Background: The prevalence of scoliosis in Korean elementary school students is increasing, leading to various physical and psychological problems. This study aimed to investigate the association between low body weight and scoliosis among Korean elementary school students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis. Participants were 1062 elementary school students in the metropolitan areas of Korea. Participants were evaluated for scoliosis based on body composition, including weight and height, and with spine structure analysis equipment. Scoliosis diagnosis was defined as having a Cobb’s angle greater than 10°. Results: Participants were divided into Normal Weight (NW), Underweight (UW), and Severely Underweight (SUW) groups. Results show that the UW and SUW groups had significantly higher risks of developing scoliosis (odds ratio (OR): 1.43, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.07–1.90; OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.02–2.05) compared to the NW group; after controlling for age and gender, the OR were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.08–1.92) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.01–2.09), respectively. Conclusions: Low weight and the risk of developing scoliosis are very closely associated. Maintenance of appropriate and normal weight in Korean elementary school students appears to be a very effective method for preventing and reducing the risk of scoliosis.

Circuit combined exercise is an effective intervention to improve arterial stiffness in hypertensive postmenopausal women, and is feasible in local public health centers.

Abstract.[Purpose] The aim of this study was to collect basic data on the effect of asymmetry on the muscle strength of the left and right knee and ankle joints of soccer players at varying athletic performance levels, to guide the development of improved exercise programs. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-nine soccer players at three athletic performance levels participated: 15 professional, 16 amateur, and 18 college. Knee extensor and flexor strength were measured at 60°/sec and 180°/sec, and ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor strength were measured at 30°/sec and at 120°/sec. Variables were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.[Results] College soccer players showed greater muscle strength at 60°/sec and 180°/sec in the knee extension muscles of both the right and the left sides, lower muscle strength at 30°/sec and 120°/sec in the dorsiflexor of the right ankle, and similar levels of asymmetry between left and right. The maximum muscle strength on the same side significantly differed in the right ankle joint, with asymmetry between left and right at 30°/sec and 120°/sec. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that muscle strength asymmetry in the ankle joint may lead to counterbalancing muscle strengthening of the knee joint to maintain the center of body mass.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to provide the data for constructing an integrated exercise program to help restore muscle strength and stability through extension strength exercise in adult females with lumbar disc herniation. [Subjects and Methods] An 8-week exercise program for lumbar muscle extension strength and stabilization was performed by 26 females older than 20 with lumbar disc herniation findings. [Results] Significant differences were found in lumbar extension muscle strength at every angle of lumbar flexion after participation in the 8-week stabilization exercise program; but there was no significant difference in the weight distribution index. [Conclusion] An integrated exercise program aiming to strengthen lumbar spine muscles, reduce pain and stabilize the trunk can help to maintain muscle strength and balance. In addition, improvement in extension strength is expected to be helpful in daily life by securing the range of joint motion and improving the strength and stability.