Nocardiosis is an infectious disease caused by Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria and presents as a suppurative granulomatous disease in patients with compromised immune systems. Few studies have investigated the clinical utility of the universal 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using sterile body fluids for diagnosing nocardiosis. A 64-year-old female patient was admitted to Chosun University Hospital with the complaint of fever. Computed tomography scans of her chest revealed the presence of empyema and an abscess in the right lung. Pus samples were collected using closed chest thoracostomy and were cultured. The results revealed the presence of Gram-positive bacilli, but the culture tests were unable to identify the causative microorganism. Despite antibiotic treatment, the patient died of the suspected empyema and abscess. Universal 16S PCR of her sterile body fluids in combination with sequencing was performed, which led to the diagnosis of Nocardia farcinica infection. Postmortem, the remainder of the pus samples cultured for 8 days confirmed the presence of N. farcinica. This study illustrates the importance of using routine universal 16S rRNA PCR with sterile body fluids to help diagnose atypical bacterial infections such as nocardiosis.
Lung Abscess , Nocardia Infections , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Lung Abscess/diagnosis , Nocardia Infections/diagnosis , Nocardia Infections/drug therapy , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of horseback riding simulator exercise on the muscle activities of the lower extremities according to changes in arm posture. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 30 normal adult males and females. [Methods] The horseback riding simulator exercise used a horseback riding simulator device; two arm postures were used, posture 1 (holding the handle of the device) and posture 2 (crossing both arms, with both hands on the shoulders). Electromyography was used to compare the muscle activities of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and hip adductors in the lower extremities. [Results] Posture 2 had significantly higher muscle activity than posture 1. [Conclusion] Posture 2, which entailed crossing both arms with both hands on the shoulders, was an effective intervention for improved muscle activity in the hip adductors.
[Purpose] This study aims to investigate how squat exercises on a decline board and how the knee joint angles affect the muscle activity of the lower limbs. [Subjects] The subjects were 26 normal adults. [Methods] A Tumble Forms wedge device was used as the decline board, and the knee joint angles were measured with a goniometer. To examine the muscle activity of the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius lateralis, and tibialis anterior of the lower limbs, a comparison analysis with electromyography was conducted. [Results] The muscle activity of the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius lateralis, and tibialis anterior increased with increased knee joint angles, both for squat exercises on the decline board and on a flat floor. When the knee joint angle was 45°, 60°, and 90°, the muscle activity of the rectus femoris was significantly higher and that of the tibialis anterior was significantly lower during squat exercises on the decline board than on the flat floor. When the knee joint angle was 90°, the muscle activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis was significantly lower. [Conclusion] Squat exercises on a decline board are an effective intervention to increase the muscle activity of the rectus femoris with increased knee joint angles.
[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of bridge exercise performed on an unstable surface on lumbar stabilizing muscles according to the knee angle. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy adult men were selected for this study. [Methods] The study subjects performed the bridge exercise on an unstable surface and a stable surface, with the knees at different angles (45°, 90°, and 120°). An aero-step device was used as the unstable surface, and the flat ground was used as the stable surface. External oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscle activities were assessed and compared using electromyography. [Results] The study results demonstrated that performing the bridge exercise on an unstable surface with a knee angle of 120° led to a greater increase in the external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscle activities than when performed on a stable surface. [Conclusion] The bridge exercise with the knees at a 120° angle was found to be an effective intervention for increasing the external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscle activities.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the cervical flexion angle when using a smart phone on muscle fatigue of the cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius (UT). [Subjects] This study recruited 12 healthy adults. [Methods] Each subject sat on a chair, with his/her back against the wall and held a smart phone with both hands. Fatigue of the neck and shoulder muscles at different cervical flexion angles (0°, 30°, and 50°) was measured by electromyography. The following muscles were assessed: the right upper trapezius (RtUT), left upper trapezius (LtUT), right cervical erector spinae (RtCES), and left cervical erector spinae (LtCES). A cervical range of motion instrument was attached to the subjects' heads to measure the cervical angle during the experiment. [Results] The RtUT and LtUT showed the highest muscle fatigue at a cervical flexion angle of 50° and the lowest fatigue at an angle of 30°. There was no significant difference in the muscle fatigue of the RtCES and LtCES at any of the cervical flexion angles. [Conclusion] UT muscle fatigue depends on the cervical flexion angle when using a smart phone.
[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of bridge exercise on trunk core muscle activity with respect to sling height and hip joint abduction and adduction. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy adult males participated. [Methods] In the bridge exercise, the height of the sling was set low or high during hip joint abduction and adduction. Electromyography was used to compare the differences between the muscle activities of the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae muscles. [Results] The muscle activities of the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae were significantly higher in the high sling position. Furthermore, the activities of the transverse abdominis and erector spinae were significantly higher during hip joint adduction than abduction regardless of sling height. [Conclusion] A high sling height is the most effective intervention for increasing the muscle activities of the transverse abdominis and erector spinae muscles during hip joint adduction in a bridge exercise.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine effects of the isometric contraction of an upper limb in a supine position on the muscle activity of a healthy adult in the contralateral lower limb. [Subjects] The subjects were 40 healthy adults (35 males and 5 females). [Methods] The muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris, anterior tibialis, and medial gastrocnemius (MG) of the contralateral lower limb was measured using electromyography while the subjects flexed, extended, abducted, and adducted the shoulder joint of an upper limb. [Results] The muscle activity of the RF of the contralateral lower limb was significantly high when the subject flexed the shoulder joint of an upper limb, and the muscle activity of the MG of the contralateral lower limb was significantly high when the subject adducted the shoulder joint of an upper limb. [Conclusion] The isometric contraction that results from flexion and adduction of the shoulder joint of an upper limb in a supine position is considered to selectively affect the RF and MG activity of the contralateral lower limb.
[Purpose] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of thoracic joint mobilization and self-stretching exercise on the pulmonary functions of patients with chronic neck pain. [Subjects] The present study was performed with 34 patients with chronic neck pain featuring thoracic kyphosis; we divided them into a thoracic joint mobilization group (TJMG, n = 11), self-stretching exercise group (SSEG, n = 11), and thoracic joint mobilization and self-stretching exercise group (TJMSSEG, n = 12). [Methods] Treatments and exercise were conducted three times a week for six weeks in TJMG, SSEG, and TJMSSEG; the subjects' pulmonary functions in terms of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured using CardioTouch equipment. [Results] Comparisons of the individuals within each of the TJMG, SSEG, and TJMSSEG showed that all of FVC, FEV1, and PEF increased significantly; Comparisons within each of the showed that FVC, FEV1, and PEF increased significantly. Among the study groups, FVC was significantly higher in TJMSSEG than in TJMG after six weeks; FEV1 was significantly higher in TJMSSEG than in TJMG and SSEG after four and six weeks; and PEF was significantly higher in TJMSSEG than in TJMG and SSEG after six weeks. [Conclusion] The study results indicate that thoracic joint mobilization and self-stretching exercise are effective interventions for increasing FVC, FEV1, and PEF among pulmonary functions.
[Purpose] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of indoor horseback riding and virtual reality exercises on the dynamic balance ability of normal adults. [Subjects] This study enrolled 24 normal adults and divided them into two groups: an indoor horseback riding exercise group (IHREG, n = 12) and a virtual reality exercise group (VREG, n = 12). [Methods] IHREG exercised on indoor horseback riding equipment and VREG exercised using the Nintendo Wii Fit three times a week for six weeks. The Biodex Balance System was used to analyze dynamic balance as measured by the overall stability index (OSI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI). [Results] In the within-group comparison, IHREG and VERG both showed significant decreases in the dynamic balance indexes of OSI, APSI, and MLSI after the intervention, but no significant difference was found between the groups. [Conclusion] Both indoor horseback riding and virtual reality exercises were effective at improving the subjects' dynamic balance ability as measured by OSI, APSI, and MLSI, and can be used as additional exercises for patients with conditions affecting postural control.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the shoulder flexion angle on the muscle activities of the upper extremities when performing the push-up plus exercise (PUPE) on an unstable surface with the forearm in the external rotation position. [Subjects] The subjects were conducted on 15 normal male adults. [Methods] A sling device was used for the unstable surface, and PUPE was performed with the forearm in the external rotation position. The shoulder flexion angles measured in the sagittal plane were 110°, 90°, and 70°. Electromyography was used for a comparitive analysis of the muscle activities of the serratus anterior (SA), the pectoralis major (PM), and the upper trapezius (UT). [Results] In the intra-group comparison, the muscle activity of SA was statistically the highest when the shoulder-flexion angle was 110°. [Conclusion] performing PUPE on an unstable surface, the muscle activity of the SA is activated the most when the shoulder flexion angle is 110° and the forearm is in the external rotation position.
[Purpose] This study investigated the influence of the indoor horseback riding exercise on the electromyographic activity of the lower extremity and balance during one-leg standing. [Subjects] Twenty normal adults were divided into an indoor horseback riding exercise group (IHREG, n=10), which performed the indoor horseback riding exercise using equipment 3 times a week for 3 weeks, and a control group (CG, n=10), which performed no exercise. [Methods] For comparitive analysis, an electromyographic test was performed to measure the electromyographic activities of the rectus femoris (RF), adductor longus (AL), and gluteus medius and the Biodex Balance System was used to measure the anteroposterior stability index (APSI), mediolateral stability index, and overall stability index (OSI). [Results] The electromyographic activities of RF and AL significantly increased and the balance abilities of APSI and OSI decreased significantly in the IHREG compared to the CG. [Conclusion] We consider indoor horseback riding exercise is an effective intervention for increasing electromyographic activities of the RF and AL, and the balance abilities of APSI and OSI of normal adults.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of manual therapy using joint mobilization and flexion-distraction techniques on chronic low back pain and disc heights. [Subjects] This study was conducted with 31 chronic low back pain patients who were divided into a manual therapy group (MTG; n=16) and a spinal decompression therapy group (SDTG; n=15). [Methods] The MTG was treated using joint mobilization techniques and flexion-distraction techniques, and the SDTG was treated using spinal decompression therapeutic apparatuses. Conservative physical therapy was used in both groups, and the therapy was implemented three times per week for 6 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure patient's low back pain scores, and a picture archiving and communication system was used to measure disc height by comparing and analyzing the images. [Results] In comparisons of the VAS within each of the two groups, both the MTG and the SDTG showed significant decreases. In comparisons of disc height within each of the two groups, the MTG showed statistically significant increases. [Conclusion] Manual therapy using joint mobilization techniques and flexion-distraction techniques is considered an effective intervention for addressing low back pain and disc heights in patients with chronic low back pain.
[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effect of virtual reality exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit on the muscle activities of the trunk and lower extremities of normal adults. [Subjects] The subjects of the study were 24 normal adults who were divided into a virtual reality exercise group (VREG, n=12) and a stable surface exercise group (SEG, n=12). [Methods] The exercises of the VREG using the Nintendo Wii Fit and the SEG using a stable surface were conducted three times a week for six weeks. Electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), erector spinae (ES), and rectus abdominal (RA) muscles. [Results] VREG showed significant within group differences in TA and MG muscle activities, while the SEG showed a significant difference in the muscle activity of the MG. [Conclusion] Virtual reality exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit was an effective intervention for the muscle activities of the TA and MG of normal adults.
[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for patients with chronic low back pain and their dynamic balance ability. [Subjects] Twenty-eight patients with chronic low back were divided into an extracorporeal shockwave therapy group (ESWTG: n=13) and a conservative physical therapy group (CPTG, n=15). [Methods] An exercise program that included Williams' exercises and McKenzie's exercises was performed by both groups. The program was implemented twice a week for six weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure the chronic low back pain of the patients. Their dynamic balance ability was measured with BioRescue. [Results] The within-group comparison of the VAS of the ESWTG and the CPTG showed significant improvements after the intervention. In the VAS comparison between the groups after the treatment, the ESWTG showed a significantly larger improvement. In the within-group comparison of dynamic balance ability, the ESWTG showed significant improvements after the intervention in SAPLS, SAPRS, SAPFS, SAPBS, and TSA, and the CPTG showed significant improvements in SAPLS and SAPBS. In the between-group comparison of the dynamic balance ability after the treatment, the ESWTG showed significantly larger improvements in their SAPLS, SAPRS, SAPFS, and TSA. [Conclusion] The exercise program combined with the ESWT relieved chronic back pain more than the exercise program combined with the CPT. The former was also more effective at improving the patients' dynamic balance ability in terms of SAPLS, SAPRS, SAPFS, and TSA.
[Purpose] This study examined the effects of action observation and action practice on stroke patients' upper limb function. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 33 chronic stroke patients who were randomly assigned to four groups. The action observation group (5 males, 3 females) watched a video of the task, the action practice group (5 males, 4 females) performed the action, the combined action observation-action practice group (5 males, 4 females) watched the video of the task and practiced the action, and the control group (4 males, 3 females) did not perform either action observation or action practice. The video used in the action observational physical training comprised a scene of an adult male picking up a cup, bringing it to his mouth in order to touch his mouth, and then returning the cup to its initial position. [Results] Improvements in drinking behavior functions were observed immediately after the experiment and one week later. After the intervention, the number of drinking motions had increased the most in the combination group. One week after the experiment, there were increases in the action observation, action training, and combination groups. [Conclusion] A combination of action observation and action training is the most effective treatment method, and action training is a desirable second to combined therapy.
[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an exercise program using aero-step exercise equipment on the balance ability of normal adults. [Subjects] Twenty-one normal adults were randomized into a flat floor exercise program group (FEG, n = 7), an aero-step exercise program group (AEG, n = 7), and a control group (CG, n = 7). [Methods] the FEG and AEG performed an exercise program four times a week for 2 weeks, but CG did not receive any treatment. The overall stability index (OSI), anterioposterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI) were measured and compared using a Biodex balance system. [Results] The intragroup comparison revealed significant differences in OSI and APSI of AEG and in MLSI of FEG. [Conclusion] The exercise program using aero-step equipment seems to be effective at improving the balance abilities of OSI and APSI.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hand position changes on electromyographic activity of shoulder stabilizers during push-up plus exercise (PUPE) performed on both stable and unstable surfaces. [Subjects] This study was performed on a cohort of 20 normal adults divided into an unstable surface group (USG) (n=10) and a stable surface group (SSG) (n=10). [Methods] A sling device was used to provide an unstable surface, and a push-up bar was used to provide a stable surface. PUPEs were performed with hands in various positions: the neutral position (NP), the internal rotation position (IRP), or the external rotation position (ERP). Electromyography was used to determine and analyze the electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle (UT), the lower trapezius muscle (LT), the serratus anterior muscle (SA), and the pectoralis major muscle (PM). [Results] Comparison of the results within the USG and SSG showed significant differences depending on the hand position used during the exercise. Comparison between the USG and SSG showed that the ERP hand posture resulted in significant differences in electromyographic activity of the SA in the USG. [Conclusion] The electromyographic activity of the SA indicated that performing PUPEs using the ERP on an unstable surface provided more effective intervention for shoulder stabilization than ERP on a stable surface.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horseback riding simulator exercise on postural balance of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] A total of 67 stroke patients were assigned either to a horseback riding simulator exercise group (HEG, n=34) or a mat exercise group (MEG, n=33). [Methods] The subjects exercised three times per week for 8 weeks. Static balance ability was determined by eyes open balance (EOB) and eyes closed balance (ECB), which was measured using a Kinesthetic Ability Trainer Balance system. Dynamic balance was evaluated using the Berg balance scale (BBS). [Results] EOB and ECB significantly decreased and BBS had significantly increased after the intervention in the HEG and the MEG, and ECB decreased and BBS increased significantly more in the HEG than in the MEG. [Conclusion] Horseback riding simulator exercise is more effective than mat exercise for improving the ECB and BBS of stroke patients.
[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of cervical stabilization exercises on the electromyographic activity of the shoulder stabilizers in normal adults. [Subjects] In the present study, 20 normal adults were divided into an experimental group (EG, n=10) that performed cervical stabilization exercises and shoulder stabilization exercises and a control group (CG, n=10) that performed shoulder stabilization exercises. [Methods] The EG and CG performed their exercises three times per week for four weeks. The cervical stabilization exercises consisted of Craniocervical flexion exercises (CCFEs) that were performed using pressure biofeedback units (PBUs). The shoulder stabilization exercises consisted of scapula-setting exercises, wall stretching, and external rotation exercises. To examine the electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle, lower trapezius (LT) muscle, and serratus anterior (SA) muscle, the electromyograms for these muscles were compared and analyzed. [Results] In comparisons within the groups, the EG showed statistically significant differences in the UT, the LT and the SA. The CG did not show any significant differences. [Conclusion] Cervical stabilization exercises and shoulder stabilization exercises are considered to be an effective intervention for the electromyographic activity of the shoulder stabilizers, the UT, LT, and SA.
