• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.143-150
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was intended to discover the effect of the turning training on figure of 8 tract on stroke patients' static and dynamic balance, as well as walking. Methods: A total of 42 stroke patients participated in this study. The training group was trained on the figure of 8 tract, while the control group was trained on the straight path for 30 minutes per day, for 4 weeks. Berg balance scale was used to measure the balance of the patients, before and after the training, and Good balance system was used to measure the sway speed and the distance of COG while standing. To measure the ability of walking, TUG and FSST were also used. Results: There were significant increases in the average score of Berg balance scale, in both groups after the training, and also significant difference between both groups were observed. The training group showed significant differences in the static balance ability, as well as anteroposterior and mediolateral sway speed. Further, there were significant increases in the dynamic balance ability, COP total distance, and TUG in both groups. The results showed more differences in comparing the control group with that of the training group. In FSST, there was no change in the control group, but there was a significant increase in the training group. Conclusion: Turning training on figure of 8 tract in stroke patients significantly increased the static and dynamic balance and walking ability. Based on the results, it can be seen that the training on the figure of 8 tract can influence the ability of balance and walking, which can lead to appropriate reactions to the change of environment and various tasks. Thus, it is assumed that turning training on figure of 8 tract as a means of improving the condition of stroke patients can be a meaningful program.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.45-53
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• 2011

Purpose : Many researchers have attempted to identity the reliability used in clinical examination of balance and gait performance for individuals of hemiparetic stroke. The study aims to evaluate whether the reliabilities of three popular clinical measures of balance and gait performance was consistency regardless of applicate experience of those clinical measures compared with previous studies for persons with hemiparetic stroke. Methods : A total of three hemiparetic stroke populations and twenty-six physical therapists were recruited from Glory hospital, Inchen, Korea in this study. The three clinical measures, involving Berg balance test (BBT), dynamic gait index (DGI), and Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), were assessed in two sessions that were seven days apart. Results : The POMA was showed a good intrarater and interrater reliabilities in people with hemiparetic stroke regardless of measure's experience in clinical field. However BBT and DGI were showed below moderate intrarater and interrater reliabilities. Conclusion : The POMA could be a reliable measure to evaluate functional postural stability and gait performance in hemiparetic stroke patients compared with other two clinical measures regardless of measure's experience of physical therapists.