Earticle

This study was conducted to investigate whether forward head posture can be diagnosed through measurements of cervical range of motion and muscle strength without measuring craniovertebral angle. The participants consisted of adult males, who were categorized into two groups: a forward head posture group comprising 10 individuals with a craniovertebral angle of 49 degrees or less, and a healthy group consisting of 10 individuals with a craniovertebral angle of 50 degrees or more. Cervical range of motion and muscle strength were measured in each group using a goniometer and hand-held dynamometers. As a result, a significant difference was observed in the range of motion for left and right rotation of the neck (p<.05), while no significant differences were found in the remaining variables (p>.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences in any of the variables related to neck muscle strength (p>.05). This study indicates that forward head posture may be effectively diagnosed by assessing asymmetries in left and right cervical rotation. However, diagnosing FHP based on total cervical range of motion and muscle strength presents challenges. Further research is needed to fully clarify these relationships and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

This case report presents a 38-year-old female patient with locked-in syndrome (LIS) due to cerebral infarction affecting the right lateral medulla and left pons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of communication rehabilitation using an eye-tracking device. The patient underwent a four-week rehabilitation program that involved using the eye-tracking device for communication training. Over this period, she showed significant improvements in her ability to communicate through eye movements, progressing from simple word selection to sentence formation. This case demonstrates the utility of eye-tracking devices in rehabilitation programs for LIS patients and reveals the potential for enhancing patient communication through such interventions. The findings suggest that eye-tracking technology could play a crucial role in restoring their ability to communicate.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of plantar fascia dynamic stretching on static and dynamic balance, and gait ability. Thirty chronic stroke patients (n=30) were selected and interventions were 3 rounds of plantar fascia dynamic stretching per day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. Each set comprised 10 repetitions. Open and closed eyes static balance ability, functional reach test (FRT), and 10 meter walking test (10WMT) were measured after 6 weeks of training. After 6 weeks of training, the plantar fascia stretching group showed significant improvements in all outcome measures compared with baseline (p<.05). Furthermore, closed eyes static balance ability, and dynamic balance ability, and gait ability showed greater improvement in the plantar fascia stretching group compared to the calf stretching group (p<.05). These results suggest that plantar fascia dynamic stretching reduces and improves static and dynamic balance, and gait disorders in patients with chronic stroke.

Foward head posture refers to a condition in which the head is tilted in front of the body's gravitational line in relation to the spine. It has been reported that the forward head posture usually results in a reduction of not only the neck extensor muscles, including the splenius capitis, and the upper trapezius, but also sternocleidomastoid. A total of 20 subjects with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of less than 50 degrees were selected and experimented. The 10 members of the visual feedback correction group performed one set 10 times each 10 seconds to pull the chin while 10 members of the general correctional movement group performed one set 10 times every 10 seconds without looking at the screen. The experiment was conducted twice a week and for a total of four weeks. After 4 weeks of experimentation, four weeks after the end of the experiment, we compared muscle strength, muscle activity, and CVA. The results of the experiment showed a significant difference in the maximum muscle strength and %RVC, and the CVA of the visual feedback group, depending on the application and timing of the intervention (p<.05). There was a significant group difference in the maximum muscle strength of the upper trapezius,, the maximum muscle strength of the scapula, %RVC, and the angle of the head spine (p<.05). As a result, the maximum muscle force and the %RVC and the head scale angle of the target with the front head position did not work for four weeks after starting the calibration exercise, and when applied for about eight weeks, the calibration effect was obtained. It can be said that there were significant differences between groups (p<.05) when comparing continuous visual feedbacks and general calibration movements.

The purpose of this study was to compare pulmonary function and chest mobility between opera singers and healthy subjects. Breathing, as the initial unconscious step in maintaining life, is of paramount importance since it directly impacts body movement. Methods such as measuring lung capacity and assessing thoracic cage mobility are used to evaluate the quality of breathing. For this study, a total of 24 participants were enlisted, comprising 12 opera singers and 12 individuals in good health. Pulmonary function was assessed through spirometry, while chest mobility was gauged using a tape measure. The results revealed no significant differences in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow, and maximum expiratory pressure between opera singers and healthy subjects. However, a notable distinction was observed in maximum inspiratory pressure and chest mobility between these two groups. These findings suggest that opera singing training and performance may positively influence chest mobility and the strength of inspiratory muscles, although the impact on pulmonary function appears to be limited.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, causing significant impairments in sensory and motor functions due to neurological damage. Stroke patients commonly experience unilateral paralysis, with over 40% continuing to have such impairments into the chronic phase, resulting in reduced lower limb function, decreased dynamic balance ability, and impaired gait performance. This study investigates the effects of a visual cognitive stimulation training (VCT) program on lower limb function, dynamic balance, and gait performance in stroke patients compared to conventional gait training (CGT). A total of 48 stroke patients were divided into two groups: visual cognitive training (VCT, n=23) and conventional gait training (CGT, n=25). Both groups underwent 30-minute sessions, five times a week, for four weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment for lower extremity (FMA-LE), Berg balance scale (BBS), 10-meter walking test (10MWT), and functional ambulation categories (FAC). Both groups showed significant improvements in lower limb function, dynamic balance, and gait performance (p<.01). The VCT group demonstrated superior results in dynamic balance (BBS, p<.05) and gait speed (10MWT, p<.05) compared to the CGT group. In conclusion, visual and cognitive stimulation training effectively enhances dynamic balance and gait speed in stroke patients, demonstrating superiority over conventional gait training.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a four-week hot spring aquatic exercise program on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and InBody index in individuals with nonspecific knee pain. A total of 24 participants (mean age: 63.47 ± 8.5 years) were included in the study, engaging in a hot spring aquatic exercise program twice a week for 60 minutes per session. The program consisted of therapeutic stretching, aerobic exercise, and resistance training. Pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength were assessed using forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). In addition, the InBody index, including body fat mass (BFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM), was analyzed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and compared using a paired t-test. The level of statistical significance was set at α=0.05. The results demonstrated significant improvements in FVC (p<0.05), MIP (p<0.05), and MEP (p<0.05) after the four-week intervention, indicating enhanced pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. Furthermore, BFM and body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased (p<0.05), while SMM did not show any significant changes. These findings suggest that hot spring aquatic exercise may have a positive effect on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in individuals with nonspecific knee pain and could serve as a viable rehabilitation alternative with minimal joint stress.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of wearing a waist belt on the changes in thickness of the diaphragm and sternocleidomastoid muscles, as well as its impact on breathing while sitting. The study was conducted with a total of 30 participants, who were randomly divided into two groups of 15. The experimental group was instructed to wear a belt, while the control group did not wear one. the methods involved having subjects seated on a chair with a backrest and maintaining a specific position for 30 minutes while measurements were taken. Pulmonary function was assessed while seated by measuring forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). The movement of the diaphragm and the thickness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle were measured using M-mode and B-mode ultrasonography. The results showed significant differences in FVC, FEV1, diaphragm movement, and chest size before and after the intervention (p<.05), for the experimental group, whereas no significant differences were observed before and after the intervention for the control group(p>.05). There were no significant differences in the thickness of the sternocleidomastoid muscles before and after the intervention in either group(p<.05). The results of this study suggest that wearing a waist belt for 30 minutes while sitting can significantly reduce FVC, FEV1, and diaphragm movement, while also increasing chest circumference compared to not wearing a waist belt.

The study aimed to determine the effect of rehabilitation exercise with the 8-figure shoulder brace on trunk control, dynamic balance, and gait ability in chronic stroke patients. This is a pre-post comparison study conducted on 14 chronic stroke patients as one group pretest- posttest design. The experiment involved rehabilitation exercises using an 8-figure shoulder brace, with a duration of 30 minutes, 5 times a week, for a total of 20 sessions over 4 weeks. Trunk impairment scale (TIS), timed up and go (TUG), dynamic gait index (DGI), and gait speed were evaluated before and after the intervention. The study results showed significant improvements in TIS, TUG, DGI, and gait speed after the intervention compared to before. Based on these research findings, it is believed that rehabilitation exercises using the 8-figure shoulder brace have a positive effect on trunk control, dynamic balance, and walking ability in chronic stroke patients.

This study used ultrasound to measure the effect of bridge exercises in three postures on the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles. The participants in the study were 30 healthy adult men and women. The participants performed general bridge (GB), bridge with use of a sling (BS), and bridge with use of a sling involving contraction of the hip joint adductor muscle (BSHA) 5 times, for 15 seconds each. Ultrasound was used to measure changes in the thickness of the TrA and RF before and after exercise. After the intervention, the TrA showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS (p<0.05). The RF showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS and between GB and BSHA (p<0.05). The results indicate that the bridge exercise using a sling was the most effective posture for increasing the thickness of the transverse abdominis, and the general bridge exercise was the most effective for increasing the thickness of the rectus femoris. Until recently, many different modified bridge exercise methods have been proposed, but there is still a lack of research examining the muscle thickness of the lower and upper limb muscles during the bridge exercise accompanied by hip joint adductor muscle contraction on an unstable surface, such as a sling. Therefore, the results of this study are intended to provide basic data when using training bridge exercises for trunk stabilization.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise on pain, strength, range of motion (ROM) and stability in patient with rotator cuff tear. The study included a patient with rotator cuff tear who volunteered to participate. The patient received PNF during 3 week at the 6 time per a week, each 30 minutes. The PNF exercise was performed based on the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, type) principle. The degree of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), strength was measured using the manual muscle test, range of motion was measured using the goniometer and stability was measured using the lateral scapular slide test. After the intervention, the VAS decreased, strength, ROM and stability improved. PNF exercise may be effective in relieving pain, improving strength, ROM and stability in patient with rotator cuff tear.

The purpose of this study was to examine the structural relationships among physical activity of at least moderate intensity, perceived stress levels, subjective health perception, and quality of life in women of childbearing age, using data from the 2019–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 2,569 women of childbearing age were included in the analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among the variables, and mediation analysis was performed using the SPSS PROCESS macro (version 4.2). The mediating effects were analyzed using Model 6, which includes two mediators. The results revealed that moderate-intensity physical activity, rather than high-intensity physical activity, was significantly associated with quality of life. While moderate-intensity physical activity did not have a direct effect on quality of life, it influenced quality of life indirectly through the mediating roles of perceived stress levels and subjective health perception. These findings suggest that moderate-intensity physical activity is more suitable for improving the quality of life in women of childbearing age and highlight the need for physical activities that encompass both mental and physical health benefits. This evidence can serve as a foundation for health management policies and the development of targeted exercise programs for women of childbearing age.

Smartphone dependence has increasingly become an important research topic due to its impact on academic achievement, school life satisfaction, and health among university students. This study aimed to analyze the effects of smartphone usage and dependence on academic achievement, school life satisfaction, musculoskeletal health, and overall health status among physical therapy students. A total of 189 questionnaires were distributed, and 151 were collected (response rate: 79.9%). Data were analyzed to assess average smartphone usage time, academic achievement, school life satisfaction, musculoskeletal symptoms, and overall health status using correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). A strong positive correlation was found between smartphone dependence and musculoskeletal symptoms (r=.81, p=.000). Although no significant differences in academic achievement were observed among smartphone dependence groups (F=2.235, p=.111), school life satisfaction showed significant differences (F=4.734, p=.010), with high-risk users reporting significantly lower satisfaction (p=.010, p=.048). Furthermore, musculoskeletal symptom scores and overall health status also significantly differed among dependence groups (F=26.150, p=.000; F=5.034, p=.000). High-risk users exhibited significantly more severe musculoskeletal symptoms (p=.000, p=.000) and poorer overall health status compared to general users (p=.017). This study confirmed that smartphone dependence is closely related to academic achievement, school life satisfaction, musculoskeletal health, and overall health status. In particular, high-risk users showed lower school life satisfaction and poorer health conditions. This study provides foundational data for developing intervention strategies to promote health and manage smartphone dependence among university students.

This study aimed to investigate the associations between upper limb somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) status and functional recovery in patients with subacute stroke. A total of 111 patients who underwent SEP and MEP testing within three months of stroke onset were retrospectively analyzed. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Limb (FMA-U/L), Box and Block Test (BBT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between SEP and MEP status and changes in functional outcomes during inpatient rehabilitation. The results showed that MEP was significantly associated with improvements in BBT and K-MBI scores, while SEP significantly predicted changes in FIM and K-MBI scores. Neither SEP nor MEP showed significant predictive power for changes in FMA-U/L scores. Among all models, baseline scores were the strongest predictors of recovery in FMA-U/L and K-MBI, while treatment duration contributed significantly to BBT improvement. Scatterplot analysis further confirmed moderate correlations between predicted and actual changes, particularly in K-MBI and FMA-U/L outcomes. These findings suggest that SEP and MEP provide distinct and domain-specific prognostic information for upper limb recovery in subacute stroke. Specifically, MEP may be useful in predicting hand function and ADL performance, while SEP may better reflect the potential for overall functional independence. These results support the complementary use of neurophysiological assessments in developing individualized rehabilitation strategies.

A single-subject experimental design (SSED) involves gathering individual data from a small group of patients to assess intervention effects. It enables the investigation of new therapeutic approaches or specific protocols, even for those less familiar with research processes, thereby facilitating high-quality studies. However, due to the nature of SSED, which involves a small number of participants and presents outcomes through repeated measurements of intervention effects, concerns about threats to the validity of the research may arise. Consequently, recent efforts have focused on minimizing these threats, and the criteria for evaluating the quality of SSED studies are becoming more clearly defined. Well-designed SSED studies can provide reproducible results in neurorehabilitation and significantly contribute to expanding knowledge of intervention effects by helping to explore the feasibility of clinical interventions and advance research. This serves as a fundamental basis for promoting the development of neurorehabilitation. In the field of neurorehabilitation, frequently used SSEDs include reversal designs, alternating deigns, multiple baseline designs, changing criterion designs, and others. Visual analysis has mainly been used to represent SSED results, which include the mean level, trend, and variation of data in the baseline and intervention phases. To support the understanding of research outcomes, such detailed information needs to clarify more appropriate study protocols and describe their results in neurorehabilitation. Accordingly, this study aimed to present various types of SSED studies and introduce visual analysis methods to represent their findings, with the goal of promoting the adoption of the SSED research methodology in neurorehabilitation, thereby enhancing the integration of therapeutic evidence into clinical practice.

In neurorehabilitation research, each experimental design has inherent limitations, which means that not all aspects of this field can be validated against universal standards. Due to the unique needs of patients with neurological impairments, single-subject experimental design (SSED) is especially suited to neurorehabilitation studies. Thus, this study highlights the importance of reorienting experimental research methodologies in neurorehabilitation toward the extended application of SSED. While there is an ongoing debate on how best to analyze SSED data, visual analysis remains the standard approach. However, developing a scientific framework solely from visual data can limit the generalizability of findings. Recently, quantitative approaches, such as statistical analysis and clinical significance assessments for SSED data, have been introduced to improve the validity and reliability of findings. Furthermore, systematic reviews and meta-analyses that include well-conducted SSED studies have gained recognition as valuable methods for producing evidence on neurorehabilitation interventions, thereby enhancing the clinical relevance and applicability of SSED research. Therefore, high-quality SSED studies, alongside rigorous data collection methods, should be integrated into all neurorehabilitation-related fields. This study aims to advocate for quantitative approaches to enhance both interpretation of results and the practical application of SSED research in neurorehabilitation.