Earticle

This study empirically analyzed organizational cultural factors affecting internal conflicts within a public sports facility management corporation. Results indicated significant negative correlations between organizational communication leadership, interpersonal relationships, job environment satisfaction, and internal conflict presence. However, logistic regression identified only job environment satisfaction as significantly influencing internal conflicts, revealing that a one-point increase in job environment satisfaction reduced conflict occurrence probability by approximately 71.2%. The findings emphasize improving the job environment in public sports organizations as a primary conflict management strategy and provide policy implications for enhancing organizational culture and working environments.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of sociodemographic factors, health behavior, and psychological and emotional characteristics on stress, depression, and happiness among residents of Gyeongsangbuk-do and to clarify the correlations among these factors. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze data from the 2022 Community Health Survey, which is conducted annually in Korea. The participants in this study included 21,520 local residents of Gyeongsangbuk-do and Daegu. Sociodemographic factors and health behaviors significantly influenced stress and depression, while happiness showed a statistically significant relationship with all characteristics, except for gender and alcohol consumption. The explanatory power of the factors affecting happiness in residents in Gyeongsangbuk-do was 5.4%. The most significant factors affecting happiness are poor health, subjective stress levels, and suicidal ideation. These findings are expected to serve as foundational data for enhancing the mental health of local residents.

A novel intranasal thermal steam spray (ITSS) device is known to alleviate nasal stuffiness and partially improve sleep disorders. However, its effects on sleep quality, brain function, and exercise capacity, have not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a 4-week ITSS intervention on revariables in adults with irregular sleep patterns. A total of 20 participants aged 20-26 years had average ages, heights, weights, nasal congestion duration, and irregular sleep duration of 21.75 ± 1.74 years, 167.25 ± 8.68 cm, 70.21 ± 14.11 kg, 3.19 ± 0.71 years, and 3.16 ± 0.99 years, respectively. The participants were students residing in two different dormitories within the same university, with one dormitory designated for the control (CON) group and the other for the ITSS treatment group, randomly assigned. The CON group consisted of 10 participants (male: 5, female: 5), while the ITSS group also included 10 participants (male: 6, female: 4). ITSS utilizes Jet Stream technology to facilitate breathing by delivering 43°C thermal steam to the nasal cavity through an internal heating mechanism. The ITSS group used the device for 15 min, 3 times per week, 30 min before bedtime for 4 weeks. Following the intervention, sleep issues remained unchanged in the CON group but improved in the ITSS group, leading to a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.01). The sum scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased by 6.1% in the CON group, whereas it decreased by 37.3% in the ITSS group, with this difference being significant (p < 0.001). Sleep disturbances assessed via the VAS increased in the CON group but declined in the ITSS group, yielding statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). In the EEG analysis, Delta, α, and γ wave activity declined in the CON group but increased in the ITSS group, with these differences being significant (p < 0.05). Conversely, β wave activity increased by 35.7% in the CON group but decreased by 26.0% in the ITSS group, yielding a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.01). In terms of sensorimotor rhythm, the CON group exhibited a 21.6% increase, whereas the ITSS group experienced a 15.8% decrease, with the difference reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) derived from cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and after the 4-week experiment decreased in the CON group, but increased in the ITSS group, showing a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.01). Conversely, maximal breathing reserve and the oxygen pulse (VO₂/HRmax) increased in the CON group but decreased in the ITSS group, with these differences being significant (p < 0.05), suggesting improved cardiovascular efficiency. Ultimately, ITSS not only induces a sensation of nasal expansion but also enhances perceived sleep quality by facilitating favorable neurocardiopulmonary adaptations.

무릎 골관절염 (Osteoarthritis, OA)은 통증과 기능 저하를 유발하는 대표적인 근골격계 질환이며, 무릎 인공 관절 치환술 (Total Knee Arthroplasty, TKA)은 이러한 환자들에게 널리 시행되는 외과적 치료법이다. 그러나 TKA 후 근력 저하와 기능 감소가 흔히 발생하며, 이를 예방하고 회복을 촉진하기 위해 저항성 운동이 권장된 다. 본 연구는 TKA 후 저항성 운동이 통증, 근력, 기능에 미치는 효과를 체계적으로 평가하기 위해 수행되었 다. 본 연구와 관련된 키워드를 PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase에서 2025년 2월 11 일까지의 논문을 검색하였다. 효과 크기는 Hedges' g를 사용하여 표준화된 평균차이로 계산하였으며, 이질성 은 I² 통계로 평가하였다. 총 7개의 연구가 선정되어 439명의 대상자가 포함되었다. 메타분석 결과, 저항성 운 동은 통증(Standardized Mean Difference (SMD): 0.84, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.11~1.57, I²: 89.6%), 근력(SMD: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.41~1.60, I²: 79.7%), 기능 (Self-report: SMD: 1.58, 95% CI: 0.15~3.01, I²: 93.1%; Performance-based: SMD: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.38~1.11, I²: 68.9%)에서 유의한 효과 가 나타났다. 하위 그룹 분석에서는 중재 기간과 중재 유형에 따라 효과 크기가 달랐으며, 저항성 운동 단독 중재가 복합 중재보다 더 큰 효과를 보였다. 저항성 운동은 TKA 환자의 통증, 근력, 기능을 개선하는 데 효과 적이며, 특히 중재 기간이 12주 미만일 때와 저항성 운동 단독 중재일 때 더 큰 효과가 나타났다. 그러나 결 과의 이질성이 높고 연구 품질에 일부 우려가 있어, 향후 표준화된 고품질 연구가 필요하다.

The purposes of this study were to evaluate a leadership program (LP) for nursing students on self-leadership, self-directed learning ability, and critical thinking. Participants of this study were 84 nursing students(Experimental group=44. Control group=40). Data were collected from a self-administered questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and paired t-tests. After participants had attended a LP, their self-leadership(t=2.910, p=0.005), self-directed learning ability (t=2.897,p=0.005), and critical thinking(t=2.303, p=0.012) were significantly increased than pre-test. The findings from this study demonstrated evidence of positive effects of a LP on nursing students' self-leadership, self-directed learning ability, and critical thinking. More programs are needed to develop and evaluate to increase nursing students' leadership competency.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects satisfaction with major and self-induced learning ability on nursing professionalism of nursing students. Data were collected through a questionnaire of 167 students in the nursing department of A and J city Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple regression using SPSS 29.0 program. The results showed that the satisfaction with major averaged 3.87±0.56 , the self-directed learning ability averaged 3.86±0.57, and the nursing professionalism was 3.95±0.44. Nursing professionalism was significantly different by age and satisfaction with college life. Major satisfaction (r=0.671, p<0.001) and self-directed learning ability (r=0.565, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with nursing professionalism. Satisfaction with major and self-induced learning ability were identified as influencing factors in turnover intention, and the explanatory power was 46.7%. Based on these findings, programs that develop self-directed learning ability, and satisfaction with major are necessary for nursing students to promote nursing professionalism.

This study examined the effects of fatigue and knee joint ankle on motor unit (MU) behavior, force steadiness, and intermuscular coherence between the soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) during isometric plantarflexion. Fourteen healthy males performed isometric plantarflexion at 30, 50, and 70% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) under two knee joint conditions: straight leg (0°, STR) and bent leg (90°, BENT) positions. Fatigue was induced via sustained contractions. High-density surface electromyography (EMG) from SOL and GM was decomposed to quantify MU parameters, including MU action potential amplitude (MUAP), firing rate (FR), recruitment threshold (ReTHR), and derecruitment threshold (DeTHR). Intermuscular coherence between MU spike trains from SOL and GM was analyzed across frequency bands. In post-fatigue, maximal force decreased significantly in both STR and BENT conditions (p < 0.01). Force steadiness significantly deteriorated post-fatigue in the BENT condition at 50% (p < 0.01) and 70% (p < 0.05) MVIC. In SOL, MUAP and FR increased post-fatigue across all conditions, while GM showed more selective increases at higher intensities. SOL exhibited higher MUAP in the BENT condition, whereas GM was greater activity in the STR condition. Recruitment thresholds in SOL and DeTHR in both muscles showed significant changes related to posture and fatigue. Notably, beta-band intermuscular coherence showed significant interaction effects at 50% and 70% (p < 0.05) MVIC, with the BENT condition showing increased coherence post-fatigue (p < 0.05). Fatigue induces muscle-specific and posture-dependent neuromuscular adaptations, including by enhanced MU synchronization and intermuscular coherence, particularly in bent knee positions.

Varus knee malalignment can alter neuromuscular control and contribute to functional imbalances during dynamic, load-bearing activities. This study compared lower limb neuromuscular activation between individuals with varus knee and those with clinically neutral alignment. Eighteen healthy males were classified into two groups based on medial knee displacement measured in a standing position: the varus group (≥30 mm, n = 9) and the control group (<30 mm, n = 9). Participants performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the knee extensors/flexors and ankle dorsiflexors/plantarflexors, a 14-meter walking task, and a five-second overhead squat task (2s descent, 2s hold, 1s ascent). Surface electromyography recorded muscle activity from eight key lower limb muscles: rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL). No significant differences were found between groups during MVIC or walking tasks (p > 0.05). However, during the descending phase of the squat, GL activation was significantly higher in the varus group (p < 0.05), and during the holding phase, RF and VM activation levels were also significantly greater in the varus group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that individuals with varus knee exhibit compensatory neuromuscular strategies during complex movements, emphasizing the need for alignment-specific neuromuscular interventions.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined sex-specific differences in the associations between ultrasound-derived muscle parameters and measures of strength and physical function in older adults. Comprehensive searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus idenfied studies reporting sex-stratified correlations between ultrasound parameters and functional outcomes. Correlation coefficients were transformed using Fisher’s z, analyzed via random-effects models, then back-transformed to Pearson’s r. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2statistic, and publication bias via funnel plots and Egger’s test.Analysis of 39 studies revealed that ultrasound-derived muscle parameters were consistently correlated with strength assessments across sexes, including maximal and handgrip strength (males: muscle thickness [MT], r = 0.30–0.42; echo intensity [EI], r = -0.34 to -0.38; females: MT, r = 0.34–0.37; EI, r = -0.34 to -0.35; all p > 0.05). However, for explosive power, both MT and EI had stronger associations in males than females (MT: r = 0.70 vs. 0.42; EI: r = -0.52 vs. -0.27; both p < 0.05). In gait function, MT was positively correlated in females (r = 0.22, p < 0.05) but not in males (r = -0.03, p = 0.62). Additionally, EI correlations were significantly stronger in females than males in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (r = 0.40 vs. 0.19, p < 0.05). MT and EI were comparably associated with strength across sexes but demonstrated stronger relationships with explosive power in males. Conversely, females showed more pronounced associations between ultrasound parameters and functional performance, indicating importance of sex-specific considerations in ultrasound-based musculoskeletal assessments among older adults.

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced a new turning point in the field of rehabilitation training. In particular, AI robot-based training has attracted attention by enabling patient-centered rehabilitation through precise biomechanical data analysis, motion correction, personalized exercise programming, and real-time feedback. In this study, a rehabilitation training program was designed based on the structure and functionality of the AI training equipment Moty, through collaboration among a team of experts consisting of AI developers, fitness trainers, sports education researcher, and rehabilitation professionals. The effectiveness of the program was qualitatively analyzed using the four levels of the Kirkpatrick model—reaction, learning, behavior, and results. Data were collected through participant interviews, rehabilitation journals, video analysis of training sessions, and expert consultations, and inductive category analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method. The results revealed that, first, in the reaction phase, Moty's automated weight adjustment and real-time feedback promoted psychological stability and engagement, fostering learners' sense of novelty and immersion. Second, in the learning phase, participants reported embodied understanding of muscle-specific stimulation through concentric, eccentric, and isokinetic modes, leading to deeper comprehension of exercise principles. Third, in the behavior phase, Moty's simplified setup and automatic data logging reduced physical burden and injury risks, encouraging more autonomous and consistent exercise behavior. Fourth, in the results phase, improvements in functional recovery and sustained rehabilitation participation were observed. Notably, the emotional support and continuous attention provided by rehabilitation professionals compensated for the limitations of AI technology, reinforcing participants' trust and motivation. Meanwhile, some limitations of technology-centered instruction were noted, including operational errors of the AI robot, difficulties in interpreting feedback, and mechanical constraints. In addition, the effectiveness of AI robot-assisted rehabilitation appears to be significantly enhanced when accompanied by human-centered interaction and empathetic communication.

This study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week AI-based spinning exercise program on body composition and physical fitness in individuals with developmental disabilities. The participants were 10 individuals with developmental disabilities from region G, with an average age of 20.5 years and an average BMI of 26.1 kg/m². They participated in the AI spinning program for 40 minutes per session, three times a week, over an 8-week period. The results showed significant reductions in body weight, body fat percentage, and BMI (p<0.05). Additionally, there were significant improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance (6-minute walk distance), muscular endurance (sit-ups and repeated squats), and flexibility (sit and reach test) (p<0.05). These findings suggest that AI-based exercise programs are effective in improving body composition and physical fitness among individuals with developmental disabilities. Therefore, it is recommended that the dissemination and expansion of various AI-based personalized exercise programs for this population be actively pursued in the future.