Earticle

본 연구는 한국무용 동작 수행에 따른 여성 노인의 뇌 기능 관계를 규명하는 데 목 적이 있다. 이를 위해 60세 이상의 여성 노인을 대상으로 실습에 참여한 실험집단 14 명, 참여하지 않은 통제집단 14명으로 구성하였고, 실습 기간은 12주간 주 2회, 한 회당 60분씩 실시하였다. 각 집단은 실험 전후 뇌파검사 EEG를 통해 뇌 기능분석을 측정하였으며, 자료 처리는 SPSS 25.0(IBM, USA)을 이용하여 집단(한국무용, 통 제군)과 기간(사전, 사후)의 차이를 알아보기 위하여 이원변량 반복측정 분산분석 (Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures)을 실시하였다. 모든 통계적 유의 수준은 p<.05로 설정하여 실시한 결과 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 첫째, 한국무용 프로그램을 통해 집단에 따른 차이가 나타난 뇌 기능 지수는 자기 조절지수, 활성지수(좌뇌, 우뇌), 정서지수, 브레인 지수 총 4가지 지수에서 유의미한 변화가 나타났고, 둘째, 기간에 따른 차이가 나타난 뇌 기능 지수는 정서지수에서 유 의미한 차이가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 상호작용의 차이가 나타난 뇌 기능 지수 는 자기조절지수, 기초율동지수(좌뇌,우뇌), 주의지수(좌뇌, 우뇌), 활성지수(좌뇌, 우뇌), 정서지수, 항 스트레스지수(좌뇌, 우뇌), 좌,우뇌 균형지수, 브레인지수까지 8 가지 지수 전부에서 유의미한 차이가 나타났다. 이러한 연구 결과는 한국무용 고유의 특징과 본질적 가치를 보다 과학적으로 입증하고 있으며, 초고령 사회를 위한 노년기 문화예술 프로그램으로 중요한 기초자료가 될 것이다.

This study aims to define the relationship between the brain function of elderly women and the performance of Korean dance movements. For the study, elderly women aged over 60 years were assigned to two groups: 14 women in the experimental group, who participated in the Korean dance practice, and 14 women in the control group, who did not participate in the Korean dance practice. The practice was done for a period of 60 minutes per session twice a week over 12 weeks. For each group, brain function analysis was performed through EEG tests before and after the experiment, and data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM, USA) and two-way ANOVA, with measurements performed repeatedly to find any differences between the two groups (Korean dance group and control group) and times (before and after). With all statistical significances set at p<.05, the following conclusions were derived. First, there were four quotients in which significant differences were found between the two groups based on their participation in Korean dance practices: self-regulation quotient, activity quotient (left brain, right brain), emotion quotient, and brain quotient. Second, the emotion quotient showed significant differences over time. Third, significant differences in interaction were found in all eight brain quotients: self-regulation, basic rhythm (left brain, right brain), attention (left brain, right brain), activity (left brain, right brain), emotion, anti-stress (left brain, right brain), correlation, and brain. These outcomes are tangible proof of the unique characteristics and value of traditional Korean dance and can serve as important primary resources for the creation of culture/arts programs for seniors in a hyper-aging society.

오늘날 사회에서는 다양하고, 유연한 사고능력을 가진 창의적인 인재 육성을 필요로 하고 있다. 이에 개방형 문제는 다양한 답을 찾는 과정에서 학습자의 창의력 계발에 효과적인 학습방법으로 생각된다. 이러한 개방형 문제는 두뇌 발달에 어떠한 영향을 미칠 것인가? 최근 두뇌 기능 상태를 고려한 교수-학습 활동 개발의 필요성이 제안되면서 이를 위한 기초 연구로 학습자의 뇌파 측정 및 뇌파를 통한 교육 효과 검증 등이 시도되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 개방형 문제가 수학적 창의력에 미치는 영향과 함께 뇌파 측정을 통해 뇌기능 발달에 미치는 효과를 파악하고자 하였다. 연구 결과 개방형 문제는 학습자의 수학적 창의력과 두뇌 각성, 긍정적인 학습 성향, 두뇌 활동의 효율성을 높이는데 효과적인 문제 유형이었다. 따라서 개방형 문제가 꾸준히 개발되어 학생들에게 다양한 답을 찾는 문제 해결 경험을 제공해야 한다. 또한 개방형 문제를 활용한 수업에도 적극 활용될 필요가 있다. 특히 개방형 문제 해결이 뇌기능에 미치는 긍정적인 효과를 고려해 볼 때, 주의가 낮고, 수학 학습에 소극적인 학습자에게 개방형 문제를 제시하고, 꾸준한 학습 경험을 제공할 필요가 있다.

The aim of this study was to find the effects of open-ended problems on mathematical creativity and brain function. In this study, one class of first grade students were allocated randomly into two groups. Each group solved different problems. The experimental group solved the open-ended problems and the comparison group solved the closed-problems. Mathematical creativity was tested by the paper test. And Brain function was tested by an EEG(electroencephalogram) tester. The results of this study are as follows. Firstly, this study analyzed how the open-ended problems are effective on mathematical creativity. This analysis showed that it had a meaningful influence on the mathematical creativity(p=0.46). Accordingly, we could find out that open-ended problems make the student connect the mathematical concept and idea and think variously. Secondly, this study analyzed the effect of open-ended problems on brain function. This analysis showed that it did not have a meaningful influence on the brain function(p=.073) statistically but the experimental group's evaluation was higher than comparison groups' at the post-test. It also had a meaningful influence on the brain attention quotient(left)(p=.007), attention quotient(right)(p=.023) and emotion tendency quotient(p=.025). As a result of such tests, we could find out that open-ended problems are effective on brain function, especially on the attention ability. With the use of the open-ended problems, students could show quick understanding and response. An emotion tendency is also developed in the process. Because various answers are accepted, the students gain an internal reward at the process of finding an answer. Putting the above results together, we could find that open-ended problem is effective on mathematical creativity and brain function.

본 연구는 무용교육이 좌 우뇌의 균형적 발달에 미치는 영향을 검증하고자 무용교육 실시 전후의 뇌파를 측정하여 그 영향을 규명하는데 목적이 있다. 연구대상은 서울시내 소재한 H대학교의 비전공자 남자 6명 여자 4명 총 10명, 연구기간은 2주간 90분씩 총14회의 무용교육을 실시하였다. 실험 전 후 뇌파검사를 통해 뇌 기능분석을 측정하였으며 수집된 자료는 SPSS 12.0 프로그램을 이용하여 분석하였다. 대상자의 뇌 활용 성향을 알아보기 위해 평균 표준편차를 분석하였으며, 사전실험과 사후실험의 효과차이를 살펴보기 위해 평균차이 검증은 독립변인 t-test를 통해 결과를 산출하였다. 이러한 과정을 통해서 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1. 실험집단의 사전 사후 차이검증 결과 좌 우뇌의 균형 지수에 유의미한 차이가 있었다. 이는 무용교육이 좌 우뇌 발달의 효과에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 의미 있다고 볼 수 있다. 2. 좌․우뇌의 균형지수 안의 동시성은 유의미한 차이가 있었고, 대칭성의 지수는 증가하였으나 유의미한 차이는 없었다. 3. 좌․우뇌의 균형지수에 대한 편차 역시 낮게 측정되어 유의미한 차이가 있었다. 이상과 같이 무용교육은 뇌 기능 향상과 좌 우뇌의 균형적 발달의 효과적인 중재임을 확인할 수 있었고, 무용교육의 중요성을 보다 과학적으로 제시할 수 있는 계기가 되었다고 사료된다. 아울러 뇌 기능과 연관된 교육적, 과학적인 실증적 연구를 통해 무용교육 프로그램이 활성화되길 기대한다.

This research is for verifying that dance education impacts on development balanced on left and right brain and is aimed at investigating the effect through brain waves tested before and after dance education. For this research, 6 males and 4 females, 10 members in total non-majored of H university in Seoul have got dance education fourteen times for 90m each for two weeks. Through brain waves tested before and after the education, functional analysis of the brain had been measured and the gathered data was analysed by program SPSS 12.0. In order to find out their brain propensities, average standard deviation was analysed. In order to examine the difference of the impact between test before and test after, verification of average gap was calculated through independent side, t-test. By this process, it is concluded as follows. 1. The conclusion of this test, there was meaningful difference on index balanced of left and right brain. This means that we can say dance education positively affects development on both side of the brain. 2. There was meaningful difference on synchronicity on index balanced of left and right brain. Concerning index symmetry, it was increased but there was not meaningful. 3. The deviation of index balanced of left and right brain was measured low. It had also meaningful difference. As a result, this study is confirmed that dance education is effective mediation on growing brain functions and on development balanced for left and right. I think this research make having an opportunity to suggest importance of dance education more scientifically. In addition, I expect dance education program is empirically getting vitalized through educational and scientifical study.

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract houses a diverse microbial community, known as the gut microbiome comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's equilibrium and has recently been discovered to influence the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). The communication between the nervous system and the GI tract occurs through a two-way network called the gut-brain axis. The nervous system and the GI tract can modulate each other through activated neuronal cells, the immune system, and metabolites produced by the gut microbiome. Extensive research both in preclinical and clinical realms, has highlighted the complex relationship between the gut and diseases associated with the CNS, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review aims to delineate receptor and target enzymes linked with gut microbiota metabolites and explore their specific roles within the brain, particularly their impact on CNS-related diseases.

Objective To investigate whether patterns of swallowing diffi culties were associated with the location of the brain lesion, cognitive function, and severity of stroke in stroke patients. Method Seventy-six patients with fi rst-time acute stroke were included in the present investigation. Swallowingrelated parameters, which were assessed videofluoroscopically, included impairment of lip closure, decreased tongue movement, amount of oral remnant, premature loss of food material, delay in oral transit time, laryngeal elevation, delay in pharyngeal triggering time, presence of penetration or aspiration, and the amount of vallecular and pyriform sinus remnants. The locations of brain lesions were classified into the frontal, parietotemporal,subcortical, medulla, pons, and cerebellum. Th e degree of cognitive impairment and the severity of stroke were assessed by the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS),respectively. Results An insufficient laryngeal elevation, the amount of pyriform sinus, and vallecular space remnant in addition to the incidence of aspiration were correlated with medullary infarction. Other swallowing parameters were not related to lesion topology. Lip closure dysfunction, decreased tongue movement, increased oral remnant and premature loss were associated with low MMSE scores. A delayed oral transit time were associated with NIHSS scores. Conclusion In-coordination of the lip, the tongue, and the oropharynx were associated with the degree of cognitive impairment and the stroke severity rather than with the location of the lesion, whereas incomplete laryngeal elevation and aspiration were predominant in medullary lesions.

Objective To investigate the effects of simultaneous, bihemispheric, dual-mode stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor functions and cortical excitability in healthy individuals.Methods Twenty-five healthy, right-handed volunteers (10 men, 15 women; mean age, 25.5 years) were enrolled. All participants received four randomly arranged, dual-mode, simultaneous stimulations under the following conditions: condition 1, high-frequency rTMS over the right primary motor cortex (M1) and sham tDCS over the left M1; condition 2, high-frequency rTMS over the right M1 and anodal tDCS over the left M1; condition 3, high-frequency rTMS over the right M1 and cathodal tDCS over the left M1; and condition 4, sham rTMS and sham tDCS. The cortical excitability of the right M1 and motor functions of the left hand were assessed before and after each simulation.Results Motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes after stimulation were significantly higher than before stimulation, under the conditions 1 and 2. The MEP amplitude in condition 2 was higher than both conditions 3 and 4, while the MEP amplitude in condition 1 was higher than condition 4. The results of the Purdue Pegboard test and the box and block test showed significant improvement in conditions 1 and 2 after stimulation.Conclusion Simultaneous stimulation by anodal tDCS over the left M1 with high-frequency rTMS over the right M1 could produce interhemispheric modulation and homeostatic plasticity, which resulted in modulation of cortical excitability and motor functions.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of group music therapy on brain waves, behavior, and cognitive function among patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used with nonequivalent control group. The potential participants were recruited from inpatients in a psychiatric facility in a metropolitan city, assigned either to the experimental group (n = 28) or to the control group (n = 27) according to their wards to avoid treatment contamination. The experimental group participated in the group music therapy for 13 sessions over 7 weeks while continuing their standard treatment. The control group only received a standard treatment provided in the hospitals. The outcome measures include brain wave by electroencephalography, behavior by Nurses’ Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation, and cognitive function by Mini-Mental State Examination. Results: After participating in 13 sessions of the group music therapy, alpha waves measured from eight different sites were consistently present for the experimental group (p = .006-.045) than the control group, revealing that the participants in the music therapy may have experienced more joyful emotions throughout the sessions. The experimental group also showed improved cognitive function (F = 13.46, p = .001) and positive behavior (social competence, social interest & personal neatness) while their negative behaviors was significantly less than those of the control group (F = 24.04, p < .001). Conclusion: The group music therapy used in this study was an effective intervention for improving emotional relaxation, cognitive processing abilities along with positive behavioral changes in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Our results can be useful for establishing intervention strategies toward psychiatric rehabilitation for those who suffer from chronic mental illnesses.

Around the world, fermentation of foods has been adopted over many generations, primarily due to their commercial significance with enriched flavors and high-profile nutrients. The increasing application of fermented foods is further promoted by recent evidence on their health benefits, beyond the traditionally recognized effects on the digestive system. With recent advances in the understanding of gut-brain interactions, there have also been reports suggesting the fermented food's efficacy, particularly for cognitive function improvements. These results are strengthened by the proposed biological effects of fermented foods, including neuroprotection against neurotoxicity and reactive oxygen species. This paper reviews the beneficial health effects of fermented foods with particular emphasis on cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects. With an extensive review of fermented foods and their potential cognitive benefits, this paper may promote commercially feasible applications of fermented foods as natural remedies to cognitive problems.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the task-oriented training according to the application time with the change of motor and cognition function. Focal ischemic brain injury was produced in Sprague-Dawley rats (20 rats, $250{\pm}50$ g) through middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Before MCAo induction, all rats were trained in treadmill training and Morris water maze training for 1 week. Then they were randomly divided into groups: Group I : MCAo induction ($n_1$=5), Grop II: the application for simple treadmill task training after. MCAo induction ($n_2$=5). Group III: the application for Morris water maze cognitive task training after MCAo induction ($n_3$=5). Group IV: the application for progressive treadmill task training and Morris water maze cognitive task training after MCAo induction ($n_4$=5). Modified limb placing tests (MLPTs) and motor tests (MTs) were performed to test motor function and then Morris water maze acquisition test (MWMAT) and Morris water maze retention test (MWMRT) were performed to test cognitive function. For MTs, there were significant interactions among the groups with the time (p<.001). Group IV showed the steeper increasing pattern than those in other Groups on the 7th and 14th day. For MLPTs, there were significant interactions among the groups with the time (p<.001). The scores in Group III. IV had showed the more decreasing pattern than those in Group I, II since the 7th day and 14th day. For MWMAT, there were significant interactions among the groups with the time (p<.001). Group II found the Quadrant circular platform showed the steeper decreasing pattern than that in Group I on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th day. Group III. IV found the quadrant circular platform showed the slower decreasing pattern than that in Group I, II, For MWMRT, there were significant differences among the four groups (p<.001). The time to dwell on quadrant circular platform in Group IV on the 13th day was the longest compared with other groups. These results suggested that the combined task training was very effective to improve the motor and cognition function for the rats affected on their focal ischemic brain injury.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR)-based upper extremity (UE) training on UE function, visual perception, and brain activity in a child with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: A 14-year-old girl with spastic CP participated in this study. Immersive VR-based Leap Motion Ⓡ UE training was applied for 6 weeks, with 24 sessions conducted 4 times a week. UE function (grip strength, pinch strength, Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, Purdue pegboard test), visual perception (motor-free visual perception test-3), and brain activity (electroencephalography) were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Following the VR-based UE training, improvements were observed in the participant's grip strength, pinch strength, Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, Purdue pegboard test, and visual perception. Electroencephalography analysis showed a decrease in alpha wave band power and an increase in beta wave band power. CONCLUSION: VR Leap Motion UE training improved UE function and visual perception and augmented the participant's attention and concentration in a child with spastic CP.

Brain development is a complex process, and stimuli during this devel-opment period may modulate the functional maturation of the brain. It has been shown that environmental stimuli, such as physical activity habits, have a beneficial effect on brain development. Endurance exer-cise and prolonged fasting state are known to improve brain function including cognition. The exact mechanisms of exercise improving brain function are still unknown. However, it can be considered that energy restriction and stressful challenge induced by long-lasting physical ex-ercise might cause direct effect on brain function. Upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ketone body caused by exercise might be considered as the mechanism of exercise on brain function. In the present study, we discussed on two main topics: “exercise and BDNF” and “exercise and energy restriction.”

Brain development is a complex process, and stimuli during this development period may modulate the functional maturation of the brain. It has been shown that environmental stimuli, such as physical activity habits, have a beneficial effect on brain development. Many human and animal studies have shown that environmental stimuli, such as physical activity habits, have a beneficial effect on brain development. Exercise has many functions not only in the developmental period of the brain but also in adulthood. Exercise is known to have many beneficial effects on brain function and energy metabolism. In the present study, we discussed on two main topics: “exercise and BDNF” and “exercise and energy restriction”. Endurance exercise and prolonged fasting state are known to improve brain function including cognition. The exact mechanisms of exercise on improving brain function are still unknown. However, it can be considered that energy restriction and stressful challenge induced by long-lasting physical exercise might cause direct effect on brain function. Up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ketone body caused by exercise might be considered as the mechanism of exercise on brain function. It is well known that long-term endurance exercise and fasting state improve brain function. Although the precise mechanisms for brain function improvement have not yet been elucidated, ketone body and BDNF have been suggested as the main substances of this action.

A novel intranasal thermal steam spray (ITSS) device is known to alleviate nasal stuffiness and partially improve sleep disorders. However, its effects on sleep quality, brain function, and exercise capacity, have not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a 4-week ITSS intervention on revariables in adults with irregular sleep patterns. A total of 20 participants aged 20-26 years had average ages, heights, weights, nasal congestion duration, and irregular sleep duration of 21.75 ± 1.74 years, 167.25 ± 8.68 cm, 70.21 ± 14.11 kg, 3.19 ± 0.71 years, and 3.16 ± 0.99 years, respectively. The participants were students residing in two different dormitories within the same university, with one dormitory designated for the control (CON) group and the other for the ITSS treatment group, randomly assigned. The CON group consisted of 10 participants (male: 5, female: 5), while the ITSS group also included 10 participants (male: 6, female: 4). ITSS utilizes Jet Stream technology to facilitate breathing by delivering 43°C thermal steam to the nasal cavity through an internal heating mechanism. The ITSS group used the device for 15 min, 3 times per week, 30 min before bedtime for 4 weeks. Following the intervention, sleep issues remained unchanged in the CON group but improved in the ITSS group, leading to a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.01). The sum scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased by 6.1% in the CON group, whereas it decreased by 37.3% in the ITSS group, with this difference being significant (p < 0.001). Sleep disturbances assessed via the VAS increased in the CON group but declined in the ITSS group, yielding statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). In the EEG analysis, Delta, α, and γ wave activity declined in the CON group but increased in the ITSS group, with these differences being significant (p < 0.05). Conversely, β wave activity increased by 35.7% in the CON group but decreased by 26.0% in the ITSS group, yielding a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.01). In terms of sensorimotor rhythm, the CON group exhibited a 21.6% increase, whereas the ITSS group experienced a 15.8% decrease, with the difference reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) derived from cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and after the 4-week experiment decreased in the CON group, but increased in the ITSS group, showing a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.01). Conversely, maximal breathing reserve and the oxygen pulse (VO₂/HRmax) increased in the CON group but decreased in the ITSS group, with these differences being significant (p < 0.05), suggesting improved cardiovascular efficiency. Ultimately, ITSS not only induces a sensation of nasal expansion but also enhances perceived sleep quality by facilitating favorable neurocardiopulmonary adaptations.

본 연구는 ADHD 청소년들에게 8주간 복합 주의집중 프로그램을 적용하여 뇌기능지수와 주의집중력에 미치는 영향 을 규명하는데 있다. 연구 대상은 I시 소재 H학교 남자 청소년 총 18명으로 복합 주의 집중 프로그램 6명, 표적 관련 신체활 동 6명, 무처치 6명이었다. 자료분석은 집단별 비교 분석을 위해 평균과 표준편차를 산출하였고, 집단별 측정 시점에 따른 차 이 검증하기 위해 two-way(2RM×6RM)ANOVA를 실시하였다. 상호작용 효과에서 유의한 차이검증은 대비검증을 실시하였 다(p<.05). 결과로 ADHD 학생들에 복합 주의 집중 프로그램이 뇌기능 지수의 하위지표에서 표적 관련 신체활동과 무처치 집 단 보다 긍정적인 효과를 나타냈고, ADHD 학생들에 복합 주의 집중 프로그램이 주의집중력에서 표적 관련 신체활동과 무처 치 집단 보다 긍정적인 효과를 나타냈다. 분석된 결과를 통해 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 복합 주의 집중 프로그램 실시 후 ADHD 학생의 뇌 기능의 전반적인 변화를 의미하는 것으로 복합 주의 집중 프로그램이 부담 없이 쉽게 참여할 수 있다는 장 점이 있어 폭넓게 활용될 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

　This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week complex attention concentration program on the brain function index and attention concentration in adolescents with ADHD. The subjects of the study were 18 male adolescents from H School located in I City, divided into three groups: 6 participants in the complex attention concentration program group, 6 in the target-related physical activity group, and 6 in the no-treatment control group. Data analysis included calculating means and standard deviations for group comparisons, and two-way (2RM×6RM) ANOVA was conducted to test differences at various measurement points. Post-hoc tests were performed to examine significant interaction effects (p<.05). The results indicated that the integrated attention training program had a more positive effect on brain function sub-indices compared to both the target-related physical activity group and the no-treatment group. Similarly, the program showed a more positive effect on attention levels compared to the other two groups. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the integrated attention training program significantly improves overall brain function in ADHD students and is advantageous due to its ease of participation. It is suggested that this program could be widely used due to these benefits.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that health-oriented eating habits are associated with maintaining optimal cognitive ability. Nutrients are functional bioactive molecules promoting human health and essential components as well. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), one of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is synthesized through elongation pathway from linolenic acid (81:3n-3) which is recognized as important source of brain function. Endurance physical exercise and energy re-striction was also recognized of cardiovascular stress adjustment by enhancing brainstem cholinergic activity as well as brain function. However, we even do not know the exact neuronal mechanisms about the nutrients, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and myokine impacts on brain- derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) activation. Therefore, this review fo-cuses on recent evidence that explains how nutrients and prolonged exercise can affect nervous system pathways that are associated with improving brain function. The results revealed that frequent consump-tion of polyphenols and n-3 PUFAs could modify gastrointestinal envi-ronment with beneficial microorganisms. It may suggest a new hypoth-esis that gastrointestinal microbiome could influence cognitive function in addition to the traditional etiological pathway. And moreover, pro-longed physical exercise includes open skill sports which is induced by β-oxidation of free fatty acids stimulate BDNF. And also β-HB produc-tion which is induced by carbohydrate depletion, hypoglycemia, or fast-ing stimulate BDNF production that acts an significantly important roles in cognitive function and acting on brain function with brain metabo-lism.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate changes in upper extremity joints and leisure satisfaction in children with brain lesions through sports stacking activities. Methods: A sports stacking program was conducted on three children with brain lesions who had upper extremity joint limitations and joint range of motion lower than the normal range. It was conducted 10 times, 1 to 2 times a week, 40 minutes each time. Upper extremity joint angles were measured using a goniometer in the order of shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers, and leisure satisfaction was measured using a smile evaluation. Results: As a result of measuring the upper extremity joint angles, all three children showed slight angle changes in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist areas. Differences in joint angles appeared differently for each child. Smile evaluation results were evaluated in various psychological, educational, and physical aspects. Only child A was evaluated for Smile Evaluation No. 1. Conclusion: Sports stacking activities changed the upper extremity function of children with brain lesion disorders and showed differences in psychological, physical, and educational aspects of leisure satisfaction. As this is a short-term study result, the change in upper extremity function is minimal, but if sports stacking activities are continued, it will be a rehabilitation program that can prevent upper extremity dysfunction and improve physical strength. Accordingly, continuous attention should be paid to increasing accessibility and enjoyment of daily life according to individual characteristics and level.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a difference in the brain connectivity in mental practice and physical performance of training bilateral upper extremity function. Method: The subject performed activities involving mental tasks and physical exercise for bilateral upper extremity functioning during each phase of EEG measurements. The subject performed a symmetrical task(lifting a box and placing it back) that involved moving both arms at the same time and an asymmetrical task(opening and closing a bottle cap) in order to perform functional tasks. EEG electrodes were attached to Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, T3, T4, P3, and P4. Data analysis was performed using Cross-Line Mapping for correlational analyses between EEG electrode pairs. Conclusion: This study found that the brain connectivity patterns of symmetrical and asymmetric upper extremity tasks have similar patterns for the motor and sensory area, and that the correlation of the physical practice is generally higher than that of the mental practice.

In order to develop silk peptide (SP) preparations possessing cognition-enhancing effect, several candidates were screened through in vitro assays, and their effectiveness was investigated in facilitated brain aging model rats. Incubation of brain acetyl-cholinesterase with SP-PN (1-1,000 ${\mu}g/ml$) led to inhibition of the enzyme activity up to 35%, in contrast to a negligible effect of SP-NN. The expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA of neural stem cells expressing ChAT gene (F3.ChAT) was increased by 24-hour treatment with 10 and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ SP-NN (1.35 and 2.20 folds) and SP-PN (2.40 and 1.34 folds). Four-week subcutaneous injections with D-galactose (150 mg/kg) increased activated hippocampal astrocytes to 1.7 folds (a marker of brain injury and aging), decreased acetylcholine concentration in cerebrospinal fluid by 45-50%, and thereby impaired learning and memory function in passive avoidance and water-maze performances. Oral treatment with SP preparations (50 or 300 mg/kg) for 5 weeks from 1 week prior to D-galactose injection exerted recovering activities on acetylcholine depletion and brain injury/aging as well as cognitive deficit induced by D-galactose. The results indicate that SP preparations restore cognitive functions of facilitated brain aging model rats by increasing the release of acetylcholine, in addition to neuroprotective activity.

Traumatic brain injury is a main cause of long-term neurological disability, and many patients suffer from cognitive impairment for a lengthy period. Cognitive impairment is a fatal malady to that limits active rehabilitation, and functional recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury. In severe cases, it is impossible to assess cognitive function precisely, and severe cognitive impairment makes it difficult to establish a rehabilitation plan, as well as evaluate the course of rehabilitation. Evaluation of cognitive function is essential for establishing a rehabilitation plan, as well as evaluating the course of rehabilitation. We report a case of the analysis of electroencephalography with global synchronization index and low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography applied, for evaluation of cognitive function that was difficult with conventional tests, due to severe cognitive impairment in a 77-year-old male patient that experienced traumatic brain injury.