[Purpose] This study analyzed the effects of isotonic, isokinetic, and isometric exercises of ankle joint muscles on lower extremity muscle activity and balance control. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 30 healthy adults (15 males) in their 20s who were randomly assigned to three different exercise method groups of 10 people each. The isokinetic exercise group performed three sets at an angular velocity of 60°/sec, including a single rest period after every set of 10 repetitions. The isometric exercise group performed three sets consisting of three 15 repetitions of a 15-second exercise followed by a 5-second rest. [Results] Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that depending on the exercise method, the non-dominant tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius muscle, and peroneus longus showed significant differences in muscle activity for weight-bearing non-dominant sides; when the dominant side was weight-bearing, the dominant gastrocnemius and peroneus longus showed significant differences in muscle activity; and the non-dominant and dominant sides showed significant differences in balance control depending on the duration of support in the area. [Conclusion] Muscle fatigue from the three exercise methods produced a decline in muscle activity and balance control; due to the fatigue before exercise, the side that did not perform the exercises was affected.

Abstract.[Purpose] The present study examined the effect of individual weekly exercise time on resting metabolic rate and VO 2max (maximal oxygen uptake), which are important components of individual health indexes.[Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy adults participated in this study. Questionnaires were used to divide the participants into groups based on average weekly walking. Resting metabolic rate was measured using a respiratory gas analyzer. Graded exercise tests were conducted using a treadmill, and the modified Bruce protocol was used as an exercise test method.[Results] VO 2max , anaerobic threshold, and resting metabolic rate were significantly different among the groups.[Conclusion] Average weekly exercise time affected VO 2max , resting metabolic rate, and anaerobic threshold, all of which are indicators of individual physical ability and health. These values increased as the individual amount of exercise increased. In addition, VO 2max , resting metabolic rate, and anaerobic threshold were found to be closely correlated. These findings were consistent with the results of similar previous studies.

[Purpose] The present study attempted to identify the effect of olfactory stimulation on the balance ability of stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty-three (33 males) stroke patients participated in the study. The stroke patients were divided into three groups: a black pepper oil (BPO) group (n=11), lavender oil (LVO) group (n=11), and distilled water (DW) group (n=11). [Methods] Two sessions (control trial/stimulus trial) of Romberg’s test (eyes open 1 min/eyes closed 1 min) were conducted on a force platform to measure the data for the COP (center of pressure). Olfactory stimulation was provided at as a stimulus. [Results] With the eyes open, a statistically significant difference was found in average anterior posterior displacement (Ymean) and average medial lateral displacement (Xmean) among the three groups when comparing the groups before and after stimulation. The comparison between the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in each group showed a significant difference in the area of the 95% confidence ellipse (area) and Xmean of the BPO group and in the area of the LVO group (area, Xmean). [Conclusion] The findings indicate that the interaction of brain areas activated by the olfactory stimulation exerts an influence on the balance ability of stroke patients.

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