Earticle

목적: 본 연구는 농업에 종사하는 노인 여성을 대상으로 신체적 여가활동 참여가 신체적 기능 향상과 삶의 질 변화에 미치는 효과에 대해서 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법: 농촌 지역에 거주하는 113명의 노인 여성을 대상으로 단일집단 사전-사후 검사 설계를 사용하여 연구를 진행하였다. 스트레칭, 근력 강화 및 마사지 등으로 구성된 신체적 여가활동 프로그램은 8주간 총 16회, 그룹활동으로 진행되었다. 참여 후의 노인의 신체 기능의 변화를 알아보기 위하여 근력, 유연성, 균형능력을 측정하였고, Short Form 8-Item (SF-8)을 사용하여 삶의 질의 변화를 살펴보았다. 결과: 프로그램 참여자들의 신체 기능은 상지 근력(악력), 하지 근력(30초간 앉았다 일어서기), 정적 균형(눈 뜨고 한발 서기), 동적 균형(기능적 도달) 및 유연성(등 뒤로 양손 닿기, 앉아서 윗몸 앞으로 굽히기) 항목에서 모두 유의하게 증가하였다(p < 0.05). 프로그램에 참여한 노인 여성의 건강관련 삶의 질(SF-8) 총점도 335.73 ± 52.93점에서 395.42 ± 28.79점으로 향상되었고, 모든 하위 항목에서 유의하게 변화하였다(p < 0.05). 결론: 여가활동 참여는 노인의 신체 건강뿐만 아니라 삶의 질 향상에도 효과적임을 확인할 수 있었다. 향후에는 농촌 지역 특성에 맞는 다양한 참여형 활동 프로그램의 개발과 지원이 이루어지기를 기대해 본다.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of a physical leisure activity program on the physical function and health-related quality of life of elderly women in rural areas. Methods: One hundred and thirteen elderly women living in rural communities participated using a one-group pre-post design. The physical leisure activity program was conducted for 16 group activities over 8 weeks. To determine changes in the physical function of the elderly after participation, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance ability were measured, and the 8 domain Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) was used to examine changes in quality of life. Results: The physical function of the participants in the program was significantly increased in upper and lower limb muscle strength, balance, and flexibility (p < 0.05). The total score of QOL of elderly women who participated in the program also improved from 335.73 ± 52.93 points to 395.42 ± 28.79 points, and significantly changed in all sub-items (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Participation in leisure activities was confirmed effective not only in improving the physical health of the elderly women, but also in improving their quality of life. In the future, we look forward to the development and support of various participatory activity programs suitable for rural areas.

목적 : 작업치료중재를 통한 유방암 환자의 신체기능과 근 활성도 및 삶의 질에 미치는 효과를 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 본 연구는 유방암 환자 15명을 대상으로 스트레칭, 치료적 활동 및 일상생활활동으로 구성된 작업 치료중재 프로그램을 40분씩 주 2회 총 12주 동안 실시하였다. 신체기능은 한국판 간이 피로 평가지 (Korean version of Brief Fatigue Inventory; BFI-K), 기본 호흡곤란 지표(Baseline Dyspnea Index; BDI)를, 근 활성도는 surface Electromyoghraphic (sEMG)를, 그리고 암 치료 관련 기능적 평가 - 유방 암(Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast; FACT-B)를 통하여 삶의 질을 측정하였다. 결과 : 신체기능에서 피로도와 호흡곤란 정도는 감소하였으며(p<.01), 근 활성도는 앞쪽․중간 어깨세모근, 큰가슴 근의 복장갈비머리 부분, 가시아래근에서 유의하게 증가하였다(p<.05). 삶의 질은 총점과 하위 영역 중 Physical Well-Being(PWB), Functional Well-Being(FWB), Breast Cancer Subscale(BCS)가 통계적 으로 유의한 차이를 나타냈다 (p<.001). 결론 : 중재 후 신체기능과 근 활성도, 삶의 질 모두에서 향상을 보였으며 이는 작업치료 중재가 유방절제 술 환자의 회복에 도움이 될 것으로 생각된다.

Objective: This study was conducted to check the effect of occupational therapy intervention on the physical function, muscle activity, and quality of life of breast cancer patients. Methods: The subjects of this study were 15 mastectomy patients, and an occupational therapy intervention program consisting of stretching was applied as the therapeutic activity. The trial was applied for 40 min per day, twice a week for 12 weeks. The physical function was checked using Korean version of Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-K) and Baseline Dyspnea Index(BDI) the muscle activity was checked using surface Electromyographic (sEMG), and the quality of life was checked using Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast(FACT-B). Results: The degree of fatigue was improved after intervention, dyspnea significantly decreased after intervention (p<.01), and the muscle activity showed a statistically significant difference only in pectoralis major (sternocostal head), anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and infrasupinatus(p<.05). The quality of life after intervention showed that the total score of life quality, Physical Well-Being(PWB), Functional Well-Being(FWB), Breast Cancer Subscale (BCS), and significantly improve(p<.001). Conclusion: We can conclude from the above that the occupational therapy intervention was effective on breast cancer patient recover.

노년기는 노화와 관련된 다양한 요인으로 삶의 만족이 감소하기 쉬운 시기이다. 이 시기에는 노화로 인해 신체활동 비율이 감소하고, 일상 활동에 필요한 주요 영양소 섭취가 부족하여 영양상태가 불량하기 쉬운 것으로 보고되고 있다. 본 연구는 노년기 삶의 만족을 증가시키기 위하 여, 신체기능 수준과 영영상태에 초점을 맞추어 노년기 삶의 만족에 영향을 미칠 수 있는 요인을 탐색하고자 한다. 본 연구를 위하여 보건복지 부와 한국보건사회연구원에서 시행한 2020년 노인실태조사 참여자 10,097명 중 대상자 선정 기준에 적합한 9,279명의 자료를 분석하였고, 삶 의 만족에 영향을 미치는 요인을 확인하기 위하여 모수 추정을 위한 가중치를 적용한 다중회귀분석을 사용하였다. 그 결과, 삶의 만족과 가장 큰 상관관계를 가진 변수는 Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI)이었고, 삶의 만족에 유의한 영향 요인은 영양상태에서 NSI, 체질량 지수였고, 신체기능 수준에서는 스스로 일상생활을 수행하는데 필요한 독립적 일상생활수행능력과 어려움 없는 기본신체활동, TV를 보거나 책을 읽는 등 일상생활에 불편함이 없는 시력, 필요한 영양을 섭취하고 먹고 싶은 것을 먹을 수 있는 불편함 없는 씹기 능력이었다. 이러한 결과는 노년기 삶의 만족을 증가시킬 수 있는 중요한 요인임이 확인되었다. 길어진 노년기 만족스러운 삶을 위하여 사회적으로 필요한 복지 혜택과 정책에 시 사점을 제공한다.

Old age is a time when life satisfaction could decrease due to various factors related to aging. It is reported that the nutritional status of the elderly is poor due to a decrease in the rate of physical activity due to aging and a lack of intake of key nutrients required for daily activities. Accordingly, this study attempted to investigate the level of physical function and nutritional status that can affect overall life in old age. This study is a secondary data analysis study to determine the impact of physical function level and nutritional status on life satisfaction in old age in order to increase life satisfaction in the elderly population. For this study, data from 9,279 people who met the subject selection criteria were used among the 10,097 participants in the 2020 Survey on the Status of the Elderly conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. To identify factors affecting life satisfaction, multiple regression analysis with weights applied for parameter estimation was used. As a result, the variable with the greatest correlation with life satisfaction was NSI. Factors that significantly influenced life satisfaction were nutritional status, NSI, and body mass index and at the level of physical function, the ability to carry out daily life independently, basic physical activities without difficulty, vision without discomfort in daily life such as watching TV or reading a book, and the ability to chew to receive necessary nutrition and eat what you want. These results identified important factors that can increase life satisfaction in old age, and provide implications for socially necessary welfare benefits and policies for a longer and more satisfying life in old age.

The aim of the study was to systematically review the effect of aquatic exercise on physical function among athletes. Aquatic exercise can be important role for physical function of human body. But, each evidence of aquatic exercise has difficult for understanding overall effects. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically review the evidence of aquatic exercise for better application in sports filed. The Pubmed, Scopus and Google scholar were systematically searched for relevant studies published between January 2006 and May 2018. The following search terms were used: “aqua”, “aquatic”, “athlete”, “water”, “exercise”, “sports”, “underwater” and “underwater exercise” Ten of the 945 retrieved articles met the 10 inclusion criteria. And, used for analysis effect of aquatic exercise on physical function. The results of this study were include analysis factor as follows: speed (7 papers), strength (3), heart rate, agility, flexibility (2), balance, performance, endurance, power, pain, anthropometric and physiological (1). There were improvement in aquatic exercise in all factors, but especially in heart rate, agility, endurance, and power. However, it showed lower effect than land-based exercise in the balance part. In this study, it is necessary to consider the clinical application for athletes through the effectiveness of each factor. However, there was a deviation in the number of articles on each factor, therefore it is need to various study to aquatic exercise for sports athlete.

목적 : 본 연구는 고객중심 여가활동이 뇌졸중 환자의 신체기능, 자기효능감, 삶의 만족도에 미치는 영향에 대하여 알아보고자 하였다. 연구 방법 : 본 연구는 뇌졸중 환자 30명을 선정하여 무작위로 실험군 15명, 대조군 15명을 배정하였다. 연구 설계는 사전-사후 통제 집단설계(pretest-posttest control group design)를 적용하였다. 중재는 주 3회 60분씩, 9주, 총 24회기를 실시하였다. 중재 전과 후의 비교를 위해 신체기능은 버그균형검사 (Berg Balance Scale; BBS)와 상지기능 검사(Manual Function Test; MFT)를, 자기효능감은 자기효 능감 검사(Self-Efficacy Scale)를, 삶의 만족도는 삶의 만족도 척도(Life Satisfaction Index-Z; LSI-Z)를 사용하였다. 결과 : 고객중심 여가활동은 실험군의 균형, 자기효능감, 삶의 만족도를 향상시켰고 대조군과 유의한 차이 를 보였다. 결론 : 본 연구의 고객중심 여가활동 프로그램은 뇌졸중 환자의 복합적인 기능장애를 자연스럽게 수용하고 자신의 기능, 역할, 가치를 재정립하는 기회를 제공하여 삶의 질을 향상시킬 수 있었기에 뇌졸중 환자를 위한 재활치료의 중재전략으로 제안하는 바이다.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of client-centered leisure activities on thephysical function, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction of stroke patients. Methods: In this study, 30 stroke patients were randomly divided into 15 patients in the experimental group and 15in the control group. The research design was applied to the pretest-post-test control group design. Theintervention was conducted three times a week for 60 min during 9 weeks for a total of 24 sessions. For acomparison of before and after the intervention, the Berg Balance Scale(BBS) and Manual Function Test(MFT)were used for the physical functions, the Self-Efficacy Scale was used for self efficacy, and Life SatisfactionIndex-Z(LSI-Z) was used for life satisfaction. Results: Client-centered leisure activities improved the balance, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction of theexperimental group, and showed significant differences from the control group. Conclusion: The client-centered leisure activities program proposed in this study improved the quality of life ofstroke patients by providing them with opportunities to accept their complicated functional impediments andreestablish their physical functions, roles in society, and values. Hence, the program is recommended as anintervention strategy toward rehabilitation therapy for stroke patients.

배경: 단백질은 근육량 유지와 근력 발현에 중요한 역할을 하는 필수 영양소이다. 그러나 단백질 섭취량과 근 육 건강 간의 관계와 최적 섭취 수준에 대한 기준과 근거는 아직 명확하지 않다. 목적: 문헌분석을 통하여 단백질 섭취량과 근육량 및 근력 관계를 분석하고, 근육량 및 근력 증진을 위한 최적화된 단백질 섭취 전략을 제시하고자 한다. 연구 방법: 문헌고찰과 메타분석을 포함하는 overview of systematic reviews를 수행했다. 문헌 검색은 PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library 등 주요 데이터베이스를 대상으로 2000년부터 2025년까지 발표된 연구를 고려하였다. 포함된 연구의 방법론적 질 평가는 AMSTAR-2 도구를 사용하여 수행하였다. 결과: 문헌 검색 결과 최종 분석에 사용된 55편의 연구를 분석한 결과 단백질 섭취는 근육량 증가와 근력 개선에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 확인되었다. 단백질 섭취량에 따른 섭취량에 따른 근육량 및 근력 개선 효과는 하루 단백질 섭취량이 1.2– 1.6 g/kg/day 범위에서 뚜렷하나, 0.8 g/kg/day 미만에서는 불충분하고, 1.6 g/kg/day 이상에서는 정체되고 있 다. 단백질 섭취로 인한 단백질 섭취 효과는 연령이 증가할수록 증가하며, 노인과 근감소증 집단에서 가장 크다. 단백질 섭취는 근력과 관련된 보행속도, 의자에서 일어서기를 포함하는 신체 운동 기능 개선으로 이어지고 있다. 결론: 본 연구를 통해, 근육량와 근력 증진을 위한 단백질 섭취의 효과가 확인되고 있으며, 성인 및 노인의 경우, 하루 단백질 섭취량을 0.8–1.6 g/kg/day 범위에서 개별적으로 최적화하는 전략이 적절해 보인다. 본 연구의 결과는 근 감소증 예방 및 신체의 운동 기능 관리를 위한 단백질 섭취 전략 수립에 학술적 근거가 될 것으로 기대된다.

Background: Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a critical role in maintaining muscle mass and facilitating muscle strength. However, the relationship between protein intake and muscle health, as well as the optimal intake level, remains insufficiently defined. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the association between protein intake and muscle mass and strength through a comprehensive literature analysis and to propose optimized protein intake strategies for improving muscle mass and strength. Methods: An overview of systematic reviews, including meta-analyses, was conducted. Literature searches were performed across major databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, covering studies published between 2000 and 2025. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: A total of 55 studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, protein intake was found to have a positive effect on increasing muscle mass and improving muscle strength. The effects were most pronounced within a daily protein intake range of 1.2–1.6 g/kg/day. Intake below 0.8 g/kg/day was insufficient, whereas intake above 1.6 g/kg/day showed a plateau effect. The beneficial effects of protein intake increased with age and were most significant in older adults and individuals with sarcopenia. Furthermore, protein intake contributed to improvements in physical performance, including gait speed and chair rise ability, which are closely related to muscle strength. Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm the beneficial effects of protein intake on muscle mass and strength. For adults and older individuals, an individualized protein intake strategy within the range of 0.8–1.6 g/kg/day appears to be appropriate. These results provide an academic basis for establishing protein intake strategies aimed at preventing sarcopenia and managing physical functional capacity.

The global aging population is rapidly increasing, with associated de-clines in motor and cognitive function leading to higher fall risk and re-duced independence. Exercise interventions improve strength, balance, and cognition, but accessibility barriers remain. While technology as-sistance programs are promising, they often lack clinical perspectives, are difficult to adapt, and lack features that encourage participation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a motion recognition-based interactive training program designed by a physical therapist to en-hance motor function and physical fitness in older adults. Twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=13) or control group (n=15). The experi-mental group completed three weekly sessions of motion recognition exercises with adaptive feedback for 4 weeks, while the control group performed stretching. Outcomes included task performance metrics (attempts, corrections, accuracy) automatically recorded by the program and fitness measures from the senior fitness test. The experimental group showed significant increases in attempts and corrections across all body parts, with notable accuracy improvement in head movements (P<0.05). Flexibility significantly improved between groups, while both groups improved in lower extremity strength and endurance. No signifi-cant changes were observed in upper limb strength or agility. A clinical-ly designed, motion recognition-based interactive program enhanced motor performance and flexibility in older adults. Incorporating adaptive difficulty and real-time feedback, it shows potential as a scalable, cost- effective digital intervention for promoting active aging.

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.

본 연구는 경상남도 소재지의 M대학교 50명 대학생을 대상으로 정적 족압 압력, 유연성, 평형 능력 간의 상관관계 를 분석함으로써, 대학생 시기의 건강관리 및 신체 기능 유지, 향상과 생활습관 개선을 위한 기초자료를 확보하고자 하는 목적을 가지고 일회성 단면 연구를 실시하였다. 50명의 대학생을 대상으로 정적 족압 분포 전면·후면, 좌·우 압력으로 구 분하여 측정하였고, 유연성, 평형 능력을 측정하였다. 자료분석은 Pearson의 상관분석을 실시하였다. 전면 압력은 유연성 과 음의 상관(r=-.410, p<.01), 후면 압력은 양의 상관(r=.410, p<.01)을 보였다. 좌·우 평형은 유의한 양의 상관(r=.673, p<.01)을 보였으며, 족압 분포와 평형 간 유의한 상관은 관찰되지 않았다. 본 연구의 결과를 통해 대학생에서 유연성이 높을수록 정적 기립 시 후방 하중을 선호하는 경향이 확인되었으며, 하지 평형은 좌우에 공통요인이 작용함을 시사한다. 향후 유연성 구성요소와 연속적 평형지표를 포함한 정밀 분석이 요구된다.

This study was conducted as a one-time cross-sectional study 50 students at M University in South Gyeongsang Province, with the aim of obtaining basic data for health management, maintaining and improving physical function, and improving lifestyle habits during college by analyzing the correlations between static foot pressure, flexibility, and balance. Static foot pressure distribution was measured for the 50 students, divided into front and back, and left and right pressures, and flexibility and balance were also assessed. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Front pressure showed a negative correlation with flexibility (r=-.410, p<.01), while back pressure showed a positive correlation (r=.410, p<.01). Left and right balance showed a significant positive correlation (r=.673, p<.01), and no significant correlation was observed between foot pressure distribution and balance. The results of this study confirmed that students with higher flexibility tended to prefer posterior loading during quiet standing, suggesting that common factors affect lower limb balance on both the left and right sides. Further detailed analyses, including flexibility components and continuous balance indices, are needed.

퇴원계획은 환자의 거주지를 고려하여 재활중에 계획되어야한다. 본 연구는 퇴원 1개월 후 재활환자를 대상으로 퇴원장소에 따른 인구통계학적 요인과 재활기능을 비교하는 것을 목적으로 연구가 시행되었다. 대상자는 재활퇴원환자였으며 전체 300명중 146명은 자택으로 154명은 요양원등 시설로 퇴원하였다. 그 결과 수정된 Barthel Index를 이용해 점수화된 재활기능점수가 퇴원장소에 따라 차이가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 즉 자택으로 퇴원한 환자의 재활기능점수가 시설퇴원환자보다 높은 점수를 보였다. 그러나 재택환자의 신체기능과 일상생활 동작이 재활이 필요한 점수를 보였다. 재활환자를 위한 가정 및 시설 방문재활프로그램에 대한 차별화된 전략이 필요하다.

Discharge plans should be considered during rehabilitation depending on the location specified by the patients. This study aims to compare the demographics and rehabilitation function according to discharge location in people with rehabilitation one month after discharge. Among 300 discharged patients, 146 were discharged to their homes, 154 were transferred to facilities such as nursing homes. The results showed that rehabilitation function that scored using the modified Barthel Index were different according to discharge location. That is, the modified Barthel Index scored greater in home discharged patients than counter group. However, the home discharged patient's physical function and daily activities showed scores that required rehabilitation. Differentiated strategies should be needed for home and facility visit rehabilitation programs for rehabilitated patients.

Objective: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of monitoring systems to monitor and manage physical function of community-dwelling elderly living alone and suggest future directions of unobtrusive monitoring. Design: Literature review Methods: The importance of health-related monitoring has been emphasized due to the aging population and novel corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak.As the population gets old and because of changes in culture, the number of single-person households among the elderly is expected to continue to increase. Elders are staying home longer and their physical function may decline rapidly,which can be a disturbing factorto successful aging.Therefore, systematic elderly management must be considered. Results: Frequently used technologies to monitor elders at home included red, green, blue (RGB) camera, accelerometer, passive infrared (PIR) sensor, wearable devices, and depth camera. Of them all, considering privacy concerns and easy-to-use features for elders, depth camera possibly can be a technology to be adapted at homes to unobtrusively monitor physical function of elderly living alone.The depth camera has been used to evaluate physical functions during rehabilitation and proven its efficiency. Conclusions: Therefore, physical monitoring system that is unobtrusive should be studied and developed in the future to monitor physical function of community-dwelling elderly living alone for the aging population.

Purpose: This study investigated the differences in physical function, self-efficacy (SE), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) categorized by disease severity in community-dwelling patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 182 patients with COPD selected from the pulmonology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. Disease severity was measured using forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Physical function, SE, and HRQoL were measured with the six-minute walking distance, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Adapted Index of Self-Efficacy (PRAISE), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Disease duration, FEV1, and 12-month history of exacerbations were obtained from medical records. Patients were categorized by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) category. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test, and one-way ANOVA. Results: Most of the participants were male and nonsmokers. The disease duration was 10.76 ± 10.03 years, the mean FEV1% was 62.13 ± 22.80, and 70.3% of the participants were in GOLD category 2 (moderate) or milder. Half of the participants reported modified Medical Research Council scores ≥ 2. Patients in GOLD categories 1 and 3 (mild and severe) exhibited significantly higher PRAISE scores than those in the other groups (F = 8.23, p < .001). The total SGRQ scores were highest in GOLD 4 (very severe), indicating the lowest HRQoL. Significant differences were identified among GOLD 1, GOLD 2 and 3, and GOLD 4 (F = 9.92, p < .001). Conclusion: We identified potentially useful variables to comprehensively assess disease severity and tailor management strategies, including airflow limitation, and to determine the consequences of COPD from patients’ perspectives.

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine activities of daily living (ADL) of older adults admitted to Korean long-term care hospitals (LTCHs), and to explore the patient and organizational factors that have an impact on the ADL of this population. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Korean minimum data set (K-MDS) of patients (N=14,369) and of the profiles of LTCHs (N=358) from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service was done between January and July 2008. The outcome variable was ADL score 6 months after baseline assessment. Multi-level linear regression was employed to explore the patient and organizational factors that affected ADL scores. Results: Of the patients, 45.4% had a baseline ADL score of between 31 and 40, with a score of 40 indicating that the patient was entirely dependent for all items. None of the organizational characteristics were significantly associated with effects on the ADLs of older adults who had been in a LTHC for at least 6 months. However, patient characteristics, such as age, baseline ADL, frequency of physical therapy, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pressure ulcers, and having a tube or catheter, were significantly associated with ADL 6 months after baseline. Conclusion: In order to maintain and improve the ADL of older adults in LTCHs, we should develop strategies to prevent urinary and fecal incontinence, pressure ulcers, unnecessary tubes or catheters, providing adequate physical therapy. Additional studies should include more detailed information regarding nursing staff, including RN hours for direct care, education level and turnover.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the physical function test differences between the faller group and the nonfaller group in a sample of the community-dwelling elderly. Methods: This study used a nonexperimental two-group-comparative study design. The participants were 356 people aged 65 years and over living in an urban area. From May to December 2010, data were collected through personal interviews using questionnaires and measurements of muscle strength,physical endurance, flexibility, motor agility and dynamic balance, and static balance. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi square analysis, and t test. Results: Upper muscle strength was significantly weaker in the faller group (p < .05). Lower muscle strength was significantly weaker in the faller group; both hip flexion (p ¼ .004), knee extension (Right:p ¼ .004; Left: p ¼ .031), left ankle plantar flexion (p ¼ .045), and left ankle inversion (p ¼ .036). Tandem standing with eyes opened and closed was significantly shorter, indicating decreased static balance in the faller group. Conclusion: Nurses should make efforts to implement exercise programs focused on physical fitness enhancement for community-dwelling elderly adults for fall prevention.

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between isokinetic strength training and the enhancement of physical function in older adults. It also evaluates the effectiveness of isokinetic strength training equipment. Method: This study randomly divided twenty healthy adults into two groups.The experimental group engaged in isokinetic strength training for 30 minutes, three times a week, over a four-week period. In contrast, the control group did not participate in any exercise regimen. We assessed several outcome measures including physical functions (sit-to-stand test, flexibility, Timed Up and Go test), grip strength, balance, thigh circumference, the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Additionally, the experimental group's self-perceived improvement in lower limb condition was evaluated using the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in various aspects: reduced sit-to-stand test duration (7.00±2.05 seconds), increased flexibility (4.69±3.90 cm), improved grip strength (1.54±1.74 kg), increased thigh circumference (left: 1.29±1.19 cm, right: 1.19±1.27 cm), enhanced Timed Up and Go test performance (-1.47±0.86 seconds), better balance (eyes open stance: -8.08±4.03 cm, eyes closed stance: -0.27±0.13 cm/s), and a decrease in depression severity (-0.15±1.51 points). Furthermore, significant increases were observed in the experimental group's maximal isokinetic strength at 90°/s for both flexion (19.62±7.03 Nm) and extension (19.60±14.65 Nm) over the study period. Conclusion: The findings suggest that isokinetic strength training equipment can significantly enhance physical functions in seniors when incorporated into an exercise regimen.

Objective: Body awareness therapy (BAT) is a therapeutic approach aimed at enhancing sensoriy-motor integration, postural control, and body awareness through mindful movements and proprioceptive feedback. This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of BAT in improving physical function, balance, and gait performance in patients with stroke and its potential application in rehabilitation programs. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between their inception and the most recent update. Studies assessing the effect of BAT on balance, gait performance, and physical function in patients with stroke were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess the study quality. Quantitative analysis employed a random-effects model with the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect measure. Results: Of the 69 identified studies, five, involving 280 patients with stroke, were included. The BAT interventions targeted physical function, balance, and gait performance. The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in physical function (SMD = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-2.11) and balance (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.68-1.36) compared to control conditions. However, the effect on gait performance was not statistically significant (SMD = -1.24, 95% CI: -2.54-0.07). High heterogeneity was observed in gait performance. Conclusions: BAT shows significant potential for improving physical function and balance in patients with stroke, supporting its use in rehabilitation programs. Further high-quality studies using standardized protocols are required to clarify their effects on gait performance.

Purpose: To identify the effect of breathing training on the physical function and psychological problems in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: In total, 26 patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group, who underwent breathing training and neurodevelopmental treatment, and the control group, who underwent neurodevelopmental treatment (13 patients per group). Physical function was evaluated using the balance and Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Psychological problems were assessed using the Depression. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). ADLs were measured using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The BBS, MBI, and BDI were recorded before and after the 4-week treatment. Results: As a result of comparison within groups, the experimental and control group showed significant difference for BBS, MBI and BDI after the experiment (p<0.05). In comparison between two groups, the experimental group showed more significant difference in BBS, MBI and BDI than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that breathing training was effective improvement physical function, and psychological problems in patients with chronic stroke.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of Nordic walking on depression and the physical function of elderly patients with a high risk of depression. METHODS: This study was a blinded randomized allocation study; 32 elderly were assigned to a Nordic walking group (n = 17), consisting of 60 min Nordic walking (including warming up 5 min, warming down 5 min, and Nordic walking 50 min) two days per week for 12 weeks and general leisure group (n = 15), consisting of 60 min leisure program community center. The pre and post 12-week program, depression test, muscle strength (including grip test, and 30sec sit to stand), and balance (including Functional Reach test, and One Leg Standing test) were measured. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare within the group, and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare between the groups. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, only the Nordic walking group showed significant improvement in depression, muscle strength, and balance (p < .05). In the general leisure group, however, the left grip strength and Functional Reach Test (FRT) showed a significant decrease. The Nordic walking program was better than the general leisure group, and a significant difference was observed in depression, muscle strength, and balance between the two groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Nordic walking was effective for the elderly with a high risk of depression. Therefore, Nordic walking may be an option for preventing elderly mental disorders and functional improvement.

Objective To determine the effects of the Paraplegia Fitness Integrated Training (PARAFiT) program, which is an integrated graded physical exercise and health education program for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods This nonrandomized single-blind study included 44 participants, who were assigned to either an intervention (PARAFiT) group or an active control (conventional physiotherapy) group. The intervention group underwent the PARAFiT program (8 weeks), which consisted of circuit-based interval training, progressive upper limb resistance training, and health education sessions. During the unsupervised period, the intervention group continuously underwent health education program once a month for 2 months (8 weeks). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for the analysis.Results The intervention group presented with a higher level of physical activity than did the control group; however, the difference was not significant (p=0.36). Additionally, the intervention group presented with better exercise self-efficacy and cardiorespiratory fitness and stronger bilateral shoulder muscle and handgrip than did the control group (all p<0.05). Exercise adherence was higher in the intervention group than in the control group during both the supervised (80% vs. 75%) and unsupervised (40% vs. 20%) periods.Conclusion The PARAFiT program enhanced the level of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, physical fitness, and exercise adherence among the patients with SCI. Future studies should incorporate guidelines for home-based exercises and regular monitoring to promote long-term adherence to exercise and physical activity among individuals with SCI.

Objective: This study was conducted to provide basic data on physical function improvement activities of elderly care facilities by identifying the degree of physical improvement activities of elderly caregivers. Design: Descriptive correlational study. Methods: The instrument of this study consisted of 12 questions on the general characteristics of the subject. For the assessment of improvement in physical function activities, the measuring tool used for the elderly consisted of a total of 20 questions. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient & Spearman's rho and multiple regression were used. Results: The higher the age of the subjects, the lower their educational background (r=-0.273, p<0.05), and the higher the probability of having a religion (r=-0.258, p<0.05), the more stable the employment type (r=-0.333, p<0.05). The higher the level of education, the higher the monthly income (r=0.187, p<0.01), and the shorter the career (r=-0.204, p<0.05). The more stable employment, the more unstable duty (r=-0.245, p<0.05), and the more unstable work, the higher the monthly income (r=-0.206, p<0.05) and the longer the career, the higher the monthly income (r=0.247, p<0.05). The more stable the employment, the more activities to improve physical function were found (r=0.341, p<0.05), and the more unstable the duty, the more activities to improve physical function were found (r=0.321, p<0.05), and the higher monthly income, the less physical function improvement activities (r=-0.196, p<0.05). Conclusions: It is necessary to provide regular services by a dedicated physical therapist for physical function improvement activities in order to improve the quality of life of the elderly in the future.