Role of social capital in adolescents' online gaming: A longitudinal study focused on the moderating effect of social capital between gaming time and psychosocial factors.

Adolescents often create social relationships with their gaming peers who take on the role of offline friends and peer groups. Through collaboration and competition in the games, the social relationships of adolescents are becoming broader and thicker. Although this is a common phenomenon in online games, few studies have focused on the formation and roles of social capital among adolescent gamers. In particular, longitudinal research that examines the role of social capital in terms of influencing gaming time on adolescent gamers' psychosocial factors has been minimal. This study was designed to fill this gap to see the long-term effect of social capital among adolescent gamers. Specifically, by using the three-year longitudinal data involving 403 adolescents, we analyzed the effect of gaming time on psychological factors (i.e., loneliness, depression, self-esteem, and life satisfaction) with the moderating role of social capital. Results showed that social capital played a crucial moderating role. In the higher social capital group, gaming time enhanced the degree of self-esteem and life satisfaction. However, a vicious circle was found in the lower social capital group: Gaming time increased the degree of depression but decreased self-esteem, which in turn led to increase in gaming time. These results indicate that games work as an important tool for social capital cultivation among adolescent gamers, which imply successful cultivation of social capital is a key to positive gaming effects. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Why Do Some Users Become Enticed to Cheating in Competitive Online Games? An Empirical Study of Cheating Focused on Competitive Motivation, Self-Esteem, and Aggression.

Cheating, the act of winning in a competition based on unfair advantages over one's opponents, often occurs in online games (e.g., illegal money exchange, account hacking, and exploiting a bug). With the recent flourishing of competitive tournament games online, such as League of Legends (LoL) and Overwatch, cheating has emerged as a serious problem since it not only promotes the de-socialization of gamers but also adversely affects game brands. However, there has little research on this issue in studies on competitive online games. Focused on three psychological factors (i.e., competitive motivation, self-esteem, and aggression), which has been reported to be primarily related to cheating in sports, this paper presents a study that empirically examined the associations between the factors and cheating in competitive online game environments. From survey data of 329 LoL gamers in South Korea, a structural equation model was analyzed. The results showed that gamers with a high degree of competitive motivation are more inclined to cheat in the game. Aggression increased cheating behavior and had a significant relationship with competitive motivation. Self-esteem decreased the degree of cheating but did not affect competitive motivation. Notably, gaming time negatively influenced cheating. The practical implications of these study results were discussed.

The reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale in children with cerebral palsy.

The Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale is a multi-item balance assessment test designed to measure balance in relatively higher functioning individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the FAB in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 40 children with CP participated in this study. The internal consistency of the FAB was performed using the Cronbach alpha coefficient and the test-retest reliability was assessed. To verify the concurrent validity, scores on the FAB were compared with the pediatric balance scale (PBS) using the Spearman correlation coefficient. In addition, exploratory factor analysis was measured to explore the construct validity. The FAB showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha value = 0.92) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99). Concurrent validity was positively correlated with the FAB and PBS (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis revealed two dominant factors that explained 69.85% of the total variance of the scale. The FAB is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure the balance abilities in children with CP.

Comparison of the Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale to predict falls in community-dwelling adults.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the predictive properties of Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scales, in a group of independently-functioning community dwelling older adults. [Subjects and Methods] Ninety-seven community-dwelling older adults (male=39, female=58) who were capable of walking independently on assessment were included in this study. A binary logistic regression analysis of the Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale scores was used to investigate a predictive model for fall risk. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted for each, to determine the cut-off for optimal levels of sensitivity and specificity. [Results] The overall prediction success rate was 89.7%; the total Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale scores were significant in predicting fall risk. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined that a cut-off score of 40 out of 56 on the Berg Balance Scale produced the highest sensitivity (0.82) and specificity (0.67), and a cut-off score of 22 out of 40 on the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale produced the highest sensitivity (0.85) and specificity (0.65) in predicting faller status. [Conclusion] The Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scales can predict fall risk, when used for independently-functioning community-dwelling older adults.

Comparison of the psychometric properties of two balance scales in children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the item difficulty degree between the Pediatric Balance Scale and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale for children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Forty children with cerebral palsy (male=17, female=23) voluntarily participated in the study. Item difficulty was expressed in the Rasch analysis using a logit value, with a higher value indicative of increasing item difficulty. [Results] Among the 24 items of the combined Pediatric Balance Scale and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, the most difficult item was "Walk with head turns", whereas, the easiest item was "Sitting with back unsupported and feet supported on the floor". Among the 14 items of the Pediatric Balance Scale, 9 items (item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12) had negative logit values, whereas for the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, only 1 item (item 1) had a negative logit value. [Conclusion] The Fullerton Advanced Balance scale is a more appropriate tool to assess balance ability than the Pediatric Balance Scale in in a group of higher functioning children with cerebral palsy.

Effects of kinesio taping on lumbopelvic-hip complex kinematics during forward bending.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesio taping (KT) on the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex during forward bending by individuals with reduced hamstring extensibility. [Subjects] Eighteen males with reduced hamstring extensibility were randomly assigned to one of two groups:, the hamstring KT group (n=9), or the sham KT group (n=9). [Methods] The kinematics of the lumbopelvic-hip complex during lumbar forward bending was measured using a motion capture system before and after applying KT. [Results] The angle of lumbar flexion during late lumbar forward bending increased significantly post-KT compared to pre-KT measurements in the hamstring KT group. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that KT does not directly affect an individual's movement during lumbar forward bending.

Relationship Between the Kinematics of the Trunk and Lower Extremity and Performance on the Y-Balance Test.

BACKGROUND: The lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) has been recommended as a measure of dynamic postural control in the clinical setting; however, information about the relationship between performance on the YBT-LQ and joint kinematics is limited. Thus, the kinematic predictors responsible for performance on the YBT-LQ need to be identified for accurate evaluation of dynamic postural control. OBJECTIVES: To identify the kinematic predictors that best explain variance in performance on the YBT-LQ. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. SETTING: University motion analysis laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty physically active participants. METHODS: All participants performed the YBT-LQ. The kinematics of the trunk and lower extremity at maximal reach in each direction of the YBT-LQ were monitored using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The correlations between reach distance and joint kinematics were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the best predictors of performance on the YBT-LQ were determined using a stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Ankle dorsiflexion was the best single predictor of normalized reach in the anterior direction of the YBT-LQ (r(2) = 0.50), and the combination of ankle dorsiflexion and trunk extension explained 65% of the variance in the anterior normalized reach. Hip flexion was the best single predictor of posteromedial (r(2) = 0.60) and posterolateral (r(2) = 0.71) normalized reaches of the YBT-LQ. The combination of hip flexion and ipsilateral trunk bending and the combination of hip flexion and contralateral trunk bending accounted for 69% and 80% of the variance in the posteromedial and posterolateral normalized reaches of the YBT-LQ, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide useful information on the relative contribution of joint kinematics to performance on the YBT-LQ when evaluating dynamic postural control.

Reliability of the modified Thomas test using a lumbo-plevic stabilization.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of the modified Thomas test using lumbo-pelvic stabilization. [Subjects] Thirteen subjects (male=10, female=3) with hip flexor tightness voluntarily participated in the study. [Methods] The participants underwent the modified Thomas test under three conditions: 1) the general modified Thomas test (GM), 2) active lumbo-pelvic stabilization (ALS), and 3) passive lumbo-pelvic stabilization (PLS). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the test-retest reliability of the knee joint angle measurement under three conditions. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable difference (95% confidence interval) (MDD(95)) were calculated for each measurement to assess absolute consistency. [Results] The ALS (ICC = 0.99) and PLS (ICC = 0.98) methods for the modified Thomas test were more reliable than GM method (ICC = 0.97). The MDD(95) score for the ALS method, 2.35 degrees, indicated that a real difference existed between two testing sessions compared with the scores for the PLS (3.70 degrees) and GM methods (4.17 degrees) [Conclusion] Lumbo-pelvic stabilization is one of the considerations for precise measurement and may help to minimize measurement error when evaluating hip flexor tightness using the modified Thomas test.

Factors influencing disability due to low back pain using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to compare the difference in disability caused by back pain using scores from the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QUE) according to gender, acute and chronic low back pain (LBP) groups, specific and nonspecific LBP groups and to identify the factors influencing the degree of LBP disability. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-three patients with LBP participated in this study. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of ODQ and QUE were used to compare the differences between men and women, acute and chronic and specific and nonspecific LBP groups. We identified the factors influencing the disability of LBP using a stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: In comparison with the nonspecific LBP group, the VAS, ODQ and QUE scores were significantly higher and the pain duration was significantly longer in the specific LBP group (P < 0.05). A multiple regression equation with VAS and LBP classification explained the 45.4% variance in ODQ and an equation with VAS, LBP classification, pain duration and gender explained 31.1% of the variance in QUE. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of disability from back pain assessed using the ODQ score was influenced by a pain severity and LBP type. Also, QUE score was influenced by a pain severity, LBP type, pain duration and gender. To assess the disability caused by back pain accurately using the ODQ and QUE, various factors affecting the scores of the questionnaire must be considered.

Neck proprioceptive training for balance function in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis: a case series.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of neck proprioceptive training on the balance of patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis. [Subjects] Three patients with chronic stroke were recruited for this study. [Methods] The subjects underwent neck proprioceptive training using the red light of a laser pointer (30 min daily, five times per week for 4 weeks). Outcome measures included the stability and weight distribution indices measured with a Tetrax system and Timed Up and Go (TUG) and proprioception tests. [Results] For all subjects, the stability and weight distribution indices increased by 1.87-9.66% in the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, and the TUG and proprioception test scores improved by 2.49-15.27%. [Conclusion] Neck proprioceptive training may be a good option for improving the balance function of patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis.

Correlation of the Y-Balance Test with Lower-limb Strength of Adult Women.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between Y-balance test (YBT) distance and the lower-limb strength of adult women. [Subjects] Forty women aged 45 to 80 years volunteered for this study. [Methods] The participants were tested for maximal muscle strength of the lower limbs (hip extensors, hip flexors, hip abductors, knee extensors, knee flexors, and ankle dorsiflexors) and YBT distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to quantify the linear relationships between YBT distances and lower-limb strength. [Results] Hip extensor and knee flexor strength were positively correlated with YBT anterior distance. Hip extensor, hip abductor, and knee flexor strength were positively correlated with the YBT posteromedial distance. Hip extensor and knee flexor strength were positively correlated with YBT posterolateral distance. [Conclusion] There was a weak correlation between lower-limb strength (hip extensors, hip abductors, and knee flexors) and dynamic postural control as measured by the YBT.

The Influence of Dual Pressure Biofeedback Units on Pelvic Rotation and Abdominal Muscle Activity during the Active Straight Leg Raise in Women with Chronic Lower Back Pain.

[Purpose] This study was performed to assess the influence of applying dual pressure biofeedback units (DPBUs) on the angle of pelvic rotation and abdominal muscle activity during the active straight leg raise (ASLR). [Subjects] Seventeen patients with low-back pain (LBP) participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects were asked to perform an active straight leg raise (ASLR) without a PBU, with a single PBU, and with DPBUs. The angles of pelvic rotation were measured using a three-dimensional motion-analysis system, and the muscle activity of the bilateral internal oblique abdominis (IO), external oblique abdominis (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA) was recorded using surface electromyography (EMG). One-way repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to determine the rotation angles and muscle activity under the three conditions. [Results] The EMG activity of the ipsilateral IO, contralateral EO, and bilateral RA was greater and pelvic rotation was lower with the DPBUs than with no PBU or a single PBU. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that applying DPBUs during ASLR is effective in decreasing unwanted pelvic rotation and increasing abdominal muscle activity in women with chronic low back pain.

A reliability of electromyographic normalization methods for the infraspinatus muscle in healthy subjects.

The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of normalization methods for the infraspinatus muscle in a group of healthy subjects. Twelve healthy subjects (male=8, female=4) performed the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with examiner`s resistance, MVIC with a digital tension-meter (MVIC-DT), and sub-MVIC methods. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the infraspinatus muscles according to normalization methods. Reliability was analyzed using the intra-class coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable difference (MDD). The results of the present study demonstrated that the sub-MVIC method has excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=0.92) with a relatively small SEM (5.9 mV) and MDD95 (16.4 mV), compared to MVIC-DT (ICC=0.73; SEM=11.2 mV; MDD95: 31 mV) and MVIC-E (ICC=0.5; SEM=15.7 mV; MDD95: 43.6 mV). These findings provide evidence that sub-MVIC is more appropriate for comparing the EMG activity for the infraspinatus muscle as a normalization method. If MVIC for normalization is needed, MVIC-DT is more appropriate than MVIC-E.