Reference Standard of Median Nerve Conduction Study in Korea.

Objective: To establish the reference standard of the median nerve conduction study (NCS) in Korea.

Methods: A total of 648 median motor and 602 median sensory NCSs from 349 Korean healthy volunteers were tested and analyzed prospectively. Equipment calibration, assessment of intraand inter-rater reliability, and the NCSs per se were conducted according to a predetermined protocol.

Assessing the Preservation of Lumbar Lordotic Curvature in Everyday Sitting Conditions Assessed with an Inertial Measurement System.

Lumbar lordotic curvature (LLC), closely associated with low back pain (LBP) when decreased, is infrequently assessed in clinical settings due to the spatiotemporal limitations of radiographic methods. To overcome these constraints, this study used an inertial measurement system to compare the magnitude and maintenance of LLC across various sitting conditions, categorized into three aspects: verbal instructions, chair type, and desk task types. Twenty-nine healthy participants were instructed to sit for 3 min with two wireless sensors placed on the 12th thoracic vertebra and the 2nd sacral vertebra.

Redundant nerve roots on magnetic resonance imaging can predict ongoing denervation in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Introduction/aims: Redundant nerve roots (RNRs) are abnormally elongated and tortuous nerve roots that develop secondary to degenerative spinal stenosis. RNRs have been associated with poorer clinical outcomes after decompression surgery; however, studies on their clinical characteristics are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between RNRs and denervation potentials, that is, abnormal spontaneous activity (ASA), on electromyography.

Long-term effects of lumbar flexion versus extension exercises for chronic axial low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the long-term effects of flexion- and extension-based lumbar exercises on chronic axial low back pain (LBP). This was a 1-year follow-up of a prospective, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients with axial LBP (intensity ≥ 5/10) for > 6 months allocated to the flexion or extension exercise group.

Relationships Between Skeletal Muscle Mass, Lumbar Lordosis, and Chronic Low Back Pain in the Elderly.

Objective: Loss of skeletal muscle mass is known to be associated with multiple morbidities. However, there is a dearth of reports on its association with lumbar lordosis and musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to delineate the cross-sectional relationship between loss of skeletal muscle mass, lumbar lordosis, and chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Rural-urban differences of sarcopenia and spinal health in the older women: a comparative observational study.

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the correlation between spinal sarcopenia, spinal sagittal balance (SSB), and spinal function in older women living in rural areas versus those of the older urban women in our previous study.

Methods: Twenty-five older rural-dwelling women aged more than 70 years were compared with 24 older urban-dwelling women from our previous study. Demographic variables, conventional and spinal sarcopenic indices, variable functional outcome parameters, occupational state, and exercise participation rate were evaluated.

Cost-utility analysis of endoscopic lumbar discectomy following a uniform clinical pathway in the Korean national health insurance system.

Introduction: Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) is a type of minimally invasive spinal surgery for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Sufficient evidence exists to recommend FELD as an alternative to standard open microdiscectomy, and some patients prefer FELD due to its minimally invasive nature. However, in the Republic of Korea, the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) controls the reimbursement and use of supplies for FELD, but FELD is not currently reimbursed by the NHIS.

One-year Aerobic Interval Training Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Trial.

Objective To evaluate the effects of one-year aerobic interval training on endothelial dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods Seventy-four patients with atrial fibrillation (53 men, 21 women; mean age 63±6 years old) were randomized into a 1-year continuous aerobic interval training (CT), 6-month detraining after 6 months of aerobic interval training (DT), or medical treatment only (MT) group. Aerobic interval training was performed 3 times a week for 1 year or 6 months, with an exercise intensity of 85-95% of the peak heart rate.

A cost-utility analysis between decompression only and fusion surgery for elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and sagittal imbalance.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and sagittal imbalance are relatively common in elderly patients. Although the goals of surgery include both functional and radiological improvements, the criteria of correction may be too strict for elderly patients. If the main symptom of patients is not forward-stooping but neurogenic claudication or pain, lumbar decompression without adding fusion procedure may be a surgical option.

Reference Standards for Nerve Conduction Studies of Individual Nerves of Lower Extremity With Expanded Uncertainty in Healthy Korean Adults.

Objective: To develop a set of reference standards for tibial motor, common peroneal motor, sural sensory, and superficial peroneal sensory nerve conduction studies (NCSs) with expanded uncertainty in a healthy Korean population.

Methods: Standardized procedures were conducted for individual lower extremity NCSs of 199 healthy participants in their 20s (n=100) and 50s (n=99). Mean values and expanded uncertainties for parameters were analyzed with thorough consideration of multiple uncertainty factors under the International Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement.

A randomized controlled trial of stem cell injection for tendon tear.

Tendons have limited reparative ability and perform a relatively simple mechanical function via the extracellular matrix. Thus, the injured tendon might be treated successfully by stem cell transplantation. We performed a randomized, controlled study to investigate the effects of mesenchymal stem cell injection for treating partial tears in the supraspinatus tendon.

Quantitative analysis of tendon histopathology using digital pathology in rat models with Achilles tendon injury.

Although digital image analysis methods that quantify histopathologic features have emerged, no validated quantitative methods are available to evaluate tendon injury. This study aimed to propose and validate a quantitative analysis method to identify the histopathologic features of tendon injuries. The histopathologic features of two Achilles tendon injury models (a partial full-thickness defect model and a collagenase injection model) using Sprague-Dawley rats were evaluated by semiquantitative grading and a quantitative analysis method using a digital pathology software at weeks 1 and 4 after tendon injury (six tendons per group at each time point).

Effect of Stretching of Spastic Elbow Under Intelligent Control in Chronic Stroke Survivors-A Pilot Study.

To assess the short-term effects of strenuous dynamic stretching of the elbow joint using an intelligent stretching device in chronic spastic stroke survivors. The intelligent stretching device was utilized to provide a single session of intensive stretching to the spastic elbow joint in the sagittal plane (i.e.

Intra-articular pressure characteristics of the knee joint: An exploratory study.

Inflammation-predominant osteoarthritis is an important clinical type of osteoarthritis, with synovitis suggested as its distinct pathophysiology. We investigated whether the synovium's mechanical properties in knees differed by osteoarthritis and other clinical parameters through retrospectively analyzing intra-articular pressure-volume characteristics. We analyzed 60 knees that were administered intra-articular corticosteroids while undergoing pressure monitoring.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Use in the Treatment of Tendon Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Clinical Studies.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in patients with tendon disorders enrolled in prospective clinical studies.

Methods: We systematically searched prospective clinical studies that investigated the effects of MSC administration on human tendon disorders with at least a 6-month follow-up period in the PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcome of interest was the change in pain on motion related to tendon disorders.

Novel lateral whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of lumbar paraspinal muscle mass: results from the SarcoSpine study.

Background: Here, we aimed to propose novel lateral whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (lateral DXA) as a simple tool for measuring spinal muscle mass and investigate the feasibility of lateral DXA to measure lumbar paraspinal muscle (LPM) mass compared with lumbosacral spine three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI).

Methods: Twenty consecutive participants were enrolled from a prospective observational cohort (SarcoSpine study). Lateral DXA was scanned with each participant in the lateral decubitus position.

Measurement and Correction of Stooped Posture during Gait Using Wearable Sensors in Patients with Parkinsonism: A Preliminary Study.

Stooped posture, which is usually aggravated during walking, is one of the typical postural deformities in patients with parkinsonism. However, the degree of stooped posture is difficult to quantitatively measure during walking. Furthermore, continuous feedback on posture is also difficult to provide.

Electrodiagnostic characteristics of upper lumbar stenosis: Discrepancy between neurological and structural levels.

Background: Radiculopathies caused by spinal stenosis in the upper lumbar spinal canal (L1/2, L2/3, L3/4) have not been comprehensively investigated.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 14 patients from a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic. The inclusion criteria were upper lumbar stenosis seen on MRI and radiculopathies with active denervation confirmed on electromyography.

Optimal Elbow Positions for Identification of the Radial Collateral Ligament Using Ultrasonography.

Background: The standard position for examining the lateral elbow with ultrasonography is an "extended" or "slightly flexed" position. However, because the radial collateral ligament (RCL) is more deeply attached on the lateral epicondyle than the common extensor tendon, an anisotropic artifact of the RCL could be observed in the conventional positions, making it difficult to fully visualize the RCL.

Objectives: To determine optimal elbow positions for accurate identification of the RCL and to explore the relevant landmarks in ultrasonography.

Early Quantitative Partial Weight-Bearing Exercise After Periarticular Fractures of the Tibia Using a Lower-Body Positive-Pressure Treadmill: A Case Series.

The partial weight-bearing protocol after lower limb fracture is an important issue in postoperative rehabilitation. Because it is difficult to quantify the actual weight load and provide a constant weight, the protocol is unestablished. By training with a lower-body positive-pressure treadmill and using an in-shoe pressure-measuring device, partial weight-bearing exercise can be performed with quantified loads.

Pioglitazone-Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulate Cell Proliferation, Collagen Synthesis and Matrix Gene Expression in Tenocytes.

Various therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported. However, the rapid clearance of these cells in vivo, difficulties in identifying their therapeutic mechanism of action, and insufficient production levels remain to be resolved. We investigated whether a pioglitazone pre-treatment of MSCs (Pio-MSCs) would stimulate the proliferation of co-cultured tenocytes.

Low skeletal muscle mass and radiographic osteoarthritis in knee, hip, and lumbar spine: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Although several studies have shown that low skeletal muscle mass is correlated with knee osteoarthritis, no studies have investigated the correlation between skeletal muscle mass and hip and lumbar spine osteoarthritis (OA).

Aim: This study aimed to delineate the relationship between low skeletal muscle mass and radiographic OA (ROA) of the knee, hip, and lumbar spine.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using the public data obtained from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2011).