Effects of an Eye-Tracking Linkage Attention Training System on Cognitive Function Compared to Conventional Computerized Cognitive Training System in Patients with Stroke.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of an eye-tracking linkage attention training system on cognitive function compared to a conventional computerized cognitive training system in stroke patients with cognitive impairment. Methods: This retrospective study was enrolled 40 stroke patients who received cognitive rehabilitation. The intervention consisted of 30 sessions and 30 min per session. Before and after the intervention, we assessed cognitive functions by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) and activities of daily living by Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) and administered a computerized neuropsychological test (CNT). Results: In both groups, there were significant improvements in MMSE-K and K-MBI (p < 0.05). In the visual and auditory attention test of the CNT, the eye-tracking linkage attention training group was significantly improved after intervention (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the conventional computerized cognitive training group. In addition, there were significant improvements in all memory tests of the CNT in the eye-tracking linkage attention training group. However, in the conventional computerized cognitive training group, there were significant improvements in some memory tests of the CNT. Conclusions: The training of poststroke cognitive impairment patients using an eye-tracking linkage attention training system may improve visuospatial attention and may be helpful for the improvement of short-term memory and independent performances in daily life activities.

The Influencing Factors of Gender Differences on Mental Burdens in Young Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapist.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences in personal discrimination experience, burnout, and job stress among physiotherapists and occupational therapists are considered as associated factors of job loss, poor job quality, high turnover, and economic losses due to the outflow of medical personnel. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the level of burnout, personal discrimination experience, and job stress according to gender differences for young physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Furthermore, we used regression analyses to determine the contribution of gender differences in personal discrimination experience and job stress to self-reported burnout, considering gender and two age groups (younger than 30 years old vs. 30 years old and over). METHODS: A total of 325 professional physiotherapists and occupational therapists were part of this study (n = 325; male n = 131; female n = 194. Age: 20-29 years old, n = 178; ≥30 years old, n = 147). Data were collected using a questionnaire including our three study variables (scales: the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), a modified version of the gender section of the Medical School Graduation Questionnaire from the Association of American Medical Colleges; and the Korean version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ)). Further, data on socio-demographic factors, job-related factors, health-related factors, and subjective job satisfaction were also collected. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between job stress and gender differences in personal discrimination experience and job stress and burnout in women 30 years old and over. Personal experience of gender discrimination (ß = 0.179, p = 0.015) and job stress (ß = 0.162, p = 0.028) explained a significant 42.4% of the variance in burnout in the case of younger female participants (20-29 years old). However, this model did not explain a significant amount of the variance in burnout in the case of younger male participants (R2 = 0.156, p = 0.072). Regarding participants aged 30 years and over, our results showed that only job stress (but no personal experience of gender discrimination) was a relevant predictor for both males (ß = 0.471, p < 0.001) and females (ß = 0.373, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, female therapists showed higher levels of burnout than male therapists. In particular, personal discrimination experience and job stress significantly contributed to burnout in younger female therapists while job stress was the most relevant predictor variable of burnout for both males (under 30 years old and 30 years old and over) and females in their thirties and beyond. For young female physiotherapists and occupational therapists, safe working environments should be created to reduce work-related mental burdens. It is also necessary to consider policies and regulations that can prevent job stress for therapists and measures that can positively resolve the unavoidable job stress.

Effects of Exercise on Cervical Angle and Respiratory Function in Smartphone Users.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether exercises can change the cervical angle and respiratory function in smartphone users. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited. The subjects were randomly divided into an exercise group and a control group. All participants used a smartphone for 1 hour while maintaining a sitting posture. Then, each group performed their assigned activity. The exercise group performed two types of exercises and the control group maintained routine activities for 20 minutes. To investigate the changes in cervical angle and respiratory function, we measured the craniovertebral angle by using a spirometer. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were noted in the craniovertebral angle, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow, maximal inspiratory pressure, and maximal expiratory pressure of the two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that proper exercise could be a good method of improving the cervical angle and respiratory function in smartphone users.

Effects of task-oriented circuit training on balance and gait ability in subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the task-oriented circuit training on balance and gait ability in subacute patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: group 1 (subjects who performed task-oriented circuit training) and group 2 (subjects who underwent conventional physical therapy). Berg balance scale, timed up and go test, functional ambulation category, 6-minute walk test were assessed before and after four weeks of training. [Results] There were significant differences between groups for the 6-minute walk test. [Conclusion] The result of this study showed that task-oriented circuit training could improve the gait ability in patients with subacute stroke.

Effect of sitting posture on respiratory function while using a smartphone.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate respiratory function in different sitting postures while using a smartphone. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty healthy volunteers were recruited. Participants were divided into 2 groups, a control group of participants who spent time as they liked for 1 hour, and a smartphone group of participants who spent time using a smartphone in a sitting position for 1 hour. To investigate changes in respiratory function, we measured forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow. [Results] There was a statistically significant difference in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second between the control group and smartphone group. [Conclusion] The clinical implication of our findings is that the posture assumed while using a smartphone leads to reduced respiratory function.

The effect of smartphone usage time on posture and respiratory function.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in posture and respiratory functions depending on the duration of smartphone usage. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: group 1 (subjects who used smartphones for <4 hours/day, n=25) and group 2 (subjects who used smartphones for >4 hours/day, n=25). The craniovertebral angles of all participants were measured and scapular indices were calculated to assess the change in posture and forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow were measured to assess changes in respiratory function. [Results] There were significant differences in the craniovertebral angle, scapular index, and peak expiratory flow depending on the duration of smartphone usage. [Conclusion] The result of this study showed that prolonged use of smartphones could negatively affect both, posture and respiratory function.

Effect of coordination movement using the PNF pattern underwater on the balance and gait of stroke patients.

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of coordination movement using the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation pattern underwater on the balance and gait of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group that performed coordination movement using the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation pattern underwater and a control group (n =10 each). Both the groups underwent neurodevelopmental treatment, and the experimental group performed coordination movement using the Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern underwater. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test, and gait was measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test and Timed Up and Go Test. To compare in-group data before and after the intervention, paired t-test was used. Independent t-test was used to compare differences in the results of the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go Test before and after the intervention between the groups. [Results] Comparison within the groups showed significant differences in the results of the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go Test before and after the experimental intervention. On comparison between the groups, there were greater improvements in the scores of the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go Test in the experimental group. [Conclusion] The findings demonstrate that coordination movement using the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation pattern under water has a significant effect on the balance and gait of stroke patients.