• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.82.1-82.10
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• 2020

Background: The clinical presentation of horses with back pain (BP) vary considerably with most horse's willingness to take part in athletic or riding purpose becoming impossible. However, there are some clinical features that are directly responsible for the loss or failure of performance. Objectives: To investigate the clinical features of the thoracolumbar region associated with BP in horses and to use some of the clinical features to classify equine BP. Methods: Twenty-four horses comprised of 14 with BP and 10 apparently healthy horses were assessed for clinical abnormality that best differentiate BP from normal horses. The horses were then graded (0-5) using the degree of pain response, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and overall physical dysfunction of the horse. Results: The common clinical features that significantly differentiate horses with BP from non-BP were longissimus dorsi spasm at palpation (78.6%), paravertebral muscle stiffness (64.3%), resist lateral bending (64.3%), and poor hindlimb impulsion (85.7%). There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores for pain response to palpation, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and physical dysfunction among horses with BP in relation to non-BP. A significant relationship exists between all the graded abnormalities. Based on the cumulative score, horses with BP were categorized into mild, mild-moderate, moderate and severe cases. Conclusions: BP in horse can be differentiated by severity of pain response to back palpation, back muscle hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness, physical dysfunctions and their cumulative grading score is useful in the assessment and categorization of BP in horses.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.38-44
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of complex training on injury, flexibility, and muscle stiffness in high school male football players. Methods: A total of 60 football players were included in the study and were divided into three groups viz. the complex training group (CTG), 11+ training group (11+TG), and traditional training group (TTG). Injuries were recorded based on the prospective investigation method after starting the study, and the flexibility and muscle stiffness of the subjects were evaluated. Results: The research results showed that the injury rate per match was significantly lower in the CTG and 11+TG than the TTG. In the CTG, the flexibility of the hamstrings significantly increased and the stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), and tensor fascia latae (TFL) muscles significantly decreased (p<0.05). In the 11+TG, the stiffness of the RF significantly decreased (p<0.05). In the TTG, the flexibility of the hamstrings significantly increased (p<0.05). Hamstring flexibility showed a significantly higher increase in the CTG and TTG compared to the 11+TG (p<0.05). Also, the stiffness of the RF and TFL muscles showed a significantly higher decrease in the CTG compared to the 11+TG and TTG (p<0.05). The stiffness of the BF muscles too showed a more significant decrease in the CTG compared to the TTG (p<0.05). Conclusion: The complex training method of the Fédération International de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ and self-myofascial release (SMFR) as a warm-up program, prevent injuries, enhance flexibility, and lower muscle stiffness of football players in high school. Thus, it is necessary to ensure the widespread use of the complex training program by instructors and players under the supervision of the Korea Football Association (KFA), given its reliability in preventing injuries and improving the performance of football players.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.36-43
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• 2021

[Purpose] Exercise is a key factor in preventing obesity and metabolic syndrome. Sumo wrestlers increase their body size from childhood for athletic advantage; however, the risk of metabolic syndrome in junior sumo wrestlers is undetermined. Preventive measures against pediatric obesity should be initiated during childhood to prevent obesity in adulthood, considering its high global incidence. We comparatively evaluated the risk factors for metabolic syndrome in junior sumo wrestlers and children with obesity. [Methods] We enrolled 70 male children (age 9-17 years [sumo group, n = 14] and 9-14 years [other sports and non-exercise groups, n = 28 each]) and evaluated their anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index z-score, obesity rate, waist circumference, waist to height ratio) and hematological parameters (total, low-density, high-density, and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; triglycerides; plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels). [Results] The BMI z-score, obesity rate, waist circumference (p < 0.05, along with the non-exercise group), and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher and the high-density cholesterol level was lower in the sumo group than in the other sports group (p < 0.05). The waist to height ratio was significantly higher in the non-exercise group than in the other sports group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other blood lipid, plasma glucose (significantly lower level than the reference range in the sumo group, p < 0.05), and glycated hemoglobin (within the reference range in all groups) levels among the three groups. [Conclusion] Junior sumo wrestlers had a larger body size and higher blood pressure than children with obesity who exercised regularly. This provides direction for future research into targeted preventive interventions against metabolic syndrome for junior sumo wrestlers with large body size.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.171-179
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• 2022

Background: The application of Kinesio tape (KT) has become an alternative treatment for the reduction of edema owing to its distinct characteristics that mimic skin behavior. Although many studies have found that KT application has a positive effect on edema related to breast cancer and rehabilitation following mandibular third molar surgery, there is little evidence to support the use of KT for musculoskeletal injuries. Objects: The purpose of this study was to review the literature related to KT application for reducing edema caused by musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A literature search (July 2022) was performed on PubMed for articles published between January 2012 and June 2022. The following keywords were used: "Kinesio taping," "Kinesio tape," "swelling," and "edema," with different combinations and derivations. Only articles available in English were included in this study. Results: Among 68 identified studies, seven met our search strategy and criteria and were included in the literature review. Five of these studies investigated musculoskeletal disorders of the knee joint; two of them reported that KT application had a positive effect on edema measured using perimetry following total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the KT application did not improve swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains. Pediatric patients with acute proximal phalangeal joint sprain experienced a more significant improvement in the reduction of swelling than the group using a splint. Conclusion: This literature review found discrepant evidence to support using KT for edema control in musculoskeletal disorders. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of KT for controlling edema following musculoskeletal injuries.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2023

Purpose: Sports offer several health benefits but are not free of injury risk. Activity dynamics vary across sports, impacting the injury profile and thereby influencing healthcare resource utilization and health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate sports-related major trauma cases and compare differences across sports and activity groups. Methods: A retrospective case notes review of sports-related major traumas over a 5-year period was conducted. Demographic, hospital episode-related, and health outcome-related data were analyzed, and differences were compared across sports and activity groups. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge was used as the primary outcome measure and the length of hospital stay as the secondary outcome measure. Results: In total, 76% of cases had good recovery at discharge (GOS, 5), 19% had moderate disability (GOS, 4), and 5% had severe disability (GOS, 3). The mean length of hospital stay was 11.2 days (range, 1-121 days). The most severely injured body region was the limbs (29.1%) and vertebral/spinal injuries were most common (33%) in terms of location. A significant difference (P<0.05) existed in GOS across sports groups, with motor sports having the lowest GOS. However, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found in other health-outcome variables or injury patterns across sports or activity groups, although more competitive sports cases (67%) required admission than recreational sports cases (33%). Conclusions: Spinal injuries are the most frequent sports injuries, bear the worst health outcomes, and warrant better preventive measures. Head injuries previously dominated the worst outcomes; this change is likely due to better preventive and management modalities. Competitive sports had a higher injury frequency than recreational sports, but no difference in health outcomes or injury patterns.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2023

Background: Most Pilates programs for older adults have been based on mat Pilates, and there has been limited research on Pilates with mini-balls. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of Pilates with mini-balls and mat Pilates interventions on strength, total body endurance, flexibility, and dynamic equilibrium to determine the differences. Methods: The elderly aged 65 or older living in Gyeongsan, Daegu, were divided into two groups, and the experimental group (n=10) conducted a Pilates exercise program using mini balls for 12 weeks, and the control group (n=10) conducted a mat Pilates exercise program for 12 weeks without mini balls. Strength, endurance, flexibility, and dynamic equlibrium were measured as a pre-test, and post-test was performed in the same way after 12 weeks of application. Results: Comparing the mini-ball Pilates group to the mat Pilates group, there was a significant difference (p<.05) in the 'chair sit and reach' after the intervention. In the within-group comparison, there was a significant increase (p<.05) in 'arm curl right', '30-second chair stand', '2-minute walk', 'back scratch', 'chair sit and reach', and '2.44m up and go' in the experimental group using the mini-ball Pilates program. Mat Pilates program significantly increased the within-group comparisons in '30-second chair stand' and 'chair sit and reach' (p<.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that mini-ball Pilates has a positive effect on the senior fitness and will be a good exercise method for using it as an exercise program for the elderly in the future.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.298-313
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of natural compounds in improving athletic ability has attracted attention in both sports and research. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) leaves are used to make traditional herbal medicines in Asia. The active components of G. pentaphyllum, dammarane saponins, or gypenosides, possess a range of biological activities. On the other hand, the anti-fatigue effects from G. pentaphyllum extract (GPE) and its effective compound, gypenoside L (GL), remain to be determined. MATERIALS/METHODS: This study examined the effects of GPE on fatigue and exercise performance in ICR mice. GPE was administered orally to mice for 6 weeks, with or without treadmill training. The biochemical analysis in serum, glycogen content, mRNA, and protein expressions of the liver and muscle were analyzed. RESULTS: The ExGPE (exercise with 300 mg/kg body weight/day of GPE) mice decreased the fat mass percentage significantly compared to the ExC mice, while the ExGPE showed the greatest lean mass percentage compared to the ExC group. The administration of GPE improved the exercise endurance and capacity in treadmill-trained mice, increased glucose and triglycerides, and decreased the serum creatine kinase and lactate levels after intensive exercise. The muscle glycogen levels were higher in the ExGPE group than the ExC group. GPE increased the level of mitochondrial biogenesis by enhancing the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) protein and the mRNA expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial DNA, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ, superoxide dismutase 2, and by decreasing the lactate dehydrogenase B level in the soleus muscle (SOL). GPE also improved PGC-1α activation in the SOL significantly through AMPK/p38 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that GPE supplementation enhances exercise performance and has anti-fatigue activity. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanism was elucidated. Therefore, GPE is a promising candidate for developing functional foods and enhancing the exercise capacity and anti-fatigue activity.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.71-82
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of leadership behavioral patterns on athletic stress in Chinese badminton athletes. The subject of this study was nomadic sampling of 203 Chinese badminton players with or without experience in the national team. The results obtained by distributing a total of 203 questionnaires and processing the data according to the purpose of the study using 170 copies excluding unfaithful data among them are as follows. First, it appears that the leader leadership type and exercise stress according to demographic variables have a significant effect. Second, as a result of correlation analysis, there was a positive correlation between exercise stress and its sub-factors. A negative correlation was found with independent variables such as leadership behavioral style, democratic behavior, social support behavior, and positive reward behavior, and a positive correlation was found with training, directive behavior, and authoritative behavior. Second, it was found that exercise stress had a significant effect according to the type of leader leadership behavior.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.331-337
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• 2022

This study is to investigate the effect of Chinese university track and field athletes on their athletic commitment and performance. The men and women aged 19 or older were selected as a population for athletes from Hanam University, Jeongju University, and Hanam Normal University, and 1400 questionnaires were distributed using the Convenience sampling method. The results obtained by performing data processing are as follows. First, all factors had a statistically significant effect on performance in the effect of sub-factors of exercise commitment (cognitive commitment, behavioral commitment). Second, all factors had a statistically significant effect on the performance of the sub-factors of exercise commitment (cognitive commitment, behavioral commitment). Third, all factors had a statistically significant effect on the effect of sub-factors of exercise commitment (cognitive commitment, behavioral commitment) on concentration.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2022

Background: The superimposed technique (ST) involves the application of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) during voluntary muscle action. The physiological effects attributed to each stimulus may be accumulated by the ST. Although various EMS devices for the quadriceps muscle are being marketed to the general public, there is still a lack of research on whether ST training can provide significant advantages for improving quadriceps muscle strength or thickness compared with EMS alone. Objective: To compare the effects of eight weeks of ST and EMS on the thicknesses of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles and knee extension strength. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to either the ST or EMS groups. The participants underwent ST or EMS training for eight weeks. In all participants, the thicknesses of the RF and VI muscles were measured before and after the 8-week intervention by ultrasonography, and quadriceps muscle strength was measured using the Smart KEMA tension sensor (KOREATECH Co., Ltd.). Results: There were significant differences in the pre- and post-intervention thicknesses of the RF and VI muscles as well as the quadriceps muscle strength in both groups (p < 0.05). RF thickness was significantly greater in the ST group (F = 4.294, p = 0.048), but there was no significant difference in VI thickness (F = 0.234, p = 0.632) or knee extension strength (F = 0.775, p = 0.386). Conclusion: EMS can be used to improve quadriceps muscle strength and RF and VI muscle thickness, and ST can be used to improve RF thickness in the context of athletic training and fitness.