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[Purpose] To present an efficient treatment regimen for patients with cervicogenic headache by comparatively analyzing the neck disability index (NDI) and cervical muscle activity after an exercise intervention. [Participants and Methods] Thirty patients with cervicogenic headache were assigned to the cranio-cervical flexion group (n=15) and cranio-cervical flexion plus transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) group (n=15). Intervention was administered for four weeks, after which the participants' NDI and sternocleidomastoid muscle activity were measured. [Results] The treatment group demonstrated a significantly greater change in NDI after the intervention compared to the control group. The treatment group also showed a significantly greater change in sternocleidomastoid muscle activity than the control group. [Conclusion] Our results show that applying tDCS during cranio-cervical flexion exercise can strengthen the sternocleidomastoid muscle more effectively while improving pain and associated functions in patients with cervicogenic headache. These results would contribute towards developing a more efficient treatment for patients with cervicogenic headache.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on upper extremity muscle tone in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] For this study, 30 stroke patients participated in this study and they were divided into ESWT group and sham-ESWT group, each group consisted of 15 patients. ESWT and sham-ESWT was performed by the patients for two times a week, for eight weeks. MyotonPRO was used to measure muscle tone. [Results] According to the results of the comparisons between the groups, after intervention, upper extremity muscle tone were significantly higher in the ESWT group than in the sham-ESWT group. [Conclusion] This study showed that ESWT is effective for improving decrease of muscle tone in chronic stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of computerized postural control training using whole body vibration on lower limb muscle activity and cerebral cortical activation in acute stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients participated and were divided into groups of 10, a group of the computerized postural control training using whole body vibration (Group I), the computerized postural control training combined with aero step (Group II) and computerized postural control training (Group III). MP100 was used to measure lower limb muscle activity, and QEEG-8 was used to measure cerebral cortical activation. [Results] Comparison of muscle activity and cerebral cortical activation before and after intervention between groups showed that Group I had significant differences in lower limb muscle activity and cerebral cortical activation compared to Groups II and III. [Conclusion] This study showed that whole body vibration combined computerized postural control training is effective for improving muscle activity and cerebral cortex activity in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of biofeedback postural control training using whole body vibration in acute stroke patients on balance and gait ability. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients participated in this study and were divided into a group of 10, a group for biofeedback postural control training combined with a whole body vibration, one for biofeedback postural control training combined with an aero-step, and one for biofeedback postural control training. Biorescue was used to measure the limits of stability, balance ability, and Lukotronic was used to measure step length, gait ability. [Results] In the comparison of balance ability and gait ability between the groups for before and after intervention, Group I showed a significant difference in balance ability and gait ability compared to Groups II and III. [Conclusion] This study showed that biofeedback postural control training using whole body vibration is effective for improving balance ability and gait ability in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of changes in mechanical characteristics of cervical muscles and cervical posture in patients with cervicogenic headache following exercise program intervention in order to present effective treatment methods for such patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 30 patients with cervicogenic headache were recruited and 15 patients were allocated to cervical stretching exercise group and 15 to cervical stretching exercise and cranio-cervical flexion exercise group. After 3 weeks of exercise intervention, craniovertebral angle and tone (Hz) and stiffness (N/m) of the suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles were measured. [Results] After the exercise program intervention, a greater amount of change in tone of suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Greater amount of change in muscle stiffness and craniovertebral angle was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group. [Conclusion] Findings of the present study showed that cranio-cervical exercise was an effective form of exercise for changing muscle characteristics and posture in patients with cervicogenic headache. Such findings will be helpful in providing effective treatments for patients with cervicogenic headache.

[Purpose] This study was conducted to compare and analyze influence of craniocervical flexion and suboccipitalis relaxation in cervicogenic headache patients of their cervical muscular fatigue, tone, and headache intensity. [Subjects and Methods] 30 patients with cervicogenic headache were selected and 10 subjects per group were randomly assigned to control group, craniocervical flexion exercise group, and suboccipitalis relaxation group. Intervention for each group was provided 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Muscular tone test and muscular fatigue test were conducted on both sides of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus and visual analogue sclae on the headache intensity was conducted before the intervention, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks. [Results] Difference from intervention was significant in muscular fatigue of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus, muscular tone of sternocleidomastoideus, and headache intensity. Correlation between intervention duration and the groups showed significant difference in muscular fatigue, muscular tone, and headache intensity except left upper trapezius muscle. [Conclusion] From this study, 4 week application of crainiocervical flexion exercise and suboccipitalis relaxation on cervicogenic headache patients was found to be effective in decrease of muscular fatigue of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus, muscular tone of sternocleidomastoideus, and headache intensity.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare and analyze the mechanical properties of the upper cervical muscles in patients with cervicogenic headache to identify efficient methods of treatment and diagnosis. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 40 subjects including 20 healthy individuals and 20 patients with cervicogenic headache were selected. A MyotonPRO device was used to measure the tone (Hz), stiffness (N/m), and elasticity (log decrement) of the suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius of the subjects. [Results] There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the elasticity of the suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius. However, there was a statistically significant difference in tone and stiffness. [Conclusion] This study showed that the tone and stiffness of the suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius in patients with cervicogenic headache had increased compared to healthy subjects.

[Purpose] This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 138 children, aged 7-12, who suffer from cerebral palsy. Factors affecting subjects' quality of life were evaluated using the ICF-CY; quality of life was evaluated using the KIDSCREEN 52 - Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was conducted. [Results] The factors related to physical functions that affect subjects' quality of life were mental function, sensory function and pain, genitourinary and reproductive function, as well as neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions. Factors related to activities and participation were learning and applying knowledge, self-care, interpersonal interactions and relationships, major life areas, and community, social and civic life. Lastly, factors related to the environment were products and technology, natural environment and human made changes to environment, and attitude. [Conclusion] In order to improve the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy, the compound effects of several factors should be comprehensively considered without being limited to a specific variable from physical function. And children should be provided with ample opportunities to participate in diverse activities and their physical functions, as well as the environmental factors, should improve.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to observe the influence of biofeedback weight bearing training in sit to stand to sit and limits of stability on stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] For subjects of this study, 30 stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups of 15, a biofeedback weight bearing training group and a functional weight bearing training group. Biofeedback weight bearing training was conducted for 30 minutes, five times a week for eight weeks, using Biorescue. Analysis of sit to stand to sit was done with LUKOtronic while the analysis of limits of stability was done with Biorescue. [Results] In a comparison of sit to stand to sit and limits of stability between the two groups before and after intervention, Group I showed significant difference in sit to stand to sit and limits of stability when compared to Group II. [Conclusion] This study concludes that biofeedback weight bearing training is more effective in improving sit to stand to sit and limits of stability in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between quadriceps muscle activity and balance and gait in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-five stroke patients (30 males 25 females; mean age 58.7 years; stroke duration 4.82 months; Korean mini-mental state examination score 26.4) participated in this study. MP100 surface electromyography, BioRescue, and LUKOtronic were used to measure the quadriceps muscle activity, balance, and gait, respectively. [Results] There was a significant correlation between quadriceps muscle activity (vastus lateralis % reference voluntary contraction, vastus medialis % reference voluntary contraction) and balance (limits of stability) and gait (gait velocity) but there was none between vastus lateralis % reference voluntary contraction, vastus medialis % reference voluntary contraction. [Conclusion] An increase in quadriceps muscle activity will improve balance and gait ability. To improve function in stroke patients, training is needed to strengthen the quadriceps muscles.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of virtual reality-based eccentric training on lower extremity muscle activity and balance in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients participated, with 15 patients allotted to each of two eccentric training groups: one using a slow velocity (group I) and one using a fast velocity (group II). The virtual reality-based eccentric training was performed by the patients for 30 minutes once a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks using an Eccentron system. Surface electromyography was used to measure the lower extremity muscle activity, while a BioRescue was used to measure balancing ability. [Results] A significant difference in lower extremity muscle activation and balance ability was observed in group I compared with group II. [Conclusion] This study showed that virtual reality-based eccentric training using a slow velocity is effective for improving lower extremity muscle activity and balance in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Nordic walking and walking on spatiotemporal gait parameters and ground reaction force. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 30 young adult males, who were divided into a Nordic walking group of 15 subjects and a walking group of 15 subjects. [Methods] To analyze the spatiotemporal parameters and ground reaction force during walking in the two groups, the six-camera Vicon MX motion analysis system was used. The subjects were asked to walk 12 meters using the more comfortable walking method for them between Nordic walking and walking. After they walked 12 meters more than 10 times, their most natural walking patterns were chosen three times and analyzed. To determine the pole for Nordic walking, each subject's height was multiplied by 0.68. We then measured the spatiotemporal gait parameters and ground reaction force. [Results] Compared with the walking group, the Nordic walking group showed an increase in cadence, stride length, and step length, and a decrease in stride time, step time, and vertical ground reaction force. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that Nordic walking increases the stride and can be considered as helping patients with diseases affecting their gait. This demonstrates that Nordic walking is more effective in improving functional capabilities by promoting effective energy use and reducing the lower limb load, because the weight of the upper and lower limbs is dispersed during Nordic walking.

[Purpose] The aims of this study were to determine (1) the significance of walking and foot pressure in stroke patients, and (2) the association between changes in postural alignment of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Foot pressure and walking ability based on postural alignment were measured in 50 stroke patients. Trunk imbalance, trunk rotation, pelvic tilt, kyphosis, lordosis were measured using DIERS formetric4D (DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany), which anlalyzes 3-dimensional spinal structure in order to measure postural alignment. To determine foot pressure, the support rate of weight and, average foot pressure were measured using DIERS pedoscan (DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany) apparatus as a pressure platform. [Results] DIERS formetric 4D, DIERS pedoscan, and a 10 m walking test were utilized to measure foot pressure and walking ability relative to changes in postural alignment in participating stroke patients. [Conclusion] This study confirmed the significance of foot pressure and walking ability as related postural alignment, indicating that postural alignment education and a recovery therapy program for functional improvement of stroke patients should be provided together.

[Purpose] We sought to examine the relationship between lifestyle behavior and physical fitness in middle-aged and elderly laborers. [Subjects] In total, 2,469 male laborers between 45 and 64 years of age residing in eight cities in South Korea were studied between January and December 2007. [Methods] Age, height, and weight were evaluated as general characteristics. Lifestyle behavior items included exercise, dietary habits, smoking, drinking, and sleeping hours. Physical fitness was assessed by measuring muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, reflexes, and agility. [Results] In terms of physical fitness status, all items except handgrip strength showed significant changes according to exercise frequency. Dietary habits were associated with significant differences in the Sargent jump and whole-body reaction time between groups. Smoking and drinking were associated with significant differences in sit-ups between subgroups. Sleeping hours demonstrated significant differences in the Sargent jump and whole-body reaction time between groups. [Conclusion] Although there were differences according to physical fitness status, exercise frequency, dietary habits, smoking, drinking, and sleeping hours showed significant associations with physical fitness. Thus, healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as regular exercise, regular dietary habits, not smoking, moderate drinking, and adequate sleep, are important for physical fitness management and work capacity improvement in middle-aged and elderly laborers.