Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have become a significant public health burden. Recent evidence suggests a potential association between patellar height and ACL injury, though existing studies show inconsistent results. This study aimed to synthesise evidence about this association through systematic review and meta-analysis. Material and methods: Comprehensive searches across seven databases through October 2025 identified observational studies comparing patellar height (Insall-Salvati Index, [ISI]) between ACL-injured patients and controls. Two reviewers independently performed selection, extraction and quality assessment (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale [NOS]). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed based on age (≤16 vs >16 years), measurement method and timing. Results: Four studies (891 participants: 460 ACL injury, 431 controls) were included. The overall analysis showed marginal ISI elevation (SMD = 0.250; 95% CI [0.116, 0.384]) with substantial heterogeneity ( I ² = 93.9%). Adults >16 years demonstrated a significant association (SMD = 0.453; 95% CI [0.289, 0.617]; I ² = 0%), while adolescents ≤16 years showed no clear association ( I ² = 96.8%). Modified ISI (MIS) measurements showed stronger associations (SMD = 0.514) than traditional methods. Evidence certainty was low to very low. Conclusions: Elevated patellar height shows a consistent association with ACL injury in adults but not in adolescents. This suggests that patellar height modifies knee biomechanics, potentially increasing ACL loading in adult athletes. Patellar height may serve as a screening component for ACL injury alongside other factors. Large prospective cohort studies with standardised protocols are needed.

Background/Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are prevalent among manufacturing workers exposed to repetitive and physically demanding tasks. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise-based interventions on musculoskeletal pain and physical function among manufacturing workers, focusing on symptom management and functional improvement rather than the prevention of new WMSDs. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 31, 2026. Prospective controlled studies of workplace- or job-related exercise interventions were included. Risk of bias was evaluated within the RoB 2 framework, and random-effects meta-analyses used standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g), with functional outcomes analyzed separately by domain. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261369113). Results: Thirteen studies were included in the review. The revised primary pain synthesis included seven studies (414 participants) and favored exercise-based interventions (SMD −0.69, 95% CI −1.25 to −0.12; I² = 71.9%). Disability/function-status outcomes included three studies (143 participants; SMD −0.67, 95% CI −1.42 to 0.07). Estimates for shoulder abduction range of motion (two studies; 111 participants; SMD −0.63, 95% CI −3.29 to 2.03) and RAND-36 physical functioning (one study; 24 participants; SMD −0.21, 95% CI −1.06 to 0.64) were imprecise. Evidence certainty was low for disability/function-status outcomes and very low for the other outcomes. Conclusions: Exercise-based interventions may improve disability/function-status outcomes, although the confidence interval included little or no difference. Evidence for effects on pain, shoulder range of motion, and RAND-36 physical functioning remains very uncertain. The findings concern symptom management rather than demonstrated prevention of new WMSDs. Optimal exercise prescriptions and sustained benefits remain uncertain.