Purpose : This study aimed to examine the effects of body weight supported treadmill training on balance ability and performance of activities of daily living in children with spastic cerebral palsy who had undergone lower-limb orthopedic surgery, and to compare training effects between those who received muscle lengthening alone and those who underwent combined surgery involving muscle lengthening and osteotomy. Methods : Participants were children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy who had undergone either muscle lengthening surgery or combined muscle lengthening and osteotomy. Both groups received body weight supported treadmill training in addition to conventional therapy, three times per week for 30 minutes per session over a 10-week period. Balance ability was assessed using the Korean version of the trunk control measurement scale, and activities of daily living were evaluated using the functional independence measure for children. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in overall balance ability and performance of activities of daily living following training. In the muscle lengthening group, significant gains were observed in static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, self-care, and mobility domains. This group also showed greater improvements than the combined surgery group in dynamic sitting balance, dynamic reaching, total balance score, self-care, and total activities of daily living score. In contrast, the combined surgery group exhibited significant improvement only in static sitting balance and mobility. The superior outcomes in the muscle lengthening group may be attributed to a shorter immobilization period after surgery, enabling earlier gait training and functional movement practice. Conclusion : Body weight supported treadmill training is an effective rehabilitation strategy for improving balance ability and activities of daily living in children with spastic cerebral palsy following orthopedic surgery. The findings suggest that early rehabilitation intervention, particularly after procedures with shorter immobilization periods, can optimize functional recovery in this population.

Purpose : This study aimed to elucidate the mediating effect of fatigue on the relationship between pain and quality of life in patients with cancer, thereby providing important insights into symptom management for these patients. Methods : A total of 44 participants (34 females, mean age 57.30±7.66 years) diagnosed with cancer voluntarily participated in this study, which was conducted at a cancer rehabilitation center. The breakthrough pain assessment tool, brief fatigue inventory, and European organization for research and treatment of cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 were used to measure cancer-related pain, fatigue, and quality of life. Mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes' PROCESS macro 3.5 (model 4). Results : Cancer-related pain significantly and positively influenced fatigue (β= 1.09, p<.001) and quality of life (β= 0.76, p= .001). However, when both pain and fatigue were included in the model, the direct effect of pain on quality of life was not significant (β= 0.14, p= .452), while fatigue significantly influenced quality of life (β= 0.58, p<.001). Bootstrapping results indicated that the 95 % confidence interval for the direct effect of pain on quality of life included zero [-0.226, 0.499], indicating statistical non-significance. Conversely, the confidence interval for the indirect effect of pain on the quality of life through fatigue did not include zero [0.325, 1.007], confirming statistical significance. These findings indicate that fatigue fully mediates the relationship between cancer-related pain and quality of life in patients with cancer. Conclusion : Implementing strategies that simultaneously assess and manage pain and fatigue may contribute to overall improvement in the quality of life of patients with cancer. This study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between pain and fatigue and advocating an integrated management approach in clinical settings.

Purpose : This study attempts to find the influence of whole-body vibration training on blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and orthostatic hypotension in spinal cord injury patients. Methods : The subjects were 45 patients with spinal cord injuries, who were randomly divided a general physical therapy group, a whole-body vibration 50 Hz group I and a whole-body vibration 10 Hz group II, a whole-body vibration 0 Hz group III, each with 15 patients. Both exercises ware performed 5 day per week, for 3 minutes a day, for a period of four weeks. After the intervention was conducted, test results in the blood pressure, saturation pulse oxygen and orthostatic hypotension were obtained as the following. Results : In the blood pressure test, as a result of comparing systolic blood pressure within groups, there was a significant difference between all three group (p<.05) (p<.001), and there was a significant difference in the systolic blood pressure between groups (p<.001). The post-analysis results showed that group I and group II showed a greater change in systolic blood pressure than group II and group III (p<.001). Comparing diastolic blood pressure within groups, there was a significant difference between all three group (p<.05) (p<.001), and there was a significant difference in the diastolic blood pressure between groups (p<.001). The post-analysis results show that group I has a greater change in diastolic blood pressure than group II and group III. There was no significant difference in heart rate comparison. Comparing orthostatic hypotension within groups, there was a significant difference between all three group (p<.05), and there was a significant difference in the orthostatic hypotension between groups (p<.001). The post-analysis results showed that group I and group II had a greater change in orthostatic hypotension than group III. Conclusion : Therefore, whole-body vibration training was confirmed to be an effective intervention method for improving blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and orthostatic hypotension in patients with spinal cord injury. Based on this study, we aim to provide basic data for improving blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and orthostatic hypotension in patients with spinal cord injury.

Purpose : This study developed and validated predictive models for university student dropout risk using machine learning algorithms based on academic and demographic data collected between 2022 and 2024 from N University in Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea. This study aimed to identify the key risk factors influencing student attrition and compare the predictive performance of various machine learning models to enhance early intervention strategies. Methods : The study included 1,577 undergraduate students (914 dropouts and 663 retained students). Twenty-five personal-, academic-, and financial-related variables were extracted from institutional records. Six machine learning algorithms were applied; naïve bayes, logistic regression, support vector machine, decision tree, random forest, and neural networks. The dataset was randomly divided into training and validation sets in a 70:30 ratio. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Variable importance was analyzed to identify the most important predictors across the models. Results : The random forest model achieved the highest predictive performance (AUC= 0.99, accuracy= 0.99, sensitivity= 0.99, specificity= 0.98, precision= 0.98), with neural network yielding comparable results. Logistic regression and support vector machines showed strong predictive capabilities. Key predictors consistently identified across the models included academic year, total registered and earned credits, final semester GPA, and total semesters completed. Earlier academic year, fewer credits, and lower GPAs, indicated higher dropout risk. Conversely, scholarship receipt was associated with continued enrollment. Conclusion : The validated machine learning models effectively identified students at risk of dropping out, enabling the implementation of targeted and personalized interventions to improve retention. Integrating these predictive systems into university management can enhance student success and optimize resource allocation. Future research should incorporate multi-institutional and longitudinal data and psychosocial variables to strengthen the model's robustness and practical applicability.

Purpose : This study aimed to examine the effects of smart glove-based mirror therapy (SGM) on finger strength, hand function, activities of daily living (ADL), and stroke-specific quality of life (SSQoL) in patients with chronic stroke. Methods : Forty patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to either the SGM group (n= 20) or the smart glove therapy (SGT) group (n= 20). Both groups participated in the intervention sessions five times per week for 6 weeks. Patients in the SGM group received an intervention that combined smart-glove training with conventional mirror therapy, whereas those in the SGT group received only smart- glove-based therapy. The outcome measures included finger strength (tip pinch and lateral pinch), hand function nine-hole peg test, manual function test (MFT), ADL Korean-modified Barthel index (K-MBI), and SSQoL. All assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Results : Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all outcome variables after the 6-week intervention period (p<.05). However, the SGM group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in tip pinch strength, lateral pinch strength, MFT scores, K-MBI, and SSQoL total scores than the SGT group (p<.05). The combination of visual feedback from mirror therapy and active movement training using a smart glove promoted motor recovery by enhancing neuroplasticity, motor learning, and user engagement. Conclusion : Smart glove-based mirror therapy was effective in improving upper extremity function, finger strength, independence in daily living, and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. However, the study's limitations, including a small sample size of 40 patients with mild to moderate stroke and the absence of follow-up, hinder the ability to determine its long-term effects. The integration of mirror therapy with smart glove training may offer superior clinical benefits than smart glove therapy alone, and can be considered a valuable, evidence-based strategy in comprehensive upper limb rehabilitation programs for enhanced motor recovery.

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises combined with abdominal drawing maneuvers on pain and disability index in patients with low back pain. Methods : This study evaluated lumbar pain and disability index in patients with low back pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which performed lumbar stabilization exercises combined with abdominal drawing maneuvers, or the control group, which received conventional physical therapy with lumbar stabilization exercises. Pain was assessed using the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS), and the disability index was measured using the Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (K-ODI). The intervention was conducted three times per week for six weeks. Results : The pre- and post-intervention evaluation of pain and disability index within each group showed a significant reduction in both pain scores and disability index in both the experimental and control groups (p<.05). However, the between-group analysis revealed no significant difference between the two groups in the QVAS assessment, while a significant difference was observed between the groups in the K-ODI assessment after the intervention (p<.05). Conclusion : The results of this study confirmed that both the experimental group, which received lumbar stabilization exercises combined with abdominal drawing maneuvers, and the control group, which received conventional physical therapy with lumbar stabilization exercises, were effective in reducing pain and disability index in patients with low back pain. Notably, the experimental group showed a greater improvement in disability index compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the intervention combining abdominal drawing maneuvers and lumbar stabilization exercises could be an important and effective method for improving pain and disability in patients with low back pain. Therefore, future research should investigate the long-term effects of this intervention and include a larger sample size for further studies.

Purpose : This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of McKenzie exercise, sling exercise, and Kinesio taping, each combined with breathing exercises, on forward head posture (FHP) by analyzing changes in craniovertebral angle (CVA), craniohorizontal rotation angle (CRA), and the muscle tone of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid (SCM). Methods : Fifty-one adults with clinically identified FHP were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n= 17 per group): McKenzie with breathing, sling with breathing, or Kinesio taping with breathing. All participants performed a standardized breathing exercise before the assigned intervention. CVA and CRA were measured using a video goniometer application (Angles version 1.6, Nathaniel Cochran, USA) based on lateral images taken at a fixed position. Muscle tone (frequency and stiffness) of the upper trapezius and SCM was measured using the MyotonPRO (Myoton AS, Estonia). All measurements were taken before and after intervention. One-way ANOVA and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis (α= .05). Results : There were no significant between-group differences in CVA and CRA changes (p>.05), but all groups showed significant within-group improvements after the intervention (p<.05). Muscle tone showed no significant between-group differences in frequency or stiffness values (p>.05). However, a significant reduction in SCM frequency was observed only in the sling exercise group (p<.05). However, within-group comparisons revealed a statistically significant reduction only in the frequency (F) value of the SCM in the sling exercise group (p<.05), while no significant changes were observed in any of the other muscle tone values across all groups (p>.05). Conclusion : McKenzie exercise, sling exercise, and Kinesio taping, when combined with breathing exercises, resulted in immediate improvements in FHP. Although no intervention was superior, each showed potential as an effective short-term treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects and assess changes in deep cervical muscle function.

Purpose : Research on the effects of prone hip extension exercises using the posterior oblique chain in patients with chronic stroke is limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of hip extension exercises combining the posterior oblique chain on muscle activity, balance, and walking ability in patients with chronic stroke. The results of this study are expected to suggest effective intervention methods for patients with chronic stroke in clinical practice. Methods : Thirty-two patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to the experimental (n= 16) and control groups (n= 16). The experimental group received traditional stroke rehabilitation followed by prone hip extension exercises in combination with the posterior oblique chain. The control group received traditional stroke rehabilitation and performed bridge exercises. Outcome measures before and after the 6-week interventions were assessed by 8-channel wireless surface electromyography, timed up and go test, 10-m walking test, and 6-min walk test. The results were analyzed by independent t-test and paired t-test within and between the groups. Results : The activities of the gluteus maximus and multifidus muscles were significantly improved in the experimental group compared with those in the control group (p<.05). In the timed up and go test, the experimental group exhibited significantly improved balance ability compared with the control group (p<.05). In the 10-m walking test and 6-min walk test, the experimental group demonstrated significantly improved walking ability compared with the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : Hip extension exercises combined with the posterior oblique chain were found to have beneficial effects on muscle activity, balance, and walking ability in patients with chronic stroke. Our findings are universally applicable and may help in the delivery of rehabilitation exercises in patients with chronic stroke in clinical settings.

Purpose : We compared the immediate effects of core breathing exercises on electroencephalogram (EEG), cognitive function, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate in healthy adults with the effects of diaphragmatic breathing awareness training. Methods : Thirty healthy adults were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (core breathing exercise, n= 15) or the control group (diaphragmatic breathing awareness, n= 15). These interventions were conducted once daily for 10~15 min over five consecutive days. Participants in the experimental group performed core breathing based on diaphragmatic activation and deep core engagement by slowly inhaling through the nose to expand the abdomen while minimizing upper chest movement, followed by slowly exhaling through pursed lips. EEG (theta, alpha, and beta power), cognitive function, SpO2, and heart rate were measured before and after the intervention. Paired t-tests were used to assess within-group differences, and independent t-tests were used to evaluate between-group differences in outcome variables. Results : In the experimental group, a significant decrease in theta power and a significant increase in alpha power (p<.05) were observed. No significant EEG changes were observed in the control group. Cognitive function scores improved significantly in both groups, with greater improvements in the experimental group. SpO2 levels increased significantly in both groups, with the experimental group achieving a significantly larger increase (p<.05). A significant heart rate decrease was observed only in the experimental group (p<.001), indicating enhanced parasympathetic activation and physiological relaxation effects. Between-group comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in alpha power, SpO2, and heart rate, favoring the experimental group (p<.05). Conclusion : Core breathing exercise may induce EEG changes reflecting improved attention and relaxation, enhance cognitive processing, and promote autonomic regulation. Therefore core breathing may serve as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to enhance mental focus and physiological resilience and regulate emotion in healthy adults.

Purpose : This study aimed to compare the muscle activation of the serratus anterior, pectoralis major, and upper fibers of the trapezius during shoulder protraction exercises at various shoulder joint angles in the scapular plane. The objective was to identify effective exercise methods and provide foundational data for patients with winging scapula and individuals requiring selective strengthening of the serratus anterior. Methods : This study was conducted on a total of 35 male and female college students. To measure maximum muscle activation, manual muscle testing was performed prior to the exercise program. The exercise program consisted of a single session, in which scapular protraction exercises were performed separately according to the type of kinetic chain (open or closed) and at various angles (60 °, 90 °, 130 °). A goniometer was used to adjust shoulder scapular plane and joint angles. Muscle activity during the exercises was measured using the American-made Telemyo-DTS and NORAXON systems. Results : The serratus anterior showed differences in muscle activation based on the angles in closed kinetic chain exercises, with the highest activation observed at 130 °. The upper fibers of the trapezius exhibited angle differences in open kinetic chain exercises, while the pectoralis major showed significant differences in both open and closed kinetic chain exercises. Muscle activation between the exercise chains showed no differences for all three muscles. Conclusion : The study results indicated that as shoulder joint flexion angle increased, the muscle activation of the serratus anterior also increased. However, compensatory actions in the upper fibers of the trapezius and pectoralis major also increased, suggesting that selective strengthening of the serratus anterior may not be the ideal approach. To selectively strengthen the serratus anterior, it is advisable to perform shoulder protraction exercises at lower angles where the compensatory actions of the pectoralis major and upper fibers of the trapezius are minimal, potentially providing a more positive impact.

Purpose : The aim of this study was to provide foundational data for developing more effective and targeted rehabilitation strategies for individuals suffering from chronic ankle instability (CAI). Specifically, it examined how plantar sensory stimulation, through both thermal and vibratory inputs, affects static balance performance, plantar pressure distribution, and tibialis anterior muscle activation, which is essential for ankle joint stabilization and dynamic postural control. Methods : Twenty participants clinically diagnosed with CAI, based on standardized diagnostic criteria, were recruited for this study. Each participant received two different types of sensory stimulation interventions over two weeks: (1) vibratory stimulation on the plantar surface using a foam roller and (2) thermal stimulation using a hot pack maintained at a temperature below 42 ℃ for ten minutes. Static balance was assessed before and after each intervention using a single-leg stance test performed on a Zebris force platform. Primary outcome variables were as follows: center of pressure (CoP) area, path length, sway velocity, average plantar pressure distribution, and tibialis anterior muscle activity, measured using surface electromyography. Results : Thermal and vibratory interventions significantly decreased CoP area, path length, and sway velocity, indicating improvements in both postural stability and balance control. In addition, symmetry in average plantar pressure distribution between the affected and unaffected limbs improved following both types of sensory input. Notably, thermal stimulation significantly increased tibialis anterior muscle activation, reflecting improved neuromuscular facilitation. Conclusion : These findings support the hypothesis that plantar sensory input from thermal or vibratory modalities can enhance static balance as well as the activation of stabilizing muscles in individuals suffering from CAI. Moreover, incorporating such sensory-based strategies in clinical rehabilitation programs can improve neuromuscular control, reduce the recurrence of ankle sprains, and promote long-term functional recovery.

Purpose : This study examined the immediate effects of dynamic (DS) and static stretching (SS) combined with transfer electrode capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), gastrocnemius and soleus thickness, balance, and functional stability in healthy adults. It also aimed to determine whether adding dynamic stretching to TECAR therapy provides benefits over static stretching. Methods : Fifteen adults without lower extremity pathology participated in this single-blind, controlled trial. Participants were assigned to an experimental group (TECAR followed by DS) or a control group (TECAR followed by SS). TECAR therapy was applied for 5 minutes using WINBACK to promote soft tissue mobilization and circulation via high-frequency diathermy. Both groups then performed a 5-minute stretching protocol. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was measured using a digital inclinometer. Gastrocnemius and soleus thickness were assessed via ultrasound. Balance and ankle stability were evaluated using the Y-Balance Test and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), respectively. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in dorsiflexion ROM, with greater gains in the experimental group (EG: 18.22±6.97 to 22.06±6.33, p= .004; CG: 15.43±3.95 to 20.21±3.03, p= .037). Y-Balance scores significantly increased in the experimental group (77.91±5.62 to 86.53±6.29, p= .005), while no significant change occurred in the control group (p = .499). Gastrocnemius thickness increased significantly in the experimental group (7.71±1.66 to 9.04±1.88, p= .049), with no significant change in the control group. No significant between-group differences were found in soleus thickness or ankle instability measured by CAIT (p>.05). However, gastrocnemius thickness change differed significantly between groups (p= .017). Conclusion : The combination of TECAR therapy and dynamic stretching resulted in greater improvements in ankle dorsiflexion ROM, balance, and functional stability compared to static stretching. These findings suggest that integrating TECAR with dynamic stretching may serve as a clinically useful approach to enhancing lower limb function.

Purpose : This study aimed to systematically review the effectiveness and characteristics of chatbot-based mental health interventions, with a specific focus on depression and suicide prevention. Methods : A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2015 and May 2025 were searched for across five databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, RISS, and KISS. Eligible studies involved chatbot-based interventions targeting depression, suicide-related outcomes, or other mental health symptoms. Key characteristics, intervention content, target populations, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results : Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Participants included individuals with a high risk of suicide or depression (e.g., those with a major depressive disorder or eating disorder), psychologically vulnerable populations (e.g., those experiencing chronic stress or headaches), healthcare professionals, university students, and the general adult population. The chatbots integrated components such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, motivational interviewing, and emotional support. Across the studies, chatbot interventions demonstrated significant positive effects in reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and somatic symptoms, and in improving self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and behavioral change intentions. However, no RCT directly targeted suicide prevention as a primary outcome, indicating a significant research gap in this area. Conclusion : Chatbot-based interventions offer promising, scalable tools for supporting mental health across diverse populations. They are particularly effective for managing depression and related symptoms through cognitive and emotional mechanisms. Nevertheless, evidence for their use in suicide prevention remains insufficient. Future research should explore chatbot designs specifically aimed at suicide prevention, assessing long-term effects and ensuring ethical and clinical safety in real-world applications.

Purpose : South Korea has entered a super-aged society, which necessitates the identification and intervention of factors affecting sleep quality, particularly among older women living alone. This descriptive survey study identified the factors influencing sleep quality among such women living and analyzed the effects of health status and social support on their sleep quality. Methods : This study recruited 109 older women aged 65 years and above, living alone and registered at four senior centers in Seoul. Eligible participants were community-dwelling women aged 65 or older who lived alone and provided informed consent. Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of dementia or those experiencing acute medical conditions were excluded. IBM SPSS Statistics (version 24.0) was used for statistical analyses, which included independent t-tests, analysis of variance ANOVA, Scheffé post hoc tests, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results : The average sleep quality score among the participants was 7.28, thus indicating a poor level of sleep quality. Differences in sleep quality based on general characteristics indicated that those who did not engage in regular physical activity and those who experienced nocturia five or more times per night reported significantly poorer sleep quality. Correlation analysis established that sleep quality was significantly associated with perceived health status and social support. Perceived health status (𝛽 = -0.17, p= .031), nocturia (𝛽 = 0.27, p<.001) and social support (𝛽 = -0.48, p<.001) were identified as influencing factors,, collectively explaining 40.0 % of the variance in sleep quality. Conclusion : This study identified factors affecting sleep quality in older women living alone to provide evidence for intervention development. The results indicated that sleep quality among these women was lower than that of community-dwelling older women, and social support, nocturia, and perceived health status were influencing factors, in that order.. Based on these findings, when developing intervention strategies to improve sleep quality in older women living alone, an integrated approach is needed, including strengthening social support and providing education on nocturia management and health care.

Purpose : This study aimed to develop a community-based, self-directed, and integrated obesity management program and evaluate its effectiveness in weight control, body mass index (BMI) reduction, physical activity enhancement, and health self-efficacy. The program was designed to be easily accessible to participants and to encourage autonomous engagement in lifestyle change efforts. Methods : A quasi-experimental design was employed with experimental group (n= 17) and a control group (n= 20). The 8-week intervention combined physical activity, dietary management, and behavioral modification, delivered remotely through a mobile application to enhance accessibility and engagement. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention on weight, BMI, body fat percentage, daily step count, and health self-efficacy. Paired T-tests assessed within-group changes, while independent t-tests evaluated between-group differences. Participants were encouraged to adhere to daily routines and received weekly feedback. Results : The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in both weight (p= .016) and BMI (p= .013) following the intervention. However, these changes were not significantly different from those in the control group. No statistically significant change in body fat percentage was observed (p= .764). By contrast, the daily step count increased significantly in the experimental group (p= .005), with a notable difference compared to the control group (p= .005). Health self-efficacy scores did not show a significant improvement in either within (p= .338) or between-group (p= .223). Conclusion : These findings suggest that short-term interventions may yield modest physical benefits but are inadequate for achieving sustained behavioral change. Enhancing program effectiveness requires long-term interventions incorporating higher-intensity physical activity and personalized motivational strategies. Such approaches may foster greater adherence, engagement, and long-term success in obesity management. Future research should prioritize individualized support and extended program duration to facilitate sustainable obesity management.

Purpose : This study investigates the prevalence of and influencing factors for body image distortion among Korean adolescents. Body image distortion can lead to unhealthy behaviors and psychological risks, such as low self-esteem, disordered eating, and emotional distress. However, few studies have comprehensively explored these issues in Korea using large-scale, representative data. This research aims to fill this gap by examining the relationships between individual, behavioral, psychological, and family factors and body image distortion during this critical developmental period. Methods : Utilizing raw data from the 20th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2024), this study examines variables including general characteristics (gender, academic achievement, perceived economic status,) health behaviors (weight control attempts, physical activity, alcohol use,) mental health indicators (stress, depression, suicidal ideation), and family environment factors (parental education and family structure.) The sample consisted of 52,718 students from middle and high schools across Korea, excluding those from multicultural families. Results : The findings indicate that body image distortion is more prevalent among female students, those with lower academic achievement, and those who perceive their economic status as low. Adolescents who attempted to lose weight or engaged in insufficient physical activity were at higher risk of distortion. Additionally, students with poor subjective health perception, history of alcohol use, or suicidal ideation were significantly more likely to report body image distortion. Conclusion : This study underscores the multifaceted nature of body image issues in adolescence, highlighting the interplay of physical, psychological, and social variables. By incorporating often-overlooked family background factors, this study offers a more systematic and realistic understanding of body image distortion. The results provide valuable insights for developing targeted educational strategies aimed at promoting healthy body perception and improving mental health among adolescents.

Purpose : Smilax china L. is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine in Korea. Despite its broad range of applications, comprehensive research on its chemical composition particularly the differences between the female and male roots remains limited. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents and cytotoxicity of both female and male roots of Smilax china L., providing foundational data for future pharmacological and biological research. Methods : In this study, the extracts from female and male Smilax china L. were divided into three extraction solvents (100 % ethanol, 50 % ethanol, and water) and extracted and analyzed using chromatography. For cytotoxicity experiments, MTT assay was performed using RAW 264.7 cells, with 10 doses of 6 extracts of both female and male. Results : The chromatogram patterns of female and male Smilax china L. were generally similar, but differences in the intensity of some peaks were observed, confirming that the contents of bioactive substances were somewhat different in female and male Smilax china L.. In the cytotoxicity test of female and male Smilax china L. 50 % ethanol showed no cytotoxicity, while 100 % ethanol and water extracts showed slightly lower cell viability. Conclusion : A total of 99 compounds were found in the samples, 28 of which were related to anti-inflammatory or anti-asthmatic properties, and principal component analysis isolated 9 compounds known compounds and identified 3 compounds new, unknown compounds. In the cytotoxicity test, the male Smilax china L. showed a relatively better cell survival rate than the female. This study can be used as an important preliminary data to study the molecular biological mechanisms and cell signalling system related to anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects by using the active compounds.

Purpose : Dental hygiene students must acquire knowledge from various courses and gain clinical practice experience to become professional practitioners. The amendment of the Medical Technologists Act mandates that dental hygienists complete field practice to qualify for their license, which can lead to significant stress. This study aims to assess the major satisfaction, self-efficacy, and resilience of dental hygiene students, and analyze factors influencing stress during clinical practice, to provide foundational data for developing stress management programs in the future. Methods : A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 263 dental hygiene students with clinical practice experience. survey items included general characteristics (8 items), clinical practice stress (24 items), resilience (25 items), and self-efficacy (24 items). Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS program, with a significance level set at α= .05. Results : Clinical practice stress was highest when major satisfaction was 'low', with an average of 2.90 (SD= 0.42), and clinical practice satisfaction was also highest at 'low' with an average of 2.90 (SD= 0.51), showing statistically significant differences (p<.001). clinical practice stress showed a significant negative correlation with resilience (r= 0.21), while self-efficacy had a significant positive correlation with resilience (r= 0.29), both statistically significant (p<.001). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that the factors influencing clinical practice stress were clinical practice satisfaction (β= -0.26), resilience (β= -0.13), and academic year (β= 0.12), with an explanatory power of 11.0 %. Conclusion : To alleviate clinical practice stress, it is necessary to create a learning environment that enhances clinical practice satisfaction and to develop tailored programs that increase resilience. the findings of this study will be used as foundational data for the development of future clinical practice stress management programs.

Purpose : Selecting an appropriate toothbrush and using it correctly are essential for brushing teeth properly. In particular, the physical characteristics of the toothbrush and the shape of the toothbrush bristles have a considerable impact on the oral health of the user. This study aims to quantitatively assess the proportion of commercially available toothbrushes with clinically suitable bristles. To this end, we evaluate and compare the impact of bristle shape and condition on oral health across various toothbrushes, and propose a design direction for optimal bristles that are safe for oral tissue and possess excellent cleaning power. Methods : We randomly selected 74 toothbrushes from among manual toothbrushes sold in local online and offline marts, dental hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The bristles of each toothbrush were observed under a stereoscopic microscope, photographed, and evaluated. Based on the shape of the bristle tips, the evaluated toothbrushes were classified as follows: rounded-end bristle, tapered bristle, and mixed bristles. Classification based on the condition of the bristle tips was as follows: suitable bristles, and unsuitable bristles. An analysis was then performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 30.0. Results : Of the commercially available toothbrushes assessed, 32.4 % had unsuitable bristles, and the unsuitability rate was especially high for mixed bristle toothbrushes. The round bristle toothbrushes exhibited a relatively high level of safety, and a high suitability ratio was observed for the fine bristle toothbrushes-but sharp ends were observed in some toothbrushes. Only 23.0 % of the assessed toothbrushes had the bristle types indicated on the product packaging, indicating that the product information provided to consumers is insufficient. Conclusion : It is imperative that toothbrush manufacturers develop methods to improve their products to ensure the production of clinically safe toothbrushes. Furthermore, measures such as reducing the proportion of unsuitable bristles, strengthening quality control standards among local toothbrush manufacturers, implementing mandatory bristle labeling, enhancing regulatory oversight, and expanding consumer education to align with international standards must be adopted. In addition, dentists and dental hygienists should periodically review the latest research and international standards to obtain useful information that would better equip them to help their patients choose the right toothbrush.

Purpose : Family members who have experienced the suicide of a loved one often face psychological isolation and an increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured self-help group program for suicide-bereaved families on depression and quality of life. Methods : This study was conducted with 20 suicide-bereaved individuals who had lost a family member to suicide more than one year prior. The structured self-help group program, titled 'Harmonize' was held once a month for 10 months and included three components: mutual support activities, shared experiential activities, and mindfulness-based presence. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used to assess changes in depression and quality of life. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests with SPSS 23.0. Although 20 participants initially enrolled, 4 dropped out, and the final analysis included 16 participants. Results : Following participation in the self-help group program, depressive symptoms significantly decreased (pre-test mean= 16.43, post-test mean= 9.56, p<.000). Overall quality of life also improved significantly (t= -4.18, p<.001), particularly in areas of general life satisfaction, psychological health, and social relationships. However, no significant changes were observed in physical health (t= 0.34, p= .738) or environmental satisfaction (t= -2.74, p= .016). Conclusion : Participation in the self-help group program significantly alleviated depressive symptoms and enhanced quality of life among suicide-bereaved family members. These findings suggest that such programs play a critical role in promoting psychological resilience in suicide loss survivors. Therefore, it is recommended that community mental health centers actively implement and expand structured self-help group programs as part of suicide-bereavement support services.