Earticle

Purpose: This study aimed to identify whether cutaneous sensory (CS) changes induced by mechanical and electrical interventions increase the trigger point threshold of the same spinal segment. Methods: The participants were randomly divided into three groups with 10 participants each: the mechanical intervention (MI) group, electrical intervention (EI) group, and control group. Mechanical intervention was applied through Graston, and EI was applied through the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for 5 min to induce CS changes. The sensory test measured CS changes using Von Frey filament and pressure pain threshold (PPT) changes estimated using an algometer. To observe changes in sensory and pain threshold with time, the test was conducted three times: pre-, post-, and 15 min post-intervention . Results: The results showed significant changes in CS in the MI and EI groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, changes in the PPT of the right infraspinatus were observed in the same spinal segment (p<0.05). Conclusion: CS changes induced by MI and EI changed the PPT in the same spinal segment. Therefore, it can be useful for pan control and for increasing the PPT in the clinical field.

Purpose: To compare respiratory muscle function on the paretic and non-paretic sides in patients diagnosed with stroke. Methods: Forty-four patients clinically diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were included. The diaphragm and parasternal intercostal muscles were measured for muscle thickness and movement, respectively. Respiratory muscle activity was measured in the diaphragm, external intercostal muscles, and sternocleidomastoid muscles. The measurement data were analyzed using an independent t-test to compare the paretic and nonparetic sides of respiratory muscle function. Results: The diaphragm thickness at total lung capacity, thickness ratio, and parasternal intercostal muscle movement of the non-paretic side were significantly greater than those of the paretic side. Moreover, the diaphragm activity of the paretic side was significantly greater than that of the nonparetic side. Conclusion: TThis study demonstrated that asymmetry of respiratory muscle function between the paretic and non-paretic sides occurred after stroke. To improve the respiratory function of stroke patients, respiratory muscle strengthening exercises are needed to improve the asymmetry of the respiratory muscle function.

Purpose: To examine the effect of biofeedback balance training combined with taping on the lower extremity muscle activity of badminton club members with chronic ankle instability. Methods: Thirty badminton club members were selected as the study participants and divided into a biofeedback balance training group combining taping (experimental group), and a general biofeedback balance training group (control group). Fifteen participants were randomly assigned. Additionally, the study participants implemented biofeedback balance training combining taping and general biofeedback balance training for 30 min five times a week over an 8-week period, after receiving general badminton training. Lower extremity muscle activity was analyzed before the intervention. The peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, and tibialis anterior were measured by maximum voluntary isometric contraction in the bare-handed muscle strength test to analyze the lower extremity muscle activity. The above outcomes were equally remeasured, and intergroup analysis was conducted after 8 weeks of intervention. Results: The biofeedback balance training group combining taping (experimental group) showed a significant difference in lower extremity muscle activity compared to the general biofeedback balance training group (control group) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Biofeedback training combining taping is more effective in improving lower extremity muscle activity. Basic data on the possibility of using taping and biofeedback in the field of sports rehabilitation of badminton players could be provided based on this study.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with robot-assisted gait training on gait, balance, and fall efficacy in patients after stroke. Methods: Twenty-four patients after stroke were selected as study participants and were randomly divided into a transcranial direct current stimulation combined robot-assisted gait training (experiment) group and robot-assisted gait training (control) group. All participants underwent general neurological physical therapy for 30 min, and robot-assisted gait training alone or combined with transcranial direct current stimulation according to the group, 5 times a week for 30 min for a total of 8 weeks. Gait, balance, and fall efficacy function was analyzed before the intervention, and analysis between groups was performed by re-measuring the above items equally after 8 weeks of intervention. Results: The transcranial direct current stimulation combined with robot-assisted gait training group showed significant differences in gait, balance, and fall efficacy function compared to the control group. Conclusion: Transcranial direct current stimulation combined robot-assisted gait training is more effective for gait, balance, and fall efficacy function . Based on this finding, this training can be proposed as an effective program not only for patients after stroke but also for patients with brain injury. Moreover, based on the study findings, future studies on muscle changes related to gait, balance, and function are warranted.

Purpose: This study sought to increase future participation in physical activity and satisfaction in individuals with disabilities. A survey was conducted on the participation of individuals with disabilities in the rehabilitation exercise and physical education programs in Chungcheongbuk-do. The relationship between welfare facilities and physical education programs was analyzed. To understand the reality of rehabilitation and physical education programs for individuals with disabilities in Chungcheongbuk-do, websites and bulletin boards operated by community welfare centers for individuals with disabilities and public health centers were searched. Methods: We investigated whether rehabilitation and physical education programs operate in representative welfare facilities for individuals with disabilities in the Chungcheongbuk-do community. In addition, the characteristics of the program were analyzed in detail focusing on the operational purpose, content, and expected effects. Results: As there are exercise programs specific to individuals with disabilities as well as non-specific and non-face-to-face ones, preparing a system that can change from a supplier-centered rehabilitation exercise and physical education program to a consumer-centered program will be necessary. Participation in exercise programs increased efficacy and strength efficacy. Moreover, according to a thesis on the structural relationship between participation motivation, life satisfaction, and self-management of Boccia players, there was a significant positive correlation between life, emotional, and physical satisfaction and participation in exercise programs. Conclusion: In the hypothesis tests on whether participation motivation affects life satisfaction, and self-management, and whether life satisfaction affects self-management, all three showed significant effects.

Purpose: Foot function is associated with advancing age. Changes in foot function can result in the collapse of the foot arch and cause flat foot. Short foot exercises (SFE) are prescribed for patients with flat feet to prevent secondary clinical problems. This study investigated the effects of SFE on ankle strength and static and dynamic balance characteristics among older individuals with flat or neutral feet. Methods: A total 22 older individuals (11 each with flat and neutral feet) underwent progressive SFE over 6 weeks. Arch height was measured using a digital caliper. Ankle strength was measured using a BTE primus, and static and dynamic balance were measured using a Zebris treadmill device. Results: Navicular drop was significantly decreased in the group of older individuals with flat feet. Ankle plantar flexion was significantly increased in both groups (flat feet, p<.00; neutral feet, p<.028). Dorsiflexion and eversion strengths were significantly increased in the group of older individuals with flat feet (p<.000, p<.001). No significant difference was observed between the groups in the eyes open and closed conditions. Conclusion: SFE is a clinical prevention program for flat feet in the older population. These results will be used as basic knowledge for clinicians for designing a flat foot rehabilitation program.

Purpose: This study is a South Korean review of exercises for the prevention of the care-linked musculoskeletal system disorders and rehabilitation of older adults in the post-corona era. Further, an analysis was conducted on care-linked musculoskeletal exercises for the rehabilitation of older adults conducted over the last 10 years. Methods: This study analyzed the care-linked musculoskeletal exercises for the rehabilitation of older adults conducted over the last 10 years, from 2010 to 2022. The research strategy was planned through discussion with one physical therapy and rehabilitation science researcher and one special physical education researcher. Finally, the study was reviewed and confirmed by a rehabilitation medicine specialist and special physical education professor. To explore the strategies of each literature, we mainly analyzed domestic research over the last 10 years by conducting a search using DBpia, e-articles, Google Scholar, KCI, KISS, KYOBO scholar, and RISS. The search keywords were “musculoskeletal system exercise,” “rehabilitation for the elderly,” “care,” “exercise prescription,” and “COVID-19.” Results: A total of nine studies were included. In the exercise studies for the prevention of care-linked musculoskeletal system disorders and rehabilitation of older adults, the effectiveness was presented as measures of physical function and quality of life. Conclusion: This study suggests a basis for care-linked rehabilitation of older adults for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Effective care programs linked to rehabilitation experts based on mid- to long-term national policies for social rehabilitation care should be established in the future.

Purpose: Physical inactivity is a major cause of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In Korea, rates of physical inactivity are high, like a “pandemic of physical inactivity”. This study aims to identify the nature of exercise goods in terms of private and public goods and examines how they are utilized in Korea. Methods: Starting with the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) campaign abroad, research proving the effectiveness of exercise in treating diseases is accumulating. In this study, EIM is covered as a case of the private goods of exercise. The Community Health Promotion Project included the value of exercise as a public good. Results: EIM campaigns have the characteristics of club goods, though exercise is prescribed as an additional service limited to some medical institutions in Korea, resulting in privatization. On the other hand, the value of exercise as a public good has been investigated through the Community Health Promotion Project; however, the actual program operation is insignificant as there is no explicit provision regarding exercise in the National Health Promotion Act. Conclusion: To prevent and treat NCDs, encouraging people to exercise is necessary. However, in Korea, the value of exercise is not reflected in the medical insurance fee or the National Health Promotion Act; therefore, there is no basis for operating the service. To solve the physical inactivity problem in Korea, it is an urgent priority to systematically reflect on the value of exercise in the national governance plan.

Purpose: This study aimed to apply an unstable support surface to the upper and lower extremities and to determine how the application of the upper and lower extremities affects the change in thickness of the abdominal muscles. Methods: The experiment was conducted by randomly classifying adults in their 20s into three groups: plank exercise groups that applied an unstable support surface to only the upper extremities, to only the lower extremities, and to both the upper and lower extremities. The experiment was conducted three times a week for a total of 6 weeks. In this study, abdominal muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasound imaging device. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for statistical analysis. Results: Muscle thickness significantly increased in the oblique extrinsic, oblique oblique, and transversus abdominis according to the training period in all groups that performed plank exercise on unstable support surfaces (p<.05). Conclusion: Plank exercises on an unstable support surface for improving abdominal muscles in the clinical field can be applied according to the physical condition of the client.

Purpose: It is necessary for a good baseball player to have various physical attributes including good muscle strength and sensitive proprioception. Childhood and adolescence are very important in developing these physical attributes, as they are suitable periods for acquiring basic physical strength and favorable physical attributes. Methods: Therefore, this study focused on the comparison of use of technology, physical characteristics, biomechanics, lifestyle, and game usage in children and adolescents. This study aimed to conduct research using basic data for more effective training and guidance. The included participants were 39 middle school students (3rd graders) and 42 elementary school students (6th graders) who participated in the KBO Next Level Training Camp. Results: To summarize the results of this study, there was no significant difference in game usage between young and adolescent players, and no evidence could be derived that suggested game habits affect physical characteristics, kinematics, or technical skills. Secondly, there was a significant difference in the physical abilities of young and adolescent players, regardless of gaming habits. Thirdly, there were no differences in batting speed, attack angle, or order of body movement between young and adolescent players. However, there were significant differences between the average peak hand speed, vertical bat angle, pitch release speed, spin rate, and striking distance (p=.001). Conclusion: According to the conclusions drawn from this study, there were no differences in physical ability, kinematics, or performance between young and adolescent players according to gaming habits.

Purpose: To determine whether differences in pinch strength exist between internet gaming addicts and non-addicts. Methods: Thirty university students participated in this study and were classified according to the severity guidelines of the Young's Internet Addiction Test. Fifteen participants with addiction were selected as the experimental group and 15 non-addicts were selected as the control group. Both groups were evaluated for pinch strength using a Preston pinch gauge. The participants performed all pinch-strength tests in a seated position, as recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists. Both hands were divided into dominant and non-dominant hands according to pinch strength. The results were analyzed using an independent t-test. Results: Results indicated that key and tripod pinch strengths were significantly different between the dominant and non-dominant hands between the two groups. Conclusion: This results show that the potential risk of musculoskeletal diseases can be predicted in advance based on pinch-strength test results.