Background: With the increasing demand for healthcare devices, the home healthcare market has been continuously expanding. Objectives: This study examined how a home calf massager affects muscle tone and stiffness in the calf region and the active range of motion (AROM) of the ankle in healthy adults to determine whether the massager is suitable for healthcare use in healthy individuals. Design: A quasi-experimental clinical trial. Methods: The study included 20 healthy men in their 20s, analyzing changes in muscle tone and stiffness in the calf region, AROM of the ankle joint, and differences between the two legs before and after applying the home calf massager. Results: After using the home calf massager, significant reductions in muscle tone and stiffness were observed in the lateral gastrocnemius muscles on both sides, as well as in the stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius muscles on both sides (P<.05). The AROM of the ankle joint significantly increased in all cases of dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion (P<.05). Conclusion: The use of a home calf massager in healthy adult males did not impose a physiological burden on muscle tone and stiffness in the calf region and was effective in immediately improving ankle joint mobility.

Background: In patients with low back pain (LBP), weakened core muscles and impaired proprioception contribute to decreased spinal stability and LBP recurrence. Objectives: To investigate the effects of abdominal bracing exercises (BE) and kinetic link training (BEKLT) on pain, balance, and proprioception in LBP patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixteen adults with LBP were randomly assigned to a BE group or a BEKLT group. Both groups completed a four-week intervention (three sessions per week). Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), proprioception with the lumbar reposition sense test, and balance with the BT4 system. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in VAS and proprioception error (P<.05), with no inter-group differences. In dynamic balance (limits of stability), the BE group improved in rearward, left, and right angles, while the BEKLT group improved in forward, rearward, and left angles (P<.05). A significant difference was observed in the forward leaning angle between groups (P<.05). For static balance, both groups showed significant reductions in trace length and C90 area (P<.05), with no inter-group differences. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both BE and BEKLT are effective interventions for reducing pain and improving proprioception and balance in LBP, with BEKLT providing additional benefits for dynamic balance.

Background: Stroke patients often exhibit excessive kyphosis of the spine and a forward head posture (FHP), which negatively impacts their daily activities. These postural abnormalities not only negatively affect functional movement but also exacerbate musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of backward walking on FHP in stroke patients. Design: Single-case experimental design (A-B-A’ design). Methods: The study was conducted over a total of 8 weeks, comprising 24 sessions: 3 baseline sessions (A), 18 intervention sessions (B), and 3 regression baseline sessions (A'). No backward walking intervention was performed during baseline (A) and regression baseline (A’). To determine changes in FHP, the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured at all sessions. Results: The CVA increased in the intervention (B) and regression baseline (A’) compared to the baseline (A). Conclusion: Backward walking was effective in improving FHP, and the effect was maintained after intervention (B) in patients with stroke. Therefore, backward walking was effective in improving the postural alignment of stroke patients.

Background: The diaphragm release technique, commonly used in COPD patients, improves diaphragmatic mobility and inspiratory capacity. Diaphragmatic breathing, with slow deep breaths, supports autonomic regulation and benefits the brain, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. However, research on their combined effects on respiratory function remains limited. Objectives: To investigate the effects of manual diaphragm release on respiratory functions, specifically focusing on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), diaphragmatic mobility, and chest expansion. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study involved 26 university students, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (Manual diaphragm release + Diaphragmatic breathing, MDR) or the control group (Diaphragmatic breathing, DB). Measurements taken before and after the immediate intervention included diaphragmatic mobility, chest expansion, FVC, and FEV1. Results: In the experimental group, significant differences were observed in diaphragmatic mobility, FVC, and FEV1 between the pre- and post-intervention measurements, while the control group had no significant changes. The experimental group showed significant improvements in diaphragmatic mobility and FVC compared to the control group. Conclusion: MDR significantly enhance diaphragmatic mobility and FVC in university students compared to DB. These findings suggest that MDR is an effective non-invasive intervention for improving specific respiratory functions.

Background: Recent cases of spinal cord infarction combined with cerebral infarction have demonstrated improved walking ability through pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation. However, studies on the efficacy of multidisciplinary approaches remain limited. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate rehabilitation strategies and establish a foundation for clinical practice, focusing on physical and occupational therapy for patients with spinal cord and cerebral infarctions. Design: A case study. Methods: A 70-year-old woman with combined spinal cord and cerebral infarction underwent 20 weeks of rehabilitation. Functional outcomes were assessed using Grip Strength, Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Manual Function Test (MFT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), and Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Results: Over 20 weeks, Grip Strength improved to 6 kg (left) and 13 kg (right), MMT increased from 97 to 103 points, and TIS improved from 2 to 10 points. MFT scores increased to 18 (left) and 25 (right). BBS improved from 1 to 23 points, and the 10MWT time decreased to 19.84 seconds. K-MBI scores rose from 12 to 39 points. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach, including robotic therapy, significantly improved functional recovery, facilitating reintegration into daily life.

Background: This study aims to analyze the trends in research related to the application of whole-body vibration exercise in stroke patients, the methods used, and the effects of such applications. Additionally, it seeks to propose future directions for research on whole-body vibration exercise in stroke patients and provide foundational data for future studies. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the trends in research on the application of whole-body vibration exercise in stroke patients, focusing on the methods used and the resulting effects. Design: A scoping review. Methods: This is a literature review aimed at identifying trends in whole-body vibration exercise research for stroke patients published in Korea between 2000 and March 2024. The study followed the five stages of the scoping review procedure proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Results: The remaining one was a comparative study of the effects between vibration frequencies. The main findings from the literature showed statistical significance in 15 studies, excluding 3 articles. Additionally, 13 studies reported that the whole-body vibration exercise group demonstrated more significant improvements than the control group, while 1 study found the control group had more significant effects than the whole-body vibration exercise group. The remaining study compared the effects between different vibration frequencies. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there is a need for more systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of interventions. These should focus on systematically analyzing the outcomes of vibration exercise programs applied to stroke patients and the relevant dependent variables.

Background: problem-based learning (PBL) is effective in learning majors in health care colleges. Objectives: To analyzed the effectiveness of self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed learning in physical therapy students after PBL. Design: Questionnaire design. Methods: 44 participated in a study using a Mandal-art chart for PBL in a first-year medical terminology class. Surveys assessing self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed learning were conducted before and after the semester. The study evaluated changes in these competencies through structured questionnaires. Cronbach's α was calculated to confirm the reliability of each questionnaire scale. A paired t-test was conducted to compare pre and post PBL class levels of self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed learning, and the correlations between the measurement variables were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: Self-efficacy, academic resilience, and self-directed increased statistically significantly after the PBL class compared to before the class. A significant positive correlation was observed between self-efficacy and academic resilience, as well as between self-efficacy and self-directed learning. Additionally, academic resilience and self-directed learning also showed a significant positive correlation. Conclusion: PBL enhances self-efficacy, resilience, and self-directed learning, which show positive correlations and interact to improve physical therapy education outcomes.

Background: When shorter muscles are restored to normal, non-specific low back pain, which is the mechanism that causes pain along with muscle relaxation, disappears. Among the stretching methods, self-stretching is a good exercise method not only for treatment but also for preventive purposes. Objectives: To find out what is the most effective method of self-stretching, which is often used in treatment and preventive arbitration, which can reduce muscle activity and increase spinal flexibility in patients with non-specific back pain. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Methods: Three self-stretching exercise methods for erector spinae are randomly assigned to 13 people each, and three self-stretching exercise methods are performed for each study subject. Surface electromyography using, was performed to measure the erector spinae muscle activity. flexibility was measured through Trunk flexion test in a standing position. Muscle activity and flexibility were measured before and after stretching. Results: The difference in muscle activity and flexibility in the three groups, including cat stretching, seated stretching, and Reclining stretching, all showed statistically significant differences. There was no statistically significant difference in comparison between the three groups of stretch muscle activity. However, a statistically significant difference was shown in the comparison of the variability between the three groups of flexibility. In a post-mortem analysis comparing the amount of change in flexibility, the flexibility of the seated stretching in the chair increased significantly compared to the cat stretching group. Conclusion: It can be confirmed that the stretching method of the erector spinae, cat stretching, seated stretching, and Reclining stretching, all have positive effects on muscle activity and flexibility.

Background: For patients with neck pain, a taping method has been used to promote thoracic spine extension. To induce thoracic spine extension without back pain, a neutral lumbo-pelvic position must be established. The spiral trunk taping method can induce a neutral lumbo-pelvic position and thoracic spine extension. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of spiral trunk taping in inducing thoracic spine extension and neutral lumbo-pelvic position in patients with neck pain. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty patients with neck pain were randomly assigned to groups. The experimental group received spiral trunk taping and the control group received sham taping. The resting position visual analogue scale (VAS) and VAS during painful movement were measured and compared pre and post treatment. Results: Significant within-subjects changes were resting position VAS (F=59.823, P=0.001) and VAS during painful movement (F=76.128, P=0.001). Significant between-subject changes were resting position VAS (F=10.402, P=0.003) and VAS during painful movement (F=7.657, P=0.01). Conclusion: Spiral trunk taping, which can induce thoracic spine extension and a neutral lumbo-pelvic position, was effective for neck pain. This study demonstrates the potential of a systemic taping approach in the management of neck pain, and provides important clues for future clinical applications.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) research on physical fitness posture estimation has been limited by a lack of comprehensive datasets and guidelines. This study analyzes the fitness image dataset provided by Korea's AIHub platform to advance posture estimation algorithms from exercise prescription and behavioral analysis perspectives. Objectives: To analyze fitness movements and guide correct exercise posture using AI-based visual and auditory feedback. Design: Descriptive analysis of a large-scale dataset. Methods: The study examined image and JSON labeling files from AI-Hub, analyzing 6.39 million fitness images across 41 exercise types. Data structure, exercise states, and annotation characteristics were analyzed in detail. Results: The dataset encompasses 816 distinct exercise states, captured from five camera angles with 24 key body points labeled per posture. Exercises were categorized into full-body workouts (17), barbell/dumbbell exercises (16), and furniture exercises (8). Gender distribution was 76% male and 24% female, with 41% in the 27-29 age group. The dataset allows for detailed analysis of correct and incorrect postures. Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis of the AI-Hub fitness dataset provides a robust foundation for developing AI models for fitness posture evaluation and feedback, benefiting exercise coach web/app service developers.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is very common disease. Strength exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise were used to improvement of function for CAI. Isokinetic strength and balance are related to functional movement of lower extremity. Objectives: The purpose was to analyze the effect of muscle strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise on isokinetic strength and balance in young adults with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults with CAI. The subjects randomly divided into three groups: strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise. They performed each exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. They measured isokinetic strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec, static and dynamic balance before and after exercise. Results: The isokinetic strengths of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were significantly higher in the strengthening exercise group than in the balance exercise group. The static and dynamic balance was significantly higher in the balance exercise group than in other two groups. Conclusion: Strengthening exercise, balance exercise, proprioceptive exercise can improve the muscle strength for CAI. Strengthening exercise and balance exercise can more improve balance than proprioceptive exercise for CAI.

Background: Squats are often used to strengthen the quadriceps femoris, but they are affected by lower extremity posture. Objectives: The study of this was to investigate the effect on the muscle activity of the vastus medialis and the vastus lateralis according to the ankle angle, during squat exercise. Design: Quasi-Experimental research. Methods: Thirty healthy adult males participated in the study and the subjects measured the vastus medialis muscle and the vastus lateralis muscle and measured the maximum electromyogram. The subjects performed one squat at ankle angles of toe out 0˚, toe out 20˚, and toe out 40˚, then rested for 2 minutes and repeated 3 sets. Data analysis was performed using the repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-test for window program. The significance level for statistical treatment was set at .05. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the vastus medialis and the vastus lateralis in the ankle angles of toe out 0˚, toe out 20˚, and toe out 40˚during squat (P<.05). The muscle activity of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis showed the highest at the ankle angle toe out 20˚, and the vastus medialis showed a statistically significant increase at toe out 0˚ than at toe out 40˚ (P<.05). In vastus lateralis, toe out 40˚ increased statistically more than toe out 0˚(P<.05). Conclusion: In the early stage of rehabilitation for patients with knee pain, strengthening the vastus medialis muscle at toe out 0˚and performing squat exercise at toe out 20˚ in the later period will be helpful. However, if you exercise at toe out 40˚ beyond toe out 20˚, the vastus lateralis muscle becomes dominant, so it will not be helpful during squat exercise.

Background: Automated classification systems using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can enhance accuracy and efficiency in diagnosing pet skin diseases within veterinary medicine. Objectives: This study created a system that classifies pet skin diseases by evaluating multiple ML models to determine which method is most effective. Design: Comparative experimental study. Methods: Pet skin disease images were obtained from AIHub. Models, including Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Boosted Stacking Ensemble (BSE), H2O AutoML, Random Forest, and Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT), were trained and their accuracy assessed. Results: The TPOT achieved the highest accuracy (94.50 percent), due to automated pipeline optimization and ensemble learning. H2O AutoML also performed well at 94.25 percent, illustrating the effectiveness of automated selection for intricate imaging tasks. Other models scored lower. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of AI-driven solutions for faster and more precise pet skin disease diagnoses. Future investigations should incorporate broader disease varieties, multimodal data, and clinical validations to solidify the practicality of these approaches in veterinary medicine.

Background: Multiple fractures, particularly femoral fractures, are increasingly prevalent and associated with high mortality rates and significant functional impairments. This highlights the urgent need for effective rehabilitation strategies, such as robot-assisted training, to enhance recovery and improve quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of robotassisted rehabilitation for multiple femoral fractures. Design: Single-subject design. Methods: A 15-day A-B-A' single-subject design was employed. A man in his 30s with multiple fractures underwent standard rehabilitation during the baseline (A) and regression baseline (A') phases, with robotic therapy introduced during the intervention phase (B). Daily assessments of mobility and balance were analyzed using the two-standard deviation method. Results: Robotic therapy led to significant improvements: the TUG test time decreased from 16.21±0.64 seconds (A) to 10.63±0.46 seconds (B) and 9.64±0.35 seconds (A'). The 10 MWT time improved from 6.31±0.64 seconds (A) to 5.41±0.17 seconds (B) and 5.01±0.12 seconds (A'). LOS increased from 364.01±35.83 cm² (A) to 484.67±29.97 cm² (B) and 518.03±18.82 cm² (A'). Plantar pressure imbalance (59.2% right, 40.8% left in A) was corrected to nearly equal distribution in B (49.4%/50.6%) and A' (50.8%/49.2%). Conclusion: Robotic rehabilitation therapy improves balance and weightbearing capacity in patients with multiple fractures, suggesting its effectiveness as an early intervention following bone union.

Background: The evaluation of Human Movements based on Taekwondo poomsae (movement patterns) is inherently subjective, leading to concerns about bias and inconsistency in scoring. This emphasizes the need for objective and reliable scoring systems leveraging artificial intelligence technologies. Objectives: This study seeks to enhance the accuracy and fairness of Taekwondo poomsae scoring through the application of camera-based pose estimation and advanced neural network models. Design: A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of machine learning models on a large-scale Taekwondo poomsae dataset. Methods: The analysis utilized a dataset comprising 902,306 labeled frames from 48 participants performing 62 distinct poomsae movements. Five models—LSTM, GRU, Simple RNN, Random Forest, and XGBoost—were evaluated using performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, F1- score, and log loss. Results: The LSTM model outperformed all others, achieving an accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of 0.81, alongside the lowest log loss value of 0.55. The GRU model demonstrated comparable performance, while traditional models such as Random Forest and XGBoost were less effective in capturing the temporal and spatial patterns of poomsae movements. Conclusion: The LSTM model exhibited superior capability in modeling the temporal and spatial complexities inherent in Taekwondo poomsae, establishing a robust foundation for the development of objective, scalable, and reliable poomsae evaluation systems.

Background: The increasing demand for real-time professional fitness coaching has led to a need for accurate exercise posture recognition using artificial intelligence. Objectives: To compare the performance of Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) and Stacked Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models in classifying fitness posture images using detailed joint coordinate labeling. Design: Comparative analysis of machine learning models using a labeled dataset of fitness posture images. Methods: A dataset from AI-hub containing images and data of 41 exercises was used. Five exercises were selected and processed using a custom program. Data was converted from JSON to CSV format, augmented with joint condition information, and analyzed using Google Colab. Results: The best FNN model achieved a training error of 1.21% and test error of 9.08%. The Stacked LSTM model demonstrated superior performance with a training error of 1.05% and test error of 6.09%. Conclusion: Both FNN and Stacked LSTM models effectively classified sequential fitness images, with Stacked LSTM showing superior performance. This indicates the potential of Stacked LSTM models for accurate fitness posture classification in real-time coaching scenarios.