• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.58-65
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• 2017

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired postural control, but critically require the control of stability. Consequently, therapeutic interventions for enhancing postural control in children with CP have undergone extensive research. One intervention is sensorimotor training (SMT) using a Flexi-bar, but this has not previously been studied with respect to targeting trunk control in children with CP. Objects: This study was conducted to determine the effect of SMT using a Flexi-bar on postural balance and gait performance in children with CP. Methods: Three children with ambulatory spastic diplegia (SD) participated in the SMT program by using a Flexi-bar for forty minutes per day, three times a week, for six weeks. Outcome variables included the pediatric balance scale (PBS), trunk control movement scale (TCMS), 10 meter walking test (10MWT), and 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. Results: The SMT provided no statistically significant improvement in PBS, TCMS, 10MWT, or 3-dimensional movement coordination measurement. However, positive changes were observed in individual outcomes, as balance and trunk control movement were improved. Conclusion: SMT using a Flexi-bar may be considered by clinicians as a potential intervention for increasing postural balance and performance in children with SD. Future studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of Flexi-bar exercise in improving the functional activity of subjects with SD.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.171-179
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• 2022

Background: The application of Kinesio tape (KT) has become an alternative treatment for the reduction of edema owing to its distinct characteristics that mimic skin behavior. Although many studies have found that KT application has a positive effect on edema related to breast cancer and rehabilitation following mandibular third molar surgery, there is little evidence to support the use of KT for musculoskeletal injuries. Objects: The purpose of this study was to review the literature related to KT application for reducing edema caused by musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A literature search (July 2022) was performed on PubMed for articles published between January 2012 and June 2022. The following keywords were used: "Kinesio taping," "Kinesio tape," "swelling," and "edema," with different combinations and derivations. Only articles available in English were included in this study. Results: Among 68 identified studies, seven met our search strategy and criteria and were included in the literature review. Five of these studies investigated musculoskeletal disorders of the knee joint; two of them reported that KT application had a positive effect on edema measured using perimetry following total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the KT application did not improve swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains. Pediatric patients with acute proximal phalangeal joint sprain experienced a more significant improvement in the reduction of swelling than the group using a splint. Conclusion: This literature review found discrepant evidence to support using KT for edema control in musculoskeletal disorders. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of KT for controlling edema following musculoskeletal injuries.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.62-71
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to find a more effective balance training method. The subjects of this study were 14 children with cerebral palsy (7 males, 7 females) being treated at Seran Pediatric Developmental Research Center in Taegu. Two groups of children with cerebral palsy (everyday trained group, every-other-day trained group) were evaluated with visual & auditory feedback. Evaluation and training device was Balance Performance Monitor (BPM) Dataprint Software Version 5.3. There was statistically significant difference of the balance score between the pre-and the post-training in both group (p<.05), but there was no difference of the balance score between two groups (p<.05). In conclusion, it is likely that the visual and auditory feedback in children with cerebral palsy was effective in improving standing balance, but there was no difference between everyday trained group and every-other-day trained group.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.75-85
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• 2020

PURPOSE: Cerebral palsy is a common cause of disability in children, requiring constant rehabilitation. Improving balance in children with cerebral palsy helps to alleviate daily movement and the quality of life. This study examines a program that combines Resistance Exercise and Group Exercise, and investigates the effect on trunk control ability, balance ability, maximum grip strength, and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Totally, 9 children with cerebral palsy participated in this study. Resistance exercise was performed for 8 weeks, 40 minutes every day. Group Exercise was conducted for 8 weeks, 40 minutes each Sunday. All participants were evaluated by the Korean version of the trunk control measurement scale, pediatric reach test, grip strength test, and KIDSCREEN-52. RESULTS: The trunk control ability was significantly improved in all subcategories (p < .05). In the pediatric reach test, the left and right directions were significantly improved (p < .05). Maximum grip strength was significantly improved in both hands (p < .05). The quality of life significantly improved in total score, physical well-being, general moods, self-perception, autonomy, relationship with parents, and home life (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Considering the encouraging results, we propose to use Resistance Exercise and Group Exercise as programs other than rehabilitation treatment in hospitals, to improve motor function and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.128-135
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• 2023

Background: Despite the fact that aquatic exercise is one of the most popular alternative treatment methods for children with cerebral palsy (CP), there are few research regarding its effectiveness. Objects: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aquatic exercise on upper extremity function and postural control during reaching in children with CP. Methods: Ten participants (eight males and two females; 4-10 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II-IV) with spastic diplegia were recruited to this study. The aquatic exercise program consisted of four modified movements that were selected from the Halliwick 10-point program to enhance upper extremity and trunk movements. The participants attended treatment two times a week for 6 weeks, averaging 35 minutes each session. The Box and Block Test (BBT), transferring pennies in the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT), and pediatric reaching test (PRT) scores were used as clinical measures. Three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to collect and analyze kinematic data. Differences in BBT and BOT values among pre-treatment, post-treatment, and retention (after 3 weeks) were analyzed using a Friedman test. In addition, the PRT scores and variables (movement time, hand velocity, straightness ratio, and number of movement units) from the three-dimensional motion analysis were tested using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The significance level was established at p < 0.05. When the results appeared to be statistically significant, a post-hoc test for multiple comparisons was performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: All clinical measures, which included BBT, transferring pennies of BOT, and PRT, were significantly increased between pre-intervention and post-intervention scores and between pre-intervention and retention scores after treatment (p = 0.001). Three-dimensional motion analysis mostly were significantly improved after treatment (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Aquatic exercise may help to improve body function, activity, and participation in children with varying types of physical disabilities.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.367-376
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in pediatric Cobb's angle resulting from using the modified scoliosis exercise method to promote proprioception. Methods: There were 32 participants in this study. Cobb's angle was measured automatically using a ZeTTA PACS Viewer through a digital computer program with whole-body x-ray anterior to posterior. Scoliosis was diagnosed by a Cobb's angle of 10° or higher. Modified scoliosis exercises were used as the program for the three-stage method used in the study: the preparation phase (warm-up), actual exercise phase (main exercise), and final clean-up phase (cool-down). In this study, exercises that can promote proprioception, including muscle strengthening, stretching, equilibrium, myofascial release, balance taping, and traction, were applied, and their effects before and after treatment were compared. After implementing the exercise methods once a week-15 times total for about 4 months-the changes in Cobb's angle were measured. Results: After having the pediatric scoliosis patients practice the modified scoliosis exercises for four months, it was found that the Cobb's angle of the spine significantly decreased. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the modified pediatric scoliosis exercise, which is capable of promoting proprioception, is also effective in improving Cobb's angle.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.77-87
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• 2010

The present case study highlights the effects of a novel Comprehensive Hand Repetitive Intensive Strengthening Training (CHRIST) on morphological changes and associated upper extremity (UE) muscle strength and motor performance in a child with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The Child, a 10-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic CP, was treated with CHRIST for 60 minutes a day, five times a week, for 5 weeks. The CHRIST was designed to improve motor function and strength. Clinical tests including the modified Wolf Test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and Pediatric Motor Activity Log questionnaire were used to determine motor function. Ultrasound imaging was performed to determine the changes in the cross-section area (CSA) of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and triceps brachii (TRI). Muscle strength was measured with a dynamometer at pretest, and post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Ultrasound imaging data showed that the CSAs of both ECR and TRI muscles were enhanced as a function of the intervention. These changes were associated with muscle strength and motor performance and their effects remained even at a 3-month follow-up test. Our results suggest that the CHRIST was effective at treating muscle atrophy, weakness and motor dysfunction in a child with spastic quadriplegic CP.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.27-38
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• 2018

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to find out the treatment patterns of Children with cerebral palsy, and to analyze the effect of physical function level and treatment intensity on improvement of physical function in children with cerebral palsy for six months. METHODS: Participants were 126 children (boys 83, girls 43) diagnosed cerebral palsy that the mean age was at 33months, ranged from 8 months to 77 months. We collected data related on demography and disable characteristic, treatment pattern using by questionnaire constructed ourselves for six months on caregivers. The treatment pattern includes, type, frequency, and institute of treatment. We performed the evaluation of Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) between pre and post for six months in order to find out improvement of physical function. We analyzed the effect of physical functional level measured by Gross Motor Functional Classification system, age, treatment intensity on physical function using by repeated measures ANOVA for SPSS PC ver. 22.0. RESULTS: The average of treatment frequency for physical therapy was 5.74 times per week, occupational therapy was 3.96 times, speech therapy was 2.96 times, treatment for accompanying disability was 3.12 times. Physical function level and age was significantly factors affecting improvement of physical function, there was no significant difference according to treatment intensity. CONCLUSION: We suggest that physical function and age might be important factors on improvement of physical function and professional rehabilitation team must consider the appropriate treatment type customized to each children.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.81-88
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• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this paper is to review the continuing education (CE) for physiotherapists and especially to draw attention to the perception and need of the education so that the present study aimed to provide information for improving the education program. Methods : The study obtained information from CE of the Korea Physical Therapy Association held in Gwangju on April 12 and July 19, 2015 to understand the perception and needs of CE. Present study showed that 431 out of 563 people who answered to the survey, with a 76.5 % response rate. Among them, 350 people were selected for the final analysis, except for questionnaires whose responses were insufficient. Among them, the level of perception of CE was 238, excluding 112 people who did not receive an education in 2014. Results : The perception of CE according to experience showed a weak positive correlation in questions 1 (r=.244), 5 (r=.244) and 10 (r=1.129) (p<.05). There was no significant correlation in questions 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11 (p>.05). The needs of CE according to experience showed weak negative correlations in musculoskeletal system (r=-.141), nervous system (r=-.136), geriatric (r=-.117), oriental physical therapy (r=-.130), and other new technologies (r=-.232) (p<.05). Basic education, pediatric, cardiopulmonary system, sports, physical agents, and women's fields were not significantly correlated (p>.05). Conclusion : There was little or no significant correlation between perception and needs for the CE based on physical therapists' experiences. Current research suggests that for a CE for physical therapists, the perception of education should first be renovated, and then the quality of education should also be improved based on the need of them.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.293-299
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• 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of functional training using a sliding rehabilitation machine (SRM) on the mobility of the ankle joint and balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The subjects consisted of 11 children who were diagnosed with spastic CP. They carried out the functional training using the SRM for 30 minutes, three times a week, for 8 weeks. Before and after all of the training sessions, the subjects were tested using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM), range of motion (ROM) in the ankle joint, the pennation angle of the gastrocnemius muscle and the fascicle length of gastrocnemius muscle were measured to determine the mobility of the ankle joint and balance ability. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the pre-test and post-test in the PBS and GMFM. The ROM of the ankle joint was significantly increased after the functional training using the SRM. Moreover, the fascicle length was increased and the pennation angle was decreased after the functional training using the SRM, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that functional training using the SRM may have some effect on the mobility of ankle joint and balance in children with CP. According to the results, this study could present an approach to the rehabilitation or treatment of children with CP.