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This study investigated the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect of Phellinus igniarius (PI) on RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT) assay. Measurement of nitric oxide (NO) synthe-sis was performed using the NO detection. To identify mRNA expres-sions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), in-terleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Assessment of pros-taglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis was performed using the PGE2 immunoas-say. Measurement of free radical scavenging activity was performed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The MTT assay revealed that PI exerted no significant cytotoxicity in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. From the PGE2 immunoassay and NO detection, PGE2 and NO synthesis were significantly suppressed in the PI treated groups compared to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated groups. Re-al-time PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the PI treated groups compared to the LPS treated groups. And, PI showed dose-dependent increase in the DPPH radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, PI maybe offer a valuable mode of therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

This study was intended to provide basic data to promote youth partici-pation in physical activity by determining the factors that affect the phys-ical activities of Korean youth. To achieve the purpose of this study, data obtained from the 13th Youth Health Behavior Online Survey in 2017 was used as raw data and data on 62,276 youths were analyzed by frequen-cy analysis, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 22.0. The results suggested gender (P<0.001), school grade (P<0.001), and residential type (P<0.001) in general characteris-tics; subjective health status (P<0.001), stress perception (P<0.001), and sleep satisfaction (P<0.001); and finally drinking experience (P<0.004), smoking experience (P<0.009), and skipping breakfast in the morning (P<0.009) as factors affecting Korean youth’s participation in physical activity. These results indicate that: male students participated in physical activities more than female students, and middle school stu-dents participated in physical activities more than high school students; students with a higher economic status and academic performance participated more in physical activities; and students with higher sub-jective health status, higher happiness, and higher sleep satisfaction, students who did not drink or smoke, and students who had breakfast participated more in physical activities.

This study examined differences of physical activity levels and social interactions among preschoolers with/without disabilities and those at risk for a developmental delay (DD). Sixty preschoolers (20 in each group) were film during their designated large gross motor time. Their physical activity levels and social interaction were examined using the physical activity level screening. Regarding physical activity levels, the result of a two-way analysis of variance indicated significant main ef-fects for groups, F(2,54)=4.192, P=0.02; preschoolers at risk for a DD were more active than preschoolers without disabilities, P=0.02. For social interaction, a significant main effect for groups, F(2,54)=8.994, P<0.001 was found; Preschoolers at risk for a DD were more interac-tive than preschoolers with/without disabilities, P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively. There were no significant gender differences across three groups on physical activity levels and social interactions. Although pre-schoolers at risk for a DD was more active and interactive than the oth-er groups, preschoolers across three groups engaged in light physical activity levels, and had limited social interactions with peers.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of communi-ty-based walking training (CWT) on the walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy of chronic stroke patients and compare the effects of CWT to the conventional walking programs in stroke patients. Previous stud-ies focused on walking speed, walking endurance, and balance. How-ever, no studies have examined the changes in fall-related self-efficacy after CWT. In order to achieve purpose of this study, 45 chronic stroke patients, who were hospitalized at National Rehabilitation Center, were randomly divided into the CWT group (CWTG, n=15), the treadmill walk-ing training group (TWTG, n=15), and the control group (CG, n=15). The treatment was conducted 3 times per week (30 min each) for 4 weeks. CWT was carried out by gradually increasing the difficulty level in vari-ous environments outside the hospital room. The results revealed that the CWTG was more effective in enhancing the walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy than the TWTG and the CG. These findings demonstrated that the CWTG increased the walking ability and fall-re-lated self-efficacy of chronic stroke patients. Therefore, we suggest that adding CWT to standard rehabilitation might be an effective meth-od for improving walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy in chronic stroke patients.

It still remains controversial whether exercise will help or adversely af-fect the bone formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of common long-distance running on the magnitude of change in bone properties as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and bone bio-chemical markers. Subjects included 68 long-distance runners and 40 controls. Long-distance runners had been training in the marathon club for at least 6 months, the average period of exercise was 2 years, and running at 48.6±24.9 km per week. Otherwise, controls were people who had not experienced any specific sports before. Bone speed of sound (SOS) was measured by QUS at the distal one third radius and the mid-shaft of the tibia. Serum osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinolin were measured in all groups. No significant differences were found in tibial and radial SOS between the two groups. Serum osteocalcin was higher in long-distance runners than control (P<0.05) in both the 30s and 40s of the participants, but urine deoxypyridinolin showed no signif-icant difference between the two groups. It is concluded that long-dis-tance running at the club level increases bone formation marker, but seems to do no harmful effect on bone properties as measured by QUS.

Biological age (BA) represents the rate of the senescence with a set of biomarkers. The BA prediction models have not been compared to ob-tain an optimal BA prediction model with BA biomarkers for Korean men. The study aims to obtain a set of BA biomarkers and compare three of the reported statistical approaches for an optimal BA predic-tion model. The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Sur-veys data of 2009 to 2011 were used to select six BA biomarkers from 940 healthy subjects aged between 30 to 80 years. The multiple linear regression (MLR), principal component analysis (PCA), and Klemera and Doubal methods (KDM) were used to obtain three BA prediction models. Correlation coefficients (r) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and regression slopes were assessed. One of the Euro Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, mobility, was compared for feasibility test of each BA mod-els. KDM showed greatest correlation (r=0.88 [P<0.05]) with smallest 95% CI and regression slope (1.00). PCA also showed strong correlation (r=0.79 [P<0.05]) with small 95% CI and regression slope (0.94). MLR (r=0.68 [P<0.05]) showed over and underestimated BA results at the end of the age spectrum. Estimations of BA were most reliable with KDM. The PCA and MLR approaches were comparatively simple to de-vise for Korean men.

This study examined adult health related factors of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2017. Metabolic syndrome prevalence and perceived stress with physical activity and sedentary time were analyzed. Subjects are 4,459 over 40 year adults. The data were analyzed odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval by logistic re-gression analysis. First, male, moderate intensity occupational physical activity (OPA) and high intensity leisure time physical activity (LTPA) (OR, 1.337) between metabolic syndrome prevalence tended to increase. Vigorous intensity OPA (OR, 0.847), transport physical activity (TPA) (OR, 0.968), and moderate intensity LTPA (OR, 0.927) between metabolic syn-drome prevalence tends to decrease. Female, vigorous intensity OPA (OR, 1.238) between metabolic syndrome prevalence tended to in-crease. Moderate intensity OPA (OR, 0.878), TPA (OR, 0.875), vigorous intensity LTPA (OR, 0.691), and moderate intensity LTPA (OR, 0.479) be-tween metabolic syndrome prevalence tended to decrease. Male, vig-orous intensity OPA (OR, 1.584), moderate intensity OPA (OR, 1.752), and vigorous intensity LTPA (OR, 1.316) between perceived stress tended to increase. TPA (OR, 0.753) and moderate intensity LTPA (OR, 0.983) be-tween perceived stress tended to decrease. Female, moderate intensity OPA (OR, 2.331) between perceived stress tended to increase. Vigorous intensity OPA (OR, 0.732), TPA (OR, 0.836), vigorous intensity LTPA (OR, 0.990), and moderate intensity LTPA (OR, 0.837) between perceived stress tended to decrease.

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between peripher-al muscle strength, respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength in athletes. The study included a total of 150 elite athletes (judo, rowing, gymnastics) (age, 16.94±2.37 years; length, 167.70±12.23 cm; body weight, 62.87±17.33 kg; body mass index, 21.95±2.92 kg/m2). Isomed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess peripheral muscle strength. The strength of the dominant side knee flexor and extensor muscles was evaluated at 60°/sec and 180°/sec. At the end of the eval-uation; knee flexion and extension peak torque (PT) values and flexion and extension PT values rates were obtained at 60°/sec and 180°/sec. Respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength of the athletes were evaluated using a digital spirometer. To assess respiratory func-tion, forced vital capacity maneuver and maximal minute ventilation test; to assess the strength of the respiratory muscles, maximum inspi-ratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure tests were performed. There was a strong relationship between muscle strength of knee flex-or and extensor muscles and respiratory function (r=-0.268/0.813, P<0.05). There was a strong moderate correlation between knee flexor and extensor muscle strength and all parameters of respiratory muscle strength (r=0.206/0.411, P<0.05). The knee flexor and extensor muscle strength, respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength develops parallel to each other and the codevelopment of these parameters to-gether with special exercises to increase respiratory muscle strength will improve the performance of the athletes.

This study aimed to determine whether foam roller with vibration (FRV) can improve hamstring flexibility and jump performance in young adults. Twenty subjects were randomly allocated into either the FRV or the foam- roller with no vibration (FRNV) groups. The vibration of the vibration foam-roller was 32 Hz. All participants completed one 10-min session on the hamstring. Active straight leg raising (ASLR) test in supine posi-tion and active knee extension (AKE) test in sitting position were per-formed to measure hamstring flexibility, before and immediately after the session. ASLR, AKE, and vertical jump performance test were per-formed before the session and immediately after the session. Analysis of covariance was used to determine statistical significance. ASLR and AKE tests were significantly different between FRV and FRNV, except the right hamstring. There was significant improvement with respect to ASLR and AKE tests after the session in FRV group. The vertical jump perfor-mance test of both groups was not significantly different after the ses-sion. FRV is more effective than FRNV for improving hamstring flexibility.

The aims of this study were to compare the upper-body Wingate test performance of judo athletes from different weight categories and to create a classificatory table for this test. A total of 179 judo athletes per-formed an upper-body Wingate test, following standardized recommen-dations (30-sec duration, and a load equivalent to 0.06 kg/kg of body mass). Absolute and relative peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were determined. Weight categories were compared through a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. The effect size was determined by partial eta squared. There was a large effect of weight category in absolute PP and MP, with lower values for the lighter cate-gories (P<0.05), but it is important to note that absolute PP and MP did not differ (P>0.05) between subsequent weight categories. Moreover, when the relative PP and MP were considered, no significant differenc-es were found (P>0.05). The higher values of PP and MP achieved by heavier judo athletes compared to lighter ones during the upper-body Wingate test is likely related to the higher total muscle mass presented by the first group compared to the later. Indeed, judo athletes from dif-ferent weight category presented similar relative PP and MP, likely due to the judo training demands as well as consequence of a selection of athletes with the higher potential to develop upper-body anaerobic fit-ness. Finally, the normative classificatory table created may be useful as a reference in judo athletes’ anaerobic evaluation.

This study aimed to analyze neuromuscular and postural control in visu-ally and nonvisually impaired judo athletes. Two judo athletes, one visu-ally impaired and the other nonvisually impaired, participated in the study. The athletes presented similar demographic, anthropometric, and judo-technical characteristics. They performed maximal isometric handgrip strength (dominant and nondominant hand), vertical jumps (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]), and center of pressure assessment in three positions: neutral, anteroposterior, and judo combat base (Migi-shizentai). The main findings showed that the visually impaired athlete presented higher standing balance in the neu-tral and anteroposterior positions than non-visually impaired athlete (effect size [ES]>2.0). In the Migi-shizentai position, the disparity be-tween both athletes was reduced, particularly in the displacement area (ES=0.52). The visually impaired athlete showed higher performance in the SJ but lesser performance in CMJ and handgrip strength tests than nonimpaired athlete (ES>2.0). We concluded that the postural stability was higher in the visually impaired athlete in the neutral and anteropos-terior position, but similar to the nonvisually impaired athlete in Migi-shi-zentai position, possible due to the influence of judo practice. Moreover, the visually impaired athlete showed higher performance in the SJ than nonvisually impaired.

The aim of the present study was to determine if 4 weeks of training cessation (detraining) followed by a 4-week strength training program can affect the isokinetic strength of elite youth soccer players. There were 13 players who participated in the study. The players performed anthropometric measurements and lower limb isokinetic strength mea-surements 3 times, before the training cessation, after the training ces-sation and after the 4-week strength training program. No significant differences were observed in the anthropometric and strength mea-surements (P>0.05) after the detraining period and after the training program (P>0.05). These results indicate that 4 weeks of detraining in elite youth soccer players does not have any significant effects accord-ing to their anthropometric characteristics and isokinetic strength of their lower limbs. Furthermore, neither the 4-week training program af-fected the parameters above. Perhaps, youth players can maintain the benefits of training better than adults due to their neural adaptations. The duration of the strength training program could be the reason of the lack of adaptations.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of short-term weight loss on body shape, physical fitness, and blood variables in col-lege ssireum (one of the Korean traditional martial art) athletes. Six col-lege ssireum athletes participated as subjects. The weight loss program includes 50% of limited diet, 5.5 hr of physical and skill training. Body composition such as weight, body fat, muscle mass, and body mass in-dex (BMI) was determined. Fitness test such as shuttle run, sit-up, trunk extension test, grip test, sitting reach test, and side step test was mea-sured. Blood variables such as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, glucose, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were checked before and after the short-term weight reduction. The results revealed significant decrease in body composition such as weight, body fat, muscle mass, and BMI. Fitness test also showed significant decrease in sit-up, trunk extension test, and grip test. The results demonstrated positive significant change in side step test, shuttle run, and sitting reach test. The results of blood variables showed significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL, glucose and SOD. In contrast, MDA revealed significant increase and no significant change was found in ROS. Finally, it is assumed that a proposal of weight loss without de-crease of muscle mass, muscle force, and muscle endurance is neces-sary because of the negative effects on muscle force and muscle en-durance which should be used during actual games.

The focus of this research is to examine the impact of 8 weeks of whole body vibration (WBV) exercise on physical factors by conducting an experiment on 17 male bowling players registered in Korea Bowling As-sociation. Strength of truncus and lower-limb and balance were mea-sured as the physical factors and the impact of WBV exercise on each variable was examined. There was significant increase between groups in flexor-weight ratio of truncus at 60°/sec according to perfor-mance after applying WBV exercise. There was significant difference in groups before bowling event in pre and posttest as well as after bowling event in pre and posttest. There was significant difference of extensor-weight ratio in groups after bowling event in pre and posttest. There was significant increase at 60°/sec in flexor-ratio of both left and right lower-limb strength according to performance after applying WBV exercise. There was significant difference between groups before bowling event in pre and posttest as well as after bowling event in pre and posttest. Extensor-weight ratio showed significant difference be-tween groups only before bowling event in pre and posttest. There was significant difference between groups in both left and right balance ac-cording to performance after applying WBV exercise. There was signif-icant difference in before bowling event in pre and posttest as well as after bowling event in pre and posttest.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical ac-tivity and nutrition education programs on mild dementia patients with changes in exercise function and eating habits. We examined the ef-fects of pre and post program on 23 old patients with dementia who were diagnosed with menarche or mild dementia with the permission of the dementia center in Incheon city and visited from April to July 2017. The Mini-Mental State Examination score of the subjects in this study was 19.68±3.25, consisting of mild dementia patients. After per-forming the program for 16 weeks, the senior fitness test showed a sig-nificant change in the arm curl test, chair sit-and-reach test, and 2-min step test, and a total score of mini nutrition assessment increased from 19.16 to 21.0. In particular, in a level 2 evaluation, which contains more details such as the condition of taking drugs, number of daily meals, protein food intake condition, intake of vegetables, fruit, and water, whether one can eat alone, and evaluation of nutritive condition, a sig-nificant increase from 9.78 to 11.28 was verified. There is a significant increase in nutrition condition recovery as a result of nutrition educa-tion. In comparing pre and post program, a significant result was con-firmed, and there was significance to provide the basic empirical data for the exercise and dietary life nutritional education of mild dementia patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of recumbent cycling with integrated volitional control electrical stimulation (IVES) on gait ability in stroke patients. Six stroke patients (all male; average age, 55.7±8.3 years) participated. Recumbent cycling (R-cycling) was per-formed with and without IVES in the power assist (IVES-P) mode. The targeted muscle for electrostimulation was the tibialis anterior. Patients performed 10 min of IVES-P mode plus R-cycling (program A) or R-cy-cling alone (program B), once per day, 5 times per week. Patients com-pleted two sets of each program, alternating between programs each week. Gait speed and the number of steps numbers on a 10-m walking test was assessed before and after each interventional session. Pro-gram A improved gait speed, but not the number of steps, to a greater extent than that in program B. Specifically, the combined intervention significantly improved gait speed in the first set, but not the second set of the intervention. R-cycling with IVES-P mode improved gait speed during the recovery stage in stroke patients to a greater extent than that achieved with R-cycling alone. Thus, this combined therapy has poten-tial as a standardized treatment in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

This paper has attempted to compare the effects of Bobath’s concept with control’s session on the improvement of visual attention in children with cerebral palsy. A 10 children sample (7 girls and 3 boys) aged 6 to 16 years (median, 12 years) was collected. The group who had received Bobath-based treatment crossed-over to control treatment and the previous control group received Bobath-based treatment for once a week. Measures were assessed at pre- and posttreatment. Outcome measure included the visual attention, we used Conners’ Kiddie Contin-uous Performance Test (K-CPT). Bobath’s session targeted to crossed-over participants produced greater improvements in K-CPT(RT) (differ-ence=33.1, P<0.05) at posttreatment compared to the control’s session group, whereas the improvement of K-CPT did not differ between groups. The results of this case series study showed a significant im-provement on visual attention through the improvement of motor con-trol functions after the Bobath’s session over the control’s session.

Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common medical complication of preg-nancy characterized by hypertension and significant proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation, its prevalence is about 2%–8% of pregnan-cies. Antihypertensive drugs were found to have an adverse effect to both the mother and the fetus so interest is increased in nonchemical treatment. This study was conducted to compare between the effects of stretching exercises versus autogenic training (AT) on PE. This study was carried out on 40 preeclamptic primiparous women, their gesta-tional age was exceeding 20 weeks. They were randomly divided into two equal groups; group A consisted of 20 women received stretching exercises and group B consisted of 20 women received relaxation training in the form of AT. All patients in both groups A and B received (3 sessions per week for 6 weeks) and received methyldopa as the antihy-pertensive drug. Evaluation of all patients in both groups A and B was done before and after the treatment program by assessing arterial blood pressure and proteinuria. Results of this study revealed that there is a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria in both groups A and B after 6 weeks of treat-ment. There was no significant difference between both groups post-treatment in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pro-teinuria. It can be concluded that both stretching exercise and AT were found to be effective nonchemical methods which control the symp-toms of PE.

Although the influence of adiposity indices and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on heart rate variability (HRV) has been demonstrated extensively, the causal link between the changes in adiposity as well as in CRF and the alterations in cardiac autonomic function is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the correlation between the changes in adiposity and CRF and the alterations in HRV after 12-week exercise training. Twenty obese sedentary men aged 20.5±1.2 years were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n=10 each): the control (CG) and the exercise group (EG). The EG trained 60 min of combined aerobic, anaerobic and strengthen-ing exercise, 4 sessions/wk for 12 weeks, whilst the CG remained rela-tively inactive. Measurements of resting HRV, body composition, and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week training program. Compared with CG, the exercise training significantly reduced adiposity indices and improved vagal-related HRV variables and VO2peak. Significant correlations were observed between changes in HRV variables and adiposity indices and VO2peak changes. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that changes in a Poincaré plot index (SD1/SD2 ratio) predicted 32.4% of the variance in the relative VO2peak changes. These findings suggest that obese sedentary young men achieved significant improvements in vagal activity, adiposity indi-ces and aerobic fitness after the exercise training. The higher reduction in fat mass, especially central obesity, the greater alteration of vagal modulation. Moreover, the alteration in resting HRV is a possible predic-tor for adaptations to exercise training in obese sedentary young men.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a stretching program, based on the Janda approach and compared with a static stretching program, on range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and pain. Subjects for this study were 11 middle-aged women with self-re-ported muscular skeletal symptoms. The subjects were randomly divid-ed into six women as an experimental group (stretching based on Jan-da approach group, SJAG) and five women as the comparison group (traditional static stretching group, TSSG). Static stretching program in both groups consisted of 14 types of exercise and strength program in SJAG was comprised of five isometric contractions. The stretching pro-gram was performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The ROM and mus-cle strength of the neck and shoulder region were measured and a nu-merical rating scale was used for measuring pain. Significant differenc-es between groups were determined with two-way repeated analysis of variance and paired t-test. As a result of this study, the ROM did not show generally significant changes but was affirmatively improved in both groups. SJAG showed significant improvement in muscle strength and pain reduction compared to the TSSG. Consequently, a stretching program based on the Janda approach would be more effective on self-reported muscular skeletal symptoms caused by posture misalign-ment than a static stretching program.

The Gyrotonic expansion system comprises three-dimensional (3D) spi-nal motion that not only improves functional spinal motion but also in-creases muscular strength and flexibility around the spine. This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical effect of Gyrotonic exercise on pa-tients with chronic low back pain by comparing between Gyrotonic and trunk stability exercises. This study included 26 subjects with chronic low back pain patients and who were randomly assigned to the Gyro-tonic exercise group or trunk stability exercise group. Each group per-formed their exercises 3 times a week for 4 weeks. All subjects were measured before and after the exercise for muscles activity of the erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) using surface electromyography. Lumbar stability was measured using a 3D spine tester, and functional disability was measured using the Korean Oswestry disability index. In the Gyrotonic exercise group, ES and EO muscle activity significantly increased (P<0.05). In the trunk stability exercise group, ES, EO, and RA muscle activity significantly increased (P<0.05). No differences in muscle ac-tivity were found between the groups. Both groups showed significant improvements in lumbar stability and functional disability but no signifi-cant differences were noted between the groups. Gyrotonic exercise and trunk stability exercise are encouraged owing to their positive ef-fects on muscle activity, lumbar stability, and functional ability in pa-tients with chronic low back pain. We suggest that Gyrotonic exercise is one of the effective exercise for mitigating chronic low back pain caused by spinal instability.

Low back pain (LBP) as a recurrent and costly health problem and one of the leading causes of disability, is common in nurses. It can have adverse effects on the quality of life of nurses and quality of care of patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Back School program on the LBP and functional disability of Iranian nurses. A quasi-experimental methodological design was utilized for this study. Participants were nurses with back pain who participated in the Back School program workshop and completed a self-report visual analogue scales and Roland–Morris Disability questionnaire that measuring LBP and functional disability. Data were analyzed descriptively and comparisons in LBP and functional disability made between groups with t-test for pre-intervention and analysis of covariance for after intervention. Sixty-four participants (16 males, 48 females) completed this survey. The study participants’ mean age was 38.9± 8.1 years in intervention group and 38.1± 8.2 in control group. There were no significant differences in terms of pain (P= 0.575) and disability scores (P= 0.844) before intervention. Although, the intervention led to a decrease in the functional ability and LBP scores of the nurses (P< 0.001) in the intervention group compared with that in the control group. Overall, Back School program as an educational strategy can reduce the LBP and functional disability in nurses. This program can be suitable for preventing of pain and functional disability among nurses working in hospital settings.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common disabling health problem that can cause decreased spine proprioception. Stochastic resonance (SR) can influence detection performance, besides improving patients with sig-nificant sensory deficits, but have not been thoroughly tested for LBP. This study aimed to examine the application of SR therapy (SRT) and strength training for LBP treatment. The subject was a resistance- trained male in his early thirties. His back pain was unbearable after a strength training session. Standard pain relief alleviated the pain but the LBP developed at a similar intensity after 4 weeks. SRT (4–5 sets ×90 sec, 30-sec rest interval, supine position) was prescribed along with other exercises for 3 weeks (phase 1), and followed by tailor-made strength training for 16 weeks (phase 2). The Oswestry Disability Index was 66.7% (interpreted as “crippled”) prior to first SRT, and reduced to minimal levels of 15.6% and 6.7% after four and seven SRT sessions, re-spectively. Similarly, pain intensity was ranging from 5 to 9 (distracting- severe) of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) prior to the first session but this was reduced considerably after four sessions (NRS-11: 0–1). During phase 2, the patient performed without complaining of LBP, two repetitions of bench press exercise at a load intensity of 1.2 his body weight and attained 4 min of plank stabilisation. This LBP management strategy has a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity, disability, and functional mobility, by receding the recurrent distracting to severe LBP.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of linear periodization (LP) versus nonperiodized (NP) resistance training on upper-body isometric force and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in sarcopenic older adults. Twenty sarcopenic older adults were randomly assigned into the LP and NP groups and performed 16 weeks of resistance training. The SMM was measured by octopolar bioelectrical impedance. The isometric force for handgrip and trunk were assessed by dynamometer. Evaluations were performed at baseline, after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of resistance training. For total weight lifted, there was a main effect for time (F= 126.986, P< 0.001), statistically significant difference between condition (F=13.867, P=0.001) and interaction (F=8.778, P<0.001), whereby total weight lifted was greater for NP after 4 months of training. Isometric force for handgrip and trunk increased across time (P< 0.001) but no significant differences between groups or interaction were observed (P> 0.05). The SMM increased across time (P< 0.05), however no significant difference between groups or interaction were observed (P> 0.05). There were strong and significant correlations between handgrip maximum force and SMM (LP: rho= 0.79, P= 0.004 vs. NP: rho =-0.43, P=0.244) and handgrip mean force and SMM (LP: rho= 0.68, P= 0.021 vs. NP: rho= -0.37, P= 0.332) only for the LP group. In conclusion, LP and NP resistance training induced similar benefits on upper-body isometric force and SMM in sarcopenic older adults. However, LP presented lower total weight lifted, suggesting that it is possible to obtain similar gains in isometric force and SMM with less total work.

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) tend to experience poor self-rated health. However, few studies have examined the association between physical activity and self-rated health in pediatric patients with T1DM. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between regular physical activity, regular muscle strength exercise, and self-rated health in pediatric patients with T1DM who lacked diabe-tes care. The eligible participants for this study were 37 pediatric pa-tients with T1DM aged 9 to 17 years. Physical activity was divided into regular physical activity and regular muscle strength exercise to ana-lyze the relationship with self-rated health using binomial logistic re-gression analysis. The results showed that self-rated health of pediatric patients with T1DM who did not engage in regular muscle strength ex-ercise was significantly lower than those who did (odds ratio [OR], 0.100; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.012–0.855; P<0.05). However, the associ-ation between regular physical activity and self-rated health was not statistically significant (OR, 0.211; 95% CI, 0.041–1.088; P=0.06). In con-clusion, regular muscle strength exercise in pediatric patients with T1DM who lacked diabetes care was effective in contributing to opti-mal self-rated health. Future research is needed to collect physical ac-tivity data using objective assessment methods and to analyze the as-sociation between variables applying diverse factors for pediatric pa-tients with T1DM, which might be able to effect on their health.

This study sought to determine whether a 6-week physical rehabilita-tion programme has a measurable influence on heart rate responsive-ness to changing metabolic demand in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Fifteen individuals (13 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and two with pulmonary fibrosis associated with rheumatoid disease) underwent as-sessments of physical function (6-min walk test), ventilatory function (spirometry), and cardio-respiratory function (respiratory gas analysis and electrocardiogram [ECG] recording during a protocol consisting of periods of rest, incremental bicycle exercise to maximal effort, and post-exercise recovery). RR (beat-to-beat cardiac intervals) data were derived from the ECG and used to quantify (a) heart rate variability (HRV) and (b) cardiac acceleration (AC) and deceleration capacities (DC) (via phase rectified signal averaging). Following the rehabilitation pro-gramme, heart rate was elevated by 11%–18% during exercise and re-covery states. HRV was not statistically influenced by rehabilitation during any stage of the assessment protocol; however, qualitative changes were apparent with HRV increasing by 68%–75% during all stages of the protocol. Statistically, AC and DC were similar pre- and postrehabilitation (AC=-2.7 and -3.2 msec; DC=2.3 and 3.2 msec, re-spectively) but again we observed qualitative improvements in these in-dices of 19% and 38%, respectively. These results provide initial evi-dence that physical rehabilitation improves heart rate dynamics (via modulation of autonomic control of heart rate) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, even when respiratory and physical functions are un-changed or diminished.

The study was undertaken to investigate the change of cardiac com-pression force relative to levels of information provision using compo-nents of ground reaction force. Male participants of 20s–30s (n=10) who was not trained on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used an automated external defibrillator carried out CPR using manikin on ground reaction force plate. All executed 30 times the CPR according to the levels (1-time viewing, repeated viewing, and basic life support edu-cation) of information provision and then total sample of 300 times of ground reaction force data was utilized for the analysis. Rather basic life support condition than 1-time viewing and repeated viewing in ve-locity of CPR showed better pattern, and executed within 15.09 sec of total elapsed time. Also rather basic life support condition than 1-time viewing and repeated viewing in vertical compression force during re-lease phase showed better relax-ability. Rather basic life support con-dition than 1-time viewing and repeated viewing in ground reaction force of anterior-posterior direction during contraction phase was in-significant, and reduced compression force toward the oblique direc-tion. Therefore CPR training should be provided as part of cardiac and exercise rehabilitation programs in range of limited scope. It is neces-sary to include not only definite information but also a practice course of CPR to enhance the survival rate of the cardiac arrested regardless of progressive and scientific growth of CPR fields.