Objective
To investigate whether early postmastectomy rehabilitation program could improve shoulder function and upper limb edema. Method: 40 patients who underwent either a breast conserving procedure or a modified radical mastectomy were included. Among 40 patients, 20 patients recieved early postmastectomy rehabilitation program and 20 patients were recieved only instruction for exercise. The patinets were assessed on the three days after surgery and one month after surgery. The range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, pain onmobility of shoulder and arm circumference were evaluated. Results: One month after surgery, both groups showed improvements in shoulder motion range, pain and edema. But there were significantly better in early rehabilitation group than control group (p＜0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that early postmastectomy rehabilitation program was beneficial in regaining the shoulder motion and in reduction of pain and edema. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2005; 29: 98-101)

Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the beta blocker effect on excercise ability and hemodynamics after cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP).Method: Thirty-two patients with coronary artery disease were divided into two groups: 16 patients in the beta blocker group and 16 patients in the control group. CRP with aerobic exercise was done for 6 weeks. Before and after CRP, a symptom limited graded exercise test was done.Results: The maximal exercise time and the maximal oxygen uptake were significantly higher, and the percentage of maximal oxygen uptake and the rating of perceived exertion were significantly lower after CRP as compared to those parameters before CRP in both groups (p＜0.05). There were no significant differences in above parameters between the beta blocker and control groups (p＞0.05). The submaximal heart rate and submaximal rate pressure product (RPP) were significantly lower after CRP as compared to those before CRP in both groups (p＜0.05). After CRP, the maximal heart rate and the submaximal RPP were significantly lower in the beta blocker group than in control (p＜0.05).Conclusion: A beta blocker can be widely used in CRP without having a negative effect on exercise capacity in the patients with coronary artery disease. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2004; 28: 281-287)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Korean Computer- Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (CogRehabK^Ⱂ) on cognitive function of the patients with brain injury.

Method: Fifty subjects with brain injury were enrolled and classified into two groups, experimental (n=25) and control group (n=25). Control group received conventional reha bilitation therapy including physical and occupational therapy. Experimental group received additional computer- assisted cognitive training using CogRehabK^Ⱂ software consisted of 10 level-completing programs, 3 times per week, 30 minutes per session, for 4 to 6 weeks. All patients were assessed their cognitive functions using Seoul Computerized Neuropsychological Test (SCNT^Ⱂ, Maxmedica, 2001), minimental status examination (MMSE), digit span, and Wechsler memory scale before and after treatment. Functional independence measure and geriatric depression scale were also applied for evaluation of functional and mood status.

Results: Before the treatment, two groups showed no difference in their cognitive functions. After 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, the experimental group showed significantly higher performance in forward digit span, forward visual span, auditory continuous performance test, and visual continuous performance test in CNT and MMSE than control group (p＜0.05).

Conclusion: We conclude that the CogRehabK^Ⱂ may be useful as an additional tool for the cognitive rehabilitation in patients with brain injury. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 830-839)

Objective
To investigate the safety of exercise program under medical supervision for cardiac patients in their early phase from cardiac events, and the types and the frequency of possible cardiovascular complications during or after exercise. Method: 197 cardiac patients who participated in phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation were selected and they performed aerobic exercise program by individualized exercise prescription under ECG monitoring 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Throughout total 2,429 sessions of exercise, abnormal symptoms, hemodynamic responses and ECG abnormalities were analyzed. Results: Cardiovascular complications ocurred in 25 patients (12.7%). ECG abnormalities in 14 sessions (0.58%) of 13 patients, chest pain during exercise in 17 sessions (0.67%) of 13 patients, abnormal hemodynamic responses in 8 sessions (0.33%) of 8 patients were observed. Cardiac arrest and myocardial infarct didn't happened. 18 patients (72%) experienced these complications during warming-up period, 6 patients (24%) during cool-down period and one patient (4%) during resting period. Conclusion: During exercise, there was some possibility of abnormal ECG changes, chest pain, hemodynamic responses but these potentially dangerous situations could be prevented from advancing on real emergency by intense attention and monitoring. Even cardiac patients of acute stage can tolerate adequate amount of exercise load safely under careful clinical supervision. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 797-801)