Earticle

This study investigated the effects of an exercise program on trunk control, pelvic movement, and medial gastrocnemius structure in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Fourteen children were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 7) or a control group (n = 7). The experimental group participated in a structured program consisting of deep abdominal muscle strengthening, pelvic movement, and lower-limb strengthening exercises, whereas the control group received general physical therapy. Trunk control was assessed using the trunk control measurement scale, pelvic movement during gait was evaluated using a wearable gait analysis system, and medial gastrocnemius structure was measured using ultrasonography. In the results, the experimental group showed significant increases in static sitting balance, equilibrium, and total score within the group (p<.05). Dynamic sitting balance and equilibrium showed significant between-groups differences in change (post-pre)(p<.05). Regarding pelvic movement, a significant difference between the dominant and non-dominant sides was observed in pelvic rotation range after the intervention (p<.05). Additionally, the change in medial gastrocnemius thickness (post–pre) differed significantly between the two groups (p<.05). These findings suggest that an exercise program focusing on deep abdominal muscle strengthening, pelvic movement, and lower-limb strengthening exercises may be an effective intervention to improve functional outcomes in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy compared with general physical therapy.

This study aims to investigate musculoskeletal pain patterns among adults and examine associations to provide basic data for expanding physical therapist-centered non-face-to-face rehabilitation platforms. This cross-sectional survey design targeted Korean adults who daily use smart devices, with data collected via a web-based survey from January 17 to 31, 2023. A 12-item questionnaire, validated through content validity index (CVI) review by three academic professors and two clinical experts, was developed to assess general characteristics, offline hospital use constraints, musculoskeletal discomfort patterns in specific body and joint areas, and digital intervention demand. Data from 234 respondents collected through snowball sampling were processed using multiple response analysis and Pearson's chi-square tests to identify correlations between demographic variables and healthcare needs. The results showed that shoulder pain was significantly more frequent in men and those in their 30s or older. Patients experiencing neck and waist pain strongly demanded matching with offline manual therapy experts beyond simply watching videos. Furthermore, time-pressed consumers preferred rehabilitation content in the form of micro-learning under 5 minutes. These findings suggest that digital healthcare platforms can serve as supplementary gateways connecting patients and therapists. However, as this study relies on self-reported questionnaires, the level of evidence is limited in supporting strong clinical recommendations. Future randomized controlled trials are required to verify actual therapeutic effects, which will ultimately enable practical discussions on building a physical therapist-centered non-face-to-face rehabilitation ecosystem.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of shoulder stabilization exercise combined with Kinesio taping on pulmonary function in stroke patients. A total of 30 stroke patients (N=30) were randomly assigned into three groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence: the experimental group (n=10), which performed shoulder stabilization exercise with Kinesio taping; the control group (n=10), which performed shoulder stabilization exercise only; and the conventional physical therapy group (n=10), which received conventional physical therapy. All groups participated in the intervention three times per week for eight weeks. Pulmonary function variables, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow (PEF), were measured before and after the intervention. Paired t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis. After the intervention, all groups showed significant improvements in FVC, FEV1, and PEF (p<.05). The experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in FVC and FEV1 compared to the other groups (p<.05), whereas the control group demonstrated the greatest improvement in PEF. No significant between-group difference was observed in FEV1/FVC ratio (p>.05). These findings suggest that shoulder stabilization exercise combined with Kinesio taping may provide additional benefits for specific pulmonary function variables, particularly FVC and FEV1, in stroke patients.

The study aimed to develop a lightweight inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis and to investigate its preliminary clinical feasibility in an adolescent with crouch gait. A lightweight wearable orthosis integrating IMU sensors, plantar pressure sensors, a brushless DC motor, and synchronized FES was developed to provide real-time knee extension assistance according to gait phase. An adolescent with cerebral palsy and crouch gait participated in this single-case study. Static balance ability and gait function were evaluated before and while wearing the orthosis. The Balancia software program was used for static balance ability, and the BTS G-Walk system was used for walking. Usability and usefulness were assessed using a questionnaire. In the results, while wearing the orthosis, path velocity, path length, and path area decreased under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, accompanied by a more symmetrical left–right weight distribution. Velocity and stride length increased, whereas the proportion of the stance phase decreased and the swing phase increased. Pelvic obliquity and rotation ranges were also reduced. The usability questionnaire demonstrated predominantly positive responses, with the highest ratings for perceived stability and ease of maintaining balance while wearing the orthosis. The proposed lightweight IMU-based FES orthosis demonstrated the potential to improve static balance ability, gait function, and user-perceived stability by providing real- time motor assistance and synchronized FES according to gait phase. Although limited by its single-case design, this study provides preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and clinical potential of the proposed wearable orthosis and may serve as a foundation for future large-scale clinical studies.

Forward head posture (FHP) among students has been increasingly associated with neck pain, functional impairments, and altered head–neck alignment. Physical therapy (PT) is frequently prescribed for this condition; however, the extent and consistency of its benefits across pain reduction, functional improvement, and postural correction remain variably reported. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PT interventions on pain intensity, physical function, and posture in students or young adults with FHP. 14 randomized controlled trials conducted between 1990 and 2025 were included. Eligible studies enrolled student or student-like populations with FHP and compared PT interventions (including exercise-centered protocols, method-specific programs, or adjunctive treatments) against minimal care or active comparators. Primary outcomes assessed were pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), function assessed via the neck disability index (NDI), and posture evaluated using the craniovertebral angle (CVA). The risk of bias was assessed utilizing the RoB 2 tool. Across the included trials, PT consistently demonstrated favorable effects on all three outcome domains. Exercise-centered programs that combined deep cervical flexor retraining with scapular stabilization and thoracic mobility yielded the most consistent improvements. Pooled analyses revealed significant enhancements in NDI and CVA, with pain outcomes showing directionally positive trends. Adjunctive interventions, such as posture-corrective orthoses, taping, and high-intensity laser therapy, provided domain-specific or short-term benefits when used in conjunction with exercise. Observed heterogeneity among studies reflected variations in intervention protocols, adherence reporting, and outcome measurement methods; several studies exhibited some risk-of-bias concerns, including issues related to allocation concealment and assessor blinding. Overall, PT (particularly multi-component, exercise-based programs) appears to improve disability and head–neck alignment and likely reduces pain in students with FHP. To enhance the certainty of these findings and guide implementation in educational settings, future research should employ standardized outcome measures, preregistered protocols, extended follow-up periods, and explicit strategies to monitor and promote adherence.

This study compared the effects of robot assisted gait training (RAGT) and manual gait training (MGT) on improving functional gait ability and balance in stroke patients. Forty stroke patients, one year or less from onset, were randomly divided into an RAGT group (n=20) and an MGT group (n=20). Both groups received 30-minute training sessions three times per week for four weeks (total 12 sessions). Functional gait ability, balance, and daily living activity performance were assessed before and after training using the Korean version of modified barthel index (K-MBI), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Berg balance scale (BBS), and 10 meter walk test (10MWT). Homogeneity between the groups was confirmed at baseline (p>.05). Both RAGT and MGT groups showed significant improvements across all outcome measures post-training. However, a comparison of the change scores revealed that the RAGT group showed statistically significantly greater improvements in the K-MBI, FAC, BBS, and 10MWT post-training scores than the MGT group (p<.05). RAGT is a more effective training method than MGT for enhancing functional gait ability, balance, and activities of daily living in stroke patients. This provides a basis for the effective application of robotic rehabilitation therapy in clinical settings.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of thoracic mobility exercise on pain, range of motion, craniovertebral angle, proprioception, respiratory function, and neck disability index in university students with neck pain and forward head posture. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either a thoracic mobility exercise group (n=15) or a craniocervical flexion exercise group (n=15). Both groups performed their respective exercises for 10 minutes per day, 3 sets per session, 7 times per week for 4 weeks, with a 1-minute rest period between sets, while diaphragmatic breathing was encouraged during exercise. Outcome measures, including visual analogue scale, range of motion, pressure pain threshold, craniovertebral angle, proprioception, respiratory function, and neck disability index, were assessed before and after the intervention. After the intervention, the thoracic mobility exercise group showed significant improvements in all outcome measures in the within-group analysis and demonstrated significantly greater improvements in pain, range of motion, craniovertebral angle, proprioception, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and neck disability index compared with the craniocervical flexion exercise group (p<.05). These findings suggest that thoracic mobility exercise may be an effective intervention for improving pain, functional outcomes, and respiratory function in patients with neck pain and forward head posture.

Achilles tendon ruptures are common due to accumulated microtrauma and degenerative changes, and early management of pain and edema during the postoperative recovery process is crucial for optimal rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cold spray therapy in reducing pain and edema after Achilles tendon rupture repair compared with conventional cold compresses. Patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received cold spray therapy in addition to standard cold compresses during the acute phase after repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture, or a control group that received only cold compresses. Cold spray therapy was administered twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, for two weeks, with care taken not to spray directly on the surgical site. Standard cold compresses were applied for 15 minutes and were performed several times per day for two weeks. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), and edema was assessed using reference-point circumference measurements. In the experimental group, the mean changes before and after intervention were −49.96 ± 1.18 for VAS and −1.04 ± 0.69 for calf circumference, whereas in the control group, the corresponding changes were −39.07 ± 1.22 for VAS and −0.67 ± 0.93 for calf circumference. Both the experimental and control groups showed significant with in-group reductions in pain and edema (p<0.05), and significant differences were also observed in the between-group comparisons (p<0.05). Cold spray therapy appears to be an effective adjunctive treatment for early postoperative management after Achilles tendon repair, helping to relieve pain and reduce edema.

The study aimed to determine the effects of static hamstring stretching combined with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) breathing technique on neck pain, cranio vertebral angle (CVA), neck disability index (NDI), deep neck flexor function, and hamstring flexibility in adults with forward head posture (FHP) and hamstring tightness. Following baseline assessments, a total of 21 participants with FHP were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group (n=10) that performed static hamstring stretching combined with ADIM breathing, and a control group (n=11) that performed static hamstring stretching alone. Both groups participated in the intervention three times per week for four weeks. Neck pain measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS), CVA, NDI, deep neck flexor function, and hamstring flexibility were assessed before and after the intervention. Paired t-tests were used to examine within-group changes from pre- to post-intervention, and independent t-tests were used to compare differences between the two groups. After the four-week intervention, the experimental group showed significant reductions in neck pain and NDI, along with significant improvements in CVA, deep neck flexor function, and hamstring flexibility (p<.05). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in neck pain, NDI, and deep neck flexor function compared with the control group (p<.05). These findings suggest that static hamstring stretching combined with ADIM breathing is an effective intervention for reducing neck pain and disability and for improving cervical posture, deep neck flexor function, and hamstring flexibility in individuals with FHP.

This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a single balance exercise session on medial gastrocnemius thickness, plantar flexor strength, and dynamic balance performance according to the stability of the support surface in healthy adults. Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned to either the stable surface group (n=17) or the unstable surface group (n=17). They underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments, including ultrasound measurement of gastrocnemius thickness, handheld dynamometer testing of plantar flexor strength, and the Y-Balance Test for dynamic balance. A 2×2 mixed analysis of variance was conducted to examine group and time effects. The results indicated significant improvements in the gastrocnemius thickness, plantar flexor strength, and dynamic balance immediately after the intervention in both groups (p<.05). However, no significant group differences or group×time interaction effects were observed. These findings demonstrate that immediate changes occurred following a single session of balance exercise, which can be interpreted as short-term responses that appear immediately after performing the exercise. Therefore, future studies should involve diverse age groups and clinical populations to identify long-term adaptations and the potential effects of surface stability.

This study investigated the effects of a complex activities of daily living (ADL)-based training program on muscle activation, task performance, and embodiment during the use of a supernumerary robotic limb (SRL). Five healthy adults participated in a single-group pre-post intervention study using a SRL system. Muscle activation was assessed by surface electromyography of the finger flexor (RMS_F) and finger extensor (RMS_E) muscles during a visual stimulus-based control task. Task performance was evaluated using a dynamic ball-catching task, and embodiment was assessed using an embodiment questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Following the intervention, RMS_F significantly decreased from 72.20±11.71 to 33.50±6.05 (p=.002), and RMS_E significantly decreased from 71.10±24.82 to 41.55±12.16 (p=.024). Ball-catching success rate significantly increased from 34.80±7.77% to 61.33±8.81% (p<.001). Significant improvements were observed in embodiment questionnaire items related to ownership, visual matching, and proprioceptive matching (p<.05), whereas no significant change was found in tool perception (p=.162). These findings suggest that complex ADL-based training can improve neuromuscular efficiency, task performance, and embodiment during SRL use, supporting the potential application of SRLs in rehabilitation and human augmentation.

The study aimed to determine the effect of weight-bearing self-mobilization with movement (S-MWM) on pain, range of motion (ROM), static balance, and functional performance in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Following baseline measurements, 38 subjects with CAI were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n=19), which received S-MWM, and the control group (n=19), which performed weight-bearing exercise (WBE). The S-MWM group performed lunge exercises combined with self-mobilization using a non-elastic strap, while the WBE group performed only lunge exercises. Each session consisted of 15 sets of 20 seconds per set, with a 10-second rest between sets. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, ROM (using a digital inclinometer), static balance (force plate), and functional performance (Y-balance test) tests of both groups were recorded at both pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant changes within groups, and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences between the groups. After the intervention, both groups experienced significant improvements in pain, ROM, static balance, and functional performance (p<.05). The experimental group that received S-MWM showed greater improvements in all outcome measures compared to the WBE group (p<.001). These results suggest that weight-bearing S-MWM is effective in reducing pain and enhancing ankle mobility, static balance, and functional performance in patients with CAI.

This study aimed to compare the chronological effects of an 8-week aquatic treadmill versus land-based treadmill gait training program on multi-dimensional static balance ability—specifically total sway, anteroposterior (AP) sway, and mediolateral (ML) sway—in patients with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia. Eighteen post-stroke hemiplegic patients were randomly assigned to either the aquatic treadmill walking exercise group (n=9) or the land-based treadmill walking exercise group (n=9). The aquatic treadmill gait training (ATGT) group performed an underwater treadmill walking program, while the land-based treadmill gait training (LBTG) group conducted a conventional treadmill walking program, with both groups exercising for 30 minutes per session, 3 times a week, over an 8-week period. Static balance ability was quantitatively evaluated using the Biodex Balance System SD by measuring the degrees of total sway, AP displacement, and ML displacement at three time points (pre-test, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks). Post hoc analysis revealed that both groups achieved significant enhancements in total sway, anteroposterior (AP) displacement, and mediolateral (ML) displacement at 8 weeks compared to the pre-test baseline (p<.05). In particular, the ATGT group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in total sway and AP displacement compared to the LBTG group at the 8-week mark (p<.05), while no significant inter-group difference was observed in ML displacement. These findings demonstrate that both interventions are beneficial for post-stroke balance rehabilitation, suggesting that aquatic treadmill gait training is an effective clinical intervention to enhance static balance ability, particularly regarding overall postural stability and anteroposterior control, in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training using a virtual reality program on gait ability and activities of daily living in patients with spinal cord injury. A total of 20 patients with spinal cord injury participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=10) or the control group (n=10). All participants received conventional physical therapy, while the experimental group additionally received robot-assisted gait training using a virtual reality program for 20 minutes. The outcome measures included the TETRAX balance assessment, the 10-meter walk test, and the Modified Barthel Index. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. After the intervention, both the experimental and control groups showed significant differences in the TETRAX balance assessment, the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) compared with pre-intervention values (p<.05). In addition, significant differences were observed between the two groups after the intervention in the 10MWT (p<.05). These findings suggest that robot-assisted gait training using a virtual reality program may have positive effects on balance ability, gait ability, and activities of daily living in patients with spinal cord injury. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the generalizability of these findings.

This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of dynamic taping (DT) and kinesio taping (KT) on ankle range of motion (ROM), proprioception, and balance in young adults with a recent ankle sprain. Thirty participants who had experienced an ankle sprain within the previous six months were randomly assigned to the DT group (n=15) or the KT group (n=15). Passive and active ankle dorsiflexion ROM, proprioception, and static and dynamic balance were assessed before and after the taping intervention. Passive and active ankle dorsiflexion ROM were measured using a smartphone-based digital inclinometer, proprioception was evaluated using a joint position sense test, and static and dynamic balance were assessed using a force platform by analyzing the center of pressure sway path area. Paired t-tests were used to analyze within-group changes, and independent t-tests were used to compare differences between groups. In the within-group comparisons, the DT group showed significant improvements in passive and active ankle dorsiflexion ROM, proprioception, and both static and dynamic balance (p<.05), whereas the KT group showed no significant changes (p>.05). In the between-group comparisons, the DT group showed greater improvements than the KT group in passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM, proprioception, and dynamic balance (p<.05), with no significant between- group differences in active ankle dorsiflexion ROM or static balance (p>.05). These findings suggest that DT may provide greater immediate benefits than KT for improving selected aspects of ankle function in young adults with a recent ankle sprain.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a wearable robotic gait-assistive Device on the left–right gait symmetry ratio—specifically the stance phase difference (STD), swing phase difference (SWD), and double support phase difference (DSD)—as well as gait time and cadence, in 17 healthy adult males and females, to clarify the practicality and usefulness of wearable robotic technology. Participants performed treadmill walking for 2 minutes under three conditions: without the device, in assistive mode, and in resistive mode. During walking, STD, SWD, DSD, gait time, and cadence were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, and post hoc tests were performed with Bonferroni correction. The results showed significant differences in STD, SWD, gait time, and cadence depending on the mode of the wearable robotic gait-assistive Device (p<.05), whereas no significant difference was found in DSD (p>.05). Specifically, both the assistive and resistive modes significantly reduced STD and SWD compared with the non-wearing condition(p<.05). In addition, gait time significantly decreased and cadence significantly increased in the assistive mode compared with the non-wearing condition(p<.05). These findings suggest that the wearable robotic gait-assistive Device can effectively improve STD, SWD, gait speed, and cadence, thereby enhancing walking efficiency in healthy adults.

This study investigated the effects of different hip flexion angles (80°, 90°, and 100°) on craniovertebral angle (CVA), thoracic kyphosis angle, and the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles in adults with forward head posture (FHP) while using a smartphone in a seated position. Nineteen students enrolled at B University participated in this study. Participants were selected based on having a forward head posture with a CVA of less than 50 degrees. CVA and thoracic kyphosis angle were measured using Image J, and muscle tone was measured using Myoton. Participants set randomly their three hip flexion angles to 80°, 90°, or 100° with upright posture, and then used their smartphones for five minutes each hip posture. A 10-minute rest period was provided between trials at each angle. CVA, thoracic kyphosis angle, and muscle tone of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles were measured before and after smartphone use. As a result, within hip flexion angles, CVA decreased significantly at 80°, 90°, and 100° (p<.05). CVA showed a statistically significant difference among hip flexion angles (p<.001). Post hoc test showed CVA decreased significantly more at hip flexion 100° than at 90°, and 80° (p<.001). The thoracic kyphosis angle decreased significantly at 100° (p<.05). The thoracic kyphosis angle did not show statistically significant differences among hip flexion angles (p>.05). Muscle tone of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles did not show statistically significant differences within and among hip flexion angles (p>.05). The results suggest that using a smartphone with the hips at 100° worsens forward head posture the most. These findings suggest that hip posture directly affects spinal alignment and may influence upper body posture during smartphone use.

Patients with neurological disorders often experience limited access to continuous rehabilitation due to reduced mobility and difficulties in activities of daily living. This pilot study aimed to examine the effects of home-based visiting physical therapy on functional outcomes in patients with neurological disorders. A small-scale pre–post design was used, and four patients received individualized home-based visiting physical therapy for a defined intervention period. Functional outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention using clinical indicators of mobility, balance, and function. Patient and therapist satisfaction were also evaluated. Overall, participants showed a trend toward functional improvement after the intervention, with relatively greater changes observed in cases with lower baseline function. Satisfaction levels were generally high in both patients and therapists. Although this study is limited by its small sample size and lack of a control group, the findings suggest that home-based visiting physical therapy may positively contribute to functional recovery in patients with neurological disorders. Future studies with larger samples, longer follow-up, and controlled designs are needed to further verify its effectiveness.

This study investigated the association between diabetes status and low grip strength (LGS) among Korean adults aged 40 years and older using data from the 2024 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 3,488 participants were included after excluding individuals with missing data. Diabetes status was classified as normal, pre-diabetes, or diabetes based on fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), physician diagnosis, and diabetes treatment status. LGS was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria (<28 kg for men and <18 kg for women). Sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and body mass index were considered as covariates. Complex sample multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between diabetes status and LGS. The prevalence of LGS increased progressively across diabetes status groups, with rates of 3.9% in the normal group, 4.4% in the pre-diabetes group, and 9.8% in the diabetes group (p<.001). In the crude model, individuals with diabetes had significantly higher odds of LGS compared with the normal group (OR=2.714, 95% CI: 1.847–3.988, p<.001). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and body mass index, diabetes remained independently associated with LGS (OR=1.893, 95% CI: 1.226–2.922, p=.004). However, pre-diabetes was not significantly associated with LGS in the fully adjusted model. These findings suggest that diabetes is independently associated with low grip strength among Korean adults aged 40 years and older. Grip strength assessment may serve as a practical functional screening tool for identifying individuals with diabetes who are at increased risk of functional decline and may benefit from early exercise and rehabilitation interventions.

This study analyzed the test-retest reliability of the sideways step test (SST) and evaluated its measurement error (SEM, MDC, MDC%) and concurrent validity as an assessment tool for subacute stroke patients. A cross-sectional study with 28 participants assessed SST reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 3,1), while measurement error was determined through SEM, MDC, and MDC(%) and validated via Bland-Altman scatter plots. Convergnet validity was examined by correlating SST step counts with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower extremities (FMA-L/E), 10meter Walk Test (10 mWT), Berg balance scale (BBS), and timed up & go test (TUG) using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. SST showed high test-retest reliability for both paretic (ICC= .88, 95% CI: .76∼.94) and non-paretic sides (ICC= .86, 95% CI: .73∼.93). SEM values (paretic: .70, non-paretic: .66) were <20% of their means, and MDC values (1.94 and 1.82 steps) remained below 20% of the maximum attainable counts. No systematic error was found (p= .375 paretic, p= .119 non-paretic), but step counts significantly differed between paretic and non-paretic sides (p<.01). SST step counts correlated significantly with FMA-L/E, 10m WT, BBS, and TUG (paretic: r=.41∼.57; non-paretic: r=.45∼.59), confirming relationships with motor control, gait velocity, functional mobility, and balance. These findings indicate that SST is a reliable and valid tool for assessing dynamic balance in stroke patients.

The study aimed to investigate changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence and respiratory function before and after the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adults aged ≥40 years using nationally representative data. This nationwide cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2019 and 2024. After excluding participants with missing respiratory function data, physician-diagnosed asthma, and missing covariates, a total of 9,045 participants were included in the final analysis. COPD was defined as a forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio <0.70. Sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, metabolic health variables, and respiratory function indicators were compared between the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Complex sample logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the post-COVID-19 period and COPD prevalence. COPD prevalence significantly decreased from 11.9% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2024 (p<.001). FEV1/FVC significantly increased after the pandemic period (p<.001), whereas FVC, FEV1, and peak expiratory flow showed no significant differences. Resistance exercise participation significantly increased (p<.001), while obesity prevalence also increased (p=.017). In the fully adjusted model, the post-COVID-19 period remained significantly associated with lower odds of COPD (OR=0.622, 95% CI=0.443–0.872, p=.006). These findings suggest that COPD prevalence among Korean adults decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic despite worsening metabolic health indicators such as obesity and diabetes. The observed reduction in COPD may reflect complex effects of reduced respiratory infection exposure and lifestyle changes during the pandemic period.