Objective: In patients with temporomandibular joint disorders, air insoles are used to investigate functionality and pain changes in the temporomandibular joint when walking in daily life. Intervention: Sixty-five patients with temporomandibular joint disorder were recruited: 34 as a control group who walked more than 7,000 steps a day in daily life, and 31 as an experimental group who were instructed to take at least 7,000 steps every day while wearing their air insoles. Measurements: To determine the effects of air insoles on temporomandibular joint pain, steady-state pain, maximum mouth opening, average pain, and the most severe pain were measured before and after the experiment. In addition, to evaluate functionality, the ability to open the mouth in a comfortable state, pain when opening the mouth, and the point of sound and maximum degree to which the mouth could be opened were evaluated before and after the experiment. Results: Pain, mouth openness, and sound points showed significant differences from the control group after the experiment, and the maximum mouth opening range showed no significant difference. Conclusion: When air insoles were used by patients with temporomandibular joint disorder, the functionality of the temporomandibular joint was improved and pain was decreased.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of the non-elastic taping method for controlling internal hip joint rotation on internal and external hip rotator muscle activity in healthy people. Methods: In this study, 18 healthy volunteers were instructed to perform the small knee bending (SKB) test. All participants completed the test following two methods (using non-elastic taping and not using taping). Muscle activation during the two methods was measured using a surface electromyography (EMG) device. Surface EMG data were collected from the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and tensor fasciae femoris muscles while performing the SKB test with and without non-elastic taping. Results: Muscle activity in the gluteus maximus was significantly higher during the SKB test with non-elastic taping than during the conventional SKB test with taping (p < 0.05). Tensor fasciae latae muscle activity was lower during the SKB test with non-elastic taping than during the conventional SKB test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the non-elastic taping method for controlling internal hip joint rotation effectively activates the hip's external rotator muscles and minimizes unwanted internal rotator muscle use during the SKB test. Therefore, the non-elastic taping method for controlling internal hip joint rotation could be an effective intervention for those who cannot control the internal rotation of their hips.

Purpose: This study aimed to suggest an effective exercise for treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and hamstring injuries based on the dynamic control ratio (DCR) for the hamstring and quadriceps during eccentric hamstring exercises. Methods: Twenty-four healthy participants participated in this study. The participants performed three eccentric hamstring exercises, including the Nordic exercise, the supine leg curl, and single-leg deadlifts. During the eccentric hamstring exercises, the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) were measured using surface electromyography. Results: The DCR was significantly lower during the supine leg curl and single-leg deadlift than during the Nordic exercise (p < 0.05). The activity of the VMO and VL was significantly greater during the supine leg curl than during the Nordic exercise and the single-leg deadlift (p < 0.05). VL activity was significantly higher during the single-leg deadlift than during the Nordic exercise (p < 0.05). ST activity was significantly higher during the supine leg curl and Nordic exercise than during the single-leg deadlift (p < 0.05). BF activity was significantly higher during the supine leg curl than during the Nordic exercise and single-leg deadlift (p < 0.05). Finally, the BF showed significantly higher activity during the Nordic exercise compared to during the single-leg deadlift (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the DCR ratio and quadriceps activity, the supine leg curl should be introduced early in rehabilitation for ACL injuries.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of new exercises (combined cervical and thoracic extension exercises) with those of conventional cervical extensor strengthening exercises (sitting cervical extension exercises) and thoracic extensor strengthening exercises (prone thoracic extension exercises). Method: Fifteen healthy subjects performed sitting cervical extension exercises, prone thoracic extension exercises, and combined cervical and thoracic extension exercises. During each exercise, electromyography was used to measure muscle activity in the erector spinae with C4 and T4 levels. The measured data were analyzed using one-way repeated analysis of variance. Results: With different exercises, there were significant differences in activity in the erector spinae muscle (p < 0.05). The activity in the erector spinae muscle increased significantly during the combined cervical and thoracic extension exercises compared to the sitting cervical extension (p < 0.05) and prone thoracic extension exercises (p < 0.05). The sitting cervical extension exercises significantly increased activity in the cervical erector spinae muscle compared to the prone thoracic extension exercises (p < 0.05). Activity in the thoracic erector spinae muscles was significantly increased during the prone thoracic extension exercises compared to during the sitting cervical extension exercises (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the newer exercises effectively increase activity in the cervical and thoracic extensor muscles.

Purpose: This study set out to investigate the effects of prone hip extension with knee flexion (PHEKF) exercises according to external load on the thickness of the gluteus maximus (Gmax) and biceps femoris (BF). Methods: Twenty-three healthy men participated in this study. All subjects randomly practiced PHEKF under the burden of external loads created by sandbags (0 kg, 1 kg, and 2 kg). Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) was used to measure the thickness of the Gmax and BF during the PHEKF with different external loads. Results: The thickness of the Gmax was highest during the 2 kg resistance exercise and lowest at 0 kg. The thickness of the Gmax was significantly increased at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg and significantly increased at from 1 kg to 2 kg (p < 0.05). The thickness of the biceps femoris was highest at 0 kg and lowest at 2 kg. The thickness of the biceps femoris muscle was significantly reduced at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 1 kg and 2 kg (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The thickness of the Gmax was increased by applying PHEKF with a higher external load, whereas the muscle thickness of the biceps femoris decreased. These results suggest that the application of external loads during PHEKF exercises may be an effective method for selective strengthening of the Gmax.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of modified ankle movement patterns on participants' active dorsiflexion range of motion and leg muscle activity. Methods: This study recruited twenty-five participants, all of whom were healthy individuals with no abnormalities in the ankle or knee joints. The research methodology involved measuring the active dorsiflexion range of motion and muscle activity in each person's legs based on the presence or absence of toe extension while the subjects were in a comfortable, supine position. A statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0, and a paired samples t-test was employed. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: When the participants demonstrated the modified ankle movement pattern with a controlled toe grip, there was an increase in their active dorsiflexion angle. However, during the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique without a controlled toe grip, a higher level of activity was observed in the leg muscles. Conclusion: The results of this study could be used as foundational data for establishing a rehabilitation exercise program designed to enhance range of motion and muscle activation in the ankle joint.

Purpose: Cerebellar injury can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, stroke, and tumor. Cerebellar injury can manifest in different clinical symptoms and signs depending on the size and location of the injury. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the recovery patterns of each motor function by tracking the motor levels of patients with cerebellar injury. Methods: This study recruited 11 patients with quadriplegia resulting from cerebellar injury. The motricity index (MI), modified Brunnstrom classification (MBC), and functional ambulation category (FAC) methods were used to evaluate motor levels. The motor function evaluation was performed immediately after the onset of the condition and at intervals of one month, two months, and six months after onset. Results: The MI values of the upper and lower extremities and hand function (MBC) indicated severe paralysis in the early stages of onset. Compared to the onset time, significant motor function recovery was observed after 1, 2, and 6 months (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant pattern of recovery between 1, 2, and 6 months after onset (p > 0.05). FAC indicated showed significant recovery at one month compared to onset (p<0.05), and there was also a significant difference between 1 and 2 months (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in FAC between 2 and 6 months (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with cerebellar injury showed significant recovery in functions related to muscle strength and voluntary muscle control one month after onset and gradually recovered further over the next six months. On the other hand, gait function, which is closely related to balance, showed a relatively slow recovery pattern from the beginning of the disease to the six month follow-up.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the lower extremity kinematics of subjects with dynamic knee valgus after we applied non-elastic tape while they performed overhead squat. Methods: Twenty-five subjects (12 females, 13 males) with dynamic knee valgus participated in this study. Hip and knee joint kinematics and medial knee displacement were measured during overhead squat with and without hip correction taping. Results: Hip joint internal rotation, knee valgus, and medial knee displacement were significantly lower during overhead squat with hip correction taping than without hip correction taping, but there was no significant difference in hip joint flexion and abduction. Conclusion: Hip joint correction using non-elastic taping is recommended to subjects with dynamic knee valgus to improve their lower extremity movement and alignment during overhead squat.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical therapy combined with a virtual reality (VR) game on pain, quality of life (QOL), engagement, and knee function in post-knee-surgery patients. Methods: Twenty-four patients who had undergone knee surgery four weeks or more before the study were recruited. Two withdrew from the study during the four-week experimental period, and a total of 22 patients were included in the final analysis. Routine physical therapy consisting of electrostimulation (10 min.) and therapeutic massage (10 min.) was the base intervention for all groups. The experimental group (n = 10) was additionally exposed to a VR game intervention, while the control group (n = 12) underwent an intervention involving similar motions as the experimental intervention but with no VR. The intervention for the experimental group used the game Rig Fit Adventure on Nintendo switch. Both groups underwent their respective interventions 3 times a week (35 min. per session) for 4 weeks. Pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), and QOL was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimensional five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Engagement was assessed using the Korea flow state scale (K-FSS). Finally, knee movement and function were assessed based on knee flexion and extension, range of motion (ROM), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: After the four-week physical therapy, both groups showed significant reductions in pain (on the NRS), increased knee ROM (flexion), better WOMAC scores, and increased EQ-5D-5L scores (p < 0.05), with the experimental group showing significantly better improvements in EQ-5D-5L and K-FSS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that a VR-game-integrated intervention is effective for improving pain, QOL, engagement, and knee function in post-knee surgery patients and that VR-game-integrated interventions could be therapeutic alternatives for patients bedridden for prolonged periods with little motivation for rehabilitation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and grip strength of people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: This was a retrospective study that analyzed raw data from the first year of the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019). The study population was 780 people in total, ranging in age from their teens to their 80s. These were people who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the presence of arthritis in and grip strength of these subjects were determined using the average value of three measurements. Results: According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of arthritis in Korea was 2.5% in men, 10.7% in women, and 13.1% overall. More women than men had osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the number of people with osteoarthritis increased with age. In this study, of those with osteoarthritis, 13.5% were men and 88% were women; of those with rheumatoid arthritis, 19.3% were men and 56.3% were women. The number of patients with osteoarthritis increased with age, and rheumatoid arthritis was more common in older people. Subjects with osteoarthritis had lower grip strength than those without the disease, and the older the age at which rheumatoid arthritis was first diagnosed, the lower the grip strength. Conclusion: Grip strength is lower in patients with osteoarthritis than in those without osteoarthritis, and it is possible to estimate the degree to which muscle strength decreases.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in pediatric Cobb's angle resulting from using the modified scoliosis exercise method to promote proprioception. Methods: There were 32 participants in this study. Cobb's angle was measured automatically using a ZeTTA PACS Viewer through a digital computer program with whole-body x-ray anterior to posterior. Scoliosis was diagnosed by a Cobb's angle of 10° or higher. Modified scoliosis exercises were used as the program for the three-stage method used in the study: the preparation phase (warm-up), actual exercise phase (main exercise), and final clean-up phase (cool-down). In this study, exercises that can promote proprioception, including muscle strengthening, stretching, equilibrium, myofascial release, balance taping, and traction, were applied, and their effects before and after treatment were compared. After implementing the exercise methods once a week-15 times total for about 4 months-the changes in Cobb's angle were measured. Results: After having the pediatric scoliosis patients practice the modified scoliosis exercises for four months, it was found that the Cobb's angle of the spine significantly decreased. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the modified pediatric scoliosis exercise, which is capable of promoting proprioception, is also effective in improving Cobb's angle.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and grip strength of people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: This was a retrospective study that analyzed raw data from the first year of the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019). The study population was 780 people in total, ranging in age from their teens to their 80s. These were people who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the presence of arthritis in and grip strength of these subjects were determined using the average value of three measurements. Results: According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of arthritis in Korea was 2.5% in men, 10.7% in women, and 13.1% overall. More women than men had osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the number of people with osteoarthritis increased with age. In this study, of those with osteoarthritis, 13.5% were men and 88% were women of those with rheumatoid arthritis, 19.3% were men and 56.3% were women. The number of patients with osteoarthritis increased with age, and rheumatoid arthritis was more common in older people. Subjects with osteoarthritis had lower grip strength than those without the disease, and the older the age at which rheumatoid arthritis was first diagnosed, the lower the grip strength. Conclusion: Grip strength is lower in patients with osteoarthritis than in those without osteoarthritis, and it is possible to estimate the degree to which muscle strength decreases.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a Korean version of the Falls Efficacy Scale (K-FES), which is used to measure the fear of falling, that is conceptually equivalent to the original and culturally adaptable to the Korean population. Methods: A five-step translation and adaptation process was employed to create the K-FES, adhering to the established guidelines for cross-cultural rehabilitation outcome measures. The content validity was then evaluated by 22 rehabilitation professionals (15 males and 7 females) with an average clinical experience of 201 months at neurological rehabilitation centers. The content validity ratio and index were used as a basis for judgment. Results: The translation process identified inconsistencies with the terms "objects" and "telephone" in the original Falls Efficacy Scale, which were subsequently resolved in the final K-FES version. The content validity ratios for the original, second, and third versions of the K-FES ranged from -0.27-0.91, -0.27-0.91, and -0.27-0.91, respectively. Correspondingly, the content validity index values for the original, second, and third versions of the K-FES ranged from 0.77-1.00, 0.68-1.00, and 0.63-1.00, respectively. Conclusions: The K-FES was rigorously developed through translation, adaptation, and validation processes, making it a reliable tool for Korean stroke rehabilitation professionals. It is expected to be instrumental in clinical and research settings to assess postural stability and fall risk in patients with strokes and brain injuries.