Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with trunk and lower extremity muscle weakness. Kneeling squat (KS) is a hip-focused exercise commonly used in the activities of daily living. However, research on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity across movement phases (ascending, holding, and descending) during KS remains limited and warrants further investigation. Objects: To determine the muscle activity of transversus abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), erector spinae, gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), rectus femoris (RF) in the contraction phases of KS in individuals with CLBP. Methods: Surface electromyography data were recorded during KS across the ascending, holding, and descending phases on the side with CLBP. A 60-bit metronome was used to control the exercise speed. Results: The muscle activity of the TrA/IO was significantly higher during the holding phase than during the ascending and descending phases. The Gmax and Gmed were significantly higher during the holding phase than during the descending phase, whereas, RF was significantly higher during the ascending phase than during the holding and descending phases. Conclusion: The holding phase of KS may be recommended as a trunk and lower extremity exercise to increase in TrA/IO, Gmax, and Gmed muscle activity. Additionally, the ascending phase activates RF muscle in individuals with CLBP.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common health problem among female caregivers. In Korea, 70.4% of caregivers experience LBP after caregiving. The prevalence of LBP was higher in female caregivers of patients who required physical assistance with transfer than in those caring for patients who did not require physical assistance. Lifting movements, such as patient transfer and positioning, are associated with lumbopelvic stability (LPS) and knee muscle strength. However, no studies have investigated the differences in LPS and knee muscle strength between female caregivers with and without CLBP. Objects: This study was conducted to investigate the differences of the LPS, knee extension strength (KES) and knee flexion strength (KFS) between female caregivers with and without CLBP. Methods: Thirty-one female caregivers participated in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: (1) caregivers without CLBP (n = 13) and (2) caregivers with CLBP (n = 18). LPS, KES, and KFS levels were measured. An independent t-test was used to compare the LPS, KES, and KFS between caregivers with and without CLBP. The statistical significance was set at α of 0.05. Results: The LPS and KES scores were significantly lower in caregivers with CLBP than those without. In contrast, the KFS did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: This study observed associations of both LPS and KES with CLBP among female caregivers.

Background: Stroke often results in impaired postural control and asymmetric weight distribution, which negatively affect balance and functional mobility. Previous research has demonstrated that balance training interventions incorporating proprioceptive stimulation and visual feedback can enhance postural stability in stroke survivors. However, there remains debate regarding the relative effectiveness of these two approaches. While proprioception-based training emphasizes sensory input from mechanoreceptors to improve postural control, visual feedback-based training leverages external cues to facilitate balance adjustments. Objectives: To investigation the effects of proprioception-based trunk exercise and visual-auditory feedback-based trunk exercise on sitting balance in patients with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 24 participants diagnosed with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to two groups: the proprioception-based trunk exercise group (PTG, n=10) and the visual-auditory feedback-based trunk exercise group (VTG, n=11). Both groups participated in a 6-week intervention program, five sessions per week, lasting 25 minutes per session. Outcome measures included the Limitation of Stability (LOS), the Korean version of the Trunk Impairment Scale (K-TIS), and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests to evaluate within-group and between-group differences. Results: Both PTG and VTG groups demonstrated significant improvements in LOS, K-TIS, and PASS scores following the intervention (P<.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the amount of change observed. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both proprioception-based and visualauditory feedback-based trunk exercises are effective in improving sitting balance in chronic stroke patients. The lack of a significant difference between the groups indicates that both approaches provide comparable benefits. Future research should explore long-term effects and investigate potential differences in various functional domains beyond sitting balance.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is very common disease. Strength exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise were used to improvement of function for CAI. Isokinetic strength and balance are related to functional movement of lower extremity. Objectives: The purpose was to analyze the effect of muscle strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise on isokinetic strength and balance in young adults with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults with CAI. The subjects randomly divided into three groups: strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise. They performed each exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. They measured isokinetic strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec, static and dynamic balance before and after exercise. Results: The isokinetic strengths of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were significantly higher in the strengthening exercise group than in the balance exercise group. The static and dynamic balance was significantly higher in the balance exercise group than in other two groups. Conclusion: Strengthening exercise, balance exercise, proprioceptive exercise can improve the muscle strength for CAI. Strengthening exercise and balance exercise can more improve balance than proprioceptive exercise for CAI.

Background: For patients with neck pain, a taping method has been used to promote thoracic spine extension. To induce thoracic spine extension without back pain, a neutral lumbo-pelvic position must be established. The spiral trunk taping method can induce a neutral lumbo-pelvic position and thoracic spine extension. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of spiral trunk taping in inducing thoracic spine extension and neutral lumbo-pelvic position in patients with neck pain. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty patients with neck pain were randomly assigned to groups. The experimental group received spiral trunk taping and the control group received sham taping. The resting position visual analogue scale (VAS) and VAS during painful movement were measured and compared pre and post treatment. Results: Significant within-subjects changes were resting position VAS (F=59.823, P=0.001) and VAS during painful movement (F=76.128, P=0.001). Significant between-subject changes were resting position VAS (F=10.402, P=0.003) and VAS during painful movement (F=7.657, P=0.01). Conclusion: Spiral trunk taping, which can induce thoracic spine extension and a neutral lumbo-pelvic position, was effective for neck pain. This study demonstrates the potential of a systemic taping approach in the management of neck pain, and provides important clues for future clinical applications.

Background: In Taekwondo athletes, ankle sprain is the most common risk factor for injury. Repeated ankle injuries lead to weakness and imbalance of the ankle muscles, resulting in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Both the ankle and toe muscles contribute to the inversion and eversion of the foot at the subtalar joint. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the ankle and toe joint positions when measuring ankle invertor and evertor strength. Objects: This study aimed to compare the muscle strength and ratio differences of the ankle invertor and evertor muscles in both the toe and ankle positions between the CAI and uninjured sides in Taekwondo athletes. Methods: Fifteen Taekwondo athletes participated in this study. The isometric strengths of both the ankle invertor and evertor were determined in different ankle and toe positions (dorsiflexion with toe extension, dorsiflexion with toe flexion, plantarflexion with toe extension, and plantarflexion with toe flexion). Paired t-tests were used to determine the differences between the ankle invertor and evertor in strength and ratio according to toe and ankle positions between the ankle CAI side and the uninjured side. Results: The results demonstrated that ankle evertor strength significantly decreased in all ankle and toe positions on the CAI side (p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences were observed in the ratios of the ankle invertor and evertor strengths in the dorsiflexion with toe flexion, plantarflexion with toe extension, and plantarflexion with toe flexion positions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that athletes, trainers, and clinicians should consider ankle and toe positions when measuring invertor and evertor strength and develop ankle rehabilitation protocols for Taekwondo athletes with CAI.

Background: Most patients with chronic stroke have difficulty walking, and various exercise methods are used clinically to improve the disability. Among them, various methods are being applied to improve walking through torso movement. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Maitland vertebra joint mobilization exercise and Evjenth trunk muscle stretching exercise on the walking ability of patients with hemiparesis due to chronic stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: In this study, 30 chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia were divided into 15 patients in the Maitland vertebra joint mobilization group (MVJMG) and 15 in the Evjenth trunk muscle stretching exercise group (ETMSEG), and the intervention was conducted for 3 weeks, 5 times a week, 30 minutes a day. After the intervention, walking ability was measured using a gait analyzer. Results: In terms of walking ability, there was a significant increase in walking rate, walking speed, and stride length following the intervention in both the MVJMG and ETMSEG groups (P<.05). When comparing the difference in walking ability between the two groups, there was no significant difference in walking rate. Conclusion: The study found that both Maitland vertebra joint mobilization and Evjenth trunk muscle stretching exercises were effective for improving walking function in chronic stroke patients. However, there was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two interventions.

현대사회에서 스트레스와 긴장감은 피할 수 없는 요인이다. 다양한 피부질환은 스트레스를 일 으키는 중요한 요인으로 언급되고 있다. 피부질환을 가진 환자들은 수면상태가 원활하지 않아 전반적으로 수면 효율이 낮다. 또한 피부질환으로 인해 심리적 스트레스 수치가 높아지고, 이와 같은 과정은 반복적으 로 발생하고 있다. 피부질환과 스트레스는 상호적으로 연관되어 있으며, psychodematology에 대한 연구가 증가하고 있다. 이에 본 연구에서는 피부질환을 저하 시킬 수 있는 호박, 작약, 타트체리 복합물을 활용하 여 피부 각질 형성 세포에서 스트레스로 인한 만성 피부질환을 개선할 수 있는 소재를 개발하고 효능을 입 증하고자 하였다. HaCaT 각질형성세포에 복합 추출물은 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL 농도 의존적으로 TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDC, TARC 발현량이 저해되었으며 특히 IL-1β의 경우, 100 μg/mL의 농도 에서 40% 이상 저해하는 우수한 효능을 확인하였다. 또한 AQP-3, HA, filaggrin의 생성량 농도 의존적으 로 유의미한 증가를 보이며 TNF-α/IFN-γ로 증가된 p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38의 단백질 발현은 복합 추 출물의 처리로 유의하게 감소시 키는 것으로 나타났다. 이를 통하여 해당 복합 추출물은 피부질환을 치료 및 예방할 수 있는 소재로서 활용가치가 있는 것으로 판단되며, 이는 피부질환과 스트레스 간의 상호 관계 의 악영향을 낮춰 줄 것으로 판단된다.

만성췌장염은 췌장암 발생의 위험인자 중 하나로, 췌장암 감시가 주목을 받고 있다. 유전자 변이 여부에 따라 유전성 만성췌장염과 산발성 만성췌장염으로 분류할 수 있다. PRSS1 변이 유전성 만성췌장염의 경우 췌장암 발생 위험이 매우 높아 40세 이후 선별 검사 및 추적 감시가 필요하다. 그 외의 유전성 만성췌장염 및 산발성 만성췌장염에서 췌장암의 발생률은 상대적으로 낮아 선별 검사 및 추적 감시를 권고하지 않는다. 췌장암 선별검사의 방법으로 복부컴퓨터단층촬영 또는 췌장자기공명영상이 적합하다. 내시경초음파는 췌장실질의 염증, 섬유화 및 석회화로 인하여 권유하지 않는다. 산발성 만성췌장염에서도 다양한 췌장암 위험인자가 동반되는 경우 췌장암의 발생 빈도가 상당히 증가하고 만성췌장염 진단 후 5년 동안은 췌장암 발생률이 지속적으로 높아 환자의 증상 및 개별적 상황에 따른 췌장암 선별 검사 시행 및 추적 감시를 고려할 수 있다. 만성췌장염은 영양실조 발생이 높으므로 관심, 영양상태 평가 및 적극적인 영양요법이 필요하다. 필수 영양소 공급뿐만 아니라 미량영양소 공급을 놓치지 않도록 한다. 그리고 만성췌장염 환자에서 골다공증 또는 골감소증의 위험이 높음을 인지하고 이의 진단, 예방 및 치료에 관심을 둘 필요가 있다. 각 기관의 영양지원팀에 의뢰하여 적극적으로 영양요법을 시행하는 것도 도움이 되겠다.

Background: Various treatments are being tried for lumbar neuropathy. Among them, neural mobilization aims to reduce peripheral nerve sensitivity by stimulating them directly. Similarly, applying kinesiotape stimulates skin and joint receptors around the nerves, thereby affecting nerve function and movement. Objectives: To investigated the effect of low back pain on the neural mobilization and kinesiotaping. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty patients with chronic low back pain were randomly allocated to three groups: the neural mobilization exercise with kinesiotaping group (NEKTG, n=10), the neural mobilization exercise group (NEG, n=10), and the kinesiotaping group (KTG, n=10). Each group performed six intervention sessions over two weeks. The results were analyzed by measuring the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and straight leg raise (SLR) before and after the intervention in each group. Results: NEKTG, NEG, and KTG all indicated a significant decrease in the back pain index before and after the intervention. However, there were no differences observed between the three groups. The SLR angles before the experiment were identical across the three groups. The SLR angles before and after the intervention were as follows: the SLR angle significantly increased in NEKTG. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the SLR angle in NEKTG compared to both NEG and KTG. Conclusion: Neural mobilization combined with kinesiotaping provided better therapeutic effects regarding pain reduction and neurodynamic improvement compared to alone kinesiotaping and mobilization with chronic low back pain.

Background: Chronic back pain not only causes physical discomfort and decreased functionality but also affects emotional well-being, resulting in feelings of anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Studies have indicated that cognitive functional therapy and motor control exercises can alleviate chronic low back pain and associated psychological issues. Objectives: To investigated the effect of chronic low back pain on the cognitive functional therapy (CFT) and motor control exercises (MCE). Design: Quaxi-experimental study. Methods: Forty patients with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned and divided into 20 cognitive functional therapy group with motor control exercises group (CFTMG) and 20 patients in motor control exercises group (MCEG). After applying CFT with motor control exercises and motor control exercises for 8 weeks, changes in numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) were observed. Results: In the CFTMG, statistically significant changes were observed in NPRS, ODI, and FABQ before and after the intervention. In the MCEG, statistically significant changes were observed in VAS and ODI before and after the intervention. Conclusion: The application of CFTM and MCE in patients suffering from chronic low back pain has demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating pain, enhancing back function, and reducing kinesiophobia associated with the condition.

Background: Ankle sprains occur frequently among humans who undertake various body movements. Diverse walking environments and dual tasks, that can affect ankle sprains, have been studied. However, there is a lack of research on inter-trial variability according to the changes in gait speed. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the adaptive ability of walking between the subjects with chronic ankle instability and healthy adults while performing a walking task with different walking speeds. Methods: In this study, 24 people in the chronic ankle instability group and 24 people in the healthy ankle group were selected as subjects. The length of the pre-measurement and the actual walking measurement were both set to 4.6 m. Once the subjects entered the measurement section, they changed their gait speed according to the randomly assigned speed change. Gait was measured twice and the average value was used for the analysis. Results: The coefficient of variation (CV) of cycle time in subjects with chronic ankle instability showed a significant difference in all cases except when the subjects changed their speed from preferred to slow and from slow to preferred. The CV of step length demonstrated a significant difference in all cases except for the change from slow to preferred and from preferred to fast. The cycle time and step length differential showed a significant difference only when the subjects changed the speed from slow to fast. Conclusion: The subjects with chronic ankle instability were found to have significantly reduced walking adaptability while performing inter-trial variability tasks with different gait speeds compared to healthy subjects.

Potentillae Chinensis Herba 추출물의 항산화 효능 평가를 위해 DPPH 자유라디칼 소거 활성 과 ABTS 양이온 라디칼 활성 평가를 시행하였다. 세포 실험에서 항염증 평가를 위해 호흡기 점막 상피세 포 NCI,H292와 RAW264.7 세포 대상으로 항염증 효능을 평가하였다. 그 결과, DPPH 자유라디칼 소거 활성과 ABTS 양이온 라디칼 활성 모두 농도 의존적으로 항산화 활성이 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 세포 MTT 분석 결과, 각 농도 100 μg/ml로 처리한 경우 NCI-H292 세포의 생존율이 70% 미만으로 감소하 였고, 이후 실험은 50 μg/ml로 진행하였다. 항염증 효능 평가에서는 NO생성, TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE2가 감소하였고, COX-2도 50 μg/ml에서 유의하게 감소하였다. Potentillae Chinensis Herba 추출물과 생물 전환 추출물의 뮤신 단백질 발현은 MUC5AC 발현이 유의하게 감소하는 것으로 관찰되었다. 이상의 결과 는 Potentillae Chinensis Herba의 호흡기 점액 단백질 발현을 도와 염증을 억제하는 기능성 소재로 활용하 는데 가치가 있음을 알 수 있다.

본 연구는 일회성 발목가동성 운동프로그램이 만성적인 발목불안정성(CAI)에 나타나는 발목가 동범위와 통증 수준에 미치는 영향을 확인하는데 목적이 있다. 연구 대상자는 발목불안정성 설문지 검사에 서 좌, 우측 평균 점수가 24점 이하인 성인여성 20명을 선정 하였으며 집단은 일회성 발목 가동성 운동프 로그램 집단(Ankle mobility exercise program, AE, n=10)과 대조군(CON, n=10)으로 구분하였다. AE 처 치는 일회성 운동에 대한 반응을 확인하기 위해 좌·우측 발목을 각각 1회(20분) 실시하였으며 처치 전후 발목불안정성 검사, 통증 및 발목가동범위를 확인하였다. 먼저 AE 프로그램을 실시한 AE 집단의 통증 수 준은 사전과 비교하여 사후 유의하게 감소하는 것으로 나타났다(p<.01). 또한 AE 프로그램 처치한 AE 집 단에서 배측굴곡이 사전과 비교하여 증가하는 것으로 나타났다(p<.05). 이러한 결과를 종합해 보면 일회성 발목 가동성 운동 프로그램은 CAI에서 나타나는 발목 통증과 발목의 가동범위를 개선시켜 결과적으로 발 목 불안정성을 완화시킬 수 있는 효과적인 운동 중재 방법이라고 생각된다.

본 연구는 만성질환으로 외래서비스를 이용하는 환자를 대상으로 의 료기관 유형별 의료서비스 이용 경험을 조사하고, 만성질환자의 건강 결과를 실증적으로 비교 분석하여, 만성질환 관리의 효과적인 중재방안 마련에 기초자료를 제공하고자 시도되었다. 본 연구의 자료수집은 2023년 7월 1일부터 7월 31일까지 고혈압과 당뇨병 진단으로 보건소 와 의원, 종합병원의 외래서비스를 이용하고 있는 대상자 167명에게 면담을 통한 구조화된 설문지를 작성하여 자료를 수집하였고, 수집된 자료는 SPSS 통계프로그램을 이용하여 분석하였다. 연구 결과 고령의 취약계층은 의료기관 중 의원을 가장 많이 이용하고 있었고, 의료기관 유형별 이용경험의 결과는 의원이 가장 부정적이었다. 그러나 만성질환 관련 건강 결과는 의료기관 유형별로 유의한 차이가 없었다. 그러므로 보건소는 특히 취약계층 환자들의 보건의료 요구를 중시하고 공공보건 서비스를 효율적으로 제공해야 하며, 의원의 만성질환 관리 역량의 강 화를 위한 다양한 중재 방안 마련과 함께 국가 시범사업의 적극적 참 여를 유도할 수 있는 정책이 수립되어야 할 것이다.

Background: Pain neuroscience education (PNE) combined with exercise and mobilisation with cognitive goals presented decreases in pain and disability and an increase in spinal function compared to physiotherapy intervention in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Objectives: To investigated the effect of forward head posture (FHP) with chronic neck pain on the PNE combined with cervical and thoracic mobilization. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were randomly allocated to the MDT with PNE group (MPNEG, n=15) and the PNE group (PNEG, n=15). Pain neuroscience education was provided to both groups, and MDT exercise was additionally performed in the experimental group. Training was conducted 3 times a week for 8 weeks, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and numeric rating scale (NRS) were used to measure the level of back pain dysfunction, and each was evaluated before and after the experiment. Results: Results from the study indicated that statistically significant decrease in NRS and ODI in MPNEG. In PNEG, there was statistically significant decrease in NRS. And in MPMES, there was a statistically significant decrease in ODI than in PNEG. Conclusion: The MDT combined with PNE is more effective than PNE alone as a treatment method for improving lumbar dysfunction and reducing pain in chronic low back pain.

Background: As ways to optimize the mobilization of postural stability muscles for sitting up motions, arm reaching motions and head raising motions have important effects. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of reaching to sit-up training on the trunk muscle activity, postural ability, and balance ability of patients with hemiplegia due to stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study was conducted with 18 stroke patients who met the selection criteria divided into two groups: a study group of 9 patents and a control group of 9 patients. The study group carried out reaching to sit-up training, which can promote trunk muscles and improve control through trunk interactions. The control group received general physical therapy intervention Results: The activity of the trunk muscle was significantly different before and after intervention in study and control group. The functional reaching test showed significant changes in both the study group and the control group. The timed up and go test showed a significant change in the study group. Conclusion: Reaching to sit-up training for 4 weeks showed increases in trunk muscle activity in stroke patients and was effective in improving balance ability.

Background: ErigoPro enables acute stroke patients to carry out stable weight-bearing training with gradual verticalization. Study on the effectiveness of robotic assisted treatment equipment for chronic patients is insufficient. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of dynamic vertical posture training using ErigoPro on trunk alignment and balance in chronic stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects of this study were 30 patients were randomly assigned to a study group of 15 patients and a control group of 15 patients. The study intervention was carried out for 50 minutes per day consisting of 30 minutes of general neuro-physiotherapy and 20 minutes of ErogoPro training, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Results: The study group showed difference in trunk inclination (P<.05), kyphotic angle (P<.05), lateral deviation of the spine (P<.05), thoracic angle (P<.01), timed up and go test (P<.01), Berg balance score (P<.01). There was a significant difference between the groups in the trunk inclination (P<.05), timed up and go test (P<.01), Berg balance score (P<.05). Conclusion: It could be seen that the treatment combined with ErigoPro training for 8 weeks was effective in restoring trunk alignment and improving balance ability in chronic stroke patients.

목적 : 본 연구는 몰입형 가상현실과 비몰입형 가상현실 두 가지 형태의 가상현실 기기를 이용한 중재가 만성 뇌졸중 환자의 상지기능 향상에 미치는 효과를 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 연구 대상은 뇌졸중 발병 후 6개월 이상인 편마비 환자 3명이었다. 연구설계는 단일대상실험연 구(single-subject research design)인 AB 디자인과 교차 연구설계(alternating design)를 사용하였 다. 중재효과를 측정하기 위한 상지기능 평가는 Box and Block Test와 Fugl-Myer Assessment를 사 용하였고, 연구진행은 기초선 4회, 중재 기간 16회를 포함하여 총 20회기를 진행하였다. 연구결과는 시 각적 그래프와 2SD 구간을 설정하여 분석하였다. 결과 : 연구결과는 비몰입형과 몰입형 가상현실 중재법 모두 기초선과 비교하여 Box and Block Test, Fugl-Myer Assessment 점수가 확연히 증가하였다. 그러나 비몰입형 가상현실 중재와 몰입형 가상현 실 중재 간의 의미있는 차이는 발견할 수 없었다. 결론 : 본 연구는 몰입형 가상현실을 이용한 중재가 비몰입형 가상현실을 이용한 중재와 같이 만성 뇌졸중 대상자의 상지기능 향상에 긍정적인 효과를 줄 수 있다는 것을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과는 만성 뇌졸중 대상자들의 상지기능 향상을 목표로 하는 임상현장에서 가상현실 중재와 연구에 유용한 자료가 될 것이 라 사료된다.