• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2021

This review describes the risk factors of the nutrition crisis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections and suggests precision nutrition against long-term psychological and physiological stress. The mandatory quarantine and the social distancing are associated with an interruption of the lifestyle routine, resulting in psychological (i.e., boredom) and physiological stress. The stress with multiple causes and forms induces over-compensation of energy-dense food, such as sugary comfort food, and is defined as "food craving" because carbohydrates positively affect the psychological stability with serotonin secretion. The consumption of foods that promote an immune response against viral infections (vitamins & minerals; Cu, folate, Fe, Se, Zn, and Vit A, B6, B12, C, and D), reduce inflammatory cytokines (w-3 fatty acids, Vit D, fibers, and Mg), contain antioxidants (beta-carotene, Vit E, C, Se, and phenolics), and sleep-inducing proteins (serotonin, melatonin, and milk products) is essential. In addition, a reduced Vit D deficiency in winter due to less time spent outdoors under quarantine has been reported to be associated with viral infections. The case fatality rate of COVID-19 was significantly dependent on age, sex, race, and underlying health condition. To prevent malnutrition and cachexia in elderly people, weight loss and muscle wasting should be monitored and controlled. Inadequate protein intake, sedentary lifestyle, and inflammation are significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Moreover, relatively high intakes of fat or carbohydrate compared to low protein intake result in abdominal obesity, which is defined as "sarcopenic obesity." Keeping the food-safety guidelines of COVID-19, this study recommends the consumption of fresh and healthy foods and avoiding sugar, fat, salt, alcohol, and commercially frozen foods.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2021

To set the estimated energy requirement (EER) in Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRI), we need the coefficient by physical activity stage, as determined by the physical activity level(PAL). Thus, there has been demand for a tool to calculate PAL based on the physical activity diary. This study was undertaken to develop a physical activity (PA) classification table for Koreans, using the 2011 Compendium of physical activities in the United States. The PA classification table for Koreans contains 262 codes, and values of the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) for specific activities. Of these, 243 PAs which do not have Korean specific data or information, were selected from the 2011 Compendium of PAs that originated in the United States; another 19 PAs were selected from the previous research data of Koreans. The PA classification table is codified to facilitate the selection of energy values corresponding to each PA. The code for each PA consists of a single letter alphabet (activity category) and four numeric codes that display the activity type (2 digit number), activity intensity (1 digit number), and specific activities (1 digit number). In addition, the intensity (sedentary behavior, low, middle and high) of specific PA and its rate of energy expenditure in MET are presented together. The activity categories are divided into 4 areas: Daily Activity (A), Movement (B), Occupation (C), and Exercise and Sports (D). The developed PA classification table can be applied to quantify the energy cost of PA for adults in research or practice, and to assess energy expenditure and physical activity levels based on self-reported PA.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.64-68
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• 2021

Objective: In clinical practice, there are a lot of exercise to reduce body weight or reduce the amount of body fat in order to solve back pain. However, many studies have contradicted the relationship between back pain and weight or body fat mass. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fat mass, body mass index and low back pain of office worker. Design: Crossed-sectional study Methods: Among the white-collar workers diagnosed with non-specific back pain by doctors, subjects who were not included in the exclusion criteria were selected to measure the subject's body fat mass, body mass index, pain intensity, and disability index due to back pain. The NPRS was used for the intensity of back pain of office workers, and the ODI was used for the degree of disability due to back pain. A body composition analyzer was used to measure the body fat mass and body mass index of white-collar workers. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the comparison between the normal group and the excessive group according to the criteria of fat mass and body mass index. In the correlation analysis of fat mass, body mass index, pain intensity, and disability index, it was found that there was a significant correlation between fat mass and body mass index. However, neither fat mass nor body mass index had a significant correlation with pain intensity and disability index. Conclusions: The fat mass and body mass index of office worker do not affect low back pain.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.179-189
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate health behavior changes in Korean adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Data were obtained from the 15~16th (2019~2020) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Overall, the data of 112,251 students, 57,303 before the COVID pandemic and 54,948 during the pandemic, were included. The data were analyzed using rao-scott 𝝌²-test, t-test, ANCOVA and logistic regression analysis. Results: While sitting time for study decreased, sitting time for leisure increased in the 2020 group compared to the 2019 group. The 2020 group was more likely to skip breakfast and have a higher BMI than the 2019 group. The 2020 group was less likely to consume fruit and engage in moderate and vigorous physical activities than the 2019 group. The 2020 group was less likely to engage in CC, EC, and HTP current smoking and be exposed to secondhand smoke at home, school, and public places than the 2019 group. The 2020 group was more likely to be satisfied with sleep, but less likely to experience stress, depression, suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and suicidal attempts than the 2019 group. Conclusion: It is necessary to reduce sedentary time, encourage physical activities, manage smoking and drinking rates continuously, and establish a network system to prevent psychological loneliness and isolation for adolescents, which requires participation of experts from the community as a whole.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.265-277
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• 2022

This study investigated alterations in the health behaviors and eating habits due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An online survey was administered to 270 university students from September 22, 2021 to October 26, 2021. While the frequency of eating at home had increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic, there was a decrease in the frequency of eating out, drinking, and eating vegetables. However, the frequency of eating delivery, takeout, and convenience foods and the utilization of online shopping and delivery apps had considerably increased. In addition, when selecting menus, considerations of health, hygiene, and convenience were more important during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical activity more than 3 days a week had decreased, whereas sedentary time showed a proportionate increase. The percentage of people who perceived their health status to be worsening was determined to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. To prepare for the era of infectious diseases, future research needs to identify health behaviors and dietary problems by administering surveys that include a large sample size and participants of various ages. Moreover, health promotion and nutrition management plans should be prepared accordingly.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.98-105
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• 2022

Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is a common chronic condition among sedentary workers that causes long-term productivity loss. This study aimed to identify the relationships of individual and occupational factors with LBP among Bangladeshi online professionals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 468 full-time online professionals who usually worked in a sitting position. One-month LBP complaints were assessed using a musculoskeletal subscale of subjective health complaints. The chi-square test was used to measure associations between categorical predictors and LBP, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the variables significantly associated with LBP. Results: LBP within the last month was reported by 65.6% of participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that age >30 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23 to 0.70) and being married (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.97) had significant negative associations with LBP. Significant positive associations were found for spending >50 hours weekly on average working in a sitting position (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.49), being overweight and obese (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.99), sleeping on a soft mattress (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.80), and ex-smoking status (aOR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.41 to 7.87). Conclusions: A high prevalence of LBP was found among full-time online professionals. Long working hours in a sitting position showed a significant association with developing LBP. Smoking history, body mass index, and sleeping arrangements should also be considered while considering solutions for LBP prevalence among online professionals.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-6
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• 2020

[Purpose] While the anti-obesity effects of exercise and capsiate are well-observed individually, the effect of exercise with capsiate intake has not been systematically explored yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether the anti-obesity effects of exercise training can be further enhanced by capsiate intake. [Methods] 8-week-old male mice were divided into 3 groups (n = 8 per group): sedentary group (SED; nontrained), exercise-trained group (EXE) and exercise-trained group with 10 mg/kg of capsiate intake (EXE+CAP). All mice were offered high-fat diet and water ad libitum. The mild-intensity treadmill training was conducted 5 times a week for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, metabolism during exercise and abdominal fat weight were measured. [Results] Body weight and the rate of total abdominal fat were significantly less in EXE+CAP than in SED but not between EXE and SED. The average of respiratory exchange rate during exercise was significantly much lower in EXE+SED (p = 0.003) compared to the difference between EXE and SED (p = 0.025). Likewise, the fat oxidation during exercise was significantly much higher in EXE+SED (p = 0.016) compared to the difference between EXE and SED (p = 0.045). Then, the carbohydrate oxidation during exercise was significantly much lower in EXE+SED (p = 0.003) compared to the difference between EXE and SED (p = 0.028). [Conclusion] In conclusion, the anti-obesity functions of exercise training can be further enhanced by capsiate intake by increasing fat oxidation during exercise. Therefore, we suggest that capsiate could be a candidate supplement which can additively ameliorate obesity when combined with exercise.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.11-21
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• 2020

[Purpose] Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent anti-cancer drug that appears to have severe myotoxicity due to accumulation. The skeletal muscle has a regeneration capacity through satellite cell activation when exposed to extracellular stimulus or damage. Endurance exercise (EXE) is a therapeutic strategy that improves pathological features and contributes to muscle homeostasis. Thus, this study investigated the effect of EXE training in mitigating chronic DOX-induced myotoxicity. [Methods] Male C57BL/6J mice were housed and allowed to acclimatize with free access to food and water. All the mice were randomly divided into four groups: sedentary control (CON, n=9), exercise training (EXE, n=9), doxorubicin treatment (DOX, n=9), doxorubicin treatment and exercise training (DOX+EXE, n=9) groups. The animals were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg/week of DOX treatment for 4 weeks, and EXE training was initiated for treadmill adaptation for 1 week and then performed for 4 weeks. Both sides of the soleus (SOL) muscle tissues were dissected and weighed after 24 hours of the last training sessions. [Results] DOX chemotherapy induced an abnormal myofiber's phenotype and transition of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms. The paired box 7 (PAX7) and myoblast determination protein 1 (MYOD) protein levels were triggered by DOX, while no alterations were shown for the myogenin (MYOG). DOX remarkably impaired the a-actinin (ACTN) protein, but the EXE training seems to repair it. DOX-induced myotoxicity stimulated the expression of the forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) protein, which was accurately controlled and adjusted by the EXE training. However, the FOXO3a-mediated downstream markers were not associated with DOX and EXE. [Conclusion] EXE postconditioning provides protective effects against chronic DOX-induced myotoxicity, and should be recommended to alleviate cancer chemotherapy-induced late-onset myotoxicity.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2021

[Purpose] Aerobic exercise training (AT) reverses aging-induced deterioration of arterial stiffness via increased arterial nitric oxide (NO) production. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase, was decreased by AT. However, whether AT-induced changes in ADMA levels are related to changes in nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels remains unclear. Accordingly, we aimed to clarify whether the relationship between plasma ADMA and NOx levels afected the AT-induced reduction of arterial stifness in middle-aged and older adults. [Methods] Thirty-one healthy middle-aged and older male and female subjects (66.4 ± 1.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups: exercise intervention and sedentary controls. Subjects in the training group completed an 8-week AT (60%-70% peak oxygen uptake [${\dot{V}}O_{2peak}$] for 45 min, 3 days/week). [Results] AT signifcantly increased ${\dot{V}}O_{2peak}$ (P < 0.05) and decreased carotid β-stifness (P < 0.01). Moreover, plasma ADMA levels were significantly decreased while plasma NOx levels and NOx/ADMA ratio were significantly increased by AT (P < 0.01). Additionally, no sex diferences in AT-induced changes of circulating ADMA and NOx levels, NOx/ADMA ratio, and carotid β-stifness were observed. Furthermore, the AT-induced increase in circulating ADMA levels was negatively correlated with an increase in circulating NOx levels (r = -0.414, P < 0.05), and the AT-induced increase in NOx/ADMA ratio was negatively correlated with a decrease in carotid β-stifness (r = -0.514, P < 0.01). [Conclusion] These results suggest that the increase in circulating NOx with reduction of ADMA elicited by AT is associated with a decrease in arterial stiffness regardless of sex in middle-aged and older adults.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.396-407
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess insomnia and the quality of sleep, investigate the concordance between objective and self-report sleep patterns, and identify physiological, psychological, and situational factors influencing insomnia and sleep quality among firefighters. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 firefighters in Korea. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, and hierarchical logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Insomnia was found in 66 (64.1 %) of the total subjects, and the average quality of sleep (PSQI) was 5.65 (SD=2.57). Total sleep time (401.00 minutes) and sleep latency (21.60 minutes) measured using self-reported scales were longer than the ones measured using objective measurements by approximately 48.70 and 17.10 minutes, respectively. Factors related to insomnia included the role as a paramedic (OR=4.28, 95% CI: 1.02~17.92), anxiety (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.01~1.24), and sedentary lifestyle (OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.78~0.94), and factors related to sleep quality were physical illness status (OR=5.17, 95% CI: 1.53~17.51) and social support (OR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.78~0.95). Conclusion: The results show a high prevalence of insomnia, poor quality of sleep and the discrepancy between objective and subjective sleep patterns among firefighters. To promote sleep quality and health, early screening and treatment of anxiety and physical illness are required. It is necessary to conduct further studies examining the relationship between physical activity level and sleep.