Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, including fatal outcomes. This study aims to review gustatory and salivary secretion dysfunctions and determine their potential pathogenic mechanisms. Gustatory impairment and salivary dysfunction are prevalent among patients with acute COVID-19 and those recovering from the disease. The mouth serves as a critical entry route for SARS-CoV-2. The cells within the oral epithelium, taste buds, and minor and major salivary glands express key entry factors for SARS-CoV-2, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin. The co-occurrence of gustatory and salivary secretion dysfunctions possibly has pathogenetic association with the following factors: the expression of SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry receptors in the taste buds and salivary glands and SARS-CoV-2–induced zinc deficiency, which is crucial for normal taste perception and saliva secretion. Furthermore, the cytokine storm triggered by COVID-19 contributes to secondary damage affecting gustatory and salivary functions.

본 연구는 중국 노인 고혈압 환자를 대상으로 서예 활동을 통해 정신건강과 생활만족도에 미치는 영향을 검증하였다. 분 석은 IBM SPSS Statistics 25를 이용하였다. 먼저 실험 전 실 험군과 대조군의 차이를 살펴보기 위해 독립 표본 t-검증을 실 시하였다. 다음으로, 실험 후 실험군과 대조군의 차이를 살펴보 기위해 독립 표본 t-test를 실시하였다. 검증결과 서예 활동은 노년층 고혈압에 정적인의 영향을 미치고, 노년층 고혈압 환자 는 서예 활동을 통해 우울증, 스트레스, 삶의 만족도에 정적의 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 서예 활동의 영향을 이해하기 위한 이론적 근거를 제공할 뿐만 아니라 고령 고혈압 환자에게 여가 활동을 위한 방법을 제공할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 아울러 이번 연구를 통해서 서예활동이 노년층 고 혈압 환자의 우울증 완화, 삶의 스트레스 완화, 삶의 만족도 등 구조적 관계를 확인시켜 정성적 연구의 단점을 보완하고자 하 였다. 더불어 서예 활동의 역할을 이해하면 고혈압 환자의 노 년 생활에 의미 있는 여가 활동을 제공하고 더 많은 고혈압 환 자가 심리적 스트레스를 완화하는 데 도움이 될 수 있을 것이 라 사료된다.

The rapid spread of novel infectious diseases, driven by globalization and transportation, has caused significant global damage. This study aimed to deeply explore the meaning of nursing experiences from nurses who performed holistic care for COVID-19 patients. Methods: Nurses from a tertiary hospital's COVID-19 isolation ward from January 1 to March 31, 2021, were included. Data were collected through 1:1 in-depth interviews with 17 nurses who understood the research purpose and agreed to participate. The transcribed interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes and 13 sub-themes were derived from 47 codes. The five themes included 'The beginning of new nursing,' 'New nursing while wearing personal protective equipment,' 'End-of-life care for patients,' 'Fruitfulness of nursing for COVID-19 patients,' and 'Demands for better nursing.' Conclusion: Nurses provided holistic and high-complexity nursing care to COVID-19 patients, experienced personal growth, and recognized the importance of colleagues. The unique context of 'isolation' for COVID-19 patients has resulted in profound end-of-life care experiences for nurses, highlighting the demand for support programs to address this issue. Furthermore, it shows the necessity for staffing support tailored to patient care.

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.

Background: Treadmill training is an effective intervention method for improving the walking ability of stroke patients, and taping is effective for stabilizing joints. However, taping interventions have not been implemented during treadmill training. Objectives: To examine whether treadmill training with an elastic tape or treadmill training with a non-elastic tape could be more effective in stroke patients. Design: A single blinded, randomized, controlled, comparative study. Methods: 22 stroke patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the elastic group (treadmill gait training with ankle elastic tape on the paretic side) or the non-elastic group (treadmill gait training with non-elastic tape on the paretic side). All participants performed 60 min of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy and treadmill training with an elastic tape or non-elastic tape for 20 min. Results: 10-meter walk test and timed up-and-go test results after training differed significantly from baseline in both groups (P<.05), but significantly larger gains were observed in the elastic group (10-meter walk test, -17.1%; timed up-and-go test, -18.49%; P<.05, respectively). Conclusion: Treadmill gait training with elastic tape on the affected ankle joint might be more effective at improving the walking and balancing abilities of stroke patients.

This study aims to enhance the accuracy of severity classification by examining the usage patterns and characteristics of emergency department visits. It focuses on adult and elderly patients who visited a public hospital in Seoul. This descriptive study retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who visited the emergency department of a public hospital between November and December 2023. The total number of participants was 1,033, with 46.4% (n=479) being elderly and 53.6% (n=554) being adults. The chief complaints of the participants were as follows: for the elderly, nervous system symptoms at 8.2% (n=85) and digestive symptoms at 7.5% (n=77) were the most common, while for adults, gastrointestinal symptoms at 11.0% (n=114) and trauma at 8.6% (n=89) were more prevalent. In the case of the elderly, patients classified as urgent accounted for the highest percentage at 23.9% (n=247), while for adults, non-emergency were more prevalent at 32.2% (n=333). The initial severity classification error rate for elderly patients in the urgent was 3.8%, indicating that the suitability of KTAS for elderly patients with high severity was low. To minimize severity classification errors and enhance KTAS accuracy, it's essential to address its current limitation of only classifying adults and children separately by developing a KTAS classification system that reflects the diverse characteristics of elderly patients.

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 뇌졸중 환자들을 대상으로 사회연결망 분석을 활용하여 일상에서 수행되는 작업의 연결망 구조를 분석하는 것이다. 연구방법: 본 연구의 대상은 뇌졸중 환자 40명이다. 작업연결망의 구조 분석은 사회연결망 분석을 기반으로, 네트워크 분포와 중심성, 그리고 응집구조에 대한 분석이 수행되었다. 작업수행은 대상자들이 일상생활 활동 중에서 가장 만족한 활동으로 설정하였고, 통계청 생활시간조사의 일상생활 활동수행의 45문항을 활용하여 조사되었다. 활동에 대한 강도는 10점 척도로 평정하도록 하였고, 연결망의 강도로 분석하였다. 결과: 연결정도 중심성, 매개 중심성, 위세중심성이 높은 활동은 personal health care로 나타났다. 응집구조 분석결과 작업연결망은 3개의 하위 커뮤니티로 구성되었다. 결론: 본 연구의 결과는 뇌졸중 환자들의 작업연결망의 구조를 관계형태로 이해하는 데 가치와 의미를 지니며, 작업수행의 관계와 패턴에 대한 지식적 체계를 제공한다. 게다가, 본 연구의 결과는 임상적으로 치료적 접근과 중재, 교육의 과정에서 작업을 활용하고, 연계하여 확장하는 데 중요한 통찰력을 제공한다. 이에, 본 연구의 결과는 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 중재계획을 수립하고 목표를 설정하는 데 중요한 지침으로 활용될 수 있다.

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 척수손상 환자들의 작업수행들이 형성하고 있는 연결망의 관계 수준이 회복탄력성 간의 관련성을 분석하는 데 있다. 방법: 연구대상은 척수손상환자 17명이다. 작업수행들이 형성하고 있는 연결망의 관계 수준이 사회연결망 분석을 활용하여 분석하였으며, 연결정도 중심성과 매개 중심성, 위세 중심성을 분석하였다. 사회연결망 분석에 있어서 작업연결망에 대한 강도는 만족도로 설정하여 분석하였다. 작업수행에 대한 조사는 통계청 생활시간조사에서 제시하고 있는 일상생활활동 항목목록을 활용하여 조사하였으며, 대상자들에게 의미 있는 작업수행 항목을 선택할 수 있도록 하였다. 회복탄력성은 Korean ver. of Connor-Davison Resilience Scale (K-CD-RISC)을 활용하여 분석하였다. 결과: 그 결과 작업연결망의 강도 중 연결정도 중심성과 위세 중심성과 회복탄력성 간의 정적 상관관계가 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 작업수행에 있어서 연결정도 중심성과 위세 중심성의 수준이 높아질 수록 회복탄력성 의 수준이 높아지는 것으로 설명된다. 결론: 척수손상 환자들의 회복탄력성을 향상시키기 위해서 작업수행에 대한 연결정도 중심성과 위세중심성의 강도를 고려해야 할 것이며, 이러한 활동을 중심으로 치료적 중재의 목표와 계획이 수립되어야 할 것이다.

Background: Mobilization with movement (MWM) is an effective intervention for increasing range of motion (ROM) and function without pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively characterize the functional effects of MWM applied to the ankle joint in patients with stroke. Design: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Methods: International electronic databases, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google scholar were included and identified after review by two investigators in July 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were synthesized using software provided by Cochran and analyzed using a random effects model with reweighting to account for heterogeneity between participants. Results: After excluding duplicate studies, 14 of the 19 articles screened through the abstracts were excluded, resulting in a total of five studies involving 109 participants with stroke. MWM showed significant differences in ankle ROM [overall effect (Z=3.27, P=0.00)], gait speed [overall effect (Z=3.33, P=0.00)], and cadence [overall effect (Z=2.49, P=0.01)]. Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis confirmed that MWM is effective in improving ankle ROM and gait parameters in patients with stroke.

Background: The forward head posture acts as a factor that can cause various neurovascular and musculoskeletal dysfunctions. But searching for a study on quality of life for patient with forward head posture was challenging. Therefore, this study aims to find the factors that most affect the quality of life in patients with forward head posture. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA), neck disability index (NDI), pain, and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) thickness of patients with forward head posture and the quality of life of the patients and to figure out important factors that affect the quality of life of the patients with forward head posture. Design: Cress-sectional study. Methods: To measure the CVA, the angle at which the visible protrusion of C7 and the ear bead were connected was measured, and the neck disorder index was evaluated using the Korean version of NDI. The degree of pain of the subject was measured using a visual-analog scale (VAS). The SCM thickness was measured using an ultrasound imaging device, and the quality of life was evaluated using the Korean version of the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQL-BREF). Results: A significant predictive model showing 88% explanatory power for the dependent variable was confirmed, with an appropriate regression equation being found. The factor that most affected patients' quality of life in the forward head posture was confirmed by the SCM thickness. Conclusion: When applying an intervention to improve a patient's quality of life for patient with forward head posture, an intervention method that improves the SCM thickness should be recommended.

Background: Among the various rehabilitation methods for stroke patients, one method involves the use of vibration. Recently, vibration foam rollers, combining vibration with foam rolling, have been developed and are widely used. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vibration foam rolling on ankle range of motion (ROM), and gait speed in patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty stroke patients volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to the vibrating foam roller group (n=15) and the non-vibrating foam roller group (n=15). Active dorsiflexion ROM, and 10-meter walk (10MW) were used to evaluate ankle ROM, and gait speed before and after each exercise. The two groups performed a 30-minute foam roller exercise program. The non-vibrating foam roller group performed the same exercise program as the vibrating foam roller group, but without vibration. Results: The within-group change in active dorsiflexion ROM after the exercise was significant for both the vibrating foam roller group and the non-vibrating foam roller group (P<.05). The within-group change in 10MW after the exercise was significant for the vibrating foam roller group (P<.05), while it was not significant for the non-vibrating foam roller group (P>.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in active dorsiflexion ROM and 10MW between the vibrating foam roller group and the non-vibrating foam roller group (P>.05). Conclusion: This study confirmed that a vibrating foam roller exercise program immediately improves ankle ROM and gait speed in stroke patients.

Background: Interventions for acute low back pain include exercise therapy such as stretching, aerobic exercise, and sling exercise. Another treatment method for back pain is soft tissue release. Soft tissue release is a relaxation method that improves balance while allowing tension tissues to relax as much as possible. Objectives: To investigated the effect of acute low back pain on the massage ball exercise. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The twenty-eight subjects were randomly allocated to the Massage ball exercise with TENS group (MBETG, n=14) and the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (TG, n=14). For MBETG, massage ball exercise (BALLance Dr. Tanja Kühne method) was applied for 25 minutes followed by TENS for 15 minutes. The TG group applied TENS for 40 minutes. Each group conducted the intervention three sessions. The results were analyzed by measuring the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), surface electromyography (%MVIC), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before and after the intervention in each group. Results: Significant reduction was observed for NPRS and ODI in the MBETG (P<.05). And Significant higher was observed for %MVIC of the Erector spinae in the MBETG (P<.05). The NPRS and ODI in the MBETG were decreaed than the TG (P<.05). Conclusion: Massage ball exercise to patients with acute back pain will be effective in reducing pain, increasing muscle activity, and improving functional disability.

Background: Kinesio taping is being applied to improve ankle dorsiflexion in stroke patients. Currently, the elasticity of kinesio taping is applied in various ways. Objectives: To investigated the effect of tibialis anterior kinesio taping elasticity level on gait speed in stroke patients. Design: A randomized cross-over pilot study. Methods: A total of 12 study subjects were allowed to experience three conditions within a single group. The three conditions are strong elastic taping condition, weak elastic taping condition, and non-elastic taping condition. Study subjects were randomly assigned to each condition sequentially. For the evaluation, gait variables (cadence, gait speed, stride length) were measured 24 hours after applying the taping appropriate for each condition. Results: The strong elastic taping condition significantly increased gait variables compared to the weak elastic taping and non-elastic taping conditions (P<.05). Weak elastic taping significantly increased gait variables compared to non-elastic taping (P<.05). Conclusion: As tibialis anterior kinesio taping elasticity increased, gait variables significantly improved in stroke patients.

Background: Most studies targeting stroke patients have confirmed improvements in balance and walking using immersive and non-immersive virtual reality training programs. However, to date, there are not many studies targeting brain activation enhancement for the two training programs. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a virtual reality training program on the EEG of stroke patients according to differences in immersion. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 20 stroke patients, with 10 in an immersive virtual reality training programs group (IVRG) and 10 in a non-virtual reality training programs group (NVRG) were randomly assigned to exercise three times a week for 6 weeks. EEG was measured for 2 minutes using DSI-24. Results: The intra-group difference in relative alpha waves of brain waves was not significant for both groups, and the between-group difference was not significant. Differences in EEG relative beta waves in the experiment group were significant in the Fp1, Fp2, Cz, C3, C4, P3, and O2 in the experiment group, and significant in the Cz and O2 in the control group. As a result of comparing the differences between each group before and after, there was a significant difference in the Fp1 area. Conclusion: Virtual reality training programs based on differences in immersion were found to have a positive effect on EEG. Therefore, it is believed that a virtual reality training program based on differences in immersion can be provided as a clinical intervention method for EEG.

Background: Hemiparesis not only affects the affected side but also exerts an impact on the unaffected side. Stroke patients endure muscular weakness attributable to hemiparesis, resulting in asymmetry of muscular strength between the paralyzed and non-paralyzed sides. Objectives: To investigate the correlation between lower limb muscle strength asymmetry and functional factors in patients with stroke. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 58 stroke patients participated in this study. After measuring the muscle strength of both lower limbs using manual muscle testing, the asymmetry was calculated. Functional factors such as berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go (TUG), 10-metre walk (10MW), and modified barthel index (MBI) were measured. Results: The BBS showed positive correlations with hip, knee, and ankle strength asymmetry (P<.05). The TUG showed negative correlations with hip, knee, and ankle strength asymmetry (P<.05). The 10MW showed negative correlations with hip, knee, and ankle strength asymmetry (P<.05). The MBI showed positive correlations only with hip strength asymmetry (P<.05). Conclusion: We were found that there is a more pronounced lower limb muscle strength asymmetry in the lower extremity of stroke patients, which is associated with BBS, TUG, and 10MW.

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: The compression therapy, which is the standard treatment for lymphedema patients, may be difficult to implement and contraindicated to some patients depending on their health condition. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether kinesiology taping (KT) can be used effectively and safely in the management of lymphedema as an alternative treatment through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: In February 2023, the literature was systematically collected through eight search engines with a combination of terms, ‘lymphedema’ and ‘kinesiology taping.’ We qualitatively analyzed the differences and safety of KT methods, and quantitatively meta-analyzed the effects of volume reduction in edema, range of motion (ROM), and pain improvement using Review Manager ver. 5. 4. To assess the risk of bias in the randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies, Risk of Bias was used. Results: A total of 616 articles searched and 20 studies were selected, including 12 RCTs and eight case studies. KT intervention could not replace multilayer compression bandage (MLB), but it demonstrated similar or better results compared to compression garment (CG), with reduced pain and improved intervention comfort. Studies reported skin adverse events ranging from 2.5% to 20.68%, with a total adverse event incidence of 7.7%. There was no significant difference in the application method of KT. As a result of the meta-analysis from the 8 RCTs, the KT intervention showed a mean difference (MD) of –7.18 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [–12.64 to –1.72] in the volume change of lymphedema, while the pain difference was MD 0.82 with CI 95% [0.50 to 1.15], in comparison to the MLB and CG intervention. Conclusion: KT therapy led to a reduction in edema size, volume, pain, and improved ROM and quality of life. KT may be a viable option for lymphedema patients who have trouble applying traditional compression therapies.

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.