• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2016

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to identify whether virtual reality-based exercise could improve on balance, gait and fall efficacy in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods : Ten patients with Parkinson's disease were randomly divided into either an experimental or control group. The experimental subjects performed vertual reality-based exercise, whereas the control subjects performed conventional physical therapy for 4 weeks. The balance, gait and fall efficacy of all subjects were assessed by using the Measurement Training and Documentation (MTD) balance system, force platform system, Korean version of Berg Balance scale (K-BBS), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Korean version of Fall efficacy scale (K-FES) at pre training and post training. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze change before and after intervention in intra-group. Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze changes of all variables in inter-groups. Results : Subjects in the experimental group showed significant improvements in difference of weight distribution, K-BBS scores, antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway length, ground reaction force (GRF), 6MWT, and step length following training. The changes of difference of weight distribution, K-BBS scores, AP Sway Length, GRF, 6MWT, step length and K-FES scores in the experimental group were significantly more than them of the control group. Conclusion : The result of this study suggest that virtual reality-based exercise training is an intervention to improve on balance, gait, and falls efficacy in patients with Parkinson's disease.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.38-58
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• 2004

The regain of independent ambulatory ability is a important goal in the rehabilitation program of hemiplegic patient. Not only the function of lower extremity muscles, but also trunk muscles which stabilize extremities and pelvis, are important factors in normal gait. Therefor, it is necessary to develop an effective program which can improve muscle strength and symmetric activity of trunk muscles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of trunk muscle strengthening by forceful respiratory exercise on the gait asymmetry ratio in hemiplegic patient. 45 Hemiplegic patients due to stroke was randomized in 3 groups, forceful expiratory training(FET), forceful inspiratory training(FIT) and control group. In the experimental groups, ordinary physical therapy with forceful expiratory training and forceful inspiratory training for 20 minutes duration 3 times per week for 6 weeks were respectively performed. In the control group, only ordinary physical therapy was done. Before and after experiments, temporal-spatial gait parameters was measured in all patients. The data of 28 patients who carried out the whole experimental course were statistically analysed. The results of these experiment are as follows : 1. In comparison of difference of single support time asymmetry ratio among 3 groups, the FET group was significantly decreased than the control group (p<.05). 2. In comparison of difference of step length asymmetry ratio among 3 groups, the FIT group was significantly decreased than the control group (p<.05). Based on these results, it is concluded that the forced respiratory exercise program for 6 weeks can be improve the gait asymmetry ratio in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, the forced respiratory exercise is useful to improve the walking ability in hemiplegic patients. Since this study dealt only with the patients who could walk more than 3 meters in distance on floor independently, the further study for evaluating the influence of the forceful respiratory exercise on patients with acute stage stroke and also the development in various methods of use are expected.

• Journal of Communications and Networks
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.86-94
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• 2011

In recent years, there has been a rise in epidemiological evidence suggesting the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle. However, it is not always easy for individuals to personally recognize the optimal conditions for exercise and physical activity. Wearable acceleration-based pedometers have become widely used in estimating the amount of physical activity, and to a limited extent, providing information regarding exercise intensity, but they have never been used to assess adaptation to exercise. In order to realize simultaneous activity monitoring for multiple users exercising outdoors, we developed a prototype wireless local area network (WLAN) based system. In our system, a WLAN is deployed outside, and a user wearing a smart phone and monitoring device exercises freely within the coverage area of the wireless network. By doing so, the developed system is able to monitor the activity of each user andmeasures various parameters including those related to exercise adaptation. In a demonstration experiment, the developed system was evaluated and used to monitor users enjoying a Nordic walk, after which users were immediately able to receive their exercise report. In this paper, we discuss the requirements and issues in developing an activity monitoring system and report the findings we obtained through the demonstration experiment.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding hip abductor strengthening to conventional rehabilitation on muscle strength and physical function following total knee replacement (TKR) for knee osteoarthritis. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: Thirty-five participants were randomly allocated to exercise groups I (n=18) and II (n=17). Group I underwent hip abductor training and conventional rehabilitation for 30 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Group II underwent conventional rehabilitation for 30 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The participants in both groups also received continuous passive motion therapy for 15 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. To investigate the effect of the intervention, the Biodex dynamometer was used to measure the peak torque of both knee extensors and hip abductors. This study used the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) to assess physical function, as well as the figure-of-8 walk test (F8W) and the stair climb test (SCT). Results: According to the interventions, exercise groups I and II showed significantly improved muscle strength and KOS-ADLS, F8W, and SCT scores (p<0.001). Compared with that of exercise group II, exercise group I showed significantly improved hip abductor strength (p<0.001) and KOS-ADLS, F8W, and SCT scores (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the combination of hip abductor strengthening and conventional rehabilitation is an effective exercise method to increase hip abductor muscle strength and physical function after TKR.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.95-104
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• 2023

Purpose : This study aimed to introduce a 12-week muscular endurance exercise program and β-glucan consumption to obese elderly people with sarcopenia. We evaluated the program's impact on appendicular skeletal muscle strength and function, muscle function-related physical strength, blood lipids, and IGF-1. The results will serve as foundational data for preventing and improving sarcopenia. Methods : Forty elderly people aged 65 or older were recruited and underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Based on criteria related to appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM/Height2: less than 5.4 kg/m2) and body fat percentage (at least 30% for women and 25% for men), we selected 24 obese elderly people with sarcopenia and excluded 56 who did not meet the criteria. Variables related to sarcopenia, blood lipids, IGF-1, and muscle function were measured before the 12-week muscular endurance exercise program. Results : In sarcopenic obese elderly participants, the 12-week muscular endurance exercise program significantly increased bone density and muscle mass while decreasing fat mass and percentage (p<.05). This program also improved grip strength, static balance, and SPPB in sarcopenic obese older adults. Furthermore, their 6-minute walk distance significantly increased (p<.05). Conclusion : Muscular endurance exercises combined with supplement intake can increase appendicular skeletal muscle and improve muscle strength and function, thereby improving the daily physical performance of the elderly.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.49-53
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• 2018

Objective: This study was performed to examine differences in the association between straight and curved walking abilities of inpatients in the subacute phase and walking independence level. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Subjects were divided into an independent group and a supervised group (n=10 each) by walking independence level within the ward decided by physical therapists. Inclusion criteria comprised the ability to ambulate independently within the ward, regardless of the use of walking aids. Straight walking abilities (walking velocity, stride length, and cadence) were evaluated using the 5-meter walk test. Curved walking abilities were evaluated using the Figure-of-8 Walk Test (F8W) and the 3-meter zigzag walk test (3ZW). Differences in associations between straight and curved walking abilities of inpatients were examined by calculating correlation coefficients between straight and curved walking abilities. Results: Age, walking velocity, stride length, F8W and 3ZW varied markedly between independent and supervised groups. In the independent group, F8W and 3ZW correlated significantly with walking velocity and cadence (p<0.05). In the supervised group, F8W correlated significantly with walking velocity and stride length (p<0.05), but 3ZW did not correlate significantly with straight walking abilities. Conclusions: The association between straight and curved walking abilities varied between inpatients who could ambulate independently and inpatients requiring supervision for ambulating. These differences may depend on skill on straight and curved walking abilities. There is a possibility that curved walking exercise is necessary for supervised group.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.1081-1092
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• 2021

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of the 16-week combined exercise on the blood dopamine concentrations, functional fitness and QOL in patients with parkinson's disease. To this end, 24 persons parkinson's disease in over 60 years old who participated in this study were classified in to the exercise group(n=12) and control group(n=12), and then the exercise group was twice a week for 16-weeks, 70 min per session combined exercise was applied. The test dada were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA, paired t-test, and independent t-test. The alpha level of .05 of significance. As a result, first, parkinson's disease who regularly participated in the combined exercise significantly increased blood dopamine concentrations(p<.001). Second, parkinson's disease who regularly participated in the combined exercise significantly improved grip strength(p<.001), arm curl(p<.001), stand up and sit down a chair(p<.001), 3m walk and come back(p<.01). Third, parkinson's disease who regularly participated in the combined exercise significantly improved QOL(p<.001). Thus, the combined exercise had the positive effects and may be helpful to increased the blood dopamine concentration and improved functional fitness and QOL.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.23-35
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• 2023

Purpose : Lung cancer induces a decrease in physical activity and a deterioration of respiratory ability. Exercise is an effective treatment to reduce side effects of anti-cancer treatments, also influence the survival and successful rehabilitation in lung cancer patients. However, there is insufficient evidence to show which period is the most effective to apply exercise for lung cancer patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of exercise-based interventions before and after surgery. Methods : Clinical trials (CTs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in PubMed database were investigated. The trials investigated in this study were published for 10 years before August 20, 2022. The risk of bias was judged according to the Cochrane guideline. The materials included in this meta-analysis were 6-minute walk test (6MWT), pulmonary function, and quality of life (QOL). Results : 1 CT and 9 RCTs were selected in current study. In the meta-analysis, exercise increased 6MWT in preoperation (mean difference [MD] 29.49; 95 % confidence interval [CI] .99 to 57.99; p=.04; I²=0 %), 3 months postoperation (MD 54.97; 95 % CI 31.85 to 78.09; p<.001; I²=45 %) and 6 months postoperation (MD 85.59; 95 % CI 45.06 to 126.12; p<.001; I²=47 %). Exercise, also enhanced the lung function such as FEV₁/FVC (%) in postoperation (MD 7.64; 95 % CI 6.26 to 9.02; p<.001; I²=19 %). Additionally, exercise improved QOL, such as preoperative EORTC-QLQ-C30-LC13 in mental function (MD 3.21; 95 % CI .64 to 5.79; p=.01; I²=0 %) and postoperative SF-36 in mental component summary (MD 9.24; 95 % CI 4.94 to 13.54; p<.001; I²=0%). Conclusion : These results indicate that exercise-based intervention can elevate the ability to exercise and the mental componentof QOL within 3 months.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.73-81
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of aquatic walking exercise on gait and balance parameters of elderly women. Method: 15 elderly people were recruited for this study (age: 73.20±5.19 yrs, height: 153.87±3.36 cm, mass: 60.33±5.73 kg). All variables were measured using Gaitview AFA-50. The variables were the heel contact time ratio, gait angle, and M/P change ratio for gait patterns and ENV, REC, RMS, Total Length, TLC, Sway velocity, and Length/ENV for balance abilities. A paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were carried out to verify the differences in the test scores after participating in the water walking program. The significance level for all statistical analyses was set to α=.05. Results: As for the changes in their walking function after the exercise, heel contact time ratio (p<.01) showed a statistical significance, while gait angle and M/P change ratio did not reveal statistically significant differences. In the test of balance ability on both feet and with eyes opened, statistical significance was found in ENV, REC, RMS, TLC (p<.01), and sway velocity (p<.05), while the test with eyes closed showed statistical significance in length/ENV as well as ENV, REC, RMS, sway velocity (p<.01) TLC, and total length (p<.05). As for the single-leg stance balance ability, ENV and REC revealed statistically significant differences. Conclusion: These results show that water walking is effective for improving the function of the ankle flexor muscles, providing stability to the ankle joint during walking and helping efficient walk. In addition, it is also expected to help prevent falls due to loss of balance by improving the stability of lower extremity muscles and trunk.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.231-240
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• 2019

Purpose : This study aimed to determine whether resistance exercise using elastic bands for 6 weeks could improve the muscle strength, muscle tone, balance and gait among stroke patients. Methods : A total of 11 stroke patients who had agreed to participate in the study were randomly divided into 3 groups receiving elastic band resistance training on their less affected side (experimental group 1, n=4), affected side (experimental group 2, n=3), and both the sides (experimental group 3, n=4). Muscle strength, muscle tone, balance and gait were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, the modified ashworth scale (MAS), the berg balance scale (BBS), and G-walk respectively, before and after training. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze intergroup changes after the intervention, whereas the Kruskal Wallis H test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze intergroup changes in all variables. Results : Strength in all the muscle, except for the flexor and extensor muscles in the affected knees, was increased in all the groups, however, no significant difference was observed. No change in the muscle tone (MAS) was found in any group. All the groups showed increased BBS scores walking speed, and walking symmetry following training, although, the differences were not significant. Changes in the affected step length of experimental group 1 were significantly greater than those of experimental group 3, whereas changes in the affected step length in experimental group 3 were significantly greater than those of experimental group 2. Conclusion : Our results suggest that resistance exercise using elastic bands are a potential intervention for improving lower extremity muscle strength, balance, and gait among stoke patients.