• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.297-304
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• 2014

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of home based exercise program on balance recovery of stroke patients. In total, 20 participants were assigned to a control group(n=10) or exercise group(n=10) between September 2013 and December 2013. In addition to existing physiotherapy, the exercise group received home based exercise program consisting of weight transfer, training endurance, mobility, sensory retraining, lower limb exercise for 30 minutes, 2 times a week, for 8 weeks, every time for 30 minutes. Balance ability was assessed by measuring foot pressure(FP), limit of stability(LOS) and velocity sway(VS) by using Biorescue and by using the functional reaching test(FRT). To compare the improvement level of each group's balance ability, examination of independent sample T was done. Significant differences between control group and exercise group in LOS, VS of affect side and FRT were observed. This study showed that home based exercise program application was effective strategy on balance recovery in a post stroke population.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was aimed to determine the effects of thoracic spine thrust manipulation on muscle activities of the scapular upward rotators and middle deltoid, active range of motion (AROM), shoulder pain, and rounded shoulder posture in young adults with rounded shoulder. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults (14 males, 16 females) with rounded shoulder. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental (manipulation) and control (placebo) groups of fifteen subjects respectively. The manipulation group received the manipulation (high velocity, low amplitude), which was performed by a physical therapist with the subject in the supine position and with the arms crossed over the chest and hands passed over the shoulders. For the sham group, the same procedure was performed, with the exception that the high-velocity thrust was not applied. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention. Muscle activity of upper and lower trapezius, serratus anterior, middle deltoid was measured using surface electromyography. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used for shoulder pain. Goniometry was used for shoulder abduction active range of motion (AROM). Straight edge was used for supine rounded shoulder posture (RSP) distance. Results: The muscle activity of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius and middle deltoid muscle increased significantly after the intervention (p<.05). However, no significant difference was observed in serratus anterior muscle (p>.05). The VAS was significantly decreased and AROM significantly increased after the intervention (p<.05). The distance of RSP were not significant (p>.05). The control group showed no differences before and after the intervention (p>.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that thoracic spine thrust manipulation can be an effective component of treatment plan to improve pain and function.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.221-227
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of gluteus medius (GM) strengthening training using the pressure biofeedback unit for lower extremity muscle function and balance ability in stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-seven stroke patients (14 men, 13 women) volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups: pressure biofeedback unit GM training, general GM training, and control group. Experimental group 1 performed GM strengthening training using PBU in the sidelying position. Experimental group 2 performed GM strengthening training without PBU in the sidelying position. The training program lasted 4 weeks (20-minute sessions, three times a week). Muscle function was assessed by measuring muscle strength and endurance, and Berg balance scale (BBS), Lateral Reach Test (LRT), and limited of stability (LOS) velocity were measured for evaluation of balance ability. Results: Enhancement of muscle strength and endurance was significantly higher in experimental group 1 than in the other two groups (p<0.05). In comparison of the balance function, experimental group 1 showed a significantly enhanced ability to balance (p<0.05). After the intervention, experimental group 1 showed a significant reduction of LOS velocity in the anterior direction and affected direction (p<0.05). There was no significant difference than the other two groups but a large reduction was observed. Conclusion: These findings suggest that selective gluteus medius strengthening training using the pressure biofeedback unit is effective for lower extremity muscle function and balance ability in stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.202-207
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) on the blood flow of the superficial radial artery and local skin temperature in healthy subjects. Methods: Forty healthy volunteers were recruited and randomly assigned to MIRE group (n=20) and placebo group (n=20). The MIRE group received a 890 nm MIRE irradiation on the forearm using two therapy pads for 30 minutes. The therapy pad was composed of an array of 60 diodes. MIRE unit was set at bar 8, that corresponds to a diode power of 10 mW and a power density of $63mW/cm^2$. The placebo group received sham MIRE. Peak blood flow velocity (PBFV), mean blood flow velocity (MBFV), and skin temperature (ST) were measured pre- and post-MIRE irradiation. Results: There was a significant difference in PBFV (p<0.001), MBFV (p<0.001), and ST (p<0.001) between the pre- and post-treated values in the MIRE group. In contrast, no significant difference was found between the pre- and post-treated values in the placebo group. There was significant difference in mean change values from baseline of PBFV (p<0.001), MBFV (p<0.001), and ST (p<0.001) between the MIRE group and the placebo group. There was a significant increase in PBFV (p<0.001), MBFV (p<0.001), and ST (p<0.001) following MIRE irradiation. Conclusion: The arterial blood flow and local skin temperature of the forearm in the healthy subjects were significantly increased following MIRE irradiation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2000

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the disturbed vision on the gait distance parameters on the healthy young population. SUBJECTS. Twenty four healthy college aged individuals are randomly assigned to both a condition with a strobe light and the other condition without a strobe light. METHODS. The instrumentation used for gait analysis is the GaitRite electronic walkway system with a personal IBM computer. The examiner naked all the subjects to walk 6 times on the gait mat without the strobe light and. 6 times on the mat with the strobe light. The first 4 trials were practice and the last two trials were recorded in both conditions. The gait parameters analyzed were as follows : velocity, cadence, step length, and heel to heel base of support. RESULTS. Paired samples t-test used for this study did not found any significant differences between the two conditions because the p-values that were analyzed on the experiment were Utter than 0.05. The gait parameters that were analyzed included cadence, velocity, left and right heel to heel base of support, and left and right step length. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION. Based on this population, the condition of disturbed vision via the effect of the strobe light was not significantly challenging to compromise the body's sensory systems. However, in the elderly population, these systems can undergo age related changes. Visual changes rapidly decline in people 60 to 80 years of age and changes in the vestibular system include $20-40\%$ reduction in hair cells.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.69-75
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• 2014

Objective: We developed a Motor-Assisted Rowing Machine (MARM) for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), by modification of the Concept II rowing machine, so that the seats could be operated automatically in a backward and forward direction by a motor. Design: Case report. Methods: Motor rowing consisted of a chair with inclination control, a motor system, control button, monitor, program, leg supporter, safety belt, and seat. The patients were 2 men rowing athletes with SCI, classified as American Spinal Injury Association class B, participated in the study. Level of thoracic injury ranged from T8 to T10. The subjects rowed at a self-selected stroke rate with 50 watts. Two different rowing methods (static rowing without movement of the seat, dynamic rowing using MARM) were assigned to each participant during 10 minutes; 34 reflective markers were attached to their full bodies. Kinematic data were collected using the Vicon motion analysis system. Based on the full body model provided as a default by the equipment. In the rowing exercise, the rowing motions were divided into Drive Phase and Recovery Phase. Results: The two rowing methods differ in handle range, seat range, handle and seat ratio, handle velocity, and seat velocity during static and dynamic rowing. The rowing exercise using a rowing machine developed MARM increased tendency to the range of motion in the dynamic method compared to the static method. Conclusions: The newly developed MARM could be a useful whole body exercise for people with SCI.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.172-178
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to show the temporary effects of performing jumping lunges on a sand surface on static balance and dynamic balance. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects volunteered in the study and was randomly assigned into either the sand group (n=10) or the control group (n=10). The subjects in the sand group performed jumping lunges on a sand surface and the subjects in the control group performed jumping lunges on a firm surface. The intervention was performed for 3 sets of 8 repetitions by both groups. To measure static balance, the force plate was employed to measure the center of pressure (CoP) area, and the CoP velocity during one-legged standing. Anterior, postero-medial, postero-lateral movements was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) to measure dynamic balance. Results: After the intervention, the sand group showed statistically significant improvements on all variables (CoP area, CoP velocity) in static balance (p<0.05). There were statistically significant changes in CoP area and CoP velocities between the two groups (p<0.05). In the sand group, there were significant improvements in the postero-medial and postero-lateral directions (p<0.05) except for anterior direction on dynamic balance. In the control group, there was a significant improvement in the postero-lateral and anterior directions (p<0.05). In comparison of the two groups, there was no statistically significant improvement in all variables. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that performing jumping lunges on a sand surface was effective in improving static and dynamic balance temporarily.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of whole body vibratory stimulation on muscle strength, balance, and fall efficacy among super-aged women. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-eight super-aged women over 80 years of age were assigned to either the experimental group (n=14) and control group (n=14). The experimental group received an exercise program that used the whole body vibratory stimulation with a frequency of 30 Hz and amplitude of 3 mm, and the control group received an exercise program without vibratory stimulation. Intervention was provided for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, and 30 minutes per session. In order to measure lower extremity muscle strength the 30-second chair stand test (CST) was used. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to measure dynamic balance. Static balance was measured by tracking the path length, velocity, and area of the center of pressure (CoP). The Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) was used to measure the subjects' fear of falling. Results: Both the experimental and control group demonstrated statistically significant increase in muscle strength, dynamic balance, and fall efficacy (p<0.05). Only the experimental group showed significant improvements in static balance before and after the intervention (p<0.05). The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in CST, BBS, and CoP (path length, velocity) than control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Whole body vibratory stimulation exercise is shown to be a safe and appropriate physical therapy intervention method to enhance muscle strength, balance, and fall efficacy of super-aged women.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of balance training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on balance and gait in patients with chronic stroke. Design: A cross over design Methods: Nine patients with stroke were recruited into this study. They were measuring their balance ability and gait ability. The intervention "A" included 4 weeks of balance training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for 40 m/d, 3 d/wk. Intervention "B" included 4 weeks of balance training with placebo Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for 40 m/d, 3 d/wk. Of the 9 patients who completed the study, 5 were randomly assigned to" group A-B", and 4 to group B-A. The crossover occurred after 4 weeks. Results: Following are the specific results of balance training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on patients with chronic stroke. First, patients who received treatment A showed improvement compared with patients who received treatment B in static balance. There were significant decreases in anterioposterior, mediolateral postural sway extension and velocity moment (p<0.05) with their eyes opened and closed conditions. Second, they had significantly improved in dynamic balance (p<0.05). Lastly, there were also improvement in their gait velocity and cadence (p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that, the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) combined with balance training more effectively improves the balance and gait ability, I'm convinced that it could be actively used in clinics added to the conventional physical therapy in the future.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.23-33
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• 2021

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the effects of dual-task training according to the variability of the walking environment on balance, gait, and function in patients with stroke. Methods : Twenty-five patients with stroke were randomly assigned to experimental group I (n=12) and experimental group II (n=13). Experimental group I and II performed obstacle and non-obstacle walking training, respectively, along with cognitive tasks for 21 minutes per session, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Both groups received additional general physical therapy for 30 minutes per session. The functional reach test (FRT), gait analyzer (G-Walk), and functional independence measure (FIM) were used to evaluate balance, gait and function of pre- and post-interventions, respectively, while gait cadence, gait velocity, and stride length were evaluated using a gait analyzer. Results : In the within-group comparison of FRT, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of gait cadence, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of gait velocity, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of stride length, experimental group I showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05), while experimental group II did not show significant post-intervention improvements (p>.05). In within-group comparison of FIM scores, experimental group I showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05), while experimental group II did not show significant post-intervention improvements (p>.05). There was a significant difference in the change of FIM scores pre- and post-intervention (p<.05) in the between-group comparison. Conclusion : The results of this study show that dual-task training with cognitive tasks and walking training can improve the balance, gait and function of patients with stroke, and obstacle walking training is effective for improving functions including activities of daily living compared to non-obstacle walking training.