• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.13-19
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• 2011

Purpose: In real life there are both straight-paths and curved-paths. To evaluate walking ability of both kinds, a figure-8 walking test (F8WT) was developed. The aim of this study was to validate the measure in hemiplegic patients with walking difficulties and to identify correlations of curved walking ability with straight walking ability, motor function, and walking performance ability. Methods: Twenty subjects participated in this study. Curved walking was measured by a F8WT. Straight walking ability was measured by a 10-meter walking test (10MWT). Dynamic balancea bility was measured by timed up and go (TUG) tests. Walking performance ability was measured using a modified motor assessment scale (MMAS). Motor function was measured by the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Linear regression analyses were performed to explore other functional tests in mobility ability by F8WT time, 10MWT (dependent variable). Results: There was a significant positive correlation of F8WT time with 10MWT and TUG. There was a significant negative correlation of F8WT time with MMAS and FMA-coordination. There was a significant positive correlation of 10MWT with TUG. There was a significant negative correlation of 10MWT with MMAS and FMA-coordination. The F8WT time for curved walking ability was attributed to 10MWT for straight walking ability as 94% level of contribution. Conclusion: The results suggest that the F8WT is a good instrument for measuring walking ability because there is a robust correlation of F8WT time with 10MWT, TUG, MMAS, and FMA-coordination in hemiplegic patients who, after stroke, have a mobility deficiency.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.49-53
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• 2018

Objective: This study was performed to examine differences in the association between straight and curved walking abilities of inpatients in the subacute phase and walking independence level. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Subjects were divided into an independent group and a supervised group (n=10 each) by walking independence level within the ward decided by physical therapists. Inclusion criteria comprised the ability to ambulate independently within the ward, regardless of the use of walking aids. Straight walking abilities (walking velocity, stride length, and cadence) were evaluated using the 5-meter walk test. Curved walking abilities were evaluated using the Figure-of-8 Walk Test (F8W) and the 3-meter zigzag walk test (3ZW). Differences in associations between straight and curved walking abilities of inpatients were examined by calculating correlation coefficients between straight and curved walking abilities. Results: Age, walking velocity, stride length, F8W and 3ZW varied markedly between independent and supervised groups. In the independent group, F8W and 3ZW correlated significantly with walking velocity and cadence (p<0.05). In the supervised group, F8W correlated significantly with walking velocity and stride length (p<0.05), but 3ZW did not correlate significantly with straight walking abilities. Conclusions: The association between straight and curved walking abilities varied between inpatients who could ambulate independently and inpatients requiring supervision for ambulating. These differences may depend on skill on straight and curved walking abilities. There is a possibility that curved walking exercise is necessary for supervised group.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of a vestibular stimulation training program on the walking ability of chronic stroke patients over a six month period. METHODS: Forty stroke patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided randomly into a control group (n=20) and experimental group (n=20). A general exercise program was applied to Group I and vestibular stimulation training was applied to Group II(30 min, three times a week for six weeks). The changes in straight walking ability, curved walking ability, and functional walking ability were measured using a 10 m walking test figure-of-eight-walking test, and dynamic gait index, respectively. The measures before and after the program were compared using a paired t-test for a comparison of each group and an independent t-test for a comparison between groups. RESULTS: The changes in each group were examined according to the measurement period. The Experimental group showed significant functional improvement in all three tests after the vestibular stimulation training program, but the control group did not show significant improvement in any of the tests after the general exercise program. A comparison of the changes between groups revealed the experimental group to show significantly higher improvement than the control group in all tests. CONCLUSION: The vestibular stimulation training program helps improve the gait function of stroke patients. Based on the results of this study, it is expected that various vestibular stimulation training programs will be developed and applied in a range of places.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of rotation direction during curved walking on gait parameters in stroke patients. Methods: A group of thirty subjects with stroke (Berg Balance Scale score${\geq}41$ were fifteen, Berg Balance Scale score${\leq}40$ were fifteen) were enrolled in this study. Testing indications included two directions for rotation in each subject. These indications were for rotation toward the affected and unaffected side in stroke patients. The gait speed, affected side single support duration, affected side double support duration were recorded. The obtained data were analyzed by using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test in the group that are below and above 40 points of Berg Balance Scale score. Results: There was significant increase affected side single support duration was turned the affected side in stroke patients that presented a Berg Balance Scale score${\geq}41$ (p<.05). There were significant increase gait speed, affected side single support duration, and significant decrease affected side double support duration while subjects were turned the affected side in stroke patients that presented a Berg Balance Scale score${\leq}40$ (p<.05). Conclusion: This result may be effective to rotate in the paralyzed direction to improve the ability of the paralyzed lower limb to gain weight during gait training for stroke patients with a Berg Balance Scale score<40. Therefore, walking training program for hemiplegic patient needs to be suggested in the direction of turning for suitable balance ability.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.47-55
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of present study was to determine effects of a task-oriented circuit training(TOCT) for lower limb on walking ability after stroke. Methods : Twenty one chronic stroke patients participated. Participants were randomly divided into either TOCT group or control group(11 experimental, 10 control). All of participants were in-patients at local rehabilitation centre and had been receiving a traditional rehabilitation program, five days a week. TOCT group have additionally undergone for four weeks, three days a week, the TOCT program but control group was not received any additional program except the traditional rehabilitation program. The 10 m walking test (10MWT), the 2 min walking test (2MWT), the step test (ST) and the figure-8 walking test (F8WT) to measure a walking ability were carried out twice before and after training. Results : After participation in the program, subjects of TOCT demonstrated a significant improvement in the scores of the 10MWT, 2MWT, the ST, the F8WT. The control group had no change on the any tests. After the training, the results to improve significantly in TOCT group compared to post-test of control group were the time of 10MWT and the time and the step of curved walking of F8WT. Conclusion : The present study suggests that the TOCT program may become a useful strategy for enhancing walking ability in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.398-402
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was carried out in order to verify actual applicability of mental practice in the clinical field by applying it to Parkinson disease patients. Methods: : The number of subjects was three and they were aged between 65 and 69. One year or longer period has passed since they were diagnosed with Parkinson disease. The baseline A consisted of three sessions. After the baseline period, the researcher applied mental practice to the subjects once per day, for 20 minutes per each time, for 10 sessions. The no-intervention withdrawal phase was composed of three sessions. Outcome measures 10 meter walking test(10MWT), timed up and go (TUG) test, 8-figure walk test (8FWT). Results: All results indicated that 10 MWT, TUG, F8WT was improved when compared mental practice(B) to pre base line(A). base line(A) after mental practice intervention(B) was also sustained. Conclusion: As a result of the mental practice, we can know that it helps straight gait, dynamic balance, curved gait to improve.