Purpose: The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate balance ability in older adults in Korea using digital equipment and to analyze its correlation with the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and muscle mass to provide foundational data for fall prevention, walking ability enhancement, and understanding the relationship with muscle mass. Methods: A total of 120 healthy community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older participated in the study. Muscle mass was measured using a body composition analyzer, and balance ability was assessed using an FRA510S system. We conducted a 6MWT to determine the total distance walked and used Pearson correlation analysis to examine the relationships between balance ability, the 6MWT, and muscle mass. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between 6MWT distance and certain balance conditions in both male and female participants. However, no significant correlations were observed between muscle mass and balance ability, except for a notable correlation between skeletal muscle mass index and balance in women. Conclusion: The study revealed gender-specific differences in the relationship between balance ability, walking ability, and muscle mass in older adults. These findings support the development of personalized approaches for improving balance and preventing falls, with digital equipment playing a key role in accurate assessment and prediction.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a chin-in-exercise and taping intervention on pain, craniovertebral angle, and balance in elderly people with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty elderly participants with forward head posture were divided into two groups: an experimental group that underwent a chin-in-exercise and taping intervention, and a control group that underwent only a taping intervention. Pain was measured using a numeric pain rating scale, the craniovertebral angle was measured using a goniometer, and balance was measured using biorescue. The data were analyzed using a paired t-test and an independent t-test to compare the differences between the two groups. Results: The comparison showed that the experimental and control groups experienced significant differences in pain, craniovertebral angle, and balance after the experiment (p < .05). The experimental group that underwent the chin-in-exercise and taping intervention showed more significant changes in pain, craniovertebral angle, and balance than the control group (p < .05). Conclusion: This study showed that the chin-in-exercise and taping intervention effectively reduced pain and improved the craniovertebral angle and balance in elderly people with forward head posture.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the cancer quality of life (C-QOL), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and kilogram mass (KM) of breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy, and to evaluate the effects of short foot exercise (SFE) on their balance abilities. Methods: The study included 16 female mastectomy patients over 20 years of age who had been diagnosed with breast cancer at a university hospital. The patients' C-QOL was measured using a modified C-QOL questionnaire, and SMI and KM were evaluated using an InBody S10 device. Both static and dynamic balance abilities were measured before and after SFE using a dynamic balance device. Measurements were taken three times, and the average values were used for the analysis. Results: The results indicated that mastectomy patients had an average C-QOL score of 3.13 out of 4. The average SMI was 6.65 kg/m², higher than the standard reference of 5.7kg/m² for women. The KM did not significantly decrease or increase on the mastectomy side compared to the no-mastectomy side. The SFE intervention led to a significant increase (p < .05) in static balance, particularly regarding left-right body alignment. However, no significant changes were observed in dynamic balance after the exercise. Conclusion: This study highlights the pivotal role of rehabilitation in enhancing the physical and psychological aspects of C-QOL for breast cancer patients. Rehabilitation that addresses the psychological, emotional, and physical domains is essential for mitigating imbalances and preventing secondary issues such as muscle weakness and limited joint range of motion.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the center of pressure (COP) displacement and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) of forward versus side lunges with different arm positions. Methods: Twenty-one healthy adults participated in the study. The area and velocity of COP and mean and peak VGRF were measured using a force plate during static forward lunges with arms raised (SFL-AR), static forward lunges with hands on hips (SFL-HH), static side lunges with arms raised (SSL-AR), and static side lunges with hands on hips (SSL-HH). All participants performed seven repetitions of each type of lunge, and measurements for the middle five repetitions were included in the data analysis. Results: The area, path length, velocity, and deviation X of the COP were significantly higher for the SSL-AR than for the SFL-AR and SFL-HH groups (p<.01). Additionally, the area, path length, velocity, and deviation X of the COP were significantly higher for the SSL-HH group than for the SFL-AR and SFL-HH groups (p < .01). The normalized mean GRF and normalized peak GRF were significantly higher during SSL-AR than during SFL-HH (p < .01). Moreover, the normalized mean and normalized peak GRF were significantly higher during SSL-HH than during SFL-AR and SFL-HH (p < .01). Conclusion: Static side lunges are more dynamic and faster than static forward lunges. Furthermore, static side lunges require greater weight bearing than static forward lunges. These findings suggest that static forward lunges should be implemented before static side lunges when performing dynamic balance training and closed-chain rehabilitation of the lower extremities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a vibrating foam roller affects hamstring muscle flexibility, muscle thickness, and balance in healthy young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 32 healthy young adults who were subjected to three experimental conditions: no application, application of a regular foam roller, and application of a vibrating foam roller. We measured three clinical outcomes using a star movement test, a standing and reaching flexibility test, and a five-times sit-to-stand test (5TSS) at baseline and following the two types of foam roller application. We also conducted ultrasound imaging to measure the participants' muscle masses. Results: The 5TSS scores were 7.66 ± 1.98 s for the no application condition, 6.61 ± 1.49 s for the standard foam roller condition, and 6.69 ± 1.47 s for the vibrating foam roller condition. Y-balance scores were 65.97 ± 9.46 cm for the no-application condition, 68.97 ± 10.03 cm for the standard foam roller condition, and 69.60 ± 9.72 cm for the vibrating foam roller condition. The stand-to-reach test scores were 3.45 ± 12.61 cm for the no application condition, 6.44 ± 11.57 cm for the standard foam roller condition, and 7.66 ± 11.56 cm for the vibrating foam roller condition. Thus, there was significant improvement following the application of a vibrating foam compared to no application. The regular foam roller significantly improved the 5TSS and stand-to-reach scores but not the Y-balance scores. Conclusion: This study confirmed that applying a foam roller, with or without vibration, improved flexibility and balance without affecting the physiological properties of the muscles. Thus, foam rollers with or without vibration positively affect the hamstring muscle flexibility, muscle thickness, and balance of healthy young adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this study aims to provide basic data for rapid prediction of sarcopenia by analyzing the correlation between muscle mass index measured through bioelectrical impedance measurement techniques, one of the muscle mass measurement methods, and limb circumference that can be simply measured in daily life. Methods: The subjects of this study were 49 adults in their 20s, and bioelectrical impedance was measured to obtain skeletal muscle index (SMI). Before the measurement, the subject's height, weight, age, and gender were entered, and the measurement posture was maintained until the end of the measurement by standing in an anatomical position with both arms spaced apart from the body about 15°. In addition, in order to measure the circumference of the body, it was measured at the pressure enough to lightly place it on the skin using a soft fitting tape measure. The circumference of the body was measured in a total of 6 places: wrist, forearm, upper arm, ankle, calf, and thigh. Each body part was measured twice to achieve the average, and at this time, both the reliability within the measurer and the reliability between the measurers were 0.9 or higher. Results: SMI and wrist circumference (r=0.87), forearm circumference (r=0.93), upper arm circumference (r=0.85), and calf circumference (r=0.80) were strongly positively correlated (p<0.01). SMI and ankle circumference (r=0.74) and femoral circumference (r=0.72) were moderately positively correlated (p<0.01). And forearm circulation showed high correlation regardless of gender. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the possibility of using the forearm circumference as a new criterion for diagnosing sarcopenia and evaluating muscle mass. If standardized measurement methods and diagnostic criteria for forearm circumference are prepared, it will be used in conjunction with existing sarcopenia diagnostic tools to enable faster and more accurate diagnosis of muscle loss.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct biomechanical comparisons of lower extremities during drop landing and landing after jumping to identify risk factors for potential injury associated with different landing methods. Methods: Sixteen healthy adults in their 20s (8 males and 8 females) participated in this study. The participants performed drop landings from a height of 20 cm and landed after jumping to a height of 20 cm in randomized order. A motion analysis system and force plates were used to measure joint angles and ground reaction forces during both landing methods, and muscle activity was measured using electromyography. Results: Analysis of the biomechanical differences between lower extremities following drop landing and landing after jumping showed that muscle activation in the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior was significantly higher for landing after jumping than for drop landing (p < .05). In contrast, hip, knee, and ankle flexion angles were greater and the maximum vertical ground reaction force was also higher for drop landing (p < .05). Conclusion: Differences in muscle activation, joint angles, and ground reaction forces corresponded with the landing method and can thus be used to assess injury risk. Landing after jumping absorbs impact through higher muscle recruitment, while drop landing disperses impact through greater joint movement. Therefore, proper body control strategies should be adopted in various landing situations to prevent injury.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week balance and plyometric training regime on the technical fitness of badminton players. Methods: Twenty-two badminton players (14 males, 8 females) participated in 3 weeks of balance training and 3 weeks of plyometric training in a crossover fashion. They were divided into a Balance Training + Plyometric Training (BTPT) group (n = 11) and a Plyometric Training + Balance Training (PTBT) group (n = 11). Each group underwent alternate training to determine the preconditioning effect of balance and plyometric training, and their technical fitness (agility, quickness, balance, and speed) was measured before, during, and after training. Results: First, agility showed significant within-group differences by training program for both the PTBT and BTPT groups (p = .003 and p = .001, respectively), and post-hoc analysis showed that both groups were significantly smaller after 3 and 6 weeks than before the training. Second, quickness showed significant within-group differences by training program for both the PTBT and BTPT groups (p = .001 and p = .034, respectively), and post-hoc analysis showed that both groups were significantly larger after 3 and 6 weeks than before the training. Third, equilibrium showed significant within-group differences in both the PTBT and BTPT groups (p = .008 and p = .002, respectively), and post hoc analysis showed that both groups were significantly greater after 3 and 6 weeks than before the training. Fourth, speed showed significant within-group differences in both the PTBT and BTPT groups (p = .005 and p = .006, respectively), and post hoc analysis showed that both groups were significantly greater after 3 and 6 weeks than before the training. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that there is no significant impact of balance and plyometric training sessions on the technical fitness of badminton players.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory muscle resistance training on cough capacity and phonation in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. The goal was to determine whether inspiratory or expiratory muscle training could effectively improve respiratory and phonatory functions. Methods: Eighteen patients with cervical spinal cord injuries participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: an inspiratory muscle training group and an expiratory muscle training group. Both groups underwent six weeks of resistance training using an integrated threshold resistance device. The key outcomes measured were peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximum phonation time (MPT), and vocal intensity (dB). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the pre- and post-intervention differences, with statistical significance set at p < .05. Results: The results showed significant improvements in PEF, MPT, and dB in both the inspiratory and expiratory muscle training groups after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of improvement. This indicates that both types of muscle training effectively improve cough capacity and phonation in cervical spinal cord injury patients. Conclusion: Inspiratory and expiratory muscle resistance training are equally effective methods for enhancing respiratory and phonatory functions in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. These findings suggest that either type of training can be incorporated into rehabilitation programs for these patients to improve their quality of life.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed for 4 weeks on the diaphragmatic thickness and pulmonary function of healthy adults. Methods: Twenty healthy adults (13 males and 7 females) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to a diaphragm breathing exercise group and a control group. The diaphragm breathing exercise group was instructed to change the pressure of a dip belt (10 times per session, 3 times a week for 4 weeks) by pushing the abdomen outward as much as possible when inspiring. The thickness of the diaphragm was measured using an ultrasound device before and after the diaphragm breathing exercise, and pulmonary function was measured using a spirometer. Results: There was a significant difference in Tdi-insp and TF in the diaphragm breathing exercise group, but there was no significant difference in pulmonary function. There was no significant difference in diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function in the control group. The between-group results showed significant differences only in Tdi-insp and TF. Conclusion: The study confirmed that diaphragmatic breathing exercises affected the thickness of the diaphragm but did not have a significant effect on pulmonary function. However, since direct changes in muscle contractility were observed, the exercises are considered useful for improving diaphragmatic function.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of Pilates breathing during Diamond Press exercise on muscle activation in the core and shoulder muscles of college students with sedentary lifestyles. Given the potential for posture-related health issues due to prolonged sitting, understanding the benefits of Pilates breathing is essential for addressing functional posture disorders. Methods: Twenty healthy adults aged 20-30 participated in this study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure the activation of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, external oblique, and internal oblique-transverse abdominal muscles during the Diamond Press exercise under two conditions: regular breathing and Pilates breathing. Participants underwent 2-week Pilates breathing training, with muscle activation measured before and after the training. Results: The study revealed significant differences in muscle activation between the two breathing conditions (p < .01). Pilates breathing led to a noteworthy decrease in upper trapezius activation and an increase in the activation of the lower trapezius, serratus anterior, external oblique, and internal oblique-transverse abdominis compared to regular breathing. Conclusion: Pilates breathing enhances core and shoulder muscle activation, potentially reducing muscle imbalances and improving posture stability in young adults with sedentary habits. Thus, Pilates breathing could be a beneficial intervention for mitigating health issues related to prolonged sitting. Further research is needed to explore its long-term effects across diverse populations.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to apply and compare the effects of warm-up and rewarm-up on the skill-related fitness of amateur soccer players and determine how to effectively improve skill-related fitness. Methods: Twenty-five males with at least 5 years of soccer experience, including middle and high school sport club activities, and participated in games at least once a week voluntarily participated in the study. The warm-up measurements were conducted in the order of pre-measurement, warm-up, 6-minute rest, and post-measurement, and the rewarm-up measurements were conducted in the order of pre-measurement, warm-up, 6-minute rest, rewarm-up, and post-measurement. To prevent learning effects, the warm-up and rewarm-up conditions were changed at one-week intervals. Results: First, all skill-related aspects of fitness (agility, quickness, speed, and coordination) showed a significant increase in within-condition differences according to the training program. Second, there was an interaction effect according to the training program between agility, quickness, and speed. Third, there was no interaction effect according to the training program for coordination. Therefore, both warm-up and rewarm-up programs had a positive effect on skill-related fitness. Conclusion: In particular, agility, quickness, and speed showed greater improvement when rewarm-up was performed. This suggests that soccer players should perform both warm-up and rewarm-up during pregame breaks to improve their performance.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a weight-shifting dual-task intervention with visual feedback on balance in chronic stroke patients. Methods: The study included 21 community-dwelling chronic stroke patients divided into an experimental group (n = 11) and a control group (n = 10). The experimental group performed a dual task that combined weight shifting with visual feedback and a cognitive task, which involved reading given words while shifting weight. The control group underwent only weight-shifting training with visual feedback without the cognitive task. The intervention was delivered twice a week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and a measure of weight imbalance. An independent t-test and a paired t-test were conducted for group comparisons, with the significance level set at p = .05. Results: Both the experimental and control groups showed statistically significant improvements in BBS, TUG, and weight imbalance following the intervention (p < 0.05). The comparison of intervention-related changes between groups revealed significant differences in BBS and TUG scores (p < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in weight imbalance between the groups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that weight-shifting dual-task training with visual feedback may be a highly beneficial intervention for improving balance in community-dwelling stroke patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of tDCS combined with PNF on trunk muscle activity and pulmonary function in stroke patients. Methods: Thity stroke patients were taken as the study subjects and randomly divided into experimental and control groups, each with 15 patients. tDCS combined with PNF stabilization exercise was applied to the experimental group, and sham tDCS combined with PNF stabilization exercise was applied to the control group. Both groups were treated for 6 weeks, 5 times a week for 30 minutes each time; the trunk muscle activity and pulmonary function of stroke patients were measured before and after treatment, and the changes in the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results: The rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES) muscle activities of the experimental group were significantly higher after treatment than those of the control group when the differences in trunk muscle activity between groups were compared before and after treatment (p<.05). In a comparison of changes in pulmonary function between groups after treatment, the experimental group's maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) were significantly better than the control group's (p<.05). Conclusion: The improvement of trunk muscle activity and pulmonary function in stroke patients can be attributed to using of tDCS in combination with PNF stabilization exercise. This clinically helpful treatment method for stroke patients merits further promotion and implementation in the clinic.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine muscle activity, depending on foot position, during Smith Machine squat exercises. Methods: For three kinds of Smith Machine squat positions, the participants adopted a foot position with the lateral malleolus placed in a straight line with the bar, another foot position with the lateral malleolus placed at the one-half point of the femur, and a further foot position with the lateral malleolus extended forward as long as the femur. Electromyography data were collected from the biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (SM), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM). In addition, the ratios of hamstrings and quadriceps (HQ) and VM/VL were measured using electromyography during the Smith Machine squat exercises. Results: The HQ ratio was significantly higher for the foot position in a straight line with the bar than for the foot position with the lateral malleolus extended forward as long as the femur. The VL and VM were significantly higher for the foot position with the lateral malleolus extended forward as long as the femur than for the foot position in a straight line with the bar. Conclusion: To increase the muscle activity of the quadriceps femoris, is to place the lateral malleolus forward as long as the femur from a point in a straight line with the bar. Intervention considering the HQ ratio is to place the lateral malleolus in a straight line with the bar.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of HMD-based virtual reality training combined with traditional physical therapy on balance and gait in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Fifty-four stroke patients participated in the study, which was divided into three groups: HMD-based virtual reality training with traditional physical therapy (HVRT), HMD-VR (HVR) only, and traditional physical therapy (TT). The interventions were conducted twice daily, with each session lasting 30 minutes, over a period of eight weeks. The outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the 10-meter walk test. Results: The HVRT and HVR groups showed significant improvements in BBS, TUG, walking speed, cadence, step length, stride length, single limb support, and balance confidence compared to the TT group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the VR group demonstrated better outcomes in BBS, TUG, and gait parameters than the VT group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fully HMD-based VR balance training for more than 30 minutes, three times a week over eight weeks, positively impacted balance, walking, and confidence in chronic stroke patients. This study found that traditional physical therapy alone had limited effectiveness and evaluated the efficacy of HMD-based virtual reality intervention programs in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. These results will help improve the quality of life for stroke patients and provide foundational data for HMD-based virtual reality rehabilitation programs