• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.11 no.9
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• pp.182-190
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• 2021

Rehabilitation dog-walking can be used to improve physical activity and restore QOL in stroke patients. This study investigated the effect of rehabilitation dog-walking on the QOL and physical activity of stroke patients. Twenty-four stroke patients were recruited for this study. Twenty-four stroke patients were randomized 1:1 into two groups. The evaluator measured stroke specific-quality of life (SS-QOL), six minute walk test, and maximal grip strength on the affected and non-affected side. The experimental group received gait training with a rehabilitation dog for 30 minutes once a week for 8 weeks. As a result of the study, there was a significant increase in SS-QOL, six minute walk test, and maximal grip strength on the affected side in the experimental group after the intervention. In addition, the experimental group showed significant improvement in SS-QOL, six minute walk test, and maximal grip strength on the affected side than the control group. Rehabilitation dog-walking may be an intervention method that can improve QOL and physical activity after stroke.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.169-185
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• 2020

Purpose : This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the effect size for pulmonary function and gait capacity of treadmill exercise in stroke patients. In addition, we aimed to examine the current status of treadmill interventions and compare the effect sizes of treadmill training to provide evidence-based practice for future development and application. Methods : The meta-analysis study was conducted using research articles that applied treadmill exercise to stroke patients and were published between January 2005 and February 2020. For a systematic meta-analysis, we conducted a search using the PICOS framework and selected 25 domestic stroke- and treadmill-related studies. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program was used to calculate the effect sizes for lung function and gait capacity (6-minute walk test and 10 m walk test). As Cohen's d has a tendency to overestimate the effect size, we used Hedge's g to increase the accuracy in computing the effect size. Results : Based on the results of the meta-analysis, the total effect size of treadmill exercise was 0.535, which was statistically significant, with a medium effect size (p<0.05). The effects of treadmill exercise in stroke patients were divided into dependent variables, namely pulmonary function (0.372) and gait capacity (0.584). In addition, for gait capacity, the effect sizes were evaluated for both the 6-minute walk test (0.756) and the 10 m walk test (0.514). Conclusion : This study provides objective evidence of the effectiveness of treadmill-based gait training programs. We hope that the results of this study will help support the development and implementation of treadmill-based gait training in stroke patients. Treadmill training is expected to improve not only pulmonary function, but also the gait capacity of stroke patients. Long-term investigations on the effects of treadmill training in stroke patients are necessary.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.220-226
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• 2020

Esophageal cancer is a representative cancer that occur physical deterioration but, physical problems after surgery were not well reported. The purpose of this study is to report on the long thoracic neuropathy after surgery, and to identify the symptoms and effects of physical therapy after esophageal cancer surgery. This is a case of a 61-year-old man who showed winging of the scapula with long thoracic nerve injury on the results of electromyography after an esophageal cancer surgery. Physical therapy programs were implemented 8 sessions during hospitalization. The quality of life, fatigue, shoulder range of motion (ROM), numeric rating scale (NRS), 6-minute walk test, and 30-second chair stand test were assessed. The quality of life, fatigue, shoulder ROM, NRS (pain), 6-minute walk test, and 30-second chair stand test were improved. However, the esophageal-specific symptom was not different after physical therapy program. As esophageal cancer suffers from physical difficulties after surgery, physical therapy programs are thought to be helpful.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.470-478
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) balance exercise on the ability to balance and walk in patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial Methods: Following baseline measurements, patients (n=24) with hemiplegia caused by stroke were randomized into two groups: the PNF balance group (n=12) that received PNF balance exercise and the balance group (n=12) that received general balance exercise. Each group joined the intervention for 30 minutes, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. Both groups performed the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, as well as the 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for walking. The data were collected both before and after the intervention. The paired t-test was used to compare the post-intervention changes compared with pre-intervention data. An independent t-test was used to analyze the differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the 6-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in balance (TUG, BBS) and walking (10MWT, 6MWT) parameters (p<0.05). The patients in the PNF balance group showed greater improvements in balance (TUG, BBS) and walking (10MWT, 6MWT) than those in the balance group (p<0.05). Conclusions: PNF balance exercise shows improvements in balance and walking parameters in patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.79-83
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined training using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns and treadmills on the balance and walking ability of stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-three stroke patients were randomized into a control group (n=11), receiving only treadmill training and an experimental group (n=12) receiving combined training. The use of both PNF exercise and treadmill were implemented in the combined training. Interventions were performed 5 times a week for 6 weeks. Balance ability was measured by a timed up and go (TUG) test. Walking ability was measured by a 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). A paired t-test was used to compare differences between pre- and post-intervention and independent t-tests were used to compare between groups. Results: Changes in TUG, 10MWT, and 6MWT before and after interventions were significantly different for both the experimental group and the control group (p<0.05). In addition, within-group changes in the TUG, 10MWT, and 6MWT were more effective in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Combined training using PNF techniques and treadmills may be useful in improving the balance and walking ability of stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.18-27
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to compare the ring lock type knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) with newly developed 4-bar linkage KAFO on the gait characteristics of persons with poliomyelitis clinically. This 4-bar linkage is the stance control type KAFO which provide the stability during stance phase and knee flexion during swing phase. Two subjects participated in this study voluntarily. We provided the customized 4-bar linkage KAFO then asked the subjects to walk in level surface and stairs under the two different KAFO conditions. The characteristics of gait in the persons with poliomyelitis were evaluated using a 3D motion analysis system and force plate. Additionally 6 minute walk test for physiological cost index were conducted using pulse oximeter to measure the energy consumption. In the results of this study, the differences of 4-bar linkage KAFO compared with ring lock type KAFO are as follows: (1) Walking speed, stride length, and step length on level increased in subjects, (2) The gait symmetry was improved by generated knee flexion and decreased pelvic external rotation on level and stairs walking, (3) Decreased vertical excursion of center of mass and pelvic elevation during swing phase was decreased on level, (4) Knee extension moment, hip flexion moment, hip and knee internal rotation moment of non-braced limb were decreased on level walking, (5) Walking speed in 6-minute walk test was increased and physiological cost index was decreased. These findings indicate that 4-bar linkage KAFO compared with ring lock type KAFO is effective in enhancing pattern, endurance, and energy consumption in level surface and stairs walking.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.51-64
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• 2013

Objectives : This study is performed to develop the oriental medical rating scale of knee pain and to assess its validity. Methods : 250 knee pain patients completed the previously accepted rating scale of knee pain(VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness), 6 minute walk test(number of steps, distance)) and oriental medical rating scale of knee pain which was developed by Hwang et al at 2012, before and after the 6 weeks acupuncture treatment. Comparing these results, we assessed the validity of oriental medical rating scale. Results : Comparing oriental medical rating scale of knee pain before acupuncture treatment with VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and 6 minute walk test(number of steps, distance), oriental medical rating scale showed correlation with VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and showed the highest correlation with WOMAC(function). Comparing the change of oriental medical rating scale of knee pain after 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment with the change of VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and 6 minute walk test(number of steps, distance) after 6 weeks, change of oriental medical rating scale showed correlation with the change of VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and showed the highest correlation with the change of WOMAC(function). Through factor analysis of oriental medical rating scale items, 4 factors(pain, swelling, deformation of the knee, thermal sense of the knee), 17 items were extracted. Conclusions : Oriental medical rating scale of knee pain reflected the patient's pain, functional limitation and stiffness well. And oriental medical rating scale reflected the patient's functional improvement after the treatment well.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2019

Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of walking and turning plus treadmill training on the functional balance and walking ability of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Twenty-four participants with Stage 1 to 3 ($2.13{\pm}0.64$) PD based on the Hoehn and Yahr scale were randomly allocated to the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), with 12 participants in each group. The measured outcomes included the motor subscale of the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS-M), the Berg balance scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: Pre-to-post intervention improvements were noted for all the outcome measures for both groups (p < 0.05). Post intervention, there was a significant improvement in the EG compared to the CG for the following measured outcomes (p < 0.05): UPDRS-M (p = 0.021; 95% CI, 0.081-6.519), BBS (p = 0.042; 95% CI, 1.375-4.541), TUG (p = 0.034; 95% CI, -3.315--0.143), 10MWT (p = 0.011; 95% CI, -2.032--0.289), and 6MWT (p = 0.002; 95% CI, 24.39-91.273). Conclusion: Our study suggests that walking and turning plus treadmill training improves balance and walking compared to treadmill training only in patients with PD.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.176-182
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• 2016

Purpose: To investigate the effect of treadmill training applied simultaneously with gait related action observation on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Sixteen chronic stroke patients participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated into either the treadmill applied simultaneously with action observation training group (TAG) or treadmill applied simultaneously with landscape observation training group (TLG). The participants in both group underwent treadmill training for four weeks (a total of twelve minute, once a day, three times weekly for a four week period). All participants were measured to gait speed (10 m walking test, 10 MWT), gait endurance (6 minute walk distance, 6 MWD), dynamic gait index (DGI). In order to assure the statistical significance of the results, we used for SPSS 15.0 for windows. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare pre-test and post-test result, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was employed for comparison between groups. Results: The 10 MWT, 6 MWD, DGI was significantly different between the TAG and the TLG group. Conclusion: According the results of this study, treadmill applied simultaneously with action observation (TAG) is effective intervention for improvement of walking ability in chronic stroke patient.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2012

Purpose : We investigated the effects of the combined use of FES and over ground walking with partial body-weight support (PBWS) on walking function and balance control in people with chronic strokes. Methods : Twenty-seven people who were ambulatory after chronic strokes were evaluated. The exercise's intervention consisted of the combined use of FES and over ground walking with PBWS and general exercise groups. The FES + PBWS group and general exercise group consisted on a-20-minute session per day, 3 times a week during a 4 week period. The evaluation was carried out before, after, and two weeks after the exercise intervention. Outcome measures were a 6 Minute Walk Test, 6-Meter walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and a Balance Test, measured before and after the exercise interventions at a-2 week follow up. Results : The endurance was significantly increased in both the FES+PBWS group and general exercise group (p<0.05). Significant increase on the gait velocity was observed in both the FES+PBWS group and general exercise group (p<0.05). The TUG was significantly different in both the FES + PBWS group and general exercise group (p<0.05). However there were no differences in both the between-group & interaction. The stability index was significantly different in both the FES + PBWS group and general exercise group (p<0.05). Conclusion : In conclusion, the combined use of FES and over ground walking with PBWS led to an improvement in walking function and balance control. Thus, it is possible to combine the use of FES and over ground walking with PBWS for physical therapy intervention to improve walking function and balance control. It is suggested to apply this intervention in the clinical field.