Earticle

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

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of ergometer exercise after performing static stretching and strength exercise on the activity of the quadriceps muscle. In general, the effects of performing both the strength and stretching exercises before ergometer exercises were examined. Methods: The participants were divided into two exercise groups and performed static stretching and strength exercises and then ergometer exercise. Each exercise was performed for 4 weeks, three times a week, by each group to measure changes in the muscle activities of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. Measurements were made at weeks 0 and 4, and electromyography was used in a static posture. Results: Both the stretching and strength exercise groups showed significant increases in the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis muscle activities after exercise. Conclusion: Stretching and strength exercises before ergometer exercise helps to increase muscle activities. Stretching is thought to be more effective for gaining muscle activity than muscle strength. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups.

The beneficial effects of a strength exercise program and a combined exercise program of strength training plus walking were examined in overweight with chronic back pain patients. The participants were ran-domly placed in the strength exercise group (SEG, n=15), combined ex-ercise group (CEG, n=15), and control group (CG, n=6). All subjects performed exercise twice per week, 50 min per session with a profes-sional instructors for 12 weeks. In order to evaluate exercise interven-tion effects, lumbar function was measured by back strength and flexi-bility. Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ) and visual ana-logue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate pain level. Fat and muscle mass were measured to compare body composition changes. All mea-surements were performed before and after 12 weeks of exercise pro-gram. Lumbar function: Back strength was significantly different over time, and significant time×group differences were found between SEG and CG and, CEG and CG. Pain disorder degree: VAS showed a signifi-cant group difference, and significant time×group differences were shown between SEG and CG, and CEG and CG. Also, RMDG showed a significant difference between CEG and CG. Body composition: Fat mass was significantly different over time×group between SEG and CG. In conclusion, participating in strength and walking exercises were beneficial to improve lumbar function. Also, the combined exercise pro-gram was more effective for reducing pain levels than the strength ex-ercise. Finally, fat mass was reduced in this study and this may play a possible role in the improvement of lumbar function and reduction in low back pain.

최근 홈트레이닝에 대한 관심과 라이프스타일의 변화에 따른 헬스케어 분야의 시장이 확대되고 있으며, 덤벨이 코노미 현상을 반영한 고부가가치의 패션 상품들이 출시되고 있다. 이에, 본 연구의 목적은 시간과 장소에 상관없이 상·하체 근력운동을 원하는 운동 초보자를 위한 스마트폰 앱의 UI/UX 개발 및 덤벨 이코노미 현상에 활용 가능한 스마 트 애슬레저 패션을 개발하는 것이다. 연구의 내용은 첫째, 상·하체의 각도별 근력운동 자세 고찰을 통해 운동 초보자를 위한 운동방법, 호흡법, 운동범위에 대한 요소를 추출하고 이를 바탕으로 근력운동 전문가를 대상으로 사용자 요구조사 를 실시하여 연구의 필요성 검증으로 활용하였다. 둘째, 카운팅, 운동 자세, 운동 캘린더 기능의 3가지 콘텐츠로 구성된 스마트폰 앱 UI/UX 개발과 사용자 중심의 기술적·디자인적 측면에서 필요한 콘셉트와 특성을 분석하고 이를 바탕으로 탈·부착 커스터마이징 형태의 스마트 애슬레저 패션을 개발하였다.

Recently, interest in home training and changes in lifestyle are expanding the market in the healthcare field, and high value-added fashion products reflecting the dumbbell economy phenomenon are being released. This study had the following objectives: to investigate the possibility of developing a fashion item that can be applied to the dumbbell economy phenomenon; to develop the UI/UX of a smartphone application for beginners who wish to work out their upper and lower bodies regardless of time and space; and to create a wearable customized smart athleisure fashion device. First, the study identified factors related to exercise methods, breathing techniques, and range of exercises for beginners by investigating the postures of workouts of the upper and lower bodies by angles. Based on the results, the study collected empirical data through a user needs analysis from muscle strengthening exercise experts to verify the significance of the study and use as fundamental data. Second, the study developed the UI/UX of a smartphone application with three different contents: counting, suggesting exercise postures, and providing exercise calendars. Further, the study analyzed necessary user-centered concepts and characteristics in terms of design and technology and developed a wearable customized smart athleisure fashion device based on the results.

To investigate the effects of full versus split body resistance exercise on postexercise hypotension and autonomic modulation in trained men. Sixteen resistance recreationally trained males (age, 24.9±5.3 years) performed three randomized trials: upper body (UB), lower body (LB), and full body (FB) conditions. Blood pressure and heart rate variability were collected at rest, immediately postexercise, post-10, and post-30 min during recovery. For systolic blood pressure, delta (30 min minus rest) was lower for the FB condition compared to the UB (-10.1±7.4 mmHg [FB] vs. -3.3±12.6 mmHg [LB] vs. -1.9±8.1 mmHg [UB], P=0.004). For diastolic blood pressure (-8.2±10.9 mmHg [FB] vs. -1.5±9.8 mmHg [LB] vs. -8.7±11.4 mmHg [UB], P=0.038) and mean blood pressure delta during recovery (-11.7±14 mmHg [FB] vs. -2.2±10.6 mmHg [LB] vs. -5.2±6.8 mmHg [UB], P=0.045), there were statistically significant lower values in the FB condition in relation to the LB condition. Regarding heart rate variability, there were no significant differences between conditions, however, the square root of the mean squared difference between adjacent RR intervals presented an increase until post-30 during recovery (P<0.001), and there was a higher values of low fre-quency and lower values of high frequency across time (P<0.001). Postexercise hypotension was influenced by the amount of muscle mass involved in a bout of resistance exercise, with the FB condition in-ducing lower systolic blood pressure in relation to the UB after exer-cise, as well as a great decrease in postexercise diastolic and mean blood pressure compared with the LB. The autonomic modulation re-sponse was similar between conditions during recovery.

The purpose of this six-week research study was to analyze muscle strengthening and stretching exercises for spinal correction and balance improvement in adults with scoliosis. Already growth to prove the scoliosis and the effect of the balance of in and purpose to compare the more objective information also it has put the purpose to teach the importance and necessity. Spine rotation and lateral curvature can lead to further damage and injury in the spine. Repetitive injury leads to trunk muscle weakness and prompted pain affects daily living activities. These injuries often appear in women and teenagers. First, the scoliosis angle and static balance were measured. Dynamic balance improved in all strength training and stretching exercises. Second, the scoliosis angles did not show a difference between groups. However, strength training exercises were more beneficial than stretching in the balance ability. This study measured the Cobb’s angle and balance change over the course of six weeks of strength and stretching exercises using gym balls, and obtained the following results. First, strength exercises using gym balls produced a greater change in balance compared to stretching exercises. This study shows that strength exercises using gym balls leads to a more significant difference than stretching exercises. This may be used clinically to treat scoliosis patients.

This study investigated the influence of short and moderate recovery in-tervals on lipid profiles and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) fol-lowing exhaustive strength exercise in recreational weightlifters. Seven subjects performed two conditions in a randomized order: short, 90% of one maximum repetition (1RM) and 30-sec rest allowed between sets; moderate, 90% of 1RM and 90-sec rest allowed between sets. Total cholesterol (Chol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-den-sity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triacylglycerol (TAG), Chol/HDL-c ra-tio and PAI-1 concentrations were assessed at baseline, immediately postexercise, and 15- and 30-min postexercise (post-15 and post-30). The LDL-c concentrations decreased and HDL-c concentrations in-creased in both conditions but without significant differences (LDL-c: 30 sec: pre, 82.0±19.5 mg/dL, immediately, 73.9±16.4 mg/dL, 90 sec: pre, 75.9±30.8 mg/dL, immediately, 66.2±35.5 mg/dL, P=0.423; HDL-c: 30 sec: pre, 53.5±9.2 mg/dL, immediately, 61.4±11.4 mg/dL; 90 sec: pre, 55.8±11.1 mg/dL, immediately, 84.9±27.8, mg/dL; P=0.146). On the other hand, PAI-1 had a tendency to decrease only in the 90-sec condition (pre, 7,754.9±2,927.7 pg/mL; immediately, 5,313.1±4,637.4 pg/mL; P=0.085). There was a positive correlation between PAI-1 and Chol (30 sec: r=0.83, 90 sec: r=0.91; P<0.05), PAI-1 and fat-free mass in both conditions (30 sec post-15: r=0.79, post-30: r=081, P<0.05; 90 sec imme-diately: r=0.77, post-15: r=0.81; P<0.05), and PAI-1 and TAG only in 30 sec (r=0.87, P<0.05). Short and moderate intervals of recovery improve lipid profiles after heavy strength exercise but only 90 sec induced greater improved in PAI-1 concentration in recreational weightlifters.

Background Gluteal muscle weakness or dysfunction leads to low back pain. Gluteal muscle is important for posture, balance, and independent gait. Despite the well-established link between with history of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and gluteal muscle weakness, there is little research available on direct exercise interventions. Whether sling exercises increase gluteal muscle strength in those with chronic low back pain has not been studied. Purpose To determine the changes in gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscle strength, gait velocity, pain, and low back disability following an intervention using sling exercise for four weeks in females with a history of CLBP. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods This study involved 27 females with a history of CLBP who visited the H fitness center. The participants’ pain intensity was measured using the visual analogue pain scale. Disability was measured using the Korean Oswestry Disability Index. A force measurement device was used to collect data on gluteal muscle strength. The participants walked for five minutes at a preferred walking speed on a treadmill, and the average walking speed was measured during gait and then re-measured after exercise. Results Pain intensity and disability were found to significant decrease after sling and common exercise groups. Significant increased post-intervention versus pre-intervention were seen in the hip abductor strength and gait velocity (p<0.05). No significant differences were seen in the hip extensor strength (p>0.05). These results show that hip abductor strength was significantly different between before and after sling exercise. Conclusions Sling exercises may be effective for stability during the gait pattern and may be recommended to improve the gluteal strength and lumbo-pelvic stability for those with chronic low back pain.

Background Squat exercises effectively strengthen leg muscles in stroke patients but pose challenges due to balance issues and fall risks. Wall squat exercises provide greater stability by utilizing the wall, making them a safer alternative while maintaining similar muscle-strengthening benefits. Additionally, applying an elastic band at the knees may activate the gluteus medius muscle, potentially improving walking ability. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of wall squat exercises using an elastic band on leg muscle strength, gait, and plantar pressure in chronic stroke patients. Study design Comparative, repeated measures design Methods The study included 23 chronic stroke patients randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=11), performing wall squats with an elastic band, or the control group (n=12), performing wall squats without a band. Both groups completed 10 sets of 10 repetitions, three times per week for six weeks. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention included leg muscle strength assessed with a manual muscle tester, gait performance evaluated using the 10-Meter Walk Test, and plantar pressure measured with an FDM-T treadmill. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare differences between groups over time. Results The experimental group using an elastic band showed greater improvements in leg muscle strength compared to the control group, particularly on the paralyzed side, which contributed to enhanced walking ability. Additionally, walking speed and stability improved. Plantar pressure analysis revealed a more balanced distribution between the forefoot and hindfoot, reducing asymmetrical weight distribution. Conclusions The findings confirm that wall squat exercises using an elastic band are an effective rehabilitation method for stroke patients, improving leg muscle strength and walking ability. The resistance provided by the band played a key role in strengthening the gluteus medius, leading to improved gait stability. Furthermore, the more balanced plantar pressure distribution contributed to better weight distribution, enhancing overall walking stability. These results suggest that elastic band-assisted wall squat exercises can be a safe and effective intervention for stroke rehabilitation, offering a practical approach to improving functional mobility. Therefore, incorporating this exercise into stroke rehabilitation programs can help enhance the overall physical function of patients.

Background: Ankle sprains occur frequently across all ages and sexes, and some individuals progress to chronic ankle instability (CAI), which is characterized by muscle weakness, impaired proprioception, and decreased postural control. Recently, blood flow restriction exercise (BFR) has gained increasing attention in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. However, research on the effects of low-load blood flow restriction exercise (LL-BFR) combined with proprioceptive training in individuals with CAI remains limited. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of LL-BFR combined with proprioceptive training on ankle muscle strength and balance in adults with CAI. Study design: A randomized comparative study with two groups using a pre-post design. Methods: This study involved 26 adults with CAI, who were randomly assigned to two groups of 13 participants each. The experimental group performed LL-BFR combined with proprioceptive training, while the control group performed traditional high-load resistance training (HLRT) combined with proprioceptive training. The time x group interaction effects were analyzed using a two-way mixed measures ANOVA, with the statistical significance level (alpha) set at 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant pre- to post-intervention improvements in ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and eversion strength (p < 0.05), whereas no significant change was observed in inversion strength (p > 0.05). For dynamic balance, significant improvements were found in both the limit of stability and the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in both groups (p < 0.05). A significant time x group interaction was observed for the YBT; however, post hoc analyses indicated that although the control group demonstrated a greater magnitude of improvement than the experimental group, the between-group difference did not remain statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.044). Conclusions: LL-BFR significantly improved ankle muscle strength and dynamic balance in individuals with CAI; however, it did not demonstrate superiority over traditional HLRT across most outcomes. Therefore, LL-BFR may be considered as an adjunctive or alternative intervention for individuals unable to perform high-load resistance exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of core stability-en-hancing exercises on the lower trunk and muscle activity of stroke pa-tients. The control group (n=10) underwent standard exercise therapy, while the experiment group (n=10) underwent both the core stability-en-hancing exercise and standard exercise therapy simultaneously. The standard exercise therapy applied to the two groups included weight bearing and weight shifts and joint movements to improve flexibility and the range of motion. The core stability- enhancing exercise was per-formed 5 times a week for 30 min over a period of 4 weeks in the room where the patients were treated. For all 20 subject, the items measured before the exercise were measured after the therapeutic intervention, and changes in muscle activity of the lower trunk were evaluated. The activity and stability of the core muscles were measured using surface electromyography and the trunk impairment scale (TIS). The mean TIS score and muscle activity of the lower trunk increased in the experi-ment group significantly after performing the core stability-enhancing ex-ercise (P<0.05). The results of this study show that the core stability-en-hancing exercise is effective in improving muscle activity of the lower trunk, which is affected by hemiplegia.

Few studies have shown the impact of unhealthy habits on arterial stiff-ness, respiratory muscle strength and exercise performance in early normal weight adulthood. This study sought to determine the effects of physical activity and smoking on its parameters in normal weight male participants. Forty-eight participants were divided into four groups: phys-ically inactive nonsmokers and smokers and physically active nonsmok-ers and smokers (n=12 in each group). All of the participants were mea-sured for body composition, arterial stiffness, respiratory muscle strength and exercise performance. Two-way analysis of variance design was used to test the main and interaction effects of physical activity by group (smokers vs. nonsmokers). P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant difference. As a result, cardio-ankle vascular index and respiratory muscle strength were diminished in smokers and physically inactive participants, while body and visceral fat mass were increased in both those groups. Fat-free mass was lower in only physi-cally inactive participants. This study also found the interaction effects on body fat and arterial stiffness. In conclusion, participants with healthy normal weight, but smoked and performed inappropriate physical activ-ity, exhibited body composition imbalance, decreased respiratory mus-cle strength, exercise performance, and increased arterial stiffness. Therefore, smoking cessation and exercise in younger adults are appro-priate ways of improving body composition, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity and arterial stiffness instead of trying to control their weight by smoking.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ancient boxing exercise on the strength of leg muscles and quality of life in patients with osteoar-thritis. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). The average aged of control and experimental group were 60.3±6.8 and 59.0±7.8 years, respectively. All volunteers were interviewed for basic information, evaluation of the criteria of re-search and sign consent to participate in the research. The outcome measurement consisted of five time sit to stand test, 6-min walk test, flexibility by sit and reach test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcomes score (KOOS) and quality of life of World Health Organization Thai brief version (WHOQOL-BERF-THAI). Prior and posttest measurements were performed at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and those who received ancient boxing exercise were given 60 min 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The results of the study showed that postexercise leg muscle strength, physical performances, quality of life and KOOS increased significantly after exercise. In conclusion, the ancient boxing exercise could increase the strength of leg muscles physical performances, quality of life in people with knee osteoarthritis. This exercise can be used as a long lasting exercise in the future.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lower-extremity strength-ening exercise (LSE) with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on the left thigh on golf performance. Eighteen amateur golfers with more than 1 year of golf experience participated in the study and were ran-domly divided into two groups: LSE+BFR group (LSE with BFR on the left thigh, n=9) and LSE group (LSE without BFR, n=9). The LSEs consisted of squats, lunges, and standing leg curls. All exercises were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Changes in thigh muscle strength, plantar foot pressure (weight transfer), and golf performance, such as club head speed, ball speed, and carry distance were measured before and after the exercise program. Right knee extension (P<0.001) and left knee ex-tension and flexion (P<0.001) strength were higher in the LSE+BFR group than in the LSE group. The changes in plantar foot pressure confirmed that smooth weight transfer appeared in E1 (event 1) (address) (P<0.05) of the LSE+BFR group, which confirmed that the carry distance (P<0.05) of the LSE+BFR group improved after the exercise program. The results of this study showed that BFR muscle strengthening exercise are more effective than basic simple muscle strengthening exercise in improving golf performance through muscle strength and weight transfer improve-ment.

Purpose: Foot function is associated with advancing age. Changes in foot function can result in the collapse of the foot arch and cause flat foot. Short foot exercises (SFE) are prescribed for patients with flat feet to prevent secondary clinical problems. This study investigated the effects of SFE on ankle strength and static and dynamic balance characteristics among older individuals with flat or neutral feet. Methods: A total 22 older individuals (11 each with flat and neutral feet) underwent progressive SFE over 6 weeks. Arch height was measured using a digital caliper. Ankle strength was measured using a BTE primus, and static and dynamic balance were measured using a Zebris treadmill device. Results: Navicular drop was significantly decreased in the group of older individuals with flat feet. Ankle plantar flexion was significantly increased in both groups (flat feet, p<.00; neutral feet, p<.028). Dorsiflexion and eversion strengths were significantly increased in the group of older individuals with flat feet (p<.000, p<.001). No significant difference was observed between the groups in the eyes open and closed conditions. Conclusion: SFE is a clinical prevention program for flat feet in the older population. These results will be used as basic knowledge for clinicians for designing a flat foot rehabilitation program.

Sarcopenia due to chronic inflammation and biochemical disturbances in chronic kidney disease is severer and more prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We longitudinally evaluated the hand grip strength (HGS) and leg muscle strength (LMS) and evaluated the role of exercise in muscle strength in HD patients. We screened (January, n=127) and fol-lowed up (June, n=110 and December 2020, n=104). HGS and LMS at single center by using digital hand and leg dynamometer. HGS (24.2 kg vs. 15.5 kg) and LMS (32.8 kg vs. 22.5 kg) were better in men (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Older patients (≥60 years) showed de-creased LMS than others in women (P=0.01). Patients who performed steady home- or hospital-based exercise showed marginally higher HGS (23.1 kg vs. 19.8 kg, P=0.07) and significantly higher LMS (33.7 kg vs. 25.9 kg, P=0.004). Steady exercise improved LMS throughout the study period (30.3 kg vs. 33.2 kg from Jan to Jun 2020, P=0.004; 30.3 kg vs. 34.2 kg from Jan to Dec 2020, P=0.014). Multiple linear regression analysis proved steady exercise was independently associated with better HGS and LMS. Steady exercise showed greater impact on LMS in male patients with longer HD vintage (≥44 months) and on HGS in younger male patients with shorter HD vintage (<44 months). Steady exercise was an important determinant of muscle strength in HD pa-tients. We need to encourage patients to steadily perform regular home- or group-exercise before sarcopenia develops.

An elongation band (EB) is used to improve the physical strength of older adults. However, the evidence of its effect on the upper limb is a deficiency. This study investigated the effectiveness of EB exercises on upper limb function in the elderly. Participants were divided into two groups: EB (n=16) and control (n=14). The EB group performed exer-cises in a sitting position using an EB while the control group performed active stretching exercises without bands. The exercise regimen con-sisted of four shoulder joint movements. Each group performed the ex-ercise for 20 min per day, 5 days per week over a period of 2 months. Measurements included upper limb muscle strength, shoulder joint range of motion, and grip strength. Measurements were performed at baseline, and 1 and 2 months after the intervention. Analysis of covari-ance was used to compare differences between the groups. The EB group demonstrated significant increases in muscle strength (upper trapezius, deltoid, middle trapezius muscle), shoulder joint range of mo-tion (right shoulder flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, left shoul-der joint extension), and grip strength. In conclusion, EB exercises in-creased upper limb muscle strength, shoulder joint range of motion, and grip strength in older adults.

The purpose of this study is to define the effects of regular swimming exercise on the physical composition, physical strength, and blood lip-ids of middle-aged women. The subjects of this study are a total of 24 middle-aged women in the swimming group and the control group, with 12 women for each group. The swimming group performed swimming exercise for 60 min every time for 3 times a week, for a total of 12 weeks. For data processing, SPSS 21.0 statistics program was used to calculate the mean and standard deviation. For the difference verifica-tion on the change in mean for each group and between the groups, paired and independent t-tests were respectively used. As a result, for physical composition, the body fat rate decreased in the swimming group. Moreover, the difference verification result showed a statistical-ly significant difference between the groups. For physical strength, the difference verification result for each group showed that the swimming group had a statistically significant difference in flexibility and cardio-vascular endurance. Moreover, the difference verification result be-tween the groups showed a statistically significant difference only for flexibility. For blood lipids, as a result of the difference verification for each group, T-C and TG showed a significant decrease, and HDL-C, a significant increase. However, in the difference verification result be-tween the groups, only T-C and TG showed a statistically significant dif-ference. With these results, it is considered that regular swimming ex-ercise is effective for improving the physical composition, physical strength, and blood lipids of middle-aged women.