Background: Child care center teachers are exposed to musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive movements at low heights due to the nature of their jobs. Self-myofascial release (SMFR) improves flexibility, pain, and functional performance. Pectoralis minor self-stretching (PMSS) improves muscle flexibility and postural alignment. PMSS has been commonly used to correct a rounded shoulder posture (RSP). Objectives: To examine the shoulder height, muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and muscle elasticity for women child care center teachers with RSP. Design: Randomized study. Methods: The participants were 20 women child care center teachers with RSP. They were randomly assigned two groups: SMFR group (n=10) and PMSS group (n=10). They performed each exercise for 20 min, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. They measured shoulder height, muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of upper trapezius before and after exercise. Results: In the shoulder height, there was no significant difference between two groups. There were significant decreases within both groups. In the muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, there was no significant difference between two groups and within two groups. Conclusion: SMFR using a hard massage ball and PMSS have a positive effect on posture correction for child care center teacher with RSP.

Background: Forward head posture affects many individuals and can cause pain and dysfunction in the muscles and joints of the head, neck, and shoulders. Objectives: This study aimed to assess muscle activity and onset time of cervical and scapular muscles during 180° shoulder flexion and abduction in individuals with normal head posture (NHP) and in those with forward head posture (FHP), both before and after correction. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirty-six individuals were divided into FHP and NHP groups. Muscle activity and muscle contraction onset time of the splenius capitis, sternocleidomastoid, upper middle and lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles were measured during shoulder flexion and abduction using wireless surface electromyography. Results: The FHP group exhibited increased muscle activity compared to the NHP group (P<.05), notably in the sternocleidomastoid and middle trapezius muscles, more so during shoulder abduction than flexion (P<.05). Regarding muscle contraction onset time, sternocleidomastoid onset was fastest during shoulder abduction in the FHP group (P<.05), while serratus anterior onset was slowest during both shoulder abduction and flexion (P<.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight distinct muscle activity and muscle contraction onset time patterns based on head posture and shoulder movement. Selective muscle activation strategies may help reduce heightened sternocleidomastoid and trapezius activity and enhance serratus anterior engagement in individuals with FHP.

거북목 자세는 현대인의 대표적인 자세 변형 문제로 신체적 및 정신적으로 다양한 문제를 야기하고 있으나 거북목 자세가 휴식시 불편함이나 주의력 분산 등에 미치는 영향은 잘 알려지지 않았다. 이에 본 연구에서는 휴식시의 뇌파 신호 분석을 통하여 거북목 자세가 뇌기능에 미치는 영향을 확인하고자 한다. 본 연구에는 33명의 컴퓨터 과사용자가 참여하였고 그들은 모두 컴퓨터 사용시 기능적 거북목 자세가 나타났다. 연구참여자는 정상자세와 거북목 자세를 번갈 아 수행하도록 하였고, 각 자세를 5분 동안 유지하는 동안 자극이 주어지지 않은 상태로 휴식시 뇌파를 측정하였다. 뇌파 는 32개의 채널에서 신호를 획득하였고, 주파수 분석을 통해 불편함이나 주의력에 밀접한 관련이 있다고 알려져 있는 델타파와 베타파에 대한 자세별 변화를 비교 분석하였다. 그 결과 거북목 자세에서는 정상자세 보다 9개의 채널에서 델타파의 유의한 감소를 보였고, 14개의 채널에서는 베타파의 유의한 증가를 보여주면서 거북목 자세가 휴식시 뇌기능에 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 변화는 심리적 불편감과 주의력 분산 상태에서 나타나는 변화와 일치하며 거북 목 자세의 근골격계 변화로 인해 증가된 불편함이 뇌활성에도 영향을 주기 때문으로 보인다. 이러한 결과는 자세 교정이 이루어진다면 휴식시 뇌기능과 심리 상태 개선에 도움이 될 수 있다는 것을 보여주는 중요한 결과로 평가될 수 있다.

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: There is a lack of research on sling neurac exercise interventions for craniovertebral angle (CVA), head rotation angle, range of motion (ROM), and neck postural alignment in adults with forward head posture Objectives: To investigate the Immediate effects of sling neurac exercise on craniosacral angulation, ROM, and neck postural alignment in adults with forward head posture. Design: Quaxi-experimental study. Methods: Fifty young adults in their 20s were divided into a sling neurac exercise group (SNEG) and a control group (CG). SNEG conducted sling neurac exercise intervention for one day, and CG did not implement intervention. Craniosacral angulation, ROM, and postural alignment before and after exercise was evaluated for each group. Results: In the sling neurac exercise group (SNEG), CVA, cranial rotation angle (CRA), ROM, and postural alignment improved significantly after intervention (all P<.01). There were no significant differences in the control group (CG) (all P>.05). After the intervention, there were significant differences between the groups in craniosacral angulation, ROM, and postural alignment (all P<.01). Conclusion: The Sling neurac exercise can significantly improve CVA, CRA, ROM, and postural alignment. Therefore, it is suggested to consider sling neurac exercise as an intervention.

Forward head posture (FHP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes neck pain. Several exercise interventions have been used in South Korea to improve craniovertebral angle (CVA) and relieve neck pain. There has been no domestic literature review study over the past 5 years that has investigated trends and effects of exercise intervention methods for CVA with neck pain. This domestic literature review aimed to evaluate the trends and effects of exercise interventions on CVA and neck pain in persons with FHP. A review of domestic literature published in Korean or English language between 2018 and 2022 was performed. Literature search was conducted on Google Scholar and Korea Citation Index by using the following keywords: “exercise,” “exercise therapy,” “exercise program,” “forward head posture,” and “neck pain.” Ten studies were included in this review. All of the studies showed positive improvements after intervention programs that included exercises. Notably, four of these studies demonstrated significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Among the 10 studies, nine measured visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale scores and reported significant reductions in pain following interventions, including exercise programs. Five of these studies showed significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Furthermore, six studies that used neck disability index exhibited a significant decrease in symptoms after implementing intervention programs that included exercise, and significant differences in results were found between the experimental and control groups. This domestic literature review provides consistent evidence to support the application of various exercise intervention programs to improve CVA and relieve neck pain from FHP. Further studies are warranted to review the effects of various exercise interventions on FHP reported not only in domestic but also in international literature.

Background: In modern society, the use of computers accounts for a large proportion of our daily lives. Although substantial research is being actively conducted on musculoskeletal diseases resulting from computer use, there has been a recent surge in interest in improving the working environment for prevention. Objects: This study aimed to examine the effects of posture correction feedback (PCF) on changes in neck posture and muscle activation during computer typing. Methods: The participants performed a computer typing task in two sessions, each lasting 16 minutes. The participant’s dominant side was photographed and analyzed using ImageJ software to verify neck posture. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to confirm the participant’s cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius muscle activities. The EMG signal was analyzed using the percentage of reference voluntary contraction and amplitude probability distribution function (APDF). In the second session, visual and auditory feedback for posture correction was provided if the neck was flexed by more than 15° in the initial position during computer typing. A 20-minute rest period was provided between the two sessions. Results: The neck angle (p = 0.014), CES muscle activity (p = 0.008), and APDF (p = 0.015) showed significant differences depending on the presence of the PCF. Furthermore, significant differences were observed regarding the CES muscle activity (p = 0.001) and APDF (p = 0.002) over time. Conclusion: Our study showed that the feedback system can correct poor posture and reduces unnecessary muscle activation during computer work. The improved neck posture and reduced CES muscle activity observed in this study suggest that neck pain can be prevented. Based on these results, we suggest that the PCF system can be used to prevent neck pain.

Background: Studies investigating the immediate effects of a single intervention to correct forward head posture are rare. Objects: This study aimed to compare the changes in treatment effects in patients with forward head posture and neck pain after manual and self-exercise therapy over a 1-hour period. Methods: Twenty-eight participants were randomly divided into manual and self-exercise therapy groups. Following the initial evaluation, manual or self-exercise therapy was applied to each group for 30 minutes each in the prone, supine, and sitting positions. The variables measured were the craniovertebral angle (CVA), stress level, pain level, and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) stiffness. After the intervention, re-evaluation was conducted immediately, 30 minutes later, and 1 hour later. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the maintenance of treatment effects between the two groups. Results: Based on the two-way mixed ANOVA variance, there was no interaction between the groups and time for all variables, and no main effects were found between the groups. However, a significant effect of time was observed (p < 0.05). Post hoc tests using Bonferroni's correction revealed that in both groups, the CVA, pain, and stress showed significant improvements immediately after the intervention compared with before the intervention, and these treatment effects were maintained for up to 1 hour after the treatment (p < 0.0083) in the manual therapy group. However, the stress level was maintained until 30 minutes later (p < 0.0083) in the self-exercise group. There was no significant decrease in right SCM stiffness before and after the intervention; however, left SCM stiffness significantly decreased after the self-exercise intervention (p < 0.0083). Conclusion: Both manual and self-exercise therapy for 30 minutes were effective in reducing forward head posture related to the CVA, pain, and stress levels. These effects persisted for at least 30 minutes.

Background: Office workers experience neck or back pain due to poor posture, such as flexed head and forward head posture, during long-term sedentary work. Posture correction is used to reduce pain caused by poor posture and ensures proper alignment of the body. Several assistive devices have been developed to assist in maintaining an ideal posture; however, there are limitations in practical use due to vast size, unproven long-term effects or inconsistency of maintaining posture alignment. We developed a headphone and necklace posture correction system (HANPCS) for posture correction using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor that provides visual or auditory feedback. Objects: To demonstrate the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of neck and upper trunk flexion measurements using a HANPCS, compared with a three-dimensional motion analysis system (3DMAS). Methods: Twenty-nine participants were included in this study. The HANPCS was applied to each participant. The angle for each action was measured simultaneously using the HANPCS and 3DMAS. The data were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = [3,3] with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The angular measurements of the HANPCS for neck and upper trunk flexions showed high intra- (ICC = 0.954–0.971) and inter-day (ICC = 0.865–0.937) values, standard error of measurement (SEM) values (1.05°–2.04°), and minimal detectable change (MDC) values (2.92°–5.65°). Also, the angular measurements between the HANPCS and 3DMAS had excellent ICC values (> 0.90) for all sessions, which indicates high concurrent validity. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the HANPCS is as accurate in measuring angle as the gold standard, 3DMAS. Therefore, the HANPCS is reliable and valid because of its angular measurement reliability and validity.

The DPRK had been upgrading its nuclear weapons capabilities from the past to the sixth nuclear test in 2017, and Kim Jong-un has been in power since the death of Kim Jong-il in 2011, striving to upgrade and diversify four nuclear tests and firing means. In 2022, in particular, DPRK launched more than 40 ballistic and cruise missiles and provoked them in various ways, such as developing solid rocket engines, flying fighter jets, and invading drones. In addition, reprocessing facility activities have been observed again since 2021 at the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Complex. Operational activities such as continuous activities of the 5MWe Yongbyon reactor and the additional construction of new buildings are observed. DPRK’s recent activities could result in nuclear weapons in all except conventional weapons provocations. DPRK has researched and developed nuclear weapons since the 1950s. It has been preparing to operate nuclear weapons, operating nuclear power, and modernizing nuclear power simultaneously. Given the number of nuclear weapons using DPRK’s nuclear materials and various means of missiles, an offensive transition is expected to enable restrictive deterrence strategies that can be used first use and on assured retaliation. In addition, based on the nuclear strategy, which is interpreted as Vipin Narang’s nuclear doctrine and nuclear posture, DPRK is also capable of assured retaliation and asymmetric escalation posture. In particular, considering the continuous activities of the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Complex, which has recently diversified the investment vehicle, and the delegation of nuclear weapon use, it is expected to move differently from the previous one based on the changed nuclear strategy. However, there are clear limitations to interpreting it as a completely assured retaliation and asymmetric expansion nuclear strategy. First, there is a lack of development of atmospheric reentry vehicles that can avoid ICBM interception for assured retaliation capabilities against the United States. Second, there are limitations in the open capacity of nuclear weapons due to the absence of SSBN capabilities. However, delegation to operations at strategy force suggests the possibility of asymmetric expansion strategies. The previous analysis of DPRK’s nuclear strategy and limitations is valid in that the U.S. nuclear umbrella guarantees the Republic of Korea in a strong alliance between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. If the Republic of Korea lacks a nuclear umbrella due to the weakening of the alliance or limits U.S. intervention by having more than dozens of ICBMs, it is considered that DPRK can use a definite confirmation retaliation and asymmetric escalation nuclear strategy. As a response to this, it is the first way to verify and strengthen the validity of the three-axis system (Kill Chain, KAMD, KMPR), second to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance, and finally to appeal to the international community and increase consensus. In particular, it is possible to form a consensus of sanctions and condemnation DPRK by expressing concerns about nuclear dominoes caused by nuclear proliferation and arms competition to the international community.

Background: People these days use smartphone extensively as a means of diverse social activities, but excessive use of it has also created increasing forward head posture (FHP) with neck pain. To improve this FHP, neck stabilization exercise is necessary. Objectives: This study was to investigate the effects of stabilization exercise using biofeedback on FHP subjects with neck pain. Design: A non-randomized, controlled intervention study. Methods: This study chose 18 college students in their 20s whose neck disability index (NDI) was equal to or higher than 10 and cranio-vertebral angle indicated FHP as experimental group. The control group selected 18 persons with no neck pain and a normal range of cranio-vertebral angle. The stabilization movement was performed by applying three phases of pressure, with low of 20 mmHg, intermediate of 25 mmHg, and high of 30 mmHg, using the Stabilizer. To check the effects of stabilization exercise according to pressure, the circumference of deep neck muscles was measured with ultrasonic waves, and the activity of surface muscle of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) was measured using electromyography (EMG). Results: When the circumference of the deep neck flexor was analyzed according to the pressure change during stabilization exercise, the experimental group showed increase at all pressures. The activity of the SCM of the surface muscle increased in both groups as the pressure increased. Conclusion: The application of stabilization exercise was found to be more effective on forward head posture subjects with neck pain at lower pressures.

이 연구는 국가 위기관리체계 중 통합방위사태와 경계태세의 발령기준 을 개선하기 위해 분석하였다. 우리 정부와 군은 평시 북한의 침투 및 도발과 같은 상황에 대응하기 위해 경계태세 및 통합방위사태와 같은 국 가 위기관리체계를 지속 발전시켜 왔다. 그러나 북한의 도발 상황을 고 려하여 통합방위사태와 경계태세가 시기적절하게 선포 및 발령되어야 함 에도 불구하고 그렇지 못한 사례가 여럿 있다. 따라서 통합방위사태 선 포절차와 경계태세의 발령조건을 반드시 개선할 필요성이 있다. 이를 위 해 기존 선행연구 사례를 통해 공통적인 연구의 경향들을 분석하였고, 위와 같은 문제가 발생하는 원인을 관련 법령 분석을 통해 연구문제를 도출하였다. 또 과거 위기대응사례를 분석하여 연구문제에 대한 결론을 내림과 동시에 발전 방향을 제시하였다. 이를 통해 본 논제가 주는 함의 는 첫째, 북한의 태도가 급변하여 예측할 수 없는 군사적 도발을 하더라 도 유연하게 대응하고 신속하게 대처할 수 있는 위기관리태세를 갖추어 야 한다는 것이며 둘째, 이러한 적시적인 위기관리를 통해 정부는 우리 국민들의 안전을 수호하는 역할을 수행해야 한다는 점을 시사하고 있다.

본 논문은 백제 사비시대 부여와 익산의 왕실사찰인 정림사지, 제석사지, 그리고 미륵사 지에서 출토된 3점의 塑像에 대한 분석을 통해 6세기 후반~7세기 전반 백제 미술의 對中交 流 양상을 고찰했다. 구체적으로는 3인이 하나의 세트를 이루는 세속 인물상의 자세 및 의복, 그리고 두 보살상의 두발 표현 등을 중국 남북조시대 및 隋唐代 자료와 비교분석하였다. 3인상의 경우, 남북조의 출행도 및 예불도와 유사성이 지적된 바 있었다. 본 연구에서는 먼저, 기존 연구가 남북조시대 출행도에서 나타나는 지역적 차이를 간과했음에 주목했다. 3 인의 자세, 인물 구성, 侍者의 성별과 역할, 그리고 폐슬과 소매가 넓은 포복의 형태 등에서 나타나는 차이를 실마리로 백제 3인상이 북조가 아닌 남조 문화와 더욱 밀접하게 관련되어 있음을 확인했다. 무왕이 건립했다고 전하는 제석사지와 미륵사지에서 발견된 두 점의 보살상 頭部에는 連 弧形 髮際線이 출현한다. 연호형 발제선은 중국에서는 이미 4~5세기부터 출현했지만, 중국 전역으로 보급된 것은 대략 6세기 말부터이며, 그 연원은 장안양식과 관련이 있다. 연호형 발 제선은 삼국에서는 7세기에 비로소 등장하며, 이후 통일기 신라에서 유행한다. 그러므로 백제의 두 사찰 출토 소상에서 출현하는 연호형 발제선은 6세기 말부터 백제가 행한 적극적인 수 당 교류의 결과이자, 백제 미술에 미친 수당대 장안양식의 한 사례로서 주목할 만하다.

Background: Pilates exercises are used for body shape correction because they can achieve correct posture alignment through spinal stabilization. Objects: This study aimed to determine whether the use of reformers increases the effectiveness of Pilates core exercises on body alignment in standing. Methods: The study included 30 women without known diagnoses of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders or cancer. Those who had taken more than 10 Pilates lessons were excluded. The participants were randomly assigned to either the reformer exercise group or the mat exercise group, and interventional Pilates exercises were performed for 60 minutes a day, three times a week, for a total of 8 weeks. Ten movements of the reformer and mat Pilates core exercise programs were included. Exbody® 9100 MOMI musculoskeletal analysis equipment (Exbody Inc.) was used to assess the alignment of the standing posture in the frontal plane. Results: As a result of comparing the differences within and between the groups before and after the intervention using the two-way mixed analysis of variance test, height differences in the head, pelvis, left and right, shoulders, scapulas, knees, and ankles in the frontal plane after the intervention were found in both groups. For example, the left-right symmetry of the body alignment in the standing posture was significantly improved within each group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both the reformer and mat Pilates core exercises were effective for standing posture alignment, which has clinical significance. If an exercise program is developed based on the analysis of movements necessary for posture improvement and the target muscles to be strengthened, the same effect can be achieved only with mat exercise without using the reformer equipment at the beginner stage.

Background: For the elderly, masticatory function is one of the most important oral functions and the masticatory ability is related to the wearing of dentures. Many older people wear dentures for their masticatory function, but a significant number of older people who use dentures have found that they feel uncomfortable when performing their daily activities, such as performing masticating functions or talking. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the forward head posture (FHP), respiratory function and thickness of masseter (MS), and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) are affected by the presence or absence of dentures in the elderly, and what kind of correlation there is between these variables. Methods: The study was conducted on 11 patients in the normal group and 13 in the denture group. The participant’s cognitive ability was evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination Korean (MMSE-K), and the FHP was evaluated by measuring the craniovertebral angle (CVA). The thickness of the MS and SCM muscles were measured using ultrasound, and respiration was measured with a spirometry. As for the statistical method, the correlation of each variable was investigated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: In the normal group, there was a significant correlation between forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (p < 0.001), and in the denture group, FVC and FEV1 (p < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) (p < 0.001), CVA and Lt. MS (p = 0.012). Conclusion: CVA and Lt. MS of the denture group have a high negative correlation, it is related that the thickness of MS may be thick when the elderly wearing dentures are FHP.

Background: Pain neuroscience education (PNE) with other therapeutic approaches can reduce pain intensity in patients with Chronic musculoskeletal pain and chronic spine pain by improving quality of life and disability. However, in various clinical trials and reviews, the optimal dose of an intervention combined with PNE is still an area to be studied. 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 non-randomized, controlled intervention study. Methods: Thirty-two subjects were allocated to pain neuroscience education combined with cervical and thoracic mobilization group (PCTMG, n=17) and cervical and thoracic mobilization with TENS group (CTMG, n=15). For 6 weeks, the PCTM group applied PNE and cervical and thoracic mobilization and the CTM group applied cervical and thoracic mobilization and TENS. Changes in intervention pre-post pain and kinesiophobia were observed. Results: Results from the study indicated that statistically significant decrease in VAS and TSK-11 in PCTMG. In CTMG, there was a statistically significant decrease in VAS. And in PCTMG, there was a statistically significant decrease in VAS and TSK-11 than in CTMG. Conclusion: Therefore, this study confirmed that PNE combined with cervical thoracic mobilization is an effective intervention compared to ervical thoracic mobilization alone in reducing pain and kinesiophobia in FHP with chronic neck pain.

PURPOSE: 본 연구의 목적은 둥근어깨자세(round shoulder posture)와 전방머리자세 (forward head posture)에 따라 폐활량 측정과 산소포화도 및 횡격막 움직임 크기의 상관관계를 알아보는 것이다. METHODS: 연구의 대상은 만성 심장질환 및 호흡기 질환을 가지고 있거나, 정신적, 인지적 장애가 있는 자, 척추옆굽음증(scoliosis)이 있는 자, 목과 갈비뼈 손상이나 수술 병력이 없는 50명의 자원한 사람으로 선정되었습니다. 통계분석은 피어슨(Pearson)의 상관분석을 실시한다. RESULTS:둥근어깨자세는 FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC%,PEF 에 대해 양의 상관계수를 보이고 이중 PEF가 가장 상관성이 높았다(p<.05). 횡격막 움직임의 크기(DMD)에 대해서도 양의 상관계수를 보였다. 그러나 TAD(table acromion distance)와는 음의 상관관계를, SPO2는 PM/C7~acro, TAD(table acromion distance) 둘다 음의 상관관계가 나타났다(P>.05). 전방머리자세는 CVA와 CRA 모두 FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC, PEF 비율에 대해 유의한 상관관계가 없다(p>.05). CRA와 DMD에는 유의한 차이가 있는 음의 상관관계가 나타났지만(p<.05), CVA와 DMD에는 유의한 상관관계가 발견되지 않았다. 또한 CVA와 CRA 모두 SPO2에 대해 유의한 상관관계가 없다(p>.05). CONLUSION: 결론적으로 전방머리자세의 각도와 둥근어깨 자세에 따라 폐활량과 횡격막 움직임에 영향을 미친다는 것을 확인 할 수 있었다. 하지만 좀더 많은 인원과 대상자들의 경직된 자세에 대해 제한할 방법을 추가적으로 찾을 필요가 있다.

Background: The craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) was developed for the activation and endurance of deep cervical flexors. However, the muscle thickness and muscle thickness changing ratio of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles in subjects with and without forward head posture (FHP) have not been reported. Objects: To determine the difference in thickness of the SCM and DCF muscles and the difference in the muscle thickness changing ratio between SCM, DCF, and DCF/SCM 20 mmHg and DCF/SCM 30 mmHg between subjects with and without FHP. Methods: Thirty subjects with and without FHP were enrolled. The muscle thickness of the SCM and DCF was measured when maintained at a baseline pressure of 20 mmHg and a maximum pressure of 30 mmHg using a pressure biofeedback unit during the CCFT. Ultrasonography was used to capture images of SCM and DCF muscle thickness during the CCFT, which was calculated using the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Results: We observed a significant difference within the pressure main effect between SCM and DCF at a baseline pressure of 20 mmHg and a maximum pressure of 30 mmHg (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the muscle thickness and muscle thickness changing ratio for SCM and DCF during CCFT between subjects with and without FHP. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the muscle thickness recruitment pattern during CCFT in posture changes between subjects with and without FHP.

Background: The rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes the protraction, downward rotation, and anterior tilt of the scapula. Many studies reported that various interventions for the RSP could be helpful for RSP correction. However, no study has reported on the effect of an orthosis on the RSP. Objectives: To investigate the effect of an orthosis on the RSP in comparison with kinesio taping in 32 participants with RSP. Design: Quasi-experimental study. Methods: Thirty-two participants with RSP were randomly assigned into the kinesio taping group (n=15) and orthosis group (n=17). Kinesio taping was applied as follows: 1) both sides of the spine in a vertical direction from C7 to T12. 2) Both sides of the spine in an oblique direction from the coracoid process of the scapula through the acromion to the T12. Orthosis was tried on, and a pull adjustment strap was used to correct the RSP for each participant. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in the height of the acromion to the ground, forward head angle, forward shoulder angle, visual analog scale, and neck disability index within each group. However, no significant differences in all measurements were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Orthosis for the RSP with exercise would improve the correction of the RSP as much as kinesio taping.

Background: Neck pain is a major health problem in developed countries and has a lifetime prevalence of 50%. Major problems include a reduced cervical range of motion, muscle stiffness, dysfunction, postural changes, and decrease in psychosocial level. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effects of applying the upper trapezius inhibition dynamic taping to patients with chronic neck pain on their neck pain, functional level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck posture. Methods: The study design was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 patients with neck pain participated in this study and were randomly assigned to a Dynamic Taping group (n = 20) or Sham Taping group (n = 20). In both groups, basic intervention cervical pain control therapy and shoulder stabilization exercise program were performed. In addition, dynamic taping and sham taping were applied to participants in the Dynamic Taping and Sham Taping groups to inhibit the trapezius muscle, respectively. All interventions were performed three times a week and a total of 12 times for 4 weeks, and the participants’ neck pain, functional impairment level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck posture were measured and compared before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in neck pain, functional level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck postural before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences between the two groups regarding the functional level and neck posture (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Inhibition dynamic taping of the upper trapezius muscle suppression is an effective method with clinical significance in reducing pain in individuals with chronic neck pain and improving the functional level, cervical range of motion, psychosocial level, and neck posture.