• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.164-170
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• 2001

Background: Infrared Thermal Imaging (ITI) is an effective tool for the diagnosis of disease and evaluation of the therapeutic effects following pain treatment. Patients who were treated for pain in pain clinic described the intensity of pain and the degree of change of their pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS). In this study, the usefulness of ITI following multimodal methods for pain management were compared with the change of VAS. Methods: 1119 patients were evaluated. The patients were treated with stellate ganglion block, epidural block or trigger points injection. Before treatment, the temperature difference (${\Delta}T$) of the involved area and the corresponding area on the opposite side of the body was measured using ITI and VAS was assessed. After treatment, the temperature difference (${\Delta}T$) between the normal and involved areas, the change of ${\Delta}T$ (${\Delta}dT$), VAS and the change of VAS (${\Delta}VAS$) were measured. Statistic correlations between ${\Delta}dT$and ${\Delta}VAS$ were calculated in all groups. Results: Correlation of the ${\Delta}dT$ and ${\Delta}VAS$ was significant by contingency coefficient test. (SGB group, C = 0.358, Epi group, C = 0.377, TPI group, C = 0.374, P < 0.05) Conclusions: ITI is a reliable tool for the assessment of therapeutic effects following multidimensional management of painful disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.13-28
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• 2007

Objectives : Clinical character of chronic tension-type headache is bilateral, moderate intensity, persistent and chronic, repeating disease and CTTH is a common prevalent disease, but pathophysiology and likely mechanism remain unclear. It impedes subjective quality of life. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of sa-am acupuncture method for chronic tension-type headache. Methods : In this randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study, we compared active acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of chronic tension-type headache. Volunteers who satisfied the requirements were enrolled in study. Evaluation of chronic tension-type headache was measured by VAS and Headache Disability Inventory(HDI), Six point Linkert Scale before and after treatments. Results : 26 subjects finished study. There were not difference between two groups on age, sex, weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, Byeonjeung, sunrise of treatment. In change of VAS, there were not difference between two groups on before treatment. Before treatment per visit, VAS of 6th and 7th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.039, p=0.008) and were not decreased in sham acupuncture. In change of VAS on a withdrawing needling after treatment, VAS of 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture (each p=0.001, 0.038, 0.035, 0.008) and VAS of 2nd, 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.033, 0.032, 0.035, 0.031). In change of VAS on 2hrs after treatment, VAS of 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.014, 0.023, 0.027) and 5th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.004, 0.009). In change of VAS on 4hrs after treatment, VAS of 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.018, 0.011, 0.015) and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.020, 0.015). In change of VAS on the next day after treatment, VAS of 3th and 4th and 5th, 6th visit were significantly decreased in active acupuncture(each p=0.032, 0.011, 0.005, 0.012) and 4th, 5th visit were significantly decreased in sham acupuncture(each p=0.001, 0.012). In change of VAS according to a current time(before treatment, after a withdrawing needling, 2hrs, 4hrs, the next day), total score of VAS was decreased more active acupuncture group than sham acupuncture group, but there were no statistical significance compared with sham acupuncture group. In change of HDI score, after treatment was decreased than before treatment in two group, but there were no statistical significance compared with two group. In change of Six point Linkert scale score, after treatment was decreased than before treatment in two group on 6th, 7th visit(active acupuncture 6th 7th each p=0.002, 0.003, sham acupuncture 6th 7th each 0.003, 0.009), but there were no statistical significance compared with tow group. Conclusion : Sa-am acupuncture treatment is effective to improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic tension-type headache.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.161-172
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• 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the effectiveness of Sihochunggan-tang gagambang in the four patients with eczema ongroin, inner thigh.Methods: This case study was conducted for four groin, inner thigh eczema patients who have visited Korean Medicine Clinic. Sihochunggan-tang gagambang was prescribed to all four patients and evaluated the symptom change through photographs and two assessment methods. The assessment methods are Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index(ADSI) and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). ADSI was used to evaluate the objective symptom change and VAS was used to evaluate the subjective symptom change.Results & Conclusion: The ADSI and VAS were decreased compared to the first in all four patients in our study. And most symptoms of four patients were improved. As a result of examining ADSI, VAS scores and photographs, Sihochunggan-tang gagambang can be effective on the groin, inner thigh eczema in four cases in our study.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.253-263
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• 2011

Objectives : To analyze the therapeutic outcomes of back pain modalities in patients with disc herniation according to the change of magnetic imaging(MRI) at one year after conservative treatment. Methods : Clinical outcomes of 35 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation by MRI examination, treated conservatively, were analyzed according to MRI follow-up change; improved, unchanged, worsened. Patients underwent MRI examination at baseline and after 24 week of treatment. After 1 year, we followed up 30 patients. The patients' clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 24 week, 1 year by visual analogue scale(VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), and analyzed by each of it's correlation. Results : 1. VAS of sciatica and ODI of disability of daily activities showed significant decrease in patients after 1 year follow up(p<0.05). 2. VAS(low back pain and sciatica) and ODI of disability of daily activities showed significant decrease in "improved" group and VAS(sciatica) and ODI showed significant decrease in "unchanged" group. "worsened" group showed no statistic significance(p<0.05). 3. The 1 year follow-up of VAS(low back pain and sciatica) and ODI change showed relationship with MRI follow-up change(p<0.05). Conclusions : This study suggests that "improved" groups compared to "unchanged" and "worsened" group on MRI follow-up in patients with lumbar disc herniation were more effective at 1 year after conservative treatment. MRI follow-up change affect clinical changes in patients with lumbar disc herniation after 1 year.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2014

Veterinary antibiotics (VAs) in animal compost and organic fertilizer can have adverse effect on ecosystem and eventually human health. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate feasibility of Charm II system for monitoring residuals of VAs in animal compost and organic fertilizer. Four different VAs (Tetracyclines: TCs, Sulfonamides: SAs, Macrolides: MLs, and ${\beta}$-lactams: ${\beta}$-LTs) were analyzed and total of 100 samples were monitored. Results reveled that SAs in animal compost showed the highest detection frequency (64%) with exceeded concentration of criteria. However, very low detection frequency (0-12%) for ${\beta}$-LTs was observed in animal compost and organic fertilizer. Depending on physicochemical properties of each VAs, detection frequency of VAs was determined. In conclusion, charm II system can be utilized to screen if residual of VAs is in animal compost and organic fertilizer. Also, more research is necessary to establish standard method for analysis of VAs in complex matrix and to minimize adverse effect of VAs from source to environment.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.195-200
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• 2017

Purpose: This study attempts to identify the effects of stretching and core exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the pain and functional disability index of patients with chronic lower back pain. Methods: A total of 20 patients with chronic lower back pain were randomly divided into either the experimental group (n=10), who received PNF stretching and core exercise, or the control group (n=10), who received conventional physiotherapy. Both interventions were applied three times a week for six weeks. The visible analogue scale (VAS) was measured in order to determine the level of pain, while the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to measure the change in the functional disability index. We conducted a paired t-test to compare the within-group change before and after the intervention. To compare the between-group difference, we used an independent t-test. The statistical significance level was set at ${\alpha}=0.05$ for all the variables. Results: The experimental group showed a significant within-group change in both the VAS and the ODI (p<0.01). The control group also showed a significant change (p<0.01). A significant difference was observed between the experimental group and the control group with regard to the change in both the VAS and the ODI after the interventions (p<0.01). Conclusion: In this study, the application of stretching and core exercise using PNF for subjects who complain of chronic lower back pain proved effective in reducing both pain and functional disability. We therefore expect that this intervention can be applied in the future as a useful program for patients with chronic lower back pain.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.141-148
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• 2017

Purpose: This study attempts to identify the effects of abdominal strength training using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the balance ability and pain level of patients with chronic lower back pain. Methods: A total of 30 patients with chronic lower back pain were randomly divided into either experimental group I (n=10), who received abdominal strength training using PNF, experimental group II (n=10), who received abdominal strengthening training, or the control group (n=10), who received conventional physiotherapy. The interventions were applied three times a week for six weeks. We measured Berg's balance scale (BBS) in order to investigate the change in balance ability, while we measured the visible analogue scale (VAS) to determine the severity of pain. We conducted a paired t-test to compare the within-group change before and after the intervention. For the comparison of the between-group difference, we used a one-way ANOVA test. Tukey's test was used as a post hoc test. The statistical significance level was set at ${\alpha}=0.05$ for all the variables. Results: Experimental group I and experimental group II showed a significant within-group change in BBS (p<0.01). A statistically significant between-group difference was observed in terms of the change in BBS (p<0.01). According to the results of the post hoc Tukey test, experimental group I and experimental group II showed a more effective change in BBS than the control group. Experimental group I, experimental group II, and the control group all showed a significant within-group change in the VAS (p<0.01). There was a statistically significant between-group difference in terms of the change in the VAS (p<0.01). According to the results of the post hoc Tukey test, the change in the VAS was more effective in experimental group I than in experimental group II and the control group. Conclusion: In this study, the application of abdominal strength training using PNF for subjects who complained of chronic lower back pain proved effective in improving their balance ability and reducing pain. We therefore believe that this training method could be applied as a useful program for patients with chronic lower back pain.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.152-158
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• 2000

Backgroud and Objectives： Because the pain is subjective in human, we frequently need the objective tool for estimation of pain. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a method for pain grading, but it is also a subjective method. The purpose of this study is to seek an objective method for measurement of pain. Author suggests that the estimation of local body temperature may be associated with the severity of pain in tonsillar disease and the change of it measured by Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging (DITI), may also be correlated with the change of pain. Materials and Method : Four groups were selected and measured for VAS and body temperature in DITI. Group A and B were post-tonsillectomy groups divided by age. Group C was acute tonsillitis group. Group D was peritonsillar abscess group. Results : In Group A and B, the subjective VAS was significantly correlated with objective local body temperature (correlation coefficient r=0.673, 0.647) and significant correlation was also present in acute tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess groups(r=0.596,0.642). Conclusion : The change of pain was strongly associated with that of local body temperature in tonsillar disease. DITI is a useful method for objective grading of pain and can be used for the study of postoperatve pain and effectiveness of pain control.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2005

Objective : This study was performed to compare needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy with only needle acupuncture therapy in VAS and pain threshold. Methods : We used pressure algometer to evaluate the change of pain threshold before and after treatment. The numberical value of pressure algometer is obtained twice and averaged by identical acupuncturist. Visual analogue scale(VAS) was used to estimate the efficacy of needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy. Result : The following results were obtained; 1. The significant difference in VAS was showed before and after treatment in only needle acupuncture therapy. 2. The significant difference in pain threshold and VAS was showed before and after treatment in needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy. 3. In the pain threshold, the significant difference between only needle acupuncture and needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy was not showed. 4. Needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy showed the more effective change of VAS than only needle acupuncture therapy. Conclusions : In the pain control, needle acupuncture combined herbal acupuncture therapy is more effective than only needle acupuncture therapy.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.53-65
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• 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of Non-toxic bee venom (BV) and observe VAS change before and after Non-toxic BV treatment in pain patients. Methods We surveyed the clinical practitioners who treated with Non-toxic BV in pain patients who visited the Korean medical clinic. The questionnaire survey was conducted for clinical practitioners who agreed to participate after hearing the explanation for the purpose and characteristics of the questionnaire. Patients in the questionnaires were reviewed based on their medical records from July 1, 2016 to October 28, 2016. Results We received 445 cases and selected 403 cases finally. 2 cases, however, were not able to continue treatment for 3 weeks and were eliminated. Depending on when the pain occurred, we divided the 401 cases into three groups (Acute, Subacute, Chronic group). In all groups, VAS scores were significantly decreased after treatment. Adverse reactions following Non-toxic BV treatment had occurred was 16 cases (3.60%). Except for 3 cases with hives, most of adverse reactions were mild or moderate and were not in need of extra treatment. The total safety of treatment for 3 weeks was mostly safe. The number of cases discontinued treatment was 42 cases (9.44%). Most of these cases, treatment was stopped for personal reason unrelated to the Non-toxic BV treatment. Conclusions These results suggest that the Non-toxic BV treatment has no serious adverse reactions and is a relatively safe treatment. Further studies are needed to prove the efficacy and clinical safety of Non-toxic BV treatment.