• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2012

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of trunk control training on the labile surface on relative impulse and balance in stroke patients. Methods: A total of 21 participants were assigned to an experimental group (n=11) or a control group (n=10). In addition to conventional therapy, the experimental group received trunk control training on the swiss ball; 20 minutes, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks. Balance ability was evaluated by FRT (functional reaching test) and TUG (time up and go). In addition relative impulse in 6 areas of the foot (hallux, 1st metatarsal head, 2~3 metatasal head, 4~5 metatasal head, mid foot and heel) were measured using the F-scan system to evaluate locomotion ability during gait. Results: Significant differences in the relative impulse were observed in the areas of the 2~3 metatasal head during gait after exercise in both the control group and experimental group (p<0.05). Also, a significant increase was seen in the hallux after exercise in the experimental group (p<0.05), but no such significant increase was seen in the control group (p>0.05). Significant differences were observed in FRT and TUG in the experimental group but no such significant increase was observed in the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that trunk control training on labile surface improves the balance in stroke patients and has a positive effect on locomotion ability.