• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.240-250
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the movement of adjacent segments that occurred when posteroanterior joint mobilization was applied to the 3rd lumbar and thereby to provide basic clinical data. Design: Randomized controlled trial design. Methods: While the subjects were receiving posteroanterior joint mobilization of the 3rd lumbar vertebra, LD (lumbar displacement), LID (lumbar intervertebral distance), LIA (lumbar intervertebral angle), and LLA (lumbar lordosis angle) were measured using X-ray, and the data were then analyzed. Changes before and after posteroanterior joint mobilization were analyzed using a paired-sample t-test, and a one-way ANOVA of variance was performed to determine the difference between segmental movements. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between segmental movements. Results: The results revealed that there was a significant change in LD before and after the application of joint mobilization of the 3rd lumbar in all lumbar vertebrae (p<0.000), among which the 2nd lumbar vertebra, an adjacent segment, showed the most significant change. A significant change in LIA angle was observed in all segments (p<0.000), with the most significant change observed between the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae. There was a significant change in LLA before and after the application of posteroanterior joint mobilization (p<0.000). The correlation analysis showed a high correlation between displacement of the 3rd lumbar vertebra and displacement of all the other lumbar vertebrae. Conclusions: The presence of kinematic movements of the lumbar vertebrae when segmental movements were generated through the application of posteroanterior joint mobilization of the 3rd lumbar vertebra.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

Purpose : This study investigates the effectiveness of digital therapy for stroke patients in Korea. Methods : A comprehensive database search was performed using KCI, Science on, e-article, RISS, KISS and Korea OpenMed databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the effects of digital therapy on patients who had a stroke. This study includes RCTs published from January 2000 to July 15, 2022, which fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total 697 studies were screened and 30 studies were included in the final analysis. Methodological quality was assessed with the Cochrane's RoB (risk of bias) tool. Meta-analysis was performed using CMA 4.0 software. Results : A total of 56 effect sizes were calculated from the 30 selected studies. As a result of the analysis, the overall effect size of digital therapy was .59 (95 % CI=.43-.74). When classified according to type of intervention, VR (virtual reality) (g=.58, 95 % CI=.40-.75), and CACR (computer assisted cognitive rehabilitation) (g=.62, 95 % CI=.30-.95) were statistically significant. VR showed medium to large effect sizes in cognitive function (g=.78, 95 % CI=.20-1.37), psychosocial function (g=.63, 95 % CI=.20-1.07), and physical function (g=.61, 95 % CI=.38-.83). In the CACR, there was a large effect size in cognitive function (g=.84, 95 % CI=.52-1.15), but there was no significant difference in psychosocial function. Also, there was no significant difference between the two interventions in activities of daily living and no significant difference in the effect size of both interventions according to the intervention session. Furthermore, medium to large effect sizes were found for subacute and chronic stroke patients according to the duration of disease. Conclusion : This study presents evidence that digital therapy has a positive effect on various functions of stroke patients in Korea. The researchers expect to actively accept the new paradigm of digital therapy and continue to apply digital therapy in clinical practice.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.105-114
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• 2023

Purpose : This study systematically reviewed occupational therapy programs for upper extremity functions in subacute patients implemented over the last decade at home and abroad to utilize the findings as the basis for intervention protocols. Methods : This study was conducted with domestic and foreign randomized controlled experimental studies published from January 2013 to May 2023. Acute or subacute, CVA or stroke, upper extremity function, and program or therapy were used as search keywords in the search databases Scopus, PubMed, Riss, and DBpia. A total of 3,723 documents were retrieved, and 1,007 duplicate papers were excluded. In addition, 2,640 papers that did not meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria were excluded by the researcher examining the titles and abstracts. Thereafter, the full texts were checked. Consequently, 67 documents were excluded, and nine documents were finally used for analysis. Results : Due to the evaluation of the quality of the documents of nine studies, five items were rated "low," and two items were rated "unclear" in many studies. Males predominated the genders, and infarction predominated the types. The average age was over 50 but under 60 years, and the number of days after onset was predominantly fewer than one month. Occupational therapy programs were classified into mental programs, mirror therapy, music programs, and virtual reality programs, and virtual reality programs were frequently used. The intervention periods were predominantly 15-30 sessions for less than 30 minutes, and the Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity was predominantly applied as an evaluation tool. Conclusion : This study is significant because it attempted to present the direction of intervention protocols for upper extremity functions in subacute stroke patients in clinical settings. Studies should be conducted with an expanded scope for a literature review.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.195-204
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• 2024

Background: Distraction is a technique used to divert a patient's attention from unpleasant procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of kaleidoscopy, virtual reality, and video games in reducing anxiety and pain during invasive dental procedures in children. Methods: Sixty-six children aged 6 to 9 years were randomly assigned to three groups during local anesthesia administration: Group 1 (kaleidoscope), Group 2 (virtual reality), and Group 3 (mobile video games). The anxiety of the children was evaluated using physiological measures (heart rate) at three different time points: before, during, and after the procedure. The Raghavendra, Madhuri, and Sujata pictorial scale was used as a subjective measure before and after the procedure. Subjective measures of pain were assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale. The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: In the intergroup comparison, there were no statistically significant differences in the physiological measures of anxiety scores between the three groups before, during, and after distraction. Raghavendra, Madhuri, and Sujata pictorial scale scores were assessed before and after distraction, but no statistically significant differences were observed. Among the three groups, the children in Group 2 showed a significant reduction in pain scores. Conclusion: Compared with kaleidoscopes and video games, virtual reality is a promising distraction technique for reducing dental fear, anxiety, and pain during local anesthesia administration in children.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.123-132
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• 2024

Background: The introduction of presurgical nasoalveolar molding represented a significant departure from traditional molding methods. Developed by Grayson and colleagues in 1993, this technique combines an intraoral molding device with a nasal molding stent. This study aimed to compare the Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance versus DynaCleft appliance as two methods of presurgical nasoalveolar molding. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized, parallel-arm clinical trial was conducted. Sixteen infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate were enrolled and divided into two groups of eight. Group 1 was treated with a modified Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance that included a nasal stent, while group 2 was treated with DynaCleft elastic adhesive tape and an external nasal elevator. Standardized digital photographs of each infant were taken at baseline and post-treatment using a professional camera. Nine extraoral anthropometric measurements were obtained from each image using image measurement software. Results: The modified Grayson nasoalveolar appliance demonstrated a more significant improvement compared to DynaCleft in terms of alar length projection (on both sides), columella angle, and nasal tip projection. Symmetry ratios also showed enhancement, with significant improvements observed in nasal width, nasal basal width, and alar length projection (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Both the modified Grayson nasoalveolar appliance and DynaCleft appear to be effective presurgical infant orthopedics treatment options, demonstrating improvements in nasolabial aesthetics. The modified Grayson appliance, equipped with a nasal stent, improved nasal symmetry more effectively than DynaCleft, resulting in a straighter columella and a more medially positioned nasal tip.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.82-90
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• 2024

Objectives: Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods: Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results: The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in nondiabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2024

Background: This study examined the Immediate effects of IASTM using microcurrent and the flossing band on the lower extremity fascia thickness in subjects with Intrinsic patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Sixty-six subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized into three groups (22 each in the microcurrent IASTM (instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization) group, and flossing band group, and combined microcurrent IASTM and flossing band group) to evaluate the immediate effects of the lower extremity fascia thickness before and after intervention. The thickness of the lower extremity fascia was measured using an ultrasound machine. Using SPSS Window. 22.0, a Shapiro Wilk was conducted to test the normality of all variables; within-group comparisons were made with a paired-samples t-test, and between-group interventions were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Results: Changes in the thickness of the fascia in the thigh area were observed before and after intervention in all three groups. There was a significant decrease, and in the combined group, there was a significant decrease in fascia thickness compared to when the IASTM group and the flossing band group were applied separately (p<.05). Conclusion: Through this study, the effect on fascia thickness was confirmed when IASTM and flossing band intervention were combined, and it is believed that it can be used as basic clinical data for patients with knee-thigh pain syndrome.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.38-49
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Patients with Barrett's esophagus are at increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic therapies aim to eradicate dysplastic and metaplastic tissues. Hybrid argon plasma coagulation (hybrid-APC) utilizes submucosal fluid injection to create a protective cushion prior to ablation that shields the submucosa from injury. We performed a pooled meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hybrid-APC. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of major electronic databases in April 2022. Studies that included patients with dysplastic and non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus undergoing treatment with hybrid-APC were eligible for inclusion. Outcome measures included complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CR-IM), stricture formation, serious adverse events, and number of sessions necessary to achieve CR-IM. Results: Overall pooled CR-IM rate for patients undergoing hybrid-APC was 90.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.872-0.939; I²=0%). Pooled stricture rate was 2.0% (95% CI, 0.005-0.042; I²=0%). Overall serious adverse event rate was 2.7% (95% CI, 0.007-0.055; I²=0%). Conclusions: Results of the current meta-analysis suggest that hybrid-APC is associated with high rates of CR-IM and a favorable safety profile. Interpretation of these results is limited by the inclusion of retrospective cohort and case series data. Randomized controlled trials that standardize treatment and outcome evaluation protocols are necessary to understand how this treatment option is comparable to the current standards of care.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.69-99
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review the effectiveness and safety of traditional herbal medicine treatments for metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients receiving antipsychotic drugs (APs). Methods: We searched 11 domestic and foreign databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using traditional herbal medicines for MS in patients receiving APs. Results: Twenty RCTs conducted in China were included in the analysis. The most common disease among the participants was schizophrenia. Most studies used the 2004 Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) standards as the diagnostic criteria for MS. The most used prescription was Yukultang (Liuyu-tang). The most used herbal material was Pinelliae Rhizoma, followed by Poria, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Traditional herbal medicines were mostly reported to improve the symptoms of MS. Conclusions: Traditional herbal medicines may be effective in improving the symptoms of MS in patients receiving APs. However, the quality of the included studies was low, and the studies were heterogeneous. Methodologically rigorous clinical studies on traditional herbal medicine treatments for MS in patients receiving APs are needed.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2024

Background: In pediatric dentistry, fear and anxiety are common among children. Local anesthetics (LA) are widely used to control pain and reduce discomfort in children during dental treatment. Topical anesthetics play a vital role in reducing pain and the unpleasant sensation of a needle puncture in children. Peppermint oil has been extensively used for various diseases. However, its anesthetic properties remain unknown. Peppermint oil, used in mouthwashes, toothpastes, and other topical preparations has analgesic, anesthetic, and antiseptic properties. This study aimed to compare and evaluate pain perception following the topical application of peppermint oil versus lignocaine spray before an intraoral injection in children, aged 8-13 years. Method: Fifty-two children, aged between 8-13 years, who required local anesthesia for dental treatment were divided into two groups of 26 each by simple random sampling (Group 1: 0.2% peppermint oil and Group 2: lignocaine spray). In both groups, physiological measurements (e.g., heart rate) were recorded using pulse oximetry before, during, and after the procedure. Objective pain measurement (Sound Eye Motor (SEM) scale) during administration and subjective measuremeant (Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS)) after LA administration were recorded. This was followed by the required treatment of the child. Physiological parameters were compared between the two groups using an independent t-test for intergroup assessment and a paired t-test and repeated-measures ANOVA for intragroup comparisons. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the pain scores. Results: Intragroup mean heart rates, before, during, and after treatment were statistically significantly different (P < 0.05). However, the intergroup mean pulse rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. The mean WBFPS score in the lignocaine spray group was 4.133 ± 2.06 was statistically different from that of the peppermint oil group (0.933 ± 1.03; P < 0.001^*). The mean SEM score was significantly lower in the peppermint oil group than that in the lignocaine spray group (P = 0.006). No negative effects were observed in this study. Conclusion: 0.2% peppermint oil was effective in reducing pain perception.