2020, Vol.15, No.2

Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.45

pISSN : 1975-311X / eISSN : 2287-7215
https://journal.kci.go.kr/kspm

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of different external loads on the muscle activities around the hip during prone hip extension with knee flexion (PHEKF) exercise in healthy young men. METHODS: Sixteen healthy adult males participated in the study. A pressure biofeedback unit was used to provide feedback to the participants during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) with PHEKF. Sandbags (0 kg, 1 kg, 2 kg, and 3 kg) were used to provide external resistance. The quadriceps was contracted to maintain knee flexion 90° against resistance. Each resistance condition using a sandbag weight was given in random order. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure the electrical activity of the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and erector spinae during PHEKF. RESULTS: The muscle activity of the gluteus maximus was highest with the 3 kg resistance and lowest with 0 kg (F = 128.46, P = .00). The muscle activities of the biceps femoris and erector spinae were highest with 0 kg and lowest with 3 kg (F = 29.49, P = .00). The muscle activity rate of the gluteus maximus/biceps femoris was highest with 3 kg and lowest with 0 kg (F = 37.49, P = .00). CONCLUSION: The activity of the gluteus maximus was increased using a higher external weight load during PHEKF, while the activity of the biceps femoris decreased. These findings suggest that an external weight is needed during hip extensor exercise to strengthen the gluteus maximus and inhibit the biceps femoris.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of posture improvement exercise using virtual reality programs on the posture and balance of patients with forward head postures. METHODS: Thirty men and women in their 20 s, who had a forward head posture, were divided randomly into a group with posture correction exercise and a group with posture correction exercise combined with virtual reality programs. The posture correction exercise was composed of squats, XCO training, and chin-tuck exercise. In contrast, exercise with virtual reality games involved the Hot Squat, Climbey, and Baskhead programs while wearing a headset. Both groups performed the exercises 15 min a day, three times per week, for four weeks. The balance ability, distance between the acromion and earlobe, and neck joint range of motion were assessed before and after the exercises. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant reductions in the distance between the acromion and the earlobe, along with significant improvements in the range of joint motion. The group that performed the virtual reality exercises showed a significant increase in the limit of stability. Both groups showed a significant decrease in the sway length. In contrast, the group given the virtual reality exercises showed a significant reduction in the sway speed while standing with their eyes closed. CONCLUSION: Exercise applying virtual reality programs can be used in clinical and home programs to correct the postures of individuals with a forward head posture because they can trigger interest in inducing active participation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dual-task training with cognitive tasks on cognitive functions and β-amyloid levels in the elderly with mild dementia. METHODS: The subjects were 36 elderly inpatients diagnosed with mild dementia at S Hospital located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. The patients were randomly divided into a dual-task training group (DTG; n = 18) or a single-task training group (STG; n = 18). DTG performed dual-task training with cognitive tasks while STG performed only exercise tasks. These groups performed their respective exercises during a 30-minute session occurring three times a week over an 8-week period. MMSE-K and GDS were used to measure the subjects’ cognitive function. To assess the subjects’ dementia-related factors, their β-amyloid levels were measured by blood analysis. RESULTS: The results of the experiment were as follows:DTG showed statistically significant differences between their MMSE-K scores and β-amyloid levels before and after training (p < .05), whereas they exhibited no statistically significant differences in their GDS scores. MMSE-K scores and β-amyloid levels were significantly different between DTG and STG after training. CONCLUSION: The present study’s overall results indicate that dual-task training with cognitive tasks is more effective than single-task training in improving cognitive functions and β-amyloid levels in the elderly with mild dementia. In other words, regular dual-task training can be considered as effective in improving cognitive function and dementia-related factors in the elderly with mild dementia and thus may be suggested as an effective exercise method for the treatment and early prevention of dementia.