Effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle program based on a mobile serious game for childhood cancer survivors: A quasi-randomized trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle program based on a mobile serious game (HLP-MSG) to enhance the lifestyles of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). METHODS: This program proceeded in two stages: development and evaluation, using a non-synchronized design with a quasi-randomized trial. The participants were CCSs aged 6-13 years whose treatment was terminated at least 12 months prior. Data were collected at baseline, and post-intervention, with a follow-up after four weeks using the Child Healthy Lifestyle Profile (CHLP). The experimental (n = 26) and control groups (n = 25) were compared. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, t-tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The HLP-MSG promoted a healthy lifestyle by solving 26 quests, including seven sub-elements (nutrition, exercise, hygiene, interpersonal relationships, stress management, meaning of life, and health responsibility). This study revealed significant differences in the interaction between measurement time and group assignment in the CHLP (p = .006) and physical activity (p = .013), one of the seven sub-dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: A healthy lifestyle program based on a mobile serious game is a feasible health education modality to enhance the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health of CCSs. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: The findings add to scientific evidence on a mobile serious game for health education among CCSs. The HLP-MSG provides an evolutionary educational modality that can be delivered non-face-to-face to promote CCSs' continuous healthy behavior maintenance. Moreover, the HLP-MSG is adolescent-friendly and can be utilized as a healthcare tool for parents and children to cooperate.

Aged Lumbar Extension Strength of Chronic Low Back Pain in Korean Population of 10-80 Years.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to find the basic data of medical and exercise therapy by indexing lumbar extension muscle strength of low back pain (LBP) patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 3078 chronic LBP participants from The J hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 2003 to 2010 were enrolled. Maximum muscle strength was measured at maximum flexion angle and maximum extension angle according to range of motion (ROM) results. For each isometric test, participants were seated and secured in the MEDX (medx lumbar extension machine, Ocala, FL, USA) machine. RESULTS: The relative ROM (P=0.012) differed significantly among the aged groups in all participants. In addition, mean of strength (P<0.001), maximal of strength (P<0.001), mean of strength %BW (P<0.001) and maximal of strength %BW (P<0.001) are significant differences in all participants. The results of multiple regression analysis was the 'model A', maximal of strength for 32.1% of the variance in weigh, body mass index and range of motion. In addition, 'model B' was 30.4%, 'model C' was 28.8%, 'model D' was 28.5%, 'model E' was 21.7%, and 'model F' was 23.5% of the variance in weigh, body mass index and range of motion. CONCLUSION: We found the three predictor (weight, BMI, and ROM) variables accounted for 32.1% of the variance in maximal of strength %BW, the highest in < 29 yr groups. Our data indicate the basic data of medical and exercise therapy by indexing lumbar extension muscle strength of LBP patients.

Prevalence of sports injuries in Korean fencers aged 14-40 years.

BACKGROUND: Although sites and types of injury frequently occurring in fencers have been well described, the type of injury caused by the use of fencing movements is still unknown. This study aimed to provide basic data for injury prevention by understanding the sports injury status in fencers. METHODS: A total of 584 South Korean fencers were included in the survey and were classified according to the injured site, cause of injury, and movement that causes injury. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, χ2 tests, and logistic regression analysis to identify differences in sex, event type, age, and career. RESULTS: Female (P=0.001) and foil fencers (P=0.015) were more likely to experience injury than male and sabre and epee fencers. The incidence of injury was significantly higher according to age (P=0.001) and career (P=0.001). The ankle was the most frequently injured site (17.71%). Injuries most frequently occur during Fente movement (48.11%). Insufficient warm-up was the most common cause of injury (23.91%) in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a specific warm-up program and strengthening exercises of the ankle and knee ligaments should be established to prevent injuries for fencers. Particularly, female, foil, adult, and experienced fencers should be more careful in preventing injuries.