The self-report measure is a useful tool for evaluating self-recognized disability and difficulty in daily living activities. Although many studies and clinics used the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) for measuring neck pain and functional impairment, there has not been much adaptation of this for use with Korean patients. The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of NPDS among Korean neck pain patients. Fifty-five subjects (32 males, 23 females) with neck pain enrolled in this study. They completed standardized self-administered questionnaires. The NPDS measures pain intensity; its interference with vocational, emotional, recreational, social, and functional aspects of living; and the presence and extent of associated factors. Reliability was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. Validity was examined by correlating the NPDS scores to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. The test-retest reliability of the translated versions of the NPDS was good ICC (2,1)=.86 (95%CI .76~.92). Cronbach's alpha value for NPDS was found to be .93, and this was statistically significant (p<.05). The criterion-related validity coefficient was .79 (p<.Oll. We conclude that the Korean version of NPDS has been shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of neck pain. Successful linguistic and cultural translation will admit appropriate cross-cultural comparison for clinical analysis. Therefore, this study can be expected to be used as an adequate evaluation scale for neck pain related studies and treatments.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of serratus anterior strengthening exercises on scapular position and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain measurements taken at the resting position in young adults with adducted scapular. The exercise program included stretching of the scapular retractor and strengthening of the serratus anterior muscle. We measured the distance from the midline of the thorax to the vertebral border of the scapular with a tape line (Superior Kibler), and the distance from the 7th cervical spinous process to the acromial angle with 3-dimension motion analysis system, to compare the resting scapular position before and after exercise. Fifteen subjects with adducted scapular were recruited to compare the resting scapular position and VAS. The distance from 7th cervical spine process to acromial angle of the scapular and VAS decreased significantly (p<.01) after exercise, while the distance from the midline of the thorax to vertebral border of the scapular increased (p<.05). The conclusion is that the serratus anterior exercise program altered the resting scapular position and decreased VAS.

The purpose of this study was to determine reliability and validity of the Neck Disability Index (NDI) now in use for the first time in neck pain patients of Korea. Fifty subjects (26 males and24 female) with neck pain enrolled in the study. They completed a standardized self-administered questionnaire that include pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping and recreation. Reliability was determined by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha by internal consistency. Validity was examined by correlating the NDI scores to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. The Test-retest reliability of the translated versions of the NDI was good ICC (2,1) = .90 (95%CI .85 .95). Cronbach's alpha value for NDI was found to be .95 and this was statistically significant (p<.05). The criterion-related validity coefficients was .72 (p<.01). We conclude that the Korean version of NDI has shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of neck pain.

In many manufacturing occupations, industrial workers reported foot or lower leg problems such as discomfort, pain or orthopedic deformities. This study investigated the effects of two different working conditions upon assembly worker's perception of discomfort and foot pain associated with various body parts. Twenty-three male volunteers performed work in the factory. Ergonomic intervention has been to modify the flooring in an attempt to alleviate the problems associated with constrained standing and walking work. The worker's standing conditions consisted of standing on a hard floor while wearing shoe insoles. Questions were asked regarding body discomfort and foot pain. Significant differences in body discomfort and foot pain were found when comparing the overall effects of wearing shoe insoles on a hard floor (p<.05). This investigation indicated that shoe insoles reduced body discomfort and foot pain (p<.05).

This study was designed to determine the efficacy of ultrasound and laser therapy for sub-acute lower back pain. Twenty-seven patients with sub-acute low back pain were recruited, who were randomly assigned to three groups: Ultrasound group (actual ultrasound, 1.1 MHz, , duty cycle 100%, 10 min/session, n=9), laser group (actual laser, 904 nm, 155 ns, 13.5 W, 12 mW, 90 sec/point, n=9), and control group (placebo ultrasound or placebo laser, n=9). All of treatments including placebo procedures were applied to patients over a period of 2 weeks, five times a week. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Modified Schober's Test (MST), and Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) were used by the clinical and functional evaluations before and after intervention. At post-hoc, significant differences were observed in all groups with respect to VAS, MST (p<.05), except MODQ. VAS and MST score were more significantly improved in the ultrasound group than the laser and control group (p<.0167). However, no significant difference was present between the laser group and the control group. Therefore, this study revealed that ultrasound therapy was effective in pain relief and improvement of lumbar mobility in patients with sub-acute lower back pain. However, laser therapy did not show the effects for sub-acute lower back pain.

The purpose of this study was to compare the onset times of muscle activities and the order of muscle firing in erector spinae, multifidus, rectus abdominis and biceps brachii during perturbation between subjects with and without work-related chronic low back pain (LBP). Twenty-nine subjects, 14 with and 15 without LBP, participated in this study. The muscle responses were measured by surface EMG (electromyography) during perturbation in eye opened and eye closed conditions. The EMG onset times of the erector spinae, multifidus, rectus abdominis and biceps brachii were similar between groups in eye closed condition. But the onset times of the erector spinae, multifidus, rectus abdominis were significantly delayed in subjects with LBP in eye opened condition. The results provide an evidence for impaired feed-forward control of the trunk muscles in subjects with LBP. Further studies are needed to identify whether the impaired feed-forward control of the trunk muscles is the contributing factor to LBP.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and the current condition of musculoskeletal pain sufferers among fitness center users. The investigation used self-reporting questionnaire with the 797 subjects. On average, the subjects were 30.6 years old, 168.8 cm in height and 65.2 kg in weight. Among them, 423 were male (53.1%) and 374 were female (46.9%). Out of them, 276 suffered from pain, (35.2%). More men felt muscle aches than women (p<.05). In terms of pain, lower back area topped the list with 44.9%, followed by the lower extremities (30.1%), the neck (17.8%) and the upper part of the body (17.8%). Dieters suffered the most from pain (86.2%) while those exercising to build strength suffered the least with 26.8%. There was a significant relationship between the purpose for exercising and the amount of pain suffered (p<.05). By kind of exercise, pain stroke aerobic exercisers disproportionately with 42.4% while it almost steered clear of exercisers for strengthening with 26.9%. There was significant relationship between the kind of exercise and pain suffered (p<.05). The type of suffering differed by body shape. A significantly higher number of overweight people experienced pain than underweight people (p<.05). 32.8% of pain sufferers commented that the pain affects their workout, and on this issue there was no gender difference (p>.05). The pain caused more difficulties in doing activities of daily living for overweight or obese peoples than underweight peoples (p<.05). More than a third of health club and fitness center users are experiencing musculoskeletal pains. Measures such as professional training or information provision is required to prevent injury or disorder caused by improper exercise.

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyography (EMG) activities of the lumbar extensor muscles during motion of trunk flexion-extension and compare range of motion (ROM) with a 3-dimensional motion analysis system of the lumbar region between subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and healthy subjects during the trunk flexion-extension, trunk rotation and trunk lateral flexion cycle. Thirty CLBP subjects and thirty healthy subjects were included. We measured the root mean square (RMS) value of the lumbar extensor muscles from resting, standing, lumbar flexion and return position. The RMS ratio was normalized from maximal EMG activity of the lumbar extensor muscles during trunk motion. The results of this study showed that the RMS ratio of the lumbar extensor was significantly higher in CLBP subjects than healthy subjects during all of trunk motion (p<.05). The ratio of the highest RMS value during flexion and extension was higher in CLBP subjects than in healthy subjects (p<.05). The ROM of the lumbar region was significantly lower in CLBP subjects than healthy subjects during trunk flexion-extension, trunk rotation and lateral flexion cycle. The relationship between the RMS ratio for full lumbar flexion and the ROM of lumbar flexion was not correlated significantly. CLBP subjects have both decreased ROM of the lumbar region and higher muscle activities of the lumbar extensor muscle than healthy subjects.

통증은 다른 일반 감각과는 달리 감각적인 면과 정서적인 면이 있어, 인격, 기대, 암시, 과거 통증경험과 같은 개인의 심리적 특성이나 사회문화적 환경 등 여러 요인에 의해 크게 영향을 받는다. 이러한 환자의 주관적인 통증의 호소를 객관화하려는 노력은 여러 통증 치료 의사들한테 많이 시도되어 왔으나 아직도 정확한 객관적인 진단방법이 나타나고 있지 않다. 최근에 PET이나 fMRI의 등장은 이러한 면에서 통증에 관한 연구를 하는 학자들에게 커다란 도움을 주고 있고 현재에도 이러한 뇌 기능적 자기공명영상을 이용한 많은 연구결과들이 보고되고 있다. 뇌는 어떠한 기능을 수행하기 위하여 특정부위의 뇌 신경활동이 항진되면 이와 함께 그 부위의 국소적 뇌 혈류 및 대사가 증가하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이러한 생리적 변화를 이용하여 뇌에 국소적 신경활성화가 생기는 위치를 mapping 할 수 있다. mapping 대상 뇌 기능은 지각, 운동, 기억, 언어 등의 기능에서 출발하여 최근 감정, 정서, 사회적 인식, 도덕적 판단, 의식, 마음까지 조사대상이 넓어지고 있다. 본 발표에서는 이러한 뇌 기능 영상기법에 대한 내용과 뇌 기능 영상 기법을 이용하여 통증의 평가를 어떻게 할 수 있는지를 알아보고자 한다.

The purpose of this study was to find prevalence and the relevant factors of low back pain among taxi-drivers. Information were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire during september, 2004, from 83 taxi-drivers in Gimhae, Kyung Nam province. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and Multiple Logistic Regression(if this is a proper noun, it needs to be capital, if not it needs lower case) by using SPSS 10.0 program. The result were as follows: 1) The prevalence rate of low back pain during lifetime was 81.9% among 83 taxi-drivers. 2) Statistically significant factors related to low back pain during lifetime were sleeping time(p<.05). 3) Through the multiple logistic regression, significantly relevant factors with low back pain were alcohol drinking (OR=.017, 95% CI=.001~.509), and sleeping time (OR=.111, 95% CI=.020~.636). It is necessary to study on a preventive measure of low back pain and systematic human engineering approach through objective clinical research.

본 연구는 관절통 모델에서 웅담 우황과 웅담 우황 사향의 약침액의 효과를 검사하기 위해 수행되었다. 할로탄 마취하에서 관절통은 수컷 쥐의 관절강내에 2% carrageenan을 주입하여 유발시켰다. 운동자극에 대한 감각신경의 반응은 약침을 시술하기 전과 후에 기록하였다. 경혈에 주입한 약침은 유해한 운동 자극에 대한 신경의 반응을 억제시켰다 족삼리에 시술한 약침은 합곡에 비해 유해한 자극에 대한 관절 감각신경의 반응을 더 많이 억제시켰다. 이러한 결과는 웅담 우황과 웅담 우황 사향의약침이 관절통을 완화하는 데 효과적인 치료법을 제공할 수 있다는 것을 시사한다.

The objectives of this study were to examine the relative efficacy of three active exercise programs for work-related, chronic low back pain, and to observe to what extent the programs affected the mechanical stability of the lumbar region. The subjects were 64 employees who were randomly divided into three groups to match the three active exercise programs which were performed 3 times a week for 6 months. All subjects were assessed with the same measurements at a pre-study examination, and then were reassessed at 2 weeks, 3months and 6 months after the study. The pain intensity didn't show any significant difference among the three groups. However, the Oswestry Disability Index showed significant differences among the three groups at 6 months and the lumbar and thoracic exercise groups showed significant decreases compared to the general physiotherapy group (p<.05). Maximal stretching with both hands in the overhead direction showed a significant difference among the three groups at 3 months and 6 months, and the thoracic exercise group at 6 months showed a significant increase in overhead stretching compared to the lumbar exercise and general physiotherapy groups (p<.05). The group that performed maximal stretching with both hands in the overhead direction showed the most significant among the 3 months and 6 months. At 6 months, the thoracic exercise group showed a significant increase in overhead stretching compared to the lumbar exercise and general physiotherapy groups (p<.05). The lumbar region angle of inclination showed significant differences among the three groups at 2 weeks 3 months, and 6 months, with the thoracic exercise group being decreased more significantly at 6 months than the lumbar exercise and general physiotherapy groups (p<.05). Exercise aimed at increasing thoracic mobility has an effect on lumbar stability. Furthermore, it is far more effective for lumbar stabilization than general physiotherapy and deep muscle strengthening lumbar exercise.

까le orofacial pain is one of the most common types of acute or chronic pain, and many forms of orofacial pain have an inflammatory component. The aim of this study was to develop a behavioral model of orofacial pain associated with chronic int1ammation in rats. 까le int1ammatory agent, CFA suspended in an oil/saline (1 :1) emulsion (50 씨) was injected into the vibrissal pad of adult male rats. A s따피ar application of saline was served as control. Spontaneous and mechanically evoked behaviours were monitored daily in awake rats before and up to 6 weeks after injection. As for the spontaneous behaviour, total time rat spent in face gr∞ming was counted. For the measurement of mechanically evoked behaviour, the threshold and frequency of head withdrawal response (HWR) were determined at the vibrissal pad with the use of von Frey nylon monofilaments. CFA injection did not produce any significant changes in face gr∞ming， but produced a s핑nificant reduction in HWR threshold and a s핑nificant increase in HWR frequency to mechanical stimulation of the vibrissal pad on the ipsilateral side for approximately 4-6 weeks. Saline injection into the vibrissal pad did not produce any significant changes in spontaneous and mechanically evoked behaviours. These results indicate that the injection of CFA into orofacial cutaneous tissues can induce persistent behavioral allodynia and hyperalgesia, and easily quantified behavioral model will provide a better understanding of mechanisms and control of orofacial chronic pain conditions associated with int1ammation.

목적 : 본 연구는 컴퓨터 사용시 발생하는 통증 유무 및 그 부위에 대해 알아보고, 컴퓨터 작업 자세 및 환경과 통증의 관계를 확인하고자 하였다.연구방법 : 연구대상자는 모대학교에 재학 중인 대학생 600명을 대상으로 설문 조사를 실시하였다. 설문지의 내용은 대상자의 일반적인 사항, 컴퓨터 사용 실태에 관한 항목(종류: 데스크 탑, 노트북, 이용 목적, 이용 장소, 이용 시간, 휴식 시간, 통증 정도, 통증 부위 등), 컴퓨터 작업대에 관한 항목(책상, 의자, 모니터, 키보드, 마우스)을 포함한 총 36문항으로 구성되어 있다. 컴퓨터 작업대에 관한 항목은 Ergonomics Working Group에서 개발한 Creating the ideal computer workstation: A step by step guide의 작업대 평가 부분을 번역, 수정한 것으로 컴퓨터 작업대에 관한 점수가 높을수록 통증을 유발시키는 위험이 높아진다는 것을 의미한다. 수거된 설문지는 총 414부였고, 결과분석은 불성실하게 응답한 설문지를 제외한 총 321부의 설문지 결과를 SPSS를 사용하여 빈도분석, 상관관계분석, independent t-test를 실시하였다.결과 : 컴퓨터 사용과 관련하여 통증을 느끼는 학생이 전체의 80.4%였고, 어깨/목(38.4%), 허리(28.5%), 손/손목(25.9%) 부위의 통증을 호소하였다. 통증과 유의한 상관관계를 보인 컴퓨터 작업대에 관한 항목은 모니터, 의자, 키보드였고, 통증유무에 대한 컴퓨터 작업자세 및 환경평가점수를 비교한 결과 통증이 있는 경우 컴퓨터 작업대에 관한 점수가 유의하게 높았다(p<.05).결론 : 본 연구를 통하여 컴퓨터 작업대 환경이 좋지 않을수록 근골격계 통증에 영향을 미치는 것을 알 수 있다. 컴퓨터를 빈번하게 다루는 학생 또는 사무직 근로자들에게 근골격계 예방을 위한 적절한 자세에 대한 교육 및 컴퓨터 사용 환경에 대한 인간공학적인 평가가 필요하다고 사료된다.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of rehabilitation exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on a visual analysis scale and functional visual analysis scale regarding functional capacity. A total of 7 consecutive patients with the complaint of patellofemoral pain syndrome who received this diagnosis from a sports medicine physician were recruited to assess the effect of rehabilitation exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Functional Visual Analog Scale (FVAS), functional capacity patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The exercise rehabilitation consisted of a complex training program requiring five treatments a week for eight weeks. The training program consisted of four phases, and each lasted for two weeks. Statistical analyses were one-way ANOVA with repeated measures. The results were as follows: (1) There were significant differences in the VAS and FVAS during 8-weeks of rehabilitation exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (p<.01). (2) There were no significant differences in the functional capacity during 8-weeks of rehabilitation exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (p<.05). In conclusion, at the end of the eight weeks of this rehabilitation program and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, a significant reduction was found in VAS and FVAS, but there was no significant difference in functional capacity at the end of the treatment.

본 연구에서는 근골격계 통증이 자세유지와 균형능력에 핵심이 되는 중력중심 이동에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아봄으로서, 균형과 자세에 영향을 주는 다양한 요소들에 대한 새로운 접근을 시도해 보고자 한다. I-병원의 입원 및 외래 환자 중 신경계 손상이 없고 중력중심 이동에 직접적인 영향을 줄 수 있는 하지에 정형외과적 장애가 없으며, 전정계 손상이나 시력장애로 인한 균형에 문제가 없이 근골격계 질환으로 요통과 견통을 주소로 하는 71명의 환자(남자 38, 여

This study was designed 10 investigate the effects of therapeutic gymnastic ball exercise on pain, flexibility, lumbar disability level and daily activity levels in male patients of the armed forces medical hospital who complain of chronic low back pain. Twenty-three males were placed in the experimental group and twenty-nine males were placed in the control group. All of the subjects were chosen on the basis of availability among in-patients who were diagnosed with low back pain. The control patients were matched to the experimental group and they were selected considering gender, pain duration and age. Gymnastic ball exercise therapy was developed by the author with the assistance of a rehabilitation specialist. Gymnastic ball exercise therapy includes muscle relaxation, flexibility, muscle strength and posture development exercises. The gymnastic ball exercise therapy was carried out by the experimental group three times a week for eight weeks. Before and after the experiments, the intensity of pain, the lumbar joint mobility (flexibility), the lumbar disability levels, and the daily activity levels of the subjects were measured, respectively. The intensity of pain and the lumbar disability levels were measured by the Visual Analogue Scale, the level of flexibility by a measurement ruler, and the level of disability by the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale. Data were analysed using a t-test, a paired t-test and an unpaired t-test. The results were as follows: 1. The intensity of pain in the lumbar spine in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group during the 4th week and 8th week. 2. The flexibility of the lumbar spine in the experimental group was significantly increased compared with that of the control group during the 4th week and 8 week. 3. The level of pain caused by anterior, posterior, left lateral and right lateral bending and by rotation in experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. 4. The Oswestry Disability score of the experimental group was significantly increased compared with that of control group. These findings indicate that gymnastic ball exercise therapy could be effective in decreasing pain and lumbar disability, and increasing the daily activity levels and lumbar flexibility in patients with chronic low back pain. The study also suggests that gymnastic ball exercise therapy could be an essential factor for effective nursing intervention for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

A single subject experimental design (alternating treatment design) was used to compare the effects of only ultrasound and ultrasound combined with stretching of the joint capsule on the ROM increase and pain reduction in patients with frozen shoulder. Two subjects were included in each group. In the only ultrasound treatment sessions, ultrasound was applied at the pain point of the shoulder joint in supine position. In the ultrasound combined with stretching treatment sessions, ultrasound was applied at the pain point of the shoulder joint positioned in external rotation and abduction in sitting position. Only ultrasound treatment and ultrasound combined with stretching treatment were alternately performed on each patient. Pain and disability was measured by shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and range of motion (ROM) was measured by scratch test. The results of this study showed that ultrasound combined with stretching treatment were more effective than only ultrasound treatment in ROM increase and pain reduction. However, disability score was not significantly different.