Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Arising on Long-Standing Burn Scars: A Report of Three Cases and Brief Review of Literature.

Introduction: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare and recalcitrant condition in which chronic scalp pustules and erosive patches are diagnosed by nondiagnostic laboratory tests and histopathological tests. Although various precipitating factors including trauma have been reported, erosive pustular dermatosis arising on the long-standing burn scars is rare. Case Presentation: We report three cases of EPDS arising on long-standing burn scars. Based on clinical and histological findings, erosive pustular dermatosis was diagnosed and successfully treated with topical steroid ointment. Conclusion: We propose that chronic burn scar is another precipitating factors for EPDS and clinicians should consider EPDS in differential diagnoses of erosive pustular dermatosis in long-standing burn scars on the scalp.

Efficacy and Safety of Precision Cryotherapy to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a new cryotherapy device that precisely controls skin temperature was developed. Precision cryotherapy (PC) can be a safe and alternative treatment modality for immune-related skin diseases that are difficult to treat by conventional cryotherapy because of serious adverse events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PC in scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SD). METHODS: A single-arm, prospective trial was designed. Twenty-four patients with SD underwent 3 PC interventions 2 weeks apart. At the baseline, Week 6, and Week 8, overall improvements in Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and clinical severity scores were assessed. At each visit, the erythema index (EI) and transepidermal water loss were evaluated. The patients scored 9 subjective symptoms using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The itch VAS score decreased by 50.4% at Week 8. Blinded investigators reported improvement of PGA scores from 2.86 ± 0.62 to 1.66 ± 0.61 and clinical severity scores from 4.55 ± 1.30 to 2.45 ± 1.37. The average EI decreased by 19.6% at Week 8 ( p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study not only demonstrated the efficacy and safety of PC in scalp SD but it also revealed insights for PC being a promising treatment modality in immune-related skin diseases.

Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia in a 6-year-old girl.

We present a rare case of Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia (PCH) presenting with typical finger pain in a 6-year-old girl. As appendages in children are smaller than those in adults, diagnostic criteria are needed for pathological confirmation of PCH in pediatric patients.

Comparing the Impact of Upper Body Control and Core Muscle Stabilization Training on Landing Biomechanics in Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Functional ankle instability (FAI), which is characterized by recurrent ankle sprains and perceived joint instability, arises from various factors contributing to compromised biomechanical control during activities, particularly those involving landing tasks. While current research predominantly addresses lower-extremity and core stabilization interventions for FAI, the contribution of upper body control to landing biomechanics in this population remains insufficiently explored. In this study, 42 participants (19 males, 23 females) with FAI were randomly assigned to either the upper-body control training group (UBCTG) or the core muscle stabilization training group (CMSTG). The groups underwent six-week interventions, with the UBCTG receiving a dynamic core exercise program including upper body control and the CMSTG receiving static core muscle training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments encompassed electromyography of the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus, motion analysis of the lower extremities, and ground reaction force (GRF) readings during a single-leg-jump task. Additionally, dynamic balance was assessed using the Y balance test and self-reported measurements of ankle instability were performed. The results showed similar increases in muscle activation, joint movement, and self-reported ankle instability scores within both groups. However, significant between-group differences were observed in terms of knee flexion angle, dynamic balance, and ankle instability scores, favoring the UBCTG. Although the peak vertical GRF significantly decreased and the time to peak vertical GRF increased in both groups, more changes were noted in the UBCTG. Our results demonstrated that dynamic core exercises with additional upper body control training enhance landing biomechanics, dynamic balance, and stability in individuals with FAI. Consequently, we recommend incorporating shoulder girdle exercises, proprioceptive drills, and balance exercises into dynamic core training.

Effects of Augmented Reality Game-Based Cognitive-Motor Training on Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors and Executive Function in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) and executive dysfunction are widely acknowledged as core features and hallmarks in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to investigate the effects of augmented reality (AR) using motivational games with cognitive-motor exercises on RRBs, executive function (EF), attention, and reaction time in patients with ASD. Twenty-four patients (range from 6 to 18 years) diagnosed with ASD were recruited from local social welfare centers and randomly allocated to the AR game-based cognitive-motor training group (study group) or the conventional cognitive training group (control group). Both groups completed 30 min training sessions, twice a week for four weeks. Outcome measures were conducted before and after the intervention. As a result, improvements were observed in all the subscales of the RRBs in the study group except for self-injurious and ritualistic behavior. Significant improvements were observed in EF and reaction time in the study group, which was significantly higher compared to the control group. With the present findings, we can suggest that cognitive-motor training using AR game-based content generates positive effects on improving executive function reaction time and accuracy of responses and has a limited effect on RRBs in patients with ASD. This can be proposed as a complementary intervention associated with individualized daily management.

Effects of Augmented Reality-Based Dual-Task Program on Physical Ability by Cognitive Stage with Developmental Disabilities.

People diagnosed with developmental disabilities are less likely to participate in physical activities even if they are provided opportunities. This study aimed to examine the effects of dual-task exercise-based augmented reality (AR) on muscle strength, muscle endurance, balance ability, and flexibility among people with developmental disabilities. Twenty-seven patients with developmental disabilities were included in the study. The intervention was based on an AR-based rehabilitation program and lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in muscle strength, muscle endurance, balance ability, and flexibility after the intervention (p < 0.05). The AR-based dual-task program increased interest and motivation in the high-cognitive-stage groups, while less interest and motivation were observed in the low-cognitive-stage groups. Our results suggest that an AR-based dual-task program can be an effective method to improve physical ability in patients with high cognitive levels.

Photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles and a long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser to treat facial photoaging in Asian skin: A prospective clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transdermally delivered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) irradiated with near-infrared laser energy can create a photothermal effect within the sebaceous glands (SGs). Photothermal therapy (PTT) can be used clinically to reverse photoaging in SG-rich areas of the skin. Improvements in wrinkles and enlarged pores in Asian skin were assessed following AuNP-mediated PTT with a long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-arm, prospective trial was designed. Twenty Korean patients underwent three gold PTT interventions performed 4 weeks apart at laser hair-removal settings without cooling. At Week 20, changes in the wrinkle index (WI) and pore index (PI), size, and count were calculated using three-dimensional camera analyses. Overall improvements in wrinkles and pores (0-4 scale) were assessed by blinded investigators using standardized photographic comparisons. The subjects scored their satisfaction (0-10 scale) and treatment discomfort (0-10 scale). Safety data were also collected. RESULTS: There were significant reductions in the WI (8.3%, p < 0.01), pore size (23.1%, p = 0.035), and PI (19.9%, p = 0.034) in the periorbital areas at week 20 compared with baseline. The mean reductions in the size (22.5%, p = 0.027), count (16.5%, p = 0.048), and index (22.4%, p = 0.023) of the cheek pores were also significant. Investigators reported average scores of 3.2 ± 0.6 for improved wrinkle appearance, and 3.1 ± 0.7 for improvement in visible pores. Participants were moderately satisfied with the overall results (7.6 ± 1.8). Subjects felt moderate discomfort during treatment (4.7 ± 2.6). No serious or persistent adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: AuNP-mediated PTT showed noticeable efficacy and tolerability in treating wrinkles and pores in Asian skin over a 12 week-follow-up. Further studies with a longer follow-up are needed to confirm the reduction in SG activity at the parameters used.

Use of real-time visual feedback during overground walking training on gait symmetry and velocity in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis: randomized controlled, single-blind study.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of using real-time visual feedback during overground walking training to improve walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. Twenty-four patients with post-stroke hemiparesis who were able to walk independently under less impact of synergy pattern on the affected lower limbs (Brunnstrom stage IV or V) were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. All subjects performed overground walking for 30 min, three times a week for 6 weeks, with real-time visual feedback (weight load to the affected lower limb) provided during training for subjects in the experimental group. Outcome measures comprised the timed up-and-go test and gait parameters (step length, stride length, single and double support times, step and stride length ratios, and single support time ratio). In between-group comparison, the changes between pre-test and post-test scores in all parameters were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05), except for double support time and step length ratio. Furthermore, post-test values of all parameters were significantly more improved in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that real-time visual feedback may be an advantageous therapeutic adjunct to reinforce the effects of overground walking training in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

The effects of pelvic diagonal movements and resistance on the lumbar multifidus.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pelvic diagonal movements, made with and without resistance, on the thickness of lumbar multifidus muscles. [Subjects and Methods] Participants in this study were healthy subjects who had no musculoskeletal disorders or lumbar-related pain. Participants were positioned on their side and instructed to lie with their hip flexor at 40 degrees. Ultrasonography was used for measurement, and the values of two calculations were averaged. [Results] The thickness of ipsilateral lumbar multifidus muscles showed a significant difference following the exercise of pelvic diagonal movements. The results of anterior elevation movements and posterior depression movements also demonstrated significant difference. There was no significant difference in lumbar multifidus muscles thickness between movements made with and without resistance. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that pelvic diagonal movements can be an effective method to promote muscular activation of the ipsilateral multifidus. Furthermore, researchers have concluded that resistance is not required during pelvic diagonal movements to selectively activate the core muscles.

The effects of short foot exercises and arch support insoles on improvement in the medial longitudinal arch and dynamic balance of flexible flatfoot patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study is to apply short foot exercises and arch support insoles in order to improve the medial longitudinal arch of flatfoot and compare the results to identify the effects of the foregoing exercises on the dynamic balance of the feet and the lower limbs. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen university students with flexible flatfoot were selected by conducting navicular drop tests and randomly assigned to a short foot exercise group of seven subjects and an arch support insoles group of seven subjects. The intervention in the experiment was implemented for 30 minutes per time, three times per week for five weeks in total. [Results] In inter-group comparison conducted through navicular drop tests and Y-balance tests, the short foot exercise group showed significant differences. Among intra-group comparisons, in navicular drop tests, the short foot exercise group showed significant decreases. In Y-balance tests, both the short foot exercise group and the arch support insoles group showed significant increases. [Conclusion] In the present study, it could be seen that to improve flatfoot, applying short foot exercises was more effective than applying arch support insoles in terms of medial longitudinal arch improvement and dynamic balance ability.

Correlation between rounded shoulder posture, neck disability indices, and degree of forward head posture.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to examine the correlation between rounded shoulder posture, neck disability indices and the degree of forward head posture. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects aged 19-24 years were selected for this study, and the craniovertebral angle was used to measure the degree of forward head posture in the standing and seated positions. Vernier calipers were used to measure rounded shoulder posture in the supine position, and neck pain and functional disability were assessed using neck disability indices. [Results] Angle and neck disability indices in both standing and sitting posture positions exhibited a significant inverse relationship. However, no significant correlation was detected between the craniovertebral angle and rounded shoulder posture for the standing and sitting posture positions. [Conclusion] In conclusion, it was demonstrated in the present study that, depending on the degree of forward head posture, changes were detected in the neck disability indices. However, even an increase in the forward head tilt angle did not lead to rounded shoulder posture. Therefore, maintaining proper posture may prevent postural pain syndrome, functional disability, and postural deformity.

Effect of core muscle thickness and static or dynamic balance on prone bridge exercise with sling by shoulder joint angle in healthy adults.

[Purpose] To date, core muscle activity detected using ultrasonography during prone bridge exercises has not been reported. Here we investigated the effects of core muscle thickness and balance on sling exercise efficacy by shoulder joint angle in healthy individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-three healthy university students were enrolled in this study. Ultrasonography thickness of external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis during sling workouts was investigated. Muscle thickness was measured on ultrasonography imaging before and after the experiment. Dynamic balance was tested using a functional reaching test. Static balance was tested using a Tetrax Interactive Balance System. [Results] Different muscle thicknesses were observed during the prone bridge exercise with the shoulder flexed at 60°, 90° or 120°. Shoulder flexion at 60° and 90° in the prone bridge exercise with a sling generated the greatest thickness of most transversus abdominis muscles. Shoulder flexion at 120° in the prone bridge exercise with a sling generated the greatest thickness of most external oblique muscles. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the prone bridge exercise with shoulder joint angle is an effective method of increasing global and local muscle strength.

Effects of fast and slow squat exercises on the muscle activity of the paretic lower extremity in patients with chronic stroke.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the speed of squat exercises on paretic lower extremity muscle activity in patients with hemiplegia following a stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Ten stroke patients performed fast and slow squat exercises for 2 seconds and 8 seconds, respectively. The muscle activities of the paretic and non-paretic sides of the rectus femoris muscle, the biceps femoris muscle, and the tibialis anterior muscle were assessed and compared using surface electromyography. [Results] The paretic side of the rectus femoris muscle showed statistically significant differences in the fast squat exercise group, which demonstrated the highest muscle activity during the rapid return to the upright position. [Conclusion] The rectus femoris muscle showed the highest muscle activity during the return to the upright position during the fast squat exercise, which indicates that the rectus femoris muscle is highly active during the fast squat exercise.

Effects of visibility and types of the ground surface on the muscle activities of the vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of visibility and types of ground surface (stable and unstable) during the performance of squats on the muscle activities of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 25 healthy adults in their 20s. They performed squats under four conditions: stable ground surface (SGS) with vision-allowed; unstable ground surface (UGS) with vision-allowed; SGS with vision-blocked; and UGS with vision-blocked. The different conditions were performed on different days. Surface electromyogram (EMG) values were recorded. [Results] The most significant difference in the activity of the VMO and VL was observed when the subjects performed squats on the UGS, with their vision blocked. [Conclusion] For the selective activation of the VMO, performing squats on an UGS was effective, and it was more effective when subjects' vision was blocked.

The effects of respiratory muscle strengthening exercise using a sling on the amount of respiration.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to present aerobic exercise that can be performed together with respiratory muscle strength training and examine whether the vital capacity of individuals can be enhanced when respiratory muscle strength training is conducted together with aerobic exercise. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 10 male students and 8 female students. The sling exercise method was used to conduct three types of training to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joints. A maximal respiratory quotient measurement device was used to measure the vital capacity of the subjects five times. [Results] There was a significant difference in each respiratory training time point compared with before the performance of respiratory training. [Conclusion] This study presented respiratory muscle strength training using a sling as a training method for respiratory training.

The relationship between smartphone use and subjective musculoskeletal symptoms and university students.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of smartphones by university students in selected areas, their musculoskeletal symptoms, and the associated hazard ratio. [Subjects and Methods] This involved the completion of a self-administered questionnaire by dental hygiene students in Seoul, Gyeonggido, and Gyeongsangbukdo. The 292 completed copies of the questionnaire were then analyzed. [Results] The most painful body regions after the use of smartphones were found to be the shoulders and neck. In the musculoskeletal system, back pain was found to have a positive correlation with the size of the smartphone's liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, and pain in legs and feet were found to have a negative correlation with the length of time that the smartphone was used. As a result, it was revealed that the use of a smartphone was correlated with musculoskeletal symptoms. [Conclusion] Therefore, in today's environment, where the use of smartphones is on the rise, it is necessary to improve the ways that they are used and to develop a preventive program to alleviate the symptoms of musculoskeletal damage.

The effects of symmetric center of pressure displacement training with feedback on the gait of stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of COP displacement training using visual feedback had on the gait of patients with hemiplegia due to stroke. [Subjects and Methods] This study was conducted with 20 patients with hemiplegia due to stroke. The training consisted of five training sets repeated 10 times and the activity was conducted for 15 minutes each session, three times per week for six weeks immediately after completion of central nervous system developmental treatment. [Results] A comparison of the results of before and after the experiment found that the COP displacement training group showed significant improvements in step length, stride length, gait velocity, and the functional reach test, while the control group showed significant improvement only in the functional reach test. In the intergroup comparison, the COP displacement training group showed significant improvements in paretic side step length, paretic side stride length, gait velocity, and the functional reach test compared to the control group. [Conclusion] In conclusion, according to the results of this study, visual feedback training for COP displacement is more effective at enhancing the gait and balance of hemiplegic patients due to stroke than only performing feedback training for even weight distribution.

Effects of high-frequency current therapy on abdominal obesity in young women: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high-frequency current therapy on the abdominal obesity levels of young women. [Subjects] Twenty-two women with abdominal obesity were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n 1 = 10) or a control group (n 2 = 12). [Methods] The experimental group subjects received high-frequency current therapy for the abdominal region 3 times per week for 6 weeks (a total of 18 sessions). Outcome measures were waist circumference, body mass index, and body composition data (abdominal obesity rate, subcutaneous fat mass, and body fat percentage). [Results] Significant main effects of time in the waist circumference, abdominal obesity rate, subcutaneous fat mass, and body fat percentage were found. Significant time-by-group interactions were found for waist circumference, abdominal obesity rate, subcutaneous fat mass, and body fat percentage. [Conclusion] The use of the high-frequency current therapy may be beneficial for reducing the levels of abdominal obesity in young women.

A study of abdominal ultrasound therapy combined with complex exercise for effective obesity management among shift work employees.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of abdominal ultrasound accompanied by complex exercise in shift work employees working in industry. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty shift work employees were randomly assigned to either a complex exercise group (control group) or a complex exercise and ultrasound treatment group (experimental group). The control group carried out complex exercise five times per week for 4 weeks, while the experimental group performed complex exercise twice per week and received deep ultrasound three times per week for 4 weeks. [Results] The results showed that there were no significant differences in body composition between the two groups. There were significant changes in weight, lean body mass, body fat mass, and body mass index in the control group; meanwhile, significant changes in weight and body fat mass were observed in the experimental group. There were no significant differences in blood lipids between the two groups. There was a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the control group; furthermore, a significant decrease in total cholesterol was observed in the experimental group, along with significant increases in HDL-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. [Conclusion] According to the results of this study concerning short-term obesity management programs, complex exercise was effective for improving of body composition and weight loss, while complex exercise combined with abdominal ultrasound had a good effect on blood lipids and secondary complication prevention.

Effects of Low-frequency Current Sacral Dermatome Stimulation on Idiopathic Slow Transit Constipation.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether low-frequency current therapy can be used to reduce the symptoms of idiopathic slow transit constipation (ISTC). [Subjects] Fifteen patients (ten male and five female) with idiopathic slow transit constipation were enrolled in the present study. [Results] Bowel movements per day, bowel movements per week, and constipation assessment scale scores significantly improved after low-frequency current simulation of S2-S3. [Conclusion] Our results show that stimulation with low-frequency current of the sacral dermatomes may offer therapeutic benefits for a subject of patients with ISTC.