• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.163-168
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ipsilateral shoulder pain affects the sensorimotor function of the same side shoulder in patients with stroke. Methods: Thirty stroke patients, who were divided into the ipsilateral shoulder pain group (n=15) and the ipsilateral shoulder non-pain group (n=15). Subjects were evaluated on performance of a tracking task, joint reposition test and 9-Hole pegboard test for sensorimotor functions, and Fugl-Meyer test and Motricity Index for functional ability of the contralateral side. Results: In comparison of the two groups, significant differences in performance on functional ability, including the Fugl-Meyer test(both upper and lower limb) and Motricity Index(only lower limb) were observed (p<0.05). With regard to sensorimotor functions, the ipsilateral shoulder pain group were observed significantly poor scores on the Accuracy Index, joint reposition score and 9-Hole pegboard test, when compared with the ipsilateral shoulder non-pain group (p<0.05). Conclusion: We found that ipsilateral shoulder pain could impede accurate performance of a movement and result in deteriorated proprioception of the ipsilateral shoulder. Therefore, careful evaluation and appropriate therapeutic intervention are essential for stroke patients who suffer from ipsilateral shoulder pain.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 2008

Within 2 to 5 months after stroke, patients recover variable degrees of function, depending on the initial deficit. An impaired hand function is one of the most serious disability in chronic stroke patients. Therefore, to evaluate the extent of motor dysfunction in the hemiplegic hand is important in stroke rehabilitation. In this paper, motor recoveries in 8 chronic stroke patients with Fugl-Meyer (FM) and white matter changes before and after the training program with a designed bilateral symmetrical arm trainer (BSAT) system were examined. The training was performed at 1 hr/day, 5 days/week during 6weeks. In all patients, FM was significantly improved after the 6-week training. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) results showed that tractional anisotropy ratio (FAR) and fiber tracking ratio (FTR) in the posterior internal capsule were significantly increased after the training. It seemed that the cortical reorganization was induced by the 6 week training with the BSAT. In all parameters proposed this study, a significant correlation was found between these parameters (FAR and FTR) and motor recoveries. This study demonstrated that DTI technique could be useful in predicting motor recovery in chronic hemiparetic patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.86-93
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of task-oriented arm training for chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. The experimental design in this study was the pre-test and post-test with control group for 4-week intervention. Thirty patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke were recruited from 2 rehabilitation units. The subjects were divided randomly into experimental and control groups. The experimental group conducted task-oriented approach, involving 3 subparts of upper extremity activities, and the control group involved in the general upper extremity exercises. Functional movements of the upper extremities were assessed using clinical measures, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity Section, Box and Block Test, and Action Research Arm Test. The score of Fugl-Meyer Assessment showed greater increases in the experimental group than in the control group after training. The improvement in Box and Block Test between pre-test and post-test measurements was significantly greater after task-oriented arm training compared to general upper extremity exercises. Action Research Arm Test scores also improved after task-oriented arm training compared to exercises in the control group. The task-oriented arm training improves the gross and fine motor activities and encouraging the use of the paretic arm through activity dependent intervention expedites the recovery of functional activities in the upper extremities for chronic hemiparetic stroke.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of electromechanical gait trainer therapy in stroke patients. The gait trainer was designed to provide nonambulatory subjects the repetitive practice of a gait-like movement without overstraining therapist. To simulate normal gait, discrete stance and swing phase, lasting 60% and 40% of the gait cycle respectively, and the control of the movement of the centre of mass were required. Methods : This preliminary study investigated during 8 weeks therapy on the gait trainer could improve gait ability in 5 subacute and chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Gait ability(time up & go [TUG], comfortable and maximal gait speed and functional ambulation category[FAC]), functional movement of lower extremity(Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA] and composite spasticity score [CSS]) and sensory of lower extremity(Fugl-Meyer Assessment sensory [FMA-s])were the measured. Results : TUG, comfortable and maximal gait speed and FMA were improved significantly. Although FAC, FMA-s and CSS were improved, there were not statistically significant. Conclusion : Therefore, the gait trainer enabled affected patients the repetitive practice of a gait-like movement, which is important for the restoration of walking ability.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.97-104
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• 2008

Objectives : Investigate the effectiveness of an acupuncture at Palsa(BaXie) in hemiparetic patients after stroke. Methods : Acupuncture at Palsa(BaXie) applied to thirty one hemiparetic patients who had been by general treatment after stroke. The other thirty one hemiparetic patients had only general treatment. Outcomes were assessed by Medical research council scale motor grade(MRCSMG) of wrist, grip power, Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale(FMS) of hand, and Motricity Index(MI) of fingers. Results : The patients exhibited substantial improvements on grip power and Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale of hand, but Medical research council scale motor grade of wrist and Motricity Index of fingers have not significantly meaningful differences between sample and control group. Conclusions : Acupuncture at Palsa(BaXie) may be an effective method of improving hand function of hemiparetic patients after stroke.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.11-18
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• 2011

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between physical impairments and daily activities on the basis of the outcome measurements in stroke patients. Seventy-six stroke patients participated in this study. Two physical therapists evaluated 3 clinical common measurements, i.e., the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Multiple regression analysis was used, as the dependent variables were the BBS and FIM; the independent variables were post-stroke duration, FMA of Upper Extremity (FMU), and FMA of Lower Extremity (FML). In the regression equation of the BBS, the coefficient of determination ($R^2$) was .383, and the FML was found to be the most important variable for determining the BBS score. In the regression equation of the FIM, $R^2$ was .531, and the FML was found to be the most important variable for determining the FIM. These results suggest that there is a need to determine the function of activities on the basis of the physical impairments of stroke patients. More variable measurement tools on the levels of body function and structure, as well as activity limitations are required.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.41-48
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• 2013

Purpose : The aim of this study was to compare the effect of task-oriented training using the PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) and task-oriented training with chronic stroke patients. Methods : Sixteen chronic stroke patients participated. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and experimental group( 8 experimental, 8 control). All of participants were in-patients at local hospital and had been received training appropriate to the purpose of each group program. Experimental period was carried out 30 minutes/day, five days/week, during four weeks. The experimental group trained the task-oriented training using the PNF and control group trained the task-oriented training. Fugl-meyer assessment scale and Modified Barthel Index was measured to compare the upper arm function and activities of daily living. We were measured before and after the training. Results : The results of the study were as follow: Fugl-meyer assessment scale was significantly increased both groups(p<.05), and significant between groups(p<.05). Modified Barthel index was significantly increased both groups(p<.05) and between groups(p<.05). Conclusion : PNF can be effective in improving upper arm function and ability to perform daily life of chronic stroke patients.

• International Journal of Contents
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.20-31
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• 2021

This study aimed to pilot test a newly developed bilateral upper limb rehabilitation training program for improving the upper limb function of individuals with chronic stroke using a visual feedback method. The double-group pretest-posttest design pilot study included 10 individuals with chronic stroke (age >50 years). The intervention (four weekly meetings) consisted of five upper limb training protocols (wrist extension; forearm supination and pronation; elbow extension and shoulder flexion; weight-bearing shift; and shoulder, elbow, and wrist complex movements). Upper limb movement function recovery was assessed with the FuglMeyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity, the Wolf Motor Function Test, the Trunk Control Test, the modified Ashworth Scale, and the visual analog scale at baseline, immediately after, and four weeks after the intervention. The Fatigue Severity Scale was also employed. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity and Wolf Motor Function Test showed significant improvement in upper limb motor function. The Trunk Control Test results increased slightly, and the modified Ashworth Scale decreased slightly, without statistical significance. The visual analog scale scores showed a significant decrease and the Fatigue Severity Scale scores were moderate or low. The bilateral upper limb training program using the visual feedback method could result in slight upper limb function improvements in individuals with chronic stroke.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.502-508
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• 2022

Objective: Contralateral seventh cervical nerve transfer (contralateral C7 transfer) is a newly attempted method to restore upper extremity motor function in the patients with spastic arm paralysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of contralateral C7 transfer on upper extremity motor function in the patients with spastic hemiplegia after stroke. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: Thirty-four patients with spastic hemiplegia after stroke was investigated. All patients registered between January 2020 and February 2021. The subjects were assessed on upper extremity motor function, cognition, and spasticity before and after contralateral C7 transfer. The upper extremity motor function was measured using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scale and box & block test. The cognition and spasticity were assessed by Korean version mini mental state examination (K-MMSE) and modified Ashworth scale from baseline to 8 weeks after the surgery. Results: The Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scale and modified Ashworth scale were significantly improved after contralateral C7 transfer (p<0.05). However, box & block test and K-MMSE were no significant changes after the surgery (p>0.05). Conclusions: This study suggested that the contralateral C7 transfer was a feasible and practical approach to improve upper extremity motor function in the patients with spastic hemiplegia after stroke, but further study is required to identify the long-term effects after the contralateral C7 transfer.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.11 no.8
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• pp.235-242
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• 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of imagery training on upper limb function and activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients. This study included 16 voluntary participants with subacute stroke. Subjects were randomly assigned to either experimental or control group, with 8 in each group. Imagery training group performed imagery training during 30 minutes and then task-oriented training 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Control group performed task-oriented training during 30 minutes during a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Assessments were made using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA) to evaluate the changes of upper function. And modified Barthel Index (MBI) was measured to evaluate the activities of daily living. The results showed that imagery training group was more significant increase than control group in WMFT, FMA, and MBI (p<.05). Small to huge effect sizes of 1.59, 2.02, 0.37 were observed for WMFT, FMA, and MBI, respectively. This study indicated that imagery training may be helpful in improving the upper limb function and activities of daily living for subacute stroke patients, and support the clinical feasibility of the imagery training.