Earticle

This study aimed to investigate the effects of postural taping on the activation of scapular upward rotators in individuals with rounded shoulder posture (RSP). Twenty-five young females with RSP voluntarily participated in this study. While performing dynamic full-range shoulder flexion while holding a load adjusted to each participant's body weight, electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) under taped and non-taped conditions. The experimental protocol involved randomized application of four movement phases, reflecting concentric and eccentric contractions at angles below and above 90° of shoulder flexion. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in EMG activity for all three muscles at shoulder flexion angles greater than 90° (p<.05). Additionally, EMG activity differed significantly between taped and non-taped conditions across all four movement phases, with greater differences observed at >90° than at <90°. However, no statistically significant differences were found between concentric and eccentric contractions (p>.05). These findings suggest that EMG activity is significantly higher beyond 90° of arm elevation, regardless of contraction type. postural taping for postural correction may therefore facilitate optimal activation of scapular upward rotators during arm elevation in young females with RSP.

Oral hypofunction is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for swallowing difficulties, malnutrition, and frailty in older adults; however, effective interventions for this condition remain limited. This study investigated the effects of effortful swallowing against kinesiology taping (KT) resistance on the suprahyoid muscles in older adults with oral hypofunction. Twenty-four community-dwelling participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group, which performed effortful swallowing with KT applied to the anterior neck at 70% stretch, or to a sham group, which trained with KT applied without tension. Intervention protocol comprised 30 repetitions per day, 5 days per week, for a period of 6 weeks. Primary outcome was suprahyoid muscle activation, assessed by surface electromyography, and secondary outcome was suprahyoid muscle thickness, evaluated by ultrasonography. An experimental group showed significant improvements in activation and thickness after the intervention (p<.05), whereas a sham group demonstrated no meaningful changes. Post-intervention comparisons further revealed significant between-group differences, with greater improvements consistently observed in the experimental group (p<.05). These findings suggest that KT-based resistance exercise is an effective method to enhance functional activation and structural adaptations of swallowing- related musculature. This approach may provide a novel and practical rehabilitation strategy to counteract age-related decline in swallowing function and promote oral health and safety in older adults with oral hypofunction.

This study aims to examine of an intervention based on the concept of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on balance, gait, and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. A single-subject design was used, where one stroke patient participated. One pre-test, eight-teen intervention sessions, and one post-test were conducted. In the tests, balance ability, gait ability, and the activities of daily living. The outcome measurements included the Berg balance scale (BBS), the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and the Korean modified Barthel index (K-MBI). The intervention was implemented for 30 minutes per three days for six weeks in combination with general rehabilitation programs. The intervention was planned and implemented based on the PNF concept, and the goal was for the participants, after their consent, to walk to toilet alone. After intervention, the results showed that the BBS, 10MWT, K-MBI scores. The results of this study revealed that intervention based on the concept of PNF may be helpful to improve balance, gait, and activities of daily living in stroke patients. Therefore, PNF concept can be clinically applied to patients with stroke.

This study aimed to identify the effects of trunk stabilization exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on pulmonary function, balance, and walking speed in a patient with subacute stroke. This study employed a single-subject experimental design. A female patient with right hemiplegia, aged 62, with subacute stroke participated in this study. The intervention involved trunk stabilization exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, with ten sessions conducted during the intervention phase, each lasting 50 minutes daily. Before and after the intervention phase, the baseline and follow-up phases included five sessions without intervention. Outcome measures included pulmonary function, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Berg balance scale (BBS), and a 10-meter walk test (10MWT). During the intervention phase, the FVC and FEV1 scores improved compared to the baseline phase (FVC: 1.21ℓ to 1.61ℓ, and FEV1: 1.03ℓ to 1.28ℓ), and these gains were maintained during the follow-up phase. Furthermore, after the intervention phase, the BBS and 10MWT scores improved by 54.84% (31 scores to 48 scores) and 63.93% (0.61m/s to 1.00m/s), respectively. The findings suggest that a trunk stabilization exercise using the PNF techniques may be favorably used to improve pulmonary function, balance, and walking speed in patients with subacute stroke. Further studies with robust designs must be continued to validate our results.

Symphysis pubis diastasis (SPD) is an uncommon but debilitating musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the pathological separation of the pubic symphysis, frequently associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Although mild cases typically resolve spontaneously, severe or persistent SPD may lead to considerable pain, reduced mobility, and extended functional impairments. This systematic review seeks to assess the efficacy of exercise-based interventions, with a particular focus on physiotherapeutic approaches such as core stabilization and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), in the conservative treatment of SPD. In accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for articles published between January 1990 and May 2024. Eligible studies comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case reports examining exercise therapy for women diagnosed with SPD during or after pregnancy. A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using the PEDro and JBI appraisal tools. The majority of included studies reported significant improvements in pain, functional mobility, and pelvic stability following structured physiotherapy interventions. Core stabilization and PFMT were consistently associated with reductions in pain scores and enhanced postpartum recovery. High-quality RCTs demonstrated the superiority of individualized, supervised exercise interventions compared to standard care. Nevertheless, heterogeneity in exercise protocols, outcome measures, and follow-up durations limited the generalizability of these findings. Exercisebased rehabilitation, particularly targeted core and pelvic floor muscle training, appears to be an effective and safe conservative treatment for SPD. Early initiation and individualized therapy plans may optimize outcomes and prevent chronic dysfunction. Future research should aim to standardize intervention protocols and undertake large-scale, longitudinal studies to reinforce clinical guidelines for postpartum rehabilitation.

Individuals with neurological impairments often develop various compensatory gait strategies that may exacerbate asymmetries and increase fall risk, yet the precise causal relationships between specific muscle deficits and compensatory patterns are not fully understood. This study employed predictive neuromuscular simulation to isolate the pure effects of unilateral plantar flexor weakness on gait compensation mechanisms. Using a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model (9-link, 14-muscle) with reflex-based control, we systematically reduced paretic plantar flexor strength (gastrocnemius and soleus) to 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% of normal while maintaining all other muscles at full strength. Dynamic optimization algorithms (CMA-ES) generated optimal gait patterns under energy efficiency and stability constraints. Results demonstrated that paretic gastrocnemius activation decreased to 23.5% under severe weakness (20% condition), while paretic soleus exhibited counterintuitive hyperactivation (3-fold increase) under moderate weakness conditions. Kinematic adaptations included increased paretic ankle dorsiflexion (3.7-fold increase) and hip flexion angles reaching 23.5°, consistent with clinical hip strategy patterns. Joint loading analysis revealed systematic distal-to-proximal redistribution, with 36.4% reduction in paretic ankle loading while hip loading remained stable. Bilateral compensations emerged, with non-paretic limb showing 41.3% ankle loading reduction. These simulation results demonstrate that complex gait compensations can emerge solely from plantar flexor weakness, without requiring additional neurological impairments. The threshold-dependent, nonlinear nature of adaptations supports precision rehabilitation approaches targeting individual impairment profiles rather than generic symptomatic treatments.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) represents a prevalent clinical condition, wherein the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle is recognized as a pivotal contributor to spinal stability and may play a significant role in mitigating pain and functional impairment. This systematic review synthesizes findings from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2010 and 2025 that examined the impact of TrA-targeted interventions utilizing ultrasound assessment in individuals with CLBP. The included studies, comprising sample sizes ranging from 24 to 50 participants, evaluated interventions such as core stabilization exercises, motor control training, and ultrasound- guided biofeedback, compared against control groups receiving either standard care or alternative exercise protocols. Ultrasound imaging was employed to quantify TrA thickness and activation, alongside assessments of pain intensity (VAS), disability (ODI; RMDQ; FRI), and functional performance. The aggregated results consistently indicated that interventions focused on the TrA significantly enhanced muscle thickness and activation (p<.05), decreased pain levels (VAS reductions ranging from 1.2 to 3.5 points), and improved disability indices (ODI reductions between 5 and 15 points). Notably, real-time ultrasound biofeedback and motor control training demonstrated superior efficacy relative to conventional exercise regimens, particularly in augmenting TrA activation and reducing disability scores (p<.01 in four studies). Furthermore, a preliminary study conducted with an older adult cohort indicated additional benefits associated with the use of ultrasound imaging. In summary, current evidence substantiates the effectiveness of TrA-focused training combined with ultrasound feedback in managing CLBP and supports its integration into clinical practice. Nonetheless, further large-scale, longitudinal RCTs are necessary to delineate optimal intervention parameters and to evaluate the sustainability of therapeutic outcomes.

The study aimed to determine the effect of gait training using partial weight-bearing equipment on static balance, dynamic balance, step length and dynamic gait index in patients with chronic stroke. In this study, 16 patients with chronic stroke participated. This is a pre-post comparison study conducted on 16 chronic stroke patients as one group pre test-post test design. The experiment involved gait training using a partial weight-bearing equipment, with a duration of 20 minutes, 3 times a week, for a total of 18 sessions over 6 weeks. static balance (STB), timed up and go (TUG), step length, and dynamic gait index (DGI) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Paired t test coefficients were used to evaluate the significance level between static balance, dynamic balance and gait function in patients with stroke. STB showed a significant correlation with STB (p<.05), TUG (p<.05), step length (p<.05) and DGI (p<.05). The initial trunk control ability and gait ability at discharge in patients with stroke were correlated. The study results showed significant improvements in STB, TUG, step length and DGI after the intervention compared to before. Based on these research findings, it is believed that gait training using the partial weight-bearing equipment a positive effect on static balance, dynamic balance, and gait function in chronic stroke patients.

This study investigated the effects of virtual reality-based breathing exercises on body mass index (BMI), thoracic mobility, and pulmonary function in healthy adults. A total of 44 healthy adults were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n=22) performing virtual reality-based breathing exercises or a control group (CG, n=22) performing conventional respiratory training, three times per week for four weeks. Assessments included BMI, thoracic circumference (upper, middle, lower), and pulmonary function tests: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. After the intervention, the EG showed a significant improvement in middle thoracic mobility compared to the CG (p<.05). No significant group differences were found for BMI, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, or other thoracic mobility measures (p>.05). These results suggest that virtual reality-based breathing exercises may improve middle thoracic mobility in healthy adults, though minimal effects were observed on pulmonary function and body composition. Further research with larger, more diverse samples and longer interventions is needed.

This study aims to investigate changes in craniovertebral angle, thoracic mobility, and respiratory function when diaphragm kinesio taping and diaphragmatic breathing exercises are added to scalene muscle stretching in adults with forward head posture. Thirty college students with a craniovertebral angle ranging from 31。to 59。participated in the study. They were divided into three groups: 10 students who received only scalene muscle stretching, 10 students who received both diaphragm kinesio taping and scalene muscle stretching, and 10 students who received both diaphragmatic breathing exercises and scalene muscle stretching. The craniovertebral angle was measured using ImageJ software, thoracic mobility of the upper and lower parts was measured using a tape measure, and respiratory functions were measured using a Pony FX device. All measurements were taken before and after the interventions. In all three groups, significant increases in craniovertebral angle, thoracic mobility, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow were observed after the interventions compared to before (p<.05). However, there were no significant differences in any of the dependent variables between the three groups. This study suggests that scalene muscle stretching alone can positively impact forward head posture correction and respiratory function improvement. Future research should include a larger sample size and assess the long-term effects of the interventions to better understand the specific impacts of each method.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) at different application sites on pain, foot function, and range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis. Twenty-four participants with plantar fasciitis were randomized into three groups: Intervention group I (IG I) received treatment for both the plantar fascia and calf, intervention group II (IG II) received treatment for the plantar fascia only, and the control group (CG) received sham treatment. IG I and II participants received 3,000 ESWT pulses (0.10 mJ/mm2, 6 Hz, 3 cm) three times a week for 2 weeks. Pain was assessed using both a visual analog scale (VAS) and a pressure pain threshold (PPT) test with a digital algometer. Foot function was assessed using the foot and ankle ability measure scale. Range of motion (ROM) was measured using a goniometer for dorsi flexion and plantar flexion. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group differences, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test for between-group differences. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. IG I showed significant improvements in VAS, maximum pain, PPT, and dorsi flexion ROM (p<.05). Compared to the CG, IG I demonstrated significantly greater changes in VAS, maximum pain, and PPT (p<.05), as well as dorsi flexion ROM (p<.05). These results suggest that applying ESWT to both the plantar fascia and calf is more effective than plantar-only application or sham treatment in improving pain, pressure sensitivity, and ankle function. Clinically, targeting both regions may enhance outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are warranted.

The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of backward walking exercise with treadmill device on round shoulder posture for young adults. The subjects participated for this study were Baekseok university students, and then they were divided into two groups (n=15 per group): experimental group; backward walking exercise group, control group; forward walking exercise group. The walking exercise with treadmill device was implemented 1 day, 15 minutes. The subject was measured three rehabilitative outcomes including rounded shoulder posture (RSP), forward shoulder angle (FSA), and forward shoulder angle during gait (FSAG) before and after a 15-minutes treadmill walking session. For data analysis, the mean and standard deviation were estimated; t-test was carried out to test mean differences; and a comparative analysis was made for measures of the variables, thus obtaining the following results. 1. The backward walking group showed a significant reduction in RSP (1.05±0.85), while the forward walking group showed no significant change (0.12±0.62). 2. The FSAG also decreased significantly in the backward walking group (2.48±5.13), while it increased in the forward walking group(–1.09±3.59). The findings indicate that backward walking exercise is effective in improving shoulder alignment in individuals with rounded shoulder posture and may be considered as part of a shoulder alignment rehabilitation program.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of LOKOMAT robotic gait training on motor function, balance, activities of daily living (ADL), and gait ability according to cognitive function levels. Participants were divided into two groups based on mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores: a dementia group (MMSE≤23) and a non-dementia group (MMSE≥24). A total of 99 patients with neurological disorders participated in this study. All participants received LOKOMAT gait training three times per week for four weeks. Outcome measures included the fugl-meyer assessment (FMA), berg balance scale (BBS), modified ashworth scale (MAS), modified barthel index (MBI), trunk impairment scale (TIS), timed up and go test (TUG), and 10-meter walking test (10MWT). Paired t-tests were used to assess pre-and post-intervention changes within each group, and independent t-tests and ANCOVA were used to analyze differences between the groups. The significance level was set at p<.05. There were no significant within-group differences in FMA, MAS, MBI, or 10MWT scores after the intervention. However, significant between-group differences were found in FMA, BBS, TIS, and TUG change scores, with the non-dementia group showing greater improvements in balance and gait-related outcomes, while the dementia group showed a relatively greater improvement in motor function. No significant differences were observed in MAS, MBI, or 10MWT between or within groups. The results suggest that LOKOMAT training may be effective for improving motor and balance function in patients with varying levels of cognitive function. While patients with dementia demonstrated functional improvements, cognitive ability appears to influence the extent of response to robotic gait training, particularly in tasks requiring complex coordination and postural control. Future research should involve larger samples, longer intervention durations, and multi-domain cognitive assessments to validate and expand these findings.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness and educational needs related to electroencephalography (EEG)-based dementia rehabilitation among undergraduate students in health-related fields. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2023 with 430 students majoring in nursing, physical therapy, and clinical laboratory science at Seoyeong University in Gwangju, Korea. A structured self-administered questionnaire was employed to assess general characteristics, EEG awareness, and perceived needs for EEG application in rehabilitation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that although most students had limited knowledge of and minimal prior exposure to EEG education, they recognized its importance and potential benefits in dementia rehabilitation. Notably, all participants (100%) expressed a strong demand for education on EEG-based interventions. These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating EEG-focused lectures and practical training into undergraduate curricula to enhance future healthcare professionals’ competencies in dementia care. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is recommended to validate and generalize these findings.

This study aimed to investigate the awareness and usage experiences of digital healthcare among health-related students, and to examine how differences in awareness levels were associated with attitudes, expectations, concerns, application usage frequency, satisfaction, and perceptions. A total of 363 health-related students participated in this cross-sectional survey. Participants’ general characteristics, awareness of digital healthcare, and usage experiences were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Of the participants, 44.1% recognized digital healthcare, while 55.9% did not. Compared with the non-awareness group, the awareness group reported significantly higher positive responses in healthcare perception domains, benefits for health management, future usage intention, patient recommendations, perceived quality, expectations for future activation, and views on national health promotion (p<.05). Regarding expectations and concerns, the awareness group showed significantly higher expectations for improving medical accessibility, strengthening chronic disease management, and increasing clinical efficiency, as well as greater concerns about personal data breaches and system malfunctions (p<.05). Among participants with usage experience, the most common application type was blood glucose and blood pressure management, whereas exercise and rehabilitation applications were not reported (n=0). In terms of frequency, most participants reported using digital healthcare once or twice per week, while a smaller proportion used it more often or not at all. Satisfaction was generally favorable, with positive responses outnumbering negative ones. This study found that participants with prior awareness of digital healthcare reported more favorable attitudes, higher usage frequency, and greater satisfaction compared to those without awareness, although overall utilization remained limited. These findings suggest the need for experiential education, the establishment of reliable user-centered systems, and the development of underutilized services such as physical activity, exercise, and rehabilitation.

This study aimed to systematically review the therapeutic effects of myofascial release (MFR) on patients with neck pain to provide evidence for clinical intervention selection. We analyzed 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of myofascial release in patients with neck pain published between 2015 and 2025. The results showed a positive effect on pain reduction in 13 studies, 12 of which were statistically significant. The primary mechanisms proposed included the release of fascial adhesions, relaxation of myofascial trigger points, and alleviation of hypertonic neuromuscular structures. In cases where MFR was applied alone, interventions exceeding 10 sessions and targeting both neck and shoulder muscles were more effective. Combined interventions, such as those including stretching, strengthening exercises, cervical stabilization, traction, and thermotherapy (hot packs), also demonstrated significant effects even with fewer sessions. Notably, MFR was found to be effective for alleviating neck pain induced by static postures such as forward head posture, suggesting its potential as a practical therapeutic strategy for individuals with prolonged sedentary lifestyles. Therefore, this study provides evidence for the therapeutic effects of myofascial release techniques and can serve as a basis for selecting and combining interventions that are suitable for individual patient characteristics and treatment goals in future clinical practice.