• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.403-410
• /
• 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine whether olfactory stimulation would improve spasticity, balance ability and quality of life in stroke patients. Twenty-one stroke patients were recruited and were randomly divided into two groups: olfactory stimulation group (n=10) and sham stimulation group (n=11). Participants in both groups received conventional physical therapy for 30 minutes before the intervention. Additionally, subject in the olfactory stimulation group performed olfactory stimulation using lavender oil for 6 minutes (2 minx3 set), five times a week for two weeks, while the sham stimulation group conducted olfactory stimulation using water for the same amount of time. Composite-Spasticity-Score was used to assess spasticity level of ankle plantar-flexors. Dynamic balance was measured using a TUG. Postural-sway distance was measured using a force platform. Quality of life were measured by SF-36. There was no significant difference within group and between the groups in the spasticity. Significant improvement in postural-sway and TUG were observed in the olfactory stimulation group compared to the sham stimulation group (p<0.05). The Mental Componnt Summary of the SF 36 in the olfactory stimulation group improved significantly greater than the sham stimulation group (p<0.05). Our findings indicate that olfactory stimulation is beneficial and effective to improve balance ability and quality of life in stroke patients.

• 한국노년학
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.429-442
• /
• 2020

The purpose of this research was to examine changes in the physical fitness, activities of daily living performance, and cognitive status of the frail elderly by combined exercise programs. The combined exercise program consisted of an aerobic exercise for the elderly and a four-color ladder exercise for improving of cognitive ability and physical fitness. Twenty-one frail elderly participated in this study, they were divided into 12 exercise groups and nine control groups. The exercise group conducted the combined exercise program of 60 minutes, twice a week, for10 weeks, while the control group maintained their normal lives. Strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, ADL and MMSE-K were measured. Exercise group showed significant improvement in grip strength compared to control group. In addition, ADL showed significant improvement only in the exercise group. The results of this study showed that participation in the combined exercise program of the el derl y was effective in improving the grip strength, and in preventing various physical functions and cognitive conditions decline.