Effect of Judo Athletes' Psychological Function on Sports Coping Skills: Moderated Mediating Effect of Tension.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Judo athletes' psychological function on sports coping skills through self-management: the moderated mediating effect of tension. A total of 124 participants (66 males and 58 females) were included, comprising high school students, college students, and judo team players (age 16 to 30, 20.51 ± 3.17) in the Republic of Korea. The psychological function was measured using the Profile of Mood Test, Athletes' Self-Management Questionnaire, and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28. The results of the analysis of the moderating effect of the athlete's self-management behavior showed that tension had a moderating effect on the relationship between the athlete's self-management behavior and sports coping skills. The mediating effect analysis revealed a mediating effect of self-management behavior on the relationship between player vitality and sports coping skills. It was also confirmed that tension had a moderating effect on athletes' self-management behavior and sports coping skills. Therefore, it was confirmed that the higher the self-management, the more moderated the mediating effect on sports coping skills. In conclusion, it was confirmed that psychological function affects sports coping skills, and thereby, the mediating effect of the athlete's self-management behavior is regulated by tension. In future research, it will be necessary to study the sports coping ability and performance of judo athletes according to tension control.

The Effect of Hamstring Relaxation Program on Headache, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Range of Motion in Patients with Tension Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the severity of headache is reduced by decreasing hamstring tension in patients with tension headache. Thirty patients participated in this study. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups: hamstring relaxation program (HR) group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The participants in the HR group participated in a HR program for 25 min per day, three times per week, for a period of 4 weeks, and the control group participated in an electrotherapy for 25 min per day, three times per week, for a period of 4 weeks. Both groups participated in a self-myofacial release for 5 min per day, three times per week, for a period of 4 weeks. Headache was evaluated using the headache impact test (HIT-6) and visual analog scale (VAS). The pain pressure threshold (PPT) was evaluated using a digital pressure algometer. The range of motion (ROM) was evaluated using a goniometer and two special tests: straight leg raise test (SLRT) and popliteal angle test (PAT). The two groups showed no significant differences in terms of age, sex, height, and weight. The VAS and HIT-6 scores (p < 0.05) and neck and hamstring PPT showed significant improvements (p < 0.05). Neck flexion ROM and SLRT and PAT scores showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in both groups, and the HR group showed significantly more improvements than the control group. This study confirmed that the HR program has positive effects on tension headache and is a good intervention for alleviating headaches in patients with tension headache.

The Effect of Trunk Stability Training Based on Visual Feedback on Trunk Stability, Balance, and Upper Limb Function in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Control Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of trunk stability training based on visual feedback on trunk stability, balance, and upper limb function in patients with stroke. Twenty-eight patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to either a trunk support group (n = 14) or a trunk restraint group (n = 14) that practiced upper limb training with trunk support and trunk restraint, respectively, based on visual feedback for 30 min per day, three times per week, for 4 weeks. The postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS) was used to assess the stability of patients, and the functional reaching test (FRT) was performed to assess balance. To assess upper extremity function, a range of motion (ROM) test, manual muscle testing (MMT), and Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper limb (FMA-upper limb) were performed. Consequently, both groups showed significant differences before and after training in the PASS, FRT, shoulder flexion ROM, triceps brachii MMT, and FMA-upper limb (p < 0.05), while the trunk support group showed more significant improvements than the trunk restraint group in the PASS, FRT, and FMA-upper limb (p < 0.05). Trunk support-based upper limb training effectively improved trunk stability, balance, and upper limb function and is beneficial as an upper limb training method. Providing trunk support is more effective than restricting the trunk; trunk support-based upper limb training is expected to promote voluntary participation when combined with visual feedback.

Therapeutic effects of brain-computer interface-controlled functional electrical stimulation training on balance and gait performance for stroke: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Brain-computer interface-controlled functional electrical stimulation (BCI-FES) approaches as new feedback training is increasingly being investigated for its usefulness in improving the health of adults or partially impaired upper extremity function in individuals with stroke. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of BCI-FES on postural control and gait performance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. METHODS: A total of 25 individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke (13 individuals received BCI-FES and 12 individuals received functional electrical stimulation [FES]). The BCI-FES group received BCI-FES on the tibialis anterior muscle on the more-affected side for 30 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. The FES group received FES using the same methodology for the same periods. This study used the Mann-Whitney test to compare the two groups before and after training. RESULTS: After training, gait velocity (mean value, 29.0 to 42.0 cm/s) (P = .002) and cadence (mean value, 65.2 to 78.9 steps/min) (P = .020) were significantly improved after BCI-FES training compared to those (mean value, 23.6 to 27.7 cm/s, and mean value, 59.4 to 65.5 steps/min, respectively) after FES approach. In the less-affected side, step length was significantly increased after BCI-FES (mean value, from 28.0 cm to 34.7 cm) more than that on FES approach (mean value, from 23.4 to 25.4 cm) (P = .031). CONCLUSION: The results of the BCI-FES training shows potential advantages on walking abilities in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

Effects of whole-body vibration combined with action observation on gross motor function, balance, and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a preliminary study.

This study evaluated the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) com-bined with action observation on gross motor function, balance, and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The participants were randomized into the WBV combined with action observation (WBVAO) group (n=7) and the WBV group (n=7). The WBVAO group received WBV combined with action observation training, and the WBV group received WBV training for 4 weeks. Both groups received 30 min of training a day, 3 times a week. All participants completed the 5 times sit to stand (FTSTS) test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, pediatric reach test, 10-m walk test, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and timed up and down stair (TUDS) test before and after the training intervention. Moreover, the participant's Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) scores were assessed. Both the WBVAO and WBV groups demonstrated significant increases in the scores of FTSTS test, GMFM (D and E dimensions), PBS, TUG test, 6MWT, and TUDS test. The WBVAO group improved more significantly compared to the WBV group based on the scores of the FTSTS test, GMFM (D dimension), PBS, 6MWT, and TUDS test. WBV combined with action observation improved lower extremity functional strength, gross motor function, and balance and gait in children with cerebral palsy. These results suggest that WBV combined with action observation is both feasible and suitable for individuals with cerebral palsy.

A comparison of the function, activity and participation and quality of life between down syndrome children and typically developing children.

[Purpose] To compare function, activity, participation, and quality of life of Down syndrome children and typically developing children according to age. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 16 Down syndrome children and 20 children with typical development were included as subjects for this study. International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Child and Youth version (CY) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a questionnaire were used to measure children's functioning, activity, and participation. To measure quality of life, KIDSCREEN 52-HRQOL questionnaire was used in this study. [Results] ICF-CY function, activity, participation, and quality of life showed statistically significant differences between Down syndrome children and typically developing children. Down syndrome children with higher functions showed higher activities and participation. Higher function, activity and participation features were correlated with better quality of life. Higher function resulted in better quality of life. [Conclusion] Function, activity, participation, quality of life, and several common factors of Down syndrome children depend on the ability of children. Function of Down syndrome children affects their activity, participation, and quality of life. Activities and participations also affect quality of life. Therefore, children's functional aspect is the foundation for quality of life.

Association of serum carotenoid, retinol, and tocopherol concentrations with the progression of Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A pivotal role of oxidative stress has been emphasized in the pathogenesis as well as in the disease progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed at investigating serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elucidating whether they could be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of PD. MATERIALS/METHODS: Serum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, α- and ß-carotenes, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin were measured and compared between 104 patients with idiopathic PD and 52 healthy controls matched for age and gender. In order to examine the relationship between antioxidant vitamins and the disease progression, multiple group comparisons were performed among the early PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage I and II, N = 47), advanced PD (stage III and IV, N = 57) and control groups. Separate correlation analyses were performed between the measured antioxidant vitamins and clinical variables, such as Hoehn and Yahr stage and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score. RESULTS: Compared to controls, PD patients had lower levels of α- and ß-carotenes and lycopene. α-carotene, ß-carotene and lycopene levels were significantly reduced in advanced PD patients relative to early PD patients and were negatively correlated with Hoehn and Yahr stage and UPDRS motor score in PD patients. No significant differences were found in serum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, and other carotenoids between PD patients and controls. No significant correlations were found between these vitamin levels and clinical variables in PD patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found that serum levels of some carotenoids, α-carotene, ß-carotene and lycopene, were lower in PD patients, and that these carotenoids inversely correlated with clinical variables representing disease progression. Our findings suggest that decreases in serum α-carotene, ß-carotene and lycopene may be associated with the pathogenesis as well as progression of PD.

Functional state of knee arthritis patients and related factors.

[Purpose] The objective of this study is to provide a direction for efficient management of arthritis through the analysis of multiple factors related to the functional state of patients. [Subjects and Methods] The Visual Analog Scale, Knee Society Knee Score & Function Score, Hospital for Special Surgery, Short Form-36 Health Survey and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index for a total of 135 patients with knee arthritis were determined with a survey. [Results] There is a significant correlation between age, pain, Knee Society Knee Score, Hospital for Special Surgery, Knee Society Function Score, and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. [Conclusion] It is necessary to improve the factors that affect knee function and quality of life, and a study on knee joint muscle strength is suggested as a follow-up study.

A comparison of outcomes of asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis according to age upon starting treatment.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) according to the age when treatment was started. [Subjects and Methods] 102 infant CMT patients under the age of 6 months were selected. The subjects were divided into a group that started treatment before six weeks (n=55) and a group that started treatment after six weeks (n=47). Asymmety was evaluated by determining the difference in the thickness of the two sternocleidomastoid muscles (DTSM) using ultrasonography, head tilt (HT) based on a physical examination, and the torticollis overall assessment (TOA). Patients received ultrasound and massage therapy for 30 minutes, in conjunction with passive stretching exercises, 3 times a week. [Results] Following the intervention, the DTSM, HT and TOA showed significant differences in the two groups. The DTSM of the group that started treatment before six weeks was significantly better than that of the group that started treatment after six weeks. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that early intervention is more effective than later intervention.

A study on asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis according to head rotation.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to research asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) according to head rotation. [Subjects and Methods] 70 infants with CMT were divided into grade I, grade II, and grade III according to the asymmetry of cervical rotation. Patients received ultrasound and massage therapy for 30 minutes, in conjunction with passive stretching exercises, 3 times a week. Repeated measurement results from interventions were presented from baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Asymmetry was evaluated by head tilt (HT) and the torticollis overall assessment (TOA). [Results] The TOA measured at 3 months and 6 months showed a significant difference in inter group scores and an intra group interaction with grade and rating scale was observed. In contrast, HT was significantly different in intra group comparison, but no significant difference in inter and intra group interaction was observed in the angle and grade. [Conclusion] Conservative physical therapy showed lasting effects according to the intervention period over 3 months and 6 months of repeated measurements over time in TOA and HT. Especially, TOA showed significant differences in asymmetric changes according to the cervical rotation.

A comparison of the balance and gait function between children with Down syndrome and typically developing children.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the balance and gait functions of children with Down syndrome and typically developing children according to age. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 16 children with Down syndrome and 20 children with typical development. The one leg standing test, Romberg's test (open eyes/closed eyes), sharpened Romberg's (open eyes/closed eyes), functional reaching test and GAITRite were used for this study in order to measure the children's balance and gait function. [Results] The results of this study showed that static-dynamic balance ability, spatio-temporal gait parameters and quality of life were statistically and significantly different in Down syndrome children compared to typically developing children. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the balance and gait ability of typically developing children improves during growth, whereas those of children with Down syndrome remain low despite independent gait. Therefore, constant therapeutic intervention for balance and gait function is necessary after independent gait development in Down syndrome children.

Effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation on brain activation in stroke patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] This study sought to determine the effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation (BCI-FES) on brain activation in patients with stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were randomized to in a BCI-FES group (n=5) and a functional electrical stimulation (FES) group (n=5). [Methods] Patients in the BCI-FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for 30 minutes per day, 5 times under the brain-computer interface-based program. The FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the same amount of time. [Results] The BCI-FES group demonstrated significant differences in the frontopolar regions 1 and 2 attention indexes, and frontopolar 1 activation index. The FES group demonstrated no significant differences. There were significant differences in the frontopolar 1 region activation index between the two groups after the interventions. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that BCI-FES training may be more effective in stimulating brain activation than only FES training in patients recovering from stroke.

Outcomes of asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). [Subjects] A total of 102 patients with CMT under the age of 6 months were studied. [Methods] Asymmety was evaluated by determining the difference in the thicknesses of the two sternocleidomastoid muscles (DTSM) using ultrasonography, head tilt (HT) based on a physical examination, and the torticollis overall assessment (TOA). Patients received ultrasound and massage therapy for 30 minutes, in conjunction with passive stretching exercises, 3 times a week. [Results] The DTSM, HT, and TOA scores were significantly different after treatment. Pretest DTSM, HT, and TOA scores and pre-posttest change scores for DTSM, HT, and TOA scores were correlated with treatment duration in infants with CMT. [Conclusion] The findings of this study suggest that treatment duration is correlated with asymmetry evaluation parameters (DTSM, HT, and TOA) in infants with CMT. We propose that these results will help in reducing the treatment duration, and also in improving communication between doctors and therapists during the diagnosis and evaluation of torticollis.

Effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation on balance and gait function in patients with stroke: preliminary results.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of brain-computer interface (BCI)-based functional electrical stimulation (FES) on balance and gait function in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Subjects were randomly allocated to a BCI-FES group (n=5) and a FES group (n=5). [Methods] The BCI-FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES according to a BCI-based program for 30 minutes per day for 5 days. The FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the same duration. [Results] Following the intervention, the BCI-FES group showed significant differences in Timed Up and Go test value, cadence, and step length on the affected side. The FES group showed no significant differences after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that BCI-based FES training is a more effective exercise for balance and gait function than FES training alone in patients with stroke.

A comparison of functioning, activity, and participation in school-aged children with cerebral palsy using the manual ability classification system.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functioning, extent of activity, and participation of school-aged children with cerebral palsy (CP) using the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). [Subjects and Methods] The Subjects were 57 school-aged children (7-12 years old) with CP. The MACS, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) Checklist, and a questionnaire were used to measure children's functioning, activity, and participation. [Results] GMFM scores differed significantly across the MACS levels. The following differed significantly according to MACS level when assessed with the ICF-CY function section: mental functions; sensory function and pain; voice and speech functions; functions of the digestive, metabolic, and endocrine systems; genitourinary and reproductive function; and neuromusculoskeletal and movement related function. The data from the activities and participation section of the ICF-CY also showed statistically significant differences across MACS levels. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the functioning, activity, and participation of school-aged children with CP depend on their MACS level and that the functioning of children with CP affects their activities and participation.

The effects of aquatic exercise on pulmonary function in patients with spinal cord injury.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aquatic exercise on pulmonary function of patients with spinal cord injury. [Subjects] The subjects were randomly allocated to an aqua group (n=10) and a land group (n=10). [Methods] Both groups trained for 60 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function was assessed by measuring the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow rate (FER), force expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and force expiratory volume at one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). [Results] Following the intervention, the aqua group showed significant changes in FVC, FER, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. The land group showed only significant differences FER. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the effects on the aqua group were significantly higher than those on the land group in patients with spinal cord injury.

The effect of obstacle training in water on static balance of chronic stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of water and land-based obstacle training on static balance of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were randomly allocated to an aqua group (n=15) and a land group (n=15). [Methods] Both groups trained for 40 minutes, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Static balance was assessed by measuring the mean velocities of mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP), and sway area with the eyes closed. [Results] Following the intervention, both groups showed significant changes in ML velocity, AP velocity, and sway area. The static balance of the aqua group was significantly better than the land group. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the feasibility and suitability of obstacle training in water for stroke patients.

Core stabilization exercise with real-time feedback for chronic hemiparetic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of core stabilization exercise with real-time feedback on balance and gait function in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. METHODS: Nineteen stroke subjects were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into the experimental (n = 10) and control groups (n = 9). Subjects in the experimental group performed core stabilization exercise with real-time feedback training for 30 minutes per day during a period of six weeks. Subjects in the control group performed core stabilization exercise during the same period. This study assessed the kinematic parameters using a portable walkway system, and timed up-and-go test. RESULTS: Gait velocity showed significantly greater improvement in the experimental group (7.3 ± 5.0 sec) than in the control group (-0.7 ± 10.6). Stride length showed significantly greater increase in the experimental group (13.2 ± 7.9 on the affected side and 12.6 ± 8.0 on the less affected side) than the control group (3.5 ± 8.7 on the affected side and 3.4 ± 8.5 on the less affected side). After training, change in results on the timed up and go test was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Core stabilization exercise using real-time feedback produces greater improvement in gait performance in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients than core stabilization exercise only.

A Comparison of the Foot and Ankle Condition between Elite Athletes and Non-athletes.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the foot and ankle condition between elite athletes and non-athletes. [Subjects] The elite athletes group included 85 subjects (28 males and 57 females) and the non-athletes group included 85 subjects (38 males and 47 females). [Methods] All subjects were evaluated for pain (visual analogue scale, VAS) and foot and ankle condition (The Foot and Ankle Disability Index, FADI, and The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, FAOS). [Results] The elite athlete group showed significant differences from the non-athletes group in VAS, FADI (FADI, FADI-Sports), and FAOS (FAOS-symptoms, FAOS-pain, FAOS-ADL, FAOS-sports, FAOS-QoL). In addition, a meaningful difference in VAS, FADI-Sports, and FAOS-symptoms was observed between gymnasts and wrestlers. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the necessity prevention of injury to the foot and ankle of elite athletes, and for the development of exercise for the rehabilitation of foot and ankle injuries, because there is a difference in foot and ankle condition between elite athletes and non-athletes.

A study of analysis of the brain wave with respected to action observation and motor imagery: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of action observation training and motor imagery training on recovery from chronic stroke. [Subjects] Thirty patients (who were over six months post stroke) participated in this study and were randomly allocated to three groups. [Methods] The action observation training group practiced additional action observation training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period. The motor imagery training group practiced additional motor imagery training for five 30-minute sessions over a four-week period. Electroencephalogram were used to compare brain waves between the three groups. [Results] The action observation group showed significant changes in relative alpha power in Fp1 and Fp2 and relative beta power in Fp2 and C3. [Conclusion] Action observation induces higher levels of cognitive activities than motor imagery and physical training. Action observation is expected to be more effective for stroke patients.