• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.1175-1181
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of core muscle training on balance ability. Forty subjects in their 20s participated in a 6 week core muscle training program. Balance ability before and after the intervention were assessed and analyzed using the Romberg test, which was conducted on the floor, pedalo, and balancefit. The differences between the measurement methods of balance ability using varied platforms was also compared and analyzed. After the 6-week core exercise training program, the training group represented statistically significant increases in all 3 methods for static balance ability. In the control group, all 3 methods represented no statistically significant increases. Upon comparing the different methods of the Romberg test, there were no notable differences between conducting the test on varying platforms for both groups. This study suggests that the core muscle exercise training program increased the balance ability.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2008

Background: The purpose of this study was to present a practical method of medical treatment to improve the balance and motor ability of the mentally retarded child with a single mentally retarded child-subject. Methods: The subject of the study was a 39-month-old mentally retarded female. This study included a 2-week basic period and a 13-week treatment period. The treatment method was based on the Bobath Approach. Gross motor function measurement (GMFM) was used to examine changes in motor ability, and the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) was used to measure changes in balance ability. The curative program was composed of normalization of muscle tone, strengthening of leg endurance and muscular strength, the improvement of trunk alignment, and the increase of balance. Visual rate of change was used to examine the results. Results: As a result of this study, balance ability increased on the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) by 24 points, and motor function increased in terms of Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) by 6.9% (18 points). Standing increased by 41% (16 points), and walking, running, and jumping increased by 31.9% (23 points) compared to thebasic period. Therefore, the Bobath Approach appears to be an appropriate method to improve balance and motor ability in mentally retarded children. Conclusion: It is surmised that aggressive intervention by physical therapists and occupational therapists, and a follow-up study, are required for the growth of motor ability in mentally retarded children.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.124-127
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• 2015

Purpose: The emphasis on gait rehabilitation after stroke depends on training support through the lower limbs, balance of body mass over the changing base of support. However, muscle weakness, lack of control of lower limb, and poor balance can interfere with training after stroke. For this case study report, a wearable robot orthosis was applied to stroke patients in order to verify its actual applicability on balance and gait ability in the clinical field. Methods: Two stroke patients participated in the training using the wearable robot orthosis. Wearable robot orthosis provides patient-initiated active assistance contraction during training. Training includes weight shift training, standing up and sitting down, ground walking, and stair up and down Training was applied a total of 20 times, five times a week for 4 weeks, for 30 minutes a day. Gait ability was determined by Stance phase symmetry profile, Swing phase symmetry profile, and velocity using the GAITRite system. Balance ability was measured using the Biodex balance system. Results: Subjects 1, 2 showed improved gait and balance ability with mean individual improvement of 72.4% for velocity, 19.4% for stance phase symmetry profile, 9.6% for swing phase symmetry profile, and 13.6% for balance ability. Conclusion: Training utilizing a wearable robot orthosis can be useful for improvement of the gait and balance ability of stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.57-63
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• 2016

Background: Instability due to ankle sprains will be accompanied by a problem of balance and pain change. Balance trainer is used to improve the ankle strength and balance ability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change of pain and postural balance ability in ankle joint after balance trainer application in patients with ankle sprain and instability. Methods: Twenty patients in K hospital in Incheon were enrolled. Balance trainer was applied to 10 subjects in the experimental group and 10 subjects in the Balance cushion under the same conditions as the experimental group to compare the pain and balance ability. Results: In the experimental group, there was a significant difference in the change of the pain variation. In the postural balance ability comparison, there was a significant difference in total and post - posterior comparison compared to the control, but there was no significant difference in the postural balance ability comparison. Conclusion: Pain and postural balance ability of patients with instability due to ankle sprain improved the pain and balance ability of the Balance trainer group compared to the Balance cushion training group.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.915-918
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Ankle exercise on balance ability of stroke patients. Participants' balance ability were measured prior to the training and they conducted ankle exercise. As for ankle exercises, ankle stretching training and ankle muscle strengthening training were performed for 10 minutes respectively. They did warm up exercise for 5 minutes and then ankle exercise for 20 minutes. And then they did cooldown exercise for 5 minutes. Their balance ability was measured after 9 weeks. According to the results of analyzing the change of balance ability that timed up and go and Berg balance scale score significantly improved but in the control group it did not significantly decrease. In comparison between the groups, Berg balance scale score significantly improved in the ankle exercise group compared to the control group. Ankle exercise performed by stroke patients are considered to be effective in improving balance ability.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.1-5
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• 2011

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between the center of pressure (COP) displacement time during the stance phase and dynamic balance ability when older adults cross a 10 cm obstacle. Methods: Fifteen older adults were enrolled in this study (all ${\geq}65$ years of age). The F-scan was used to measure the COP displacement time when subjects cross a 10 cm obstacle, and the Dynamic gait index. Berg's balance scale and the Four square step test were used to measure dynamic balance ability. Results: The Dynamic gait index, Berg's balance scale and the Four square step test were correlated with each other. Dynamic balance ability was correlated with COP displacement time during the stance phase at an obstacle crossing in older adults. Conclusion: People with higher dynamic balance ability show a smaller COP displacement time during the stance phase at an obstacle crossing. Therefore, dynamic balance ability can be predicted by measuring the center of pressure displacement time.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate PNF exercises for balance ability in elderly. Methods: This is a literature study with books and articles. Results: The balance ability in elderly is reduced by decreasing proprioception, visual and vestibular sensation. PNF exercise is highly efficient for functional activities to control posture and movement. It is also highly efficient for balance ability in elderly. This is considered effective exercise program for maintain and to promote balance ability in elderly. Conclusion: PNF exercise is highly efficient for functional activities to control posture and movement. In addition, it is also efficient for balancing posture and movement in cooperation with visual information and vestibular system. This exercise is considered to be effective exercise program to maintain posture and improve balance ability.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.18-26
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• 2008

The present study was aimed at investigating the postural control ability of volleyball players with functional ankle instability. The subjects were 26 male volleyball players were divided into 2 groups (13 subjects with functional ankle instability and 13 subjects with ankle stability) who could evaluate Questionnaire. All the male participants were tested by a Balance Master System. This study were to measure of static balance ability, dynamic balance ability, motor function the difference between functional ankle instability group and control group. Ankle instability group and stable group in postural sway ($^{\circ}/sec$) on film surface with eye closed in modified clinical test sensory interaction on balance, and left unilateral stance with eye opened and closed were significantly different (p<.05). The ankle instability group and stable group in limit of stability were significantly different (p<.05). The ankle instability group and stable group in left/right rhythmic weight shirt were significantly different (p<.05). The ankle instability group and stable group in turn time (sec) & turn sway ($^{\circ}$) during step/quick turn and end sway ($^{\circ}/sec$) in tandem walk were significantly different (p<.05). This study showed that volleyball players with functional ankle in stability were effected postural control ability by static balance & dynamic balance ability. Further study is needed to measure various athletic with functional ankle instability for clinical application.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the visual perception ability and the static dynamic balance ability in health elderly. Method: The Motor Free Visual Perception Test-Row Score(MVPT-RS) and MVPT-Process Time(MVPT-PT) were used for evaluating the visual perception abilities. Assessment of the balance ability was taken by using Good Balance System. In the assessment using Good Balance System, X, Y coordinate speed, anterior-posterior direction, medial-lateral direction and Velocity Movement(VM) in standing posture when eye open were measured as static balance abilities. Thirty-seven healthy elderly who live in Gwangyang participated in the experiment for 2 months, from October to November 2010. Results: 1. There were statistically significant differences of MVPT-RS, MVPT-PT, NSB-X, NSB-Y, NSB-VM, OLB-X, and OLB-VM based on the gender(p<0.05). 2. The negative correlations of MVPT-RS:NSB-Y(r=-0.354), MVPT-RS:OLB-X(r=-0.4), MVPT-RS: OLB-Y(r=-0.371), but positive correlations of MVPT-PT:DTB-T showed a statistical significance(r=0.45, p<0.05). 3. The positive correlations of NSB-X:NSB-Y(r=0.54), NSB-X: NSB-VM(r=0.848), NSB-Y:NSB-VM(r=0.531), OLB-X:OLB-Y(r=0.876), OLB-X:OLB-VM(r=0.872), and OLB-Y:OLB-VM(r=0.787) showed statistical significances(p<0.05). Conclusion: These results showed that the visual perception ability was correlated with some balance ability in health elderly. Especially the perception test process time(MVPT-PT) has closely related with the DTB-T. The visual perception ability is considered as a factor on the balance ability in health elderly. Further study will focus on the development of improving program of visual perception ability as an improving method of balancing ability in health elderly.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.67-75
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• 2012

Background: Hemiplegic patients have the problems of the balance and weight shifting to the affected leg in walking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of unilateral stepping exercise combined with auditory feedback on balance and walking ability of the hemiplegic patients. Methods: Thirty hemiplegic patients were allocated in study group (n=15) or control group (n=15). General exercise and weight supporting exercise were conducted for the control group, and general exercises and unilateral stepping exercise combined with auditory feedback were conducted for the study group. Exercise were conducted three times a week for six weeks. Balance ability was measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS), postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS), and performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA). Walking ability was measured by time up and go test (TUG), 10m walk test (10mWT), and six minutes walk test (6MWT). Results: Balance and walking ability were significant increased in both group (p<.05). Balance and walking ability of the study group were more increased than that of the control group (p<.05). Conclusions: Unilateral stepping exercise combined with auditory feedback is more effective than weight supporting exercise to increase on balance and walking ability for the hemiplegic patients.