The Effect of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Education on the CPR Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Confidence in Performing CPR among Elementary School Students in Korea.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education for schoolchildren is emphasized, as bystander CPR is a vital key to increasing the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims. This study was conducted to verify the effect of CPR education on knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and confidence of Korean elementary school students in performing CPR. Data were collected through structured questionnaires before and after CPR education and analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-tests, and hierarchical regression. Significant improvements in CPR knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and confidence in performing CPR were found after CPR education, with the greatest increase observed in confidence (p = 0.000). The influencing factors on confidence in performing CPR were school grade, attitude, and self-efficacy. Although a significant increase in schoolchildren's CPR knowledge after education was shown, knowledge did not affect confidence in performing CPR. Therefore, early CPR education which focuses on improving confidence in performing CPR is recommended. CPR education might raise attitude and self-efficacy leading to increased confidence in performing bystander CPR. In conclusion, early and regular CPR education for elementary school students is crucial and should be conducted repeatedly.

Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Education for Elementary School Students in Korea: Tracking by School Grade, Physical Characteristics, and Physical Strength.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess variations in chest compression depth among Korean elementary school students based on grade, physical characteristics, and strength. Methods: The study involved 140 children in the third to sixth grades from elementary schools. Before providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education, we assessed height, weight, BMI, grip strength, and back strength. Subsequently, CPR education was administered, followed by individual measurements of compression depth. The factors related to compression depths was analyzed using t-test, ANOVA and multivariable regression. Results: The mean compression depth was consistently lower than the guideline standard across all grades, indicating grade-dependent differences (p = 0.000). Moreover, height, weight, BMI, grip strength and back strength increased, exhibited significant increases with grade (p = 0.000). In multivariable regression analysis, it was observed that as grade increased, chest compression depth increased by 0.701 cm (p = 0.000). Conclusion: School grade significantly influenced achieving the proper chest compressions depth, no notable correlation found for physical factors. Thus, a strategy emphasizing the importance of sufficient chest compressions during CPR education, particularly targeting elementary school students, seems necessary to encourage greater effort.

Changes in Emergency Department Case Severity and Length of Stay before and after COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea.

Severe patients visited regional emergency centers more frequently during the COVID-19 period, and disposition status warranting admission to the intensive care unit or resulting in death was more common during the COVID-19 period. This study was conducted to compare the characteristics and severity of patients, and emergency department length of stay before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Subjects were 75,409 patients who visited the regional emergency medical center from 1 February 2019 to 19 January 2020 and from 1 February 2020 to 19 January 2021. Data was analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. The significance level was p < 0.05. The chi-square test and t-test were used for variables, and Cramer V was used for correlation. We found that the total number of patients visiting the emergency room decreased by 37.6% after COVID-19, but emergency department length of stay among severely ill patients increased by 203.7%. Additionally, the utilization rate of 119 ambulances and relatively more severe patients increased by 9.0% and by 2.1%. More studies about emergency department designs and operational programs should be conducted for better action not only during regular periods but also during periods of pandemic.

Comparison of Long-Term Effects between Chest Compression-Only CPR Training and Conventional CPR Training on CPR Skills among Police Officers.

Despite of the changes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival rise when bystander CPR is provided, this was only conducted in about 23% of OHCA patients in Korea in 2018. Police officers acting as first responders have a high chance of witnessing situations requiring CPR. We investigated long-term effects on CPR quality between chest compression-only CPR training and conventional CPR training in police officers to find an efficient CPR training method in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Police officers underwent randomization and received different CPR training. With the Brayden Pro application, we compared the accuracy of CPR skills immediately after training and the one after 3 months. Right after training, the conventional CPR group presented the accuracy of the CPR skills (compression rate: 74.6%, compression depth: 66.0%, recoil: 78.0%, compression position: 96.1%) and chest compression-only CPR group presented the accuracy of the CPR skills (compression rate: 74.5%, compression depth: 71.6%, recoil: 79.2%, compression position: 99.0%). Overall, both groups showed the good quality of CPR skills and had no meaningful difference right after the training. However, three months after training, overall accuracy of CPR skills decreased, a significant difference between two groups was observed for compression position (conventional CPR: 80.0%, chest compression only CPR: 95.0%). In multiple linear regression analysis, three months after CPR training, chest compression-only CPR training made CPR skills accuracy 28.5% higher. In conclusion, police officers showed good-quality CPR right after CPR training in both groups. But three months later, chest compression-only CPR training group had better retention of CPR skills. Therefore, chest compression-only CPR training is better to be a standard training method for police officers as first responders.

Antioxidant and Cell Proliferation Properties of the Vietnamese Traditional Medicinal Plant Peltophorum pterocarpum.

Peltophorum pterocarpum is regarded as one of the most important medicinal plants in the traditional medicine system of Vietnam. However, scientific evidence for the antioxidant effects against lipid peroxidation and the potential effects in cancer of this plant are lacking. In our experiments, 70% ethanolic extracts of P. pterocarpum leaves (LPP) and stem bark (SPP) were evaluated for their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. Both LPP and SPP inhibited Cu2+-mediated LDL by increasing the lag time of conjugated diene formation and inhibiting the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in a dose-dependent manner. In cancer cells, LPP and SPP triggered the most potent cytotoxic effects against human leukemia cells, CRF-SBA and HL-60, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 118.5 to 157.2 µg/mL. SPP exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MIA PACA2, A549, and KG cell lines with IC50 values of 167.5, 244.1 and 255.0 µg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, LPP showed cytotoxic activity against KG with an IC50 value of 228.1 µg/mL. SPP mediated cytotoxicity in HL-60 and CCRF-SBA cells through the activation of the apoptosis pathway, including the activation of caspases 3, and 9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results suggested that SPP may prevent the development and progression of atherosclerosis and leukemia in humans.

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Serum Osteoprotegerin Levels and Insulin Resistance in Middle-Aged Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble glycoprotein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. OPG is mainly secreted by bone. The relationship between acute resistance training, serum OPG levels and metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of resistance exercise on serum OPG levels and insulin resistance in middle-aged women with metabolic syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four middle-aged women were divided into those with metabolic syndrome (n=12) and a normal control group without metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance (n=12). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. The quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index for assessing beta-cell function and insulin resistance were used. The intensity of the resistance exercise was 60-70% of the repetition maximum, for 40 minutes with 10-12 repetitions, performed three times per week. Venous blood samples were tested using standard laboratory procedures. RESULTS Before exercise, the metabolic syndrome group showed a significant increase in waist circumference (P=0.030) and serum triglyceride (TG) (P=0.014), and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P=0.010) compared with the control group. After the eight-week resistance exercise program, waist circumference, and the QUICKI decreased and OPG levels were significantly increased in the metabolic syndrome group compared with the normal control group. CONCLUSIONS A resistance exercise program was effective in reducing factors associated with metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance and increases serum levels of OPG in middle-aged women.

Effects of active rehabilitation therapy on muscular back strength and subjective pain degree in chronic lower back pain patients.

[Purpose] This study applied active rehabilitation therapy to muscular back strength and assessed the subjective pain degree in chronic low back pain patients. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (n=8) and control (n=8). The experimental group performed two types of rehabilitation therapy programs four times per week for eight weeks. The rehabilitation program was based on the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency's program. There were several types of stretching and strengthening. Back strength was measured using the Back Muscle Dynamometer TKK-5402. The visual analog scale score, selected to measure degrees of subjective pain, was used to assess treatment efficacy. [Results] For the experimental group, muscular back strength increased from 133.90 ± 11.84 kg before exercise to 145.59 ± 14.49 kg after exercise. In the control group, muscular back strength decreased from 133.92 ± 3.84 kg before exercise to 133.90 ± 5.81 kg after exercise. In the experimental group, the visual analog scale score for subjective pain decreased from 6.63 ± 0.52 before exercise to 5.75 ± 0.46 after exercise; in the control group, it decreased from 5.61 ± 0.52 before exercise to 5.61 ± 0.52 after exercise. [Conclusion] Active rehabilitation therapy is a positive intervention that can provide relief from back pain.

Effects of sittercise on elderly subjects' depression and sleep quality.

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of sittercise on elderly subjects' depression and sleep quality. [Subjects] The subjects of this quasi-experimental study were divided into an experimental group and a control group. [Methods] The subjects of the experimental group performed sittercise and the control group received no intervention. [Results] The results demonstrate that the subjects who performed sittercise had significantly decreased depression levels compared to the control. They also reported significantly improved sleep quality. [Conclusion] A favorable change in depression levels was seen after sittercise which alse had a significant effect on sleep quality.

Effects of horseback riding exercise therapy on hormone levels in elderly persons.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of riding exercise on hormone levels in normal elderly people who were taught horseback riding for 8 weeks. [Subjects] Subjects were classified into an exercise group (n=10) and control group (n=10). [Methods] The two groups, horseback riding exercise group of 10 and control group of 10, were each tested for 15 minutes, 3 times, over 8 weeks. Post-exercise tests were implemented in both groups in the same way as pre-study tests. [Results] The horseback riding group showed a significant difference in the pre- and post-exercise serotonin and cortisol levels. Additionally, serotonin and cortisol levels showed significant differences between the two groups. [Conclusion] Serotonin and cortisol levels significantly increased in the experimental group, suggesting that horseback riding exercise is effective for improving the levels of these hormones.

Effects of horseback riding exercise therapy on background electroencephalograms of elderly people.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of horseback riding exercise on the background electroencephalograms of elderly people who performed horseback riding for 8 weeks. [Subjects] Twenty elderly people were divided into the horseback riding exercise and control group (n = 10 each). [Methods] The exercise was performed for 15 minutes, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Electroencephalograms were analyzed. Post-exercise evaluation was performed after 8 weeks. [Results] After the horseback riding exercise, the relative slower alpha power index was active in the T3 and P4 domains but suppressed in the Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, T4, and P3 domains. Moreover, the relative faster alpha power index was active in all domains of the horseback riding exercise group but was suppressed in all domains of the control group. There was a significant difference between groups in the F3 domain. [Conclusion] The alpha power index increased significantly after horseback riding exercise, suggesting the exercise improved background electroencephalogram.

Effects of therapeutic recreation on the brain quotient in the elderly dementia patients.

[Purpose] This study investigated how participation in a recreation program influences electroencephalogram changes in the demented elderly. [Subjects] Fourteen patients were included in the experimental group and 18 in the control group. [Methods] They had no regular exercise habits, and walked independently, and scored 11-23 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination, and thus had no apraxia and could communicate. To empirically verify changes in electroencephalograms of the demented elderly for depression, sleep disorder, and life quality through their participation in the therapeutic recreation program, male and female citizens >65 years old at a geriatric hospital were included. The experimental group attended therapeutic recreation programs regularly for 3 months and control group did not. [Results] Electroencephalogram values were higher in the experimental than in the control group, demonstrating that the therapeutic recreation program enhances electroencephalogram values. However, post-program electroencephalograms between the two groups showed minor differences for all variables, except for the anti-stress index and brain quotient. [Conclusion] The therapeutic recreation program caused changes in brain activation, and this method revealed the relation between the activity program and emotion via the anti-stress index.

Effects of exercise therapy on muscular strength in firefighters with back pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine how an exercise program focusing on muscular strength could aid firefighters with chronic lower back pain. [Subjects] The research subjects were randomly assigned to two groups, the experimental group (n=8) and the control (n=8). [Methods] The experimental group performed two types of exercise programs four times per week for 8 weeks under supervision. Tests were performed before and after the 8 weeks of exercise in accordance with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency's program. [Results] At the end of the 8 weeks of the rehabilitation program, abdominal muscular strength were significantly increased in the experimental group, and this indicates that the exercise therapy was effective for improvement of muscular strength. [Conclusion] We found that exercise therapy is an effective intervention that can reduce the pain of patients with chronic lower back pain. The firefighters with chronic lower back pain who participated in this study exhibited enhanced lower back muscular strength and obtained some additional benefits. They need regular exercise.

Changes in Glucose, TNF-α and IL-6 Blood Levels in Middle-aged Women Associated with Aerobic Exercise and Meditation Training.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise therapy on glucose, TNF-α and IL-6 blood levels in middle-aged women. [Subjects] A total of 46 participants were assigned to four groups: Type D personality+Exercise (n=12), Type D+no-Exercise (n=12), not-Type D+Exercise (n=12), and not-Type D+no-Exercise (n=10). [Methods] Blood glucose was measured by the hexokinase method. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the circulating plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (Quantikine HS, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, USA). An aerobic exercise program and meditation were conducted in parallel by the Exercise groups for 10 months. Stretching was performed for 10 min as a warm-up, and then walking and running on a treadmill at 60 to 70% of HRmax were performed for 40 min three times a week. Blood samples were processed according to standard laboratory procedures. [Results] Fasting glucose showed a significant interaction effect among groups, group×time, and post-test. TNF-α showed a significant difference among groups, and was lower in the not-Type D personality+Exercise group than in the other three groups. IL-6 showed a significant difference among the groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, personality may affect the established effect of exercise on cytokine activity. Type D personality was independently associated with significant immune activation, and increase in TNF-α activity was observed among Type D participants.

Comparison of the effects of exercise participation on psychosocial risk factors and cardiovascular disease in women.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to research the association of Type D personality with CVD risk factors and psychology through comparison of the association of exercise participation with CVD risk factors and psychological risk factors in women with Type D. [Subjects] This study included 416 middle-aged women. All participants completed the 14-item Type D Scale (DS14) to assess Type D personality. The DS14 consists of two subscales, NA and SI, both of which comprise 7 items. The research subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: Type D+Exercise (n=12), Type D+non-Exercise (n=12), non-Type D+Exercise (n=12), non-Type D+non-Exercise (n=10). The study consisted of 46 participants. [Methods] An aerobic exercise program and meditation were conducted in parallel for 10 months. Stretching was performed for 10 min as a warm-up, and then walking and running were performed on a treadmill at the HRmax 60-70% level for 40 min; this was done three times a week. Blood samples were processed according to standard laboratory procedures. The concentrations of TG and HDL-cholesterol were determined enzymatically on a clinical chemistry analyzer. Blood glucose was measured by the hexokinase method. [Results] Weight, percent fat, social support, and waist circumference showed a significant difference between times in the Exercise groups, and the values were significantly lower than those of the non-Exercise groups. Anxiety and depression showed a significant interaction effect between groups. The average number of CVD risk factors in subjects showed a significant difference between groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, there were significant differences between groups in terms of CVD risk factors and psychological risk factors in women with Type D personality.

The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on pharyngeal transit time.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on pharyngeal transit time. [Subjects] Subjects were divided into normal old persons aged over 70 (N=18), and normal young persons aged under 30 (N=10). [Method] We measured the Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT) to determine their swallowing characteristics. NMES was used to stimulate old group's suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks using four electrodes. We used SPSS version 14.0 to analyze and compare the data between the 2 groups. [Results] After NMES, PTT of the normal old group became significantly shorter. PTT was much shorter, but was still longer than that of the normal young group. [Conclusion] The PTTs of the two groups classified by age were significantly different.

Analysis according to gender and body mass index of the number of steps taken by sedentary workers as measured by a pedometer.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine according to gender and body mass index the number of steps taken by the sedentary workers as measured by a pedometer. [Subjects] Thirty-six sedentary workers in their twenties in Ulsan city were enrolled in for this study and their step counts were investigated. [Methods] Step counts at the workplace between 9 am and 6 pm everyday for 2 weeks were measured by a pedometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 to compare step count according to gender and BMI on different days of the week. [Results] Females showed a higher step count than males on every day of the week except Fridays and Sundays. The step count was higher among the low weight group than overweight group on every day of the week. [Conclusion] Future studies should examine ways of helping sedentary workers to increase their step count. Also, more effort should be made to find practical ways of improving the number of steps taken in the workplace to keep workers in good health, as additional benefit would accrue, such as improved work efficiency.

A study of effect of the compound physical activity therapy on muscular strength in obese women.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine how compound physical activity affects muscular strength of middle-aged obese women. [Subjects] The research subjects were 40-50 year-old middle-aged women with excess body fat (30%). [Methods] The subjects were randomly assigned to two group, the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group performed two types of exercise programs for 16 weeks. Aerobic physical activity was performed 5 times per week, and anaerobic physical activity was performed every two days, and the exercise program each day was composed of a warm-up, the main exercise, and cooldown. The type of exercise focused on walking at a quick pace, and the intensity of the exercise focused on long periods of exercise at low intensity with the level of HRmax being 40-60%. The weight training, which was useful for beginners, as a type of kinetic load exercise, was applied with a composition recommended by the ACSM for muscle fitness (intensity of 40-60% of 1 RM and 10-15 repetitions). SPSS version 16.0 was used to analyze the data by ANCOVA and the t-test. [Results] The chest, leg, and abdominal strengths were significantly increased in the experimental group, and this indicates that compound physical activity is effective for improvement of muscular strength. [Conclusion] In conclusion, there were significant differences between groups in terms of muscular strength.

Effects of vibratory stimulations on maximal voluntary isometric contraction from delayed onset muscle soreness.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vibratory stimulation on maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). [Subjects] Sixty healthy adults participated in this study. The exclusion criteria were orthopedic or neurologic disease. [Methods] The researchers induced DOMS in the musculus extensor carpi radialis longus of each participant. Subjects in the control group received no treatment. The ultrasound group received ultrasound treatment (intensity, 1.0 W/cm(2;) frequency 1 MHz; time, 10 minutes). The vibration group received vibration stimulation (frequency, 20 MHz; time, 10 minutes). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was recorded at baseline, immediately after exercise, and 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise. [Results] MVIC measurements showed statistically significant differences in the vibration group compared with the control group. [Conclusion] Vibratory stimulation had a positive effect on recovery of muscle function from DOMS.