Background: Due to the variety of etiological factors in chronic low back pain (CLBP), there is significant variability in functional measurements. Objects: This study aimed to determine if using metrics in addition to inferential statistics could change how the impact of poor prognosis risk for pain among volunteers with CLBP is interpreted. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 74 adult volunteers were allocated to four groups: a pain-free control group (CG) and three CLBP groups stratified by the STarT Back Screening Tool into low (LR), medium (MR) and high risk (HR). Spatiotemporal gait parameters outcomes were self-selected walking speed (SWS), optimum walking speed (OWS) and the locomotor rehabilitation index (LRI). Data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation model. Reproducibility, responsiveness (minimum detectable change [MDC]) and effect sizes were also computed. Results: No differences were found for OWS. SWS and LRI were significantly higher in CG than in all CLBP groups, but observed differences did not exceed MDC, indicating they are likely to reflect measurement error. Nevertheless, large effect sizes suggest these reductions in SWS and LRI are clinically meaningful. Comparisons among the LR, MR, and HR groups revealed no significant differences or meaningful effect sizes. Conclusion: Combining complementary metrics with inferential statistics confirms that individuals with CLBP walk more slowly and exhibit lower LRI than pain-free controls, while prognostic risk strata do not influence these spatiotemporal gait parameters.
본 연구는 도구요가와 소매틱이 만성통증질환에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였 다. 도구요가와 소매틱을 활용한 융합적 접근으로 만성통증질환을 다스린다면 좀 더 체계적이고 효과적으로 치유가 일어난다고 보는 것이 연구의 필요성이다. 본 연구 목적은 도구요가와 소매틱의 융합적 접근으로 만성통증 질환을 가진 사람들에게 도 움이 되는 기초자료가 되고자 한다. 연구 방법에서 본 연구는 IRB승인을 받고, 2025 년 6월 1일부터 2025년 11월 17일까지 진행되었다. 연구참여자는 통증 질환을 가지 고 있는 사람으로 총 8명이다. 측정도구는 우울 검사와 스트레스, 신체·호흡·마음에 대한 변화 정도는 요가 효과 검사지, 통증의 정도를 알아보는 측정지를 사용하였다. 자료분석은 수집된 자료는 SPSS 29.0으로 분석하였다. 신체·호흡·마음의 변화는 빈도 분석으로 사전검사와 사후검사 간의 효과는 종속표본을 t 검정(Paired Sample T-test)을 통하여 알아보았다. 연구 결과, 첫째, 우울은 사후에 많은 감소를 보였고, 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있었다. 둘째, 일상적 스트레스는 감소하였으며, 통계적으 로 유의한 차이가 있었다. 셋째, 신체·호흡·마음 변화 정도는 증가하였으며, 통계적으 로 유의한 차이가 있었다. 넷째, 통증의 정도는 감소하였으며, 통계적으로 유의한 차 이가 있었다. 결론적으로, 본 연구에서 도구요가와 소매틱 융합 중재는 우울과 스트 레스 감소, 신체·호흡·마음 변화 증가, 통증 감소에 모두 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 즉, 도구요가와 소매틱은 만성통증질환에 큰 효과가 있는 것으로 나타났다.
In this study, we evaluated the negative impacts of tire leachate on the monogonont rotifer Brachionus manjavacas by analyzing both acute and chronic endpoints. Tire leachate was produced using tire-wear particles for which the chemical composition, including metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contents, had been characterized in our previous study. were examined. The survival rate was decreased in a dose-dependent manner for 24 h, with a 24-h LC50 value of 0.56 g L-1. Exposure to three concentrations of tire leachate (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g L-1) significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels at 24 h with an elevation in malondialdehyde content. Activities of key antioxidant defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, were also induced at 24 h at these same concentrations of tire leachate. Chronic exposure to 0.1 g L-1 tire leachate for 10 days significantly reduced survival, lifespan, and fecundity in B. manjavacas. Taken together, these findings indicate that tire leachate induces significant acute toxicity by triggering oxidative stress in the marine rotifer, and long-term exposure can alter its population structure.
디클로페낙(Diclofenac, DCF)은 수생 환경에서 빈번하게 검출되는 대표적인 비스테로이드성 항염증제(Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID)이다. 다양한 수생 생물에 대한 DCF의 생태독성은 보고된 바 있으나, 해양 비표적 생물에 미치는 영향은 아직 명확히 규명되지 않았다. 이에 본 연구는 해양 환경의 주요 1차 소비자인 기수산 물벼룩 Diaphanosoma celebensis를 대상으로 DCF의 급성 및 만성 독성 영향과 더불어 해독, 항산화, 탈피 및 생식 경로의 분자적 기전을 조사하였다. 급성 독성 결과, DCF의 24시간 및 48시간 반수치사농도(LC50)는 각각 121.11 mg/L와 52.18 mg/L이였고, 유전자 발현 분석 결과 항산화 및 해독 기전 관련 유전자의 발현이 농도 의존적으로 유의하게 증가하였다. 그러나 환경 농도를 반영한 아치사 농도 조건의 만성 노출에서는 생식 지표에 유의한 영향이 관찰되지 않았다. 이러한 결과는 D. celebensis가 DCF에 노출 시 산화적 스트레스를 유발하며, 항산화 효소와 해독 관련 유전자는 DCF 독성에 대한 방어 기전에 참여하는 것으로 보인다.
This study evaluated the sub-chronic oral toxicity of freeze-dried deer velvet antler (DVA) extract in ICR mice over a 90-day period. The extract was administered orally to male and female mice at doses of 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 mg/kg body weight daily; the control group (0 mg/kg body weight) received vehicle only. No clinical signs of toxicity or mortality were observed. Body weight gain, food consumption, and general behavior remained normal across all groups. Hematological analysis revealed no dose-dependent alterations in hemoglobin levels, platelet characteristics, or red or white blood cell counts. Males administered 2,000 mg/kg DVA exhibited a slight increase in reticulocyte count, whereas females exhibited reduced count at 5,000 mg/kg; however, neither finding was doseresponsive or toxicologically significant. Serum biochemistry including liver and kidney function markers (ALT, AST, -GT, BUN, and creatinine) remained within normal range, and no evidence of organ damage was observed. Notably, male mice exhibited a significant reduction in serum triglycerides compared with those in the control group, suggesting potential lipid-modulating effects of DVA; however, this finding requires further investigation. Based on these findings, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of DVA extract was determined to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg/day in both sexes. These results support the safety profile of DVA extract at the tested doses, and its potential metabolic benefits.
만성췌장염은 췌장 외분비 기능부전을 유발하며, 이로 인해 지용성 비타민 흡수 장애를 포함한 다양한 영양 결핍이 흔하게 발생한다. 특히 비타민 D 결핍은 칼슘 항상성과 골대사에 중요한 영향을 미치며, 골밀도 감소와 함께 골감소증 및 골다공증의 위험을 높인다. 실제로 만성췌장염 환자의 다수 에서 비타민 D 결핍, 그리고 골밀도 감소가 보고되었으며, 이는 삶의 질 저하 및 골절 위험 증가와 직결된다. 따라서 본 종설에서는 만성췌장염 환자에서 지용성 비타민, 특히 비타민 D의 결핍이 골대사에 미치는 영향을 중심으로 병태생리, 진단적 접근, 치료 및 모니터링 전략을 고찰하였으며, ESPEN, AGA, JSGE 등 최신 국제 가이드라인의 권고사항을 비교함 으로써 임상 현장에서 실천 가능한 통합적 관리 방향을 제시 하고자 한다.
Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a prevalent condition among Taekwondo athletes, often associated with pain, psychological factors, and impaired physical performance. However, few studies have investigated the relationship among ankle muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical performance in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Objects: This study aimed to examine the relationship between ankle muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical performance in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Methods: Forty Taekwondo athletes with CAI participated in the study. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and kinesiophobia was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11). Physical performance was evaluated using the single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) and single-leg hop for distance. The strength of the ankle muscles is measured using a Smart KEMA strength sensor. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine relationships among variables. Results: SLVJ showed a significant negative correlation with VAS (r = –0.506, p < 0.01) and a positive correlation with strength of the ankle inversion with dorsiflexion (IDF) (r = 0.356, p < 0.05). VAS was negatively correlated with strength of the ankle eversion with plantarflexion (r = –0.365, p < 0.05), IDF (r = –0.371, p < 0.05) and inversion with plantarflexion (r = –0.370, p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between TSK-11 and physical performance, pain, or ankle muscle strength outcomes. Conclusion: Pain intensity and ankle muscle strength in specific ankle positions are associated with SLVJ in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. These findings suggest that the intensity of pain and the strength of the ankle evertor and invertor at specific ankle joint positions should be considered when evaluating Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Furthermore, managing pain and implementing strengthening exercises for the ankle evertor and invertor can be recommended to improve SLVJ.
본 연구의 목적은 집단미술치료 프로그램이 만성 조현병 환자의 불안 민감성과 사회적 기술에 미치는 효과를 검증하기 위한 것이다. 연구대상 은 K시에 소재한 정신건강증진센터 회원인 만성 조현병 환자 9명이다. 연구기간은 2023년 5월 2일부터 2023년 6월 22일까지 주 2회, 90분씩 총 16회기의 집단미술치료 프로그램을 실시하였다. 연구도구로는 불안민 감성, 사회적 기술척도와 DAS, K-HTP 그림검사를 실시하였으며, 회기 및 단계별 변화양상을 기술하였다. 자료 분석은 SPSS 25.0을 사용하여 사전과 사후 검사의 변화를 대응표본 t검정으로 비교분석하였다. 본 연구 결과는 첫째, 집단미술치료 프로그램이 만성 조현병 환자의 불안민감성 에 통계적으로 유의미한 차이가 있었다. 둘째, 집단미술치료 프로그램이 만성 조현병 환자의 사회적 기술 전체, 자아통제, 협력 점수는 사전보다 는 증가하였으나 통계적으로 유의미한 차이는 없었다. 셋째, 질적 내용분 석 결과, 집단원 간의 상호작용을 통해 내재된 두려움의 정서를 수용하 는 긍정적인 변화를 보였다. 이상의 연구결과를 바탕으로 본 연구의 주 요 시사점과 제한점에 대해 논의하였다.
Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition among middle-aged adults, often causing physical limitations and reduced quality of life. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a widely used non-pharmacological method for pain relief and muscle modulation. Objectives: To compare the effects of two high-frequency, high-intensity TENS protocols on pain, muscle tone, and stiffness in individuals with CNLBP. Design: Single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-eight individuals with CNLBP were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). Both received 60 Hz, highintensity TENS twice weekly for four weeks. Pain equivalent current (PEC), visual analogue scale (VAS), pain degree (PD), muscle tone (Hz), and stiffness (N/m) were measured pre- and post-intervention by a blinded assessor. Results: The EG showed significant improvements in all outcomes (P<.05), while the CG showed significant change only in VAS scores. Between-group analysis showed greater reductions in pain and muscle-related variables in the EG. Conclusion: The EG protocol, with individualized intensity adjustments and targeted stimulation sites, was more effective than the CG protocol in improving pain, muscle tone, and stiffness in adults with CNLBP.
Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of a nursing simulation learning module for caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on nursing knowledge, clinical competence, team psychological safety, and learning satisfaction among nursing students. Methods: A non-equivalent control-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was used with 36 students (18 per group) assigned to either a simulation group or a lecture group. Data collected from June 8 to July 13, 2024, were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Results: Nursing knowledge showed no significant between-group difference (F=1.32, p=.260) but improved over time (F=8.24, p=.007). Clinical competence showed a significant group-by-time interaction (F=58.33, p<.001). Team psychological safety (t=2.70, p=.012) and learning satisfaction (t=2.27, p=.030) were higher in the simulation group. Conclusion: These findings provide foundational data for developing simulation-based educational strategies in nursing curricula. The module may also be applied to the training of novice nurses in clinical settings, thereby contributing to enhanced nursing education and improved clinical practice.
목적 : 본 연구는 지역사회 만성 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 원격동작관찰훈련이 상지 기능과 근 활성도에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 실시하였다. 연구방법 : 2023년 8월부터 2024년 2월까지 대전광역시 소재의 재활병원에서 외래재활을 받지 않고 다른 기관에서도 치료를 계획하지 않은 대상자 6명을 실험군으로, 병원 내에서 외래재활치료를 받는 대상자 5명을 대조군으로 선정하였다. 실험군은 원격재활을 기반으로 한 원격동작관찰훈련을 하였고, 대조군은 실험군과 동일한 과제를 수행하는 외래재활치료를 진행하였다. 치료에 대한 중재는 1일 1회 30분, 주 3회, 총 4주간 실시하였고, 치료 중재 전과 후의 상지 기능을 측정하기 위해 ARAT 평가척도(Action Research Arm Test)와 MFT 평가척도(Manual Function Test)를 사용하였고, 근 활성도를 평가하기 위해 표면 근활성도 평가척도인 sEMG (Surface Electromyography)를 사용하였다. 결과 : 두 집단 각각의 중재 전과 후 결과 상지기능과 근 활성도 일부 항목에서 유의한 차이를 보였으며(p < 0.05), 중재 후 두 집단 간에서는 상지기능과 근 활성도에서 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다(p < 0.05). 결론 : 본 연구에서의 결과로 원격동작관찰훈련이 지역사회 만성 뇌졸중 환자에게 외래재활치료와 유사하게 기능 향상을 시킬 수 있는 중재방법이자, 접근성과 경제적인 이점이 있어 지역사회 만성 뇌졸중 환자에게는 효율적인 방법으로 제시될 수 있다.
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.
Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs presents with persistent symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and changes in appetite. Traditional diagnostic methods, including blood tests, ultrasound, and endoscopy, often fail to assess the entire small intestine. Capsule endoscopy offers a non-invasive approach, enabling comprehensive visualization of the gastrointestinal tract and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. In case 1, a 10-year-old Maltese with chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss underwent capsule endoscopy, revealing severe lacteal dilation and moderate gastric erythema, leading to a diagnosis of severe intestinal lymphangiectasia and moderate enteritis. Despite initial corticosteroid therapy and dietary changes, clinical improvement was limited. In case 2, an 11-year-old mixed-breed dog with chronic vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss was assessed. Capsule endoscopy detected moderate gastric erythema, severe small intestinal irregularities, and jejunal bleeding, diagnosing mild esophagitis, moderate gastritis, and severe enteritis with hemorrhage. Treatment with a hypoallergenic diet, corticosteroids, and acid suppressants resulted in gradual symptom relief. This report demonstrates that capsule endoscopy can be utilized as a screening tool for evaluating the mucosal status in patients with CE.
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.