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To assess the well-being of preterm newborns using the Bayley-III scales in a Korean-based population, and to evaluate the perinatal risk factors influencing developmental outcome.
Using the Bayley-III scales, we assessed 120 preterm infants who were referred for evaluation of neurodevelopmental performance. We subdivided them into an extremely preterm group (n=18) and a very/moderate to late preterm group (n=102). Bayley-III mean scores and the rate of infants showing a delay were compared for both groups. The relationship between perinatal risk factors and Bayley-III scores was analyzed. The risk factors were considered as very low birth weight, history of neonatal medical problems, and abnormal radiologic findings in brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs).
Although no significant differences in mean scores were observed between the extremely preterm group and the very/moderate to late preterm group, the rate of babies showing developmental delay in motor composite scores was significantly higher in the extremely preterm group. The proportions of preterm infants with cognitive, language, and motor delays were 38.3%, 26.7%, and 35.0%, respectively. Very low birth weight was a significant risk factor for low cognitive, language, and motor composite scores. Also, abnormal radiologic findings on brain MRI were significant indicators of lower motor composite scores.
Cognitive development was the most frequently delayed domain in preterm infants and motor development was more frequently delayed in the extremely preterm group. The very low birth weight and abnormal radiologic findings in brain MRI were predictive factors for neurodevelopmental outcome.
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To evaluate the association between clinical and socio-demographic status and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in stroke survivors age 40 and older in the Korean population.
The relationship between stroke and HR-QoL was investigated using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), conducted from 2007–2012. The total number of respondents was 24,050 and 757 stroke survivors were included. Specifically, we investigated factors associated with the lowering of HR-QoL in a group of Korean adult stroke patients age 40 and older after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, anthropometric measurements, and clinical comorbidities. Adjusted effects of covariates on EuroQol-visual analog scales (EQ-VAS) scores were estimated with a complex-samples general linear model and multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of the lowest quintile versus highest quintile of the EQ-VAS scores in the stroke group were estimated with a complex-samples logistic regression model.
Socio-demographic, anthropometric factors, and clinical comorbidities significantly differed between the stroke and non-stroke groups, except regarding gender and residential area. The EQ-VAS was significantly lower in the stroke than non-stroke group. Anxiety/depression problems significantly lowered EQ-VAS, as did low education level, smoking, mobility and usual activities problems. Also, aging in 1-year increments and cardiovascular disease had a significant effect on lower EQ-VAS in stroke survivors.
People with a stroke have significantly lower HR-QoL than healthy subjects. Therefore, managing depression, smoking, or cardiovascular disease and maintenance of physical function may be priority goals in improving HR-QoL after a stroke.
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To propose a new scale, the Feeding and Swallowing Scale for Premature Infants (FSSPI), based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) findings and to verify the reliability and validity of the FSSPI.
One hundred thirty preterm infants who had undergone VFSS were enrolled in this retrospective study. The FSSPI was developed by referring to the Baby Regulated Organization of Subsystems and Sucking approach. The FSSPI score for each VFSS video was evaluated by a physiatrist as well as by three experienced speech-language pathologists. To verify the reliability of the FSSPI, the inter-evaluator and intra-evaluator associations for the FSSPI scores were analyzed. To verify the validity of the FSSPI, the association between FSSPI scores and clinical characteristics including prognosis-related factors was analyzed.
The mean gestational age was 27.3±2.8 weeks. The FSSPI showed a high degree of both intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between the FSSPI score and corrected age (CA) at the time of performing VFSS. Further, a significant positive correlation was observed between the FSSPI score and CA at the time of achieving full oral feeding. A significant negative correlation was observed between the FSSPI score and weight gain, between the 1st and 2nd month after birth, and between the 2nd and 3rd month after birth, respectively.
In this study, we proposed a new clinical scale using VFSS to reflect the development of feeding and swallowing skills in preterm infants. Further, we verified the reliability and validity of the scale.
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To establish the reliability and validity the Korean version of the Stroke Impact Scale (K-SIS) 3.0.
A total of 70 post-stroke patients were enrolled. All subjects were evaluated for general characteristics, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Modified Barthel Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The SF-36 and K-SIS 3.0 assessed their health-related quality of life. Statistical analysis after evaluation, determined the reliability and validity of the K-SIS 3.0.
A total of 70 patients (mean age, 54.97 years) participated in this study. Internal consistency of the SIS 3.0 (Cronbach's alpha) was obtained, and all domains had good co-efficiency, with threshold above 0.70. Test-retest reliability of SIS 3.0 required correlation (Spearman's rho) of the same domain scores obtained on the first and second assessments. Results were above 0.5, with the exception of social participation and mobility. Concurrent validity of K-SIS 3.0 was assessed using the SF-36, and other scales with the same or similar domains. Each domain of K-SIS 3.0 had a positive correlation with corresponding similar domain of SF-36 and other scales (HADS, MMSE, and NIHSS).
The newly developed K-SIS 3.0 showed high inter-intra reliability and test-retest reliabilities, together with high concurrent validity with the original and various other scales, for patients with stroke. K-SIS 3.0 can therefore be used for stroke patients, to assess their health-related quality of life and treatment efficacy.
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To evaluate the association between baseline characteristics, three physical performance tests and fall history in a sample of the elderly from Korean population.
A total of 307 participants (mean age, 76.70±4.85 years) were categorized into one of two groups, i.e., fallers and non-fallers. Fifty-two participants who had reported falling unexpectedly at least once in the previous 12 months were assigned to the fallers group. Physical performance tests included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test. The differences between the two study groups were compared and we analyzed the correlations between fall histories and physical performance tests.
SPPB demonstrated a significant association with fall history. Although the BBS total scores did not show statistical significance, two dynamic balance test items of BBS (B12 and B13) showed a significant association among fallers.
This study suggests that SPPB and two dynamic balance test items of the BBS can be used in screening for risk of falls in an ambulatory elderly population.
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To demonstrate the efficacy of the balance control trainer (BCT), developed for training patients with balance problems, as a balance assessment tool in subacute stroke patients.
A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 38 subacute stroke patients in their first episode of a stroke, and having the ability to maintain a standing position without aid for at least 5 minutes. Patients were assessed using the BCT (BalPro) 43.7±35.7 days after stroke. The balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), a 10-meter walking test (10mWT), a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index. The correlation and validity between the BCT and various balance assessments were analyzed.
Statistically significant linear correlations were observed between the BCT score and the BBS (r=0.698, p<0.001). A moderate to excellent correlation was seen between the BCT score and 11 of the 14 BBS items. The BCT scores and other secondary outcome parameters (6MWT r=0.392, p=0.048; TUG r=–0.471, p=0.006; 10mWT r=–0.437, p=0.012) had a moderate correlation.
Balance control training using the BCT (BalPro) showed significant statistical correlation with the BBS, and could therefore be a useful additional balance assessment tool in subacute stroke patients.
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To investigate the effect of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) syndrome.
In this monocentric, randomized, patient-assessor blinded, placebo-controlled trial, patients with HSP were randomly divided into the rESWT (n=17) and control (n=17) groups. Treatment was administered four times a week for 2 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Constant-Murley score (CS) were assessed before and after treatment, and at 2 and 4 weeks. The Modified Ashworth Scale and Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores and range of motion of the shoulder were also assessed.
VAS scores improved post-intervention and at the 2-week and 4-week follow-up in the intervention group (p<0.05). Respective differences in VAS scores between baseline and post-intervention in the intervention and control groups were –1.69±1.90 and –0.45±0.79, respectively (p<0.05), between baseline and 2-week follow-up in the intervention and control groups were –1.60±1.74 and –0.34±0.70, respectively (p<0.05), and between baseline and 4-week follow-up in the intervention and control groups were –1.61±1.73 and –0.33±0.71, respectively (p<0.05). Baseline CS improved from 19.12±11.02 to 20.88±10.37 post-intervention and to 20.41±10.82 at the 2-week follow-up only in the intervention group (p<0.05).
rESWT consisting of eight sessions could be one of the effective and safe modalities for pain management in people with HSP. Further studies are needed to generalize and support these results in patients with HSP and a variety conditions, and to understand the mechanism of rESWT for treating HSP.
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Interventions for Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
To investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on painful stump neuroma.
Thirty patients with stump neuroma at the distal end of an amputation site were assigned randomly to the ESWT group (n=15) and the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)+desensitization+pharmacological treatment group (n=15). For 3 weeks, the ESWT group received a weekly session involving 1,500 pulses at 0.10 mJ/mm2, while the control group was treated 10 times each, 40 minutes per day with TENS and desensitization treatment, and daily medication for 3 weeks. ESWT stimulation was given by focusing on the area at the neuroma site clearly identified by ultrasound.
The changes in the McGill pain questionnaire were 38.8±9.0 prior to treatment and 11.8±3.1 following the treatment. The corresponding values for the control group were 37.2±7.7 and 28.5±10.3. The changes between groups were significantly different (p=0.035). The change in visual analog scale prior to and after treatment was 7.0±1.5 and 2.8±0.8 in the ESWT group, respectively, and 7.2±1.4 and 5.8±2.0 in the control group. These changes between the groups were also significantly different (p=0.010). The outcome in the pain rating scale also showed significant differences between groups (p<0.001). Changes in neuroma size and pain pressure threshold (lb/cm2) were not significantly different between groups (p>0.05).
The study findings imply that ESWT for stump neuroma is superior to conventional therapy.
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To investigate the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on reducing dystonia and disability in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare the therapeutic outcomes between primary dystonia patients and CP patients over two years after bilateral pallidal DBS.
Five patients with primary dystonia and seven CP patients with dystonia were recruited. All subjects received DBS surgery in both globus pallidus. Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia rating scale consisting of dystonia movement score and disability score and subjective satisfaction scale were assessed after 1 month and every 6 months over two years following DBS treatment.
On the dystonia movement scale, both groups of primary dystonia patients and CP patients showed a significant decrease over time following DBS. On the disability scale, patients with primary dystonia showed a significant decrease over time, whereas the disability score of CP patients did not change over the two years. Comparing the dystonia movement and disability scores of CP patients at each assessment, patients with primary dystonia showed a significant reduction after 6 months. Comparing the satisfaction scores of CP patients after DBS, patients with primary dystonia showed significantly higher subjective satisfaction.
Whereas dystonia can be significantly reduced in patients with primary dystonia, CP patients showed a modest improvement on the dystonia movement scale, but not on the disability scale. Therefore, DBS may be considered with caution as a treatment modality of CP patients with dystonia.
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To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in myofascial pain syndrome of upper trapezius with visual analogue scale (VAS) and pressure threshold by digital algometer.
Twenty-two patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome in upper trapezius were selected. They were assigned to treatment and standard care (control) groups balanced by age and sex, with eleven subjects in each group. The treated group had done four sessions of ESWT (0.056 mJ/mm2, 1,000 impulses, semiweekly) while the control group was treated by the same protocol but with different energy levels applied, 0.001 mJ/mm2. The VAS and pressure threshold were measured twice: before and after last therapy. We evaluated VAS of patients and measured the pressure threshold by using algometer.
There were two withdrawals and the remaining 20 patients were three men and 17 women. Age was distributed with 11 patients in their twenties and 9 over 30 years old. There was no significant difference of age, sex, pre-VAS and pre-pressure threshold between 2 groups (p>0.05) found. The VAS significantly decreased from 4.91±1.76 to 2.27±1.27 in the treated group (p<0.01). The control group did not show any significant changes of VAS score. The pressure threshold significantly increased from 40.4±9.94 N to 61.2±12.16 N in the treated group (p<0.05), but there was no significant change in the control group.
ESWT in myofascial pain syndrome of upper trapezius is effective to relieve pain after four times therapies in two weeks. But further study will be required with more patients, a broader age range and more males.
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To compare an objective assessment scale for "come-to-sit" in stroke patients with the previously established subjective assessment scales of "performance-based assessment" and the "ability for basic movement scale".
A specifically designed jacket was used to determine the objective degree of assistance needed for patients to perform the task. While patients were sitting up, the investigator evaluated the amount of assistance needed in a fully dependent state (A) and with maximal effort (B). Using this measure, we obtained an objective scale, {(A-B)/A} ×100. In addition, patients were tested in two starting positions: hemiplegic-side lying and sound-side lying. We then compared the objective scale with subjective scales and other parameters related to functional outcomes.
For both starting positions, the objective assessment scale showed high correlation with the previously established subjective scales (p<0.01). Only the hemiplegic-side lying-to-sit objective scale showed a significant correlation with the parameters used to assess functional outcomes (p<0.05). In terms of Brunnstrom stages, only the leg stage showed a significant correlation with the objective "come-to-sit" scale (p<0.01).
The objective scale was comparable to established subjective assessment scales when used by an expert. The hemiplegic-side lying-to-sit maneuver had a high correlation with patient's functional recovery. Specifically, balance and lower extremity function appear to be important factors in the "come-to-sit" activity.
To assess the relationship of scores on the test of infant motor performance (TIMP), with those on the Bayley scales of infant development (BSID), and to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of TIMP and the optimal cut-off value of TIMP scores using ROC analysis.
Seventy-six preterm and term infants were recruited from neonatal intensive care units. Subjects were tested with the TIMP at their initial visit and after 6 months, they were tested by using BSID.
In the reliability study, TIMP scores showed highly significant correlation with the Bayley physical developmental index (BPDI) (p=0.001) and Bayley mental developmental index (BMDI) (p=0.017). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the TIMP test for screening infant motor development. ROC analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.825 (p=0.005) in BPDI and 0.992 (p=0.014) in BMDI, indicating an excellent classification performance of the model. The optimal cut-off value where a sensitivity of 86%, and specificity of 68% were achieved with the TIMP was 1.50 (between average and below average) in BPDI and where a sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 66% were achieved with the TIMP was 1.50 in BMDI.
Our results indicate that the TIMP provides a reliable and valid measurement that can be used for the evaluation of motor function in preterm and term infants. TIMP was highly sensitive and specific with the follow-up examination of BSID. Therefore it can be used as a reliable screening tool for neonates and infants aged <4 months.
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To examine the usefulness of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) in ataxic stroke patients.
This was a retrospective study of 54 patients following their first ataxic stroke. The data used in the analysis comprised ambulation status on admission and scores on the SARA, the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The subjects were divided into four groups by gait status and into five groups by level of dependency in activities of daily living (ADLs) based on their K-MBI scores. Data were subjected to a ROC curve analysis to obtain cutoff values on the SARA for individual gait status and levels of activity dependency. The correlations between the SARA, K-MBI and BBS scores were also computed.
There was significant correlation between the SARA and the K-MBI scores (p<0.001), and this correlation (r=-0.792) was higher than that found between the BBS and the K-MBI scores (r=0.710). The SARA scores of upper extremity ataxia categories were significantly related to the K-MBI scores of upper extremity related function (p<0.001). The SARA scores were also significantly correlated negatively with ambulation status (p<0.001) and positively with ADL dependency (p<0.001). In the ROC analysis, patients with less than 5.5 points on the SARA had minimal dependency in ADL, while those with more than 23 points showed total dependency.
SARA corresponds well with gait status and ADL dependency in ataxic stroke patients and is considered to be a useful functional measure in that patient group.
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of epidural injections with steroids and local anesthetics for the low back pain patients.
Two hundred fifty patients with low back pain and sciatica were selected for the study. The patients were treated with the epidural injection of steroid(Depo-medrolⰒ) weekly for 2 weeks and local anesthetics(lidocaine and bupivacaine) daily via epidural catheter. The efficacy of epidural injections was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale(VAS) on pre- and 2weeks post-epidural injections. The VAS scores of pre- and post-epidural injections were 6.14⁑2.14 and 3.65⁑1.93(p<0.05) respectively. The VAS scores were not different by the disease subgroups(p>0.05). By the main symptoms, VAS scores were reduced prominently in patients with the pseudoclaudication symptom after post-epidural injections.
In conclusion, epidural injections of steroid and local anesthetics are effective for patients with a low back pain and sciatica in the short term. Further prospective long-term follow up studies will be necessary in the future.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of stellate ganglion block for the patients with cervical Herniated Intervertebral Disc (HIVD).
Method: Forty patients with cervical HIVD were selected for the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group 1, stellate ganglion block of 1% lidocaine and physical modalities (n=20); Group 2, only physical modalities as a control group (n=20). Group 1 patients were treated with the stellate ganglion block of 1% lidocaine three times over two-week period. The efficacy of stellate ganglion block was assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on pre- and post-stellate ganglion blocks and with Rubin scale (success rate).
Results: The VAS scores of post-block were significantly lower than pre-score (p<0.05) in both groups, but there was no statistically significance between the two groups. After treatment, Rubin scale was with excellent or good in 75% in group 1 and in 50% in group 2, but there was no statistically significance.
Conclusion: The stellate ganglion block may be effective therapeutic method for patient with cervical HIVD. But the efficacy of additional stellate ganglion block for cervical HIVD remains controversial. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 567-570)
Objective: The aim of this study is to know the usefulness of ultrasonographic evaluation of hemiplegic shoulder pain.
Method: For 20 hemiplegic patients with shoulder pain, the shoulder was evaluated by simple radiographic findings, physical examinations, visual analogue scale (VAS), manual muscle test (MMT), and finally the ultrasonographic examination to define shoulder pain nature. The ultrasonographic results were compared to the simple radiography, physical examination, VAS, and MMT.
Results: The ultrasonographic findings were variable. The positive ultrasonographic findings were 10 joint fluid collections, 3 tendinous thickenings, 4 high echogenic findings, 4 tendon surface defects, 2 tendinous gracilings, and 1 joint surface irregularity. The ultrasonographic interpretative conclusion included 6 tendon (or muscle) tears, 2 degenerative changes, 5 nonspecific simple joint fluid collections, and 7 normal shoulder joints. In comparison of ultrasonographic findings and subluxation, VAS, and fluid collection, VAS showed relatively higher correlation.
Conclusion: The ultrasonography is very useful as a non-invasive, inexpensive, painless, and rapid screening diagnostic method for the evaluation of painful hemiplegic shoulder.
Objective: To determine the function of the normal upper trapezius and scalenus medius muscles during neck motion by quantitative eletromyographic analysis.
Method: Nine subjects were evaluated electromyographically with monopolar fine wire electrodes. The isometric tilting and rotation of neck with manual resistance were performed in the sitting position. The Root Mean Square (RMS) and Mean Rectified Voltage (MRV) were recorded.
Results: The RMS and MRV of upper trapezius muscle were significantly higher at each degree of ipsilateral rotation than contralateral rotation. But the RMS and MRV of scalenus medius muscle were significantly higher at each degree of contralateral rotation than ipsilateral rotation. The RMS and MRV of upper trapezius and scalenus medius muscles were significantly higher at ipsilateral tilting than at contralateral tilting.
Conclusion: Based on these results, we concluded that the upper trapezius muscle acts more in ispilateral rotation, while scalenus medius muscle acts in contralateral rotation, and upper trapezius and scalenus medius muscles act in ipsilateral tilting.
Objective: To investigate the effect of epilepsy and neonatal seizure on development in children with cerebral palsy (CP) or delayed development (DD).
Method: The subjects were 135 patients with CP or DD. Development was evaluated by Bayley Scale of Infant Development II (BSID II). Epilepsy was diagnosed on the base of clinical features, past history and electroencephalography.
Results: The incidence of epilepsy was 18.4% in CP, and 37.8% in DD. Spastic quadriplegia of CP has the highest incidence of epilepsy (38.4%). First seizure attack was occurred before 6 months old of age in 66.7% of CP with epilepsy and in 64.3% of DD with epilepsy. The prevailing type of epilepsy was generalized seizure in DD (57.1%), partial seizure in CP (50.0%). The group with epilepsy had lower psychomotor and mental development quotient on BSID II than the group without epilesy (p<0.05). Polytherapy was more used to control epilepsy than monotherapy. Valproate (50.0%), phenobarbital (37.5%), carbamazepine (31.3%) were commonly used drugs for controlling epilepsy.
Conclusion: The epilpesy has a negative effect on psychomotor and mental development in the children with CP or DD.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the differences between weight bearing through the plegic and nonplegic lower extremities in hemiplegic patients in various standing conditions.
Method: We used digital scales to measure weight bearing among 13 hemiplegic patients when they performed comfortable standing, maximal weight shifting to each lower extremity, step standing with each foot on a step, and maximal weight shifting to each lower extremity again.
Results: 1) Patients bore significantly more weight on their nonplegic lower extremity than on their plegic one during comfortable standing (p<0.05).
2) They bore significantly more weight on their nonplegic lower extremity than on their plegic lower extremity when maximal weight shifting was done (p<0.01).
3) They bore very significantly more weight on the lower extremity that was not on the step during step standing regardless of whether it was plegic or nonplegic (p<0.001).
4) When maximal weight shifting was done again, the weight bearing of plegic lower extremity was insignificantly decreased compared to that before step standing (p>0.05) and the weight bearing of nonplegic lower extremity was insignificantly increased (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Step standing was a very useful training method of facilitating the weight bearing in hemiplegic lower extremity.
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the long term effect of the epidural injections with steroid and local anesthetics in the low back pain patients by assessments of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and several relating factors that influence good results.
Method: Seventy two low back pain patients with or without sciatica were treated with epidural injections of weekly steroid (methylprednisolone acetate) and daily local anesthetics (lidocaine and bupivacaine) for 2 weeks via an epidural catheter. The efficacy of the epidural injections was assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score at the day of admission (VAS1), discharge (VAS2) and during the long term follow up period (VAS3)(mean:14 months, 8∼24 months).
Results: VAS1, VAS2 and VAS3 were 6.22⁑2.03, 3.36⁑1.49, and 3.39⁑1.45 respectively. VAS2 and VAS3 were significantly different with VAS1 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Epidural injections of steroid and local anesthetics are effective not only in the short term period, but also in the long term peroid for patients with low back pain with or without sciatica
Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reliability of the Korean version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and to compare the sensitivity of the SCIM to functional changes of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with that of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).
Method: Seventeen subjects with SCI were studied. The SCIM was translated and modified to convert as SCIM Korean-version. All patients were evaluated with the SCIM and the FIM by two raters every other week. To determine inter-rater reliability, the relationship between the SCIM scores obtained by two raters was evaluated by Kappa coefficient and linear regression. To determine relative sensitivity of the test to functional changes, changes in the scores on the SCIM and FIM were compared by McNemar test.
Results: The Kappa coefficient of the various individual tasks in SCIM ranged between 0.63 and 1.00. High correlations were also found between the total SCIM scores for the paired raters (r=0.99, p<0.01). The SCIM detected all the functional changes detected by FIM total scoring, but in 3 (14%) of 22 sequential test batteries, the FIM missed changes detected by SCIM total scoring.
Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the SCIM is reliable and more sensitive than the FIM in reflecting the functional changes of SCI patients.
For the prescription of exercise, the intensity is most important. And the most commonly used method for the regulation of exercise intensity is the target heart rate calculated by the results of graded exercise test. However, the heart rate method has many disadvantages such as variances in measurement, cessation of exercise to measure the rate, difficulties in application to patients on cardiac medications like beta-blockers. Rating of perceived exertion(RPE scale) has been widely used for the prescription of exercise intensity in the cardiac and the pulmonary rehabilitation. RPE scale can be superior to the heart rate method since the patient does not have to stop exercise to measure heart rates and also medications would not influence the program.
The purpose of this study was to find out if RPE scale would be useful method compared to other various parameters in normal subjects and cardiac patients for the prescription of exercise intensity.
In 250 normal healthy adults with normal graded exercise test results and 42 cardiac patients, RPE scale, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, expiratory volume, and respiratory rate were measured during the graded exercise test. Correlation analysis was done between these parameters.
In normal adults, heart rate, respiratory rate, double product(heart rate times systolic blood pressure), oxygen consumption to maximal oxygen consumption ratio(VO2max%) were significantly correlated with RPE scale. VO2max% showed the highest explanatory power of those parameters.
In cardiac patients, heart rate, respiratory rate, expiratory volume, VO2max%, double product were significantly correlated with RPE scale. Also, VO2max% showed the highest explanatory power. VO2max% at each RPE scale was slightly lower in cardiac patients than in normal adults but it was not statistically significant.
The results showed that RPE scale was highly correlated to VO2max% in both groups.
VO2max% at the same RPE scale was not statistically different in both groups.
We concluded that RPE scale is a useful method for the prescription of exercise intensity in both normal person and cardiac patients.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a potential tool for the detection of microscopic diffuse axonal injury (DAI) and for the evaluation of functional status of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Method: Seven patients with severe TBI and fourteen normal control volunteers were examined. Image guided spectra of localized in vivo 1H MRS were obtained from parietal white matter (PWM) and occipital gray matter (OGM) in which definite abnormality was not detected in MR imaging. The severity of TBI was evaluated by the initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and the functional status was evaluated by Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at the time of the MRS examination, approximately 2 months after onset.
Results: In PWM, the [N-acetylaspartate(NAA)/Creatine(Cr)] ratio was significantly lower, and the [Choline(Cho)/Cr] and [myo-Inositol(mI)/Cr] ratios were significantly higher in the patients with TBI than those of normal volunteers. There was no significant correlation between the ratios of metabolites and GCS scores. However, interestingly, a significant correlation between the [NAA/Cr] ratio in PWM and the FIM scores was observed.
Conclusion: We could conclude that decreased [NAA/Cr], increased [Cho/Cr], and increased [mI/Cr] ratios in PWM can be considered as markers for DAI. Localized 1H MRS has a potential to be used for the detection of DAI in vivo and evaluation of functional status of the patients with TBI.
Objective: The aims of this study were to know the effects of long time bed immobilization on the heart rate variability and to know the correlation between the heart rate variability and other anthropometric parameters.
Method: The subjects of this study were 60 normal sedentary persons as control group and 22 patients who had been immobilized for a long time because of musculoskeletal problems without any systemic diseases. The heart rate variabilities were measured through the R-R interval variation at rest, deep breathing and valsalva maneuver. These values were compared between control and patient group and were analysed for correlation with age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), amounts of smoking (pack years), spans of immobilization and physical activity scale (PAS).
Results: The mean heart rate variability of patients were 0.132⁑0.072, 0.216⁑0.109, and 0.289⁑0.171 in rest, deep breathing and valsalva maneuver respectively which were lower than the corresponding 0.176⁑0.085, 0.314⁑0.146, and 0.322⁑0.174 of normal control group. The heart rate variabilities were negatively correlated with age, BMI and amounts of smoking but positively correlated with the height. The physical activity scale of preimmobilization state was negatively correlated with resting heart rate variability but was positively correlated with heart rate variability during deep breathing and valsalva maneuvering state.
Conclusion: The long bed immobilization significantly decreased the heart rate variability and the heart rate variability could be used as a useful tool to measure the effects of immobilization on the heart.
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the correlation of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) on brain MRI and Denver II and Capute developmental test.
Method: Thirty children with PVL on brain MRI showing delayed development were included. The severity of PVL was graded as localized/generalized lesion in three fields; periventricular hyperintensity in T2 weighted image (PVHI in T2WI), reduced volume of cerebral white matter (RV of CWM), ventriculomegaly with periventricular wall irregularity (VM with PVWI). Development quotients were obtained by Denver II and Capute test, and assessed according to the severity of PVL.
Results: Although language, fine motor-adaptive, personal- social scale of Denver II and cognitive-adaptive and clinical linguistic and auditory milestone of Capute test had little correlation with severity of PVL, gross motor developmental scale assessed by Denver II had a certain degree of correlation with severity of PVL which was not significant statistically. The gross motor developmental scale of the nineteen preterm births had a significant correlation with VM with PVWI, but the other developmental scales still had no significant correlation with PVL.
Conclusion: As for the children with delayed development the degree of motor development was a significant predictor of the PVL on brain MRI, but those of language and cognitive development were not. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 273-278)
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of manual medicine therapy in adhesive capsulitis of shoulder.
Method: Twelve patients with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder were treated with the muscle energy technique of Greenman in manual medicine therapy. The muscle energy technique of Greenman was repeated 6 times for each subject. The therapeutic effect of manual medicine therapy was assessed by the shoulder range of motion (ROM) and visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after the treatment. Two patients took the fluoroscopic examination before and after the treatment.
Results: After the manual medicine therapy, active range of shoulder motion were increased by 30.0o in forward flexion, by 21.2o in abduction, by 11.2o in external rotation, and by 18.7o in internal rotation, respectively. The visual analogue scale was decreased after treatment. None of the subjects complained pain during treatment. The mobility of shoulder joint was improved and the rhythm of scapulohumeral joint was restored.
Conclusion: The manual medicine therapy is an effective, tolerable and noninvasive treatment method for the painful adhesive capsulitis of shoulder.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of a new periarticular injection in the patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Method: Twenty seven patients, who had knee pain, were met criteria of knee osteoarthritis of American Rheumatology Association. Two injection sites were used: one to infrapatellar fat pad and the other to near the insertion area of popliteus. At first, 1 cc of 0.5% lidocaine was injected to both sites. If pain was not releaved above 50%, a mixture of 1 cc of 0.5% lidocaine and 10 mg of triamcinolone acetonide was injected to twenty seven patients, 46 knees. All patients were evaluated visual analogue scale (VAS), time for 10 meter walking, time for stair up and down, isometric knee strength before and after
treatment. Paired student t test was done to investigate statistical significance of change of pain and function.
Results: Before treatment VAS, time for 10 meter walking, time for stair up and down and isometric knee strength were 6.1⁑2.1, 10.4⁑3.6, 10.8⁑7.1 and 34.0⁑11.4 respectively. After last treatment VAS, time for 10 meter walking, time for stair up and down and isometric knee strength were 3.5⁑2.5, 8.3⁑1.7, 8.2⁑3.6 and 38.8⁑12.9 respectively. The difference was stastistically significant between before and after treatment (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The new periarticular injection is useful in treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 198-202)
Objective: This study is designed to compare the therapeutic effect of continuous epidural injection with catheter and intermittent epidural injection without catheter in the patients with low back pain.
Method: One hundred and nine patients with low back pain were randomly divided into two groups. First group (49 patients) were treated with two or three times of intermittent epidural injections with steroid mixed with local anesthetics. Second group (60 patients) were treated with continuous steroid mixed with local anesthetics injection through epidural catheter. The effect of the epidural injections was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) at pre-injection and post- injection.
Results: Pre- and post-injection VAS scores of the first group were 6.5⁑1.2 and 3.5⁑1.5, respectively. Pre- and post-injection VAS scores of the second group were 6.2⁑1.6 and 2.3⁑1.1, respectively. VAS score changes between pre-and post-injection were significant (p<0.01) in both groups. VAS score changes between two groups were greater (p<0.01) in the second group. The more severe the disc herniation (protrusion and extrusion) in MRI finding, the more marked VAS score changes in the second group. When morbidity period was less than 1 year, the VAS score changes in the second group were greater (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of catheter inserted continuous epidural injection is better than that of intermittent epidural injection in patients with low back pain.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of epidural injections of hypertonic saline, steroid and local anesthetics in patients with low back pain and sciatica.
Method: Retrospective study of 325 patients with low back pain and sciatica. Group I, 261 patients, were treated with epidural injection of steroid (Depo-medrolⰒ) weekly for 2 weeks and local anesthetics (lidocaine and bupivacaine) daily via epidural catheter. Group II, 64 patients, were treated with epidural injection of hypertonic saline for three successive days and same method of group I via epidural catheter. The efficacy was assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on the day of pre- and post- (2weeks later) epidural injection.
Results: (1) VAS score changes from pre- to post-epidural injections were from 6.1⁑3.6 to 3.6⁑1.8 (p<0.05) in Group I and from 6.2⁑1.6 to 2.6⁑1.4 (p<0.05) in Group II. (2) VAS score decrease of Group II was more than that of Group I (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Epidural injections of hypertonic saline, steroid and local anesthetics are effective for patients with low back pain and sciatica in the short term, and more effective than that of steroid and local anesthetics, but prospective long-term follow up studies will be necessary in the future.