graduate student Dong-wook Lee

On August 22, at the Sports Science Hall of Korea National Sport University, Incheon National University Graduate School (Department of Physical Education) graduate student Dong-wook Lee (M.S. in Physical Education, advised by Prof. Joo-Pil Ko) received the “Next-Generation Researcher Award” at the 2025 Korean Society of Sport Coaching Conference.

Through a study titled “Relationship between postural control ability and pulmonary function in individuals with chronic ankle instability,” Lee showed that decreased postural control in individuals with chronic ankle instability may be linked not only to lower-limb joint instability but also to diminished respiratory muscle function and pulmonary function. The work suggests a complex interaction between postural control mechanisms and respiratory function, earning high marks from the judges.

Meanwhile, the Department of Physical Education at Incheon National University has achieved awards for two consecutive years at the undergraduate research paper competition of the Korea Exercise Specialist Association, demonstrating strong potential for continued growth in this research area.