• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2022

Background: The aim of this randomized controlled pilot study was to determine the effect of trunk training in wheelchair on fall efficacy, fall risk and activities of daily living in acute stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial. Methods: The study included 18 patients with acute stroke who were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG) (n=9) and a control group (CG) (n=9). Patients in the EG group received general rehabilitation therapy combined with trunk training in wheelchair for 20min, whereas CG group received general rehabilitation therapy combined with bicycle training for 20min. Both groups performed the exercise 5 times a week for 3 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using Korean-Fall Efficacy Scale (K-FES), Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) and Korean-Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Results: After 3 weeks of training, both groups showed significantly improved K-FES, FAB and K-MBI (p<.05 in both groups). However, the K-FES, FAB and K-MBI in the experimental group was significantly improving than in the control group (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that trunk training in wheelchair may be effective at decreasing fall risk and improving activities of daily living in acute stroke patients. Therefore, trunk training in wheelchair may be recommended as an intervention in reducing the incidence of fall risk in acute stroke patient.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.212-217
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• 2022

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the effects of visual cue deprivation balance training by applying head control feedback to the balance function and the fall index in older people. Methods: The study was conducted on 26 older people at the S Hospital in Gyeongsansi. The patients were randomly divided into the experimental groupI (EGI, n=9), the experimental groupII (EGII, n=9), and the control group (CG, n=8). The three groups were trained for 30 minutes three times a week for four weeks. To assess the patients' static balance function, their limits of stability (LOS) was measured using the BioRescue system, (RM Ingenierie, France), composed of a pressure platform that can measure force in diverse ways, a computer, and a monitor. The dynamic balance function was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Also, the fall index was measured to evaluate the risk of falling. A paired t-test was performed to compare pre- and post-training performance within the groups. One-way ANOVA was performed for comparing the three groups. A post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test was also performed. Results: The results of the LOS showed a significant difference after training in the EGI and EGII groups (p<0.05). As a result of the difference between the three groups, there was a significant difference after training (p<0.05). The results of the BBS showed a significant difference after training in the EGI group (p<0.05). As a result of the difference between the three groups, there was a significant difference after training (p<0.05). Conclusion: Visual cue deprivation balance training applying head control feedback is effective in improving the dynamic balance function in older people. It is also necessary to constantly maintain the head orientation by feedback and to properly control the head movement.

• 한국노년학
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.231-240
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• 2019

The study aimed to identify risk factors for falls as well as hospitalization status according to disease and demographic characteristics of demented inpatients by investigating the in-depth Injury Patient Surveillance System data collected by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(KCDC). Older adults over 60 years old who were diagnosed with dementia were included(n=1,732). Their data were analyzed after being assigned to either a fall group or a non-fall group. STATA was used for statistical analyses, such as frequency analysis, chi-square (χ²) test, and logistics regression. It was found that 8.0% of the demented inpatients experienced falls. According to the analysis on category of fall and non-fall group were statistically significant difference in age and Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI) and bone density deficiency. Based on the logistic regression analysis of factors affecting falls, older adults over 80 are 2.386 times more likely to fall and based on a target with a CCI of 0, the risk of falls is 0.421 times lower, finally based on those without bone density disorder, the fall risk for those with bone density disorder was 3.581 times higher. Therefore, we expect that the important about the factors relating to falls identified in this can not only be found valuable for educating inpatients with dementia and care-givers, but also be used as reference that supports clinical professionals to make decisions on falls management for patients with dementia.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.192-200
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a balance training program in improving balance and functional independence to reduce fall risks among community-dwelling elders. Design: A multi-center randomized controlled trial Methods: A total of 66participants were randomly assigned to a balance training group or a control group. The balance training program, conducted three times a week for 32 weeks, included warm-up exercises, main balance training exercises, and cooldown stretch exercises. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results: The balance training group demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measures, indicating enhanced balance, improved functional mobility, and increased independence in activities of daily living. In contrast, the control group showed only slight improvements in BBS, TUGT and MBI scores. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of balance training programs in reducing fall risk and promoting health and wellbeing among community-dwelling elders. Future research should aim to refine the design of these programs and assess the sustainability of the observed improvements.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.35-42
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• 2018

In order to seek out methods to reduce safety accidents caused by construction machinery and equipment, this study collects data about safety accidents and draws main risk factors by construction from the data, through SNA. It aimed to suggest safety management points to be used in future construction fields, by analyzing risk index of such factors. The finding can be summarized: First, Backhoe Bucket is the risk factor for crash accidents of average workers in earth works; boring machines-maintenance is the risk factor for fall accidents of construction machinery operators in foundation works; bending machine-reinforcing rod processing is the risk factor for jamming accidents of reinforcing rod engineers in frame works; and mobile crane-hook is the risk factor for crash accidents of average workers in lifting works. Second, works can be arranged in turn, according to the risk index: earth, lifting, frame and foundation works. Risk factors can be also arranged according to the risk index: Backhoe in earth works, pile drivers in foundation works, bending machines in frame works and mobile cranes in lifting works. This study has some limits, in that it only analyzed main machinery/equipment, among various kinds of them, for earth, foundation, frame and temporary works (lifting works) and used data collected over three years. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an analysis using big data, by collecting additional data about a lot of machinery/equipment in future construction fields.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.398-404
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a non-elastic fixation belt on the balance ability and fall prevention in elderly women. Elderly women experience reduced balance ability and an increased risk of falls due to a weakening of the surrounding sacroiliac joint and pelvic muscles during childbirth and menopause. On the other hand, specific studies are still needed. The subjects were allocated randomly to two groups: control (n=20) and experimental (n=20). The experimental group used a non-elastic fixation belt, whereas the control group had no fixation belt. The balance ability and the fall index were measured in all subjects using a balance measurement device, and the low abdominal muscle thickness was determined in the experimental group using ultrasound imaging for the exact application of the non-elastic fixation belt. The following statistical analysis was performed: an independent t-test for the general characteristics of the subjects, $2{\times}2$ analysis of variance with repeated measures for the balance and fall index score, and a paired t-test for the abdominal muscle thickness. The group ${\times}$ time interaction effect showed significant improvement in the General Stability Index (F1,38=47.24, p=0.001), Fourier Harmony Index (F1,38=88.83, p=0.001), Weight Distribution Index (F1,38=50.21, p=0.001), and Fall Index (F1,38=21.59, p=0.001). The thicknesses of the transverse abdominal (p=0.001) and internal oblique (p=0.001) muscles were increased significantly in the experimental group after using the non-elastic fixation belt. Overall, the application of a non-elastic fixation belt could be effective in improving the balance ability and fall prevention in elderly women.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.189-199
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combine exercise on the fall injury related index and myokine in elderly women. Sarcopenia leads to a loss of strength, alter on to a decreased functional status, impaired mobility, a higher risk of falls, and eventually an increased risk of mortality. Aerobic exercise characterized by rhythmic and repetitive movements of large muscles, for sustained periods that depends primarily on the use of oxygen to meet energy demands through aerobic metabolism, and that is structured and intended to generate improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness, body composition, and cardiorespiratory health. Resistance training has performance in the elderly. As combined exercise therapy can be used to enhance muscle functions and cardiopulmonary functions, it is being highlighted as an effective health management methods for the aged. The myokine has been regarded an important factor of exercise how muscle communicate adipose tissue, bone and muscle to exert beneficial effects at the whole body level.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.255-264
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study is to develop new balance evaluation index that can discriminate fall risk factors and provide effective interventions for healthy elderly. In order to conduct this study, the balance assessment tools (TUG, mCTSIB, OLST, FRT and BBS) currently used in clinic were re-evaluated using biomechanical analysis. Method: The participants were healthy elderly people over 65 years old, n=26, age: 69.31±3.13 years; height: 154.00±4.12 cm, body weight: 56.13±6.04 kg. The variables are length of CoM-BoS, length of CoP-BoS, range of CoP, mean distance of CoP, mean frequency of CoP, root mean square of CoP, joint angle, ASM (%SL), CoP-CoM angle. Results: As a result of this study, the following items were included in the list of new balance evaluation index for the healthy elderly, showing differences in the biomechanical evaluation based on the clinical evaluation (Inclusion list: TUG, OLST, 8th assessment item of BBS (reaching forward with outstretched arm), 11th item (turning 360 degrees), 13th item (standing with one foot in front), 14th item (standing on one foot)). Conclusion: Based on the results, the new balance evaluation index for the healthy elderly determined through this study can be used to prevent the fall by evaluating the balance ability in various situations that can be experienced in the normal daily life of the healthy elderly.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.51-58
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• 2021

Purpose: This study is based on the results of previous studies that falls, which is a frequent social problem, causes physical, mental and social health problems in the elderly. In order to identify risk factors for falls in the elderly, this study derives a relationship with oral health and proposes the necessity of oral health care as part of countermeasures to prevent falls in the elderly. Methodology: The final 6,936 people were analysed using the 2018 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing(KLoSA) survey data, and the analysis was conducted using the multiple logistic and multiple regression analysis to investigate the relationship between Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and falls experience. Findings: As a result of the analysis in this study, the number of falls experiences and whether or not falls were higher in the elderly female group than in the male group. The likelihood of falls experience has been statistically reduced as Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index increases by one unit.(OR : 0.991) The number of falls has also been statistically reduced as Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index increase by one unit.(B : -0.001) Practical Implications: The results of this study, which showed that higher Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index was lower risk of falls, explained by the connection that oral health may affect nutritional intake, which leads to sarcopenia and physical loss, which in turn increases the risk of falls. As a way to solve the fall problem, efforts should be made to improve the oral health of the elderly, and furthermore, the importance of nutrition management thorugh oral health care of the elderly is increasd.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.239-246
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the effect of induced ametropia on static posture for body balance. Methods: Twenty subjects (10 males, 10 females) of average age $23.4{pm}2.70$ years were participated and ametropia(binocular myopia; BM, simple myopic anisometropia; SMA, binocular hyperopia; BH, and simple hyperopic anisometropia; SHA) were induced with ${pm}0.50D$, ${\pm}1.00D$, ${\pm}1.50D$, ${\pm}2.00D$, ${\pm}3.00D$, ${\pm}4.00D$, ${\pm}5.00D$, respectively. General stability (ST), weight distribution index (WDI), and fall risk index (FI) were measured using TETRAX the biofeedback systems. Each index of the body balance was evaluated for 32 seconds in each ametropic condition and those value was compared with the value in fully corrected condition. Results: The ST showed significant increase from +0.50 D under condition of BM, from +1.00 D under condition of SMA, from -1.00 D under condition of BH, and from -1.50 D under condition of SHA compared with under condition of fully corrected condition, respectively. The FI showed significant increases from +4.00 D under condition of BM, from -1.00 D under condition of BH, and from -1.50 D under condition of SHA. The WDI show no change in all ametropia condition. Conclusions: Whatever ametropia is, uncorrected refractive error could reduce the general stability of body balance and increase the falling risk.