• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.63-70
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of bilateral ankle dorsiflexors-strengthening exercise on the paralytic tibialis anterior activity, balance ability, and gait function of patients with chronic stroke. METHODS: Nineteen patients with chronic stroke were assigned randomly to the experimental and control groups. All participants received general physical therapy for 60-minutes per session, five times a week, for 6 weeks. In addition, the experimental group (n = 9) performed bilateral ankle dorsiflexion muscle-strengthening training three times a week, 30 minutes per session, for six weeks. The control group (n=10) performed the paraplegic ankle dorsiflexion muscle- strengthening training in the same manner. Before and after the intervention, the paralytic tibialis anterior muscle activity, timed up and go test (TUG), and 10m walking test (10 MWT) were performed. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in the post-intervention muscle activity of the paralytic tibialis anterior, TUG, and 10MWT compared to that before the intervention (p<.05), but the differences between the two groups were not significant (p >.05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral ankle dorsiflexors strengthening exercise is an effective cross-training method to improve the muscle activity of the paraplegic tibialis anterior, balance ability, and walking function in chronic stroke patients.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study investigated the immediate effects of gluteus medius strengthening training and relaxation therapy on the static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception. METHODS: In this research, 38 healthy adults were assigned randomly to strengthening groups (SG) and relaxation groups (RG). The static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception were measured as a pre-measurement. The same measurements were performed after the intervention and follow-up. An independent sample t-test was used to compare each group, and one-way repeated ANOVA was used to compare the changes within the group. RESULTS: In the static balance, the comparison between groups SG was more significant than RG, and only SG showed significant differences in the intra-group comparisons. There was no significant difference in muscle strength asymmetry between SG and RG. On the other hand, the comparison within the group revealed only SG to be significant. In proprioception, SG produced more significant results than RG, and only SG had significant values in the within-group comparison. CONCLUSION: Strengthening training affects the changes in static balance, muscle strength asymmetry, and proprioception.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.176-181
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• 2016

Recent studies have focused on evidence-based interventions to prevent mobility decline and enhance physical performance in older adults. Several modalities, in addition to traditional strengthening programs, have been designed to manage age-related functional decline more effectively. In this study, we reviewed the current relevant literatures to assess the therapeutic potential of eccentric exercises for age-related muscle atrophy (sarcopenia). Age-related changes in human skeletal muscle, and their relationship with physical performance, are discussed with reference to in vitro physiologic and human biomechanics studies. An overview of issues relevant to sarcopenia is provided in the context of the recent consensus on the diagnosis and management of the condition. A decline in mobility among the aging population is closely linked with changes in the muscle force-velocity relationship. Interventions based specifically on increasing velocity and eccentric strength can improve function more effectively compared with traditional strengthening programs. Eccentric strengthening programs are introduced as a specific method for improving both muscle force and velocity. To be more effective, exercise interventions for older adults should focus on enhancing the muscle force-velocity relationship. Exercises that can be performed easily, and that utilize eccentric strength (which is relatively spared during the aging process), are needed to improve both muscle force and velocity.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.273-281
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of motor imagery training on residual upper extremity strength and activities of daily living of chronic cervical spinal cord injury patients. Methods: Twelve ASIA A B patients, who had more than a 12-month duration of illness and C5 or 6 motor nerve injury level, were randomly divided into experimental group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Patients in the experimental group performed motor imagery training for five minutes prior to general muscle strengthening training, while those in the control group performed general muscle strengthening training only. The training was performed five times per week, 30 minutes per day, for a period of four weeks. General muscle strengthening training consisted of a progressive resistive exercise for residual upper extremity. Motor imagery training consisted of imagining this task performance. Before and after the training, EMG activity using BTS Pocket Electromyography and Spinal Cord Independent Measure III(SCIM III) were compared and analyzed. Results: The residual upper extremity muscle strengths showed improvement in both groups after training. Comparison of muscle strength improvement between the two groups showed a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.05). SCIM III measurements showed significant improvement in the scores for Self-care and Transfer items in the experimental group. Conclusion: Motor imagery training was more effective than general muscle strengthening training in improving the residual upper extremity muscle strength and activities of daily living of patients with chronic cervical spinal cord injury.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.38-48
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• 2011

The aim of the study was to identify which fall-prevention program offered in community settings in Korea is the most effective in strengthening muscles. Muscle weakness is one of the major risk factors causing falls among the elderly. Randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials published between 1996 and February 2011 were included in this study. Seventeen of the 69 identified studies met the study's criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The overall effect size of the program was .822 (95% confidence interval= .717~.927). The general strengthening exercise (1.608), dance sports training (1.538), Thera-band exercise for lower extremities (1.517), Seniorobic exercise (1.146), gait training (.959), balance training (.909), gradual resistive exercise (.888), and multifactorial fall prevention (.842) programs all show positive effects on muscle strengthening. Subgroup analyses found that more relative effects are seen in programs offered to the more elderly. In this study, the effect of increasing muscle strength on the prevention of falls can only be indirectly suggested; there are few available studies that report the frequency or history of falls in Korea. Further studies are needed to examine the direct effect of fall prevention exercise programs among the elderly.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.69-74
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• 2009

Purpose: This study examined that effect of a change in balance index on ankle Kinesio taping, muscle strength exercises and taping after muscle strength exercises in 30 healthy adult subjects. Methods: The Sway Index of the left, right, front and back on stable, toes up and linear were compared using a Balance System, a balance experimental instrument. Results: The pre and post experimental balance index regarding stable, toes up, and linear were taken for the Kinesio taping group, lower extremities muscle strengthening group, and muscle strengthening with the Kinesio taping group. Statistically significant decreases were observed in all variables except for the left and right pre and post experiment results under stable conditions. Conclusion: The balance index of exercise with taping was lower than that of exercise only. There is a need for objective research on the long-term applications and post-exercise. The body balance appears to be influenced by ankle stabilization using taping.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.125-135
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• 2002

In most of the medical literature that discusses the common problem of movement in patients with cerebral lesions. This critical problem is ascribed to a mechanism involving uninhibited neural activity. The goals of neurological physical therapy are focus on reduce of muscle hypertonicity, facilitates muscle activities, and improve of performance in living environment. A variety of studies suggest that spasticity is a distinct problem and separate from the muscle weakness. It has become increasingly recognized that the major functional deficits following brain damage are largely due to negative features such as muscle weakness and loss of performance rather than spasticity. Adequate recruitment of prime mover, not release was able to carry out the movement tasks well. The strengthening exercise of spastic limbs on changes in muscle properties and performance skill, the repeated motor practice has been identified as crucial for motor recovery. This article support the concept that strengthening is an appropriate intervention to improve the quality of physical function in patients with central nervous system lesions. Further studies and therapeutic approaches should be efforts at improving motor neuron recruitment in agonist rather than reducing activity in antagonists while retraining muscle strengthening.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.17-28
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of the lower extremity muscle strengthening exercise on balance and ambulation of children with cerebral palsy. Methods: 10 subjects who participated in this research undertook the 12-week the lower extremity muscle strengthening exercise program, which consisted of a series of mat exercises and sling exercises. The statistical significances were examined by using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, a non-parametric test, for evaluating the improvement of balance and ambulation of the subjects. In order to evaluate the correlation among the variables, Pearson's correlation coefficients were also calculated. In all statistical analyses the significance level was selected as ${\alpha}$=0.05. Results: Berg balance scale(BBS) was significantly increased after the intervention(p<.05). Percentage weight bearing(PWB) was decreased after the intervention, but there was no significant difference. Time up and go test(TUG) value was significantly decreased(p<.05). Gait velocities was increased after the intervention, but there was no significance. Stride length, step lengths of the affected side and the sound side were significantly increased after the intervention(p<.05). In the correlation analyses of the measures before the intervention, TUG had significant negative correlation to BBS and gait velocity(p<.05). Stride length, step lengths of the sound side and the affected side had significant positive correlation between themselves(p<.01). In the correlation analyses of the measures after the intervention, TUG had significant negative correlation to BBS and gait velocity(p<.05). BBS revealed significant positive correlations to stride length, step lengths of the sound side and the affected side(p<.05). Stride length, step lengths of the sound side and the affected side had significant positive correlation between themselves(p<.01). Conclusion: Based upon the outcomes as above, it is likely that the muscle strength exercises have substantial effects on balance and ambulation of children with cerebral palsy. Thus various lower extremity muscle strengthening exercise programs are required to be studied and developed in order to contribute to functional improvements of children with cerebral palsy.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.533-539
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12weeks complexed lower body muscle-strengthening exercise program on fall risk in elderly women. Twenty subjects volunteered to participate who use a welfare center in W city For the study we divided into two groups: exercise group (EC, n=10, mean age:$69.6{\pm}2.2$), comparative group(CG, n=10, mean age:$71.3{\pm}4.6$). In order to investigate the effect of lower body muscle-strengthening program on the degree of risk of fall. It reached a conclusion as follows after having applied BBS (Berg Balance Scale) and OLST (One-Leg Stance Test) to examine the degree of risk of fall. As a result of changes in BBS and OLST, there were significant differences between EG and CG for each test(p<.00). Therefore, it confirmed that the application of complexed lower body muscle-strengthening program to the elderly who have a high risk of fall influences the risk of fall positively.