Background: Competency-based education is increasingly emphasized in physical therapy, yet limited research has assessed student competencies using validated tools. Objectives: This study examined differences in physical therapy students’ competencies by gender, grade level, and admission type using a newly developed assessment tool. Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Method: A total of 88 students at U University completed the assessment, which comprised six Sub-Competenc ies (Communication skills, Client understanding competency, Learning Competency for Physical Therapy, Problem- Solving Competencies for Physical Therapy, Factor application capabilities, Professional development competency). Data were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA with Scheffé post-hoc tests. Results: No significant differences were observed among gender and grade levels (P>.05). By admission type, regular admission students scored significantly higher than transfer students in the Learning Competency for Physical Therapy and the Factor application capabilities (P<.05). Conclusion: Competency development appears unaffected by gender or grade level but may differ by admission type. Findings suggest the need for academic support and supplementary education for transfer students, and provide evidence to guide competency-based curriculum design in physical therapy.

Symptomatic joint degeneration is a common chronic musculoskeletal disorder worldwide. The literature has noted that some clinicians find treating this condition “technically challenging,” while others find it to be “unchallengingly routine.” We believe that all clinicians treating symptomatic joint degeneration should have a robust understanding of the mechanobiological interactions between the synovial lining, synovial cells, synovial fluid, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone. This four-part narrative review describes how inner lining synovitis and cellular changes in the subchondral region, including the development of bone marrow edema, are symptom generators in some patients with various grades of joint degeneration. This review suggests that physical therapists (PTs) should acquaint themselves with the concept of mechanotransduction and more fully consider cellular mechanosensitivity and mechanoresponsiveness as exercise loading and manual interventions loads are placed upon joints with degenerative change. We call for additional research efforts in the area of protocol development for low-load exercise intervention and between PTs and physicians who may have access to laboratory facilities and imaging equipment. This research could allow for both direct and indirect assessment of intra-articular pressure, synovial fluid, and bone marrow edema after the application of therapeutic exercise and joint mobilization.

Roseolithon sabulosum, a coralline algal species within Hapalidiaceae, has been documented from Japan. Phylogenetic analyses based on rbcL and psbA sequences confirmed that the Korean non-geniculate coralline algal specimens from Jeju Island are conspecific with Japanese R. sabulosum, including the holotype. Additionally, both morpho-anatomical and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of our specimens as R. sabulosum. Roseolithon sabulosum is characterized by flared epithallial cells, variable subepithallial initials, and multiporate tetra/bisporangial conceptacles elevated above the thallus surface with 4-7 rosette cells in conspicuous depressions that produce a pitted appearance. Its conceptacle roofs are composed of 3-6 cell layers, and pore canals are lined by 2-4-celled filaments containing rosette cells with disintegrated roofs underlain by elongate to wedge-shaped cells longer than other roof cells. In this study, we report R. sabulosum for the first time in Korea, thereby broadening its known distribution to include both Korea and Japan.