Abstract:   
Background. Wingate-based sprint interval training (SIT) is effective in enhancing aerobic and anaerobic fitness. An Active Recovery (AR) during a 10-s sprint may induce physical adaptation.
Objectives. This study compares the effect of 20% and 40% VO2peak AR during SIT on aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
Methods. Twelve healthy students participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 20% active recovery group (ARG) and 40% ARG. Both groups performed a series of 10-s SIT separated by 4 minutes of AR. The sprints progressed from 4 to 6 over six sessions, separated by 2 days of rest. 20-ARG performed AR at 20%. VO2peak (average VO2 from the last 15 seconds of the incremental exercise test), 40-ARG performed AR at 40% of VO2peak. Aerobic and anaerobic capacity were measured before and after training.
Results. There was no significant difference in VO2peak and maximal incremental power output (Pmax) between 20-ARG and 40-ARG. VO2peak of 20-ARG was significantly increased from pre-training (p=0.004, η2=0.589), whereas VO2peak of 40-ARG increased but was not significantly different. Pmax from both groups was significantly higher than pre-training (p=0.000, η2=0.758). The relative leg strength in 20-ARG was significantly increased from pre-training (p=0.020, η2=0.431). Anaerobic capacity and reproducibility of power output during training were not significantly different between groups or over time. AR at 20% or 40% VO2peak caused similar training effects and reproducibility of power during training.
Conclusion. Practitioners can prescribe a 10-s Wingate-based SIT with low-intensity active recovery to enhance aerobic performance and muscle strength in healthy undergraduate students.

Keywords: Sprint Interval Training, Active Recovery, Aerobic, Anaerobic, Capacity
URL: http://aassjournal.com/article-1-1498-en.html

AbstractThe Motion Analysis Sensor System for Wheelchair Users (MASSWU) is designed to collect wheelchair movement data such as distance, duration, speed, and angular velocity during competitions and training sessions to enhance athlete performance. Developed as a simpler alternative to complex 2D motion analysis software, MASSWU was evaluated for validity, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability by comparison with the established 2D motion analysis program Kinovea. The assessment involved six wheelchair skill-related fitness tests performed under simulated real-world conditions by twenty-three healthy wheelchair users aged 18–35. The tests included One Stroke Push (distance), Muscle Power Sprint (speed), 10x5-meter Sprint (duration), Slalom (duration), and 360° Clockwise and 360° Anticlockwise Rotations (angular velocity). Validity was evaluated using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, while intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were assessed through Intra-Class and Inter-Class Correlation Coefficients, respectively. MASSWU exhibited good to very good validity across all tests (r = 0.887–0.998). Both intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.765–0.988) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.899–0.996) ranged from good to very good. These results indicate that MASSWU is a highly valid and reliable tool compared with Kinovea for measuring wheelchair performance among these wheelchair skill-related fitness tests.
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URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0333391

Petju, N., Saadprai, S., Charoenporn, N., & Rungroungdouyboon, B. (2025). The Design and Evaluation of Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton in Reducing Physical Demands. Ergonomics in Design: The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10648046251374943

Abstract

Technological advancements have increased the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study assessed a passive shoulder exoskeleton during screw driving and electrical cable locking tasks in 14 males. Exoskeleton use significantly reduced anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and pectoralis major muscle activity (%MVC, p < .001), and lowered perceived exertion in the hand/wrist, upper arm, and shoulder (p ≤ .003). Productivity increased (p < .001) and task time decreased (p = .021) with the exoskeleton. These findings demonstrate that passive shoulder exoskeletons effectively reduce physical strain and improve efficiency, offering a practical solution for mitigating WMSDs in labor-intensive industries.

Keywords: passive shoulder exoskeleton, wearable assistive device, upper limb supportive suit, muscle activity, work-related musculoskeletal disorder

Wongwatcharanon, T., Earde, P. T., Rungroungdouyboon, B., & Kooncumchoo, P. (2025). Improving Upper-Limb Recovery in Patients with Chronic Stroke Using an 8-Week Bilateral Arm-Training Device. Life, 15(7), 994.

AbstractUpper-limb impairments after stroke significantly affect patients’ quality of life and require effective rehabilitation strategies. Rehabilitation devices play a vital role in enhancing motor recovery. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Arm Booster, a bilateral arm-training device, in improving upper-limb impairment in patients with chronic stroke. Eighteen participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a device group (n = 9), using the Arm Booster; and a conventional physiotherapy group (n = 9). Both groups performed six bilateral upper-limb exercises (32 repetitions each) three times per week for eight weeks. Participants were further classified into mild spasticity (n = 5) and moderate-to-severe spasticity (n = 4) subgroups. The primary outcome was motor impairment, assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Secondary outcomes included spasticity, measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and daily functional use of the arm, assessed with the Motor Activity Log (MAL). Both groups showed significant improvements in FMA-UE scores and overall arm movement. The conventional group demonstrated additional gains in hand and wrist function and coordination. Notably, in the moderate-to-severe spasticity subgroup, the device group exhibited improvements in upper-limb movement and a trend toward reduced spasticity. These findings suggest that the Arm Booster may support motor recovery, encourage the use of the affected arm, improve movement control, and provide an efficient means for patients to exercise more frequently on their own.
Keywords:  bilateral arm training; rehabilitation machine; stroke

Abstract

Posture-related musculoskeletal issues among office workers are a significant health concern, mainly due to long periods spent in static positions. This research presents a Posture Lab which is a workplace-based solution through an easy-to-use posture monitoring system, allowing employees to assess their posture. The Posture Lab focuses on two key aspects: Normal Head Posture (NHP) versus Forward Head Posture (FHP) measurement and thoracic spine kyphosis. Craniovertebral (CA) and Shoulder Angles (SA) quantify NHP and FHP. The Kyphosis Angle (KA) is for measuring normal thoracic spine and kyphosis. To measure these angles, the system uses computer vision technology with ArUco markers detection via a webcam to analyze head positions. Additionally, wearable accelerometer sensors measure kyphosis by checking the angles of inclination. The framework includes a web-based user interface for registration and specialized desktop applications for different measurement protocols. A RESTful API enables system communication and centralized data storage for reporting. The Posture Lab serves as an effective tool for organizations to evaluate employee postures and supports early intervention strategies, allowing timely referrals to healthcare providers if any potential musculoskeletal issues are identified. The Posture Lab has also shown medium to very high correlations with standard 2D motion analysis methods – Kinovea – for CA, SA, and KA in FHP with kyphosis measurements (r = 0.607, 0.704, and 0.992) and shown high to very high correlations in NHP with normal thoracic spine measurements (r = 0.809, 0.748, and 0.778), with significance at p < .01, utilizing the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, primary health care, computer vision, ArUco markers, wearable sensors

Abstract

This research has developed a heat stroke warning system prototype for athletes utilizing the following sensors: DHT22, GY-906-BAA MLX90614, MAX30102. The device calculates the heat stroke risk and notifies users. The data is recorded, stored, displayed on a free-access website which graphs body temperature, ambient temperature, humidity, heart rate and heat stroke risk, and provides notifications for athletes engaged in outdoor activities. The researchers recorded sensors data (n = 1) for two sessions (12 min/session) in a closed room, at the sixth-minute marker, with an air conditioner activated to observe the changes observed by the sensors. For accuracy, the researchers employed Criterion-Related Validity, comparing sensor against standard equipment measurement. For reliability, we utilized Test-Retest Reliability, comparing sensor data from the first and second measurements. Accuracy and reliability were evaluated using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, with significance set at p < 0.01. The DHT22 sensor demonstrates very high accuracy (r = 0.923) in ambient temperature and (r = 0.774) humidity measurements. It showed no significant reliability (r = 0.489) in temperature and (r = 0.185) humidity measurements. The GY-906-BAA MLX90614 sensor exhibited very high accuracy (r = 0.923) and reliability (r = 0.866) in body temperature measurements. The MAX30102 sensor lacked significant accuracy (r = 0.179) and reliability (r = 0.171) in heart rate measurements. The development of accuracy and reliability of sensors are important for preventing heat stroke in future applications.

Keywords: heat stroke, sensor, IoT, heat index, athletes
​URL: https://www.mdpi.com/3122718

Abstract:   
Background. Previous studies have reported that obesity is associated with poor respiratory function including reduction of functional residual capacity (FRC) and expiratory residual volume (ERV).
Objectives. To investigate the effect of forward trunk lean position (FTLP) combined pursed-lip breathing (PLB) on tidal volume (VT), volume of oxygen (VO2), the volume of carbon dioxide (VCO2), heart rate (HR) during post-exercise recovery.
Methods. Twenty-two obese females performed two sitting positions, FTLP and upright position (UP) combined with PLB for 2 minutes after 40 minutes of running at moderate intensity. VT, VO2, VCO2, HR were measured in these 2 minutes. The recorded values were averaged in 30s intervals.
Results. Although the average VT during FTLP+PLB was higher than UP+PLB, there was no statistically significant difference (30s: p=0.718, 60s: p=0.114, 90s: p=0.682, 120s: p=0.927). VT in UP+PLB at the 90s decreased while VT in FTLP+PLB at the 90s remained close to the highest point in the 60s. However, the difference was not significant. There were no significant differences in VO2, VCO2, and HR between FTLP+PLB and UP+PLB at all-time points.
Conclusion. FTLP+PLB and UP+PLB induce comparable changes in VT, VO2, VCO2, and HR during recovery after moderate-intensity continuous exercise in obese females. FTLP+PLB seemed to be better for maintaining VT during recovery.
Keywords: Forward Trunk Lean Position, Pursed-Lip Breathing, Ventilation, Obesity, Recovery.
URL: http://aassjournal.com/article-1-1280-en.html

Jinpitcha Mamom, Bunyong Rungroungdouyboon, Phadungsak Ratanadecho, Chatchai Mingmalairak, "Humidity-Sensing Mattress for Long-Term Bedridden Patients with Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis", Micromachines, Vol. 14(6)., May, 2023

Abstract
              Designing new medical devices with advanced humidity sensors is of great significance for patients with incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). The primary goal of this study is to test the humidity-sensing mattress system for patients with IAD in clinical settings. The design of the mattress is set at 203 cm, with 10 × 3 sensors, dimensions of 19 × 32 cm, and a weighted bearing of 200 kg. The main sensors consist of a humidity-sensing film, a thin-film electrode (6 × 0.1 mm), and a glass substrate (500 nm). The sensitivity of the test mattress system showed that the resistance humidity sensor was at a temperature of 35 ◦C (V0 = 30 V, V0 = 350 mV), with slope at 1.13 V/fF, f = 1 MHz, 20–90% RH, and a response time of 20 s at 2 µm. In addition, the humidity sensor reached 90% RH, with a response time of less than 10 s, a magnitude of 107–104 Ω, 1 mol%, CrO1.5, and FO1.5, respectively. This design is not only a simple, low-cost medical sensing device, but also opens a new pathway for developing humidity-sensing mattresses in the field of flexible sensors, wearable medical diagnostic devices, and health detection.​

Mamom, J., Daovisan, H., Winaiprasert, P., & Yolpant, W., "The “Silent Assassin” in Your Job? Occupational Stress on Female Casual Workers with Mental Illness: A Sequential Mixed-Method Study.", ​International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, ​Apr 2023

Sairag Saadprai., Bunyong Rungroungdouyboon, Supachai Vorapojpisut, Supattra Silapabanleng, Poonyanat Nualon, "Validity and Reliability of Kinetic Step Box on Vertical Ground Reaction Forces Measurement", Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, Vol. 26(2)., Apr, 2023.

Abstract
              The Kinetic Step Box (KSB) was developed with the purpose for analyzing body movements by detecting vertical Ground Reaction Forces. The purpose of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the vertical Ground Reaction Forces measurement from the KSB compared with the Standard Force Plate (SFP). Thirteen females and seven males performed sitting to standing posture on the KSB and the SFP for 3 sets of 5 times (each set was measured by each rater). All the data were collected on the frequency at 100 Hz/ sec for 2 seconds. The validity of mean vertical Ground Reaction Forces between the SFP and KSB was tested by Pearson’ s Correlation Coefficient. Intra- rater reliability of the SFP and the KSB were calculated by using intraclass correlation coefficient (3,1) and for inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (3,3). The SFP and the KSB had the validity of mean vertical Ground Reaction Forces at the very high level with r at 0. 996. The intra- rater reliability of the SFP and the KSB were at the very high level with r at 1.000 and 1.000. The inter-rater reliability of the SFP and the KSB were at the very high level with r at 1. 000 and 1. 000. The KSB has vertical Ground Reaction Forces measuring capacity like the SFP. The KSB can be used an alternative of the SFP for simple motion measurement. The KSB is low cost, real-time display, and portable.​