Earticle

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effects of a PNF intervention using elastic bands on edema, range of motion (ROM), and pain in post-mastectomy patients with upper limb lymphedema, according to their hand grip type. Methods: The subjects were 14 female patients who were at Stage II lymphedema after undergoing mastectomy for Stage II breast cancer. They were randomly divided into an experimental group (n =7) and a control group (n = 7). Both groups participated in a treatment program four times (one time under the therapist’s instructions and three times as self-exercise) a week for 4 weeks. Both groups repeated an upper limb PNF pattern exercise for 30 min using elastic bands after receiving a manual lymph drainage treatment for 1 hour. Here, subjects in the experimental group performed the PNF exercise with an open-hand grip by putting their hands into the loops of elastic bands and keeping their fingers spread out. Subjects in the control group performed the PNF exercise with a closed-hand grip by holding the loops of elastic bands with their fingers. In both groups, the subjects’ edema, ROM, and pain levels were measured before the intervention and 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the intervention. Results: As a result of the experiment, both groups demonstrated edema reductions, ROM increases, and pain reductions in four areas of the upper limbs. Notably, the experimental group exhibited larger ROM increases in flexion, extension, and abduction as well as greater edema and pain reductions than the control group. In particular, the most significant effects were found in the elbow of the four upper limb areas for edema reductions and in extension for ROM increases. Conclusion: The present study indicates that exercise therapy-based approaches using elastic bands in post-mastectomy patients with upper limb lymphedema can have different effects depending on the type of hand grip (open or closed), which is the body’s most distal part. Therefore, these approaches should be based on the conditions of the distal parts of the patient’s body for their effective applications in clinical practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neck stabilization exercise with PNF for neck alignment, neck disability index, and sitting balance in adults with forward-head posture. Methods: Forty participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the neck stabilization exercise group (NSG, n = 20) and the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern exercise group (PNFG, n = 20) were studied 30 minutes a day three times a week for four weeks. Outcomes were measured using cranial vertical angle (CVA), the Korean version of the neck disability index (KNDI), anterior limit of stability (ALOS), and posterior limit of stability (PLOS) before and after the intervention period. Results: There were significant effects in the CVA and the KNDI of both groups pre- and post-intervention. There were significant effects in ALOS and PLOS in the PNFG pre- and post-intervention compared with the NSG. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that PNF with neck exercise could be beneficial to the static balance of adults with forward-head posture.

Purpose: To explore the effects of action observation combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy on upper-extremity function and the activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-four subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group (n = 12 each). Both groups received therapy based on motor learning concepts, including repetitive and task-specific practice. The experimental group watched video clips for 10 minutes related to tasks performed during modified constraint-induced movement therapy while the control group watched videos unrelated to upper-extremity movement. These programs were performed for 40 minutes a day five times a week for four weeks. Their scores on the Fugl–Meyer assessment of upper extremities (FMA-UE), the action research arm test (ARAT), a motor activity log (amount of use [AOU] and quality of movement [QOM]), and the modified Barthel index (MBI) were recorded. Results: In both groups, all variables were significantly different between the pre-test and post-test periods (p < 0.05). The post-test variables were significantly different within each group (p < 0.05). In the experimental group, the changes between pre-test and post-test scores in the FMA-UE (14.39 ± 4.31 versus 6.31 ± 4.63), the ARAT (16.00 ± 4.73 versus 11.46 ± 3.73), MAL-AOU (1.57 ± 0.15 versus 1.18 ± 0.28), and MBI (27.54 ± 4.65 versus 18.08 ± 8.52) were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that action observation combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy may be a beneficial rehabilitation option to improve upper-extremity function in subacute stroke patients with moderate impairment.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the simultaneous abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) on the muscle activity of the ipsilateral trunk and leg during proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) leg flexion, adduction, and external rotation with knee flexion (D1) patterns. Methods: The participants were 20 healthy adult males and females (18 males and 2 females). The maneuvers were performed by a physical therapist who fully understands the PNF leg patterns (D1) and their application in clinical practice. The participants were trained and allowed to practice for 15 minutes prior to applying ADIM, to ensure adequate learning as evidenced by the pressure biofeedback unit. In this study, we measured the muscle activity of the trunk and leg when the PNF leg pattern (D1) was performed by the physical therapist either sustaining or releasing the ADIM. Muscle activity was measured on the right transverse abdominis muscle (TRA), the external abdominal oblique muscle (EO), the internal abdominal oblique muscle (IO), the erector spinae muscle (ES), the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO), the vastus lateralis oblique muscle (VLO), and the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) and compared using the mean values from averaging three repeated measurements. Results: The muscle activity of the transversus abdominis, the external abdominal oblique, the internal abdominal oblique, the vastus medialis oblique, and the vastus lateralis oblique was significantly greater (p ˂ 0.05), and the muscle activity of the erector spinae was significantly less (p ˂ 0.05) during PNF leg pattern (D1) when the ADIM contraction was sustained compared to when it was not. Conclusion: These results suggest that sustaining ADIM during PNF leg pattern (D1) training increases the trunk and leg muscle activity, resulting in more effective training.

Purpose: This study investigated the correlation between standing balance and head-forward posture in adolescents. Methods: The participants in this study were 15 female adolescents. We took photographs of the participants’ craniovertebral angle with a digital camera to determine the degree of head-forward posture. Standing balance was evaluated using the 30-second Romberg test of BT4. The measurements were taken on a stable-support surface and on an unstable-support surface using a balance pad. The data measured in this study were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and the statistical significance level α was established as 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was performed to identify the correlation between the degree of head-forward position of the participants and their balance ability. Results: When we measured 30 seconds of the Romberg test, we observed that, with their eyes open, the participants’ head-forward posture and balance were not correlated. However, with their eyes closed, there was a strong correlation between the forward position of the head and the balance ability, which declined as the head position increased. Conclusion: Adolescents with severe head-forward posture exhibited problems with balance in posture control with closed eyes when visual information was not available. It can be inferred that an abnormality occurs in proprioceptor sensation due to their habitual head-forward posture. Education on correct posture and preventive activities should be recommended to improve the health of such adolescents and avoid possible future problems of physical deterioration.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the strength and walking ability of chronic stroke patients following either proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern training with pressure biofeedback units (feedback group) or PNF pattern training without pressure biofeedback units (control group). Methods: Eighteen participants with chronic stroke were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a feedback group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 10). They all received 30 minutes of neurodevelopmental therapy and PNF training for 15 minutes five times a week for three weeks. Muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured. Muscle strength was measured by hand-held dynamometer; gait parameters were measured by the Biodex Gait trainer treadmill system. Results: After the training periods, the feedback group showed a significant improvement in hip abductor muscle strength, hip extensor muscle strength, step length of the unaffected limb, and step time of the affected limb (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern training with pressure biofeedback units was more effective in improving hip muscle strength and walking ability than the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern training without pressure biofeedback units. Therefore, to strengthen hip muscles and improve the walking ability of stroke patients, using pressure biofeedback units to improve trunk stability should be considered.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle thickness and ground reaction force of the vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateral oblique muscles during squats at ankle angles of toe 0°, toe in 10°, and toe out 10°. Methods: In this study, 9 male and 17 female students in their 20s participated in a randomized controlled trial and were compared according to the ankle angles of toe 0°, toe in 10°, and toe out 10°. To determine the reliability and measurement of muscle thickness according to ankle angle using ultrasound equipment and muscle thickness, the participants’ ankle angles-toe 0°, toe in 10°, and toe out 10°-were measured three times at the vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis oblique muscles during squats. At the same time, the maximum vertical ground reaction force was measured with a force plate. A total of three measurements were taken and averaged, and two minutes of squat movements were assessed between ankle angles to prevent target action. Results: The results of this study illustrated that the reliability of the vastus medialis oblique muscles and vastus lateralis oblique muscles in ankle angle was high. The difference in muscle thickness was significantly greater in comparing the toe out10° angle with the toe 0° angle than between toe in 10° and toe out 10° in vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis oblique (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the ankle angle of toe 0° and toe in 10° (p > 0.05). The maximum vertical ground reaction force was significantly greater at toe out 10° than at the ankle angle of toe 0° and toe out 10° and between toe in 10° and toe out 10° (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the comparison between toe 0° and toe in 10° (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Squatting at an ankle angle of toe out 10° increases the dorsi flexion; thus, the stability of the ankle and the thickness of both oblique muscles increased to perform more effective squats. In addition, as the base of support widens, it is thought that the stability of the posture increases so that squat training can be performed safely.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of progressive resistance task-oriented strengthening exercises (PRTSE) on the strength of the lower extremities, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients following a stroke. The purpose of the study was to provide fundamental data regarding the use of PRTSE with stroke patients. Methods: Twenty stroke patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 10) who took part in PRTSE and a control group (n = 10) who performed general rehabilitation exercises. Both groups performed their respective exercises for 30 minutes five times a week for four weeks. The strength of their lower extremities was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. The balance of the participants was assessed using a Berg balance scale. The modified Barthel index was conducted to measure ADL. A paired t-test was performed to compare within-group changes before and after the PRTSE. Differences between the experimental and the control groups were analyzed using an independent t-test. For all tests, the level of statistical significance was α = 0.05. Results: After the exercises, there was a significant within-group change in the strength of lower extremities, balance, and ADL in the experimental group and the control group (p < 0.05). There was also a significant between-group difference in the strength of lower extremities after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: General rehabilitation is commonly applied as a treatment for stroke patients and is relatively effective. The application of PRTSE may be useful in such patients, considering its effects on the strength of lower extremities, balance, and ADL.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration training on the flexibility and agility of professional soccer players. Methods: Sixteen professional soccer players participated voluntarily in the study. Subjects were allocated to two groups: the experimental group received whole-body vibration (WBV) and team training, and the control group received only team training. Team training was conducted in 15 sessions of 70 min duration over 3 weeks. WBV training was applied at 40 Hz frequency, 5 sets (1 min-training, 1 min-resting) in a squatting position. Outcomes from sit-and-reach, side-step test, burpee test, and T-test were measured before and after training. To examine pre- and post-intervention differences between the two groups, a paired t-test was used. Independent t-tests were performed to compare pre- and post-test scores and the time difference of the two groups. Results: Significant improvements in sit-and-reach and agility variables were observed in the experimental group (p < 0.05). In particular, flexibility (sit-and-reach) and agility (the side-step test and the burpee test) were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that whole-body vibration training has a positive effect on performance enhancement for professional soccer players.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the most effective way to facilitate the abductor hallucis muscle during PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction. Methods: The study recruited 18 healthy adults. All participants agreed voluntarily to take part in the study following an explanations of its purpose and procedures. They randomly performed the PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction variations in a hook-lying or sitting position. Activation of the abductor hallucis (AbH), adductor hallucis (AdH), extensor hallucis longus (EHL), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, and the ratio of AbH/AdH, were measured during PNF exercises using electromyography. One-way repeated ANOVA was used to compare the activation of foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles during the four PNF exercises. Results: PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using normal timing was significantly higher in TA compared to PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using timing for emphasis, regardless of the starting position. The PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using timing for emphasis in the hook-lying position was significantly higher in AbH than in other exercises. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the ratio of AbH/AdH, it was higher in the hook-lying position. Conclusion: PNF leg pattern-emphasized hallux abduction using timing for emphasis in the hook-lying position can be recommended as a method to optimize the activation of AbH and the ratio of AbH/AdH.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of electromyography (EMG) biofeedback on the muscle activity of the trapezius, shoulder pain, function, and range of motion (ROM) in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). Methods: Sixteen patients (9 males and 7 females) with SAIS participated voluntarily. The main outcome measures were muscle activity of the trapezius, shoulder pain (VAS), ROM, and the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Exercises with EMG biofeedback consisted of shoulder flexion in a standing position, shoulder external rotation in a side-lying position, and shoulder horizontal abduction in a prone position. Post measurements were taken immediately after EMG biofeedback training. Results: Middle and lower trapezius activity, as well as ROM, was significantly increased by exercise with EMG biofeedback (p<0.05). In addition, VAS and SPADI scores significantly decreased post-EMG biofeedback training (p<0.05). Conclusion: EMG biofeedback intervention is an effective exercise for SAIS patients to restore activity of the middle and lower trapezius and to improve pain, shoulder function, and ROM.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function in patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and to provide an effective intervention method for lateral epicondylitis. Methods: Twenty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned to the ESWT group (n = 10) and the stretching exercise group (n = 10). Interventions in both groups were performed six times twice a week for three weeks. The visible analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain change. A dynamometer was used to measure grip strength (GS). Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) was used to measure the upper-extremity function. Results: There were significant differences in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function in both groups before and after intervention (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function between the groups after intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed very positive improvement in pain, grip strength, and upper-extremity function after ESWT in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Therefore, ESWT can be recommended for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of resistance on the muscle activities of the long and short heads of the biceps brachii, according to the elbow angle in supination, and the difference in muscle activity between the long and the short heads. Methods: This study was conducted with 22 men in their 20s who voluntarily agreed to participate. With the glenohumeral joint neutral in a position of supination, the elbow angle was randomly moved to 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. Using an 8-channel surface EMG while the participants held a 2-kg. dumbbell, the muscle activities of the long and the short heads of the biceps brachii were measured. The measured data were statistically processed using SPSS for Windows 12.0. For the activities of the short and the long heads according to the angle, a one-way ANOVA was conducted, and subsequently, to check the results of an analysis of the difference between groups, an LSD post-hoc test was conducted. An independent t-test was used to compare the activities of the long head and the short head according to the angles. Results: The analysis of the impact of the load of the dumbbell at each elbow angle on the muscle activities of the long and short heads of the biceps brachii revealed significant differences in both heads (p < 0.05). The result of the post-hoc analysis showed significant differences in both heads at angles between 0° and 30°, between 0° and 60°, and between 0° and 90°. Analysis of the impact of the load of the dumbbell in supination on the muscle activities of the long and short heads showed a significant difference at the angle between 0° and 30° (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The long head of the biceps brachii mainly acts in supination; however, in supination at elbow-bending angles of 60° and 90°, there was no difference in muscle activity between the short head and the long head.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct balance training through vision control to improve the balance, postural control, and balance confidence and to decrease the visual and sensory dependence of stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-eight chronic stroke patients volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly assigned to the eyes-closed and the eyes-open training groups. Three times a week for four weeks each group performed an unstable-support session and a balance training session for thirty minutes per set. Their balance, postural control, and balance confidence were assessed using BIO Rescue (BR), the postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS), and the Korean activity-specific balance confidence scale (K-ABC), respectively. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Statistical methods before and after working around the average value of each dataset were independent T-test. The significance level for statistical analyses was set at 0.05. Results: Comparison between the groups showed statistically significant effects on all variables before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study reflected that balance-training programs involving vision control improve the balance, postural control, and balance confidence of chronic stroke patients. Thus, stroke patients should undergo training programs that increase the use of their other senses with vision control in clinical practice.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the current and future status of Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation service in Busan. Methods: A literature search of domestic journals was conducted using the keywords “Parkinson’s”, “exercise”, “rehabilitation”, and “physical therapy”. The chosen databases were Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), e-articles, and Korean studies Information Service System (KISS). International literature was searched in PubMed, Pedro, DOI, Publisher, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and PsycINFO using the same combination of keywords. Results: The results of this study showed that 33 medical institutions provide Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation service and five do not. Regarding the composition of Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation teams, 15 medical institutions provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as their rehabilitation program, 15 medical institutions provide physical therapy and occupational therapy, and three provide only physical therapy. The study found that muscle-strengthening, flexibility, endurance, and balance exercises were commonly provided in all 33 medical institutions for Parkinson’s disease. Additional exercises were provided in only three medical institutions. The frequency was five times a week in 20 medical institutions. Conclusion: Medical institutions located in Busan provide a variety of Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation services, not only in general hospitals but also in multiple medical institutions, although the composition of their Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation teams and the frequency of treatment vary.