Background: Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR) require management to control pain and prevent re tear and stiffness. Thoracic mobilization has been applied for the improvement of vertebra and shoulder movements and pain reduction. Also, core stability exercise is an intervention necessary for rehabilitation after shoulder surgery. Objectives: To examine the short term benefits of thoracic mobilization and core stability exercise for patients after RCR. Design: Randomized controlled trial with multi arm parallel group and single blind assessor. Methods: 30 participants after RCR were recruited. Participants were categorized into conventional physical therapy (CPT) group, thoracic mobilization (TM) group, and core stability exercise (CSE) group according to the randomization program. Each treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimuli (TENS), TM, and CSE was applied to each group. 3 physical therapists only conducted evaluations; VAS (visual analogue scale), ROM (range of motion), and Korean version of Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: VAS and SPADI were statistically reduced, and ROM was statistically improved in all 3 groups. In between three group comparisons of changes in outcome variables, there was not a significant difference in VAS, but there was a significant difference in ROM and SPADI. In the post hoc test, ROM and SPADI showed a significant difference in TM and CSE compared to CPT. Conclusion: TM according to Maitland concept and CSE had beneficial effects compared to CPT in patients after RCR.

Background: Individuals with scapular winging may have proprioceptive dysfunction which is important for motor control and causes shoulder instability. Reduced serratus anterior (SA) and lower trapezius (LT) muscle activity accompanied by over-active upper trapezius (UT), and pectoralis major (PM) may be contributing factors. Flexi-bar (FB) exercise may be used to increase joint position sense (JPS) and alter the target muscle activities. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of flexi-bar exercise prior to knee push-up plus (FPK) versus knee push-up plus (KPP) on JPS and muscle activity of SA, LT, UT, and PM in subjects with scapular winging. Methods: Eighteen subjects with scapular winging were recruited. JPS was investigated at baseline, after KPP and after FPK. Passive and active JPS errors were calculated by isokinetic equipment. Surface electromyography was used to record muscle activities during KPP and FPK. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc analyses were used to analyze the JPS error measured at baseline, after KPP and after FPK. Paired t-tests were used to compare muscle activities between KPP and FPK. Results: Passive JPS error was significantly decreased after KPP (p = 0.005) and after FPK (p = 0.003) compared to the baseline. Active JPS error was also significantly decreased after KPP (p = 0.016) and after FPK (p = 0.012) compared to the baseline. There was no significant difference in the passive and active JPS errors between KPP and FPK. SA activity during FPK was significantly increased (p = 0.024), and LT activity during FPK was significantly increased (p = 0.006). There were no significant differences in the UT and PM activity. Conclusion: FB might be recommended to immediately improve passive and active JPS and to selectively increase SA and LT muscle activities during KPP in individuals with scapular winging.

Background: Although the scapular posterior tilt movement could facilitate the lower trapezius (LT) muscle activity, no study identified the effects of the scapular posterior tilt movement on the selective activation of the LT muscle during prone shoulder extension. Objectives: To examine the influences of additional scapular posterior tilt on electromyography (EMG) of the upper trapezius (UT) and the LT muscles during prone shoulder extension. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: There were 15 asymptomatic male participants in this study who performed prone shoulder extension with and without scapular posterior tilt movements. For the scapular posterior tilt movements, participants performed visual biofeedback training for scapular movement using motion sensor. During the exercises, the EMG activity of the UT and LT was recorded using surface EMG system. Results: The EMG activity of the LT significantly increased during prone shoulder extension with scapular posterior tilt compared to that of general prone shoulder extension, whereas that of the UT was not significantly different between the two exercises. Moreover, scapular posterior tilt application significantly decreased UT/LT muscle activity ratio. Conclusion: Scapular posterior tilt movement may be emphasized during exercise when facilitating LT muscle activation.

This study classifies the compositional methods of power shoulder jackets from 1980 to the present. It analyzes the relevance of jacket details according to how the power shoulder changes and its compositional methods by era. The research subdivides shoulder compositional techniques into seven, based on shoulder variation, sleeve variation, and the body and sleeve combination. The researcher investigates the frequency and trends of composing shoulders and analyzes details pertaining to the silhouette, jacket length, collar shape, and front closure. The most common method of shoulder composition is an angular shoulder variation. The others are a rounded shoulder variation, puffed sleeve, sleeve variation using pattern incision, raglan and kimono sleeves, and a shoulder variation that expanded the angle and width. The frequency differs slightly for each era. The relationship between shoulder compositional methods and details of power shoulder jackets is statistically significant, showing period-related differences. The homogeneity analysis results reveal that the shoulder composition of power shoulder jackets, the times, and details fall into distinct groups. This analysis shows that the silhouette, length, collar, and front closure of the power shoulder jacket differ depending on the power shoulder’s compositional methods. Moreover, the shape of the power shoulder jacket is distinctly different. One can use this data to help develop the power shoulder jacket design by reflecting the details of shoulder compositional methods and changing trends over time.

본 연구는 정수압 처리와 초음파 처리가 20일 숙성기간 동안 돈육의 삼겹살과 목살 부위의 품질특성에 미치는 영향에 대해 조사하였다. 다양한 품질특성을 관찰한 결과 정수압에서 숙성하고 초음파 처리한 돈육은 부위별로 효과의 차이는 있지만, 품질향상에 효과적인 것으로 나타났으며 또한, 초음파 처리했을 때 특히 고기의 연도와 관계가 있는 pH, 보수력, 경도 품질을 높이는 것으로 관찰되었다. 본 연구에서 이용한 저온 정수압 숙성 및 초음파 처리공정은 낮은 온도에서 돈육을 빠른 시간안에 숙성하는데 적용 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

Background: Backpacks are one of the most widely used accessories in modern society. However, previous studies have shown that carrying a backpack can cause various musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: To investigate the effects of a body-adhesive backpack on craniovertebral angle, sagittal shoulder angle and the muscle fatigue in the upper extremity. Design: Randomized cross-over design. Methods: For this study, 36 healthy university students participated in this study. The experiment was conducted three times using common backpack, and body-adhesive backpack condition. The angles of the cervical spine and shoulder joints of the subjects were calculated without the backpack. Electrodes were placed at upper trapezius, lower trapezius, rectus abdominis and erector spinae to check for muscle fatigue. Subjects carried a backpack and walked on a treadmill for 15 minutes at 4 km/h. The muscle fatigue signal was also measured while walking. After walking, the craniovertebral and sagittal shoulder angles were measured again while subjects carried backpack. Results: As a result of this study, body-adhesive backpack condition showed significant decrease and significant increase in craniovertebral angle and sagittal shoulder angle than common backpack (P<.05). Body-adhesive backpack condition showed significant decrease in upper trapezius, lower trapezius, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis when compared to a common backpack (P<.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that a body-adhesive backpack is more beneficial in correcting body posture than a common backpack.

Background: Shoulder horizontal abduction in the prone position (SHAP) has been reported as an effective exercise to strengthen the lower trapezius. However, the effects of pre-emptive scapular posterior tilt on scapular muscle activity and scapulohumeral movements during SHAP have not been examined. Objectives: To examine the effect of the addition of scapular posterior tilt on muscle activity of the trapezius and posterior deltoid, and scapular posterior tilt and shoulder horizontal abduction, during SHAP. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifteen healthy male subjects performed two types of SHAP: general and modified SHAP (SHAP combined with pre-emptive scapular posterior tilt). To perform modified SHAP, pre-emptive scapular posterior tilt training was performed prior to the modified SHAP. Muscle activity of the middle and lower trapezius and posterior deltoid, and the amount of scapular posterior tilt and shoulder horizontal abduction, were measured during two types of SHAP. Results: Muscle activity of the lower trapezius and scapular posterior tilt was significantly increased during the modified SHAP, while muscle activity of the posterior deltoid and the amount of shoulder horizontal abduction were significantly decreased. However, the middle trapezius muscle activity did not change during the modified SHAP. Conclusion: The SHAP with pre-emptive scapular posterior tilt can be useful to strengthen the lower trapezius.

Background: Posterior shoulder tightness, which is a problem mainly seen in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, disrupts the scapulohumeral rhythm between the humerus and scapulae. Objects: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of joint mobilization and stretching on shoulder muscle activity and internal rotation range of motion (ROM) of the glenohumeral joint in patients with impingement syndrome with posterior shoulder tightness. Methods: The research subjects included 22 in-patients with impingement syndrome with posterior shoulder tightness. They were randomly divided into two groups: one group (12 patients) was treated with joint mobilization and the other group (10 patients) was treated with stretching for the posterior shoulder tightness. Each treatment was performed five times a week for two weeks, and there were 15 sessions for each treatment. The ROM of the internal rotation and muscle activities of shoulder joint were evaluated pretest and posttest in each group. Electromyography data were collected from the upper, middle, and lower trapezius and serratus anterior during shoulder abduction of 90°, 120°, and 150°. Results: Both the joint mobilization and stretching groups showed significant decreases in muscle activity in the upper, middle, and lower trapezius on the posttest (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in serratus anterior at 150° (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group in post-hoc analysis (p > 0.025). The internal rotation ROM was significantly increased in the stretching group compared to that in the joint mobilization group (p < 0.025). Conclusion: This study found that both joint mobilization and stretching for posterior shoulder tightness were effective in muscle activity during arm abduction, also in order to increase internal rotation ROM of shoulder joint, stretching was effective in patients with impingement syndrome with posterior tightness.

Background : There is lack of studies on the effects of the bag-carrying style on the shoulder muscles and body alignment in adults with rounded shoulder posture (RSP). Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of various bag-carrying styles on muscle tone, muscle stiffness and spinal alignment in 20 adults with RSP as they were walking on a treadmill. Design : Crossover Study Design. Methods: A subject performed treadmill walking for 15 minutes at a speed of 4 ㎞/ｈ while carrying three different types of bags: a backpack, a cross bag, and a shoulder bag. Results : The results showed that the main effect of timing was observed in the muscle tone for all the variables and in muscle stiffness only for the upper and lower trapezius muscles. As for the main effect of timing, the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and the pectoralis major significantly increased in all conditions, while the muscle tone of the lower trapezius significantly decreased in all conditions. The muscle stiffness of the upper trapezius significantly increased in all conditions, while the muscle stiffness of the lower trapezius significantly decreased in all conditions. As for the spinal alignment, the dimple distance data values significantly decreased for the cross-bag style. Conclusions : This study demonstrated that walking with a heavy bag, regardless of the bag-carrying style, increased muscle stiffness around the shoulders in adults with rounded shoulder posture, and walking with a crossbag also induced changes in spinal alignment.

Background: Sling exercises are frequently used for the rehabilitation process of patients with shoulder joint injuries, but research on the significant frequency intensity and appropriate treatment duration for sling exercises with local vibration stimulation is lacking. Objects: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sling exercise with vibration on shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, pain, and dysfunction in patients with a medical diagnosis of shoulder joint injury. Methods: Twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experiment and control groups. Six sling exercises with and without 50 ㎐ vibrations were applied in the experiment and control groups, respectively. Each exercise consisted of 3 sets of 5 repetitions performed for 6 weeks. The assessment tools used included shoulder joint range of motion, muscle strength, pain level, and shoulder pain and disability index for functional disability. We conducted re-evaluations before and 3 and 6 weeks after intervention. The changes in the measurement variables were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The ROM of the external rotation of the shoulder joint had a significant interaction between the group and the measurement point (F=3.652, p<.05). In both groups, we found a significant increase in external rotation angle between the measurement points (p<.05). The flexor strength of the shoulder joint significant interaction between the group and the measurement point (F=4.247, p<.05). Both the experiment (p<.01) and control groups (p<.05) showed a significant increase in shoulder flexor strength at the measurement points. After 6 weeks of the interventions, both the groups showed significantly improved VAS (p<.01), SPADI (p<.01), and orthopedic tests (p<.01). However, there was no significant difference between the group and the measurement point in terms of the clinical outcomes observed. Conclusion: The sling exercise with local vibration of 50 ㎐ affected the external rotation of the shoulder range of motion and improved shoulder flexor strength in the patients with shoulder injuries. Therefore, we propose the use of the sling exercise intervention with vibration in the exercise rehabilitation of patients with shoulder joint injuries.

Winged scapular (WS) causes muscle imbalance with abnormal patterns when moving the arm. In particular, the over-activation of the upper trapezius (UT) and decrease in activity of the lower trapezius (LT) and serratus anterior (SA) produce abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm. Therefore, the SA requires special attention in all shoulder rehabilitation programs. In fact, many previous studies have been devoted to the SA muscle strength training needed for WS correction. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of shoulder girdle muscle and ratio according to the angle of shoulder abduction and external weight in supine position. Methods: Twenty three WS patients participated in this experiment. They performed scapular protraction exercise in supine position with the weights of 0 ㎏, 1 ㎏, 1.5 ㎏, and 2 ㎏ at shoulder abduction angles of 0˚, 30˚, 60˚, and 90˚. The angle and weight applications were randomized. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to collect the EMG data of the SA, pectoralis major (PM), and UT during the exercise. The ratio of PM/SA and UT/SA was confirmed. Two-way repeated analyses of variance were used to determine the statistical significance of SA, PM, and UT and the ratios of PM/SA and UT/SA. Results: There was a significant difference in SA according to angle (p<.05). Significant differences were also identified depending on the angle and weight (p<.05). The angle of abduction at 0˚, 30˚ and weight of 2 ㎏ showed the highest SA activity. However, there was no significant difference between PM and UT (p>.05). There was a significant difference between PM/SA and UT/SA in ratio of muscle activity according to angle (p<.05). Significant differences were found at PM/SA angles of 30˚, 60˚ and 90˚ (p<.05). For UT/SA, significant difference was only observed at 90˚ (p<.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, in order to strengthen the SA, it was found to be most effective to use 1 and 1.5 ㎏ weights with abduction angles of 0˚ and 30˚ at shoulder protraction in supine position.

PURPOSES: A hard shoulder lane (HSL) is a method of solving severe traffic congestion on an expressway. Recently, it has been applied to several expressways in Korea, and there have been numerous positive effects, which include increasing the road capacity and reducing traffic congestion. However, these effects have been limited due to tunnels which created a‘ bottle-neck’effect in HSL application for longer road segments. In the tunnel sections, an HSL is generally not operational owing to problems such as narrow roads and the risk of accidents. If an HSL can be extended to tunnel segments, great positive effects can be achieved. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate driver behavior and stability to investigate the risk of HSL in tunnels. METHODS: The Driving Simulator experiments were conducted using some scenarios for the Geumnam and Seojong tunnels on the Seoul- Chuncheon Highway. Based on data from the experiments such as running speed, lateral replacement, and steering handling, the running stabilities of participants were analyzed. In addition, traffic flow data from VDS(Vehicle Detection System) were analyzed as before-after studies. RESULTS: Although there were some differences in driving behaviors, most participants showed safe driving behavior at a speed of less than 50 km/h. CONCLUSIONS : Based on driving behaviors and traffic flow analyses, it is concluded that HSL in tunnels can be an alternative to increase efficiency based on safe driving environments for speeds of below 50 km/h.

Background: Round shoulder posture, results from excessive flexed posture of the thorax, is defined as a position of scapular protraction, anterior tipping, and downward rotation. However, previous studies have focused on only passive position of the thorax during scapular posterior tilting (SPT) and have not reported on SPT combined with correction of flexed posture. Objects: The aim of this study was to compare effects of SPT and SPT with prone trunk extension (SPT + PTE) on activities of the lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and thoracic erector spinae and degree of posture in subjects with round shoulder and flexed posture. Methods: Fifteen subjects with round shoulder and flexed posture were recruited. The caliper was used to measure the degree of round shoulder and flexed posture. Electromyography was performed to collect data of muscle activities. Paired t-test was used to compare two exercise (α=.05). Results: When SPT + PTE was applied, the degree of round shoulder posture (p=.001) and flexed posture (p=.039) significantly decreased compared with that when SPT was applied. The lower trapezius activity significantly increased in the SPT + PTE condition compared with that in the SPT condition (p=.026). There were no significant differences in serratus anterior activity between SPT + PTE and SPT. The thoracic erector spinae activity significantly increased in the SPT + PTE condition compared with that in the SPT condition (p=.014). Conclusion: SPT + PTE might be one of the effective methods to enhance activities of lower trapezius and thoracic erector spinae, and to reduce round shoulder posture and flexed posture in subjects with round shoulder and flexed posture.

PURPOSES: This study, compared and verified the test results of post-bearing capacity and the test results of a full-scale vehicle crash test on flat ground and slope ground. METHODS: The results of the bearing capacity test on the barrier post show that, the bearing capacity of the banking section ground and flat ground was relatively large. In the full-scale vehicle crash test, the maximum deformation of the barrier was not large, and the occupant safety indexes(THIV, PHD) were relatively similar. The post-bearing capacity test is a static load test. RESULTS: Therefore, there was a large difference on the flat ground and on the banking section ground because of the effect of soil failure. On the other hand, the full-scale vehicle crash test is close to the impact load. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it can be concluded that the whole barrier system was not affected by soil failure alone.

본 연구는 스탠스 자세와 운동면의 차이가 어깨돌림동작 시 활동근의 %MVIC를 비교분석하여 어깨강화운동을 위한 기초자료를 제공하는데 목적이 있다. 남성 8명을 무선배정하여 두발지지 자세, 한발지지 자세, 런지자세와 이마면, 수평면, 시상면에서 회전동작을 10회씩 수행하였다. 수행 중 가시위근, 가시아래근, 작은원근, 앞세모근, 배곧은근, 척수세움근, 큰가슴근, 넓은등근의 근활성도를 측정하였다. SPSS 22.0 통계프로그램을 사용하여 반복측정 일원분산분석(repeted one-way ANOVA)을 실시하였다. 첫째, 이마면에서 바깥돌림 동작 시 척추세움근은 두발지지 자세와 한발지지 자세보다 런지자세에서 높게 나타났고 안쪽돌림 동작 시 가시위근은 두발지지 자세보다 한발지지 자세, 한발지지 자세보다 런지자세에서 높게 나타났다. 둘째, 수평면에서 바깥돌림 동작 시 앞세모근은 두발지지 자세보다 한발지지 자세과 런지자세에서 높게 나타났고 안쪽돌림 동작 시 가시아래근은 두발지지 자세와 한발지지 자세보다 런지자세에서 높게 나타났으며, 큰가슴근에서는 한발지지 자세보다 두발지지 자세, 한발지지 자세보다 런지자세가 높게 나타났다. 셋째, 시상면 바깥돌림 동작 시 배곧은근은 두발지지 자세보다 한발지지 자세와 런지자세에서 유의하게 높게 나타났다. 안쪽돌림 동작 시 가시위근은 두발지지 자세보다 한발지지 자세와 런지자세에서 높게 나타났고 가시아래근은 두발지지 자세와 한발지지 자세보다 런지자 세에서 높게 나타났다. 배곧은근에서 두발지지 자세와 런지자세보다 한발지지 자세에서 높게 나타났고 척추세움근은 한발지지 자세보다 두발지지 자세와 런지자세에서 높게 나타났다. 결론적으로 스탠스와 어깨의 운동면의 차이가 어깨위팔관절의 돌림운동 시 활동근들의 근활성도에 미치는 영향은 스탠스자세와 운동면에 따라서 다른 양상이 나타났으며, 이를 어깨 강화 운동프로그램에 적용한다면 보다 긍정적 효과를 기대할 수 있는 운동프로그램이 될 것으로 생각 된다.

Background: High string instrument (violin, viola) players are at high risk for developing musculoskeletal problems. In particular, a higher prevalence of shoulder problems has been reported. However, evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for musicians with this condition is lacking until now. Objects: This case series study investigated the effect of a specific exercise program on shoulder pain, dysfunction, and posture of professional orchestral high string musicians. Methods: Five professional orchestral high string players with shoulder pain participated in this study. A six-week specific exercise program focus on scapular stability for shoulder pain consisted of scapular muscle exercise. Physical examinations for pain and dysfunction, posture were performed, were identified among all subjects before starting the exercise program. Results: The results revealed that shoulder pain decreased by 67.86% and the effect of pain on instrument play decreased by 63.33%. The shoulder pain and disability Index and the performing arts module-quick disability of the arm, shoulder and hand scale decreased by 71.72% and 51.61% respectively. The exercise program improved function and posture. Conclusion: A specific exercise program for high string players was effective in managing shoulder pain. This case series is intended to provide empirical data on the effectiveness of an exercise program aimed at assessing the effect of exercise on pain, dysfunction, and posture of professional orchestra musicians associated with specific instrument groups.

Background: Lumbopelvic stability is highly important for exercise therapy for patients with low back pain and shoulder dysfunction. It can be attained using a pelvic compression belt. Previous studies showed that external pelvic compression (EPC) enhances form closure by reducing sacroiliac joint laxity and selectively strengthens force closure and motor control by reducing the compensatory activity of the stabilizer. In addition, when the pelvic compression belt was placed directly on the anterior superior iliac spine, the laxity of the sacroiliac cephalic joint could be significantly reduced. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of EPC on lumbopelvic and shoulder muscle surface electromyography (EMG) activities during push-up plus (PUP) and deadlift (DL) exercise, trunk extensor strength during DL exercise. Methods: Thirty-eight subjects (21 men and 17 women) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were instructed to perform PUP and DL with and without the EPC. EMG data were collect from serratus anterior (SA), pectoralis major (PM), erector spinae (ES), and multifidus (MF). Trunk extensor strength were tested in DL exercise. The data were collected during 3 repetitions of all exercise and the mean of root mean square was used for analysis. Results: The EMG activities of the SA and PM were significantly increased in PUP with pelvic compression as compared with PUP without pelvic compression (p<.05). In DL exercise, a significant improvement in trunk extensor strength was observed during DL exercise with pelvic compression (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that lumbopelvic stabilization reinforced with external pelvic compression may be propitious to strengthen PUP in more-active SA and PM muscles. Applying EPC can improve the trunk extensor strength during DL exercise. Our study shows that EPC was beneficial to improve the PUP and DL exercise efficiency.

PURPOSES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the application of soil stabilization method for soft shoulder construction in the iRoad Project of Sri Lanka. METHODS: Firstly, the quantitative analysis of soil strength improvement due to soil stabilization was done for soil samples collected from iRoad construction sites. Two types of soils were selected from iRoad Project sites and prepared for soil stabilization testing by the Road Development Authority. Secondly, the appropriate stabilizer was selected at given soil type based on test results. Two different stabilizers, ST-1 and ST-2, produced in Korea were used for estimating soil strength improvements. Finally, the optimum stabilizer content was determined for improving shoulder performance. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test was conducted to evaluate the strength of stabilized soil samples in accordance with ASTM D 1633. The use of bottom ash as a stabilizer produced from power plant in Sri Lanka was also reviewed in this task. RESULTS: It is found from the UCS testing that a 3% use of soil stabilizer can improve the strength up to 2~5 times in stabilized soft shoulder soils with respect to unstabilized soils. It is also observed from UCS testing that the ST-1 shows high strength improvement in 3% of stabilizer content but the strength improvement rate with increase of stabilizer content is relatively low compared with ST-2. The ST-2 shows a low UCS value at 3% of content but the UCS values increase significantly with increase of stabilizer content. When using the ST-2 as stabilizing agent, the 5% is recommended as minimum content based on UCS testing results. Based on the testing results for bottom ash replacement, the stabilized sample with bottom ash shows the low strength value. CONCLUSIONS: This paper is intended to check the feasibility for use the soil stabilization technique for shoulder construction in Sri Lanka. The use of soil stabilizer enables to improve the durability and strength in soft shoulder materials. When applying the bottom ash as a soil stabilizer, various testings should be conducted to satisfy the specification criteria.

본 연구는 경락마사지가 여성의 어깨 통증에 미치는 효과를 검증하기 위한 목적으로 수행되었다. 이를 위하여 여성 참가자들 45명을 비확률표본추출법 중 편의표본추출법(convenience sampling)과 판단표본추출법(judgemental sampling)에 의해 연구 대상 표본을 추출하였고, 참가자들는 S시에서 어깨 통증으로 인해 경락마사지 치료를 받는 45명의 여성들을 대상으로 주 2회 40분씩 총 16회의 경락마사지 처치를 하였다. 본 실험의 프로그램은 참가자 안정-경락마사지-경혈지압-경락마사지-참가자 안정의 순서로 이루어져 있으며 경락마사지에 적용한 경락은 12경락 중에서 수태음폐경(LU; Lung Meridian)과 수태양소장경(SI; Small Intestine Meridian)만을 처치하였다. 측정도구는 어깨 통증에 대한 주관적인 표현을 기록하는 사상척도(Visual Analog Scale; VAS)에 의한 통증평정지수를 3회에 걸쳐 측정하였으며, 5점 리커트 척도를 자기평가기입법에 의해 시행하였다. 이상의 연구방법을 통하여 경락마사지를 받은 여성의 어깨 통증 감소에 관한 영향력에 대하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻게 되었다. 첫째, 참가자의 배경변인인 연령에 따른 어깨 통증의 감소효과를 알아보기 위하여 횡단면 분석에서는 모두 유의미한 차이가 나타났다. 둘째, 경락마사지 치료에 따른 참가자의 어깨 통증감소 효과를 알아보기 위하여 대응표본 T-test 통한 차이 검증에서도 모두 유의미한 차이가 나타났다. 셋째, 연령에 따른 어깨 통증감소의 차이를 알아보기 위하여 다변량분산분석(MANOVA) 검증을 실시한 결과 모두 11개의 항목 중에서 10개의 항목에서 유의한 차이가 나타났으며, 문항 6번의 편두통 관련 항목에서만 유의미한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 이러한 연구의 결과를 통해 경락마사지가 여성의 어깨 통증 감소에 유의한 영향을 미치고 있다는 것을 알 수 있었으며 한의학과 결합된 치료방법인 경락마사지가 어깨 통증감소에 적합한 프로그램임을 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서 이러한 연구의 결과가 향후 여성의 어깨 통증 치료에 긍정적인 기초 자료를 제공할 것으로 기대한다.

Background: There are insufficient objective or quantitative evidence for the better intervention to improve proprioception particularly for the application of external load. There are conflicting opinions whether the external load is effective for proprioception improvement or not. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of external load on proprioception of shoulder joint quantitatively using 3D motion capture system. Methods: Nine healthy adults joined for this study. They were asked to perform scapular plane abduction motion with attaching reflective markers on the trunk and upper limb. The 3D positions of finger marker, while they performed the same task with and without external load, were recorded and analyzed. Results: All participants showed decreased variable errors in the vertical direction when the external load was applied (p<.02). Even though other directions (y, z) and absolute errors increased, they did not have statistical significances. Conclusion: Based on this study results, the external load application would be effective for shoulder joint position sense improvement.