Earticle

현재 도덕 교육의 문제는 원론의 원론성을 이해하지 못하는 데에서 파생되는 것으로 보인다. 그것은 교육 현장에서 노정되어온 문제의 성격이 무엇인가를 투명하게 짚어내는 것이다. 논자는 그것은 어떤 틈이며, 그 틈은 특이한 본질, 양태, 특성, 그리고 여기서 파생되는 다양한 도덕교육적 함축을 포괄하고 있다. 가령 도덕 윤리 교과서를 구성하는 내용 구조는 생활세계와 동떨어진 논리 기초에 토대하고 있다. 도덕적 상황의 공간 배치가 그 한 예라고 할 수 있고, 결정적인 공간의 누락, 이를테면 사이버 공간의 누락이 다른 예라고 할 수 있다. 이런 틈들은 중등 도덕, 윤리 교사를 배출시키는 대학 교육의 현장에서도 발견된다. 논자는 이런 틈들을 의미있는 연계 고리로 승화시키기 위한 몇가지 전략을 ‘숭고’라는 타이틀로 묶어 대안 및 결론으로 제시하였다.

There has been many prescriptions about the healing the hard situation of moral education. This paper suggests that we should survey what is the real problem in the proper site of moral education. I find out the very problem, namely the core problem of that. I name it the <Between>. In the first place, we should recognize the diverse 'Between' in the areas of teaching morality and ethics. Teachers in middle or high schools and professors in the universities should know the essence of the so many 'Between's in the real situations in teaching morality and ethics. In this paper, I suggest one strategy named 'the sublime' which means waging some concrete fights, These are my conclusions in this paper.

본 연구는 후기 청소년인 대학생을 대상으로 사회적 불안과 진로적응성의 관계에서 심리적 독립과 자기개념명확성의 매개효과를 검증하는데 그 목적이 있다. 연구의 대상은 대구·경북에 소재하고 있는 4년제 대학교에 재학 중인 후기 청소년 500명으로, 이들 중 454명의 자료가 분석에 사용되었다. 본 연구를 통해 도출된 연구결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 후기 청소년의 사회적 불안이 진로적응성에 미치는 영향력을 검증한 결과 사회적 불안은 진로적응성에 유의한 부적 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째, 사회적 불안은 심리적 독립, 자기개념명확성 각각에 부적 영향을 미쳤으며, 심리적 독립, 자기개념명확성 각각은 진로적응성에 정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 또한 심리적 독립은 자기개념명확성에 정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 사회적 불안과 진로적응력의 관계에서 심리적 독립과 자기개념명확성 각각은 부분매개 역할을 하는 걸로 나타났다. 또한 사회적 불안과 진로적응력 사이에서 심리적 독립을 거쳐 자기개념명확성으로 이어지는 순차적인 이중매개 역할을 하는 것으로 나타났다.

The purpose of this study is to examine the structural relationships of post-adolescents' social anxiety, career adaptability via meditation effect of psychological independence and self-concept clarity. For this, this study adopted the social anxiety as independent variables, psychological independence and self-concept clarity as mediator variables, and career adaptability as a dependant variable, with the specific research questions being explored as follows. For this research, this study collected data from post-adolescent enrolled to university located in Gyeong-buk province and used 454 questionnaires. The research results are summarized as follows. First, social anxiety has proven to have a direct negative influence on career adaptability of post-adolescent. Second, social anxiety has a negative effect on and self-concept clarity, respectively. Self-concept clarity and psychological independence had a positive effect on career adaptability. In addition, psychological independence has a positive effect on self-concept clarity. Third, psychological independence has positive effect on self-concept clarity each play a partial role in the relationship between social anxiety and career adaptability. it has also been shown to play a sequentially double-mediation between psychological independence and self-concept clarity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the plan of linkage between related institutions in the region that should be premised for a cycle model between lifelong education and employment for IDD. Method: FGI was used for professors and field experts related to lifelong education and employment services for IDD. Results: Through the link between majoring courses, training centers for IDD, and universities (MC-TCIDD-U), the basic operational direction, operational structure system, and mapping type for each operating organization related to the cycle between lifelong education and employment for IDD were presented. In this regard, the components of basic education, in-depth job training, linked education (package), comprehensive education, subject matter education, job reference and development education, supported employment, and follow-up management were considered based on independent life, lifelong education curriculum, employment service, vocational rehabilitation training, and independent life training for IDD. Conclusion: The connection between MC-TCIDD-U shows that lifelong education and employment services for IDD can be circulated around the whole life cycle and individual demand for adult life of IDD. In addition, the connection between the three regional institutions is considered not only to achieve the plan and performance of employment service through the composition of lifelong education centered on job training including comprehensive lifelong education for IDD, but also to expand the content base and performance of lifelong education curriculum according to the performance of employment service of IDD.

Between the Acts는 이해하기 어려운 애매모호한 텍스트이다. Virginia Woolf는 그녀의 어떤 다른 소설에서보다도 이 소설에서 인생이란 불완전하며 불확실하고 모호한 것이라는 그의 인생관을 그녀가 사용한 언어와 텍스트의 의미를 불확실하게 하여 독자로 하여금 이해하기 어렵게 만듦으로써 반영한다. Woolf가 이 소설 속에 짜 넣은 연극은 관객에게 어떤 확실한 의미를 주지 못 하며 반면에 연극이 갖는 온갖 불협화음, 구멍, 막간, 바람에 의해 소멸된 극중언어 등은 소설전편에 내재한 파편화를 강조해 준다. 이 연극과 마찬가지로 이 소설은 전통적인 소설작법에 일반적으로 사용되는 보통의 틀들을 해체시키며 독자에게 뚜렷한 메시지를 전달하기를 거부한다. 이 텍스트의 글쓰기를 통해 Woolf가 강조하는 것은 데리다의 중심사상이기도 한 불확정성이다. 본 논문에서는 Woolf의 불확실한 인생관과 그녀가 사용한 스타일이나 주제 등에 반대요소들을 양립시키며 또 더 나아가 온갖 문체를 담아냄으로써 이는 데리다의 해체주의 이론과 일치하는지를 연구한다. 동시에 이 모두는 어떻게 그녀의 텍스트를 해체시켜 단일성보다는 다양성을 지향하여 열린 텍스트로 만들어 그 의미파악을 독자 각자에게 맡기는가를 밝힌다.

Background Recent studies have used kinematic chain theory to establish a relationship between the hallux valgus and the lower limb joints and bones. This theory suggests that movement at one joint of a lower extremity may affect all other joints via a chain reaction. Purpose We examined the hip joint range of motion and muscle strength in subjects with asymmetric hallux valgus angles. Study design A cross-sectional study. Methods Fifteen participants with asymmetric hallux valgus angles were recruited. Two exami-ners measured the hallux valgus, intermetatarsal and tibial torsion angles, and the iliotibial band flexibility. The independent t-test was used to compare the differences between the two sides. Results The side with the greater hallux valgus angle also had a larger intermetatarsal angle. The iliotibial band was significantly less flexible on this side. The tibial torsion angles did not differ significantly between the two sides. Conclusions We suggest that the hallux valgus angle is associated with iliotibial band flexibility. Therefore, stretching of the iliotibial band should be considered during rehabilitation of the hallux valgus.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between the posterolateral hip strength and lateral functional performance in healthy young adults and whether this relationship differs between sexes. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy adults (19 male, 29 female; 18-34 years) without a lower extremity pathology were included. The posterolateral hip strength of the dominant limb was assessed using the Hip Stability Isometric Test (HipSIT) with a handheld dynamometer, and the results were normalized to the body mass. The lateral functional performance was evaluated using the Side-Hop Test (SHT), recorded as the time to complete 10 lateral single-leg hops over 30 cm. Sex differences were analyzed, and sex-specific correlations between the HipSIT strength and SHT time were examined using the Spearman coefficients. RESULTS: Men showed significantly greater normalized HipSIT strength and faster SHT times than females (p < .05). In females, greater HipSIT strength was moderately associated with a shorter SHT completion time (rho ≈ - .451, p < .05). In men, no significant correlation was observed between the HipSIT strength and SHT time. CONCLUSION: The posterolateral hip strength is related to the lateral functional performance in healthy young females but not in men. These findings suggest that the posterolateral hip strength may play a relatively greater role in lateral functional tasks in females and support the clinical utility of incorporating HipSIT-based assessment and targeted posterolateral hip strengthening in the evaluation and training of young female populations.

Background: Aging is accompanied by progressive changes in neuromusculoskeletal function and sensory motor coordination that can influence balance performance in elderly individuals. The single-leg stance (SLS) is commonly used as a simple and practical tool to evaluate balance and functional lower-extremity control. Although hip abductor (HABD) muscles are regarded as the primary stabilizers of the pelvis during unilateral tasks, the association between HABD strength and trunk and pelvic kinematics during SLS in elderly remains poorly understood. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HABD muscle strength and trunk and pelvic kinematics during SLS in community-dwelling elderly females. Methods: Forty-three females aged 65 years or older elderly were participated in the study. The isometric HABD strength was measured using a tension sensor and normalized to body weight. Two-dimensional kinematic data, including hip adduction angle, pelvic drop angle, trunk leaning angle, and pelvic shift horizontal displacement, were analyzed during the initial 5 seconds of SLS using Kinovea software. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for age, height, body weight, and body mass index were used as the primary analysis to examine associations between HABD strength and kinematic variables. Pearson correlation analyses were additionally performed to assess relationships. Results: Linear mixed-effects model analyses revealed no significant associations between HABD strength and any trunk or pelvic kinematic variables during SLS. In Pearson correlation analyses, with no significant relationships between HABD strength and trunk, pelvic kinematics. Conclusion: HABD strength was not significantly associated with trunk or pelvic kinematics during SLS in elderly females. These findings suggest that postural control during SLS is not determined by HABD strength alone.

Background: Single-leg squat (SLS) is widely used for assessing lower extremity (LE) function. Although abnormal kinematics and foot pressure distribution (FPD) are key indicators of dysfunction, the relation between specific LE kinematic patterns and FPD during SLS remains under investigated. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the correlations among LE kinematics specifically the dynamic knee valgus angle (DKVA), knee inward distance (KID), hip outward distance (HOD) and FPD (hallux, medial, central, and lateral forefoot [FF]) during SLS. Methods: Thirty healthy participants performed SLS on their dominant leg. LE kinematics were analyzed using two-dimensional video analysis to determine DKVA, KID, and HOD. FPD was recorded using the Zebris FDM and analyzed across four regions (hallux, medial, central, and lateral parts of the FF). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationships between LE kinematics and FPD. Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed that hallux pressure was significant associated with the extent of KID (r = 0.547, p = 0.002). In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between HOD and FF lateral (r = 0.406, p = 0.026), indicating that lateral pelvis displacement contributes to higher FF lateral loading. However, DKVA, which is conventionally used to assess LE kinematic variables, showed no significant association with FPD. Conclusion: This study identified significant relationship between specific kinematic variables (KID and HOD) and FPD (hallux and FF lateral), however, relationship between DKVA and FPD was not observed. Consequently, it is necessary to separately evaluate joint-specific kinematics, such as KID and HOD, to determine their distinct associations with FPD.

Background: Hip abductor muscles play a critical role in stabilizing the pelvis during functional activities. A decline in hip abductor strength is associated with impaired balance and an increased risk of falls, particularly in elderly females who experience physiological changes and age-related muscle loss. Although limb dominance has been proposed to influence lower extremity muscle strength in young adults, no studies have yet examined differences in hip abductor strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs in elderly females. Furthermore, the relationship between hip abductor strength and self-reported functional ability, as measured by the Korean version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), has not been investigated in this population. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between hip abductor strength and the Korean version of the LEFS and to compare hip abductor strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs in elderly females. Methods: Sixty-seven elderly females were recruited from community centers. Hip abductor strength was measured using a Smart KEMA Pulling Sensor. The relationship between hip abductor strength and LEFS scores was analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient, while a paired t-test was used to identify significant differences in strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Results: Hip abductor strength in both the dominant limb (r = 0.355, p < 0.05) and in the non-dominant limb (r = 0.406, p < 0.05) showed a significant positive correlation with LEFS scores. No significant difference was found in hip abductor strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs in elderly females (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that hip abductor strength should be considered an important factor influencing lower extremity functional ability, as assessed by the LEFS, in elderly females.

Objective: To determine the associations between ankle instability, breathing metrics, and autonomic symptoms in adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Design: Cross-sectional study compliant with the STROBE statement. Methods: Fifty-five adults with CAI were recruited. CAI was defined as a Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score £25. Outcome measures included CAIT score, weight bearing lunge test (WBLT), Y-balance test (YBT), body oxygen level test (BOLT), self-evaluation of breathing questionnaire (SEBQ), Nijmegen questionnaire (NQ), heart rate variability (HRV; including heart rate [HR], standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], and root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]), and composite autonomic symptom score-31 (COMPASS-31). Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated and simple/multiple linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 25.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with a significance level set at 𝛼=0.05. Results: Worse ankle instability (lower CAIT score) was associated with lower BOLT (r=0.373), higher SEBQ (r=-0.507), and higher NQ (r=-0.356). The corresponding regressions yielded, BOLT=8.173+0.416xCAIT, SEBQ=24.213-0.658xCAIT, and NQ=17.456-0.514xCAIT. CAIT was also related to autonomic symptoms; COMPASS-31=23.806-0.690xCAIT. Respiratory-related variables significantly contributed to autonomic dysfunction; COMPASS-31=2.269+0.456xSEBQ+0.398xNQ. SDNN was correlated with HR (-) and RMSSD (+), but not with the other variables. Conclusions: In adults with CAI, greater ankle instability is associated with impaired breathing control and increased burden of autonomic symptoms. These findings suggest a potential link between mechanical ankle instability and autonomic imbalance in which diaphragmatic dysfunction may be an important factor. Future studies are required to determine whether the incorporation of diaphragm-focused breathing interventions are beneficial for autonomic stabilization and functional recovery in individuals with CAI.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus and prediabetes are associated with various metabolic imbalances, which may also contribute to impaired lung function. This study examined the association between diabetes, prediabetes, and restrictive and obstructive pulmonary diseases among Korean adults. Methods: Data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018) were used, including 8,702 adults aged 40 years or older who completed pulmonary function tests and health surveys. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between pulmonary diseases and diabetes or prediabetes. Results: Individuals with diabetes had a 1.376-fold higher likelihood (95% CI: 1.052-1.802) of having restrictive pulmonary disease than those with normal fasting glucose levels, while individuals with prediabetes had a 1.302-fold higher likelihood (95% CI: 1.011-1.678). In contrast, no significant association was observed between obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes or prediabetes. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant association between diabetes, prediabetes, and restrictive pulmonary disease, emphasizing the impact of the blood glucose levels on lung function impairment. These findings suggest the importance of early management during the prediabetic stage and the need for an integrated approach to prevent and treat pulmonary diseases.

Objective: In this study, we examined the relationships among activity limitations, mental health (depression and generalized anxiety disorder), and suicidal ideation among Korean adults aged 20-64 years, and identified those factors associated with suicidal ideation. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used 2022 KNHANES data to examine the associations among activity limitation, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and suicidal ideation in Korean adults aged between 20 and 64 years of age, focusing on general characteristics, health behaviors, and mental health variables. Data were analyzed using t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, accounting for the complex survey design. Results: Compared with adults without activity limitations, those with limitations were found to have significantly higher rates of depression (16.8% vs. 3.1%), generalized anxiety disorder (16.0% vs. 3.5%), and suicidal ideation (13.6% vs. 3.1%). After adjusting for covariates, activity limitations remained independently associated with suicidal ideation (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.19-3.05), with depression (AOR = 5.15) and anxiety severity showing the strongest associations with suicidal ideation. Adults who performed strength training five or more days per week were found to have lower odds of suicidal ideation compared with those who performed no strength training (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.19-0.79). Highly perceived stress (AOR = 3.29) and a middle school education or less (AOR = 2.35) were also identified as significant risk factors. Conclusions: Activity limitations are independently associated with suicidal ideation among working-age adults in Korea. Integrated interventions addressing both physical function and mental health, including tailored strength training programs, could make a valuable contribution to preventingsuicide in this population.

Purpose: Walking is an essential activity of daily life and serves as a key indicator reflecting an individual’s physical function and health status. This study analyzed the correlation between age, physical characteristics, gait speed, balance ability, and spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy adults. In addition, the influence of each variable on gait ability was assessed. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two participants were included in this study. All participants were assessed for their physical characteristics, balance ability, and spatiotemporal gait parameters. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among the variables. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine the predictive variables for each gait parameter. Results: As a result of this study, gait speed, and age showed an explanatory power of 0.794 for the stride length (p<0.05). The body weight showed an explanatory power of 0.086 for step width (p<0.05). In addition, the gait speed and body fat mass showed an explanatory power of 0.454 for the stance phase, while age showed an explanatory power of 0.240 for cadence (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study identified the factors that influence the spatiotemporal gait parameters. The gait speed, age, and body fat mass were significant predictors of the step length and stance phase. These findings may be useful for evaluating the gait ability when applying a program to improve the gait ability.

Purpose: This study examined the independent association between pulmonary diseases and hypertriglyceridemia while accounting for various sociodemographic and health-related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018), including 8,702 adults aged 40 years or older who underwent pulmonary function tests. The participants were classified into normal, restrictive, and obstructive pulmonary disease groups. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as serum triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between pulmonary diseases and hypertriglyceridemia, adjusting for the sociodemographic variables, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Results: The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was highest in the restrictive pulmonary disease group (41.7%), followed by the obstructive group (35.0%) and normal group (30.6%), with significant differences among the groups. In the adjusted models, restrictive pulmonary disease showed a significant association with hypertriglyceridemia (OR 1.302, 95% CI 1.117-1.517, p=0.001). In contrast, obstructive pulmonary disease showed no significant association (OR 1.019, 95% CI 0.858-1.209, p=0.832). These findings highlight distinct metabolic risks. Conclusion: This study identified a significant independent association between restrictive pulmonary disease and hypertriglyceridemia. Targeted metabolic screening and interventions are needed for individuals with restrictive pulmonary disease to reduce the associated risks.

Background: With the increase of seated work, interest in forward head posture (FHP) has grown. Prolonged computer tasks with FHP have been considered a factor that increases the stiffness and tone of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle. Traditionally, many studies have measured the craniovertebral angle (CVA) in standing positions to assess FHP, making it difficult to determine whether the CVA measured in a habitual working posture correlates with the stiffness and tone of the UT muscle in office workers. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the relationship among CVA, UT muscle stiffness, and tone in both habitual working and standing postures among asymptomatic office workers. Methods: Forty asymptomatic office workers participated in the study. CVA was measured in both habitual working and standing postures. Stiffness and tone of the UT muscle were assessed after a 10-minute computer task. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between CVA and stiffness and tone of the UT muscle. Results: No significant correlations were found between CVA in standing posture and the stiffness and tone of the UT muscle. However, moderate negative correlations were observed between CVA measured in the habitual working posture and both the stiffness (dominant: r = -0.490, non-dominant r = -0.465) and tone (dominant: r = -0.501, non-dominant r = -0.446) of the UT muscle. Conclusion: This study highlights that decreased CVA in habitual working posture is associated with increased stiffness and tone of the UT muscle in asymptomatic office workers. Therefore, measuring CVA in the habitual working posture should be considered when evaluating stiffness and tone of the UT muscle.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a prevalent condition among Taekwondo athletes, often associated with pain, psychological factors, and impaired physical performance. However, few studies have investigated the relationship among ankle muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical performance in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Objects: This study aimed to examine the relationship between ankle muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical performance in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Methods: Forty Taekwondo athletes with CAI participated in the study. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and kinesiophobia was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11). Physical performance was evaluated using the single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) and single-leg hop for distance. The strength of the ankle muscles is measured using a Smart KEMA strength sensor. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine relationships among variables. Results: SLVJ showed a significant negative correlation with VAS (r = -0.506, p < 0.01) and a positive correlation with strength of the ankle inversion with dorsiflexion (IDF) (r = 0.356, p < 0.05). VAS was negatively correlated with strength of the ankle eversion with plantarflexion (r = -0.365, p < 0.05), IDF (r = -0.371, p < 0.05) and inversion with plantarflexion (r = -0.370, p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between TSK-11 and physical performance, pain, or ankle muscle strength outcomes. Conclusion: Pain intensity and ankle muscle strength in specific ankle positions are associated with SLVJ in Taekwondo athletes with CAI. These findings suggest that the intensity of pain and the strength of the ankle evertor and invertor at specific ankle joint positions should be considered when evaluating Taekwondo athletes with CAI. Furthermore, managing pain and implementing strengthening exercises for the ankle evertor and invertor can be recommended to improve SLVJ.

This comprehensive review explores the relationship between prenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring. Air pollution, specifically by PM, is a global health concern, with PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ being the most detrimental to health. This review delves into the impact of prenatal PM exposure on neurodevelopment and the onset of disorders such as cognitive impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Utilizing data from international databases and focusing on full-text research papers from 2013 to 2023, we identified 18 relevant studies that explore the association between prenatal PM exposure and subsequent neuropsychiatric outcomes. The review discusses the potential mechanisms underlying these associations, including systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in the gut-brain axis. Key findings include the detrimental effects of PM exposure on fetal brain development, leading to cognitive deficits, heightened risk of ASD, ADHD, and altered mental health outcomes. Moreover, the review highlights the need for further research to unravel the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and individual factors in the development of these disorders. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of reducing air pollution exposure, particularly during pregnancy, to safeguard fetal brain development and prevent neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the associations between pressure pain threshold (PPT) and balance ability, gait characteristics, and muscle strength in middle-aged adults, and to identify independent predictors of PPT. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: Twenty-three middle-aged adults (16 women, 7 men; mean age 50.70 ± 10.44 years) participated. PPT was assessed using a BASELINE^Ⓡ algometer. Balance ability was measured using a single-leg stance test. Gait parameters, including gait speed, step length, and gait propulsion, were quantified using the OptoGait system. Handgrip strength was measured with a Takei dynamometer. Anthropometric variables (height, weight, body mass index) were recorded. Spearman correlation analyses and multiple linear regression were performed to explore associations and identify independent predictors of PPT. Results: Higher PPT was positively correlated with age (𝜌 = 0.493), handgrip strength (𝜌 = 0.704), and body mass index (𝜌 = 0.704), while showing negative correlations with balance ability (𝜌 = -0.442), gait speed (𝜌 = -0.520), and gait propulsion (𝜌 = -0.721). In the multiple regression model, handgrip strength (B = 0.291, 𝛽 = 0.506, p = 0.006) and gait propulsion (B = -0.197, 𝛽 = -0.454, p = 0.012) emerged as significant independent predictors of PPT (R² = 0.495, adjusted R² = 0.442). Conclusions: In middle-aged adults, PPT is independently associated with handgrip strength and gait propulsion. Individuals with greater muscle strength and lower propulsion demonstrated higher PPT values. These findings suggest that muscle strength and gait function may contribute to nociceptive modulation. Prospective studies are warranted to clarify causal relationships and further explore underlying mechanisms.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between hamstring muscle tension, muscle activation patterns, and flexion-relaxation during trunk flexion and extension. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-five healthy adults were recruited and stratified into two groups based on hamstring tension; flexible (n = 13) and rigid (n = 12). Surface electromyography was used to quantify muscle activation in the trunk, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscles during trunk flexion and extension. The primary outcome measure was the level of hamstring activation immediately after trunk flexion, which served as an indicator of flexion-relaxation. Results: Participants with elevated hamstring tension demonstrated significantly greater hamstring muscle activation immediately after trunk flexion (p < 0.05). Hamstring muscle activation and flexion-relaxation had a significant correlation, with significant differences in the flexion-relaxation ratio between both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Hamstring tension was significantly correlated with muscle activation and flexion-relaxation during trunk flexion and extension. Hamstring tension may contribute to the development and persistence of lower back pain and offer deeper insights into the biomechanical mechanisms underlying back pain.