KJC Korea
Journal Central

ObjectivesThis study was intended to clarify the anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation ef-fects of gamikyejakjimo-tang herbal acupuncture (GKHA) for osteoarthritis.MethodsOsteoarthritis was induced by injection of MIA into right knee joint cavities of rats. Rats were divided into a total of 4 groups (n8). The 4 groups were normal group, control group, positive comparison group and expeimental group. Indomethacin and GKHA were medicated for a total of 4 weeks. After that, functions of liver and kidney by AST, ALT, creatinine, BUN, DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity, ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, NO (Total Nitric oxide), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α production, weight changes in the hind legs of MIA-induced osteoarthritis rat, serum PGE2, TIMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, LTB4, hs-CRP, and white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, mono-cytes were measured. The volume of cartilage was observed by micro CT arthrography. H&E and Safranin-O staining were used to examine the injury of synovial tissue. Results1. In the hind leg weight bearing measurement, level of weight was increased. 2. AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine were decreased. 3. The production of total white blood cell was decreased, and the production of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes were significantly decreased. 4. The production of NO, PGE2, TIMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, LTB4 were sig-nificantly decreased, and the production of hs-CRP was also decreased but with no significance. 5. The cartilage volume was significantly increased. 6. In H&E staining and Safranin-O staning, the cartilage cell appeared to be proliferated, and proteoglycans ap-peared to be increased. ConclusionsBased on the results above, Gamikyejakjimo-tang Herbal Acupuncture has anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects, which leads to suppressing the underlying causes and the progression of osteoarthritis. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):1-20)

ObjectivesThis study was aimed to offer basic data in long term drug efficacy test using monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthrits model.MethodsSixty male rats were divided into normal and osteoarthritic group. Rats of nor-mal group were injected with 0.1 ml physiological saline, and rats of osteoarthritic group were inected with 0.1 ml monosodium iodoacetate (3 mg/ml) into each left and right knee joint cavities. Gross examination, proteoglycan contents and histopathological examination on the knee joint were performed at 10, 20, 40, and 60 days after injection.ResultsGrossly, degenerative changes at 10 days, desquamation at 40 days, and ulcer-ation of articular cartilages at 60 days were observed. Proteoglycan contents in articular cartilages were decreased rapidly to 40 days, after than decreased gradually. Osteoarthritic scores were increased rapidly to 20 days, after than increased gradually to 60 days.ConclusionsFrom above results, osteoarthritis model induced by a single intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetete is useful model for long term drug efficacy test. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):21-28)

ObjectivesWe have attempted to provide the basis of treatment effects by considering foreign & domestic randomized controlled trials (RCTs), being implemented with catgut- embedding therapy for lumbar disc herniation.MethodsWe found the literatures prepared in Korean, English, and Chinese by December 2014 in electronic databases (Pubmed, Science Direct, Proquest, OASIS, KMbase, NDSL, RISS, National Assembly Library). We choosed RCTs by selection criteria through abstracts & articles, extracted and analyzed data. Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool was used & implemented for the risk of bias.ResultsThe total of 17 studies were included in the review. 88.2% of studies were ac-complished within the last decade. The experimental group has shown more significant ef-fects in 70.6% of studies, and the long-term & partial significant results were obtained in 29.4% of studies. Affected lumbar area and pelvic limb area with radiating pain were mostly selected for acupoint.ConclusionsOverall and partial significant results were obtained from 17 foreign & do-mestic comparative RCTs which substantiates the treatment effects of catgut-embedding therapy for lumbar disc herniation. Since all studies, however, were exposed to the risk of bias, so future research of higher quality shall be necessary. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):29-40)

ObjectivesThis systematic review will analyse randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of manual therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) to evaluate the effi-cacy of this approach.MethodsRCTs will be identified in the following ten databases based on searches start-ing with their inception: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, four Korean databases as KoreaMed, DBPIA, NDSL, and RISS and three Chinese databases as CNKI, VIP and Wanfang. The quality of these studies will be analysed using the Cochrane risk of bias. A meta-analysis will be conducted, and subgroup analysis will be considered if comparatively large heterogeneity is detected.ConclusionsWe plan to publish this systematic review in a peer-reviewed journal. Findings from this review may contribute to the treatment process in clinical situations. Trial registration number: PROSPERO 2015: CRD42015024090 (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):41-46)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to research current trends of acupuncture treatment of whiplash associated disorder (WAD).MethodsClinical studies about acupuncture therapy on WAD were searched in 7 databases. The included studies were classified according to their publication dates, meth-ods, interventions, outcome measures. Interventions were analyzed by accompanied inter-vention, acupoint, acupuncture retaining time and treatment period.Results14 articles were included. The number of studies on acupuncture for WAD shows increasing tendency since 1990. The included studies consist of 6 randomized con-trolled trials (RCTs), 2 non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs), 2 cohort studies, 1 before and after study, 1 case study and 2 case reports. Most studies used visual analogue scale (VAS) as primary outcome.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates that further clinical studies need to be carried out under the formal clinical practice guidelines of acupuncture therapy for WAD in order to support clinical treatment objectively. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):47-54)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to analyze the osteoarthritis-related effect of each constituent herb of ChondroT, the herbal medicine that used for osteoarthritis.MethodsWe searched osteoarthritis-related studies on each constituent herb of ChondroT via five Korean Medicine web databases. We classified these studies by each constituent herb (Ostericii Radix, Angelica Gigas Nakai, Clematidis Radix, Lonicerae Flos, Phellodendri Cortex) and researched the osteoarthritis-related effect.ResultsWe collected 18 studies (two studies of Ostericii Radix, five studies of Angelica Gigas Nakai, three studies of Clematidis Radix, six studies of Lonicerae Flos, and two stud-ies of Phellodendri Cortex). All of these studies were composed of in vivo and in vitro, and there were six pharmacopuncture experimental study. All experiments showed the sig-nificant effects on specific inflammatory mediators.ConclusionsThese results suggest that ChondroT will be able to apply to the treatment of osteoarthritis through continuous research and development. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):55-63)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to describe the origin of Wuqinxi and transition to various forms. Also evaluating the feasibility of Wuqinxi as a modern medical exercise.MethodsFor collecting data, various documents came from China, Taiwan, and Korea. Also we searched Pubmed, KISS, NDSL and National assembly library using “Wuqinxi (오금희)” for clinical trials.ResultsIn this study, Chinese Wuqinxi can be divided into 10 forms, 15 forms, 18 forms, 20 forms, 30 forms and 40 forms while Taiwanese Wuqinxi can be divided into classic form (125 forms) and short form (84 forms). Also we found some evidence that Wuqinxi played a certain role for health promotion.ConclusionsThese days Wuqinxi has a 8 different major forms and some of the ex-ercises can be used as a preventive medical exercise to promote health for people. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):65-74)

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between cervical intervertebral space narrow-ing in the X-ray and HIVD level of cervical spine in the CT image.MethodsWe studied 101 subjects who were taken cervical spine X-ray and CT. Intervertebral space were measured at the anterior, middle and posterior portion of each cervical disc in the X-ray. Considering individual difference, intervertebral space was set as value divided by upper width of lower vertebral body. We analyzed statistically adjusted in-tervertebral space of normal group and herniated disc group using student’ t t-test.ResultsIntervertebral space of cervical spine was narrowed in the herniated disc group. But there was no significant difference at C2∼C3.ConclusionsWe found that narrowing intervertebral space of cervical spine is asso-ciated with herniated disc. Further clinical observation is needed. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):75-81)

ObjectivesTo measure and analyze the curvature of the cervical spine for university students.MethodsThis study carried out on 132 students. The cervical spine curvature was measured by six measuring methods. The type and numeric value of cervical spine curva-ture was analyzed by Angle of cervical curve (C1∼C7), Angle of cervical curve (C2∼C7), Jackson’s angle, Ishihara Index, Depth of cervical curve and Method of Jochumsen. Cervical spine curvatures between male and female are compared by Mann-Whitney test. Rate of type of cervical curvature between male and female are compared by linear by line-ar association.Results1. The average of angle of cervical curve (C1∼C7) is 33.78±9.85o, angle of cer-vical curve (C2∼C7) is 10.28±8.12o. The average of Jackson’s angle is 14.02±10.01o, average of Ishihara Index is 8.46±10.58%. The average of Depth of cervical curve is 5.15±4.72 mm and average of Method of Jochumsen is 0.94±3.83 mm. 2. More than half of student’s cervical curvature showed hypolordosis except Ishihara index. 3. There was significant difference in numeric value of cervical curvature between male and female both groups in terms of Ishihara index. 4. There were insignificant differences between male and female in terms of type of cervical curvature.ConclusionsAccording to above results, we found out average of student’s cervical curve. And the results suggest that most of the student’s cervical curvature decreased. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):83-92)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to compare the effects of ultra sound (U/S) and chuna on lumbago by meridian muscle electrography (MMEG). we performed U/S and chu-na on erector spinae muscle.MethodsThis study was carried out on 20 lumbago patients. 20 patients were divided into U/S group and chuna group. U/S group take treatment 5 minutes. Chuna group take treatment 10 minutes. After performing U/S and chuna treatment 6 times, we compared both in terms of VAS, ODI, ROM, root mean square (RMS) and special edge frequency (SEF) on erector spinae muscle. The effect of each treatments are compared by Wilcoxon’s signed rank test. The difference of effect between both groups are compared by Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test.Results1. Both U/S group and chuna group showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI after treatment. 2. U/S group showed insignificant improvement in both RMS and SEF. 3. Chuna group showed significant improvement in SEF at left lower point and RMS at left upper point. 4. Both U/S group and chuna group showed insignificant improvement in ROM. 5. There are no significant differences between both groups except SEF at left upper point.ConclusionsAccording to above results, we found out that performing U/S or chuna on erector spinae muscle has effect in terms of VAS and ODI. But, in terms of SEF, we found out different result for both side. And we can’t found out effect in terms of RMS and ROM of L-spine. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):93-103)

ObjectivesTo investigate clinical effects of needle embedding acupuncture treatments for chronic low back pain patients.Methods30 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited and randomized into two groups-the embedding acupuncture group or the placebo. At baseline, the age, height, weight, visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were measured. And surface electromyography (SEMG) data of both erector spinae at L2, L4 level were also measured on both groups and asymmetry index (AI) were calculated. The embedding or placebo acupuncture treatment was performed on the erector spinae according to SEMG values; immediately after the first evaluation and 48 hours after the first visit. After 96 hours of intervention, the VAS, ODI score and SEMG of both erector spinae were measured again. Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test.ResultsThe mean VAS, ODI score after treatment was decreased significantly compared with baseline on both groups. And the VAS, ODI score and AI of the embedding acu-puncture group was more decreased significantly than the placebo (p＜0.05).ConclusionsThe results suggest that embedding acupuncture for chronic low back pain patients was effective on the VAS pain score, ODI score and AI of the erector spinae. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):105-112)

ObjectivesFunctional dyspepsia is a type of disease characterized by bothersome post-prandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric pain and burning without structural gastro-intestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in symptoms, quality of life, HRV (Heart Rate Variability) before and after abdominal manipulation therapy in func-tional dyspepsia patients.MethodsWe recruited twenty functional dyspepsia patients from the volunteers who ap-plied for this clinical trial. State of Patients were assessed by NDI-K (Nepean Dyspepsia Index Korean Version), HRV (Heart Rate Variability) before treatment. After 4 times of ab-dominal manipulation therapy for 2 weeks, state of patients were assessed by the same methods.ResultsTotal symptom score and total quality of life score of NDI-K were significantly im-proved by the abdominal manipulation therapy. After the treatment, the number of subjects within normal range of LF/HF ratio was significantly increased. Although the median of LF/HF ratio did not significantly changed, interquartile range was reduced.ConclusionsAbdominal manipulation therapy possibly can be an effective treatment for functional dyspepsia patients, but further studies are needed to demonstrate the effective-ness of abdominal manipulation therapy for functional dyspepsia patients. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):113-121)

ObjectivesThe aim of this clinical study was to find out the changes of vital sign, body composition, skin status before and after combined spa-exercise therapy in participants of middle-aged women.MethodsIn this study 24 participants of middle-aged women went through 12 weeks of combined spa-exercise therapy. Each week vital sign, body composition, skin status were measured before exercise, which consisted of warming-up, whole body exercise and final exercises bathing in spa (32~36oC).Results1. The average of systolic blood pressure significantly decreased from 126.38±19.33 mmHg to 120.46±11.18 mmHg after 11 weeks of spa-exercise therapy (p＜0.05). 2. The average of moisture of skin significantly increased from 36.83±3.18 to 44.21±7.43after 11 weeks of spa-exercise therapy (p＜0.05). 3. The average of elasticity of skin sig-nificantly increased from 59.75±3.50 to 62.63±2.29 after 11 weeks of spa-exercise ther-apy (p＜0.05). 4. The average of diastolic blood pressure, pulse, et cetera. didn't sig-nificantly change after spa-exercise therapy.ConclusionsThe results showed that 12 weeks of spa-exercise therapy had significant effect on reducing systolic blood pressure, increasing moisture, elasticity of skin in partic-ipants of middle-aged women, which means spa-exercise therapy may be used as a treat-ment on high blood pressure and cutaneous diseases. Further studies are anticipated to find out other various effects of spa-exercise therapy. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):123-137)

We researched two patients complaining about chronic neck pain with kyphotic cervical curvature. We assumed that the patients’ symptom was caused by weakened deep neck flexor and activated superficial muscles around neck. So, acupuncture therapy, SCENAR therapy and self exercise with wooden neck pillow were used to treat the patients. We measured their pain by numerical rating scale (NRS) and neck disability index (NDI) before and after treatment. And cervical curvature was evaluated by Cobb method (C1-C7) and Ishihara Index. As a result, NRS and NDI significantly reduced and cervical curvature was also improved. Therefore, we conclude that acupuncture therapy with SCENAR therapy and self exercise using wooden neck pillow is an effective treatment to reduce chronic neck pain with kyphotic cervical curvature. But there is a limit on this study due to insufficient number of cases and absence of control group. Further studies will be needed. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):139-146)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical application of chuna for thoracic in the patients with nuchal pain.MethodsSeven patients were treated by chuna for thoracic to evaluate the effect of the treatment. The patient’s symptoms were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI) and cervical lordotic curvature.ResultsIn all cases, the pain was reduced according to VAS, NDI. Cervical lordotic cur-vature of 6 cases were improved in terms of Jackson’s angle. 5 cases were improved in terms of Depth of cervical curve and Method of Jochumsen. 4 cases were improved in terms of Angle of cervical curve (C2∼C7) and Ishihara index. 3 cases were improved in terms of Angle of cervical curve (C1∼C7).ConclusionsThese results suggest that chuna on thoracic might be an effective method to treat nuchal pain with extension malposition of thoracic. But, it’s necessary to have more observations and experiments. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):147-159)

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to report the improved case of Korean medicine treatment with Shinbaro3 pharmacopuncture for supraspinatus tendinitis and subdeltoid bursitis.MethodsWe used Shinbaro3 pharmacopuncture with other Korean medicine treatment (acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping and chuna) for this patient. This case is measured and assessed by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), shoulder range of motion (ROM) and shoulder physical examination.ResultsThe NRS decreased from 10 to 2 and the patient showed nearly full shoulder range of motion. Also physical examination of shoulder was improved.ConclusionsKorean medicine treatment with Shinbaro3 pharmacopuncture is proved to be helpful to relieve pain and recover function on shoulder joint. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):161-167)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Chuna and Stylex de-vice treatment in patients with genu varum.Methods2 patients (21/male, 40/female) with genu varum were recruited in this study. Chuna treatment at pelvic, and stylex device treatment at both legs were applied to all participants. Outcomes were assessed using Q-angle (Quadriceos angle), TFA (Tibiovemoral angle), Distance of both sides patella.Results1. Distance of both sides patella were decrease in all case. 2. Q-angel and TFA were decrease in case 1. but slight invrease in case 2.ConclusionsThis study showed that Chuna and Stlyex divice treatments could be used as an effective method for decrease distance of both sides patella. but Q-angle and TFA need more research on whether proper assessment as a measure of genu varum. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):169-173)

The purpose of this study was to report an anaphylaxis after treated with Bee-venom acupuncture. Anaphylaxis is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute system re-action of multiple organ systems to an IgE-mediated immunologic mediator release in pre-viously sensitized individuals. We investigated the patients who had injected with Bee-ven-om in our clinic from March 2, 2014 to May 30, 2015. and two patients of anaphylaxis treat-ed by Bee-Venom acupuncture were observed. One case of anaphylaxis was expressed clinically hypotension drowsy mentality, dyspnea, vomiting and so on. The other case was expressed itching sensation, urticaria, breathlessness, abdominal pain and so on. Based on this case, Bee venom-induced anaphylaxis can occur although preceding reactions are local or mild systemic ones. So, Korean medical doctor using Bee-Venom acupuncture must be prepare the system consider a countermeasure by anaphylaxis. (J Korean Med Rehab 2015;25(4):175-182)