• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1387-1392
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fall injuries on the balancing abilities and ankle flexibility. Fifteen of the voluntary participants had no experience of falling in the last two years (none falling group, NFG) and 15 others experienced at least one (falling group, FG). Static balance (sway length, sway area), dynamic balance (timed up and go (TUG), and functional to reach test (FRT) were measured in each group. In comparison of static balance, sway length was not significantly different between NFG and FG in both eyes open and eyes close, however the sway area of the FG was significantly wider than that of the NFG (p<.05). In dynamic balance comparisons, TUG of FG was significantly longer than that of NFG (p <.05), however FRT and STS were no significant difference between groups. Ankle flexibility was significantly higher in NFG than in FG. This study suggests that the fall prevention program should include methods for improving ankle stability and lower extremity function.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.29-43
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• 2015

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop management guidelines and a procedure for an anthropometric suitability assessment of the main control room (MCR) in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Background: The condition of the MCR should be suitable for the work crews in NPPs. The suitability of the MCR depends closely on the anthropometric dimensions and ergonomic factors of the users. In particular, the MCR workspace design in NPPs is important due to the close relationship with operating crews and their work failures. Many documents and criteria have recommended that anthropometry dimensions and their studies are one of the foremost processes of the MCR design in NPPs. If these factors are not properly considered, users can feel burdened about their work and the human errors that might occur. Method: The procedure for the anthropometric suitability assessment consists of 5 phases: 1) selection of the anthropometric suitability evaluation dimensions, 2) establishment of a measurement method according to the evaluation dimensions, 3) establishment of criteria for suitability evaluation dimensions, 4) establishment of rating scale and improvement methods according to the evaluation dimensions, and 5) assessment of the final grade for evaluation dimensions. The management guidelines for an anthropometric suitability assessment were completed using 10 factors: 1) director, 2) subject, 3) evaluation period, 4) measurement method and criteria, 5) selection of equipment, 6) measurement and evaluation, 7) suitability evaluation, 8) data sharing, 9) data storage, and 10) management according to the suitability grade. Results: We propose a set of 17 anthropometric dimensions for the size, cognition/perception action/behavior, and their relationships with human errors regarding the MCR design variables through a case study. The 17 selected dimensions are height, sitting height, eye height from floor, eye height above seat, arm length, functional reach, extended functional reach, radius reach, visual field, peripheral perception, hyperopia/myopia/astigmatism, color blindness, auditory acuity, finger dexterity, hand function, body angle, and manual muscle test. We proposed criteria on these 17 anthropometric dimensions for a suitability evaluation and suggested an improvement method according to the evaluation dimensions. Conclusion: The results of this study can improve the human performance of the crew in an MCR. These management guidelines and a procedure for an anthropometric suitability assessment will be able to prevent human errors due to inadequate anthropometric dimensions. Application: The proposed set of anthropometric dimensions can be integrated into a managerial index for the anthropometric suitability of the operating crews for more careful countermeasures to human errors in NPPs.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week combined cognitive and physical exercise program on cognitive and physical functions in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design: A one-group pretest-posttest study. Methods: Twelve participants with MCI engaged in a weekly 60-minute session of combined cognitive and physical exercise program. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while physical function was evaluated through measures of muscle strength, postural balance, and walking capabilities. Muscle strength assessments included the arm curl test, handgrip strength, and the 5 sit-to-stand test. Postural balance was evaluated using the one-leg stance test, timed up-and-go test, functional reach test, and four square step test. Walking function was analyzed through a gait analysis device. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were compared to determine the effects of the exercise program. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in MoCA, arm curl test, timed up-and-go test, walking speed, and cadence following the 12-week intervention (p<0.05). MoCA scores revealed enhanced cognitive performance, while measures of muscle strength, including the arm curl test, exhibited significant changes. Improvements in timed up-and-go test scores indicated enhanced mobility, accompanied by increased walking speed and cadence, as evidenced by gait analysis. Conclusions: This study suggests that a structured 12-week program incorporating both cognitive and physical exercises can lead to meaningful improvements in cognitive and physical functions among older adults with MCI.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2018

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to comparison of the effects of proprioception traning and muscle strength traning on the ankle strength and balance of obese middle-aged woman. Method : The subjects of this study are obese-middle aged woman; 8 woman who agreed with this research, were picked up. Participants were divided randomly into equal groups: experimental group receved proprioception traning for 6 weeks, which consists of 3 times per week, 30 min for each session. control group received strength training during the same period. Muscle strength and balance were measured dorsi flexion, plantar flexion, functional reach test and one leg standing. The intervention were compared by measuring before and after. Result : There were significant improvements in the subscales of the muscle strength of both group and balance test of those who practiced with the proprioception traning, while the muscle strength traning showed significant changes only muscle strength. Conclusion : Therefore, proprioception training is beneficial in improvement of to improve the muscle strength and balance in middle-aged woman with obesity.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.372-378
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of side walking training with an elastic-band on gait and balance ability of stroke patients. Methods: Twenty three patients with stroke participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the side walking with elastic-band group (n=7), the side walking without elastic-band group (n=8), and the walking on the treadmill group (n=8);. 10 m walking test (10MWT), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT) were performed for evaluatione of pre- and post-intervention in gait and balance ability of participants. Results: Significantly differences in 10 MWT, DGI, BBS, and mFRT were observed between pre- and post-intervention in three groups (p<0.05). Improvement of pre- and post-intervention of mFRT showed significant difference (p<0.05). The highest rate of change was observed in the side walking with elastic-band group and rate of change showed in the order of the side walking without elastic-band group, walking on the treadmill group. Conclusion: This study suggests that side walking training with an elastic-band may help to improve gait and balance ability of stroke patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.1-16
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• 2018

Purpose : This meta-analysis was aimed at guiding future research in stroke treatment and to provide real-world data relating to the effects of aquatic exercise therapy on balance in patients with chronic stroke. Methods : We performed a meta-analysis comprising 22 studies involving aquatic exercise therapy performed between 2006 and 2017. A meta-analysis software program was used to calculate the mean effect size, effect size by intervention, and effect size by outcome. We also performed a meta-regression analysis and an analysis of publishing bias. Results : The mean effect size was 0.563. The effect size by outcome was observed to be the largest for the functional reach test, followed by the Berg balance scale, balance equipment, the Timed Up and Go test and one leg standing. Meta-regression analysis showed that effect size increased with an increase in the duration, number, length of exercise session. Conclusion : Aquatic exercise therapy appears to show a moderate effect on balance in patients with chronic stroke. A meta-analysis is warranted for further research to determine the effects of aquatic exercise on walking, muscle strength, and range of motion.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.11-19
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• 2017

Purpose : This study examined the effects of balance training using virtual reality program on sitting balance ability and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. Method : In the study, 20 patients with hemiplegia were divided into two groups: experiment group (EG) of 10 patients and control group(CG) of 10 patients. The two groups received general occupational therapy for 30 minutes, per day, at a rate of 5 times per week for 6 weeks. The EG was additionally conducted which was performed virtual reality balance training and the CG was conducted general occupational therapy balance training for 30-minutes, once a day, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Result : The evaluations of this study included: limit of stability(LOS), modified Functional Reach Test(mFRT), and modified Barthel Index(MBI). The patients were evaluated before and after their six week training programs. Significant differences in the LOS, mFRT, MBI were found between pretest and posttest scores in both the EG and CG groups(p<.05). Also, LOS, mFRT, MBI were significant different between the groups at post-test(p<.05). Conclusion : The study findings suggest that virtual reality balance training can improve sitting balance and ADL ability in stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.55-62
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• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Rhythmic Stabilization(RS) and Combination of Isotonic(CI) of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on balance in patients with hemiplegia. Methods : Ten patients with hemiplegia were trained with RS and CI for six weeks. Two Standard Scale(TSS), Functional Reach Test(FRT), Time Up and Go test(TUG) and Berg Balance Scale(BBS) were used to prove their improvement of balance. Results : Body weight bearing decreased on less affected side and increased on more affected side. Distance of forward reaching for FRT increased. Time for TUG decreased. BBS score increased. They all showed significant difference. Conclusion : This study suggests that balance training with RS and CI of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation improved balance in patients with hemiplegia.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.56-65
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• 2020

Purpose: Individuals affected by stroke present with changes in motor function, balance, and cognition. The purpose of this study was to the correlation between motor function, balance, and cognition in patients with stroke. Design: cross-sectional study design. Methods: 67 stroke patients in the experiment were included. For evaluation of motor function which is Manual Muscle Test, Range of Motion, Modified Ashworth Scale for spasticity, grasping power, and balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Functional reach test. For evaluating Cognition which is Korean-Mini Mental State Examination. Results: The results of this study's motor function, balance, and cognition showed a significant positive correlation (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that motor function, balance, and cognition were significantly correlated with each other. Therefore, it is suggested that to improve the motor function and balance of patients with stoke, it needs to evaluate the cognition and the motor function, balance, and cognitive training should be combined.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.37-43
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• 2009

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of core stability training at deep abdominal muscle for balance control of hemiplegic patient. Method : The subject of this study was a 47-year-old man with right hemiplegia. He was treated five times a week for three weeks with core stability training at deep abdominal muscles. Evaluation tool was used Functional reach test(FRT), timed up and go test(TUG) and one leg standing for stroke patients. Result : The FRT distance increase, TUG time decrease, one leg standing time increase core stability training at deep abdominal muscles for right hemiplegia improved was the ability for maintain balance. Posture and control of trunk stability are changing posture, and so which showed significant improve of total balance control. Conclusion : The result of this study showed that core stability training at deep abdominal muscles is an effective treatment for balance control. Therefore, it could be considered as a treatment method in the rehabilitation of stroke patient with poor postural control and imbalance, although further studies are needed.