Background: Core stability exercises are widely applied in rehabilitation and training programs, but evidence regarding the effects of activation strategies and surface conditions on abdominal muscle recruitment during plank exercise remains inconsistent. Objects: This study aimed to investigate how different activation strategies (hollowing vs. bracing) and surface conditions (stable vs. unstable) influence selective activation of abdominal muscles during the plank exercise. Methods: Thirty-six healthy male adults in their 20s participated. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the relative thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) under four randomized conditions: stable-hollowing, stable-bracing, unstable-hollowing, and unstable-bracing. Relative thickness was calculated as [(contraction – rest) ÷ rest] × 100. Data were analyzed using three-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni comparison. Results: No significant three-way interaction was found (p = 0.840). However, a significant muscle × surface interaction indicated that TrA thickness increased more on a stable surface (p < 0.05), while IO and EO showed no difference. A significant muscle × strategy interaction revealed that hollowing induced greater relative thickness in all muscles, particularly in TrA, compared with bracing (p < 0.001). No significant strategy × surface interaction was observed (p = 0.512). Conclusion: Abdominal hollowing and a stable surface independently enhanced TrA thickness during plank exercise. These findings suggest that stable-surface plank exercise with hollowing is an effective strategy for selectively recruiting deep abdominal muscles, providing practical implications for clinical and sports settings. These findings may be specific to anklesling– induced instability and may not extend to other types of unstable surfaces.

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) has become increasingly common owing to the widespread use of digital devices and sedentary work environments. This postural deviation leads to muscle imbalances, increased cervical and shoulder tension, and reduced range of motion (ROM). Various exercises and Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy are frequently used to address FHP-related problems. However, direct comparisons of their immediate effects remain limited. Objects: This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of TECAR therapy and self-exercise (SE) on cervical ROM, muscle tone, and rounded shoulder posture in patients with FHP. Methods: Thirty adults with FHP were randomly assigned to either the TECAR therapy group (n = 15) or the SE group (n = 15). Each group received one 20-minute session. The TECAR group underwent capacitive- and resistive-mode treatments applied to the cervical and shoulder regions to promote thermal relaxation. The SE group performed supervised stretching of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), upper trapezius, scalene, and pectoralis major (PM); shoulder shrugs; chin tucks; and isometric neck exercises. Cervical ROM, muscle tone, and acromion-totable distance (ATD) were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using paired and independent t-tests with α = 0.05. Results: Both interventions significantly improved cervical ROM, muscle tone, and ATD (p < 0.05). The TECAR group showed greater improvements in left lateral flexion ROM (p = 0.015), greater reductions in right SCM (p = 0.012) and left PM tone (p = 0.024), and greater correction of right-sided ATD (p = 0.036) than the SE group. Conclusion: TECAR therapy and SE effectively improved cervical mobility, reduced muscle tone, and corrected postural misalignment in patients with FHP. TECAR therapy demonstrated superior short-term effects in promoting muscle relaxation and alignment, supporting its value as an adjunct to exercise-based rehabilitation.

Background: Sustaining regular exercise is a major public health challenge. Self-directed, goal-oriented exercise programs may enhance autonomy and adherence compared to traditional supervised approaches. Objects: This study evaluated the effects of an 8-week individualized, goal-oriented exercise program on physical fitness and body composition in college students and assessed the durability of these effects following an 8-week washout period. Methods: In a non-randomized, fixed-sequence design, 24 healthy young adults (19 males, 5 females) completed an 8-week self-directed exercise intervention, followed by an 8-week washout and an 8-week control period. Physical fitness (vertical jump, standing long jump, handgrip strength, one-leg stance) and body composition (body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage) were assessed. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and effect size estimates. Results: Significant improvements were observed in all fitness measures post-intervention (p < 0.01). Large effect sizes were found for vertical jump (Cohen’s dav = 0.87) and standing long jump (dav = 0.99), while handgrip strength and one-leg stance showed moderate effects (dav ≈ 0.65). However, no consistent changes were detected in body composition variables. Fitness gains declined rapidly during the washout period, indicating transient adaptation. Conclusion: An 8-week goal-oriented, self-directed exercise program effectively improved physical fitness but not body composition in young adults. These findings support the utility of autonomy-supportive models, though the rapid reversal of gains highlights the critical need for sustained engagement strategies.

선박은 장비 밀집도가 높고 폐쇄적 구조로 화재 확산이 빠르며, 특히 케미컬 탱커의 계류 중 위험화물 화재는 항만 재난으로 확대될 수 있다. 본 연구는 실제 사고사례를 참고해 계류 중 위험화물 화재 시나리오를 설계하고 테이블탑 훈련을 실시하였다. ALOHA를 활용하여 피해 범위를 산정하고, 훈련 후 선상 대응팀과 육상 지원팀의 사후검토를 통해 실제 비상대응의 취약점을 도출하였다. 개선방안 으로는 선사, 선박 및 선원의 특성이 반영되고 선원의 의사결정을 지원할 수 있는 최신의 지침서가 요구되며, 이를 위한 교육을 강화할 필요가 있다. 또한 위험화물 화재에 대비해 소집장소와 퇴선 설비에는 방호 설비와 개인용 화재보호구를 갖추어야 한다. 화물제어실의 지 휘 기능 강화를 위해 외부 통신설비의 확충이 필요하며, 방어적 진압 전술에 부합하는 장비 체계 및 의사소통 방법도 마련해야 한다. 그 리고 항만 소방 책임자와 선사를 포함하는 다자간 정보공유 체계의 구축이 필요하다. 이러한 개선방안은 선원 교육기관의 내실화, 선사의 비상대응 지침서의 고도화, 시나리오의 중요 변수 식별, 그리고 항만 사고 확산 방지를 위한 비상대응체계 개선에 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

Background: Although exercise and rehabilitation interventions are considered key strategies for managing sarcopenia, the characteristics and distribution of existing research focusing on stroke patients with sarcopenia have not been comprehensively mapped. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to systematically map the characteristics of sarcopenia assessment and exercise- and rehabilitation-based interventions in stroke patients with concomitant sarcopenia, and to identify current research trends and evidence gaps. Design: Scoping review. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception to October 1, 2025. Studies involving adult stroke patients with sarcopenia and examining exercise, rehabilitation, or combined interventions were included. Study selection followed predefined eligibility criteria based on the PCC framework and was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Findings were synthesized using descriptive numerical summaries and narrative synthesis. Results: Four studies were included, all conducted in Japan and designed as retrospective cohort or cross-sectional observational studies. Three studies evaluated chair-stand–based whole-body resistance exercise added to standard rehabilitation in convalescent rehabilitation settings, while one study examined the combined effects of energy intake and rehabilitation time in acute-care stroke patients. All studies diagnosed sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria with bioelectrical impedance analysis and handgrip strength assessment. Higher frequencies of chairstand exercise were associated with improvements in sarcopenia status, muscle strength, and functional recovery. Conclusion: Current evidence on interventions for stroke patients with sarcopenia is limited and largely concentrated on chair-stand–based resistance exercise and combined nutrition–rehabilitation strategies in hospital settings. Future research should include multicenter randomized controlled trials, broader outcome assessments, and studies conducted across diverse healthcare and community rehabilitation settings to establish integrated rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients with concomitant sarcopenia.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine whether performing cervical stabilization exercises prior to smartphone use could positively influence postural alignment, pain, and cervical mobility in individuals with forward head posture (FHP). Objectives: To investigate the immediate effects of cervical stabilization exercises performed before smartphone use on craniovertebral angle (CVA), cranial rotation angle (CRA), pain, and cervical range of motion (CROM) in individuals with FHP. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: the control group (Con, n=15), which only vied smartphone videos, and the exercise group (Exp, n=15), which performed cervical stabilization exercises before smartphone viewing. All participants used a smartphone for 20 minutes and pre- and post-measurements included CVA, and CRA, CROM, and VAS for pain. Results: The results demonstrated that participants who performed cervical stabilization exercises showed increased CVA and decreased CRA, suggesting an improvement in forward head alignment following smartphone use. In contrast, the control group exhibited decreased CVA, increased CRA, and elevated neck pain scores after smartphone viewing. Additionally, the control group showed a reduction in right lateral flexion range of motion, whereas no significant CROM changes were observed in the Exp group. Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in CVA, CRA, and VAS, supporting the immediate protective effects of exercise. Conclusion: These findings suggest that performing cervical stabilization exercises before smartphone use may help mitigate posture deterioration and pain induced by smartphone viewing. This indicates that pre-emptive cervical stabilization exercise could serve as an effective preventive strategy for individuals with FHP.

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common musculoskeletal condition in which exercise therapy is widely used; however, its effectiveness depends largely on patient adherence. Tele-rehabilitation strategies have been proposed to improve adherence in home exercise programs. Objectives: To compare the effects of a home coaching–based home exercise program (HCHEP) with a standard home exercise program (HEP) on exercise adherence, pain intensity, and shoulder disability. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty participants with shoulder impingement syndrome were randomly assigned to either the HCHEP group (n=15) or the HEP group (n=15). Both groups performed a standardized home exercise program for 6 weeks. The HCHEP group additionally received structured tele-recovery coaching sessions focusing on feedback, goal setting, and problem-solving strategies. Outcomes included exercise adherence (%), pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), and shoulder disability (SPADI), assessed at baseline, post-intervention (6 weeks), and follow-up (12 weeks). Linear mixed models and repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: The HCHEP group showed significantly higher adherence and greater improvements in pain and shoulder disability compared with the HEP group (P<0.01). Significant interactions (group, time) were observed for all outcomes. Conclusion: Tele-recovery coaching enhances adherence and improves clinical outcomes in individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome.

본 파일럿 연구는 FBX 골격을 실시간으로 활용하는 기능성 게임을 기반으로 한 어깨 재 활 레퍼런스 가이드 동작의 근전도학적(sEMG) 유효성을 예비적으로 검증하는 것을 목표로 한다. 양측 어깨 거상(Case 1)과 비대칭 어깨 거상(Case 2)의 가이드 레퍼런스의 두 동작 을 대상으로 한 구조화된 피드백을 제공받은 2명(A·B)의 중재군 참여자와 피드백 없이 자 율 수행한 비교군 참여자 1명(C)이 3회 세션에 걸쳐 평가에 참여하였다. sEMG 측정 결과, 보상 동작 발생 프레임에서 상부 승모근(+27.4~36.4% MVC) 및 척추기립근(+40.5~54.6% MVC)의 과활성화와 함께 삼각근 활성도의 유의한 감소가 확인되었으며, 이는 두 동작 모두 기능성 게임 통합에 적합한 근전도학적 타당성을 갖추었음을 실증한다. 비교 참가자(C)는 총 보상률(TCR) 및 운동 품질 점수(Q score) 개선폭이 중재군의 약 1/3 수준에 그쳐, 구조 화된 게임 기반 피드백이 노인 재활 운동의 동작 품질 향상에 실질적으로 기여함을 탐색적 으로 확인하였다.

본 연구는 RGB 카메라 기반 자세 추정 알고리즘을 활용하여 어깨 운동 중 보상 움직임을 실시간으로 검출하고, 관절 각도를 측정하는 디지털 트윈 재활 시스템을 구현하였다. 게임 인터페이스와 통합하여 실시간 바이오피드백을 제공하며, 파일럿 테스트 결과 사용자 만족도 4.3/5.0점을 기록하였다. 본 연구는 비접촉식 영상 분석 기술을 통한 접근성 높은 재활 게임 플랫폼의 가능성을 제시한다.

Background: Pressure biofeedback may facilitate selective rotator cuff activation during shoulder external rotation, but training effects and structural changes are unclear. Objectives: To examine the effects of a 4-week external rotation program with pressure biofeedback on shoulder muscle activity and rotator cuff thickness. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Methods: Thirty healthy adults were randomized to experimental (n=15) or control (n=15). Both performed seated external rotation at 30° with an elastic band (3×12 reps, 4 sessions/week, 4-week); the biofeedback group maintained 40 mmHg scapular adduction pressure. Surface EMG (%MVIC) and ultrasound muscle thickness were assessed pre/post. Paired and independent t-tests were used (α=.05). Results: In the experimental group, teres minor and infraspinatus activity increased, whereas middle and posterior deltoid activity decreased (P<.05). Post-intervention, rotator cuff activity was higher and posterior deltoid activity was lower versus control (P<.05). Muscle thickness showed no significant changes. Conclusions: A 4-week pressure biofeedback training program changed muscle activation during shoulder external rotation by increasing rotator cuff activation and decreasing compensatory deltoid activity. These findings indicate meaningful neuromuscular adaptations during the external rotation task.

Background: Plank exercises are widely used for core stabilization, but the effects of applying instability to different support surfaces on trunk muscle activation remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of support surface instability on the electromyographic activity of trunk muscles including the rectus abdominis, internal oblique and transversus abdominis, multifidus, and longissimus during the plank exercise. Design: This study is quasi-experimental design. Methods: Thirty healthy university students performed plank exercises under four conditions: stable surface, unstable elbows, unstable feet, and unstable both. Muscle activity was measured using wireless EMG. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc tests. Results: The rectus abdominis showed a statistically significant increase in muscle activation when both elbows and feet were placed on an unstable surface compared with the stable condition (P<.05). Conclusions: Unstable support surfaces during planks significantly enhance rectus abdominis activation, increasing global muscle recruitment for postural control. Conversely, stable surfaces may be preferable for training deep stabilizers without excessive superficial muscle dominance.

본 연구는 12주간 아쿠아로빅 운동프로그램이 비만 여성노인의 심혈관질환 위험요인에 미치는 영향을 구명하기 위해 아쿠아로빅 운동군(AEG, n=15), 대조군(CG, n=15)으로 구분하여 실시하였다. 아쿠 아로빅 운동프로그램은 주 2회 1회 운동 60분을 실시하였으며, 운동 강도는 1-4주, 40-50%HRR, RPE 12-13, 5-8주, 50-60%HRR, RPE 13-14, 9-12주, 60-65%HRR, RPE 14-15로 설정하여 실시하였다. 자료처리는 측정항목에 대한 평균값(M)과 표준편차(SD)를 산출하였고, 그룹 및 시기 간 상호작용 효과검 증은 two-way repeated measures ANOVA를 실시하였다. 사후분석으로 그룹 내 시기 간 차이 검증은 paired t-test, 그룹 간 차이 검증은 independent t-test, 각 항목별 통계분석의 기본 유의수준(α)은 .05로 설정하였으며, 사후분석에서 보정된 유의수준(α)은 .01로 설정하였다. 그 결과, 비만요인은 변화가 나타나 지 않았고, 체력 검사의 3가지 항목은 상호작용 효과(p<.001), SBP와 HOMA-IR에서 상호작용 효과 (p<.05), 혈청지질 중 TC(p<.001), LDL-C(p<.01)은 상호작용 효과, HDL-C는 시기 간 주효과(p<.01)가 나타났다. 이상의 결과를 통해, 12주간 실시한 아쿠아로빅 운동프로그램은 비만 여성노인의 체력과 심혈관 질환 위험인자의 대부분에 긍정적인 영향을 미치며, 이를 통해 향후 심혈관질환의 노출 비율을 감소시킬 수 있고, 근골격계의 무리 없이 수행할 수 있는 운동 프로그램이라 사료된다. 하지만, 비만요인과 TG의 개 선이 나타나지 않은 이유는 본 프로그램의 운동의 횟수, 지속시간, 강도가 비만 여성노인의 식이통제 없이 에너지 소비에 부족할 수 있다는 것을 확인하였다. 이를 통해 추후 연구에서는 식이통제나 운동 프로그램 을 개선하여 보다 나은 연구의 기초자료로 사용될 수 있길 기대한다.

본 연구는 체육계열 대학생을 대상으로 회복탄력성이 운동지속의도에 미치는 영향을 분석하고, 이 과정에서 운동열정의 매개효과와 자기조절 의 조절된 매개효과를 검증하고자 하였다. 연구대상은 전국 8개 대학교 재학생 269명을 대상으로 구조화된 설문을 실시하였으며, 수집된 자료는 SPSS 26.0과 PROCESS macro 4.2의 Model 1, 4, 14를 활용하여 기 술통계, 상관분석, 매개 및 조절효과, 조절된 매개효과 분석을 실시하였 다. 분석 결과, 첫째, 회복탄력성은 운동열정과 운동지속의도에 정적 영 향을 미쳤다. 둘째, 운동열정은 회복탄력성과 운동지속의도의 관계를 부 분 매개하였다. 셋째, 운동열정과 운동지속의도의 관계는 자기조절 수준 에 따라 달라졌으며, 자기조절이 높을수록 그 효과가 더욱 강화되었다. 넷째, 조절된 매개효과 검증 결과, 자기조절이 높을수록 회복탄력성이 운 동열정을 통해 운동지속의도로 이어지는 간접효과가 유의하게 강화되는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 체육계열 대학생의 지속적인 운동 참여 를 촉진하기 위해 회복탄력성과 열정, 자기조절을 강화할 수 있는 상담· 교육·훈련 프로그램의 필요성을 시사한다.

본 연구는 8주간 점프밴드 운동이 여자 중학생의 스트레스와 건강 관련 체력에 미치는 영향을 규명하고, 효과적인 운동 프로그램 개발을 위한 기초 자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 연구대상은 G시 S중학교 여학생 40명으로, 운동집단은 주 3회 45분씩 점프밴드 운동을 실시하였다. SPSS 26.0을 활용한 독립표본 t-검증과 반복측정 이원분산분석 결과, 운동집단의 스트레스가 유의하게 감소하였으며 근지구력, 심폐지구 력, 신체조성에서 긍정적 변화가 나타났다. 반면, 근력과 유연성은 유의한 차이가 없었다. 따라서 점프밴드 운동은 여자 중학생의 스트레스 해소와 일부 체력 향상에 효과적인 방법으로, 학교 현장의 프로그램 개발 에 활용될 수 있다.

Background: Core stabilization exercises are widely used to improve trunk stability, balance, and functional movement by enhancing the activation and endurance of deep trunk muscles such as the transversus abdominis (TrA). However, evidence comparing the effects of sling-based unstable surface training and mat-based stable surface training remains limited. Objects: To investigate the effects of mat based core stabilization exercises and sling based unstable surface core stabilization exercises on transversus abdominis thickness and core endurance. Methods: Forty-six healthy adults were randomly assigned to a mat exercise group (MEG, n=23) or a mat with sling exercise group (MSEG, n=23). Both groups performed 30-minute core stabilization exercises twice per week for four weeks. TrA thickness was measured using ultrasonography (SONON 300L), and core endurance was evaluated using the Bourban test for the anterior muscle chain. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in transversus abdominis thickness (MEG: P<.05; MSEG: P<.00) and core endurance (P<.00) after the intervention. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in post-intervention TrA thickness or Bourban test. Conclusion: Both mat based and sling based core stabilization exercises effectively enhanced TrA thickness and core endurance in healthy adults.

Background: Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested core stabilization exercise as a conservative treatment approach for scoliosis. Objectives: To investigate the effects of sling exercise and unilateral core exercise on the angle, balance ability, and muscle tone in individuals with scoliosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-one students in their twenties with mild scoliosis were recruited as participants and randomly assigned to one of three groups: a sling exercise group (n=7), a unilateral core exercise group (n=6), and a combined sling and unilateral core exercise group (n=6). Two participants dropped out during the study. Each group performed its designated exercise program individually, three times per week for five weeks. Measurements of scoliosis angle, balance, and muscle tone were taken before and after the intervention. Results: The sling exercise intervention significantly reduced the scoliosis angle (P<.05) and significantly increased muscle tone on the convex side (P<.05). In the combined sling and unilateral core exercise group, a significant improvement in static balance ability was observed (P<.05). Conclusion: Among the core stabilization exercises applied to scoliosis, sling exercise may be considered a potential intervention for mild scoliosis.

Background: Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a widely used eccentric strengthening exercise that reduces the risk of hamstring and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. During NHE, the ankles are fixed in a kneeling position, while the upper body falls forward as the knee extends, maximizing hamstring activation. However, compensatory movements, such as an increased hip joint angle, make optimal execution difficult. Assisted NHE (ANHE) using an elastic band facilitates controlled movement, maintains high hamstring activation, and allows intensity adjustments. Despite their benefits, research on exercise postures based on different elastic band application regions remains limited. Objects: This study aimed to compare trunk and hip extensors activation, the gluteus maximus vs. erector spinae (GM/ES) ratio, and subjective difficulty during NHE, chest-assisted NHE (C-ANHE), and pelvic-assisted NHE (P-ANHE). Methods: Twenty-two healthy males performed each exercise, starting from a kneeling position with the knee joint at 90° and extending 15° with isometric contraction. The muscle activations of the ES, GM, and the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) were measured using surface electromyography. The GM/ES ratio was calculated, and the Borg rating of perceived exertion (Borg RPE) (6–20) scale was examined. Results: ES (F = 141.38, p < 0.001), GM (F = 184.14, p < 0.001), and BFlh (F = 164.85, p < 0.001) activation differed significantly among the exercises. All muscles showed higher muscle activity during P-ANHE than during C-ANHE (p < 0.017). The GM/ES ratio was lower than 1 for all exercises but significantly higher in P-ANHE (0.66 ± 0.15) than in C-ANHE (0.57 ± 0.18) (p < 0.017). The Borg RPE score differed significantly among exercises (p < 0.001) and was higher in P-ANHE (15.10 ± 1.77) than in C-ANHE (11.86 ± 1.91) (p < 0.017). Conclusion: P-ANHE increased GM activation to a greater extent than C-ANHE, with moderate subjective difficulty. It is recommended as an ANHE variant for targeting the GM while considering ES activation.

Background: Electrophototherapeutic resources are widely used in the treatment of shoulder injuries, despite some contradictory results. Objects: This scoping review aims to evaluate the existing electrophysical resources associated or not with physical exercise (EX), propose a dosage and to evaluate the methodological quality, for managing pain, range, and muscle strength in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Methods: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), non-RCTs (NRCTs) and systematic reviews of electrophototherapeutic interventions in people with SIS were included, with no restrictions on age, sex, year or language. The outcomes were pain intensity, range of motion, and muscle strength. The databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, LILACS, PEDro, Google Scholar, Open Grey, LIVIVO, CAPES Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations, and citation search. The search was carried out on January 26, 2023 and updated on March 5, 2024. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed individually using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized trials (RoB 2) and for non-randomized trials (ROBINS-I) and the AMSTAR-2 tools for systematic review studies. Results: Twenty studies were included (14 RCTs, one NRCT, and 5 review studies). The electrophototherapeutic resources used were photobiomodulation, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), laser associated with light-emitting diode, Multiwave Locked System laser, extracorporeal shockwaves (ESWs), low-frequency electrical current stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound and radiotherapy. Ten clinical studies applied EX in their intervention, in addition to electrophototherapeutic resources. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation, HILT and ESWs have been shown to be effective in treating SIS, however, there was great heterogeneity in the quality of the studies included, with some risks of bias. The additional effects of electrophototherapeutic resources to EX for patients at different stages of SIS are still uncertain, and the dosimetric parameters were presented in tables in the text.

본 연구는 웨어러블 로봇 기술을 활용하여 비대칭 보행을 정량적으로 분석하는 방법을 개발하 고, 이를 재활 운동 전략에 적용할 가능성을 탐색하는 것을 목적으로 하였다. 편마비 환자에게서 흔히 관찰 되는 보행 비대칭성을 모의하기 위해, 4명의 건강한 참가자(남성 1명, 여성 3명)가 고관절에 엔코더 센서가 장착된 웨어러블 로봇을 착용한 상태로 10m 직선 경로에서 보행 실험을 10회 수행하였다. 센서를 통해 고 관절 각도 및 각속도에 대한 실시간 데이터가 수집되었으며, 수집된 데이터는 MATLAB 기반의 시뮬레이 션 환경에서 처리되어 보행 위상 궤적을 구성하였다. 위상 궤적은 보행의 주기적 역학적 특성을 시각화하 였으며, 좌·우 고관절 위상 궤적이 둘러싼 면적을 비교함으로써 보행 비대칭성을 정량적으로 평가하였다. 분석 결과, 참가자 간 보행 대칭성에서 뚜렷한 차이가 확인되었다. 또한 비대칭 정도를 정량화하기 위하여 평균 절대 오차(Mean Absolute Error, MAE)와 평균 제곱근 오차(Root Mean Square Error, RMSE)를 활용하였다. 이러한 지표들은 위상 궤적 분석이 보행 이상을 진단하고 모니터링할 수 있는 효과적인 도구 가 될 수 있음을 보여준다. 연구 결과는 본 방법론이 보행 장애를 가진 개인에게 맞춤형 재활 프로그램 및 운동 기반 중재를 개발하기 위한 기초적 접근으로 활용될 수 있음을 시사한다. 다만, 본 연구는 소수의 건 강한 참가자만을 대상으로 수행되었으므로 제안된 방법의 예비적 타당성을 확인하는 수준에 그치며, 향후 에는 다양한 보행 환경과 임상 집단을 포함한 대규모 연구 및 실시간 제어 알고리즘의 적용을 통해 임상적 활용 가능성을 더욱 강화할 필요가 있을 것이라 판단되어진다.

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive lung disease marked by excessive fibrosis and declining respiratory function. While pharmacological treatments help manage symptoms, they offer limited reversal of fibrosis and often have side effects. As a result, interest in rehabilitation approaches such as breathing exercises combined with self-myofascial release (SMR) has increased. These techniques may enhance trunk stability and thoracic flexibility, contributing to improved respiratory function. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of thoracic expansion exercises using SMR techniques on pulmonary function and chest mobility in a patient with PF, and assessed their clinical applicability. Design: Single-subject A-B-A′ design. Methods: A 60s male with idiopathic PF underwent 20 days of intervention. Standard rehabilitation was applied during baseline (A) and follow-up (A′) phases. During the intervention (B), SMR-based breathing exercises were added. Outcomes included Functional Reach Test (FRT), chest expansion, and pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV₁, PEF, FEV₁/FVC). Data were analyzed using the 2SD band method. Results: FRT improved from 23.4 cm (A) to 31.3 cm (B) and 34.2 cm (A′). Chest expansion increased from 1.7 cm to 2.8 cm, and FVC rose from 1.70 L to 2.08 L before dropping to 0.94 L. FEV₁/FVC improved from 80.8% to 86.7% during intervention but decreased at follow-up. Conclusion: SMR-based thoracic expansion exercises may enhance trunk stability, thoracic mobility, and certain pulmonary function indicators in PF patients. These findings suggest potential clinical benefits, warranting further studies to confirm long-term effectiveness.