Objective
To analyze and evaluate the quality of the Korean web sites of medical information about degenerative osteoarthritis. Method: The search term 'degenerative osteoarthritis' was entered into five popular Korean web search engines. The web sites for the first 20 matches generated by each search engine were grouped by author and evaluated by DISCERN instrument, certification standard of internet health information by Korean Academy of Medical Sciences (KAMS instrument), and guidelines and items for evaluation of internet health information by Chung and Park (Chung & Park Instrument). Results: Of the 100 sites identified, only 44 were unique and included in the analysis. Eight sites were commercial and each 21, 5, 3, 7 sites were authored by physician, public institute, oriental medical doctor and others, respectively. By DISCERN instrument, there was a significant difference in total score, reliability of publication and overall quality rating. By KAMS instrument, there was a significant difference in total score, reliability, and content. By Chung & Park instrument, there was a significant difference in total score, objectivity, accuracy, credibility and authority. Conclusion: The quality of degenerative osteorarthritis information on the internet varied greatly. Web sites authored by public institutes and physicians were ranked higher than others. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2006; 30: 271-281)

Objective
The purposes of this study were to evaluate the accessibility of the arthritis-related web sites and the quality of the information contained in the sites.

Method: To assess the status of arthritis-related information on the internet sites in Korea, we searched for Korean words which meant and were related with 'arthritis' using the 10 most famous Korean internet search engines. Identified internet site were assessed regarding the quality of content, authorship, design, and functionality.

Results: The number of identified web sites ranged from 24 to 214. The average search yielded around 83 web sites listing for 'arthritis'. The number of web sites listed for 'arthritis' was as many as that for 'hypertension', 'diabetes', 'cancer' or 'hepatitis and hepatoma'. The frequency of appearance in a search did not correlate well with the quality of associated web sites.

Conclusion: The quality of arthritis-related web sites in Korea varied. It is essential to develop a high quality information supplying web sites and to set up an evaluation tool for qualifying the medical information on internet.

Objective
To analyse the sites of medical information by popular search engines and its appropriateness as guidance to medical information. Method: The search phrase "carpal tunnel syndrome" (CTS) and "stroke" were entered into four commonly used Korean web search engines. 24 and 21 web-sites from search engines were gathered, respectively. These web sites then were evaluated for authorship, content, and an informational value score was assigned to each. Results: According to authorship in CTS, 16.6 percent of the sites were commercial sites and 20.8 percent were authored by oriental medical doctors with 37.5 and 16.6 percent by general physicians and physiatrists, respectively. With stroke, 9.5 percent was commercial and each 71.4, 19.0, 0 percent was authored by oriental medical doctors, physician, physiatrist respectively. Each 75, 28.6 percent of the sites offered conventional information. The mean informational value of web sites was 51.1, 41.1 points. Conclusion: The information about CTS on the internet is of limited quality, inconsistent contentional value, despite of relatively high informational value. With stroke, information was offered by mainly oriental medical doctors, and was not so valuable. The public and medical communities need to recognize these limitations so that the quality of medical information on the internet can be improved. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 802-805)

Objective
The purpose of this study is to understand the distribution of golf-related pain and associated factors by analysing the questions posted at Internet golf site. Method: Total 69 questions and its access number of golfers at two Korean internet golf sites (www.rhygolf.com, www.golfsky.com) were analyzed in the period of June, 2000 to July, 2001. We also conducted a supplementary e-mail survey to know demographic data and other informations of those who posted the questions. Results: In both categories of numbers of questions and access rate, upper extremity including shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand was the most common area of pain complaints, followed by spine, lower extremity, chest in orders. Golf career of upper extremity pain group were significantly low compared with other groups (p＜0.05). Female golfers had more tendency to complain multiple pains than male golfers (p＜0.05). Conclusion: Golf itself relatively imposes more burden on upper extremity and spine. Among factors, sex and golf career were associated with anatomical distribution of golf-related pain. Even though the result is comparable to previous report, more complementary follow-up field study should be done. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 776-780)