Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are crosslinked hydrophilic polymers that are capable of absorbing large amounts of water. Commercial SAPs are mostly produced with acrylic acid that cannot be easily biodegraded. Therefore, in this study, polysaccharide-based SAPs using carboxymethyl cellulose as a major component were prepared. Starch aldehydes and citric acid were selected due to their environment-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable properties compared to conventional crosslinking agents. Starch aldehydes were prepared by periodate oxidation, which forms aldehyde groups by taking the places of C–OH groups at C-2 and C-3. Furthermore, starch aldehydes were analyzed through the change in FT-IR spectra, the aldehyde quantitation, and the morphology in FE-SEM images. In the crosslinking of polysaccharide-based SAPs, the acetal bridges from starch aldehydes led to a large amount of water entering the network structure of the SAPs. However, the ester bridges from citric acid interfered with the water penetration. In addition, the swelling behavior of the SAPs was analyzed by the Fickian diffusion model and the Schott’s pseudo second order kinetics model. The relationship between swelling behavior and morphology of the SAPs was analyzed by FE-SEM images. In conclusion, polysaccharide-based SAPs were well prepared and the highest equilibrium swelling ratio was 87.0 g/g.
[Purpose] This study was performed in order to investigate the grip strength of the unaffected hand of hemiplegic post-stroke patients. [Subjects] This study conducted on 83 hemiplegic post-stroke patients from May to August 2012. [Methods] This study was measured the mean grip strength of the unaffected hand of patients with hemiplegia and comparatively analyzed this with the mean normal grip strength. [Results] The grip strength of the unaffected hand of patients with hemiplegia was weaker compared to the of normal. [Conclusion] Patients with hemiplegia demonstrated problems in both their unaffected and affected sides. Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to expand treatment from the affected to unaffected areas of patients with hemiplegia.
[Purpose] To provide data for systematic intervention plans in occupational therapy practice by objectivity showing the value of mirror therapy interventions in children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for the key words “cerebral palsy,” “mirror movement,” “mirror therapy,” and “mirror visual feedback.” Nine studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. The qualitatively determined level of evidence, period of research, comparisons and interventions, tools used to measure the intervention, and the effects were analyzed. [Results] According to the results analyzed, one (1/9, 11.1%) study showed the same result as the control group, one (1/9, 11.1%) showed a negative effect, and seven (7/9, 77.8%) showed positive effects of mirror-mediated therapy, with meaningful improvement in function, such as hand strength, movement speed, muscle activity, and accuracy of hand matching. [Conclusion] Through this study, the value of mirror-mediated therapeutic interventions in occupational therapy practice targeting cerebral palsy was confirmed. It is expected that this result will be useful in establishing mirror therapy as an interventional program.
[Purpose] We investigated the physical condition of middle-aged workers in Korea by job category (office job vs. production job). [Subjects] In total, 3,650 middle-aged workers (production job, n = 2,615; office job, n = 1,035) ≥50 years of age from eight geographical areas were evaluated from 2007 to 2008. [Methods] The subjects’ subjective physical condition, exercise status, smoking status, and drinking status were investigated, and precise physical measurements, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, reflexes, and reactions were measured. [Results] Subjectively, the physical condition and exercise status of those with office jobs were superior to those of production job workers. Office workers exhibited a higher rate of drinking than production workers, and also had better cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, reflexes, and reactions. However, production workers were more flexible than office workers. [Conclusion] Middle-aged production job workers in Korea have poorer overall physical condition than middle-aged office job workers. The physical condition of middle-aged and elderly workers must be managed through various health management programs to secure a productive aging society.
Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a worker's exercise program on work ability.[Subjects] The program was tested on 100 workers at 2 workplaces in Seoul.[Methods] Initially, we conducted a pre-test evaluation of the Worker's cardio-muscular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition analysis and WAI. Then, the program was applied to the workers for 2 months. After the program had been applied, their post-test conditions were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed by correlation analysis using a statistical software application (SPSS for Window 13.0).[Results] As a result of this study, we can see how a worker's exercise program is associated with work ability. There were statistically significant differences in work ability (p<0.01).[Conclusion] In conclusion, a worker's exercise program increased work ability. This suggest that it is important to manage on-going work ability through a prescribed exercise program.
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