The Effect of Aquatic Exercise Applied PNF Patterns on Body Composition and Balance Performance in Stroke Patients

PNF 패턴을 응용한 수중운동이 뇌졸중 장애인의 신체조성과 균형수행력에 미치는 영향

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aquatic exercise applied PNF patterns on body composition and balance performance in people who have had a stroke. Methods : Forteen candidates who have all experienced a stroke were participating in a community based rehabilitation program, have been included in this study. The program was conducted three times weekly, 1 hour per session, for 10 consecutive weeks. Subjects were tested with body composition and 5 items of Berg's balance test at pre-training and post-training. Total balance indexes in 3 conditions were measured by K.A.T. 3000. The aquatic exercise applied PNF patterns was consisted of PNF patterns and various aquatic activities. Results : After ten weekends of aquatic exercise training, there were not significant difference in body composition(p>.05) except of muscular weight of affected lower extremity(p<.05). But edema index increased more than pre-training (p<.05). Subjects showed significant difference in Berg's balance test results except of 2 items of Berg's balance test (p<.05). Total balance index score when subjects opened their eyes and didn't hold the handle was decreased less than pre-training(p<.05). Conclusion : The results of this study showed that intervention of this aquatic exercise program applied PNF patterns could increase edema index and muscular weight of affected lower extremity and improve the balance performance in people who have had a stroke.