• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.97-104
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• 2017

Purpose: This study seeks to determine the effect of a lower extremity strengthening exercise that uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the gait and balance ability of a stroke patient. Methods: In this case study, a lower extremity strengthening exercise that used PNF was performed by the subject for 30 minutes 4 times per week for a 4-week period alongside typical rehabilitation therapy. The lower extremity pattern used flexion-abduction-internal rotation with knee flexion, extension-abduction-internal rotation, bilateral leg extension pattern. The 10 m walk test and 6 minute walk test were used to assess gait ability. The Berg balance scale was used to assess balance ability. Results: After the intervention, the time for the 10 m walk test decreased by 5.72 sec, the distance for the 6 minute walk test decreased by 20 meters, and the score on the Berg balance scale improved by 7 points, which indicates the effectiveness of this therapy for stroke patients. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a lower extremity strengthening exercise using PNF can improve the gait ability and balance ability of stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.213-222
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of heel-raise-lower with Kinesio Taping (HKT) on spasticity and balance ability in patients with chronic strokes. Methods: The participants were divided randomly into the HKT group and heel-raise-lower with sham (control group), with 38 participants assigned to each group. Both groups received heel-raise-lower lifting 100 times, 5 times/week for 4 weeks. The HKT group applied Kinesio Taping to the calf muscles. The control group applied Kinesio Taping transversely to the ankle joint and tibialis anterior muscle. The composite spasticity score was used to evaluate the ankle plantar flexors. The center of pressure with the eyes open and closed and limited stability was measured using BioRescue equipment. Both groups evaluated spasticity and balance ability before the experiment and after 4 weeks. Statistical methods before and after working around spasticity and balance ability were independent t-tests. Results: After training, spasticity showed significant improvement in the HKT group and in the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, balance ability was significantly more improved in the HKT group after 4 weeks of training compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We confirmed the effects of heel-raise-lower with Kinesio Taping (HKT) on spasticity and balance ability in patients with chronic strokes.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.7-16
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of the proprioceptive exercise program on balance performance in order to the suggest hemiplegic patients the therapeutic intervention. Methods : In this study, Proprioceptive exercise program was applied to 11 hemiplegic patients for 6 weeks as follows: First of all, hemi leg flexion-extension pattern was applied in a supine position. Secondly, alternated leg flexion pattern was applied in a standing posture with one hand support on the unstable platform. Thirdly, rhythmic stabilization techniques were applied in a standing posture on the unstable platform. Results : Significant differences were observed the chronic low back pain patient for VAS, BBS. Chronic low back pain patient improved all test. The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1. After intervention, there was a statistically significant change in the dynamic balance (FSST, TUG, FRT) performance(p<.05). 2. After intervention, there was also a statistically significant change in the static balance (FICSIT-4) performance(p<.05). Conclusion : The result of the study suggests that muscle strength exercise by the intervention of proprioceptive exercise program improves the hemiplegic patients' static and dynamic balance performance.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of a gait training using PNF on a gait and balance ability of a person with chronic stroke. Methods : The subject was left hemiplegia due to cerebral infarction. The subject participated in PNF gait training session as well as baseline for 30 minutes a day for 4 weeks. we used the 10-meter walking test(10MWT), figure-8-of walk test(F8WT), dynamic gait index(DGI) for measuring the gait ability and four square step test(FSST), Berg balance scale(BBS) for measuring the balance ability through the whole sessions. Results : The gait ability was enhanced compared to first baseline, as measured by 10MWT(27.3%), F8WT(36.6%), DGI(8 points increased). The balance ability was improved compared to first baseline, as measured by FSST(49.1%), BBS(10 points increased). The increase was maintained in second baseline session. Conclusion : The PNF gait training program is helpful to enhance the adaptation of the gait and balance according to the various environmental demands.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.1849-1855
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• 2019

Background: Stroke patients require arm movement exercising for various stimulations in standing position for various stimulations rather than in a sitting position because they require integrated skillful movements, such as stretching, holding, and controlling. Objective: This study was conducted to provide foundational clinical data about lower limb global synkinesis in stroke patients using arm movements in a standing position. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were divided into a control group (n = 10) and an experimental group (n = 10), and a pre-test was conducted to evaluate leg global synkinesis (GS) and balance. Intervention method is stretching an arm to hold a ball, repeating supination and pronation of the hand only while maintaining the arm extended as much as possible, repeating shoulder abduction and adduction while holding the pegboard. This was followed by a three-week intervention during which re-measurement was conducted in the same way as was done for the pre-test. Results: The control group showed a significant difference in GS and balance during plantar flexion (p<.05), and the experimental group showed a significant difference in GS and balance during all movements (p<.05, p<.01, respectively). There was a significant difference in GS and balance between the two groups during dorsiflexion (p<.05, p<.01, respectively). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that human arm movements in a standing position can reduce GS in the affected limb, and balance can be improved by stimulating the surrounding tissues of the affected limb and changing them positively.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.311-319
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• 2021

Purpose: The study examined the effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern exercise and protein intake on balance, gait ability, and lower extremity muscular strength for sarcopenia in the elderly. Methods: A total of 30 elderly people (65~74years) with sarcopenia were recruited and randomized to Group I (n=10), Group II (n=10), and Group III (n=10). Their balance ability was measured using the functional reach test. Group I performed the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern exercise and protein intake. Group II performed the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern exercise. Group III performed protein intake. Their gait ability was measured using the Timed Up and Go test. Lower extremity muscular strength was measured using the Five Times Sit to Stand test. Results: As a result of comparison within groups, Group I and Group II showed a significant difference in balance, gait, and lower extremity muscular strength after the experiment (p<0.05), and Group I showed a more effectively significant difference than either Group II or Group III in balance, gait, and lower extremity muscular strength before and after the experiment (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns exercise and protein intake was effective in balance, gait ability, and lower extremity muscular strength for sarcopenia in the elderly.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.87-93
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• 2015

Objective: Balance is a preceding task for functional activities in daily activities as well as community-dwelling activities. To learn skilled and functional activities, it is also necessary to imagine an appropriate and effective movement representation used to plan and execute the functional activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of balance imagery of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor and balance beam on balance abilities for elderly and young adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifteen elderly and thirty-four young adults were enrolled in this study. In order to determine whether there is a change in postural control ability according to the different imagery training methods used, standing static balance measurements were performed. According to the therapist's instructions, participants were to stand in a semi-tandem position on the Good Balance System for 1 minute while imagining that they were standing on a balance beam, and while the postural control abilities was assessed. Results: Postural control was significantly different in balance ability of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor compared to on a balance beam in both geriatrics and young adults. Postural sway was more significantly decreased in young adults than older adults during balance imagery of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor as well as on balance beam (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the ability to mentally represent their actions was similar in older adults compared to young adults, although older adults showed a drop in efficiency of postural control more than young adults.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.88-97
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• 2021

Purpose: Patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have impaired balance and movement control. Exercise interventions have not targeted these impairments in this population. This study aimed to investigate the effect of complex balance exercises on unstable ground, on the gait, balance, and daily living ability of patients with total knee arthroplasty. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The participants consisted of 30 patients placed into two groups of 15 each: a experimental group (complex balance exercise) and a control group (physical therapy exercise). Both group exercise was applied for 3 times a week for 30 minutes for four weeks. Force plate for balance ability and Timed up and go (TUG) test were the primary outcome measures. The secondary outcome measures included 10-m walk test (10MWT) and the daily living ability using the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living scale (KOS-ADL). Results: The result of this study showed that the experimental group had a significant difference in TUG and 10MWT than the control group, and balance was significantly different in CEA, CPL, and CAV. There was a significant difference in daily living ability between the experimental and control groups. This study confirms that the physical therapy with complex balance exercise on unstable surfaces has positive effects on balance, gait and daily living ability in patients with total knee arthroplasty. Conclusion: As a result of this study, complex balance exercise on unstable surface was more effective in improvement gait, balance and daily living ability in total knee arthroplasty. From this study, physical therapy with complex balance exercises on unstable ground may be proposed as and effective intervention method for improving gait, balance, and daily living ability in patients with early total knee arthroplasty.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.151-158
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to find out the kinematical characteristics of arm's basic position in ballet. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, 3D cinematographic analysis was conducted with a ballerina who might performed the perfect arm's basic position. According to the results of this study, it was appeared that the shoulder kept about 78%-82%, the elbow kept about 62%-96%, the wrist kept 52%-109%, and finger kept 48%-110% with the height. Also, movement was formed with $21^{\circ}-77^{\circ}$ of the upper arm angle, $106^{\circ}-164^{\circ}$ of the elbow, $125^{\circ}-140^{\circ}$ of the wrist, and $83^{\circ}-160^{\circ}$ of the shoulder. The left-right ratio of the total arm angle was 98% in the first, second, and third position, and 100% in the forth position. The angle of arm gradient was remained $-68^{\circ}$ in the first position, $-27^{\circ}$ in the second position, $73^{\circ}$ in the third position, and $-11^{\circ}$ in the forth position. Based on the results mentioned above, balance and symmetry of both arms was an important factor in those four positions. Although it is impossible to maintain the position like robot, it may be a good performance if a certain level of extent was remained With respect to this point of view, it may be a good position if the difference between right and left arm in each joint can be remained within 2%. Angle also was an important factor that if the difference in total angle can be remained within 2% it may be an excellent position, there was difference of right and left based on the joint though. Therefore, practice and instruction to make a perfect symmetry as much as possible were needed Also, it would be a good movement if position and angle of joint within 2% difference of right and left arm can be remained In turn, because ballet is movement with expression of the body, beauty of the body and balance of the movement have to be harmonized for beautiful performance. Therefore, it would be a meaningful future study considering the body condition and movement of ballerina to define the beauty.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2021

Objective: Joint mobilization for arthrokinematics altered by the positional fault of chronic ankle instability (CAI) is an effective intervention for stabilization. In this study, we compared the effects of ankle dorsi flexion range of motion (DFROM) and dynamic balance ability (DBA) in CAI patients via passive joint mobilization (PJM), a method traditionally performed in previous studies, and active joint mobilization (AJM), a method that can have a greater effect on cortical excitability with spontaneous movements. Design: Single-blind two-arm randomized controlled trial Methods: A total of 30 participants were registered: 15 each to the PJM and AJM groups. Each participant received a total of 10 intervention sessions, 10 minutes per session, 5 times a week for 2 weeks. PJM used Maitland's mobilization method to apply joint mobilization with talus in the posterior direction and AJM used an angular joint motion to induce patient's voluntary motion of medial malleolus anterior gliding and lateral malleolus posterior gliding, respectively. DFROM of the ankle was measured by using tape and DBA was evaluated by using the balance system. Results: Significant improvement was observed after intervention in both the PJM and AJM groups except for the DBA-anterior and DBA-right variables of the PJM group. There were statistically significant differences between the AJM and PJM groups in the DFROM, DBA-anterior, DBA-posterior, and DBA-right variables. Conclusions: The overall improvement of DFROM and DBA was found to be more effective in joint mobilization including voluntary movement. When it is accompanied by voluntary movement, it further affects the neuromuscular system of the ankle.