Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of smartphones on the upper extremity and determine whether there were differences in these changes between smartphone and computer use.[Subject] Forty healthy young adults (18 male, 25 female) took part in this study.[Methods] The pressure pain threshold measurement was assessed at the center of the upper trapezius of the dominant upper limb of the subjects. Electrodes were attached to the subjects in the two experiment groups, who then continuously performed a typing task on their own personal smartphone or computer keyboard for ten minutes.[Results] Regarding the pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius, the smartphone and computer use groups showed significant decreases after performing the task compared with before it. Regarding muscle fatigue in the four monitored muscles, the smartphone and computer use groups showed deceases in median frequencies in all muscles measured after performing the tasks. The smartphone use group showed statistically significant differences in the brachioradialis, and the computer use group showed statistically significant differences in the upper trapezius when compared with the control group (p <0.05). [Conclusion] We found feasible relationships between smartphone use and musculoskeletal symptoms of the upper extremity and neck and identified physical differences between the smartphone use and computer use.

Abstract. [Purpose] This study investigated the change in functional balance and weight bearing of stroke patients in a set-task balance training program and a selective-task balance training program.[Method] the participants were randomly allocated to either the set-task program or the selective-task program. We evaluated balance capacity using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Postural weight bearing was measured using a Tetrax Intractive Balance System, and the lower extremity function was evaluated using the Fugel-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Impairment (FMLE). Both programs were performed three days a week for 30 min, 8 for weeks. The participants were assessed again at the end of the 8 weeks of training, and again after 3 months.[Results] The selective-task group showed significant improvments in BBS and plantar foot pressure after training. FMLS showed no significant difference in the set-task group after training; however, the selective-task group showed a significant improvement. At the 3-month follow-up BBS and Plantar foot pressure had maintained the significant improvement in both groups, but FMLS only showed a significant improvement in the selective-task group.[Conclusion] Based on this study, a selective-task program for stroke patients in which the patients choose tasks is more effective at improving balance, symmetric weight bearing by the lower extremities, and lower extremity function than a set-task program.

Abstract.[Purpose] The present study investigated the surface electromyographic activity of the lower leg in dynamic balance of recreational athletes with functional ankle instability (FAI) and stable ankles (control).[Methods] Twenty recreational athletes were divided into a functional ankle instability group (10 males) and a stable ankle group (10 males). Their dynamic balance was assessed with the star excursion balance test (SEBT). For all the participants, surface electromyographic (EMG) activities of 7 muscles were evaluated by a Myosystem 1400A unit during the SEBT in 8 directions.[Results] The SEBT scores of the functional ankle instability group (FAIG) were significantly lower than those of the stable ankle group (SAG) during dynamic balance in the anterior, lateral, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. The EMG activities of TA and PL in the anterior, anteromedial & anterolateral directions, of TP and SE in the posterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions, and of VL in the lateral direction were significantly lower in FAIG than in SAG. [Conclusion] This study showed that functional ankle stability a affected EMG activity of the lower leg in dynamic balance.

Abstract.[Purpose] We attempted to investigate changes in motor function and C-reactive protein level according to amounts (length of time) of exercise in patients with cerebral infarct.[Method] Forty-six consecutive chronic hemiparetic patients with cerebral infarct were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (exercise time 100 minutes/day) and Group 2 (exercise time 200 minutes/day). Types of exercise included static bicycle, isokinetic exercise, and standing or gait exercise on a treadmill. We also evaluated motor recovery using the Fugl-Meyer Scale (FMS) and the Modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS). Assessment of CRP levels and motor recovery were performed 3 times for 12 weeks at pre-treatment, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. [Results] The CRP level was decreased at post-treatment compared with pretreatment; however, there were no significant differences. The FMS in both groups showed improvement at post-treatment compared with pre-treatment; however, there were no significant differences. The MMAS in both groups showed improvement at post-treatment compared with pre-treatment; however, there were no significant differences.[Conclusion] The exercise program improved the motor function and decreased the elevated CRP levels in chronic patients with cerebral infarct. Also, an increase in the duration of the exercise was correlated with decrease in the CRP level and increase in motor recovery.

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