• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.383-390
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three-week contract-and-relax (CR) interventions with and without reinforcement using temporal summation for flexibility and dynamic balance ability in young people with hamstring shortening. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 female college students with hamstring shortening. The participants were divided equally into two groups using stratified randomization: the CR group (CRG) and the CR with reinforcement group (CRRG). All interventions were applied three times a week for three weeks. The passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test and functional reaching test (FRT) were conducted on each participant before and after the three-week intervention. Results: In both groups, PSLR and FRT improved significantly after the three-week intervention compared to before intervention (p < 0.01). The amount of change in PSLR after the three-week intervention was significantly higher in CRRG than in CRG (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Three-week CR interventions with and without reinforcement were effective in improving PSLR and FRT. To improve hamstring shortening, CR intervention with reinforcement may be more useful than CR intervention without reinforcement.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.127-134
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• 2015

Purpose: The current study seeks to examine the effect of coordinative pattern exercises of the upper and lower extremities using harnesses and walking rails on the walking and balance abilities of chronic stroke patients, and to develop effective programs and training methods to improve the functions of such patients. Methods: Subjects included 16 patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=8), on which coordinative pattern exercises of the upper and lower extremities were conducted, and a comparison group (n=8) that received typical exercise therapy. The experimental group underwent 30 minutes of typical exercise therapy and 30 minutes of coordinative pattern exercises of the upper and lower extremities, while the comparison group underwent typical exercise therapy for 30 minutes twice a day, five days per week for a six-week period. To evaluate walking ability, 10-m walking tests (10MWT) and 6-m walking tests (6MWT) were conducted. To assess balance ability, timed up and go tests (TUG) were performed. Results: After the intervention, significant (p<0.05) differences were seen in the 10MWT, 6MWT, and TUG in both the experimental and comparison groups. As for the 10MWT, the experimental group showed more significant improvement than the comparison group (p<0.05). In terms of the 6MWT, no significant differences were found between the groups, while the experimental group showed more significant differences than the comparison group in the TUG (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results from the current research indicate that training programs that apply coordinative pattern exercises of the upper and lower extremities with harnesses are extremely effective for improving the walking and balance abilities of chronic stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2019

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of task-oriented training for a left trunk flexion pattern using real-time ultrasound imaging in a stroke patient with unilateral neglect symptoms. Methods: This study used the ABA experimental design, which is a single-subject research method among individual case research methods. For the ABA experimental design, changes in the degree of unilateral neglect, balance ability, and the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscle were visually analyzed during the baseline process, in the intervention period, and after the intervention. The experiments were performed 24 times in total for 8 times in each of the 3 periods. The unilateral neglect was measured using the Albert test, balance ability was measured using the Berg balance test, and the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscle was measured using ultrasound imaging. The subject was a 50-year-old male patient with unilateral neglect caused by right cerebral hemorrhage. He performed task-oriented training for a voluntary left trunk flexion pattern using real-time ultrasound imaging during the intervention period. Results: The result of comparing the data collected during the intervention period with the data point average of the baseline process showed that balance ability improved and the tendency line was above the baseline. The tendency line of unilateral neglect was below the baseline and showed a decreasing tendency. The thickness of the lateral abdominal muscle showed an increasing trend and the tendency line was above the baseline. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the task-oriented training for left trunk flexion pattern using real-time ultrasound imaging has a beneficial effect on balance ability, the degree of unilateral neglect, and the strength of the lateral abdominal muscle in unilateral neglect patients.

• IE interfaces
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2009

In this paper, we propose a dispatching algorithm for constructing a Factory Operating System (FOS) which can operate semiconductor fabrication factories more efficiently and effectively. We first define ten dispatching criteria and propose two methods to apply the defined dispatching criteria sequentially and simultaneously (i.e. fixed dispatching architecture). However the fixed type methods cannot apply the criteria adaptively by considering changes in the semiconductor fabrication factories. To overcome this type of weakness, an adaptive dispatching architecture is proposed for applying the dispatching criteria dynamically based on the factory status. The status can be determined by combining evaluation results from the following three status criteria; target movement, workload balance, and utilization rate. Results from the shop floor in past few periods showed that the proposed methodology gives a good performance with respect to the productivity, workload balance, and machine utilization. We can expect that the proposed adaptive dispatching architecture will be used as a useful tool for operating semiconductor fabrication factories more efficiently and effectively.

• Archives of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of the augmented reality (AR)-based knee joint short period exercise program and used a motion analyzer with a 3D camera to determine the range of motion and dynamic balance and further investigate the effects of therapeutic exercise on patients. Methods: This study used AR-based motion analysis and a Y-balance test to measure the range of motion (ROM) of each joint: the hip joint and the knee joint. After the measurements, an exercise program was applied to the subjects, using the knee motion program function, and the muscles of the quadriceps femoris and the hamstring were stretched or strengthened. Results: Our results showed knee joint extension at the dominant hip joint flexion position. While there was no significant difference (p>.05) at this position, there were significant differences in the non-dominant hips, unbalanced knee joint flexion, and superior knee joint flexion (p<.05). The Y-balance test using the non-dominant leg supported by the dominant legs showed that the absolute reach was $69.70{\pm}7.06cm$ before the exercise, and the absolute reach after the exercise was $77.56{\pm}6.09cm$ (p<.05). Conclusions: There was a significant difference when the movement of the lower limbs supported the superior limbs, and a significant difference was found in the ROM when the non-dominant side supported the dominant side. Therefore, the AR-based exercise program improves the balance of the human body and the range of motion of the joints, and research that aims to improve patients abilities should continue.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.339-351
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• 2019

Purpose: This study identified the effects of dual-task gait training on balance, gait function, and activity of daily living in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study used a single-subject design. Two patients with Parkinson's disease participated in this study. Dual-task gait training was performed 1 hour per day 8 times during intervention phase. The subjects were measured 8 times in the baseline phase, 8 times in the intervention phase, and 8 times in the follow-up phase. The outcome measurements included a timed up and go test (TUG), a Berg balance scale (BBS), a 10 meter walk test (10MWT), a 6 minute walk test (6MWT), a dynamic gait index (DGI) and a Korean modified Barthel index (K-MBI). Results: When compared to the average of the baseline process, the data collected during the intervention period showed that the TUG and 10MWT results improved and the tendency line was above the baseline. In addition, BBS, 6MWT, DGI, and K-MBI values for both patients increased remarkably after the training. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that dual-task gait training may be helpful to improve balance, walking function, and activity of daily living for patients with Parkinson's disease. Further studies need to confirm our findings.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.161-175
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of HPAFO(Hinged Plastic Ankle Foot orthosis) and SPAFO(Solid Plastic Ankle Foot Orthosis) on standing balance and step moving in hemiplegia patients. Twenty hemiplegic patients were either inpatient or outpatient at the Rehabilitation medicine, MokPo J General Hospital and JeonJu J Medical Center from July 15, 2002 to September 15, 2002. Patients were able to ambulate independently for at least 10 meters and to stand independently for at least 10 minutes with balance measurement tool. The static balance and dynamic activity measurement was determined by SAKAI active balancer(Japan) with wearing HPAFO and wearing SPAFO. The static balance and dynamic activity analysis was analyzed by independent t-test. The results were as follows: 1. There were no significant difference in body weight bearing percent between wearing HPAFO and wearing SPAFO(p>0.05). 2. There were significant difference in whole path length between wearing HPAFO and wearing SPAFO(p<0.05). 3. There were significant difference in Effective Value Area between wearing HPAFO and wearing SPAFO(p>0.001). 4. There were significant difference in repeated functional time between wearing HPAFO and wearing SPAFO(p>0.001). 5. There were significant difference in cadence between wearing HPAFO and wearing SPAFO(p>0.001). The result of this study showed that wearing HPAFO and wearing SPAFO gave fair amount of improvement to static standing balance and dynamic movement ability of hemiplegic patients. The comparison result showed significant differences in between HPAFO and SPAHFO. The result of this study had a general limitation due to the restricted number of cases. The future study needs more detailed research and comparison with various variance between these two orthoses.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.67-74
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prove the effects of coordinative locomotion training (CLT) on walking speed, walking endurance, and balance for incomplete spinal cord injury patients. Methods: Ten subjects were randomly assigned to the CLT group (n = 5) and the treadmill (TM) group (n = 5). The CLT group performed PNF pattern exercise using the motions of the sprinter and skater for 30 minutes, while the TM group performed using a treadmill for 30 minutes. Both groups performed these therapeutic interventions for five days per week, for a period of four weeks. A 10 meter walking test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and 6 meter walking test were used for the assessment of gait speed, balance, and gait endurance. The SPSS Ver. 18.0 statistical program was used for data processing. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for the comparison of pre- and post-intervention performance and a Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison between the groups. The significance level for the statistical inspection was set at 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in the 10 meter walking test, Berg Balance Scale, and 6 meter walking test (P < 0.05). Conclusion: CLT had an effect on the improvement of walking speed, walking endurance, and the balance of incomplete spinal cord injury patients. Thus, we suggest that CLT is a therapeutic intervention for incomplete spinal cord injury patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.183-193
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of performing Pilates exercises for eight weeks on the isokinetic trunk strength and balance of female middle school students with lumbago. Methods: Twenty-four female students who met the test requirements were recruited and randomly divided into a control group (CG, n = 16) and a Pilates exercise group (Pilates group; PG, n = 8). The PG performed a Pilates program, which consisted of lumbar muscle strengthening exercises, for 60 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. Data analysis was conducted by two-way repeated ANOVA, and a Bonferroni test was carried out when significant differences appeared. The alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: Following the experimental treatment, the PG showed an increased trunk flexion peak torque of 17% and 13% at angular velocities of 180°/sec and 300°/sec, respectively. The intergroup comparison showed no significant difference at pre-measurement, while the PG increased about 31% (180°/sec) and 15% (300°/sec) higher than the control group at post-measurement. Following the experimental treatment, the PG showed an increased trunk extensor peak torque of approximately 29% and 21% at angular velocities of 180°/sec and 300°/sec, respectively. The intergroup comparison showed no significant difference at pre-measurement, while the PG increased approximately 27% (180°/sec) and 15% (300°/sec) higher than the control group at post-measurement. Both the CG and the PG showed a 20% and 50% decrease in pain index after the experimental treatment, respectively. After the experimental treatment, the PG had about 50% lower pain than the CG. The average error rate of static balance in the PG reduced by 19% from 3.28±0.45 to 2.65±0.36, confirming a significant improvement. Conclusion: Regular Pilates exercise for eight weeks improved the isokinetic trunk muscle strength of female middle school students with lumbago and relieved their pain. Pilates was also shown to be effective in improving balance.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.115-123
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sit-to-stand training with various foot positions combined with visual feedback on muscle onset time and balance in stroke patients. Methods: Thirty stroke patients were randomly assigned into three standing groups: one with a symmetrical foot position (SSF; n = 10), one with an asymmetrical foot position with the affected foot at the rear (SAF; n = 10), and one with visual feedback and an asymmetrical foot position (SVAF; n = 10). Sit-to-stand training with different foot positions was performed for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. The effects on muscle onset time and balance were assessed. Results: In a comparison of the onset time of muscle contraction, the onset time of the affected side tibialis anterior and less-affected side gastrocnemius muscle and tibialis anterior was significantly shortened in the SAVF group. And onset time of the less-affected side tibialis anterior was shortened in the SAF group. There was a significant difference in the result of functional reach testing in the SVAF group. Conclusion: VRG was effective in improving muscle activity and balance in elderly women aged 65 and older. In this study, sit-to-stand training with visual feedback and asymmetrical foot position showed significant functional improvement.