• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.23-30
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• 2009

Purpose: This study investigated the efficacy of task-related circuit training aimed at improving balance in individuals discharged from rehabilitation facilities following a stroke. Methods: We recruited 12 stroke patients (34-66 years of age) to participate in a task-related circuit training program. Baseline assessment included a history of stroke and an assessment using the Mini-Mental State Examination Korea (MMSE-K). After a baseline assessment, follow-up assessments were administered pre- and post-training. These included Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and the Time Up & Go Test (TUG). Physiotherapists trained study subjects under the one-to-one supervision of students from the department of physical therapy. Circuit class study participants attended 90-minute treatment sessions, one day a week for 12 weeks (from September to December 2008). The program consisted of a light warm-up period (10 min), physical exercises for improving balance (20 min), tasks focused on improving balance (50 min) and a cool-down period (10 min). Results: Scores for the BBS assessment increased significantly (from 43.2 to 49.7) after the training (p<0.05). Reach distance on the FRT increased substantially (from 27.7 cm to 47.0 cm), although the improvement was not significant (p>0.05). The average time on the TUG test decreased significantly (from 23.7 sec to 19.5 sec) after the training (p<0.05). Conclusion: The task-related circuit training program improved the balance and mobility of subjects, indicating that such a group program is useful for stroke patients who are discharged from the hospital. More such task-related programs set in a community environment should be developed.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.149-155
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise in the progressive sitting position on the dynamic balance ability of a patient with a cerebellar injury. Methods: The subject had ataxia due to cerebellar injury. The subject participated in a PNF bilateral scapular pattern exercise with stabilizing reversal technique during a progressive sitting position session as well as baseline for 20 minutes a day for 4 weeks. In the first session, PNF exercises were performed at a height of 40 cm for 10 minutes, and in the second session they were performed at 50 cm for 10 minutes from a lower center of gravity (COG) to a higher COG sitting position. We used the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) to measure the subject's dynamic balance ability every two days through the entire session. Results: After participating in the program, the subject's dynamic balance ability improved compared to the first baseline, as measured by BBS (2 points increased), FTSST (5.3 sec decreased), and TUGT (2 sec decreased). The increase was also maintained in the second baseline session. Conclusion: PNF exercise using bilateral scapula patterns with a stabilizing reversal technique helps to enhance the dynamic balance ability of a cerebellar injury patient.

• 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.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.2126-2134
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• 2020

Background: Therapeutic climbing training, which originated in Germany, is a wall-hanging rock climbing-based therapy to increase the body's coordination through movement of the upper and lower limbs against gravity. However, there are no studies examining the effectiveness of therapeutic climbing training to treat balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. Objectives: To investigate therapeutic climbing training program on balance and gait in patients with chronic stroke. Design: Pretest-posttest control group design. Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic hemiplegic stroke participated. Participants were randomized into the therapeutic climbing training group (TCTG, n=7) and the standard rehabilitation program group (SRPG, n=7) group. All subjects participated in the same standard rehabilitation program consisting of 60 minutes 5 times a week for 6 weeks. TCTG participated additionally in the therapeutic climbing program consisting of 30 minutes sessions 3 times a week for the same 6 weeks. Berg balance scale (BBS), Gaitview Measure, Timed up and go test (TUG) were measured. Results: In the TCTG, revealed a statistical difference in BBS between the groups; in the difference of plantar pressure ratio in the static standing position revealed a statistical difference between the groups after training; the balance ability in the one-leg standing tests increased significantly; the time in TUG decreased significantly after training in both groups; The changes in the difference of dynamic plantar pressure ratio were reduced significantly in the TCTG. Conclusion: Therapeutic climbing training contribute to improve balance and walking function in patients with chronic stroke.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) on balance ability in poststroke hemiparetic subjects. Methods : The subjects of this study were 12 patients with hemiplegia who volunteered to participate in the experiment which was carried out over the course of 4 weeks. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is applied to group with three positions (sidelying, half-standing, modified plantigrade). The tests between before and after the intervention were measured by FSST (Four Square Step Test), FICSIT-4 (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques), BBS(Berg Balance Scale). The data were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test to determine the statistical significance. Results : The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1. After intervention, the score of BBS and FICSIT-4 significantly were increased compared with before intervention. 2. After intervention, the time of FSST were reduced significantly compared with before intervention. Conclusions : According to above results, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation improved with balance ability of patients with hemiplegia. This study provided basic data for effects Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on balance ability. In conclusion, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with other interventions is effective way to improve balance ability of patients with hemiplegia.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.9 no.12
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• pp.264-270
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lumbar mobilization combined with dual task training on balance ability in patients with chronic stroke. In this study, 30 adults who were diagnosed with a stroke were divided into 15 groups, each with a dual task training group, a dual task training group applying joint mobilization to the lumbar from July 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019, it was held for 30 minutes a day for two months, three times a week for a total of eight weeks. The clinical balance evaluation index was measured by K-BBS, and the surface area, step length and average speed were measured using Bioresque. In K-BBS, scores were increased in all groups, and the balance ability was increased in the surface area, step length and average speed using Bioresque. Therefore, the combination of dual task training for the lumbar was thought to have an effect on increasing the balance ability of chronic stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.77-86
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• 2020

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of progressive resistance task-oriented strengthening exercises (PRTSE) on the strength of the lower extremities, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients following a stroke. The purpose of the study was to provide fundamental data regarding the use of PRTSE with stroke patients. Methods: Twenty stroke patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 10) who took part in PRTSE and a control group (n = 10) who performed general rehabilitation exercises. Both groups performed their respective exercises for 30 minutes five times a week for four weeks. The strength of their lower extremities was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. The balance of the participants was assessed using a Berg balance scale. The modified Barthel index was conducted to measure ADL. A paired t-test was performed to compare within-group changes before and after the PRTSE. Differences between the experimental and the control groups were analyzed using an independent t-test. For all tests, the level of statistical significance was α = 0.05. Results: After the exercises, there was a significant within-group change in the strength of lower extremities, balance, and ADL in the experimental group and the control group (p < 0.05). There was also a significant between-group difference in the strength of lower extremities after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: General rehabilitation is commonly applied as a treatment for stroke patients and is relatively effective. The application of PRTSE may be useful in such patients, considering its effects on the strength of lower extremities, balance, and ADL.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.139-150
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of treadmill gait training with obstacle-crossing on the static and dynamic balance ability of patients with post stroke hemiplegia. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with post stroke hemiplegia were divided into three groups as: treadmill gait training with obstacle-crossing (TOG, n=7), treadmill gait training without obstacle-crossing (TGG, n=7) and a control (CON, n=7). TOG and TGG performed exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week for 8 weeks. Static balance ability (stability typical, ST; weight distribution index, WDI; fourier harmony index, FHI; and fall index, FI) and dynamic balance ability (berg balance scale, BBS and timed up and go test, TUG) were measured before and after 8 -weeks in each exercise group. Statistical analyses were conducted using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, a paired t-test, and multiple comparisons according to Tukey's HSD. RESULTS: FHI and BBS were significantly increased at TOG (p<.01) and TGG (p<.05) after 8-weeks compared to before treadmill gait training with obstacle-crossing. FHI and BBS were significantly increased at TOG compared with CON and TGG (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Treadmill gait training with obstacle-crossing was more effective than that without obstacle-crossing to improve posture control and independent daily life performance of hemiplegia patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.383-392
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• 2020

Purpose: Balance and gait dysfunction caused by aging affect elderly individuals' independent life, which, in turn, can reduce their overall quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in the vestibular function of healthy elderly and young adults based on the subjective visual vertical (SVV) test as well as to compare and analyze the gait ability between these two groups to study the differences and association between vestibular, dizziness, and balance ability. Methods: The subjects were 18 young and 16 elderly adults with no neurological or musculoskeletal damage. To evaluate vestibular function, a subjective visual vertical test was performed. To evaluate the gait function, the step time, step length, stride length, stance phase ratio, and swing phase ratio were measured. Balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and dizziness was evaluated using a dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Results: There were significant differences in the SVV, BBS, and DHI between the young and elderly adults (p < 0.05). The gait variables of the older adults were all significantly different (except for the swing phase ratio) than those of the young adults (p < 0.05). As the result of correlation analysis, the SVV values of the young adults showed a significant negative correlation with step length and stride length (p < 0.05), while the SVV values of the elderly adults only showed a significant positive correlation with the DHI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The elderly appeared to show a decrease in vestibular function when compared to the young adults, and it is thought that walking and balance function declined, while dizziness increased. Moreover, it is believed that these results can be used as basic data for vestibular rehabilitation in the future.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.104-110
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• 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intensive gait training with body weight support treadmill training on gait and balance in stroke disability patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-six stroke patients (20 men and 6 women) participated in this study. All subjects were hospitalized patients. They were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (body weight supported treadmill training group, n=14) and control group (treadmill group, n=12). The mean ages were 52.07 years (experimental group) and 53.83 years (control group). Subjects in both groups received conventional training 10 times/wk. Subjects in the experimental group practiced body weight supported treadmill training for 30 minutes a day, 3 day/wk. Subjects in the control group practiced treadmill training for 30 minutes. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and GAITRite were used to evaluate balance and gait parameters (step length, cadence and gait speed) before and after the intervention. Results: BBS scores in the experimental group showed significantly greater improvement ($4.33{\pm}1.54$), compared with the control group (p<0.05). Significantly greater improvement in the gait speed ($24.13{\pm}4.53$ cm/s), affected side step length ($10.40{\pm}3.42$ cm), sound side step length ($11.97{\pm}3.29$ cm), and cadence ($23.88{\pm}5.52$ step/min), compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Intensive gait training with Body Weight Support Treadmill Training may improve gait and balance in subacute stroke.