• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.25-36
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• 2022

Background: Only a few studies directly compared the therapeutic efficacy and safety of two pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) in asthma. We analyzed the asthma treatment outcomes, safety, and patient preferences using formoterol/beclomethasone (FORM/BDP), a pMDI with extra-fine particles, compared with formoterol/budesonide (FORM/BUD), another pMDI with non-extra-fine particles. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel group study, 40 adult asthmatics were randomized to FORM/BDP group (n=18; active FORM/BDP and placebo FORM/BUD) or FORM/BUD group (n=22; active FORM/BUD and placebo FORM/BDP). During the two visits (baseline and end of 8-week treatment), subjects were asked to answer questionnaires including asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaires (ACQ), and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA). Lung function, compliance with inhaler, and inhaler-handling skills were also assessed. Results: Ten subjects in the FORM/BDP group and 14 in the FORM/BUD group completed follow-up visits. ACT, ACQ, QLQAKA (a primary outcome), and adverse events did not differ between two groups. We found that the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of the pulmonary volume in the FORM/BDP group was higher than in the FORM/BUD group. Regarding preference, subjects responded that the flume velocity of FORM/BDP was higher, but more adequate than that of FORM/BUD. They also answered that FORM/BDP reached the trachea and bronchus and irritated them significantly more than FORM/BUD. Conclusion: The use of pMDI with extra-fine particles may relieve small airway obstruction more than the one with non-extra-fine particles despite no significant differences in overall treatment outcomes. Some asthmatics have a misconception about the adequacy of high flume velocity of pMDIs.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.203-210
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• 2021

This study examined the effect of the respiratory training centered at forced breathing exercise of blowing out a candle on the improvement of adults' respiratory ability, which means the increased muscle strength of body trunk. After the four-week candle-blowing breathing training, the forced vital capacity (FVC) increased statistically significantly (p<.05). The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) did not show a statistically significant difference before and after the four-week intervention(p>.05). The peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) statistically significantly increased after the four-week blowing-out-the-candle training (p<.05). This study examined the relationship between forced breathing training and pulmonary function of healthy adults including FVC, FEV1, and PEF, which means the increased muscle strength of body trunk, by implementing blowing-out-the-candle breathing exercise centered at forced respiratory exercise and obtained significant results. Further studies that use a sample of patients with advanced respiratory system disease for whom physical therapy is absolutely necessary will be required in the future.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.149-155
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• 2022

Purpose : This study investigated the effects of wearing a mask and different mask filters on the respiratory function of stroke patients. Methods : A total of 15 stroke patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The respiratory functions were compared between participants with and without masks and among respiratory functions with three different mask filters. The order of using masks was non-wearing masks, Dental masks, KF80 masks, and KF94 masks; the difference in respiratory volumes among these conditions were measured. For accuracy of the measurement, sufficient education on the respiratory measurement method was provided to the researcher, and the heart rate of the participants was estimated to confirm their stability before the measurements. To ensure accuracy, the subjects were educated on the researchers' respiratory measurement methods. Each measurement was followed by 10 min breathing stability before replacing the next mask. Results : The results of this study showed that the difference in respiratory functions, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), in stroke patients was statistically significant among different masks (p<.05). Afterwards, the values of FVC, FEV₁, and MVV in stroke patients wearing masks were significantly lower than those of the non-masked control group (p<.05). The difference in respiratory functions with different mask filters showed no statistical significance (p<.05). Conclusion : This study showed that participants wearing any of the masks presented a lower respiratory function than that of those without using masks; additionally, no difference in respiratory functions was observed with differences in mask filters. Therefore, wearing a mask for a prolonged period is confirmed to affect breathing in stroke patients with weak respiratory function.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.125-134
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• 2021

Purpose : This study applies inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise to smokers and nonsmokers and then determines whether subjects' breathing functions (FVC, FEV1) are increased and how much effect smoking has on the difference in the increase of breathing functions between the two groups. Methods : For this experiment, 26 male adults were selected and randomly allocated to the smoker group (n=13) and nonsmoker group (n=13). The smokers and nonsmokers performed the inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise three times a week for four weeks. Regarding the breathing functions, the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured three times: week 0, week 2, and week 4. The aerobic exercise was performed using a stationary bicycle with 8 difficulty levels. The inspiratory muscle resistance exercise was performed using Power Breathe with 10 resistance levels. Results : The study found that the FVC and FEV1 values of the smoker group decreased slightly after four weeks of inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise. In other words, the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, the FVC and FEV1 values of the nonsmoker group increased by a statistically significant amount. In addition, the intergroup comparison of the average increases in FVC and FEV1 values showed statistically significant differences. Conclusion : The results of this study show that when inspiratory muscle resistance exercise with aerobic exercise was performed, the increase in the breathing functions of nonsmokers was higher than that of smokers. This confirms that, within the parameters of the study, smoking had a negative effect on the increase of breathing functions. This suggests that quitting smoking must be considered as an essential factor when applying a breathing physiotherapy or a breathing function improvement program in clinical settings

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.255-261
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• 2022

Background: For the elderly, masticatory function is one of the most important oral functions and the masticatory ability is related to the wearing of dentures. Many older people wear dentures for their masticatory function, but a significant number of older people who use dentures have found that they feel uncomfortable when performing their daily activities, such as performing masticating functions or talking. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the forward head posture (FHP), respiratory function and thickness of masseter (MS), and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) are affected by the presence or absence of dentures in the elderly, and what kind of correlation there is between these variables. Methods: The study was conducted on 11 patients in the normal group and 13 in the denture group. The participant's cognitive ability was evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination Korean (MMSE-K), and the FHP was evaluated by measuring the craniovertebral angle (CVA). The thickness of the MS and SCM muscles were measured using ultrasound, and respiration was measured with a spirometry. As for the statistical method, the correlation of each variable was investigated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: In the normal group, there was a significant correlation between forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (p < 0.001), and in the denture group, FVC and FEV1 (p < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) (p < 0.001), CVA and Lt. MS (p = 0.012). Conclusion: CVA and Lt. MS of the denture group have a high negative correlation, it is related that the thickness of MS may be thick when the elderly wearing dentures are FHP.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.480-490
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• 2003

An innovative biopolymer known as the Rhizobian gum has been developed in France, which shows some dramatic refreshing effect on the skin. The origin of this innovative project takes its source in the natural environment, and in particular the natural environment of the roots of sunflowers and wheat, where a symbiotic bacterium has been discovered. It is a Rhizobium bacterium, which is hosted by the roots, and which is able to synthesize a specific polymer showing a dramatic water binding capacity. This polymer is in particular synthesized in period of drought, and its biological role is to concentrate the small amount water present in the soil in order to take it available for the root, which becomes then able to absorb it. This vital mechanism allows the plant to survive despite a severe climatic environment. This basic research has been conducted in collaboration whit the French National centre of scientific Research (CNRS), and has lead to the isolation of the Rhizobium bacteria. Rhizobian gum is a branched biopolymer consisting in the repetition of a polysaccharide unit of 3 molecules of glucose, 3 molecules of galactose and 1 molecule of glucuronic acid, whit one pyruvate group an average 1.6 acetyl groups. The fresh effect of Rhizobian gum is a strong sensorial impact that 100 ％ of the consumers are able to perceive, and which is judged very pleasant by most of them. In addition to this, a large majority of consumers are perceived, and which is judge very pleasant by most of them. In addition to this, a large majority of consumers also feel a very pleasant relaxing sensation. Smoothness and softness are also felt by most consumers and qualified positively by most of them. These qualities guarantee a strong impact on today's consumers.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09a
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• pp.50-60
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• 2003

An innovative biopolymer known as the Rhizobian gum has been developed in France, which shows some dramatic refreshing effect on the skin. The origin of this innovative project takes its source in the natural environment, and in particular the natural environment of the roots of sunflowers and wheat, where a symbiotic bacterium has been discovered. It is a Rhizobium bacterium, which is hosted by the roots, and which is able to synthesize a specific polymer showing a dramatic water binding capacity. This polymer is in particular synthesized in period of drought, and its biological role is to concentrate the small amount water present in the soil in order to take it available for the root, which becomes then able to absorb it. This vital mechanism allows the plant to survive despite a severe climatic environment. This basic research has been conducted in collaboration whit the French National centre of scientific Research (CNRS), and has lead to the isolation of the Rhizobium bacteria. Rhizobian gum is a branched biopolymer consisting in the repetition of a polysaccharide unit of 3 molecules of glucose, 3 molecules of galactose and 1 molecule of glucuronic acid, whit one pyruvate group an average 1.6 acetyl groups. The fresh effect of Rhizobian gum is a strong sensorial impact that 100 ％ of the consumers are able to perceive, and which is judged very pleasant by most of them. In addition to this, a large majority of consumers are perceived, and which is judge very pleasant by most of them. In addition to this, a large majority of consumers also feel a very pleasant relaxing sensation. Smoothness and softness are also felt by most consumers and qualified positively by most of them. These qualities guarantee a strong impact on today's consumers.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.297-301
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• 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been ongoing for more than 2 years. Many patients who recover from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection continue to have aftereffects such as dyspnea and fatigue, which may lead to functional decline. Therefore, the need for managing these symptoms using methods such as pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has emerged. The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of PR in five patients with acute COVID-19. PR was performed in patients with persistent dyspnea and oxygen demand after COVID-19. All five patients were able to maintain an independent functional status before COVID-19. However, after acute COVID-19, they were unable to walk independently and needed assistance for activities of daily living due to dyspnea and fatigue. Therefore, they were referred to rehabilitation units, and PR was performed. The modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), 6-minute walking test, forced vital capacity, and grip strength were assessed before and after PR, and the results were compared. After PR, the parameters improved, except for the MEP in one patient (patient 3) and the grip strength in another patient (patient 4). After PR, two out of five patients returned to work and the other three returned home. Therefore, we conclude that PR is necessary for patients with acute COVID-19 with activity limitations.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.111-116
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• 2023

Purpose: Pneumoconiosis is a chronic lung disease in which the lungs become hardened due to the accumulation of fine mineral dust that has been breathed in at industrial sites. The lungs are unable to function properly, resulting in complications of several respiratory diseases. Methods: The subjects were 36 elderly adults (pneumoconiosis patients 18, healthy elderly 18) over the age of 65 years. The respiratory function was assessed using a spirometer to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), first second of forced expiration (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow n(PEF). The static balance function test was determined by the center of mass (COM), ankle angle range, hip angle range, sway parameters, and reciprocal compensatory index (RCI). Cognitive function was measured by applying MoCA-k. Results: Comparison of respiration functions between the two groups showed statistically significant differences in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEFs (p<0.05). Cognitive abilities showed statistically significant differences due to higher cognitive skills in the control group as compared to the patient group (p<0.05). Most results of the static balance capability measurements showed statistically significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were obtained for COM AP Range, Angle AP Range, RCI ML Range, and AP Range (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that patients suffering from pneumoconiosis have less cognitive ability and balance function as compared to healthy elderly people. Therefore, we expect an improvement in the balance ability and cognitive function through systematic management and strengthening lung function training to improve the quality of life of pneumoconiosis patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.221-230
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• 2023

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality combined robot assist gait training (VRG) on improvement of balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients. Methods : A single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 35 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly allocated 2 groups; VRG group (n=18) and conservative treatment group (CG; n=17). The VRG group received 30 minutes robot assisted gait training combined virtual reality training, robot assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device (2 sessions of 15 minutes in a 3D-recorded walking environment and 15 minutes in a downtown walking environment). In the conservative treatment group, neurodevelopmental therapy and exercise therapy were performed according to the function of stroke patients. Each group performed 30 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome balance and respiratory function were measured by a balance measurement system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), Berg balance scale, functional reach test for balance, Spirometry (Cosmed Micro Quark, Cosmed, Italy) for respiratory function Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and maximum expiratory volume (PEF) were measured according to the protocol. The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in balance and respiratory function during intervention period. VRG revealed significant differences in balance and respiratory function as compared to the CG groups (p<.05). Our results showed that VRG was more effective on balance and respiratory function in patients with chronic stroke. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that VRG can improve balance and respiratory function, highlight the benefits of VRG. This study will be able to be used as an intervention data for recovering balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients.