A Study of the Limits of Stability in Hemiplegic Patients

편마비환자의 안정성한계에 대한 연구

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the Limits of stability(LOS) in hemiplegic patients who can walking independently. The LOS was measured at stable surface, unstable surface with eye open and eye closed. In this study, 18 out-patients were evaluated who were treated at Yonsei University Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital. In order to determine the statistical significance of results, T-test, paired t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis 1-way ANOVA were applied at 0.05 level of significance. The results were as follows: 1. The mean of lateral limits of stability was 9.89 degree. 2. The mean of anteroposterior limits of stability was 6.43 degree. 3. There was a significant difference of limits of stability between sound side and affected side(p<0.05). 4. The limits of stability was significantly decreased with eye closed(p<0.05) 5. The limits of stability was significantly decreased at unstable surface(p<0.05). 6. The limits of stability was a significant difference as spasticity degree of ankle plantar flexors(p<0.05). These results showed that the limits of stability in hemiplegic patients was more decreased than that of normal adult. In order to improve the balance in hemiplegic patients, we need to increase the limits of stability.