Earticle

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of knee positions on car-diac compression variables in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) us-ing the manikin. Adult with career of CPR instructor (n=9; mean age, 27.11±6.60 years; mean heights, 177.39±4.40 cm; mean weights, 69.45±14.85 kg) participated in the experiment, and each participant performed cardiac compression from two different knee positions. Car-diac compression was 30 times per minute for each position with order of position randomized. The results obtained from variables of cardiac compression force were composed of compression velocity, elapsed time, decay rate, and loading rate in maximum and minimum medial-lat-eral, anterior-posterior (AP), vertical direction respectively. The above variables in 20.3 cm of knee position showed effective result than that of 50 cm of knee position, while maximum AP compression force in-creased. Given the often predictable setting of sports and exercise re-habilitation related with cardiac arrest, CPR relative to change of knee position were significantly associated with more efficient cardiac com-pression variables. These data have significant implications for health services program in fields of sports and exercise rehabilitation.

We adopted a within-subjects quasi-experimental approach to assess the impact of kinesio taping (KT) on joint range of motion (ROM), static balance, and dynamic balance. The research subjects were 15 patients who had, within the previous 3 weeks, undergone total knee replace-ment (TKR) by an orthopedic surgeon in 2022. We measured the ROM, static balance, and dynamic balance of the knee joint before and after applying KT. We then compared the pre- and post-tape measurements to assess the effects of KT on joint function and balance. The ROM of the knee joint was measured using a goniometer in the supine position before the KT application. The static and dynamic balance were as-sessed using a balance assessment device by measuring the sway area and length of the center of gravity during the measurement period. The effects of KT on the ROM and static and dynamic balance of the knee joint were investigated. The differences in joint ROM and static and dynamic balance between pre- and post-KT applications were an-alyzed using a paired-sample t-test. This study found that the ROM of the knee joint was significantly increased after applying KT. For static and dynamic balance, both the sway area and length of the center of gravity decreased after applying KT, indicating a significant improve-ment in static and dynamic balance. KT, when combined with standard physiotherapy, can be a useful therapeutic approach for TKR patients, effectively enhancing joint ROM and balance function.

This study aimed to examine the differences in physical activity (PA) level, fundamental movement skill (FMS), and obesity-related factors in preschoolers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 426 preschool children aged 3–5 years. Participants were assigned to the low PA group (LPAG), moderate PA group (MPAG), and high PA group (HPAG) according to the total score obtained in the PA questionnaire for young children. FMS and obesity-related factors were also analyzed. PA was compared by age and sex, and FMS and obesity-related factors were compared between groups. Significant differences were found accord-ing to sex. Boys were more active than girls in the 3–4 years age group, but no significant differences were observed at the age of 5 years. LPAG showed lower FMS than MPAG and HPAG, although this was not statistically significant. However, body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, body fat, and muscle mass showed significant differences in terms of PA levels. Consideration of age and sex is crucial in promoting PA among preschoolers. Additionally, better obesity-related factors are associated with higher PA levels, and FMS may be a useful tool in evaluating health and fitness.

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in participation motivation and competition anxiety between Korean and non-Korean wheelchair tennis players and to identify relations between participa-tion motivation and competition anxiety in each group. Sixty-six wheel-chair tennis players who participated in the 2013 Korea Open Wheel-chair Tennis Tournament in Seoul completed the Participation Motiva-tion Survey and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory II. Data were analyzed by a frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson’s cor-relation analysis, and independent samples t-test to identify partici-pants’ demographic characteristics, differences in participation motiva-tion, competition anxiety between Korean and non-Korean players, and correlations between participation motivation and competition anxiety in each group. Korean players reported significantly higher motivation in purification compared to non-Korean players, whereas non-Korean players reported significantly higher motivation in enjoyment. In addition, non-Korean players demonstrated higher cognitive anxiety and self-con-fidence compared to Korean players. Moreover, the physical anxiety of Korean players was negatively correlated with learning, health-fitness, and enjoyment motivation. On the other hand, only self-confidence was significantly related to learning motivation and enjoyment motivation in non-Korean players. Thus, the results presented herein provide evi-dence for the development of specialized counseling programs that consider the psychological characteristics of Korean wheelchair tennis players.

Single mothers are vulnerable to mental health such as depression, but emotional support is insufficient. Yoga is known to be effective in reduc-ing negative emotions and promoting resilience. This study was con-ducted in order to verify the effectiveness of yoga training programs in reducing depression and improving the resilience of single mothers. Participants in the study included 20 single mothers who belonged to the Single Mothers Association, who were randomly assigned to train-ing (n=10) and nontraining (n=10) groups. The yoga training program for single mothers consisted of Asana yoga, meditation, and mind ex-pression through expert meetings; a total of eight sessions were con-ducted once a week for 120 min. Testing for depression and resilience was performed before and after the program in order to verify the ef-fectiveness of the program. According to the results of the study, de-pression in single mothers who participated in the yoga training pro-gram was significantly decreased, and resilience was significantly in-creased. Therefore, the effectiveness of the yoga training program in lowering the depression of single mothers and improving resilience was confirmed. In the future conduct of many studies will be required in order to help the mental health of single mothers.

This study systematically reviews the effects of muscle strength exer-cises on muscle mass and strength in stroke patients by analyzing ran-domized controlled trials. Ten studies, involving a total of 378 stroke pa-tients, were included in the meta-analysis. The standardized mean dif-ference (SMD) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. The results indicated that strength exercises had a medium effect on increasing muscle strength in stroke patients (SMD, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.47–0.72; I2=51%; P<0.05). Specifically, strength ex-ercises were found to be particularly effective in chronic stroke pa-tients, showing a medium effect on muscle strength (SMD, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55–0.81; I2=45%; P<0.05). The study also compared the effects based on repetition maximum (RM) settings, revealing that strength increased significantly regardless of whether RM was used, with studies showing medium effects (with RM: SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.4–0.64; I2=0%; P<0.05; without RM: SMD, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.4–0.91; I2=72%; P<0.05). The study concludes that strength exercises are beneficial for improving muscle strength in chronic stroke patients, but the use of RM to set exercise in-tensity is not strictly necessary.

This study aimed to determine the effects of progressive resistive exercise (PRE), including complex decongestive physical therapy (CDPT), on edema volume, hand-grip strength, upper extremity function, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Twenty patients were randomized between the progressive resistance exercise group (PREG) and the self-home resistance exercise group (SREG). Two patients in each group dropped out of the study, leaving 16 patients: n= 8 in the exercise group and n= 8 in the SREG. First, the PREG and the SREG received CDPT. Subsequently, the patients in the PREG performed PRE, whereas the patients in the SREG performed selfhome resistance exercises. Interventions were performed for 50 min, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. The results showed that, for the edema volume, a significant intergroup variation was absent, whereas the intragroup variation was significant. The inter- and intragroup variations were significant for both hand-grip strength and upper extremity function. Regarding QoL, a significant difference was observed in global health status/QoL and role function between the groups. Furthermore, significant differences were observed within the PREG in global health status/QoL; physical, role, and cognitive function; and dyspnea. No significant differences were observed within the SREG. The results collectively suggest that the exercise program was an intervention with a greater potential contribution to reducing edema and enhancing physical function in patients with BCRL.

This study aimed to assess and compare changes in body composition, standing balance, cardiovascular parameters, and salivary biomarkers, particularly salivary antioxidant status, after brisk walking training with or without music in older women. Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned to brisk walking groups: with music (BWM) (n= 12) or without music (BW) (n= 12). Eighteen subjects completed the exercise training (9 in each group), and their data were used for analysis. The research protocols were classified into three phases: pretraining phase, training phase, and posttraining phase, while the data collection was divided into four sessions: resting condition, during treadmill exercise testing, immediately posttreadmill exercise testing, and 5-min posttreadmill exercise testing defined as after the cool-down session. The results showed that 8 weeks of home-based brisk walking with or without music did not improve standing balance, blood pressure, salivary biomarkers including total protein concentration, and antioxidant status but maintained or prevented the decline of these parameters. Only the BWM group reduced fat mass relative to increasing fat-free mass (P< 0.05) and improved recovery heart rate (P< 0.05) by modifying cardiac autonomic control in posttreadmill exercise testing. Therefore, brisk walking with preferred music can be a tool to delay the progression of cardiovascular dysfunction in older women. A longer duration of the exercise program and larger groups of participants are needed for further investigation of brisk walking with or without music on physiological and biochemical changes.

Fatigue is a state of difficulty maintaining voluntary activity. Cortisol, which is essential for stress regulation, can cause tissue damage when elevated for long periods of time, which is a common problem for office workers in stressful environments. Sleep quality is important for health and cognitive function, while sleep deprivation increases the risk of physical and mental health disorders. Gyrokinesis combines circular, spiral, and wave movements influenced by yoga, tai chi, and ballet to provide a calming effect on the sympathetic nervous system. This study investigated the effects of Gyrokinesis exercise on lower extremity edema, muscle strength, fatigue, and sleep quality in sedentary office workers. Twenty-seven adult women aged 20–40 years were randomly assigned to a Gyrokinesis exercise group (n=14) or a control group (n=13). The exercise group participated in 60-min Gyrokinesis sessions twice a week for 8 weeks, while the control group used elastic compres-sion stockings during their working hours. Results showed a significant decrease in fatigue and an improvement in sleep quality in the exercise group. Cortisol and serotonin levels showed a significant between-group interaction effect, with within-group changes observed only in the exer-cise group. Sleep quality indices improved significantly over time. In con-clusion, Gyrokinesis exercise has the potential to improve physical and psychological well-being in sedentary office workers by positively influ-encing fatigue, sleep quality, and related hormone levels.

The purpose of this study is to determine the health-related physical fit-ness parameters of athletes, who are deaf. The study group consisted of 137 deaf athletes (52 females and 85 males with a mean age of 23.99±6.56 years) who have participated in the 2017 Deaflympics games. The assessed parameters included the isokinetic muscle strength, core endurance, balance assessments, grip strength, and body composition. At the end of the study, the following results were obtained. Hamstring/quadriceps ratio was in the range of 53%–54%, which was within 50%–60% of the normal limit. Endurance of the anteri-or and posterior core muscles was low as compared to the normative data. The athletes’ balance was better with their eyes open than closed; and the grip strength was low as compared to the normative data in the literature. Also, the body fat percentage of deaf female athletes were similar to ones in healthy individuals with sedentary lifestyle, whereas male ones had slightly lower body fat mass percentage. These results can be used as the initial reference parameters to define the training program requirements of deaf athletes.