Background: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive lung disease marked by excessive fibrosis and declining respiratory function. While pharmacological treatments help manage symptoms, they offer limited reversal of fibrosis and often have side effects. As a result, interest in rehabilitation approaches such as breathing exercises combined with self-myofascial release (SMR) has increased. These techniques may enhance trunk stability and thoracic flexibility, contributing to improved respiratory function. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of thoracic expansion exercises using SMR techniques on pulmonary function and chest mobility in a patient with PF, and assessed their clinical applicability. Design: Single-subject A-B-A′ design. Methods: A 60s male with idiopathic PF underwent 20 days of intervention. Standard rehabilitation was applied during baseline (A) and follow-up (A′) phases. During the intervention (B), SMR-based breathing exercises were added. Outcomes included Functional Reach Test (FRT), chest expansion, and pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV₁, PEF, FEV₁/FVC). Data were analyzed using the 2SD band method. Results: FRT improved from 23.4 cm (A) to 31.3 cm (B) and 34.2 cm (A′). Chest expansion increased from 1.7 cm to 2.8 cm, and FVC rose from 1.70 L to 2.08 L before dropping to 0.94 L. FEV₁/FVC improved from 80.8% to 86.7% during intervention but decreased at follow-up. Conclusion: SMR-based thoracic expansion exercises may enhance trunk stability, thoracic mobility, and certain pulmonary function indicators in PF patients. These findings suggest potential clinical benefits, warranting further studies to confirm long-term effectiveness.
Background: Multiple fractures, particularly femoral fractures, are increasingly prevalent and associated with high mortality rates and significant functional impairments. This highlights the urgent need for effective rehabilitation strategies, such as robot-assisted training, to enhance recovery and improve quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of robotassisted rehabilitation for multiple femoral fractures. Design: Single-subject design. Methods: A 15-day A-B-A' single-subject design was employed. A man in his 30s with multiple fractures underwent standard rehabilitation during the baseline (A) and regression baseline (A') phases, with robotic therapy introduced during the intervention phase (B). Daily assessments of mobility and balance were analyzed using the two-standard deviation method. Results: Robotic therapy led to significant improvements: the TUG test time decreased from 16.21±0.64 seconds (A) to 10.63±0.46 seconds (B) and 9.64±0.35 seconds (A'). The 10 MWT time improved from 6.31±0.64 seconds (A) to 5.41±0.17 seconds (B) and 5.01±0.12 seconds (A'). LOS increased from 364.01±35.83 cm² (A) to 484.67±29.97 cm² (B) and 518.03±18.82 cm² (A'). Plantar pressure imbalance (59.2% right, 40.8% left in A) was corrected to nearly equal distribution in B (49.4%/50.6%) and A' (50.8%/49.2%). Conclusion: Robotic rehabilitation therapy improves balance and weightbearing capacity in patients with multiple fractures, suggesting its effectiveness as an early intervention following bone union.
Background: Recent cases of spinal cord infarction combined with cerebral infarction have demonstrated improved walking ability through pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation. However, studies on the efficacy of multidisciplinary approaches remain limited. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate rehabilitation strategies and establish a foundation for clinical practice, focusing on physical and occupational therapy for patients with spinal cord and cerebral infarctions. Design: A case study. Methods: A 70-year-old woman with combined spinal cord and cerebral infarction underwent 20 weeks of rehabilitation. Functional outcomes were assessed using Grip Strength, Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Manual Function Test (MFT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), and Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Results: Over 20 weeks, Grip Strength improved to 6 kg (left) and 13 kg (right), MMT increased from 97 to 103 points, and TIS improved from 2 to 10 points. MFT scores increased to 18 (left) and 25 (right). BBS improved from 1 to 23 points, and the 10MWT time decreased to 19.84 seconds. K-MBI scores rose from 12 to 39 points. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach, including robotic therapy, significantly improved functional recovery, facilitating reintegration into daily life.
Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by a decrease in physical performance, muscle mass, and strength, is a common complication in patients with stroke, significantly impacting their rehabilitation and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics associated with sarcopenia in patients with stroke and to identify factors that influence its occurrence. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were collected using electronic medical records and assessments, including Korean version of mini-mental state examination (MMSE-K), manual muscle testing, berg balance scale (BBS), functional ambulation category (FAC), and modified barthel index. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian working group for sarcopenia 2019 guidelines. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression analyses were used. Results: Of the 82 patients with stroke included in this study, 46 were found to have sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients had significantly lower body weight, cognitive function (MMSE-K), balance (BBS), walking ability (FAC), and daily living activities (MBI) scores compared to non-sarcopenic patients (P<.05). Logistic regression identified body weight (OR=.852, P=<.001) and cognitive function (OR=.897, P=.035) as significant predictors of sarcopenia. Conclusion: Body weight and cognitive function are crucial in predicting sarcopenia in patients with stroke. These findings suggest the importance of managing body weight and cognitive function to prevent sarcopenia and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Background: Some patients may not fully recover their daily activity capabilities even after the total hip replacement (THR), and may continue to experience functional limitations for up to a year after the procedure, according to reports. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of machine squat on muscle strength, balance and gait in patients after THR. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-three patients after THR were randomly allocated into slide (n=11), reformer (n=11), and control groups (n=11). Each group underwent their respective squat regimens for thirty minutes, seven times a week, for two weeks. Muscle strength changes were assessed using the manual muscle test (MMT), balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and gait analysis was performed using the 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Results: Significant changes in hip flexor and abductor strength were observed in the slide and reformer groups within each group (P<.05). The reformer group showed significant changes in hip extensor strength (P<.05). Significant improvements in BBS were observed in all three groups (P<.05). There were significant changes in 10MWT in the slide and reformer groups (P<.05). A significant difference in hip extensor strength was found between the reformer and control groups after the intervention (P<.0167). Significant differences in BBS were observed between the slide and reformer groups and between the reformer and control groups after the intervention (P<.0167). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that machine squat regimens can be effective for early rehabilitation after THR, improving muscle strength, balance, and gait.
This study compares and analyzes design status according to the visual, structural, and non-visible characteristics of the Korea One-pyeong Garden Expo, Gyeonggi Garden Culture Expo, and the Seoul Garden Show. The purpose of this study is to identify the design characteristics of the works exhibited at the garden expo and to present the initial study among the case studies conducted in the early stage of the domestic garden expo while providing relevant information to other local governments that will oversee future garden expos. Visual characteristics included plantations, materials, and colors, while structural characteristics included the plane, entrance, moving path, and edge. Non-visible features included the subject and cost. Collectively, garden works used more artificial materials than natural materials. Depending on whether the garden was to be maintained, it was necessary to choose species that were easy to maintain and that met the conditions of growth. Floor materials mainly included crushed stone, soil cement, bark, granite slate, and volcanic stone. Structurally, most gardens contained formal planes, closed entrances, and closed-type boundaries. The circular and regression lines were often transformed into straight or curved lines. Garden themes differed depending on the theme of each garden exposition, but there were also many universal themes (e.g., “resting through the garden”). Costs had not yet been set for the garden exposition’s budget.
This study aimed to characterize the use of spices in Korean cookbooks published from the 1400’s to 1700’s. We conducted a content analysis of seven old cookbooks (「Sangayorok」,「Suunjapbang」,「Eumsikdimibang」),「Yorok」,「Jubangmun」,「Somunsaseol」, and 「Jeungbosallimgyeongje」). We collected a total of 238 food recipes, including spices as ingredients. We analyzed the types of spices used and characteristics of the recipes according to 18 dish groups. As results, a total of 10 spices were used as ingredient: ginger, pepper, Chinese pepper, garlic, sesame, chili, mustard, cinnamon, fennel, and clove. Among 238 food recipes analyzed, ginger was used most often (40.3%), followed by pepper (36.1%), Chinese pepper (30.3%), garlic (17.2%), and so on. In particular, chili was used in 18 different kinds of food recipes, which were 「Somunsaseol」and「Jeungbosallimgyeongje」published in 1700s. Spices were used in different dish groups mostly as condiments. Among 18 dish groups, Chimchae was the most frequent dish group (44 recipes), followed by Jjim · Seon (31 recipes), Jang · Yangnyeom (20 recipes) and rice cake · cookie (20 recipes). Pepper or Chinese pepper were the most frequently used spices in all food groups except Chimchae, Hoe, Jang · Yangnyeom and rice cake · cookie, in which garlic, ginger, sesame and ginger were used most frequently, respectively.
기존 구내 치근단 촬영용 장치는 환자 피폭선량, 촬영시 고통 등의 문제점을 지니고 있다. 본 연구에서는 이러한 문 제점을 해결하기 위한 신개념의 삽입형 초소형 X선 시스템의 가능성을 검증하였다. 먼저 초소형 X선 튜브에 사용될 콜리메이터와 필터를 설계하기 위하여 Geant4를 이용하여 최적의 콜리메이터 두께와 필터 두께를 결정하였으며 CdTe 검출기와 PX4 모듈을 이용하여 결정된 두께에서의 X선 스펙트럼을 확인하였다. 또한 기존 상용화된 치근단 촬영장치 와 XOFT사의 초소형 X선 튜브를 이용하여 제작된 치아 팬텀에 대한 영상을 획득하였다. 그 결과 제안된 신개념의 삽 입형 초소형 X선 시스템은 기존 시스템과 유사한 영상의 질을 나타내었다. 이는 향후 치근단 촬영용 장치를 비롯하여 다양한 응용부위에 활용할 수 있음을 나타낸다.