Young-Han Park

The Effect of Muscle Facilitation Using Kinesio Taping on Walking and Balance of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in function and balance after Kinesio Taping application in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group and control group. The experimental group was applied taping before therapeutic exercise, and the control group received only therapeutic exercise. Functional gait was measured using the straight line walking test, and dynamic balance ability was measured using the Berg Balance Scale. Walking velocity was measured with the 10 m walking test. [Results] There were statistically significant differences between the results of the straight line walking and 10 m walking tests in the pre-post analysis for the experimental group. There were a statistically significant difference in the Berg Balance Scale and 10 m walking test between the two groups. [Conclusion] Application of taping to the paralyzed parts of a stroke patient has a positive effect on improvement of typical asymmetric gait and walking speed.

Effects of Thoracic Mobilization and Manipulation on Function and Mental State in Chronic Lower Back Pain

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in function and mental state after thoracic mobilization and manipulation in patients with chronic lower back pain (LBP). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-six subjects were randomly divided into mobilization group (group A), manipulation group (group B) and control group (group C). The Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to measure the functional impairment of patients with LBP. A multiple spinal diagnosis was used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of vertebra segments. The Fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) was used to investigate the mental state of LBP patients. [Results] Group A and group B were significantly different from group C in terms of the ODI. Between groups, there was no difference in ROM during trunk flexion. Group A and group B were also significantly different from the control group in extension ROM. The FABQ of group B was significantly different from that of group A. [Conclusion] Application of mobilization or manipulation to thoracic lumbar vertebrae has a positive effect on function, mental state, and ROM in patients with lower back pain.

Effects of a Task-specific Exercise Program on Balance, Mobility, and Muscle Strength in the Elderly

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a task-specific exercise program based on motor learning on balance ability and strength of the lower extremity in the elderly with/without falling experiences. [Subjects and Methods] Individuals who had experiences of falling over 2 times within the past 6 months were included in the falling group. The task-specific exercise program consisted of 3 stages (weeks 1–2, 3–4, and 5–6) and was conducted according to the level of difficulty in this study. [Results] The scores of the Korean version of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment were significantly changed in both the falling group and non-falling group after the task-specific exercise program. In comparisons between the falling group and non-falling group, there were also significant differences in the Korean version of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and muscle strength of the semitendinosus and gastrocnemius. [Conclusion] The task-specific exercise program has a positive effect on balance ability and muscle strength related to falls in the elderly.

Effects of Kinesio taping and Mcconnell taping on balance and walking speed of hemiplegia patients

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the overlap effect of the PNF following the application of Kinesio taping and the McConnell taping, and also the impact of the taping application method on the balance and walking speed of the patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-six patients who were diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke were selected as subjects of this study. They were randomly and evenly divided into experiment group 1 (Kinesio taping group), experiment group 2 (McConnell taping group), and the control group; each group had 12 patients. [Results] The Berg balance scale (BBS) was used to evaluate balance, and the ability in this study. A 10 m walking test (10MWT) was performed to measure the walking speed. Experiment group 1 showed a statistically significant improvement in balance and walking speed compared to experiment group 2, and the control group in week 4 and week 8. [Conclusion] Application of Kinesio taping had a more beneficial effect on the balance and walking speed than joint-fixation taping of the patients with stroke.

The effects of self-mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves on physical functions and health of low back pain patients with lower limb radiating pain

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of self-mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves on the quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain in the lower limbs accompanied by radiating pain. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were divided into two groups: a group receiving of lumbar segmental stabilization exercise training including sciatic nerve mobilization techniques, which included 8 males and 7 females, and a group receiving lumbar segmental stabilization exercise training, which included 8 males and 7 females. [Results] There were statistically significant differences in comparison of measurement results between the groups before and after the intervention. [Conclusion] Application of mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves may promote healing of the soft tissues by stimulating the functions of the nervous system to improve nervous system adaptability and decrease sensitivity, helping to alleviate the symptoms.

The effects of stabilization exercise with an oral assistive device on pain and functionality of low back pain patients

[Purpose] This study examined low back pain patients’ decrease in pain and improvement in functionality after performance of a lumbar stabilization exercise using an oral assistive device, which can replace a lumbar assistive device. [Subjects and Methods] The experimental group (n=12) conducted a stabilization exercise using an oral assistive device after conventional physical therapy. The control group (n=12) received conventional physical therapy. In order to objectively measure pain in this study, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used. In order to evaluate the subjects’ functional aspects while living with low back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used. [Results] There were statistically significant improvements in the comparison of the VAS and ODI of the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group’s VAS and ODI significantly improved after the intervention compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The stabilization exercise using the assistive device after conventional physical therapy in the rehabilitation of low back pain patients reduced subjects’ pain and increased their functional activities.

Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain and Function in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether extracorporeal shock wave (ESWT) is an effective treatment for rotator cuff tendinitis. Study subjects included 32 patients (16 in the experimental group and 16 in the control group). The patients were evaluated by assessing pain and function using visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), Constant and Murley Scale (CMS), and simple shoulder test (SST). The results of this study indicated that ESWT after the subjects in the experimental group experienced significant changes in pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and function when compared to the control group. These results indicate that ESWT could be considered as an effective and efficient treatment for rotator cuff tendinitis.본 연구는 회전근개건염 환자에게 체외충격파 치료를 실시하여 통증과 기능에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 알아 보고자 하였다. 2011년 9월부터 2012년 2월까지 초음파를 통해 회전근개건염 진단을 받은 환자 32명(치료군 16명, 대 조군 16명)을 대상으로 치료군에게 4주 동안 체외충격파 치료를 실시하였다. 통증은 visual analog scale(VAS)와 pressure pain threshold(PPT)를 사용하여 평가하였고 기능평가는 위해 Constant and Murley Scale(CMS)와 Simple Shoulder Test(SST)를 통해 평가 하였다. 연구 결과 체외충격파 중재 후 치료군에서는 대조군에 비해 통증과 관절가동 범위, 근력, 기능 등 모든 부분에서 유의한 변화를 보였다. 이 결과는 회전근개건염 환자에게 체외충격파 치료가 어깨 의 통증과 기능에 영향을 미칠 수 있는 가능성을 시사하고 효과적인 치료방법이라 할 수 있다.

Effects of Ultrasound Therapy on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients with Gastrocnemius Muscle Spasticity

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of ultrasound therapy on calf muscle spasticity of stroke patients. Ten patients who were diagnosed with stroke by a specialist in rehabilitation medicine were divided into two groups by random assignment method. The control group received a 10-minute ultrasound placebo effect after general physiotherapy. In the experimental group, ultrasound therapy was given for 10 minutes after general physical therapy. In this study, muscle tone was assessed using MAS(modified ashworth scale), balance was assessed using TUG(time up amp go), and gait was assessed using a 10m walk test. There was a significant difference between the experimental group and the muscle tone, balance, and gait. However, there was no significant difference in the control group. There was a significant difference between the groups in balance and gait, but not in muscle tone. Ultrasound therapy should be adapted to reduce spasticity and improve function in stroke patients.

The effects of abdominal interferential current therapy on waist circumference and visceral fat distance in obese women

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interferential current therapy on the waist circumference and visceral fat length in obese women. [Subjects and Methods] In this study, we selected 30 patients whose body mass index was over 25 kg/m2. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive interferential current therapy three times a week for four weeks (n=15) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation three times a week for four weeks (n=15). Waist circumference was measured in cm using a tape measure with the participant in an upright posture, and the length of visceral fat was measured using a high-resolution, B-mode ultrasound machine. [Results] There was a statistically significant difference between the group of waist circumference and visceral fat length. The change of waist circumference and visceral fat length was larger the experimental group than the control group. [Conclusion] These results can be used as a basis for reducing the risk factors that increase mortality due to diseases and can prevent cardiovascular and other adult diseases caused by obesity.

Effects of magnetic field therapy after taping application on pain and function of patients with knee osteoarthritis

[Purpose] The purpose of study was to investigate the effect of taping applied before magnetic field therapy. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients who diagnosed with knee arthritis by a specialist in the rehabilitation department were divided into three groups using the random allocation method. The control group received 15 min general physiotherapy. For the experimental group 1, non-elastic taping was applied to the medial side of the knee after general physiotherapy, followed by a 15 min magnetic field therapy. For the experimental group 2, elastic taping was applied to the medial side of the knee after general physiotherapy, followed by a 15 min magnetic field therapy. This study used visual analog scale to evaluate pain. This study used Western Ontario and McMaster Universities to evaluate the knee function. [Results] Experimental group 1 and experimental group 2 showed a significant difference visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities from the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between experimental group 1 and experimental group 2. [Conclusion] Choosing the applicable taping method according to the condition of the patients and applying it to therapy is necessary to reduce pain and improve the function of the patients with knee osteoarthritis.