OBJECTIVES This study compared the acute effects of three warm-up conditions (control, static stretching, and dynamic stretching) on vertical jump performance, spike velocity, and dynamic balance in male professional volleyball players. METHODS Seven male professional volleyball players completed three experimental conditions in a repeated-measures crossover design: control, static stretching, and dynamic stretching. Vertical jump performance was assessed using a Vertec™ Jump Trainer, spike velocity using a portable radar gun, and dynamic balance using the Y-Balance Test. Differences among conditions were analyzed using repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests. RESULTS A significant main effect of warm-up condition was found for vertical jump performance (F(2, 12) = 7.16, p = 0.009, ηp² = 0.55), with greater performance in the dynamic stretching condition than in the static stretching condition (p < 0.05). Dynamic balance also differed significantly among conditions (F(2, 12) = 8.51, p = 0.005, ηp² = 0.59), with a higher Y-Balance composite score in the dynamic stretching condition than in the control condition (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for mean spike velocity (F(2, 12) = 1.25, p = 0.320) or peak spike velocity (F(2, 12) = 3.56, p = 0.061). CONCLUSIONS Dynamic stretching acutely enhanced vertical jump performance relative to static stretching and improved dynamic balance relative to the control condition in male professional volleyball players. No statistically significant difference was observed for spike velocity; however, given the small sample size, the possibility of insufficient statistical power cannot be excluded.
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the effects of senior center utilization, exercise intensity, age, economic activity, depression, and the number of chronic diseases on the risk of dementia among older adults in Korea. The research sought to determine whether participation in community-based senior centers and engagement in regular physical activity contribute to the prevention of dementia. METHODS Data were derived from the 5th (2017), 6th (2020) waves of the Korean National Survey on Older Adults conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. A total of 12,153 participants aged 65 years and older were included after excluding incomplete responses. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 to identify factors associated with dementia risk. RESULTS Older adults who utilized senior centers had a significantly lower risk of dementia compared with those who did not (p < 0.05). Moderate-intensity (OR = 0.599, p < 0.01) and high-intensity (OR = 0.399, p < 0.001) exercise groups showed markedly lower dementia risk than the low-intensity group. Dementia risk increased substantially with age, especially among individuals aged 75 years and older. Depression was a significant predictor of dementia (OR = 2.199, p < 0.05), while those with two or more chronic diseases had a fourfold higher risk (OR = 4.877, p < 0.001). Interestingly, individuals diagnosed with hyperlipidemia or diabetes showed lower dementia risk, possibly reflecting better medical management and lifestyle modification. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that participation in senior centers and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity play critical roles in maintaining cognitive function and preventing dementia among older adults. Senior centers serve as essential community-based facilities that promote physical, cognitive, and social engagement. Therefore, expanding access to senior centers and developing integrated exercise and cognitive training programs through intersectoral collaboration among health, welfare, and physical activity professionals are essential for sustainable dementia prevention strategies in an aging society.
OBJECTIVES Shot type, determined by clubface angle, spin, and impact conditions, is critical in golf strategy. However, previous studies treated shot type as a dependent variable rather than examining its influence on performance. This study investigated relationships between shot types and performance indicators in professional golfers. METHODS Thirty-four professional golfers performed 15 driver swings using TrackMan 4. Shot types were classified into nine categories (Slice, Strong fade, Fade, Slight fade, Straight, Slight draw, Draw, Strong draw, Hook) and regrouped into three types (Draw type, Straight, Fade type). Performance indicators included carry distance, total distance, club head speed, ball speed, spin rate, and smash factor. ANCOVA with sex as covariate and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted. RESULTS Shot type significantly affected all performance indicators (p < 0.001), with spin rate showing the largest effect size (η² = 0.33). Fade-type shots exhibited higher spin rates, club speed, and ball speed than Draw-type shots (p < 0.001), but lower distance efficiency and smash factor. Draw-type shots demonstrated lower spin rates and efficient energy transfer. No differences were found between Draw-type and Straight shots. CONCLUSIONS Shot type is a kinematic determinant of golf performance beyond directional control. Fade-type shots increase aerodynamic drag and reduce impact efficiency, whereas Draw-type shots optimize distance through lower spin. Shot type control training incorporating club path, face angle, and spin management is essential for performance enhancement.
OBJECTIVES This study aims to identify the psychological and physical contradictions and sensory-motor mismatches that occur when indoor fitness equipment is combined with a large display-based media environment, and to propose media-convergent space design and equipment-customized synchronization guidelines to resolve these issues and maximize the user’s exercise immersion. METHODS This review article systematically examined multidisciplinary literature from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, and Scopus (search conducted January-February 2026). Keywords: ‘optic flow’, ‘RPE’, ‘immersive fitness’, ‘vection’, ‘sensory-motor mismatch’, ‘indoor exercise VR’. Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed articles (2010-2026) on human studies with immersive displays; exclusion: non-English, animal studies, non-interactive media. Through this, four core research questions were analyzed: 1) the physiological mechanisms of visual feedback, 2) optic flow control strategies, 3) architectural design criteria for media-convergent spaces, and 4) customized synchronization strategies based on the kinematic trajectory classification of indoor exercise equipment. RESULTS Studies suggest that the overwhelming optic flow provided by a large screen can induce cognitive dissociation in the brain, potentially contributing to lowering the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and improving physical performance under specific highly-immersive conditions. However, to control cybersickness caused by vestibulo-ocular conflicts, spatial-visual interventions are essential, such as utilizing the walls of the indoor architecture or screen bezels as static rest frames, and integrating gaze-cueing and motion blur techniques. Furthermore, regarding equipment-specific rendering synchronization, non-linear visual acceleration mapping is advantageous for continuous-horizontal drive types of indoor cycles. Meanwhile, for impact/resistance-pulling types like treadmills, strict 1:1 linear synchronization with the physical belt driving speed, excluding visual oscillation, is required to prevent falls. Stepmills and rowing machines also require differentiated strategies, such as vertical altitude mapping and cyclic-discrete acceleration mapping, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Future indoor fitness platforms must evolve beyond uniform content delivery into intelligent responsive spaces where the kinematics of physical exercise equipment, architectural indoor spaces, and media environments interact organically. The media-convergent space design guidelines derived from this study can be utilized as practical indicators for multidisciplinary convergence research among exercise scientists, architects, equipment manufacturers, and content developers.
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise (HIIAE) on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood metabolism-related indicators according to menstrual cycle phases in healthy adult women. METHODS Ten healthy adult women with normal menstrual cycles between 21 and 35 days were classified into menstrual phase(MP), follicular phase(FP), ovulation phase(OP) and luteal phase(LP) using a crossover design. HIIAE was performed during each different phase of the menstrual cycle. Heart rate variability (SDNN, LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) and metabolic indices (TG, BL) were measured before, immediately after (IA), and 30 minutes (30-min) following HIIAE. RESULTS SDNN, LF and HF were significantly decreased at IA in each different phase of the menstrual cycle compared to before, and significantly recovered at 30-min. LF/HF ratio was significantly increased at IA compared to before, and significantly decreased at 30-min compared to IA in FP, OP and LP. TG was significantly increased in IA compared to before in the MP, and significantly decreased at 30-min. BL was significantly increased at IA compared to before, and significantly decreased at 30-min compared to before in all menstrual phases. CONCLUSIONS Heart rate variability and metabolism-related indicators were mostly responded at IA in each different phase of the menstrual cycle, and recovered at 30-min. However, the same effect was not observed for heart rate variability and metabolic indices. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that menstrual cycle should be considered during HIIAE in healthy adult women.
OBJECTIVES With the rapid aging of the population, maintaining independent living and preventing falls in older adults have become critical public health concerns. While conventional fall prevention strategies have primarily focused on lower extremity strength and balance, the functional role of the foot-which serves as the primary interface between the body and the ground-has been relatively overlooked. This narrative review aims to examine age-related changes in foot function and to investigate how sensory, structural, and muscular components of the foot influence balance, gait, and independent mobility in older adults. METHODS A narrative review was conducted using literature published since 2000, retrieved from databases including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Studies addressing age-related changes in foot function, foot-related assessments, and intervention strategies were included. The review synthesized findings across sensory function, structural alignment, joint mobility, and muscular strength, and further examined integrative training approaches targeting foot function. RESULTS The findings indicate that age-related declines in plantar sensory function, structural deformities such as hallux valgus and reduced medial longitudinal arch, and decreased intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle strength are significantly associated with impaired balance, reduced gait efficiency, and increased fall risk. In addition, limitations in hallux metatarsophalangeal joint mobility were found to negatively affect push-off mechanics during gait. Multidimensional assessment of foot function was shown to be essential for identifying functional deficits. Furthermore, stepwise intervention strategies including sensory re-education, mobility training, muscle strengthening, and integrated functional training-demonstrated potential in improving postural control and functional mobility. CONCLUSIONS Foot function plays a fundamental role in maintaining balance, gait efficiency, and independent mobility in older adults. These findings suggest that foot function should be considered a key component in fall prevention and rehabilitation strategies. A multidimensional assessment approach combined with a staged, integrative training model may provide an effective framework for enhancing functional independence in older populations. Future research should focus on establishing standardized assessment protocols and conducting randomized controlled trials to verify the independent effects of foot-targeted interventions.
OBJECTIVES Clinicians commonly compare the uninvolved limb to the involved limb to assess impairment and readiness for return to sport. However, measurement variability and learning effects may influence interpretation. This study aimed to determine the minimum detectable difference at the 95% confidence interval (MDD95) between limbs and evaluate learning effects across days and trials in three functional performance tests. METHODS Twenty-four healthy adults (12 males, 12 females; age = 22.3 ± 1.7 years) participated in a 3 × 3 × 2 (day × trial × leg) repeated-measures design. Participants performed vertical jump (VJ), triple hop (TH), and timed crossover hop (TCH) tests for three trials on each leg across three consecutive days. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of day, trial, and leg. MDD95 was calculated for each test. RESULTS No significant interactions involving leg were observed (p = 0.12-0.85), indicating no between-limb differences. Significant learning effects were found across days and trials for all tests (p < 0.05). Performance improved progressively across trials and days, with the greatest improvements observed in the TCH test. MDD95 values ranged from 2.84-3.16 cm for VJ, 7.47-9.05 cm for TH, and 2.16-3.07 s for TCH. CONCLUSIONS Functional performance test outcomes are influenced by learning effects and should be considered in clinical interpretation. MDD95 provides an objective benchmark for quantifying interlimb differences and monitoring rehabilitation-related recovery folllowing injury. Incorporating this threshold may improve the sensitivity of functional performance testing and support return-to-sport decision-making, where interlimb symmetry is considered an indicator of functional readiness for safe participation.
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare neuromuscular and functional outcomes according to the presence or absence of Kinesio taping during an identical agility-based exercise program in adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI). METHODS Twenty-six adults with CAI were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 13) or an exercise plus taping group (n = 13) in an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Both groups performed the same agility-based exercise program three times per week for four weeks. Kinesio taping was applied immediately before exercise only in the taping group. Outcome measures included ankle range of motion, isometric ankle muscle strength, ankle muscle activation assessed using surface electromyography, and dynamic balance assessed using the Y-Balance Test. All measurements were obtained before and after the intervention. RESULTS Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in most outcome measures after the intervention (p < 0.05). However, no significant between-group differences were found in range of motion, muscle strength, or Y-Balance performance based on change scores (p > 0.05). The increase in soleus muscle activation was significantly greater in the exercise plus taping group than in the exercise group (p = 0.024, d = 0.95), indicating a large effect size. CONCLUSIONS Agility-based exercise resulted in improvements in ankle range of motion, muscle strength, dynamic balance, and muscle activation in adults with CAI. Although Kinesio taping did not provide additional benefits beyond exercise alone for most outcomes, it suggested a possible muscle-specific effect on soleus activation when applied during exercise.
OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to assess relationships between field and strength training loads and injury occurrence in Japanese Division II collegiate American football players, focusing on both same-day and previous-day effects of strength training load. It was hypothesized that higher strength training load, particularly when combined with high field training load, would increase injury risk. METHODS Twenty male Japanese collegiate American football players were observed over a 21-week training period. Daily training loads were recorded using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) for both field and strength sessions; strength training volume load was also calculated. Injuries were documented by certified athletic trainers and expressed per 1,000 athlete-exposures (AEs). Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between training load categories (rest, middle, high) and injury risk, considering sameday and previous-day effects and interaction terms between field and strength training loads. RESULTS A total of 26 injuries (10.4 per 1,000 AEs) were recorded. High session-RPE (≥ 875 AU) for field training was significantly associated with increased injury risk in both same-day and previous-day models: odds ratio (OR) = 7.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99-31.39, p = 0.003) and OR = 7.78 (95% CI: 1.95-31.08, p = 0.004), respectively. However, neither session-RPE for strength training nor total volume load for strength training was associated with injury risk in any model. CONCLUSIONS Field training load appears to be the primary factor associated with non-contact injury risk in Japanese collegiate American football players, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring and management of field training demands. In contrast, supervised strength training showed no harmful association with injury risk and may support injury prevention when appropriately integrated within a structured training program.
OBJECTIVES Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with impaired dynamic postural control and reduced self-reported function. Although swelling is commonly reported in individuals with CAI, it remains unclear whether swelling contributes to additional balance deficits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine dynamic postural control and self-reported function in individuals with CAI classified by swelling status. METHODS Physically active young adults were assigned to 3 groups: CAI with swelling (CAI-S; n = 15), CAI without swelling (CAI-NS; n = 15), and healthy controls (CON; n = 15). Swelling status was assessed using tape measures. Dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Y-Balance Test (YBT) with normalized reach distances in the anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions. Self-reported function was assessed using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport) and the Ankle Instability Instrument (AII). One-way ANOVA was used to examine group differences with post hoc comparisons and effect sizes (Cohen’s d). RESULTS The CAI-S group demonstrated a shorter ANT reach distance (61.68 ± 6.69%) than CON (70.66 ± 13.98%; p < 0.01), whereas CAI-NS (63.25 ± 6.28%) did not differ from CON (p = 0.07). In contrast, both CAI-S (PM: 106.16 ± 7.33%, PL: 100.91 ± 10.46%) and CAI-NS (PM: 108.23 ± 13.76%, PL: 101.38 ± 10.46%) exhibited shorter PM and PL reach distances compared with CON (PM: 117.53 ± 8.93%, PL: 114.09 ± 8.17%; all p < 0.01), with no differences between CAI groups. Both CAI groups reported worse self-reported outcomes than CON, including lower FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport scores and higher AII scores, with no differences between CAI subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Ankle swelling was associated with direction-specific impairments in dynamic balance, particularly in the ANT direction, whereas multidirectional balance deficits and reduced self-reported function appear to be common in CAI regardless of swelling status.
OBJECTIVES This study examined whether disagreement between global and individualized speed thresholds in youth football players varies according to biological maturity status. Specifically, high-speed running (HSR) distance and sprint distance derived from the two threshold methods were compared across peak height velocity (PHV) stages. METHODS A total of 105 youth football players were included and classified as pre-PHV (n = 34), during-PHV (n = 40), or post-PHV (n = 31). External load data were collected over 54 sessions, comprising 42 training sessions and 12 match sessions, yielding 6,401 observations. HSR and sprint distance were calculated using both global and individualized thresholds. Paired t-tests were used to compare the two threshold methods, Bland-Altman analyses were performed to assess agreement, and linear mixed-effects models were applied to examine the effects of threshold type, PHV group, session type, position, and threshold-by-PHV interactions. Separate mixed models were also performed for HSR gap and sprint gap. RESULTS Overall, global thresholds produced significantly higher values than individualized thresholds for both HSR distance (289.4 ± 241.8 vs. 261.1 ± 203.7 m; mean difference = 28.3 m, 95% CI = 18.9 to 37.7, p < 0.001) and sprint distance (42.6 ± 64.1 vs. 34.2 ± 49.0 m; mean difference = 8.4 m, 95% CI = 4.8 to 12.0, p < 0.001). Significant threshold-by-PHV interactions were observed for both variables, indicating that the magnitude and direction of disagreement differed according to maturity stage. Gap analyses further showed that the discrepancy between methods increased from pre- to post-PHV, with PHV group emerging as the main determinant of both HSR gap and sprint gap. Bland-Altman analyses demonstrated systematic bias, wide limits of agreement, and significant proportional bias for both HSR and sprint distance. CONCLUSIONS Global and individualized speed thresholds should not be considered interchangeable in youth football players. Their disagreement is maturity-dependent, suggesting that biological maturity should be considered when interpreting high-intensity external load data in developmental football populations.
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the changes in heart rate, blood lactate concentration, neuromuscular fatigue, and smash accuracy during repeated high-intensity smash performance in elite badminton players. METHODS Fifteen elite badminton players participated in a repeated smash protocol consisting of three sets (20 smashes per set) with a 30-second rest interval between sets. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were measured to assess physiological responses. Muscle fatigue was assessed using surface electromyography by analyzing the median frequency (MDF) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF). Smash accuracy was evaluated by quantifying the number of errors, defined as net faults or out-of-bounds shots, through video analysis. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests. RESULTS HR increased significantly as the sets progressed (p < 0.05), with values in sets 2 and 3 being significantly higher than in set 1. Additionally, BLa increased significantly across time points (p < 0.05), with the highest values observed at Rec-3min. The number of smash errors also increased significantly over time (p < 0.05), with a marked increase in the final set compared to the first. However, no significant changes were observed in MDF values of the VL and BF (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The decline in smash accuracy is associated with accumulated physiological load, reflected by increased cardiovascular and metabolic responses, rather than changes in EMG-based lower-limb muscle fatigue.
PURPOSE This study investigated the “metabolic shield” effect of aerobic exercise on smokers, focusing on gender- and age-specific variations in metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk using recent national representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2022-2024. METHODS Data from 12,056 adults (KNHANES 2022-2024) were analyzed. Complex sample logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (αOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for metabolic syndrome components in smokers, adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors. RESULTS Aerobic exercise significantly buffered overall MetS risk in smokers(αOR = 0.795, 95% CI: 0.665-0.949, p < 0.05). Analysis of individual components revealed significant risk reductions for abdominal obesity(αOR = 0.791, 95% CI: 0.669-0.934, p < 0.01) and impaired fasting glucose(IFG) or diabetes mellitus(DM)(αOR = 0.778, 95% CI: 0.650-0.932, p < 0.01); however, no statistical significance was observed for high triglycerides, low HDL-C, or hypertension at the total group level. Gender-stratified analysis showed that males had a significantly reduced risk for low HDL-C(αOR = 0.752, 95% CI: 0.584-0.968, p < 0.05), while females showed a prominent reduction in abdominal obesity risk(αOR = 0.742, 95% CI: 0.582-0.945, p < 0.01). In the elderly population (60+), the strongest buffering effect was observed for IFG or DM(αOR = 0.792, 95% CI: 0.665-0.942, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Aerobic exercise serves as a critical physiological buffer against smoking-induced metabolic deterioration. These findings highlight the necessity of precision exercise prescriptions tailored to gender and life stages. Implementing professional kinesiologist-led interventions is essential to reduce social healthcare costs and enhance public health.
PURPOSES Obesity is a well-established risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, non-obese T2DM patients may have worse prognoses due to sarcopenia and beta-cell dysfunction, particularly in Asians. This study investigated associations between obesity indices, skeletal muscle mass, physical activity, and glycemic control in Korean T2DM patients. METHODS A total of 179 T2DM patients were classified into non-obese (BMI < 25 kg/m²) and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) groups. Obesity indicators included BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage; their cumulative effect was assessed using a clustering score (0-3). Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire. Glycemic control was evaluated using fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c. Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify independent predictors of poor glycemic control. RESULTS The non-obese group had lower body weight and visceral fat but marked skeletal muscle deficit (p < 0.001). Higher SMI tertiles and physical activity guideline adherence were not associated with improvements in glycemic indices. The obesity clustering score showed no dose-response relationship with FPG, HbA1c, or poor glycemic control. In multivariable analyses, BMI-defined obesity, SMI, and physical activity were not independently associated with poor glycemic control in this study. CONCLUSIONS In T2DM patients, BMI-defined obesity, skeletal muscle mass, and physical activity alone may be insufficient to explain glycemic control. These findings highlight T2DM’s metabolic heterogeneity and suggest that single anthropometric or lifestyle indicators may inadequately assess glycemic risk. A multidimensional approach incorporating disease duration, treatment factors, and body composition quality may be required.
OBJECTIVES Sport-related concussion (SRC) has been a focus of recent attention. Amongst American football players, it is often the result of high-energy collisions that cause the head to undergo high kinematics of linear acceleration (LA) and angular acceleration (AA). A player generally develops head and neck stiffness by contracting the neck muscles during a collision. Thus, the head kinematics experienced by a player during a collision may be related to the strength of these muscles. METHODS In a sample of 22 players from T University in the Kanto collegiate American football association second division, we measured neck strength, using a handheld dynamometer, Micro FET (Nihon Medix Co., Ltd.), and neck circumference, using a measure. We then measured their head kinematics (LA and AA) in collisions during seven competition games using an impact-sensing mouthguard. We performed Spearman’s rank correlation to assess the relationships between head kinematics, neck circumference, and neck strength. RESULTS A significant negative correlation between Top10%LA and neck flexor strength was observed during a collision. Additionally, significant negative correlations were observed between head kinematics and neck circumference. CONCLUSIONS Our main finding was that a stronger and thicker neck may reduce head kinematics during a collision. Although neck strength seems to be protective against SRC in collisions, further research is needed into the involvement of individual muscles and timing of muscle contraction. In our discussion, we emphasize the importance of neck strength training for minimizing SRC.
OBJECTIVES This study examined the relationships of changes in running speed with spatiotemporal (e.g., step length and frequency) and ground reaction force (GRF) variables during a 30-m sprint acceleration in adolescent baseball players to identify the determinants of sprint acceleration performance. METHODS Twenty-eight adolescent male baseball players performed maximal 30-m sprints, during which GRFs were recorded using a long force platform system. Spatiotemporal and GRF variables were calculated for each step, and mean values were obtained for five step sections (1st–4th, 5th–8th, 9th–12th, 13th–16th, and 17th–18th steps). Relationships of changes in running speed with changes in spatiotemporal and GRF variables were examined. RESULTS Changes in running speed were positively correlated with changes in step length in the 1st–4th and 9th–12th step sections, and with changes in step frequency from the 9th–12th to 17th–18th sections. Moreover, changes in running speed were positively correlated with propulsive impulse in the 1st–4th section, braking impulse in the 9th–12th and 13th–16th sections, and net anterior–posterior impulse and ratio of force across all sections, and were negatively correlated with vertical impulse in the 9th–12th and 13th–16th sections. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that better acceleration performance in adolescent baseball players is likely accomplished by greater increases in step length in the initial acceleration, by greater increases in step length and suppressing decreases in step frequency during the middle acceleration, and by suppressing decreases in step frequency during the later acceleration. Moreover, greater net anterior–posterior impulse and ratio of force could be indicators of better sprint acceleration throughout the acceleration phase. In addition, greater propulsive impulse may contribute to greater initial acceleration, while smaller braking and vertical impulses are likely key factors for better middle and later acceleration performance.
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the effects of acute aerobic exercise on EEGmeasured brain activation during e-Learning. METHODS A total of 33 participants were enrolled, with 11 participants each in the control group, low-intensity aerobic exercise group, and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise group. EEG measurements were taken using the Quick-20 Dry EEG headset. The experimental task involved measuring EEG during e-Learning before the intervention and then measuring EEG during e-Learning after the intervention for each group. EEG analysis was conducted using relative power analysis per channel via power spectrum analysis. Statistical processing involved a two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS EEG analysis revealed significant differences only in theta waves pre- and post-test moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. However, significant differences were observed in theta waves, M-beta waves, and H-beta waves pre- and post-test acute aerobic exercise. This suggests that acute aerobic exercise activates brain waves more than moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during e-Learning. CONCLUSIONS Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to help activate the brain. Acute aerobic exercise before learning will activate the brain and aid learning. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage acute aerobic exercise. Furthermore, these research results can serve as basic data for developing guidelines or programs for effective learning.
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to analyze whether the association between physical activity and perceived stress differs across urbanicity levels among Korean adolescents. METHODS This study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (KYRBS), collected between 2018 and 2023. Physical activity was dichotomized based on engaging in ≥60 minutes of activity per day for seven consecutive days. Perceived stress was categorized into high and low levels based on survey responses. Urbanicity was classified into metropolitan, mid-sized city, or rural. Complex-sample logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between physical activity and perceived stress by urbanicity level, adjusting for age, sex, economic status, academic performance, school type, height, and weight. RESULTS A total of 322,978 adolescents were included in the analysis. The association between physical activity and perceived stress differed by urbanicity level. Adolescents in mid-sized cities who engaged in physical activity for seven consecutive days were more likely to report lower perceived stress (OR = 1.087, 95% CI = 1.035-1.142). However, no significant associations were observed among adolescents residing in metropolitan areas (OR = 1.048, 95% CI = 0.996-1.103) or rural areas (OR = 1.079, 95% CI = 0.950-1.225). CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that the association between physical activity and perceived stress among adolescents varies by urbanicity level. Significant associations were observed only in mid-sized cities, suggesting that the stress-reducing benefits of physical activity may be influenced by contextual environmental factors. These findings highlight the need for region-specific physical activity promotion strategies to support adolescent mental health.
OBJECTIVES To analyze the primary fitness trends identified in the 2026 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends from a kinesiology perspective and to evaluate their applicability to the structural and sociocultural context of the Korean fitness market. METHODS We synthesized current research on wearable-based movement monitoring, functional fitness, exercise for older adults, and digital health applications related to movement analysis. The review focused on kinesiology-centered frameworks including movement quantification, neuromuscular control, functional capacity, and sensorimotor integration. Relevant research from international and Korean literature was examined to determine implications for Korean market implementation. RESULTS Key ACSM trends such as wearable technology, data-driven training, functional fitness, older adult exercise, and exercise for mental health align closely with motor behavior and movement science principles. The analysis identified high compatibility between these trends and Korean society’s aging demographics, advanced digital infrastructure, rising demand for function-focused exercise, and integration of healthcare and fitness services. CONCLUSIONS The presented fitness trends can be translated into sustainable health solutions in Korea by leveraging movement analysis frameworks. Proposed strategies include wearable-based movement monitoring, standardized senior functional fitness programs, evidence-informed exercise prescription platforms, and clinically integrated fitness services. Specialized kinesiology-based intervention models may enhance functional outcomes across age groups in the Korean fitness market.
