Dong-Yeop Lee

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine the acute effects of a dual-task intervention combining moderate-intensity cycling with a food-related Go/No-Go task on inhibitory control, subjective appetite, and frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity in healthy adults. Methods: Forty healthy adults were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group in a single-blind design. The experimental group performed cycling combined with a food-related Go/No-Go task, whereas the control group performed only the cognitive task. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention, and Group × Time effects were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with correction for multiple comparisons. Results: No significant Group × Time interactions were observed for the primary outcomes, including EEG alpha and theta power (ηp² = 0.004 and 0.040, respectively) and Stroop reaction time and accuracy (ηp² = 0.076 and 0.062, respectively). Subjective appetite decreased in the experimental group and increased in the control group, showing a significant interaction at the uncorrected level (p = 0.017, ηp² = 0.142); however, this interaction did not remain significant after correction for multiple comparisons. The exploratory DEBQ outcomes showed no significant Group × Time interactions. Conclusions: In this single-session study, the intervention did not demonstrate clear intervention-specific benefits across the cognitive, EEG, or eating-related outcomes. Nevertheless, the contrasting descriptive pattern in subjective appetite warrants further investigation in larger studies involving repeated interventions and clinical populations.

Background/Objectives: Mind–muscle connection (MMC) refers to a strategy in which an individual intentionally focuses attention on specific muscles to enhance the neural activation of those muscles. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of MMC directed toward a specific muscle during a machine-based shoulder press exercise on the muscle activity of untrained individuals. Methods: Thirty-one healthy young adults with no athletic or resistance training experience participated in this single-session study. Participants performed machine-based shoulder presses at 40% of one-repetition maximum intensity under three MMC conditions. The three conditions were: no-focus condition, deltoid (DT)-focused condition, and triceps brachii (TB)-focused condition. Muscle activities of the DT, TB, and upper trapezius (UT) were measured during exercise under each MMC condition. Differences in muscle activity across conditions were analyzed using a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: A total of 31 participants were included in the final analysis. A significant interaction between muscle and MMC condition was observed (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed that DT activity was higher in the DT-focused condition, whereas TB activity was higher in the TB-focused condition (p < 0.001). UT activity did not differ across conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: MMC selectively enhanced target muscle activity without changing non-target muscle activity, indicating its potential for selective neuromuscular recruitment. These findings suggest that MMC may serve as a practical strategy for selective muscle activation during machine-based resistance training. Further study is needed to determine whether these findings translate into long-term improvements in muscle strength and functional performance.

This study investigated the effect of digital therapeutics on ROM, flexibility, dynamic balance, satisfaction, and adherence. A sample of 34 volunteers was randomly assigned into a Digital Therapeutic Group (DTG) (n = 17) and a Non-Digital Therapeutic Group (NDG) (n = 17). The groups performed four calf muscle stretches and two hamstring stretches for 4 weeks. Flexibility and balance were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the exercise program. A survey was conducted to assess subjects’ satisfaction, and exercise performance record papers and video records were assessed for exercise adherence. The paired t-test was used to compare the two populations before and after the program. The independent t-test was used to compare the change scores between groups. In the pre- and post-comparison within each group, the DTG group showed significant differences in all items except the dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.05). The left straight leg raise (SLR) was significantly different (p < 0.05), and there was a significant difference in exercise satisfaction and participation between the two groups (p < 0.05). DTG showed improved flexibility, dynamic balance, and higher exercise satisfaction and adherence than NDG. The application, providing lower extremity stretching, can improve dorsiflexion ROM, flexibility of the lower extremity, dynamic balance, exercise satisfaction, and exercise adherence.

Functional ankle instability (FAI), which is characterized by recurrent ankle sprains and perceived joint instability, arises from various factors contributing to compromised biomechanical control during activities, particularly those involving landing tasks. While current research predominantly addresses lower-extremity and core stabilization interventions for FAI, the contribution of upper body control to landing biomechanics in this population remains insufficiently explored. In this study, 42 participants (19 males, 23 females) with FAI were randomly assigned to either the upper-body control training group (UBCTG) or the core muscle stabilization training group (CMSTG). The groups underwent six-week interventions, with the UBCTG receiving a dynamic core exercise program including upper body control and the CMSTG receiving static core muscle training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments encompassed electromyography of the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus, motion analysis of the lower extremities, and ground reaction force (GRF) readings during a single-leg-jump task. Additionally, dynamic balance was assessed using the Y balance test and self-reported measurements of ankle instability were performed. The results showed similar increases in muscle activation, joint movement, and self-reported ankle instability scores within both groups. However, significant between-group differences were observed in terms of knee flexion angle, dynamic balance, and ankle instability scores, favoring the UBCTG. Although the peak vertical GRF significantly decreased and the time to peak vertical GRF increased in both groups, more changes were noted in the UBCTG. Our results demonstrated that dynamic core exercises with additional upper body control training enhance landing biomechanics, dynamic balance, and stability in individuals with FAI. Consequently, we recommend incorporating shoulder girdle exercises, proprioceptive drills, and balance exercises into dynamic core training.

The present study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of pseudo-weight resistance training using mixed-reality (MR) technology for shoulder muscle activation in healthy individuals. Thirty-two healthy students aged 20~35 years participated in this preliminary study and were divided into two groups. Participants in the MR group received 30 min of training three times a week for 4 weeks using a customized MR-based pseudo-weight resistance training system. Those in the control group performed the same exercises using a conventional training program. Muscle activation of the deltoids, upper trapezius, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus were measured before and after the intervention. There was a statistically significant difference in middle deltoid, upper trapezius, and supraspinatus muscle activation in the MR group (p < 0.05), while the control group showed a significant difference in the anterior and middle deltoid, upper trapezius, and supraspinatus (p < 0.05). Regarding the between-group comparison, no statistically significant difference was observed for all six muscles (p > 0.05). Without any superiority of physical weight resistance training in the pseudo-weight training program, an MR-based pseudo-weight resistance training system can potentially be used for muscle-strengthening training, especially for early rehabilitation programs. However, further study using a large sample size with a long experimental duration is needed for more evidence of the presented technology and its use in home training.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC), hamstring stretching, and complex approach on exercise ability and to identify the impact on the ability to recover after exercise. Methods: A total of 20 healthy adult males were included in this study. All subjects performed different interventions before exercise (nothing applied [CON], IPC, hamstring stretching, and IPC + hamstring stretching [Complex]), followed by cycling exercise, with a 5-min rest after exercise. Heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and oxygen saturation (Spo2) were measured during exercise and 5 min after exercise. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was measured before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 5 min after exercise. Data analysis was performed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Exercise time was significantly different between Complex and CON and IPC conditions. RPE measured during exercise was significantly different between Complex and CON and IPC conditions. A significant difference in HR measured during exercise was observed between Complex and CON conditions. However, no significant difference in SBP, DBP, HR, Spo2, and RPE measured 5 min after exercise was observed between the conditions. Conclusion: Applying IPC and hamstring stretching together before exercise can be a particularly effective method for improving aerobic exercise capacity.

People diagnosed with developmental disabilities are less likely to participate in physical activities even if they are provided opportunities. This study aimed to examine the effects of dual-task exercise-based augmented reality (AR) on muscle strength, muscle endurance, balance ability, and flexibility among people with developmental disabilities. Twenty-seven patients with developmental disabilities were included in the study. The intervention was based on an AR-based rehabilitation program and lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in muscle strength, muscle endurance, balance ability, and flexibility after the intervention (p < 0.05). The AR-based dual-task program increased interest and motivation in the high-cognitive-stage groups, while less interest and motivation were observed in the low-cognitive-stage groups. Our results suggest that an AR-based dual-task program can be an effective method to improve physical ability in patients with high cognitive levels.

Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) and executive dysfunction are widely acknowledged as core features and hallmarks in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to investigate the effects of augmented reality (AR) using motivational games with cognitive–motor exercises on RRBs, executive function (EF), attention, and reaction time in patients with ASD. Twenty-four patients (range from 6 to 18 years) diagnosed with ASD were recruited from local social welfare centers and randomly allocated to the AR game-based cognitive–motor training group (study group) or the conventional cognitive training group (control group). Both groups completed 30 min training sessions, twice a week for four weeks. Outcome measures were conducted before and after the intervention. As a result, improvements were observed in all the subscales of the RRBs in the study group except for self-injurious and ritualistic behavior. Significant improvements were observed in EF and reaction time in the study group, which was significantly higher compared to the control group. With the present findings, we can suggest that cognitive–motor training using AR game-based content generates positive effects on improving executive function reaction time and accuracy of responses and has a limited effect on RRBs in patients with ASD. This can be proposed as a complementary intervention associated with individualized daily management.

This study investigates whether Augmented Reality (AR)-based interventions can be as effective as physical therapists (PT) regarding balance, positioning sensation, and flexibility. A sample of 39 regular people who voluntarily participated in this study were randomly distributed into two groups. Then AR was applied in the experimental group and PT was applied in the control group. Variables were measured by Tetrax (static balance), Y-balance test (dynamic balance), CSMI (proprioception), and sit and reach test (flexibility). All measurements were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. The exercise program of this study improved the stability index (ST) of the static balance in both groups after the intervention, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) at normal eye close (NC) and Pillow with eye close (PC) positions. Moreover, regarding the case of dynamic balance, there were significant differences in AR and PT groups to reach in all directions (p < 0.05). In the case of positioning sensation, there was no significant difference in both groups (p > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in flexibility (p < 0.05). When comparing the two groups, there was no significant difference in all categories (p > 0.05). As a result, AR can be considered an effective form of therapy and can be selected according to individual conditions.