are impact on manipulation object, 1. The results show that cognitive function is associated with upper extremity function in the elderly. Conclusion: This study is expected to help selecting intervention, assessment tools according to the individual's degree of cognitive level and upper extremity function. In future domestic research, variety assessment tools need to be used and more qualitative level experiment will be carried out.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.511-519
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• 2017

This study developed a occupational therapy convergent activity program to provide dementia patients admitted to the daytime ward, and investigated the program's effect on the hand and cognitive functions and instrumental activities of daily living. A total of 34 dementia patients were divided into two groups: a convergent occupational therapy program and medication were provided for 17 patients, and medication alone was provided for a control group of 17. The intervention was performed for 24 weeks, 8 times per week, 192 times in total. A handgrip strength test was performed to examine hand function before and after the intervention, and the MMSE-K and GDS were performed to evaluate cognitive function. In addition, the K-IADL was used to assess instrumental activities of daily living. With intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in hand and cognitive function and instrumental activities of daily living. In contrast, the control group did not show improvements in hand and cognitive function or instrumental activities of daily living. In conclusion, the study showed that a convergent/integrated activity program for occupational therapy has a positive effect on hand and cognitive function as well as instrumental activities of daily living.