Antiseptic Functions of CGK012 against HMGB1-Mediated Septic Responses.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a protein with important functions, has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis. One possible mechanism for this is that inhibiting HMGB1 secretion can exert antiseptic effects, which can restore the integrity of the vascular barrier. (7S)-(+)-cyclopentyl carbamic acid 8,8-dimethyl-2-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H,8H-pyrano[3,2-g]chromen-7-yl-ester (CGK012) is a newly synthesized pyranocoumarin compound that could function as a novel small-molecule inhibitor of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. However, no studies have yet determined the effects of CGK012 on sepsis. We investigated the potential of CGK012 to attenuate the excessive permeability induced by HMGB1 and enhance survival rates in a mouse model of sepsis with reduced HMGB1 levels following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. In both LPS-stimulated human endothelial cells and a mouse model exhibiting septic symptoms due to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), we assessed proinflammatory protein levels and tissue damage biomarkers as indicators of reduced vascular permeability. CGK012 was applied after induction in human endothelial cells exposed to LPS and the CLP-induced mouse model of sepsis. CGK012 effectively mitigated excessive permeability and suppressed HMGB1 release, resulting in improved vascular stability, decreased mortality, and enhanced histological conditions in the mouse model of CLP-induced sepsis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that CGK012 treatment in mice with CLP-induced sepsis diminished HMGB1 release and increased the survival rate, suggesting its potential as a pharmaceutical intervention for sepsis.

The Therapeutic Potential of (+)-Afzelechin for Alleviating Sepsis-Associated Pulmonary Injury.

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) poses a common and formidable challenge in clinical practice, currently lacking efficacious therapeutic approaches. This study delves into the evaluation of (+)-afzelechin (AZC), a natural compound derived from Bergenia ligulata with a diverse array of properties, encompassing antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardiovascular effects to ascertain its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms in mitigating sepsis-induced ALI through animal experimentation. An ALI mouse model induced by sepsis was established through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, and various analytical techniques, including quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were employed to gauge inflammatory cytokine levels, lung injury, and associated signaling pathways. The animal experiments revealed that AZC offered safeguards against lung injury induced by LPS while reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in both blood serum and lung tissue. Western blotting experiments revealed AZC's downregulation of the toll-like receptor (TLR)4/NF-κB pathway and the upregulation of PI3K/Akt, coupled with inhibition of the Hippo and Rho signaling pathways. These findings underscore AZC's efficacy in ameliorating sepsis-induced ALI by modulating cytokine storms and curtailing inflammation via the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Hippo, and Rho signaling pathways. This work serves as a foundation for additional exploration into AZC's mechanisms and its potential as a therapy for sepsis-induced ALI. Animals in accordance with Kyungpook National University (IRB No. KNU 2022-174).

Therapeutic Effects of (+)-Afzelechin on Particulate Matter-Induced Pulmonary Injury.

Particulate matter (PM) constitutes a hazardous blend of organic and inorganic particles that poses health risks. Inhalation of fine airborne PM with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) can lead to significant lung impairments. (+)-afzelechin (AZC), a natural compound sourced from Bergenia ligulata, boasts a range of attributes, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cardiovascular effects. However, knowledge about the therapeutic potential of AZC for patients with PM2.5-induced lung injuries remains limited. Thus, in this study, we investigated the protective attributes of AZC against lung damage caused by PM2.5 exposure. AZC was administered to the mice 30 min after intratracheal instillation of PM2.5. Various parameters, such as changes in lung tissue wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio, total protein/total cell ratio, lymphocyte counts, levels of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), vascular permeability, and histology, were evaluated in mice exposed to PM2.5. Data demonstrated that AZC mitigated lung damage, reduced W/D weight ratio, and curbed hyperpermeability induced by PM2.5 exposure. Furthermore, AZC effectively lowered plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines produced by PM2.5 exposure. It reduced the total protein concentration in BALF and successfully alleviated PM2.5-induced lymphocytosis. Additionally, AZC substantially diminished the expression levels of Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), MyD88, and autophagy-related proteins LC3 II and Beclin 1. In contrast, it elevated the protein phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Consequently, the anti-inflammatory attribute of AZC positions it as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating PM2.5-induced lung injuries by modulating the TLR4-MyD88 and mTOR-autophagy pathways.

Effect of progressive resistance exercise using Thera-band on edema volume, upper limb function, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

This study aimed to determine the effects of progressive resistive exercise (PRE), including complex decongestive physical therapy (CDPT), on edema volume, handgrip strength, upper extremity function, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Twenty patients were randomized between the progressive resistance exercise group (PREG) and the self-home resistance exercise group (SREG). Two patients in each group dropped out of the study, leaving 16 patients: n=8 in the exercise group and n=8 in the SREG. First, the PREG and the SREG received CDPT. Subsequently, the patients in the PREG performed PRE, whereas the patients in the SREG performed self-home resistance exercises. Interventions were performed for 50 min, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. The results showed that, for the edema volume, a significant intergroup variation was absent, whereas the intragroup variation was significant. The inter- and intragroup variations were significant for both handgrip strength and upper extremity function. Regarding QoL, a significant difference was observed in global health status/QoL and role function between the groups. Furthermore, significant differences were observed within the PREG in global health status/QoL; physical, role, and cognitive function; and dyspnea. No significant differences were observed within the SREG. The results collectively suggest that the exercise program was an intervention with a greater potential contribution to reducing edema and enhancing physical function in patients with BCRL.

Effects of Combined Exercise Program on Spinal Curvature and Balance Ability in Adolescents with Kyphosis.

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is associated with postural abnormality, physical function, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of a combined exercise program on the spinal curvature and balance ability in adolescents with kyphosis. Fifty-one adolescents (mean age 21.95 ± 3.90 year, 23 male and 28 female) diagnosed with kyphosis were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 26). All participants in the study group underwent a combined exercise program for 60 min, three times per week, for 12 weeks. Cobb's angle and forward head angle showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). The anterior and posterior weight distributions of static and dynamic plantar foot pressures showed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001), and significant differences were observed only in the study group (p < 0.001). However, the left and right static plantar foot pressures did not differ significantly. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a combined exercise program is an effective intervention for the improvement of alignment in the spinal curve and balance in adolescents with postural kyphosis.

Effects of exercise and microbiota transplant on the memory of obesity-induced mice.

This study attempted to investigate the association between changes in the intestinal environment and the brain using a model that received aerobic exercise and microbiome transplantation. All mice were fed a diet containing 60% fat. For the obesity with nonexercise microbiome transplantation group, feces from donors that did not undergo exercise were administered. For the obesity with exercise microbiome trans-plantation group, feces from donors who underwent exercise were administered. Treadmill exercise started 16 weeks after the intake of the high fat feeding and continued for 24 weeks. The short-term memory and spatial learning memory were determined by step-down avoidance test and Morris water maze task, immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein, western blot analysis for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase B were performed in the hippocampus. Exercise was the most effective way to reduce obesity, improve memory function, suppress inflammation, and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. Intestinal microbiota transplantation was the second most effective after exercise. However, there was no significant difference in the fecal microbiota transplant group according to whether or not exercise was performed.

Effect of Combined Exercise Program on Lower Extremity Alignment and Knee Pain in Patients with Genu Varum.

This study aimed to assess the effect of a combined exercise program on lower-extremity alignment and knee pain in patients with genu varum. Forty-seven middle-aged women with knee pain and genu varum were randomly divided into the exercise (EG, n = 24) and control (CG, n = 23) groups. The exercise group underwent a combined exercise program lasting 60 min in one session, three times a week for 12 weeks. Knee-to-knee length (KTKL), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), hip inclination angle (HIA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were assessed to evaluate lower-extremity alignment. To evaluate knee pain, the short form-McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) were used. There was a significant difference between the groups, and a decrease of 16% in KTKL (from 6.48 ± 1.26 cm to 5.47 ± 1.21 cm) was shown in EG. Other variables, including HKAA, HIA, and MPTA on the right side, showed significant differences between pre- and post-intervention in EG (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). SF-MPQ score improved with 45% from 18.75 ± 1.64 to 10.33 ± 2.47 after exercise intervention in EG. These results suggest that the combined exercise program, including strength and neuromuscular exercises, is an effective intervention for improving lower-extremity alignment and knee pain in middle-aged women with genu varum.

Effects of Different Types of Contraction Exercises on Shoulder Function and Muscle Strength in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis.

Although several studies have reported the effect of exercise therapy for adhesive capsulitis (AC), studies on the comparison of different exercise types on shoulder muscle strength and function in patients with AC are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different exercise types on shoulder muscle strength and function in patients with AC. Thirty female patients with AC were categorized into an eccentric contraction exercise group (ECG, n = 15; age, 51.53 ± 4.73 years) and a concentric contraction exercise group (CCG, n = 15; age, 52.40 ± 4.03 years). The participants in each group performed a different exercise program three times per week for 60 min per session for 12 weeks. The range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint, visual analog scale, shoulder muscle strength, and Constant-Murley score (CMS) were measured before the intervention and after 12 weeks of the exercise intervention. Shoulder ROM in flexion (increase of 31%) and external rotation (ER) (increase of 54%) showed a significant improvement in the ECG (p < 0.05). Muscle strength in ER was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Pain severity showed improvement in the ECG (decrease of 61%) after the intervention (p < 0.01). The CMS in the ECG (increase of 48%) showed a greater improvement than that in the CCG after the intervention (p < 0.01). This study showed that eccentric contraction exercise had a more beneficial effect than concentric contraction exercise for improving shoulder muscle strength and function in females with AC.

Treadmill Exercise Ameliorates Short-term Memory Impairment by Suppressing Hippocampal Neuroinflammation in Poloxamer-407-Induced Hyperlipidemia Rats.

PURPOSE: Poloxamer-407 (P-407) is used to induce hyperlipidemia. Exercise is effective in improving arteriosclerosis and cognitive impairment. In this research, the effect of treadmill running on short-term memory in the P-407-treated hyperlipidemia rats was studied focusing on neuroinflammation. METHODS: Rats were classified in normal group, normal and treadmill exercise group, P-407-treated group, and P-407-treated and treadmill exercise group. Hyperlipidemia rats were made by single intraperitoneal injection with P-407 (500 mg/kg). Treadmill exercise was conducted for 30 minutes once a day, 5 days per week during 28 days. Step-down avoidance task was done to measure short-term memory. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Expression of adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokines was determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Treadmill exercise alleviated lipid profiles in the P-407-induced hyperlipidemia rats. Treadmill exercise improved short-term memory, inhibited reactive astrogliosis and microglia activation, and suppressed expression of adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokines in the hyperlipidemic rats. CONCLUSION: Treadmill exercise exerts alleviating effect on memory deficits by inhibiting hippocampal neuroinflammation in the hyperlipidemia. The current results suggest that treadmill running serves as the treatment strategy for the cognitive dysfunction caused by hyperlipidemia.

Effect of Different Exercise Types on the Cross-Sectional Area and Lumbar Lordosis Angle in Patients with Flat Back Syndrome.

Flat back syndrome (FBS) is a sagittal imbalance wherein the normal spinal curvature is reduced. This study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise programs on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the lumbar muscles, lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), lumbar disability, and flexibility in patients with FBS. Thirty-six females with flexible FBS were randomly allocated to the corrective exercise group (CEG, n = 12), resistance exercise group (REG, n = 12), and physical therapy group (PTG, n = 12). CEG and REG patients participated in a 12-week exercise intervention for 60 min three times per week. The CSA, LLA, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and sit-and-reach test were measured before and after intervention. CSA showed a significant difference between groups (p < 0.01), with CEG and REG demonstrating a significant increase (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). LLA showed a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001); CEG showed a higher increase than did REG (p < 0.01) and PTG (p < 0.001). ODI also showed a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001), being lower in CEG than in REG (p < 0.001) and PTG (p < 0.001). Lumbar flexibility significantly improved in all groups, albeit with a significant difference (p < 0.001). Although corrective and resistance exercise programs effectively improve these parameters, corrective exercise is superior to other interventions for patients with FBS.

Effects of Rehabilitation Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Muscle Cross-Sectional Area in Overweight Patients with Low Back Pain.

Limited studies exist on the effects of exercise therapy on obese and normal-weight patients. Herein, we investigated the effect of a 12-week rehabilitation exercise program on cardiovascular risk factors, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and change in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of lumbar muscles in patients with obesity and normal-weight low back pain (LBP). LBP patients were allocated to the overweight LBP group (OLG; n = 15) and normal-weight LBP group (NLG; n = 15). They performed a rehabilitation exercise program three times per week for 12 weeks. Cardiovascular risk factors, ODI score, and lumbar muscle CSA were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Body composition, body weight (p < 0.001), and body mass index (p < 0.001) significantly improved after the exercise intervention in OLG. Body fat percentage significantly decreased in both groups, but OLG (p < 0.001) showed slightly greater improvement than NLG (p = 0.034). Total cholesterol (p = 0.013) and low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.002) significantly improved in OLG. ODI score improved significantly in both groups (p = 0.000). Lumbar muscle CSA showed a significant difference in the context of the time result (p = 0.008). OLG showed a significant improvement post-intervention (p = 0.003). The rehabilitation exercise program was more beneficial on cardiovascular risk factors and change in lumbar muscle CSA in OLG, suggesting an intensive exercise intervention needed for overweight patients with LBP.

Impact of age on outcomes of midurethral sling procedures in women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Trans-obturator tape (TOT) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) comprise minimally invasive surgical management for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate outcomes of TOT and TVT among different age groups of women. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent TOT and TVT from January 2010 to December 2015 were reviewed. Patients were stratified into three groups according to age. All patients were interviewed routinely before and after surgery. The primary outcome was cure rate after surgery. Secondary outcomes included hospital stay, operative time, blood loss in surgery, and complication rate. A total of 616 patients diagnosed with SUI and 262 patients who had not undergone any concurrent surgery were eligible for study inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 616 patients diagnosed with SUI and 262 patients who had not undergone any concurrent surgery were eligible for study inclusion. There were 81 patients in group 1 (≤ 50 years), 97 patients in group 2 (51-59 years), and 84 patients in group 3 (≥ 60 years). After surgery, there were no significant differences in cure rates among the three groups (96.3% vs. 94.8% vs. 97.6%, P = 0.623). There were also no significant differences in operation time, blood loss, hospital stay, and complication rate among the three groups. When analyzing the TOT group (217 patients) and TVT group (45 patients) separately, primary and secondary outcomes did not differ significantly according to age group. CONCLUSIONS: As surgical management for SUI, midurethral sling procedures, both TOT and TVT, were found to be safe and effective among different age groups.

Manchester Operation: An Effective Treatment for Uterine Prolapse Caused by True Cervical Elongation.

PURPOSE: Descent of the uterus is a major etiology of uterine prolapse. However, true cervical elongation can cause uterine prolapse without uterine descent. The aim of study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of Manchester operation in patients with uterine prolapse caused by "true cervical elongation," compared with vaginal hysterectomy (VH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent Manchester operation or VH from 2006 to 2015 were reviewed. True cervical elongation was defined on the basis of C point of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system ≥0 and D point ≤-4, as well as estimated cervical length of ≥5 cm. The primary outcome was recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) evaluated by POP-Q system. The outcomes of two groups were compared after propensity score matching, for age, parity, and preoperative POP-Q stage. RESULTS: During the study period, 23 patients underwent Manchester operation and 374 patients underwent VH. The recurrence rate of POP (p=0.317) and complication rate were not statistically significant different between the two study groups. Manchester operation exhibited shorter operation time than VH (p=0.033). In subgroup analysis (POP-Q stage III), body mass index [odds ratio (OR)=1.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-2.81] and not having concurrent anterior colporrhaphy (OR for concurrent anterior colporrhaphy, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.75) were identified as significant risk factors for recurrence of POP. CONCLUSION: The Manchester operation technique seems to be an effective and safe alternative procedure for the treatment of uterine prolapse caused by true cervical elongation, compared with VH.

The effect of cardiac rehabilitation at 4 weeks postoperatively on quality of life in patients treated with totally thoracoscopic ablation.

There is a lack of evidence on the effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) in patients treated with total thoracoscopic ablation (TTA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Our study investigated the efficacy and safety of postoperative exercise intervention in patients recovering from TTA. Twenty-four patients participated in the study, and were divided into the two groups, exercise group (EG) (n=12) and control group (n= 12). Patients in EG performed the exercise intervention including the aerobic and resistance exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks, which was used as a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation for the out-patient. A cardiopulmonary exercise test was administered to evaluate aerobic exercise capacity, and qualitative aspect of patient's life was assessed using the Short Form 36 questionnaires to compare pre and postoperative wellness of patient's life. Although there was an increase of VO2peak (peak oxygen uptake) after exercise intervention, no significant improvement was found (P=0.055). Two of 4 physical health scores (role-physical, P=0.013 and general health, P=0.05) and three of four mental health scores (vitality, P=0.027, social function, P=0.016, and mental health, P=0.003) were significantly improved after 8 weeks of EBCR. Each summarized scale in the physical (P=0.022) and mental (P= 0.004) survey section was also significantly improved in postoperative assessment compared to the preoperative one. In this context, we concluded that EBCR initiated at the time point of 4th week after TTA operation can guarantee the secure postoperative physical activity, and the 8 weeks of EBCR can effectively improve the quality of life in AF Patients.

Effect of 8-week Nordic walking training on nondominant hand grip and shoulder strength in middle-aged women.

Nordic walking (NW) is a full body training that can be performed with special pole, and has been recognized as an effective out-door activity which can improve the strength of upper extremity. Most previous studies mainly analyzed the effect of NW on the strength of dominant (DN) hand-grip strength, however, a clear scientific examination is needed whether nondominant (NDN) extremity can also be ameliorated by the NW. Therefore, the aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of 8 weeks NW training on the NDN handgrip and shoulder strength in healthy middle-aged women. 29 subjects were randomly divided into three groups: Nordic walking group (NWG, n=10), brisk walking group (BWG, n=11), and control group (CG, n=8). Handgrip and shoulder strength were measured by the hand dynamometer and isokinetic machine. NW training was performed 3 times a week, and had 10-min warm-up, 40-min main program consisted of ALFA (Attention, Long arms, Flat poles, Adaptes) technique and Turbo walking, and 10-min cool-down. In handgrip strength of DN hand and the shoulder flexor strength in the both sides, NWG and BWG showed significantly higher value compared to CG. In the NDN hand, NWG also showed significantly higher strength compared to CG, however, there was no significant difference in the handgrip strength/weight among groups. In NDN shoulder extension, significantly higher improvement was found in NWG and BWG compared to that of CG. In conclusion, our study showed that NW can improve the strength of upper extremity in subjects, and can be better approach to improve the NDN handgrip strength than brisk walking method could.

The effects of a community-based walking program on walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy of chronic stroke patients.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of community-based walking training (CWT) on the walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy of chronic stroke patients and compare the effects of CWT to the conventional walking programs in stroke patients. Previous studies focused on walking speed, walking endurance, and balance. However, no studies have examined the changes in fall-related self-efficacy after CWT. In order to achieve purpose of this study, 45 chronic stroke patients, who were hospitalized at National Rehabilitation Center, were randomly divided into the CWT group (CWTG, n=15), the treadmill walking training group (TWTG, n=15), and the control group (CG, n=15). The treatment was conducted 3 times per week (30 min each) for 4 weeks. CWT was carried out by gradually increasing the difficulty level in various environments outside the hospital room. The results revealed that the CWTG was more effective in enhancing the walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy than the TWTG and the CG. These findings demonstrated that the CWTG increased the walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy of chronic stroke patients. Therefore, we suggest that adding CWT to standard rehabilitation might be an effective method for improving walking ability and fall-related self-efficacy in chronic stroke patients.

Postoperative urinary symptoms after transobturator tape in normal-weight compared with overweight and obese woman.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical outcome of obesity in women who underwent the transobturator tape procedure for stress urinary incontinence and to compare postoperative urinary symptoms after transobturator tape surgery between normal-weight women and overweight and obese women. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of the risk of postoperative urinary symptoms, including recurrence after transobturator tape surgery, in normal-weight women compared with overweight and obese women at our institution from January 2009 through October 2011. We compared the body mass index (BMI) among the four groups. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Three hundred ten patients who underwent transobturator tape surgery were reviewed. At the 1-year follow-up, 281 women were analyzed: 89 (34%) normal-weight women, 78 (25%) overweight women, 101 (37%) obese 1 women, and 13 (3%) obese 2 women. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative urinary symptoms. They occurred in 3.4% (n=3) of normal-weight women, 5.1% (n=4) of overweight women, and 12.9% (n=13) of obese 1 women (P=0.038). The most common postoperative urinary symptom was frequent urination (n=14). There was a significant difference in leakage; it occurred in 1.1% (n=1) of normal-weight women, 3.9% (n=3) of overweight women, and 7.9% (n=8) of obese 1 women (P=0.139). Postoperative urinary symptoms were almost four times more likely to occur in obese 1 women than in normal-weight women. CONCLUSION: Transobturator tape surgery seems effective regardless of BMI, but obese women had a higher occurrence of postoperative urinary symptoms than did normal-weight women.

Effects of taping therapy for carpal space expansion on electrophysiological change in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Taping therapy is one of the most conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Preceding research studied on pain control, grip strength, and wrist function but no studies have been reported on electrophysiolgical changes after taping therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of taping therapy for carpal space expansion on electrophysiological in 20 female patients aged from 40s to 60s with CTS. Experimental group applied taping therapy for carpal space expansion twice a week for 4 weeks and control group did not. There were significant differences between distal motor latency (DML) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), but no difference between compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) after 4 weeks taping treatment. Also, there was a significant difference in DML, SNCV, and SNAP in between groups. In conclusion, taping therapy for carpal space expansion can help to reduce the pressure of the carpal tunnel in CTS patients with mild symptoms.

Effects of communal exercise with visual and auditory feedback provided by a smart application on gait ability and fear of falling in Parkinson's disease patients.

Parkinson's disease is a chronically developing neurodegenerative disease showing typical motor symptoms of the following triad: resting tremor, freezing of gait, and bradykinesia-hypokinesia. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a communal exercise program, using the visual and auditory feedback provided by a smart application, to assess gait ability, fear of falling, and fall efficacy in Parkinson's disease patients. Subjects consisted of 29 Parkinson's disease patients who were non-demented individuals. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (n= 9, CG), the communal exercise group using the smart application (n= 10, CCEG), and the individual exercise group using the smart application (n= 10, ICEG). The communal exercise program consisted of a warm up (10 min) followed by communal exercise using the smart application (40 min), and a cool down (10 min) for 3 days per week over 10 weeks. The results presented here show that velocity and cadence were significantly increased among groups. Step and stride length were significantly increased among times. Fear of falling and fall efficacy were significantly different among groups and times. In particular, fear of falling was lower and fall efficacy was higher in the CCEG than in the ICEG and CG. These findings indicate that 10 weeks of the communal exercise program using the smart application can be effective in improving gait ability, fear of falling, and fall efficacy in Parkinson's disease patients.

Effects of new sports tennis type exercise on aerobic capacity, follicle stimulating hormone and N-terminal telopeptide in the postmenopausal women.

Menopause is characterized by rapid decreases in bone mineral density, aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and balance. In the present study, we investigated the effects of new sports tennis type exercise on aerobic capacity, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and N-terminal telopeptide (NTX) in the postmenopausal women. Subjects were consisted of 20 postmenopausal women, who had not menstruated for at least 1 yr and had follicle-stimulating hormone levels > 35 mIU/L, estradiol levels< 40 pg/mL. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n= 10), new sports tennis type exercise group (n= 10). New sports tennis type exercise was consisted of warm up (10 min), new sports tennis type exercise (40 min), cool down (10 min) 3 days a per week for 12 weeks. The aerobic capacities were increased by 12 weeks new sports tennis type exercise. New sports tennis type exercise significantly increased FSH and NTx levels, indicating biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption. These findings indicate that 12 weeks of new sports tennis type exercise can be effective in prevention of bone loss and enhancement of aerobic capacity in postmenopausal women.