Driven by the growing emphasis on wellness and fitness in South Korea, there has been a notable increase in active participation in various physical activities. Sports and exercise have emerged as compelling treatments for enhancing cardiovascular endurance and fortifying muscular strength, thereby contributing to the treatment and prevention of both cardiopulmonary diseases and musculoskeletal disorders [1]. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that involvement in sports or exercise endeavors substantially mitigates the symptoms of depression and anxiety, promoting mental health and substantially elevating quality of life [2]. Additionally, participation serves as an effective avenue for expanding social networks and fostering interpersonal connections, which is particularly valuable in a society characterized by pronounced individualism.

Despite the advantages of physical activity, individuals often encounter a range of musculoskeletal injuries due to their participation in sports or exercise, leading to pain and reduced functional capability [3]. The initial diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment methods for these injuries usually fall under the responsibility of medical professionals. Rehabilitation therapy is frequently necessary for patients to fully recover their health after initial treatment, thus facilitating their complete return to their respective physical activities [4].

Exercise therapy is a crucial element in the rehabilitation process for musculoskeletal injuries, aiding in accelerated healing and restoration of peak functional capacity [4]. Within the South Korean medical system, exercise therapy is typically administered by physical therapists, who function under the supervision of physicians in hospitals and clinical settings. Although manual techniques are often emphasized in therapy, while they hold significant therapeutic value, they may not always be eligible for insurance reimbursement and might not fully address the nuanced requirements of athletes aiming to regain their pre-injury performance levels. This limitation arises from the fact that conventional rehabilitation protocols mainly include basic, low-intensity exercises that may not reach the necessary level of technical complexity or intensity of muscle conditioning required for complete athletic recovery.

To ensure athletes achieve a complete restoration of their pre-injury athletic abilities and can fully engage in sports again, it is crucial to adopt a divergent rehabilitative strategy. Rehabilitation programs designed specifically for athletes need to incorporate technically refined and complex exercises, including progressively intensive muscle strengthening with increased loads. Such specialized programming falls within the purview of “medical exercise specialists,” who possess a comprehensive understanding of exercise physiology, human movement mechanics, and the specific requirements of sports-related recovery. In contrast to the manual therapeutic interventions commonly used in current rehabilitation practices, medical exercise specialists excel at creating customized regimens tailored to the injuries of individual athletes. These regimens are meticulously aligned with the specific needs of each athlete, systematically enhancing their ability to overcome challenges that hinder the restoration of their desired competitive form. This personalized and progressively challenging approach substantially increases the likelihood that athletes not only recover but also return to their respective sports at their intended performance levels.

Furthermore, the proficiency of medical exercise specialists extends beyond the confines of rehabilitative settings. These professionals play an indispensable role in crafting and implementing personalized exercise protocols, catering not only to therapeutic needs but also to individuals engaging in physical training or sports-related pursuits. Such tailored regimens are meticulously crafted, considering factors such as the individual’s physical condition, existing medical conditions, and specific fitness goals. This personalized approach is particularly relevant in South Korea, where there has been a noticeable increase in the prevalence of chronic ailments like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiopulmonary diseases among the aging population. Engaging in physical activity without due consideration of these comorbidities can exacerbate existing health challenges or compromise overall well-being. Therefore, the role of medical exercise specialists is paramount. They guide individuals toward exercise routines that are not only safe and effective but also tailored to their unique health profiles and wellness objectives. Consequently, these specialists ensure that exercise programs promote health and vitality while also accommodating individual medical needs and life goals.

Medical exercise specialists have a significant capacity to assist in the recuperation of athletes from musculoskeletal injuries by creating and administering safe, efficient, and effective exercise regimens. However, their specialized knowledge is often underutilized due to a lack of public awareness and systematic integration within the healthcare infrastructure of South Korea. The current healthcare framework does not allow direct collaboration between medical exercise specialists and physicians in hospitals or clinical settings. This situation represents a missed opportunity; a synergistic alliance between these healthcare providers could notably enhance the quality and effectiveness of exercise therapy for patients, leading to superior therapeutic outcomes for various medical conditions.

Moreover, medical exercise specialists are poised to make substantial contributions to broader public health goals. They can develop personalized exercise regimens designed to maximize the health and well-being of the general populace while mitigating the inherent risks associated with physical activity. If properly utilized, the expertise of these specialists can serve a dual function: improving the quality of patient care during clinical recovery and promoting health throughout the community.

This work was supported by the 2024 Yeungnam University Research Grant (224A380106).

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.