• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.19-25
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• 2018

PURPOSE: Most gait assessment tools are expensive and require controlled laboratory environments. Tri-axial accelerometers have been used in gait analysis as an alternative to laboratory assessments. Many smartphones have added an accelerometer, making it possible to assess spatio-temporal gait parameters. This study was conducted to confirm the reliability and validity of a smartphone-based accelerometer at quantifying spatio-temporal gait parameters of stroke patients when attached to the body. METHODS: We measured gait parameters using a smartphone accelerometer and gait parameters through the GAITRite analysis system and the reliability and validity of the smartphone-based accelerometer for quantifying spatio-temporal gait parameters for stroke patients were then evaluated. Thirty stroke patients were asked to walk at self-selected comfortable speeds over a 10 m walkway, during which time gait velocity, cadence and step length were computed from smartphone-based accelerometers and validated with a GAITRite analysis system. RESULTS: Smartphone data was found to have excellent reliability ($ICC2,1{\geq}.98$) for measuring the tested parameters, with a high correlation being observed between smartphone-based gait parameters and GAITRite analysis system-based gait parameters (r = .99, .97, .41 for gait velocity, cadence, step length, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that specific opportunities exist for smartphone-based gait assessment as an alternative to conventional gait assessment. Moreover, smartphone-based gait assessment can provide objective information about changes in the spatio-temporal gait parameters of stroke subjects.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.730-741
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to report the effectiveness of traditional Korean medicine treatment with rehabilitation exercise on a chronic intracerebral hemorrhage patient with a severe gait disturbance. Method: The patient was treated with Korean herbal medicine (Gami-sibjeondaebo-tang) along with acupuncture, moxibustion, and rehabilitation exercise. The treatment effect was evaluated through the Manual Muscle Test (MMT) and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). The gait of the patient was evaluated by Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The spatiotemporal parameters were evaluated by a walkway system (GAITRite(R) system) and gait symmetry was evaluated by Symmetry Criterion (SC). Results: After 111 days of traditional Korean medicine treatment, the spatiotemporal parameters and symmetry of the patient's gait improved. Conclusion: This study suggested that traditional Korean medicine treatment with rehabilitation exercise could be effective for gait disturbance in patients with chronic intracerebral hemorrhage.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.148-159
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• 2012

Objectives: This study investigated the correlation among Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Timed "Up and Go" Test (TUG) and gait (velocity, cadence, step-length, stride-length and single-limb support). Methods: The 70 subjects were assessed on trunk control measured with the use of the PASS, dynamic balance (TUG) and gait function (by GAITRite). The data were analyzed using Pearson product correlation. Results: The PASS total scores were significantly correlated with PASS-M, PASS-C, and PASS-T (r =.80 ~ .88 p<.01). All items of the PASS were significantly correlated with TUG (r = -.63 ~ -.81 p<.01), velocity (r = .44~.58 p<.01), cadence (r =.38 ~.51. p<.01), affected side step length (r = .44 ~.56 p<.01) and affected side stride length (r = .45 ~.59 p<.01). But affected side single-limb support was lowly correlated with PASS-M, PASS-C, PASS-T and PASS-total (r = .25~.36 p<.05). Conclusions: Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of dynamic balance and gait. Based on these results, trunk control is an essential core component of balance and gait. Trunk control training programs after stroke should be developed and emphasized.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.75-85
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• 2021

Objectives: This study reported about a patient with a right middle cerebral artery infarction whose gait disturbance was improved by Korean medicine treatment. Methods: The patient was treated with a Korean herbal medicine (Gami-yukmijihwang-tang) along with acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and physical therapy. The treatment effect was evaluated with the manual muscle test (MMT) and the Korean version of the modified Barthel index (K-MBI). The gait of the patient was evaluated by a 10-m walk test (10MWT), the timed up and go (TUG) test, the functional ambulation profile (FAP) score, and the functional ambulatory category (FAC) score. Spatiotemporal parameters were evaluated using a walkway system (GAITRite®, CIR Systems, Inc., USA). Results: After 83 days of traditional Korean medicine treatment, the K-MBI and FAC scores improved from 50 to 70 and from 1 to 4, respectively. The 10MWT and TUG tests also improved from 24.86 to 16.66 sec and from 22.35 to 17.62 sec, respectively. GAITRite® measurements reflected gait improvements: the FAP score improved from 55 to 86 sec; the step time improved from 0.72 to 0.669 sec; the step length improved from 31.076 cm to 41.284 cm; the gait velocity improved from 42.8 cm/sec to 64.1 cm/sec; the cadence improved from 93.6 steps/min to 90.8 steps/min. No adverse effects resulting from treatment or evaluation occurred during the admission period. Conclusions: This study suggests that traditional Korean medicine treatment may reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life in patients with cerebral infarction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.385-394
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• 2010

Purpose : The present study was to examine the difference and severity of asymmetry in independently ambulating stroke survivors and to establish the association between gait asymmetry, velocity, and the motor function of lower extremity. Methods : The subjects used in this study were 43 subjects with hemiparesis being able to walk independently. Motor function of lower extremity was measured clinically with the Fugl Meyer-Lower /Extremity Assessment. Overground gait velocity and spatia-temporal parameters were collected by the GAITRite system. Results : Thirty(69.77%) patients showed statistically significant temporal asymmetry while 28(65.1%) exhibited statistically significant spatial asymmetry. One-way ANOVA results showed a main effect of temporal asymmetry group(normative, mild, severe) for gait velocity(F=74.129), FM-L/E(F=17.270), swing-stance symmetry(F=66.869, F=13.485, respectively), spatio-temporal asymmetry(F=13.166, F=31.800, respectively) 66, F=31.800, respectively). Gait velocity was negatively associated with temporal asymmetry(r=-.83), spatial asymmetry(r=-.60). Motor function of lower extremity was also associated with temporal asymmetry(r=-.58), and spatial asymmetry(r=-.50). Conclusion : The study attempted to establish the standard assessment of hemiparesis gait symmetry in light of the complex relationship with motor impairment and gait velocity. More future work will need to link the degree of gait asymmetry to clinically relevant outcomes to better establish the clinical significance of such observations.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.1-7
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• 2006

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the difference or temporal-spatial gait asymmetry ratio according to static pelvic inclination level in hemiplegic patients. Methods: The subjects were 25 hemiplegic patients who was experienced stroke on MCA territory. Gait parameters and static pelvic inclination were recorded by $GAITRite^{(R)}$ system and radiologic PACS. The subjects were divided into three group according to static pelvic inclination. In the group I, the subjects have static pelvic inclination below $58^{\circ}$. The group II has $58^{\circ}{\sim}62^{\circ}$ or static pelvic inclination and the group m has over $62^{\circ}$ or static pelvic inclination. The data or three groups were analysed with ANOVA. Results: In comparison or single support time asymmetry ratio among 3 groups, the score or group II was significantly higher than the other groups(p<0.05). But the swing time asymmetry ratio was not significant(p>0.05). Conclusion: Asymmetry ratio of single support time was statistically significant by static pelvic inclination level. But asymmetry ratio or group II was the highest among three groups. It means that the patients or normal range of pelvic inclination was showed the most asymmetry or gait. And swing time asymmetry ratio was not significant among three groups. Even if the patient has normal ranged static pelvic inclination, it doesn't suggest that the patient has low gait asymmetry.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.94-102
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• 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of treadmill gait training with patellar taping on gait abilities in chronic stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients who have been diagnosed at least six months or before were recruited in Gyeongin Rehabilitation Center Hospital, located in Incheon. Patients who were enrolled in this study were randomized to experimental group (n=15) or control group (n=15). Treadmill with patella taping training group patients were applied with patellar taping when they were being trained on a treadmill. Control group patients were being trained on a treadmill without any kind of taping. Gait parameters were measured with a GAITRite$^{(R)}$ system which evaluated gait performances. Gait trainings were done for 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Results: After treadmill training, treadmill with patella taping training group showed a significant improvement in gait abilities, including velocity, cadence, paretic and non-paretic step length, and double support period (p<0.05). However, in general treadmill group, there were no significant differences in gait parameters except velocity and cadence. There was a significant difference in gait performance in the experimental group compared with the control group, except for the gait symmetry ratio (p<0.05). Conclusions: According to this result of this study, it seems that application of patellar taping in treadmill gait training for chronic stroke patients significantly improved gait abilities of these patients. Also, we can conclude that patella taping is thought to be useful in real clinical settings where there are many chronic patients who are in need of improvement in their gait abilities.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.125-133
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• 2014

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of patellar taping on balance and gait abilities in chronic stroke patients. Design: Randomized placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients who have been diagnosed at least six months or before were recruited from R hospital. These study subjects were randomized to the experimental group (n=15) or placebo group (n=15). In the experimental group, patellar taping was applied while for the placebo group, placebo taping was applied. The Balance System SD was used for measuring dynamic standing balance in these two groups. In addition, the GAITRite (CIR System Inc.) system was utilized for calculating gait performance in these patients. Results: After application of taping, the patellar taping group showed a significant decrease in dynamic standing balance in their sway area (p<0.05). However, in the placebo group, there was no significant difference in dynamic standing balance ability and gait ability before and after application of taping. Comparison of the patellar taping group and placebo group showed significant differences in dynamic standing balance ability and gait performance (p<0.05). Conclusions: From the results of this study, it appears that application of patellar taping in chronic stroke patients significantly improved dynamic standing balance ability and gait ability in these patients. Based on these results, patellar taping is thought to be useful in real clinical settings where there are many chronic patients who are in need of improvement in their balance and gait ability.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.125-131
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• 2020

Purpose : Lower extremity orthoses have been used as conservative methods to recover gait of the stroke patients. The purpose of this study is to examine how newly designed pelvic belt orthosis can improve gait ability and dynamic balance of adults with Hemiparesis after stroke. Methods : 22 patients who had hemiparesis after stroke participated in this study. Two groups were randomly created by assigning 10 subjects to the experimental group and the rest of the 12 subjects to the control group. The control group was treated by conventional physical therapy and occupational therapy. Identical therapy protocols were used to treat the experimental group who were assigned to wear the pelvic belt orthosis during post measurement. This study has a group of independent variables including group, gender, age, height, MAS, lesion side, cause and a group of dependent variables including gait speed, cadence, step length, stride length, and dynamic balance. The GAITRite system was used to measure spatial-temporal gain parameters and the balance system SD to measure dynamic balance. The data was analyzed using R version 3.3.1. Random forest, boosting algorithm, and MANOVA test were conducted to determine the effects of independent variables on dependent variables. Results : This study has a group of independent variables including group, gender, age, height, MAS, lesion side, cause and a group of dependent variables including gait speed, cadence, step length, stride length, and dynamic balance. The independent variable "group" has the most important value, which is approximately 25.42 (%IncMSE) representing a value three times greater than the second important predictor "height." Conclusion : As a result of this research, the hypothesis is validated with conclusion that Pelvic Belt orthosis could be effectively used for improving gait ability and balance of the patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.