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Exercise treatements against metabolic syndrome risk factors that are accelerated by aging and hypokinetics have actively been proposed. However, the major therapeutic exercise trials against the risk factors are as aerobic exercise and moreover insufficient to the optimal form and intensity for the strength exercise. Strength exercise is known to increase muscle mass and strength in the various intensities, and followed by the promotion of basal metabolic rate and the reduction of fat mass. These changes play roles to reverse obesity and to regulate metabolic disease. Compared to aerobic exercise, strength exercise has shown to higher energy expenditure at rest as well as during exercise because of the increased muscle amount. Thus, it would be summarized the increase in energy consumption due to strength exercise have remarkable contribution in weight control. Moreover it has additional benefits on health such as bone density, balance, coordination, mobility to allow exercise longer and safer through the body movements and operations. On the other hand, it would be obtained more desirable metabolic responses from the combination of strength and aerobic exercise.

본 연구는 검도수련과 근력병행운동 프로그램 적용이 초등학생의 건강체력과 대사증후군 위험인자에 미치는 효과를 규명하는 데 그 목적을 두었다. 연구 대상은 서울시 K구에 소재한 검도장에서 수련하는 초등학생 20명으로 선정하였으며, 검도수련집단 10명, 검도수련 및 근력병행운동집단 10명으로 구분하였다. 근력과 근지구력은 검도수련 및 근력병행운동집단이 검도수련집단보다 유의하게 증가하는 결과를 나타내었고(p＜.05), 신체조성에서, 검도수련 및 근력병행운동집단은 검도수련집단과 비교하여 체지방률, 체지방량의 유의한 감소 및 근육량 증가의 결과를 가져왔다(p<.05). 혈당 및 중성지방은 검도수련 및 근력병행운동집단이 검도수련집단보다 유의하게 감소하는 결과를 나타내었고, HDL-C는 유의한 증가를 가져왔다. 이상의 결과에 의하면 12주간의 검도수련 및 근력병행운동 프로그램은 성장기 초등학생에게 근력 및 제지방량 증가의 유익한 효과를 발생시키고, 대사증후군 위험인자의 개선효과로 심혈관질환 및 대사성질환의 발생률을 감소시킬 가능성이 높다고 결론지을 수 있다.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of Kumdo practice and combined strength exercise on health related physical fitness and metabolic syndrome in elementary school students who are attending to the martial art gym in Seoul, 10 Kumdo practice group and 10 Kumdo and strength exercise group. There were significant increases in muscle strength and muscle endurance to Kumdo practice and combined strength exercise group compared with Kumdo practice group(p<.05) and for body composition, there were significant decreases in body fat and fat mass, also significant increases in muscle mass(p<.05). There were significant decreases in blood glucose and TG, elevated HDL-C was observed with Kumdo practice and strength exercise group(p<.05). It is concluded that Kumdo practice and strength exercise program might make beneficial effect such as increasing muscle strength and fat free mass, it also produces lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease during 12 weeks for growing elementary school students.

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.

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.

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.

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of aqua walking exer-cise on the joint range of motion (ROM), muscular strength, and pain in patients who have limited knee ROM from surgery or joint fixation. Ten subjects were participated in this study and divided into two groups: continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy+walking exercise on dryland (CWD) and CPM+aqua walking exercise (CAW) groups. The repeated measures analysis of variance was used to verify the difference be-tween the groups and the duration of the program. A paired t-test was used to verify the significance of the observed difference within the groups, and an independent t-test was used to verify the significance of the observed difference between different groups. In this study, ROM in the knee flexion showed interaction effect between the two groups. CAW had a significant increase of knee flexion angle compared to those in CWD. Also, strength on the knee flexors showed interaction ef-fect between the two groups. CAW had a significant increase of knee flexion angle compared to those in CWD, while strength on the knee extensors showed no significant interaction effect between groups. Vi-sual analogue scale (VAS) score showed interaction between the two groups. CAW had a significant increase of the VAS scores compared to those in CWD. Given these findings reported in present study, aqua walking exercise for patients with osteoarthritis is a very safe and ef-fective therapeutic strategies that can move the joint in the optimal ROM.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a six-week elastic band exercise program using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) can increase isotonic strength of abductor muscles in the lower extremity. Twenty-eight healthy students from S university were divided into an experimental group and control group. Each group was partici-pated in pre and post-measurement in isotonic strength using an iso-tonic analyzer, En-treeM. Experimental group performed elastic band exercise using PNF pattern for a six-weeks, in contrast, control group did not take any exercise. In the results of this study, isotonic strength measurements of abductor muscles in lower extremity in experimental group were significantly different after exercise, but control group did not show any significant changes. Therefore, we hope that resistive ex-ercise would be very valuable for healthy people as well as the old peo-ple with weakened muscle strength.