• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2022

Background: Foot drop is a common symptom in stroke patients. Tape applications are widely used to manage foot drop symptoms. Previous studies have evaluated the effects of static and dynamic balance and gait on foot drop using kinesiology tape; however, only few studies have used dynamic tape application in stroke patients with foot drop. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of dynamic taping, which facilitates the dorsiflexor muscle, on static and dynamic balance and gait speed in stroke patients with foot drop. Methods: The study included 34 voluntary patients (17 men, 17 women) with stroke. The patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 17), wherein dynamic taping was used to facilitate the dorsiflexor muscle, or the control group (n = 17), wherein kinesiology taping was used. Before the taping application, velocity average, path-length average, Berg balance scale, and timed up and go test (TUG) were recorded to measure static and dynamic balance, whereas the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) was used to measure gait speed. After the taping application, these parameters were re-evaluated in both groups. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used. Statistical significance levels were set to α = 0.05. Results: Except for the 10MWT scores in the control group, significant differences were noted in all the parameters measured for static and dynamic balance and gait speed between the pre and post-test (p < 0.05). However, the parameters showed significant interaction effects between group and time in the TUG and 10MWT (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate that compared with kinesiology taping, dynamic taping used in chronic stroke patients with foot drop had a more significant effect on dynamic balance and gait speed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.99-110
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to suggest a way to easily understand and utilize the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) or Korean Standard Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (KCF), a common and standard language related to health information. METHODS: The tools used by physical therapists to evaluate the functioning of neurological patients were collected from 10 domestic hospitals. By applying the ICF linking rule, two experts compared, analyzed, and linked the concepts in the items of the collected tools and the ICF/KCF codes. The frequency of use of the selected tool, the matching rate of the liking results of two experts, and the number of the codes linked were treated as descriptive statistics and the code set was presented as a list. RESULTS: The berg balance scale, trunk impairment scale, timed up and go test, functional ambulation category, 6 Minute walk test, manual muscle test, and range of motion measurements were the most commonly used tools for evaluating the functioning. The total number of items of the seven tools was 33, and the codes linked to the ICF/KCF were 69. Twenty-two codes were mapped, excluding duplicate codes. Ten codes in the body function, 11 codes in the activity, and one code in the environmental factor were included. CONCLUSION: The information on the development process of the code set will increase the understanding of ICF/KCF and the developed code set can conveniently be used for collecting patients' functioning information.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2022

Background: Functional massage is a therapeutic massage that incorporates joint motion in non-end-range to reduce pain and improve range of motion (ROM) in patients. This study was aimed at investigating the immediate effect of functional massage on pain, range of motion, balance ability and, gait speed of patients having undergone total hip replacement. Methods: Twenty patients were treated by one participating orthopedic manual physical therapist and randomly assigned to the control group (n=10) or the experimental group (n=10). To treat patients of each group, functional massage and range of motion exercises were used. The experimental group received a functional massage and the control group received range of motion exercise for minutes for one session. The visual analog scale was used for pain assessment. Balance ability was measured using a timed up and go test and a one-leg standing test for patients. The 10-meter walk test was used for the measurement of gait speed assessment of patients. Results: Significant improvements were observed in terms of balance ability (p<.05), gait speed (p<.05), and ROM (p<.05) after functional massage. There was no significant inter-group difference (p>.05). Conclusion: Application of the functional massage showed that statistically significant improvements in ROM, gait speed, and balance ability after a single treatment session. This technique may be a useful treatment in patients having undergone total hip replacement.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.63-69
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• 2016

Objective: To evaluate the effects of sit-to-stand (STS) imagery group training (IGT) on STS movement and balance performance for chronic hemiparetic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 30 people with chronic hemiparetic stroke (15 for STS-IGT group and 15 for control) were recruited in this study. The STS-IGT group participated in a videotape-based STS-IGT for 30 minutes a day, five days a week for six weeks, while the control group watched a documentary on television for the same period. The STS-IGT focused on a five-stage protocol. Specifically, external imagery was used during the four phases of the STS movement from the seat of the chair to standing up. All of the participants also participated in a regular rehabilitation program. STS movement and balance performance were assessed using three clinical measures. Results: After training, time to perform the 5-repetition STS test significantly increased in the STS-IGT group (change value, $4.0{\pm}2.0$ sec) compared with the control group (change value, $0.9{\pm}0.7$ sec) (p<0.05). There was a greater improvement in Berg balance scale scores in the STS-IGT group (change value, $0.2{\pm}4.1$ points) compared with the control group (change value, $0.3{\pm}0.9$ points) (p<0.05). There was a greater improvement in Timed Up and Go scores in the STS-IGT group (change value, $2.6{\pm}1.5$ sec) compared with the control group (change value, $0.9{\pm}1.0$ sec) (p<0.05). Conclusions: STS-IGT can be considered as a useful option for restoration of STS movement and balance performance for individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke who are unable to fully participate in physical activities.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.25-32
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• 2011

Background: This study was to examine the effect of applying leg exercise using visual informations on improving stroke patient's muscle power, balance and gait. Methods: The subjects of this study were hemiplegic patients by stroke, 30 patients were picked up, who were agreed with this research and were having hospital care for 8 weeks at RS, RB and HH medical centers. The study group was 15 and comparison group was 15, totally 30 patients were confirmed. leg exercise using visual informations was applied to study group, leg exercise without visual informations was applied to comparison group. These were proceeded for 8 weeks (5 days a week, 20 minutes a day), change of muscle power, balance and gait was checked to investigate the effect. Electromyography apparatus was used for checking muscle power, K-BBS (Korean version of Berg Balance Scale) and COP (center of pressure) were used for balance, then Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), timed up and go test (TUG) were used for checking the capacity of gait. Results: Vastus lateralis (p=.002), biceps femoris (p=.000), K-BBS (p=.000), COP (p=.007), FGA (p=.002), TUG (p=.009) are significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: This study showed that visual informations impact change of muscle activity, balance and locomotor ability in stroke patients.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.63-75
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• 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in work performance and motor function of stroke patients in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG (LSVT-BIG) program and to confirm its clinical applicability. Methods : Two stroke patients underwent the LSVT-BIG program for a total of 16 sessions (60 minutes per session and, four days a week for four weeks). To assess any changes between before and after the intervention, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement (COPM), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Reaching Test (FRT), Manual Function Test (MFT) were used. Differences in scores between before and after the intervention were analyzed. Results : The performance and satisfaction of occupational performance increased after the intervention in both subjects. The performance time of the TUG decreased to 0.91, 8.42 seconds for each subject, increasing the walking speed. In FRT distance change, the subject increased in both the affected side and unaffected side. The BBS score increased by 3 points in one subject and by 6 points in the other, indicating improved balance. In addition, in the MFT score, subject A showed an improvement of 1 point on the unaffected side, and subject B showed an improvement of 1 point on the unaffected side and 3 points on the affected side. Conclusion : We confirmed the applicability of the LSVT-BIG program as a new intervention technique for stroke patients. Future, complementary research on the effects of the LSVT-BIG program on stroke patients will be needed.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2016

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of resistant exercise on the gait performance of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient. Design: A case study. Methods: A 30-year-old male adult who had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE) in April 2013, right middle cerebral artery infarction, and with left hemiplegia agreed to participate in this case study. Patient was unable to walk due to being affected with adynamia. Due to developing necrotizing vasculitis on the left lower extremity, patient underwent a myotomy on the left thigh. The patient was trained with a progressive resistant exercise program for 8 weeks. An intensity of 15 RM was used for the resistant exercises and the resistance level was increased progressively in order to improve the muscle power of the patient. Methods used to increase resistance included changing positions, providing mechanical resistance instead of manual resistance, transitioning from open kinetic chain to closed kinetic chain exercises, and changing the colors of the theraband to those with increase level of resistance. Outcome measures included the 5-repetition sit-to- stand test (5RSST), Timed Up & Go (TUG), and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). In addition, the GAITRite was used to assess the spatio-temporal gait variables, including gait speed, cadence, stride length of the left side, and double limb support pre and post-intervention. Results: The patient was able to perform sit-to- stand after two weeks of performing the resistant exercises. The patient was able to walk after 4 weeks, and the patient's overall gait performance had improved after 8 weeks. All of the variables had improved after each week. Conclusions: The results of this case study may be used to enhance future efforts to objectively evaluate resistant exercises during gait performance in persons affected by SLE.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.106-112
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• 2017

Objective: Robot assisted gait training is implemented as part of therapy for the recovery of gait patterns in recent clinical fields, and the scope of implications are continuously increasing. However clear therapy protocols of robot assisted gait training are insufficent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training applied with guidance force on balance and gait performance in persons with hemiparetic stroke. Design: Two group pre-test post-test design. Methods: Nineteen persons were diagnosed with hemiparesis following stroke participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to the unilateral guidance group or bilateral guidance group to conduct robot-assisted gait training. All participants underwent robot-assisted gait training for twelve sessions (30 min/d, 3 d/wk for 4 weeks). They were assessed with gait parameters (gait velocity, cadence, step length, stance phase, and swing phase) using Optogait. This study also measured the dynamic gait index (DGI), the Berg balance scale (BBS) score, and timed up and go (TUG). Results: After training, BBS scores were was significantly increased in the bilateral training group than in the unilateral guidance group (p<0.05). Spatiotemporal parameters were significantly changed in the bilateral training group (gait speed, swing phase ratio, and stance phase ratio) compared to the unilateral training group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that robot-assisted gait training show feasibility in facilitating improvements in balance and gait performance for subacute hemiparetic stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was done to determine whether muscle strength training programs have an impact on improving symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) and physical function among elderly women with UI who reside in long-term care facilities. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants had to be over 65 years, score over 15 score on the mini-mental state examination, and be able to walk alone or with an assistant. Seventy residents were randomly allocated to either the training group (n=35) or control group (n=35). The program consisted of 50 minutes, twice a week for 8 weeks, and included Kegel's exercise, Thera-band training and indoor walking. Main outcomes were UI symptoms, peak vaginal pressure and physical functions measured with timed up and go test (TUG), one leg standing test (OLST), activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength. Changes in outcome measurements were calculated from baseline to 4 weeks and to 8 weeks using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There were significant differences in peak vaginal pressure (p<.001), TUG (p<.001), OLST (p=.012) and grip strength (p<.001) in the interaction between groups and time. Conclusion: Future studies are suggested to confirm the effect of muscle strength training in long-term care facilities where elderly women with UI reside.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.26-34
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of group therapeutic exercise programs on the cognitive function, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and balance-performing ability in older adults. Fifteen community-dwelling subjects (mean age 73.7 yrs, standard deviation 2.4) participated in this study. An 8-week group therapeutic exercise program, including strengthening and balance training, breathing and gait exercise, and recreation, consisted of activities related to daily living. The Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean (MMSE-K), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reaching Test (FRT), and Timed Up & Go (TUG) test were measured during pre-exercise and post-exercise points. The results of this study were as follows: 1. After eight weeks, the MMSE-K and MBI total score was more significantly increased for post-exercise tests than pre-exercise tests (respectively, p<.05, p<.01). 2. Of the MBI contents, personal hygiene, dressing, ambulation, and chair/bed transfers scores were significant increased for post-exercise tests. 3. Post exercise BBS, FRT, and TUG scores were higher than the pre-exercise scores. The difference was statistically significant (respectively, p<.05, p<.05, p<.01). These findings suggest that group therapeutic exercise can be used to improve the cognitive function, ADL, and balance-performing ability in elderly persons.