Effect on Active Exercise Programs in Employees with Chronic Low Back Pain / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative efficacy of three active exercise programs for work-related, chronic low back pain, and to observe to what extent the programs affected the mechanical stability of the lumbar region. METHODS: The subjects were 64 employees who were randomly divided into three groups to match the three active exercise programs which were performed 3 times a week for 6 months. All subjects were assessed with the same measurements at a pre-study examination, and then were reassessed at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the study. RESULTS: The pain intensity didn't show any significant difference among the three groups. However, the Oswestry Disability Index showed significant differences among the three groups at 6 months and the lumbar and thoracic exercise groups showed significant decreases compared to the general physiotherapy group (p<0.05). Maximal stretching with both hands in the overhead direction showed a significant difference among the three groups at 3 months and 6 months, and the thoracic exercise group at 6 months showed a significant increase in overhead stretching compared to the lumbar exercise and general physiotherapy groups (p<0.05). The lumbar region angle of inclination showed significant differences among the three groups at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, with the thoracic exercise group being decreased significantly more than the lumbar exercise and general physiotherapy groups at 6 months (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise aimed at increasing thoracic mobility has an effect on lumbar stability. Furthermore, it is far more effective for lumbar stabilization than general physiotherapy and deep muscle strengthening lumbar exercise.

The Effects of Increasing Thoracic Mobility on Lumbar Stability

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects on the lumbar stability caused by various thoracic exercise programs, the extent of spinal posture correction and the increase in thoracic mobility to the extension direction. METHOD: Exercise programs, which can increase the thoracic mobility to the extension direction, were applied to the exercise group. The control subjects were trained for the correct posture according to ergonomic principles by exercise at home and at the clinic. Both groups had three sessions of exercise program per week for 8 weeks. RESULTS: A comparison of the various parameters in the exercise group before and after exercise showed that the VAS, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar mobility decreased significantly (p <0.05), and the thoracic mobility in the extension direction, chest expansion, maximal elevation of the arms and spinal length increased significantly (p <0.05). In addition, the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar mobility increased significantly (p <0.05), and thoracic mobility in the extension direction, chest expansion, maximum elevation of the arms and the spinal length decreased significantly (p <0.05), but the VAS did not show a significant difference. CONCLUSION: A thoracic exercise program, which can correct the posture, improve the functional restrictions of the thoracic spine and reduce the lumbar mobility, is very important.

Effects of Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program in VDT Workers: Pain Relief and Increased Flexibility / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study of the Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program was to evaluate its effects on VDT workers. These effects were found to include a decrease thoracic kyphosis, increase thoracic spine mobility and decrease in the VAS (visual analog scale). These measures provide a means of assessing the muscle endurance and muscle strength of the subjects. METHODS: This study was conducted during the period from July 1 to August 31, 2003, and involved 58 VDT workers belonging to a company located in Seoul who were working seated in front of a computer for most of the day. After applying the thoracic exercise program, we examined the changes in the of thoracic kyphosis angle, spinal length (C7-S3), TFED (thoracic flexibility in the extension direction), MEBH (maximal elevation with both hands in the overhead direction) and CE (chest expansion). RESULTS: Obtained f om this study are as follows. 1. A significant reduction in the VAS was observed in the exercise group (pre-exercise 5.90 +/- 0.88 points, post-exercise 4.23+/- 0.82 points), as compared with the control group (pre-exercise 6.00+/-0.90 points, post-exercise 5.93+/-0.81 points). 2. A significant reduction in thoracic kyphosis (pre-exercise 36.97+/-7.49, post-exercise 31.83 +/-5.90) and a significant increase in thoracic flexibility in the extension direction (pre-exercise 7 . 4 7+/-2.30, post-exercise 11.77+/-3.65) were observed in the exercise group. The thoracic kyphosis angle showed a significant reduction in the exercise group, as compared to the control group. The thoracic flexibility in the extension direction showed a significant increase in the exercise group, as compared to the control group. 3. There was a significant increase in the spinal length in the exercise group (pre-exercise 494 +/-27.66 mm, post-exercise 518.60+/-27.95 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program results in an increase in thoracic spine mobility and a decrease in pain. In practical terms, the effects of the exercise program are good health and posture.

Risk Factor of Coronary Artery Disease of Female Telephone Operators in Seoul

BACKGROUND: This research was carried out for the distribution of the risk factors and groups of coronary artery disease (CAD) in office female workers. The purpose is selection for preferred subjects and developing basic data for the CAD prevention program. METHODS: From November to December in 1995, we examined CAD risk factors, general characteristics, physical activity, diet intake and cholesterol level. Then we selected the CAD risk groups by NCEP II 1993. For the statistic analysis, used chi-square test and t-test. RESULT: There was current cigarette smoking 2 (0.3%), hypertension 37 (4.8%), diabetes mellitus 2 (0.3%) and low HDL-C 100 (12.9%). CAD negative risk factor, high HDL-C was 128 (16.5%). The number of subjects with no risk factor was 647 (83.5%), that of 1 was 121 (15.5%), and that of over 2 was 7 (1.0%), who were all over 40 and clustered. The number of normal population was 584 (75.6%) and CAD risk groups was 188 (24.4%)-severe 37 (4.8%), moderate 22 (2.9%), and mild 129 (16.7%) - according to NCEP II 1993. Seven day physical activity was 39.2 MET. Low physical activity group members whose activity time was below 30 minutes per day was 79.2%; 79.7% (458/575) for normal and 77.7% (143/184) for CAD risk group. The subjects who had no hard activity was 44% of them. High fat intake group that the energy absorption proportion over the total energy was over 25% was 2.1% (14/652) for normal and 0.9% (6/652) for CAD risk group. The body mass index (BMI) was 22.2 kg/m2 on the average and showed the remarkable increase in older (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Those who had more than 2 CAD risk factors were all over 40 years. The ratio of CAD risk groups over 45 increased meaningly. The BMI in CAD risk groups increased meaningly, and physical inactivity did too. For this subjects, CAD prevention program was severe, moderate and mild risk group in priority and should be focused on prevention, control of obesity, and increase of physical activity.

The Prevalence of Cumulative Trauma Disorders of Upper Extremities Among Watch Assembly Workers in some Small-scaled Industr / 대한산업의학회지

Objectives: The prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders of upper extremities mons watch assembly workers in small-scaled industry was studied. Methods: In 83 workers at five watch assembly factories, symptoms and psychosocial questionnaire, ergonomic Interview, physical examination were conducted. Results: Prevalence of self-reported symptoms was 54.2% and neck 34.9%, wrist/hand 31.3%, shoulder 30.1%, elbow/arm 18.0% by anatomical site. Prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders was 45.8%. Most common disease was myofascial pain syndrome (31.3%). The other diseases were De Quervain disease (9.6%), tenosynovitis/tendinitis at wrist/hand (9.6%), bicipital tendinitis(6.0%), fat. epicondylitis(4.8%), meIn. epicondylitis(2.4%), and cervical disc disease(2.4%). As result of ergonomic interview, repetitiveness was 79(98.8%). There were no differences in the prevalence of self-reported symptoms and cumulative trauma disorders for age, sex, marital status, duration of work In the study, The significant factors of cumulative trauma disorders were occupational task and psychosocial stress in the study. The prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders in high strain group was hlgher (68.4%) than other three groups. The prevalence of self-reported symptoms and cumulative trauma disorders in assembly task was higher (70.0%, 64.0%) than other two tasks. Conclusions: Prevalence of self-reported symptoms was 54.2%, prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders was 45.8% in watch assembly workers. In this study, factor related to self-reported symptoms was occupational task and factors relaxed to cumulative trauma disorders were occupational task and psychosocial stress. This results suggest that differences of ergonomics and environment in occupational task cause differences of prevalence of self-reported symptoms and cumulatlve trauma disorders.

An Experimental Study on the Changes of Rabbit EEG by Reoxygenation after the Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is applied for the treatments of various diseases inducing hypoxic states. However, reoxygenation of previously hypoxic tissue results in significant tissue damages through the mechanisms of oxygen toxicity. The authors investigated the characteristics of the EEG changes by hyperbaric oxygenation after the exposure to carbon monoxide, and the protective effects of allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XO), to the brain. METHODS: Sixty eight male rabbits of New Zealand white weighing 1,350-2,000 gm, were used. The rabbits were divided in 4 groups and measured EEG for 21 hours of experiments. RESULT: The delta waves were significantly increased and alpha waves significantly decreased, during CO exposure, HBO exposure only, and HBO exposure after CO exposure (P< 0.05 in all groups). The wave changes were most remarkable in CO-HBO group, and in this case the changes continued to the last period of the ambient air exposure stage. The brain injury did not decrease as appeared in EEG changes in rabbits treated with allopurinol. This result suggests that many other mechanisms might be involved in CO-HBO condition. The paroxysmal electrical discharges were mostly appeared during or after HBO exposure stages. CONCLUSION: The changes of EEG characteristic in hyperbaric oxygenation are the increase of delta wave and electrical paroxysmal discharges. There is no protective effect of allopurinol to the brain, which suggests that many other mechanisms other than XO might be involved.

Association between Musculoskeletal Subjective Symptoms and the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) Profile of Female VDT Operators / 대한산업의학회지

A study was conducted to assess the association between musculoskeletal subjective symptoms and the MMPI(Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) profile. The study subjects were 539 female operators of telecommunication company in Seoul, and were interviewed with subjective symptom questionnaire and MMPI. Results were as follows 1. 77.5% of the study subjects complained subjective symptoms on the shoulder, 73.8% on the neck, 71.8% on the lower back, 67.5% on the arm, 67.2% on the hand, 39.8% on the elbow, respectively. According to NIOSH symptom criteria, 63% complained on the shoulder, 57.4%, 54.6% on the lower back, 53.2% on the hand, 45.9% on the arm, 29.8% on the elbow, respectively. 2. Among the MMPI clinical scales, Hs(Hypochondriasis), Hy(Hystria) and Dep (Depression) scales showed significant differences according to the numbers of subjective symptom(NIOSH criteria), VAS(Visual Analogue Scale), and the experience of sick leave (each by ANOVA, p<0.05). 3. The association between the numbers of subjective symptom site for NIOSH symptom criteria, the personal history of sick leave and the MMPI profile that has more than 70 points in anything of Hs, Dep and Hy scales was showed significantly (each by x(2)-test, p<0.05).

Association between Myofascial Pain Syndrome and the Assessment of Pain and the related Function tests in female telephone directory assistance operators using BDT / 예방의학회지

The Association between myofascial pain syndrome and some tests was assessed in a cross-sectional study of 904 female telephone operators using video display terminals(VDTs). 105 cases were diagnosed as Myofascial pain syndrome with symptom questionnaire, laboratory examination and physician's physical examination and 550 controls were defined to show only musculoskeletal symptoms using NIOSH symptom criteria. Data on demographics, musculoskeletal symptom and visual analogue scale(VAS) were obtained by questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, pressure pain threshold, Grip and Pinch strength and laboratory test were conducted. No significant difference between case and control at comparing of demographics, occupational history and body measurements were observed. But, Grip strength, pressure pain threshold and VAS showed the statistical difference between case and control. Age, pressure pain threshold of Rt. Upper trapezius and VAS were associated with myofascial pain syndrome in multivariate logistic regression analysis. This results suggest that, to diagnose of myofascial pain syndrome, the consideration of the objective aspects among patients' subjective symptom complaints through the VAS and pressure pain threshold is required.

Protective Effects of the NMDA-receptor Antagonist (MK-801) for the Brain Injury by Oxygen Free Radical: In the Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment of CO Poisoned Rat / 대한산업의학회지

The effects of NMDA-receptor antagonist (MK-801) were assessed for the oxygen free radical mediated brain (hippocampus) injury with eighty rats which were exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) followed by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were used as parameters of the oxygen free radical reaction. Experimental groups consisted of (1) control group (=breathing with air), (2) CO group (=exposed to CO after air breath), (3) CO-air group(exposed to CO after air breath followed by air breath), and (4) CO-HBO group (=exposed to CO after air breath followed by 3 ATA HBO). Each group was divided two subgroup according to the pretreatment (normal saline or MK-801). CO, CO-air and HBO groups increased in SOD activity as compared with control group. And CO-air and HBO groups increased in MDA as compared with control and CO group. Pretreatment of MK-801 decreased SOD activities significantly (p-value<.05) , but MDA amount not significantly (p-value=.107). These results suggest a useful protective effect of NMDA-receptor antagonist (MK-801) in CO induced hippocampal injury mediated by oxygen free radicals.

Symptom Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Factors among Bank Workers by Visual Dispaly Terminal Use / 대한산업의학회지

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms and related factors among VDT operators in bank. The subjects were 950 women workers. The characteristics of subjects were 26.6 years of average age, 5.7 years of average VDT use duration and 6.5 hours of daily VDT use time. The results were as follows. The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms more than severe in Likert scale were 51.4%, 43.9% at the shoulder, 38.3%, 31.8% at the lower back, 38.0%, 31.3% at the neck, 31.2%, 25.2% at the upper back, 21.7%, 16.5% at the wrist and 13.6%, 8.8% at the fingers (while on duty, after home-coming). General characteristic variables affecting the musculoskeletal symptoms were married, number of child and daily house-working time. Work-related factors affecting the musculoskeletal symptoms were VDT working career, daily working time, daily VDF use time, VDF use time without rest, daily work-load and regular rest. As the result of the multiple logistic regression analysis, daily working time, daily VDT use time and VDT working career were significant variables accounting for the musculoskeletal symptoms.

Changes of Visual Acuity and Ophthalmic Symptoms in Female Workers examining Silver Plating Products / 예방의학회지

To evaluate the effects of reflected glare on eyes, authors assessed the periodic health examination(1991-1996) and self-administered questionnaire data of a semiconductor producing company. The 13 lead frame(LF) department workers have been exposed to high reflected glare in the process for examining the silver plating products. We compared the data of connector(14) and clerical(12) workers as the non-exposed ones. Among LF department workers, 100% felt their visual acuity worsened(connector:81.8%, clerical:85.7%), and 70% had worn the glasses or contact lenses(connector :14.3 %, clerical :40%) since working at the company. Major ophthalmic symptoms of the LF workers are asthenopia, tearing, decreased visual acuity, congestion and glare. Decrease of visual acuity by Hahn's line change of the LF workers is significantly high during a 5-year follow-up(p<0.05 by simple regression) compared with connector, clerical workers.

A Study on The Effect of Hyperoxia on EKG Findings of Rabbits / 예방의학회지

To investigate the effect of hyperoxia on EKG findings and to evaluate the applicability of EKG as noninvasive monitoring index of oxygen toxicity, 38 rabbits were continuously exposed to 6 different conditions-3 hyperbaric oxygenations (HBO-2.5, 3.5 and 5ATA, 100% O2), normobaric oxygenation (NBO, 100% O2), hyperbaric aeration (HBA-5ATA, 21% O2) and normobaric aeration (NBA, 21% O2)-for 120 minutes and their EKG and time to dyspnea and convulsion were recorded. Dyspnea and death were observed in exposure conditions of HBO-3.5 and HBO-5 (Positive rate of dyspnea; 10%, 100%, death; 10%, 25%, respectively) only, and convulsion in 4 oxygenation groups (NBO; 20%, HBO-2.5; 20%, HBO-3.5; 20%, HBO-5; 88%). Abnormal EKG findings included arrhythmia and ST-T changes and the incidences was increasing with doses(partial pressure of oxygen). In addition to EKG change, findings observed during exosure were dyspnea and convulsion in the order of appearence and when non specific ST-T change was accepted as positive (abnormal) finding, the frequency of abnormal EKG was statistically significant(p0.05). These results suggest that the effect of hyperoxia on heart is myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia, that oxygenation more than 3.5ATA causes myocardial damage in 120 minutes exposure, and that EKG is valuable as monitoring index of oxygen toxicity.

An experimental study on the concentration-time to death relationship in carbon monoxide exposure / 대한산업의학회지

No abstract available.

Lipid Peroxidation in Vivo Monitored as Ethane Exhalation in Hyperoxia / 예방의학회지

In vivo ethane production in rats was used as an index of oxygen toxicity. The rats were allocated to four exposure conditions; hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO=5 ATA, 100% O2), normobaric oxygenation (NBO=1 ATA, 100% O2), hyperbaric aeration (HBA=5 ATA, 21% O2) and normobaric aeration (NBA=1 ATA, 21% O2). After 120 minutes of exposure, the rats exposed to high concentration and/or high pressure oxygen exhaled significantly larger amounts of ethane than those exposed to NBA, and the differences in ethane production between any two groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). This finding supports the hypothesis that hypothesis that hyperoxia increase oxygen free-radicals and the radicals produce ethane as a result of lipid peroxidation. It is notable that the ethane exhalation level of the HBA group was significantly higher than that of the NBO group. This difference could not be accounted for by the alveolar oxygen partial pressure difference between the two groups.