Earticle

The aims of this study were to determine an effective knee function rehabilitation program for athletes undergoing partial medial meniscectomy. Participants were randomly assigned to neuromuscular training (NT) or strength training (ST) group and subjected to functional assessments before surgery and again at 4, and 8 weeks post hoc. Functional knee assessment, such as Lysholm knee scoring, star excursion balance, and BTE PrimusRS isokinetic performance tests were evaluated in each group. All postoperational symptoms were significantly improved after 4 and 8 weeks of NT and ST. Both NT and ST programs showed effective knee function recovery seen as an increase in muscular strength and endurance. However, the NT program showed the most significant functional improvement of dynamic balance and coordination.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ankle Kinesio taping application on dynamic balance ability and functional performance. Methods: The subjects consisted of 16 university students aged 20-24 years participating in regular sports activities. The y-balance test (YBT) was performed before and after taping to measure the dynamic balance ability. The static balance ability was measured with a one leg standing test. The functional performance test (FPT) consisted of the figure-of-eight hop test, side hop test, 6-meter cross over hop test, and square hop test. Results: The results of this study revealed a statistical significance in YBT of the left leg posterolateral (p=0.011) and one leg standing test (p=0.001). FPT showed significant improvement in figure-of-eight hop, side hop, 6-meter cross over hop, and square hop tests for both right and left legs (p<0.05). The correlation analysis between each measurement variable showed that YBT of the right leg anterior was positively correlated with figure-of-eight hop right leg (r=0.625, p<0.01) and square hop of the right leg (r=0.627, p<0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, ankle Kinesio taping application may provide stability to the left ankle, as it improved the YBT of the left leg posterolateral of dynamic balance ability. In addition, YBT of the right leg anterior showed 62.5% and 62.7% explanatory power for the figure-of-eight hop and square hop tests in FPT, respectively. This suggests that the stability of the right support foot may help with forward functional performance.

Objective: To compare ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and dynamic balance performance during the Y-Balance Test (YBT) between individuals with and without Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), as classified by the cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 20 adult recreational badminton players. Participants were classified into a CAI group (n = 10) with CAIT scores <24 and a non-CAI group (n = 10) with scores ≥24. The YBT was used to assess dynamic balance and dorsiflexion ROM. Ankle dorsiflexion angles were analyzed using 2-D video analysis with reflective markers and Kinovea software. Independent t-tests were used to analyze between-group differences in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and normalized reach distances, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The independent t-tests revealed no statistically significant differences in ankle dorsiflexion ROM between the CAI group and the non-CAI group for in the anterior (p > 0.05), posteromedial (p > 0.05), or posterolateral (p > 0.05) directions. Similarly, there were no significant differences in normalized maximum reach distances and composite YBT score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study found that individuals classified as having CAI by the CAIT questionnaire showed no significant differences in ankle dorsiflexion or dynamic balance performance during the YBT. These results suggest that the dorsiflexed position during the YBT may enhance joint stability and obscure functional deficits related to ankle instability. Therefore, clinicians shoulder consider using functional assessment with appropriate caution to better detect impairments associated with CAI based on these results.

Functional resistance training can increase strength, knee torque ratio, and functional performance in elderly women. The aim of the present study was to understand the effects of closed kinetic chain exercises with constant load on muscular strength, the knee torque conventional ratio (hamstring:quadriceps – H:Q), and functional capacity in the elderly. Nine untrained healthy elderly women participated in experimental resistance training. Ten-repetition maximum (10RM) for the deadlift, isokinetic maximum voluntary concentric contraction, and functional capacity were assessed before and after the 7-week resistance-training program. Magnitude based inference analysis was used to examine the differences in muscle strength and functional performance. Therefore, the smallest worthwhile change was calculated and 90% confidence intervals were also determined to characterize muscle strength and functional performance. The analysis demonstrated an increase in the deadlift and knee flexor torque (60o/sec) after the experimental intervention. Furthermore, stair ascent, knee extensor torque (120o/sec), knee flexor torque (120o/sec), and knee ratio (60o/sec) also presented a positive effect in the same training period. Conversely, knee extensor torque (60o/sec), and knee ratio (120o/sec) did not show conclusive responses. In conclusion, resistance training with functional closed kinetic chain exercises and constant volume load (i.e., 65% of 1-repetition maximum) can increase deadlift 10RM, isokinetic concentric torque, the conventional H:Q ratio, and stair ascent performance in elderly women.

Physical performance (PP) and functional balance (FB) abnormalities are frequently encountered problems in patients on maintenance renal hemodialysis (MRH). Although the exercise therapy is an adjunctive to the routine medical care for patients with chronic kidney disease of various stages; but the benefits as well as the long-term effects of different exercises on the PP and FB in patients on MRH are not yet fully described. In this study; Sixty-six patients on MRH (36 males, 30 females), age 35–45 years, were randomly assigned into one of the three groups: aerobic exercise training group (AETG), resistance exercise training group (RETG), and control group (CG). The PP (evaluated using the 6-min walk test “6MWT”) and the FB (evaluated via the Berg balance scale “BBS”) were the main study outcomes evaluated prestudy (evaluation-1), after 3 months (evaluation-2) and 2 months poststudy cessation (evaluation-3). Results revealed that the PP and FB mean values and percentages of changes at evaluation-2 were 444.25± 21.83 (33.1%), 413.57 ±28.55 (22.52%), 337 ±12.23 (0.33%) m, 50.05 ±0.89 (22.95%), 49.95± 2.06 (22.52%), 41.28± 1.75 (0.94%) for AETG, RETG, and CG respectively. At evaluation-3; the PP and FB mean values and the percentage of changes were 425± 21.49 (27.36), 366.86± 17.47 (8.5%), 336.68 (0.42%) m, 44.4± 1.85 (8.06%), 42.95± 2.04 (5.003%), 39.48± 2.06 (-4.44%) for AETG, RETG, and CG respectively. In conclusions; both aerobic exercise training (AET) and resistance exercise training (RET) have favorable effects, with the AET has higher short and long-term favorable effects on the PP and FB than RET in patients on MRH.

Purpose: This study was conducted to establish a safe and effective way to participate in sports activities by analyzing the dynamic balance ability and whole body muscle function according to the functional movement score (FMS) and by confirming the effect on the exercise performance ability of college students. Methods: We assessed 27 male college students. They were divided into the High FMS group and Low FMS group based on a total score of 14. The dynamic balance ability of both arms and feet was measured with the Y-balance test kit, and each hand-push, hand-pull, upper body-push, upper body-push, trunk rotation, lower body-push, and lower body-pull were measured with the smart muscle testing device. Results: The Lower Quarter Y-balance test and whole body muscle function measurements showed that the High FMS group was significantly higher than the Low FMS group (p<.05) in all items. The Upper Quarter Y-balance test measurements of the High FMS group was significantly higher than that of the Low FMS group in the right medial (p=0.016), right composite (p=0.004), and left composite (p=0.021). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the High FMS group's Lower Quarter dynamic balance ability, Upper Quarter dynamic balance ability, and whole body muscle function were superior to those of the Low FMS group, confirming that the FMS score is related to the general public's exercise performance ability. Therefore, it seems that it can be provided as basic data for safe and effective training for the general public's continuous participation in sports activities.

This study compared muscle stiffness and functional movement quality, assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), between U-13 and U-14 elite youth soccer players to examine the practical utility of chronological age-based classification in applied settings. Sixteen elite male youth soccer players (U-13, n = 8; U-14, n = 8) with at least two years of systematic training participated in the study. Biological maturation was estimated using a maturity offset equation, and only players classified as mid- or post-peak height velocity (PHV) were included. Muscle stiffness (N/m) of selected lower-limb and trunk muscles and tendons was measured using the MyotonPRO, with the mean value of three trials at each site used for analysis. Functional movement quality was evaluated using the standardized FMS protocol, consisting of seven subtests with a total possible score of 21 points. Between-group differences were analyzed using independent samples t-tests with the significance level set at α = 0.05. The U-14 group demonstrated significantly greater stiffness in the erector spinae, tibialis anterior, and rectus femoris compared with the U-13 group, whereas no significant between-group differences were observed in the remaining muscle and tendon sites (all p > 0.05). In the FMS assessment, the U-14 group scored significantly higher in the Trunk Stability Push-up and Inline Lunge tests, while no significant differences were identified in the remaining FMS subtests (all p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the transition from U-13 to U-14 in elite youth soccer is associated with site-specific increases in muscle stiffness and improvements in trunk stability and movement control. Therefore, chronological age-grouping may represent a practical and feasible approach for monitoring neuromuscular and functional movement characteristics when maturation-based classification is difficult to implement in applied sports settings.

This study aims to synthesize randomized evidence regarding the effects of virtual reality (VR)–based rehabilitation following stroke on UL performance, gait and mobility, and functional independence, while also examining potential moderators such as immersion level, timing post-stroke, dosage, and comparator intensity. A comprehensive search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP (January 2000–August 2025) without language restrictions. Eligible studies included randomized or quasi-randomized trials comparing VR interventions (non-, semi-, or fully immersive), either as standalone treatments or adjuncts, against usual care or active controls in adult stroke populations. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the RoB 2 tool; the certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. When outcome measures were sufficiently homogeneous, random-effects meta-analyses were conducted employing Hedges’ g (standardized mean difference) or mean difference for common scales, with heterogeneity assessed via I² and τ² statistics; sensitivity and subgroup analyses were prespecified. Ten trials met inclusion criteria, encompassing inpatient, outpatient, and home/telerehabilitation settings and diverse VR platforms (including screen-based exergames, treadmill/robot-assisted VR, real-instrument VR, and immersive systems). The overall risk of bias was low in 3 trials, high in 2, and some concerns in 5. Where data pooling or consistent directional effects were feasible, results generally favored VR interventions, demonstrating small-to-moderate improvements in UL motor performance (e.g., FMA-UE, dexterity tests) and gait/mobility (e.g., TUG, 10-/6-Minute Walk Test, balance scales). Between-group differences in functional independence and participation measures (e.g., FIM, Barthel, USER-P) were smaller and more variable, particularly when control groups received active, dose-matched rehabilitation. Adverse events were infrequent and mild, including transient dizziness and headache; adherence and acceptability were generally high. VR represents a safe and practical adjunctive tool that can increase practice dosage and engagement, potentially leading to improved functional outcomes following stroke (most notably in UL function and gait/mobility) when combined with conventional, goal-directed therapy. Recommended pragmatic dosing (≥3 sessions/week for ≥4–6 weeks, 30–60 minutes/session), task-oriented content and careful patient selection. Future adequately powered, preregistered trials employing core outcome sets, dose-matched active comparators, and extended follow-up periods are warranted to elucidate effects on functional independence, participation, and cost-effectiveness.

A functional movement screen is an assessment of an athlete during a specific movement which has the ability to analyze multiple planes of body movement and the body’s overall performance. The benefit of this tool lies in its simplicity. Being able to simply look at an athlete doing a slow, low impact motion and pick out initial imbalances and gain a starting point for that athlete’s training. This is also an important tool because to assess the athlete in sport-specific activity to see where they may lack. From the literature, the intersession and interrater reliability of the functional movement screen appear to be consistent between examiners. Some research has shown that having an athlete perform a functional movement screen can aid in determining which areas of muscular imbalance need to be addressed in order for the athlete to be the most efficient in performing a task. It can also be used to help to determine identifiable risk factors for injury in a sport. However, other research has shown that there is no correlation between functional movement screen and athletic performance. The functional movement screen is still a relatively new topic therefore it is clear that there is still much research that needs to be done before it can truly be a reliable source for improving overall performance.

The objectives of this study were to compare the differences in physical performance of elite male collegiate soccer players according to the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) total scores and to investigate the association between the FMS total score and physical performance. A total of 20 elite male collegiate soccer players (mean age, 19.6±0.7 years; height, 173.4±4.4 cm; body weight, 66.9±7.3 kg; and body mass index, 22.0±2.0 kg/m2) participated in the present study. The subjects were divided into two groups: the high FMS (FMS total score ≥14 points, n=10) and low FMS (FMS total score <14 points, n=10). All par-ticipants completed 10-m and 30-m sprint tests, the arrowhead agility test (right and left), and a coordination test. The statistical methods used to verify the study results were the independent sample t-test and Kendall’s Tau b correlation test. There were significant differences be-tween the high and low FMS groups in the 10-m (P=0.014) and 30-m sprint (P=0.002) and arrowhead agility tests (right, P=0.039). Converse-ly, there were no significant differences in the arrowhead agility (left) and coordination tests between the two groups (P>0.05). Moreover, the FMS total score was found to have significant negative correlations with the 10-m sprint (r=-0.444, P=0.017), 30-m sprint (r=-0.425, P=0.016), and arrowhead agility tests (right, r=-0.389, P=0.023). These results suggest that higher FMS total scores could have a positive effect on the physical performance of the players.

이 연구는 지방자치단체의 사회적 자본이 공무원들의 직무성과와 조직성과에 영향을 미치는 메커니즘을 탐구하였다. 연구 결과, 구조적 사회자본과 인지적 사회자본이 높을수 록 공무원들의 서비스 질에 대한 지각이 높다는 것이 밝혀졌다. 또한 서비스 질에 대한 지각이 높은 공무원일수록 자신의 개인적인 직무성과뿐만 아니라 조직성과에도 긍정적인 영향을 미친다는 것이 규명되었다. 그리고 매개효과 검정에서, 높은 수준의 구조적 및 인 지적 사회자본을 가진 공무원일수록 서비스 질을 높이 지각하여 개인의 직무성과뿐만 아 니라 조직의 성과도 향상시킨다는 것을 입증하였다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로, 인지적 사 회자본은 구성원들의 교육과정에서 언어와 비전 공유를 통해, 그리고 구조적 사회자본은 구성원들 간의 연결망을 통해 구성원들의 상호신뢰와 협력을 유도할 수 있다. 이러한 사 회적 자본이 지각된 서비스에 영향을 미쳐 궁극적으로는 구성원들의 직무성과와 조직성 과를 향상시킬 수 있도록 노력해야 한다.

This study explored the mechanism by which social capital of local governments influenced the job performance and organizational performance of public officials. The findings show that the higher the structural and cognitive social capital, the higher the perception of the quality of service of public officials. In addition, it was found that the higher the level of public service employees' perception of service quality, the more positively they had on the organizational performance as well as their personal performance. In the mediation effect test, the higher the level of structural and cognitive social capital, the higher the perceived service quality, which proved that the performance of the organization as well as the individual's job performance was improved. Based on these results, cognitive social capital can induce mutual trust and cooperation among members through the sharing of language and vision in the curriculum of the members, and structural social capital through the network of members. Such social capital should affect the perceived services and ultimately improve the job performance and organizational performance of employees.

This study to evaluate of the correlation of balance ability and functional performance ability of college soccer players with ankle instability. In order to investigate for balance ability, during the one-leg standing, was a result of examining the moving path line to center of pressure, the instability groups are significantly different (p<.05) than stability groups. In case of the functional performance ability are figure-8 hop test and square hop test, there were a significantly different(p<.05). Also, a result of examining the relationship between balance ability and functional performance ability, the balance ability and figure-8 hop test between each square hop test showed a significant correlation (p<.05).

본 연구의 목적은 엉덩관절 안정성 등척성 검사(Hip stability Isometric Test, HipSIT)로 측정한 엉덩관절 후-외측 근력과 측면 뛰기 검사(Side-Hop Test, SHT)로 평가한 다리 기능수행능력 간의 연관성을 조사하였다. 최근 6개월 내 다리 부상 이 없고 전문적인 운동 경력이 없는 건강한 젊은 여성 20명이 참여하였다. 휴대용 동력계를 사용해 HipSIT로 엉덩관절 후-외측 근력을 측정하고, SHT로 다리 기능수행능력을 시간 지표로 평가하였다. 피어슨 상관분석 결과, HipSIT 근력과 SHT 시간 사이에 유의한 강한 음의 상관관계가 나타났으며(r = -0.656, p = 0.002), 엉덩관절 후-외측 근력이 클수록 SHT 수행 시간이 짧고 다리 기능수행능력이 우수한 것으로 확인되었다. 이러한 결과는 젊은 여성의 다리 기능수행능력 향상을 위해 엉덩관절 후-외측 근력 강화 훈련을 포함하는 것이 유용할 수 있으며, 임상 평가와 운동 프로그램 설계 시 참고 자료로 활용될 수 있음을 시사한다.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between posterolateral hip strength, measured using the Hip Stability Isometric Test (HipSIT), and leg functional performance, assessed using the Side-Hop Test (SHT). Twenty healthy young women with no leg injuries in the past 6 months and no professional sports experience participated. Posterolateral hip muscle strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer during HipSIT, and leg functional performance was quantified as completion time on the SHT. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong, significant negative correlation between HipSIT strength and SHT time (r = −0.656, p = 0.002), indicating that greater posterolateral hip strength was associated with shorter SHT times and better functional performance. These findings suggest that incorporating posterolateral hip strengthening into exercise programs may help improve leg functional performance in young women and provide useful reference data for clinical evaluation and exercise program design.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of a problem-based balance exercise program on functional performance in ataxic cerebral palsy. A subject was 15 years old male with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy caused by brain tumor. To assess changes in function, gross Motor function measure (GMFM), timed up and go test (TUG), Korean version of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (K-SARA), dynamic gait index (DGI). His own problems were identified from th use of Pediatric Balance Scale. A problem- based balance exercise program consisted of four tasks: (1) standing with feet together, (2) standing with one foot in front, (3) retrieving object from floor, and (4) placing alternate foot on stool. A subject performed this exercise program for average 30-min per day, three days weekly for four weeks (a total of 12 sessions). Values of the GMFM. TUG, K-SARA, and DGI appeared to be noticeably improved after the intervention. These findings indicate that problem-based balance exercise program might be helpful to improve balance function of children with cerebellar ataxia. The problem-based balance exercise based on performance was clinically feasible to facilitate a recovery of the balance and motor function of cerebellar ataxia children with cerebral palsy. Further studies need in this field.

Wearable hip exoskeletons have been developed and applied to improve walking function in individuals with walking disabilities. For stroke patients, gait function ability is crucial for their quality of life. However, research on the effects of training with wearable hip exoskeletons in stroke patients is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of task-oriented training using wearable hip exoskeletons(Bot Fit, Samsung Electronics Co, Korea) on walking, balance ability, muscle thickness and strength in chronic stroke patients. The study employed a single-subject experimental research design (ABA'). Four chronic stroke patients participated, and the experimental process was divided into three phases: (1) baseline phase (8 sessions), (2) intervention phase (12 sessions), and (3) return-to-baseline phase (8 sessions). Outcome measures included the timed up and go, 10 meter walking test, and berg balance scale to assess functional performance. And muscle thickness was measured using sonography while strength was evaluated using a dynamometer. Each session involved 30 minutes of task-oriented training, with the wearable hip exoskeletons intervention applied during the intervention phase. The results showed significant improvements in timed up and go, 10 meter walking test, and berg balance scale scores during the intervention phase, and these gains were maintained in the return-to-baseline phase. Although no significant changes were observed in muscle strength and thickness, they were maintained without decline. The findings suggest that task-oriented training using a wearable hip exoskeletons may effectively improve balance and gait abilities while maintaining muscle strength and thickness in chronic stroke patients. Future studies should focus on further enhancing and sustaining these effects and exploring the long-term benefits and potential applications of wearable hip exoskeletons-assisted training in a larger population of chronic stroke patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of BMI on activities of daily living(ADL) and physical functional performance in elderly women. A few researches have studied relation among BMI, physical function performance and ADL in criteria of BMI for Asian. The subjects were 142 elderly women, They were devided for 3 groups(< 22.9kg/㎡ group(n=24); 22.9-24.9kg/㎡ group(n=44); ≥25kg/㎡ group(n=74)). All subjects were perform to physical functional test and daily living tasks. All variables were analyzed for One-way ANOVA and Duncan was used for Post-hoc. Significant level was α=.05. The results were followed. Physical fitness test to BMI was that Sit and reach was more higher than the other 2 groups in 22.9-24.9kg/ ㎡ group(p<.05). Functional performance to BMI was following. 1 stair walking up was ≥25kg/㎡ group were more faster in <22.9kg/㎡ group and 22.9-24.9kg/㎡ group(p<.05). In conclusion, it was proposed that elderly female with overweight or high BMI tend to have decrease of physical function and ADL compared to old women with low BMI. Normal body weight and BMI was positively influence on physical fitness of the elderly women.

[목적] 본 연구는 주관절 내·외측상과염 환자를 대상으로 골프 팔 운동기구를 활용한 재활 운동프로그램을 약물치료 및 물리치료와 병행하였을 때 통증, 악력 및 기능수행능력에 미치는 효과를 검증하는 데 목적이 있다. [방법] 주관절 상과염 진단을 받은 환자 24명을 단순 무작위 배정을 통해 통제집단(n=12)과 실험집단(n=12)으로 구분하였으며, 중재 전, 4회 처치 후, 8회 처치 후 총 3회에 걸쳐 VAS(통증), 악력계(악력), 기능수행능력(PRTEE)를 반복 측정하였다. [결과] 통증은 두 집단 모두 유의하게 감소하였으며, 8회 처치 완료 시점에서 실험집단의 감소 폭이 통제집단에 비해 유의하게 컸다. 악력은 두 집단 모두 시기에 따라 향상되었으나 집단 간 차이는 유의하지 않았다. 기능 수행 능력은 특이 동작, 일반적인 동작, 전체 기능 모든 영역에서 유의하게 개선되었으며, 8회 처치 완료 시점에서 실험집단의 기능 회복이 통제집단에 비해 유의하게 우수하였다. [결론] 골프 팔 운동기구를 활용한 재활 운동프로그램은 주관절 상과염 환자의 통증 완화와 기능 회복에 있어 약물치료 및 물리치료의 효과적인 보조 중재로 활용될 수 있다.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of a rehabilitation exercise program using golf arm exercise equipment on pain, grip strength, and functional performance in patients with medial and lateral epicondylitis, when applied alongside pharmacological and physical therapy. [Method] Twenty-four patients diagnosed with epicondylitis were randomly assigned to a control group (n=12) or an experimental group (n=12). Outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention, after 4 sessions, and after 8 sessions using VAS, grip dynamometry, and PRTEE .[Result] Pain decreased significantly in both groups, with the experimental group showing greater reduction than the control group at the 8-session mark. Grip strength improved over time in both groups, with no significant between-group differences. Functional performance (PRTEE) improved significantly across all domains in both groups, with the experimental group demonstrating superior functional recovery at the 8-session mark.[Conclusion] A rehabilitation exercise program incorporating golf arm exercise equipment serves as an effective adjunctive intervention for pain relief and functional recovery in patients with elbow epicondylitis.