• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.225-232
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the lower extremity function of chronic stroke patients. Methods: The participants consist of 26 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=13) or a control group (n=13) and engaged in exercise three times per week for eight weeks. The experimental group engaged in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises and the control group engaged in general mat exercises. To measure lower extremity strength, the sit to stand test and the static balance test (standing on one leg) were used. To measure the stability index (SI) and weight distribution index (WDI), a Tetrax Portable Multiple System (Tetrax Ltd, Israel) was used in addition to a static balance test (standing on one leg). Results: : Lower extremity strength and static balance showed a significant improvement in the experimental group (p<.05). The SI and WDI were significantly improved in the experimental group (p<.05) for tests of standing with their eyes open, standing with their eyes closed, and standing on a sponge with their eyes open. Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises have confirmed that lower extremity function improves after exercise interventions in chronic stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2017

Background: The method of measuring the walking function of patients with chronic stroke differs depending on patients walking capability and environmental conditions. Objects: This study aimed to demonstrate the influences of walking capacity and environmental conditions on the results of short- and long-distance walk tests in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Forty patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study, and allocated to group-1 (<.4m/s, household walking, $n_1=13$), group-2 (.4~.8m/s, limited community ambulation, $n_2=16$), and group-3 (>.8m/s, community ambulation, $n_3=11$) according to their walking capacity. The 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and 6-min walk tests, (6MWT) were used to compare the short- and long-distance walk tests results, which were randomly performed under indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Results: The comparison of the results obtained under the indoor and outdoor conditions revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in the 6MWT and 10MWT (p<.05). Post-hoc tests' results showed significant differences between groups-1 and -2 and between groups-1 and -3 in the 10MWT, and between group-1 and -3 in the 6MWT. Furthermore, in group-2 the 10MWT and 6MWT results significantly differed between the indoor and outdoor conditions, and the values measured under the indoor and outdoor conditions significantly differed between 10MWT and 6MWT (p<.05). Group-3 showed a significant difference in 10MWT results between the indoor and outdoor conditions (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the results of the short- and long-distance walk tests may differ depending on the walking capacity of patients with chronic stroke and the environmental condition under which the measurement is made, and these effects were greatest for the patients with the limited community ambulation capacity.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.119-127
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to show the effect of elastic band on balance and functional ability in chronic stroke patients living in community. Methods: The subjects who participated in the study were 9 patients with chronic stroke. One of them gave up during the study, finally 8 patients performed. The intervention was conducted once a week for 10 weeks. In this study functional reach test (FRT), timed up and go test (TUG), Tinetti performance oriented mobility assessment (Tinetti-POMA) were measured for balance. The coordination training of arms and legs using the elastic band was performed in three positions as supine, side lying, sitting. One arm performed flexion-adduction- external rotation with elbow flexion pattern and the opposite side(diagonal) leg was performed flexion-adduction-external rotation with knee flexion pattern, the other arm's pattern was extension-abduction-internal rotation with elbow extension and the opposite side (diagonal) leg was in extension-abduction-internal rotation with knee extension pattern. The training was performed in each position for 15 minutes in per position. The participants had a five minute break after each training. Results: The results are as follows. FRT and Tinetti-POMA showed significant increase statistically in each position. The TUG showed significant decrease statistically in each position. Conclusion: Even though the coordination training with elastic band had performed once a week, it showed positive effects on balance in chronic stroke patients. Therefore, if we can suggest the appropriate frequencies of coordination training of arms and legs using the elastic band, it can be a method to improve daily life and life quality to patients with chronic stroke.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.145-151
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• 2022

Purpose : Stroke patients exhibit abnormal walking patterns such as slow walking speed and asymmetrical walking values. The recovery of symmetrical walking in the stance phase using a treadmill means improvements in walking speed and asymmetrical walking. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of unilateral step treadmill training (USTT) on gait speed and the recovery of symmetrical walking in chronic stroke patients. Methods : Fifteen patients (11 men and 4 women) with chronic stroke participated in this study. The 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and GAITRite system were used to determine the intervention-related changes in gait speed and symmetrical walking values such as non-paretic step length (NSL), non-paretic step time (NST), paretic single-support time (PSST), step length asymmetry (SLA), and step time asymmetry (STA) after USTT. All participants completed USTT and underwent measurements at 3 different times: at pretest, posttest, and the follow-up test. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare walking speed and asymmetrical walking values. The statistical significance level was set at p<.05. Results : Walking speed by 10MWT (p<.05) showed significant improvements after USTT as follows: at pretest and posttest (p<.05), posttest and follow-up test (p<.05), and pretest and follow-up test (p<.05). Recovery of symmetrical walking patterns such as NSL (p<.05), NST (p<.05), and SLA (p<.05) were observed after USTT. However, no significant improvements were found in PSST (p>.05) and STA (p>.05) in symmetrical gait. Conclusion : This study suggests that USTT may have a positive effect on walking speed and symmetrical walking patterns in chronic stroke patients. Thus, this study contributes to the existing knowledge about the usefulness of USTT for the effective management of patients with chronic stroke. Further studies are needed to generalize these findings.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.221-230
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• 2023

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality combined robot assist gait training (VRG) on improvement of balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients. Methods : A single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 35 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly allocated 2 groups; VRG group (n=18) and conservative treatment group (CG; n=17). The VRG group received 30 minutes robot assisted gait training combined virtual reality training, robot assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device (2 sessions of 15 minutes in a 3D-recorded walking environment and 15 minutes in a downtown walking environment). In the conservative treatment group, neurodevelopmental therapy and exercise therapy were performed according to the function of stroke patients. Each group performed 30 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome balance and respiratory function were measured by a balance measurement system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), Berg balance scale, functional reach test for balance, Spirometry (Cosmed Micro Quark, Cosmed, Italy) for respiratory function Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and maximum expiratory volume (PEF) were measured according to the protocol. The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in balance and respiratory function during intervention period. VRG revealed significant differences in balance and respiratory function as compared to the CG groups (p<.05). Our results showed that VRG was more effective on balance and respiratory function in patients with chronic stroke. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that VRG can improve balance and respiratory function, highlight the benefits of VRG. This study will be able to be used as an intervention data for recovering balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.583-590
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• 2000

Objective : The major risk factors of stroke are hyperlipemia, ateriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetis mellitus, smoking, drinking, age, personal history, family history etc. Hypertension, smoking and hyperlipemia are very important factor to promote stroke. We intended to observe the serum lipid density of 51 patients come to Joongpoong & Chronic Disease Center of Conmaul Oriental hospital, comparing with already reported study. Methods : We studied 51 stroke-patients( 38 cerebral infarction, 13 intracerebral hemorrhage) of Conmaul Oriental hospital, Department of oriental internal medicine, Joongpoong & Chronic Disease Center from January 1. 1999 to August 31. 2000, which examined by neurologic test, brain-CT, brain-MRI. . We used DOSHISA TBA-30FR(Japan) as instrument for measuring total cholesterol and triglyceride of serum. Results and conclusions : The results are as follows 1. The rate of hyperlipemia and presumed-hyperlipemia is higher in female patient-group than male patient-group. 2. The rate of hyperlipemia and presumed-hyperlipemia is higher in drinking group than non-drinking group. 3. The rate of hyperlipemia and presumed-hyperlipemia is higher in hypertension group than normotention group.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2016

Background: Many studies regarding task-oriented training have recently demonstrated functional improvement in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. The task-oriented approach is very diverse, and chronic stroke patients must have access to a sustained systematic treatment program to enhance their walking ability. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of the task-oriented circuit training and treadmill training on walking function and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a task-oriented circuit training group and a treadmill training group with 7 patients in each. Each training regimen was performed for 30 min a day and 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Assessment tools included the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT), 10-m Walk Test, 6-min Walk Test (6MWT), and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Results: The change in results of the TUGT, 6MWT, and SIS measured prior to and following the training regimens appeared to be significantly different between the two groups (p<.05). In addition, after the intervention, significant differences were found for all parameters in the task-oriented circuit training group and for the TUGT, 6MWT, and SIS in the treadmill training group (p<.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that task-related circuit training and treadmill training may be helpful to improve walking function and quality of life of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. Additionally, a task-related circuit training program may achieve more favorable outcomes than a treadmill program.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.334-340
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of skater exercise on cardiopulmonary fitness and balance function in patients with mild chronic stroke. Methods: A total of ten chronic stroke patients with mild neurologic deficits were recruited. The participants were divided into two groups, a skater exercise (n=5) and a control group (n=5). Skater exercise was performed by physical therapists in the experimental group, whereas patients in the control group conducted self-exercise. One session of the intervention was carried out for 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. Cardiopulmonary function, falling index, and Euro-Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: No side effects were reported during and after skater exercise intervention. The peak aerobic capacity, falling index, and EQ-5D improved significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group after eight weeks of skater exercise (p=0.002, p=0.010, and p=0.006). Significant relationships were identified between the change in EQ-5D and peak aerobic capacity (R2=0.75, p=0.002)/falling index (R2=0.65, p=0.002). Conclusion: Skater exercise was an effective physical therapy to improve cardiopulmonary fitness and balance function in patients with mild chronic stroke.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dual-task training with cognitive effort on the walking and balance functions of chronic stroke patients. The study included 14 chronic stroke patients, who were randomly divided into the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), each with 7 patients. The EG performed the dual-task training with cognitive effort 3 times a week, 30 minutes for 4 weeks, where as the CG performed single-task training three times a week, for 30 minutes for 4 weeks. Outcome assessments were made with 10 m walk test, timed up and go test, 6 minutes walk test, and Berg balance scale. In within-group comparison, subjects from the EG showed significant differences in all variables (p<.05), while subjects from the CG showed only significant differences in 6 minutes walk test, and Berg balance scale (p<.05). Further, there was significant difference in the improvement rate of 10 m walk test. The findings suggest that the dual-task with cognitive effort may be beneficial for improving walking and balance functions of patients with chronic stroke.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the effects of passive exercise on upper extremities muscle spasticity, finger edema, and depression for chronic stroke patients. Methods: A non-equivalent pretest-posttest design was employed for this study. The subjects were 30 elderly patients who were hospitalized to treat chronic stroke. 15 patients were assigned to the experimental and control groups respectively. Passive exercise for 20 minutes per day, five days a week for 8 weeks (total 40 times) was provided for the experimental group. Outcome measurements included manual spasticity test to measure upper extremities' muscle spasticity, the ring measurement method for finger edema and the Korean version of Short-form Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K) for depression. Results: The upper extremities' muscle spasticity (Z=-2.52 p=.012) and the degree of depression (F=5.56, p=.006) in the experimental group were significantly reduced compared to those of the control group. But the degree of finger edema did not significantly differ between the two groups (F=1.46, p=.240). Conclusion: Passive exercise for upper extremities should be encouraged for elderly patients with chronic stroke to enhance the upper extremities' functional capacity as well as depression.