Earticle

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a training program using visual and auditory feedback on balance and gait abilities in patients after stroke. Methods: Thirty patients after stroke were randomly assigned to groups using a computer program. Odd- and even-numbered patients were assigned to the group that underwent training using visual and auditory feedback (experimental group; n=15) and the conventional neurophysiological exercise therapy group (control group; n=15), respectively. This study focused on examining the effects on balance and gait abilities. Within-group analysis was performed using a paired t-test, and between-group analysis of motor function was conducted using analysis of covariance. Results: We found a significant difference in balance and gait abilities within both the experimental and control groups (p<.05). The experimental group showed significant improvements in balance and gait abilities, compared with the control group (p<.05). Conclusion: This study confirmed that training using visual and auditory feedback is effective in improving motor function in patients after stroke. Based on these findings, training using visual and auditory feedback can be proposed as an effective intervention for enhancing balance and gait abilities in patients after stroke. However, further studies are required to validate the effectiveness of this intervention.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of body composition and quadriceps muscle activation on pulmonary function in young adults. Methods: One hundred young adults participated in this study, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 for Windows. Body composition and the activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles were assessed. Pulmonary function was evaluated using forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed, with the significance level set at 0.05. Results: Among male participants, VL muscle activity was positively correlated with FEV1 (p<.05). However, VL muscle activity was not a significant predictor in regression analysis (p>.05). Muscle mass was a significant predictor of FVC (β=.64, p<.001), whereas mineral mass was a significant predictor of FEV1 (β=.63, p<.001). For female participants, body water mass was a significant predictor of FVC (β=.70, p<.001), whereas skeletal muscle mass was a significant predictor of FEV1 (β=.39, p<.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that the key determinants of pulmonary function exhibit sex-specific differences, emphasizing the importance of considering body composition variations between male and female individuals. Furthermore, these findings may provide insights for the development of individualized exercise programs that consider individual differences in body composition and pulmonary function.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of visual feedback-based step training on balance and gait abilities in patients after stroke. Methods: In this study, 30 patients after stroke were randomly assigned to two groups of 15 participants each. The experimental group received conventional physiotherapy combined with visual feedback-based step training, whereas the control group received two sessions of conventional physiotherapy. Balance and gait abilities were assessed using the Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up & go (TUG) test, and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Within- and between-group comparisons were analyzed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance, respectively. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in balance and gait abilities after the intervention (p<.05). The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the BBS, TUG, and 10MWT scores, compared with the control group (p<.05) Conclusion: These findings suggest that visual feedback-based step training is an effective intervention for improving balance and gait abilities in patients after stroke. Further studies are needed to validate its long-term effects and optimize training protocols.

Purpose: This study introduces a methodological framework for muscle synergy analysis to enhance the understanding of sports rehabilitation researchers regarding its practical applications. This work is intended to provide clinicians with a practical understanding of muscle synergy analysis and promote its effective application in rehabilitation. Methods: Muscle synergy refers to the concept of explaining muscle coordination during movements as a combination of a limited number of modules (synergies), thereby offering a powerful approach for quantifying muscle activation patterns. In this framework, electromyography (EMG) signals are decomposed using a nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm, and the optimal number of synergies is determined based on the “variance accounted for” criterion. Each synergy represents a distinct group of muscles, specifying their activation timing and relative contributions throughout movement. To facilitate comprehension, we present a case study employing simulated two-channel EMG data, assuming a single synergy. Results: The dataset included five different signal patterns reflecting proportional, inverse, and independent relationships, mimicking real-world EMG signals observed in sports and clinical settings. Conclusion: This work is intended to provide clinicians with a practical understanding of muscle synergy analysis and promote its effective application in rehabilitation.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of ankle stabilization exercises performed on unstable surfaces on cervical vertebral alignment and postural control in adults with forward head posture (FHP). Methods: Thirty adults with FHP were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (training on an unstable surface) or a control group (training on a stable surface). Participants in both groups performed 20 min of resistance band exercises, focusing on dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Outcome measures included the craniovertebral angle (CVA), cervical muscle characteristics, and static plantar pressure. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in CVA and plantar pressure distribution (p<.05). A significant increase in the tone of the upper trapezius (UTA) muscle was also observed. However, there were no significant changes in other muscle parameters, such as stiffness or decrement. Conclusion: Ankle stabilization exercises on unstable surfaces may be effective in improving cervical alignment and postural stability in individuals with forward head posture.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) on pain and quality of life in university students in their 20s with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Twenty-two young adults with nonspecific CLBP were randomly assigned to either a DNS group (n=11) or control group (n=11). The DNS group participated in DNS training three times per week for 6 weeks, whereas the control group received no specific intervention. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale and quality of life was measured using the 36-item short form health survey before and after the intervention. Results: The DNS group showed significant improvements in pain and quality of life after the intervention, compared with baseline (p<.05). However, follow-up assessments conducted 2 months later showed no significant differences between the preintervention and postintervention scores (p>.05), indicating limited long-term effects. Conclusion: DNS training effectively reduced pain and improved the quality of life in young adults with nonspecific CLBP in the short term. These findings suggest that DNS may be a beneficial therapeutic approach for the short-term management of chronic low back pain in rehabilitation settings.

Backgroud: Electromyography (EMG) is widely used to assess muscle activity and neuromuscular function in rehabilitation and sports science. With the increasing emphasis on digital healthcare, analyzing national R&D trends provides insight into the future potential of EMG, particularly in sports rehabilitation and physical therapy. Methods: This study analyzed EMG-related government-funded R&D projects conducted in Korea from 2020 to 2024. The analysis included project title, summary, program name, funding ministry, duration, government investment, implementing institution, and region. In addition, keyword analysis was conducted based on project titles to identify trends in core technologies, objectives, and application areas. To systematically analyze EMG application trends, a category classification process was conducted based on project objectives, technical keywords, and application areas, refined through expert consultation and project report review. Results: An initial database search identified 2,095 projects, from which 271 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Keyword analysis showed that EMG-related R&D projects mainly focused on rehabilitation, exercise, robotic control, and wearable systems, with increasing trends in smart and personalized technologies. Based on the categorization framework established in this study, 15 project types were identified, with the most common being “Bio-signal sensing and processing technology” (37 projects), followed by “Rehabilitation intervention” and “Brain-computer interface” (28 each), and “Muscle function analysis” (27) and “Neuro-rehabilitation robotics” (25). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that EMG technology is evolving beyond signal measurement into smart systems for personalized intervention, precise assessment, and functional recovery. The findings may serve as a foundation for future research planning and technology development strategies in sports rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of flossing band intervention on wrist joint range of motion (ROM) and hand grip strength in healthy adults. Methods: Twenty university students identified as being at risk of smartphone overuse were randomly assigned to either a flossing band intervention group (n=10) or control group (n=10). The intervention group performed flossing band exercises for 10 min, three times per week, over a 4-week period. Wrist ROM (including ulnar and radial deviation, flexion, and extension) and grip strength were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests with significance set at α=.05. Results: The flossing band group showed significant increases in flexion and extension ROMs. Although ulnar and radial deviation ROMs also showed increases, they were not significant. The control group showed significant increases in ulnar deviation ROM; however, there were significant decreases in radial deviation, flexion, and extension. Grip strength increased significantly after the intervention in the flossing band group (p<.05). The control group showed a decrease in grip strength after the intervention; however, this decrease was not significant. Conclusion: Flossing band application was effective in enhancing wrist flexion and extension ROMs and hand grip strength. These findings suggest that the flossing band technique may be a useful clinical tool for improving upper extremity function and can be applied in rehabilitation and athletic training settings. Further studies involving clinical populations and investigating long-term outcomes are warranted.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of kettlebell training on whole body muscle strength, dynamic, agility, balance ability, and functional movement screen in college soccer players. Methods: The subjects were 24 college male soccer players, and kettlebell exercises were performed for 60 minutes, three times a week, for a total of six weeks. All subjects measured body composition, whole body muscle strength(5 types), agility(3 types), dynamic balance ability and functional movement screen. Results: The results of this study showed that kettlebell training significantly improved R-PS(p<.05), L-PS(p<.05), R-TR(p<.01), L-TR(p<.05), LB-PS(p<.001), and LB-PL(p<.01) in the whole body muscle strength test, T-test(p<.001), illinois test(p<.01) in agility, and ODS(p<.01), HS(p<.05), IL(p<.05), SM(p<.05), TS(p<.001) in the functional movement screen. Conclusion: The results of this study show that 6 weeks of kettlebell training is considered a good way to improve the whole body muscle strength, agility, and functional movement screen of college soccer players.

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the effects of biofeedback respiratory training on lung function, respiratory muscle activity, and gait in older individuals and to explore the effectiveness of new experimental methods. Methods: Thirty older individuals aged 65 years and older with normal cognitive function who actively cooperated during training were selected from a senior citizen center in Jeollanam-do. The study participants were randomly divided into control and experimental groups with 15 participants in each group. Based on the literature and previous research, an intervention plan was developed to conduct a 6-week respiratory exercise program and biofeedback respiratory training for older individuals. Respiratory muscle activity and gait were compared between the groups after the 6-week experiment. Results: Comparing the changes in respiratory muscle activity before and after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the activity of the sternocleidomastoid, intercostal external, and rectus abdominis muscles, compared with the control group (p<.05)(p<.001). Comparing the changes in gait before and after overload, the experimental group showed a significant increase in steps per minute, walking speed, and stride length, compared with the control group, after the intervention (p<.05) (p<.001). Conclusion: Respiratory exercise intervention combined with biofeedback breathing training can help improve lung function, respiratory muscle activity, and gait in older individuals and is expected to become a new method of daily exercise for older individuals to improve their quality of life.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise program implemented on unstable support surface on changes in lower limb muscle activity and gait speed in people with developmental disabilities. Methods: The study included 20 developmentally disabled people, randomly assigned to two groups: the control group and experimental group. The physical exercise program implemented on a stable support surface for control group and an unstable support surface for experimental group. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to compare lower limb muscle activity and gait speed between the groups, revealing significant differences. Results: The muscle activity, there were statistically significant differences before and after the intervention in the anterior tibialis and soleus in both control group and experimental group(p<.05), and in rectus femoris and biceps femoris only in experimental group(p<.05). There were statistically significant differences between groups in rectus femoris (p<.05) and biceps femoris (p<.01). Second, the gait speed, there were statistically significant differences between groups (p<.05), and before and after the intervention only in experimental group(p<.05). Conclusion: Physical exercise programs using unstable support surface can be an effective intervention for improving lower extremity muscle activity and gait speed. These findings suggest that, in the future, this training can serve as an efficient physical exercise program for people with developmental disabilities.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of unstable surface-based biofeedback training on muscle activation, balance, the Oswestry disability index, and transversus abdominis performance in young adults with low back pain. Methods: Thirty young adults with low back pain were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group (n=15 each). All participants performed lumbar stabilization exercises. The experimental group received unstable surface-based biofeedback training, whereas the control group received stable surface-based biofeedback training. Muscle activation, balance, the Oswestry disability index, and transversus abdominis performance were evaluated using BTS FREE EMG, PhysioSensing, and pressure biofeedback units, respectively. Within- and between-group comparisons were performed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance, respectively. Results: Within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in both the experimental and control groups after the intervention (p<.05). Between-group analysis revealed significantly greater improvements across all outcome measures in the experimental group compared with the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that unstable surface-based biofeedback training is an effective intervention for improving muscle activation, balance, the Oswestry disability index, and transversus abdominis performance in young adults with low back pain. Future research should investigate long-term effects of this training to optimize training programs.