• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2007

This study was designed to examine the relationship between clinical symptoms, self-efficacy, and performance of women with osteoarthritis. It is a survey study of 60 women who were diagnosed as osteoarthritis and given medical treatments from September, 2005 to October, 2005 in hospital 'H' located in Yongin-si. For clinical symptoms, radiographs of the subjects' knees were taken and evaluated the pathology grade by the Kellgren-Lawrence grade. Pain and stiffness was measured by the measure of WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), and functional reach test was measured in order to examine balancing abilities. Self-efficacy was measured by a tool which has revised the ASES (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale), and performance was measured by recording the difficulty of the WOMAC measurements themselves, and the time taken for 20 m walking, going up and down 9 stairs, and 5 sit-down and stand-up repetitions. The resulting differences in the other variables according to performance and the relationship between performance with variables are the following. First, an increase in pain in women with osteoarthritis led to decreased functional ability. Second, an increase in stiffness in women with osteoarthritis led to a decrease in functional ability. Third, a decrease in balance in women with osteoarthritis led to a decrease in functional ability. Fourth, a decrease in self-efficacy in women with osteoarthritis led to a decrease in functional ability. Fifth, the variables for estimating the performance by self-report were pain and self-efficacy. The variables for estimating the performance by recording the time taken was balance and self-efficacy. As a result factors such as pain, balance and self-efficacy in women with osteoarthritis were closely related to performance. Based on the results, it seems that physical therapy programs to decrease pain and to increase the balance in women with osteoarthritis, and psychological approaches to increasing self-efficacy are needed. I hope that the results of this study will be useful data for clinical management and intervention for women with osteoarthritis.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a three dimensional balance trainer in combination with a video-game system and visual feedback on balance recovery and gait function in subacute stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-three subacute stroke patients were assigned to either an experimental (n=12) or a control group (n=11) using a random permuted block design and sealed envelopes. The experimental group received additional 3-dimensional balance training combined with visual feedback and a game program for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Both groups received 30-min of conservative physical therapy sessions based on neurodevelopmental therapy. Before and after the 20 sessions, walking abilities were evaluated by the the GaitRite system and balances were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) was used to assess trunk muscle performances. Results: After the 4-week intervention, BBS and TIS scores were significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05), and increases in these scores were significantly greater in the experimental group (p<0.05). After the 4-week intervention, gait speed and cadence were significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05), and as was observed for BBS and TIS scores, changes of gait speed and cadence were significantly greater in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study shows that the 3-dimensional balance trainer combined with visual biofeedback and a video-game system provides a therapeutic means for improving balance and gait ability in subacute stroke patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.142-149
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• 2022

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome present with several impairments such as hypotonia, ligament laxity, decreased muscle strength, insufficient muscular cocontraction, inadequate postural control, and disturbed proprioception. These factors are responsible for the developmental challenges faced by children with Down syndrome. These individuals also present with balance dysfunctions. Purpose: This systematic review aims to describe the motor dysfunction and balance impairments in children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Methods: We searched the Scopus, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Wiley, and EBSCO databases for observational studies evaluating the motor abilities and balance performance in individuals with Down syndrome. The review was registered on PROSPERO. Results: A total of 1,096 articles were retrieved; after careful screening and scrutinizing against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were included in the review. Overall, the children and adolescents with Down syndrome showed delays and dysfunction in performing various activities such as sitting, pulling to stand, standing, and walking. They also presented with compensatory mechanisms to maintain their equilibrium in static and dynamic activities. Conclusion: The motor development of children with Down syndrome is significantly delayed due to structural differences in the brain. These individuals have inefficient compensatory strategies like increasing step width, increasing frequency of mediolateral center of pressure displacement, decreasing anteroposterior displacement, increasing trunk stiffness, and increasing posterior trunk displacement to maintain equilibrium. Down syndrome presents with interindividual variations; therefore, a thorough evaluation is required before a structured intervention is developed to improve motor and balance dysfunction.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2022

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in somato-sensory and occupational performance of individually tailored sensory integration interventions for school-age children with somatodyspraxia. Methods : A single subject study with an AB design was conducted the total sessions were 11 sessions, consisting of 3 baseline sessions and 8 intervention sessions. To compare the effects before and after the intervention, the intervention was measured by dividing it into Performance Area (PA) and Performance Factor (PF), and after each intervention session, the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) was implemented. Results : The children participating in this study showed overall improvement in PA and PF after the intervention, and after each session, it was confirmed that the GAS increased when measuring the target activities (Supine Flexion Posture; SFP, Walking by Arms; WA, Stand on Balance Ball; SBB). Conclusion : This study provided evidence that sensory integration has a positive effect on performing target activities (SFP, WA, SBB) and improving relationships with peers in children with somatodyspraxia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.53-62
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a real-time pressure feedback provided during gait training on the weight weight distribution of the inner part of mid-foot in paralyzed side and gait function in stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 24 patients with hemiplegic stroke in a rehabilitation hospital were randomly assigned to the experimental and control group. All participants (n = 24) performed 15 min of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy 5 times a week for a period of 4 weeks. Additionally, the experimental group and control group underwent gait training with a real time feedback and general gait training, respectively, for 15 min five times a week for 4 weeks. Weight distribution and gait function were measured before and after the 4-week training. RESULTS: Significant increases in the weight distribution (WD), stance time (ST) and step length (SL) of the paralyzed side, and a significant decrease in the 10 m walking test (10 MWT) observed after training in the two groups (p < .05). The experimental group showed larger changes in the all variables than the control group (WD, +10.5 kg vs. +8.8 kg, p < .05; ST, 12.8 s vs. 4.9 s, p < .05; SL, 4.9 cm vs. 1.7 cm, p < .05; 10 MWT, -3.5 s vs. -1.0 s, p < .05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gait training with a real-time feedback might be effective in improving the normalization of weight bearing of the paralyzed lower extremity and gait function of stroke patients, and be considered to be a more effective gait training for improving the abilities than the general gait training.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.72-88
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• 2014

This study was conducted in order to analyze user behavior and preference factors in the outdoor spaces of mental hospitals. Among hospitals with 250 or more beds, 5 hospitals were selected in consideration of size of garden and diversity of garden elements. The subject of the study was restricted to mild cases of schizophrenia while 30~50 patients were selected on the recommendation of their doctor from 5 hospitals, respectively. The physical environment was analyzed, focusing on space components, after visiting the sites of study. A face to face interview method was selected in consideration of patients' cognitive abilities, a total of 230 questionnaires were used for the analysis. The results of the study can be summarized as follows. Rest facilities occupy the largest numbers in the components of garden, and those are followed by landscape facilities, walking/exercise facilities, and experience facilities. Outdoor walking/exercise programs are classified into group walks and free walks with most patients taking group walks. Most of the patients visit these outdoor spaces every day but some of them rarely use the outdoor areas. In order to increase the efficiency of using these outdoor spaces, the percentage of space for ensuring a sense of control should properly harmonize with the percentage of space to facilitate patients in having social contact. With regard to the reasons for preferring the most widely-used outdoor spaces, landscape/environment property was the most important, followed by functionality and then accessibility. Major activities in the preferred space are mainly composed of walking/exercise and rest. The preferred facilities are waterscape facilities such as ponds, waterfalls and fountains, rest facilities such as pergolas and shade trees, and lawn. It was understood that naturalness should be considered to be the most important factor in constructing a new healing garden, followed by aesthetics and amenities. Single facilities rated by preference for introduction were flower beds, trails, and lawn. According to type, waterscape facilities such as fountains, ponds, waterfalls and waterwheels were most preferred. Space for natural distraction and programs for the cultivation of flower beds were also preferred. The ideal image of a healing garden should be bright, familiar, and orderly as a whole, having plenty of introduced facilities. Open spaces were preferred to enclosed spaces. Finally, the image of a garden that helps patients feel calm was thought to be that of the most ideal garden.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2020

The study aims to verify the effects of volleyball programs on the fitness and attention-intensive abilities of students with intellectual disabilities in middle school. Physical strength and attention concentration were analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the volleyball program. The volleyball program was applied to the experimental group three times a week, 90 minutes a week, a total of 36 times for 12 weeks. To verify the effectiveness of physical strength and attention concentration, the PPS-D intellectual disability student test and ATA concentration test were used to verify the effectiveness of attention concentration The six-minute walking figure related to cardiopulmonary functions was improved compared to those with intellectual disabilities who did not participate in the volleyball program, the report showed. We can see improvements in muscular function-related sit-ups and flexibility-related sit-ups compared to those with intellectual disabilities who did not participate, and significant changes have been seen in the distance of the place-wide jump related to net worth. We could also confirm that it had a positive effect on the improvement of selective attention concentration, and that the change in self-control, continuous attention, and selective attention among middle school students had a positive effect on the improvement.

• International Area Studies Review
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.277-295
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• 2016

It is undoubtedly true that national security in Korean peninsula is on the road to destabilization. The main factors are known to be North Korea's development and experiment on nuclear arms, especially the forth nuclear experiment on January 6th, ICBM launch February 7th, and encroachment upon the territory the NLL on the 8th along with the shutdown on Gaeseong Industrial Complex. Also, China's trouble with other nations over sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea and the fact that Japan's government is veering to the right side and having territorial dispute are making the case worse. Nations in Northeast Asia are striving to obtain the interest for the sake of their own country. In order to do so, they're walking the path to achieve national security. Until then, they are not so willing to participate foreign matters or economical race. Even in our perspective, these issues are many of the main problems which our country is currently facing. However, it is important for them to avoid making policies which may take away the citizen's happiness. The number one priority for the nation or any form of a group is to act in the best interest for the national security and the citizen's happiness. They are the main factors why a nation could exist. They are the symbols of a nation's sovereign authority. Countries outside are proving it by increasing their national defense budget even in this unprecedented economical crisis. If we are willing to stay the same as ever, the disparity in the military force will not be the same in the future. In conclusion, the study examines the problem which changes in Northeast Asia's defense environment could bring and the appropriate amount of national defense budget in order to support the nation's integration of its abilities to move toward South and North Korea's unification.