• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.217-226
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• 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of Tai Chi training program on physical fitness, stress response and ego-resiliency in nursing students. Methods: 28 nursing students of D metropolitan city participated in non-equivalent control group pre- and post-test group test in quasi experimental design with written consent. Fourteen participants in the control group who did usual activities and 14 experimental participants who promised to participate 24 Tai Chi training sessions for 12 weeks. Both groups completed pre- and post-test measurement for physical fitness, a questionnaire regarding their stress response and ego-resiliency. Each 60-minute Tai Chi session was consisted of 5-minute warm up, 10-minute meditation, 40-minute Tai Chi, and 5-minute finishing exercise. Results: After 12 weeks, participants in the Tai Chi group reported significantly higher score in muscle endurance (t=3.77, p=.001), leg muscular strength (t=2.14, p=.042), and balance (t=2.12, p=.044) compared to the control group. The Tai Chi group recorded significantly lower score than the control group on stress response (t=2.75, p=.011). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of Tai Chi for a reduction in stress response and promotion in physical fitness in nursing students. Applying Tai Chi training to nursing program will help nursing students to have better academic performance.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.48-55
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine correlations among UPDRS, respiratory function, and senior fitness and to investigate the effects of restrictive respiratory function on these factors in Parkinson's disease patients. Methods: Subjects (n=25, Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stage: 2-3, $69.3{\pm}5.9$ yrs) from D Hospital Parkinson's Disease Center at Busan metropolitan area in the Republic of Korea volunteered for this study. They performed the pulmonary function test, UPDRS, and the senior fitness test. SPSS 18.0 was used for analysis of data, and the collected data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (n=25). In addition, Independent t-test was used for determination of differences between two groups (between the normal pulmonary function group (n=10) and the restrictive pulmonary function group (n=10)). Results: Forced vital capacity (FVC (L)) showed significant negative correlation (r=-0.44, p<0.05) with H&Y stage in Parkinson's disease patients, and chair stand showed significant negative correlations (r=0.41, 0.43, 0.42, p<0.05) with FVC (L), FVC (%), and FEV1 (L). FVC (%) showed significant positive correlations (r=0.44, r=0.44, p<0.05) with right and left back scratch. In addition, the restrictive respiratory function group showed significantly lower FVC (%) (p<0.01) and was significantly slower (p<0.05) in the 8-foot up-and-go test than the normal respiratory function group. Conclusion: In conclusion, these results suggest that restrictive respiratory function in PD was related to H&Y stage. In addition, agility of PD patients was lower in the restrictive respiratory function group than in the normal function group.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.57-63
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• 2011

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of Pilates exercise on Fitness Factors related to motor performance including flexibility, agility, power, balance, and muscle endurance. Methods: Forty subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The Pilates group did Pilates exercises 3 times a week for 8weeks, 60 minutes each time, and submitted to evaluation of protocols to assess sitting and reaching tests, a standing broad jump test, a side step test, a balance test using a Biodex Stability System, and muscle endurance using CSMI. Results: The Pilates group (n=20) participated in Pilates exercises three times in a week for eight weeks. The results show significant post-test differences in the Pilates group in the following areas: flexibility, agility, power, balance and muscle endurance. There was no significant increase in the control group. Post-exercise, there was no significant difference between the Pilates and control group. Conclusion: The Pilates method can offer significant improvement in personal flexibility, agility, power, balance, and muscle endurance. This study suggests that individuals can improve their Fitness Factors related to motor performance using Pilates exercises that do not require equipment or a high degree of skill. Further study is required to quantify the benefits of Pilates exercise.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.210-222
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• 2012

Purpose: This study examined the effects of taekwondo exercise program on the physical function, fitness and quality of life in women with osteoarthritis. Methods: With nonequivalent control group quasi-experimental design, 17 outpatients with osteoarthritis were recruited from June to August, 2010. The subjects were divided into 14 in experimental group and 13 in control group. The taekwondo exercise program was consisted of public taekwondo gymnastics with stretching movement and carried out every 60 minutes, 2 times a week for 12 weeks. Physical fitness of sit up, sit and reach, and agility, KWOMAC, and quality of life were measured. Data were analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS program. Results: After the intervention, the physical fitness for muscle endurance (Z=-4.40, p<.001), flexibility (Z=-2.75, p=.006), and agility (Z=-1.95, p=.050) were significantly improved in the experimental group. The mean scores of KWOMAC in the experimental group were significantly decreased (Z=-2.94, p=.003) and the mean difference of quality of life in the experimental group was also significantly increased than that of the control group (Z=-3.50, p<.001). Conclusion: The taekwondo exercise program may have affirmative effects on physical fitness, physical function, and quality of life in women with osteoarthritis.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare the level of physical fitness and isokinetic strength, between EMT student and physical education students. Nine a major in EMT student volunteers, and nine a major in physical education student volunteers participated in that study as subjects. The basic physical body composition, fitness and isokinetic strength were measured. The data obtained in the study was analyzed by SPSS PC+ for window version 10.0. The difference in the mean of each variable between the two groups was analyzed by using the independent t-test and the significance level for all analysis was set at <.05. The results were as follows ; 1. There was a significant difference in the basic physical fitness between the two groups with the exception flexibility. The difference showed the statistical significance on back strength, balance and power in physical education students. 2. There were significant difference in body composition between the two groups with the exception of lean body fat. The difference showed the statistical significance on body fat%, body fat mass in the physical education students. 3. There was significant defference in the isokinetic strength between the two group. The difference showed the statistical significance on peak torque, peak torque B/W%. It was concluded that the physical education students may not have an effect of flexibility; however, back strength, balance, power, body composition, isokinetic strength, could be enhanced due to the long-term period of training. Based on the findings of this study, the regular participation of regular exercise help the untrained men achieve health-related fitness.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.109-119
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands on the body composition, physical strength, and postural correction of middle-aged women. Methods : The subjects were 28 middle-aged women with no ballet experience. They were divided into an experimental group (n=14; exercise group) and a control group (n=14; non-exercise group) through random sampling. The experimental group underwent an exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands for 50 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group performed no exercise. The subjects in both group had their body composition, physical fitness, and postural angles measured before and after the intervention. A paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-test values within each group, and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed to compare pre- and post-test changes between the two groups. Results : Regarding body composition, statistically significant differences in BMI (p<.05), body fat percentage (p<.001), and muscle mass (p<.001) were observed between the two groups before and after the intervention. For physical fitness, the experimental group showed statistically significant increases in quick reflexes (p<.001), muscle endurance (p<.001), and muscle strength (p<.001). For postural correction, the experimental group exhibited statistically significant decreases in all variables: the head (p<.001), shoulder (p<.001), cervical tilt (p<.001), right-left pelvic tilt (p<.001), and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt (p<.001). Conclusion : A combined exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands had positive effects on the body composition, physical fitness, and postural correction of middle-aged women.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.131-139
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• 2015

This study analyzed the differences in aerobic and anaerobic exercise ability and growth-related indicators, depending on the polymorphism of the ACE and the ACTN3 genes, to understand the genetic influence of exercise ability in the growth process of children. The subjects of the study consisted of elementary school students (n=856, age $10.32{\pm}0.07yr$). The anthropometric parameters, physical fitness and growth factors were compared among groups of the ACE I/D or the ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms. There were no significant differences between the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness and growth factors for the ACE gene ID or the ACTN3 gene R577X polymorphism. However, the DD type of ACE gene was highest in the side step test (p<0.05), and the DD type was significantly higher than the II+ID type (p<0.05) in the early bone age. The combined group of the ACE gene II+ID and the ACTN3 gene XX type significantly showed lower early bone age (p< 0.05). This study did not find any individual or compounding effects of the polymorphism in the ACE I/D or the ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms on the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness and growth factors of Korean children. However, the exercise experience and the DD type of the ACE gene may affect the early maturity of the bones.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.208-215
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• 2020

This study investigated the relationship among gait variables and physical fitness variables for Korean elderly people. Two hundred elderly people aged 65 to 85, (100 men and 100 women) participated in this study. They performed senior fitness test consisting of 6 tests, 3 additional physical tests (vertical jump, one leg stand, and grip force), body composition measures, and gait test. The gait test used shoes having an inertia measurement device in the outer-soles. The results indicated that the stride length, 6-min walking, lean body mass, and dumbbell curls were significantly affected by age (the above 75 group vs. the below 75 group). Among 33 measured parameters, the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed five PCs such as gait characteristics, physical features, gait variability, and fitness levels. In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the preferred walking speed was significantly, positively associated with stride length and single support time, whereas it was negatively associated with double support time and gait variability.(Ed note: please confirm my modification) In conclusion, sarcopenia should be avoided in elderly people, and resistance exercise is highly recommended to help elderly people maintain their gait ability.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.543-548
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• 2009

Treatment for breast cancer produces side effects that diminish functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) among survivors. Tai Chi is a moderate form of exercise that may improve functional capacity, physical activity and oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of regular Tai Chi exercise on malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD and physical fitness (muscle strength, flexibility, flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction). Forty obese women were recruited from a public health center and divided into control (CON: n=20) and trained (EXP: n=20) groups. The Tai Chi exercise group participated in a 12-week (4 times/week) training program. Data were analyzed with T-test. MDA, SOD and physical fitness (muscle strength, flexibility, flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction) were evaluated before and after the Tai Chi program in both groups. There were significant improvements in shoulder flexibility, flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. However, there was no improvement in muscle strength. There were also significant improvements in MDA and SOD. Based on these results, Tai Chi exercise has been shown to stimulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes and reduce oxidative damage markers. and also be effective in improving physical fitness and QOL. Further study is needed in this area.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.63-72
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• 2023

Background: This study investigated the effects of face-to-face and non-face-to-face McKenzie exercises and elastic band strengthening exercises on falls and fitness in older adults. Methods: A total of 44 subjects were divided into a face-to-face group (FG; n=22) and a non-face-to-face group (NFG; n=22) who met older adults. Both groups used McKenzie exercises and strength training with elastic bands The fall efficacy scale (K-FES) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Pro were used to compare the senior fitness test (SFT). Results: No significant differences were detected between the two groups before the intervention; however, a significant difference was noted in the K-FES scores after the intervention. The change in HbA1c after the intervention was not statistically significant in the FG or the NFG, and no significant difference was detected between the two groups. The change in lower limb muscle strength in the elderly physical fitness test showed no significant difference between the two groups before or after the intervention. The change in upper limb flexibility after the intervention was not significantly different in the FG or NFG, indicating no significant difference between the two groups. The change in the 3-meter round-trip test after the intervention was significantly different in both the FG and NFG groups, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. The change in the grip strength test of the dominant hand showed no significant difference after the intervention in the FG or the NFG, and the difference between the FG and NFG groups was not statistically significant. The dominant foot external standing after the intervention was significantly improved in the FG, but no significant difference was detected in the NFG, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that FG and NFG McKenzie exercises and elastic band strengthen exercises were equally effective at preventing falls and improving fitness in older adults.