• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) of the caregiver and disease severity with motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Research data were collected in the Rehabilitation Clinic of Daegu University. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and the functional independence measure (FIM) were used for assessment by three occupational therapists, and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) were applied to the caregivers. One hundred six caregivers of under 18 years who were diagnosed with CP completed a survey and interview. The caregivers' QoL was evaluated using Medical Outcomes Study SF-36. The children's motor function was scored using GMFM-88 in five dimensions: lying and rolling; sitting; crawling and kneeling; standing and walking, running and jumping and CP's FIM scores. Results: Out of the 8 domains of the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, the "physical functioning", "physical role functioning", "mental health", and "bodily pain" domains were significantly correlated to "total" percentage scores of the GMFM-88 (p<0.05). In addition, the "mental health" domain was correlated to each subdomain of the GMFM-88, which includes, "lying and rolling", and "crawling and kneeling". Similarly, of Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, "physical functioning", "bodily pain", and "mental health" domains were significantly correlated with "transfer" and "locomotion" of FIM scores (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the QoL of the caregivers were well correlated with the motor function of children with CP. It is also important to support not only physical health but also psychological health of caregivers of children with CP, especially those with severe motor function.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.1009-1018
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• 2019

This paper describes the design and implementation of a rehabilitation medical device based on a EMG measurement. Rehabilitation systems are controlled using BLDC motors and motor drives. The BLDC motor drive controls the operation and the speed controls the drive through the external servo motor. In addition, potentiometer coupled to the outside of the motor transmits information about the position of the load being rotated by the motor. The rehabilitation algorithm is controlled by limiting the maximum angle of 0 to 120 by utilizing the motor according to the user setting stage during the rehabilitation exercise. The walking algorithm compensates motor control for the low leg of the signal using the difference value of the signal obtained with the surface denser attached to both inner muscles. The motor and surface denser are utilized for the walk motion to control the maximum angle of 0 to 80.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.84 no.2
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• pp.140-147
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• 2021

Background: For generations, cigarette smoking has presented an important public health concern. This study aimed to compare the health-promoting behavior, exercise capacity, physical activity level, health literacy, and knowledge level of smoking-related diseases between smokers and non-smokers. Methods: The study included 71 smokers (mean age, 32.69±8.55 years) and 72 non-smokers (mean age, 31.88±9.94 years) between the ages of 20 and 60 years. Assessments included a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), Cardiovascular Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale (CARRF-KL), Asthma/COPD Awareness Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref [TR]), and Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Results: The results from the study show that the number of coronary artery disease risk factors measured significantly higher among the smoker group members when compared to that of the non-smoker group members (p=0.001). Smokers had significantly lower %6MWT distance than non-smokers (84.83±4.72 and 93.45±7.16, respectively; p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the smokers and non-smokers in terms of physical activity, CARRF-KL, HLQ, WHOQoL-Bref, and HPLP-II subscales or total scores (p>0.05). Additionally, while only forty-one smokers (57.7%) were active, 48 of the non-smoker group was active (66.7%). Conclusion: Smokers suffer greater negative effects to their exercise capacity in comparison to non-smokers. Although smokers and non-smokers have similar levels of health literacy and similar levels of knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk factors and obstructive lung diseases, health professionals could continue to further increase individuals' awareness of smoking-related risk factors and continue to emphasize the importance of physical activity and exercise for protecting cardiopulmonary health.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.263-273
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate effect of scalp acupuncture (SA) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) intervention on neuromotor function in photothrombotic cerebral infarction (PCI) rat model. Sixty male SD rats were used. PCI was induced on M1 cortex of right frontal lobe. SA was performed at the Qianding (GV21), Xuanli (GB6) acupoints of ipsilesional M1. Low-frequency rTMS was delivered to contralesional M1. All rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A, normal (n, 15); group B, PCI without any stimulation intervention (n, 15); group C, PCI with SA (n, 15); group D, PCI with rTMS (n, 15). Rota-rod test and Ladder rung walking test (LWT) were done weekly for 8 weeks after PCI. SA or rTMS was started from post-PCI 4^th day as protocol for 8 weeks. H/E stain and IHC were done. Western blot and qRT-PCR study were performed for MAP2 and BDNF from ipsilesional M1 peri-infarction tissue. Brain MRI study was conducted to quantify the volume of cerebral infarction. As a result, left forelimb and hindlimb function significantly improved more in group C and D than control group, with expressed more BDNF and MAP2. And brain MRI showed focal infarction of right M1 after PCI, and infarction volume progressively decreased in group C and D than group B from post-PCI 5^th to 8^th week. SA or rTMS was more effective than no intervention group on neuromotor function of PCI rat model. The functional recovery was associated with stimulation intervention-related neurogenesis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.29-36
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• 2024

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of functional electrical stimulation during gait training on the gait, balance, and lower extremity function of chronic stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 20 subjects diagnosed with chronic stroke were randomly divided into experimental group that performed functional electrical stimulation during gait training, and a control group applied with only functional electrical stimulation, with 10 subjects in each group. RESULTS: In the Berg Balance Scale, the experimental group ranged from 19.80 ± 4.93 to 24.30 ± 6.63 and the control group ranged from 39.40 ± 12.72 to 40.10 ± 13.18, which showed significant differences (p < .05), and there was a significant difference between the groups (p < .05). In 10 Meter Walk Test, the experimental group ranged from 28.70 ± 4.03 to 26.42 ± 3.56, which showed significant differences (p < .05), and there was a significant difference between the groups (p > .05). In Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale-Lower extremity, the experimental group ranged from 22.70 ± 4.49 to 25.30 ± 4.39 and the control group ranged from 21.10 ± 5.34 to 25.30 ± 4.49, which showed significant differences (p < .05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Functional electrical stimulation during gait training may be suggested as an effective program for improving gait, balance, and lower extremity function of stroke patients. Therefore, functional electrical stimulation during gait may be recommended as part of the rehabilitation program for chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.139-144
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• 2013

Various types of disease in the nervous and musculoskeletal system can change gait, and the gait analysis is very important in determining the progression of the disease. Most methods of analyzing gait are subject to high-priced equipment and spatial restrictions. This study used smart phone images and the walking track analysis program to make a comparative analysis with the existing gait analysis on the basis of the stride length measurements and the changes in the knee joint angle for walking. The test necessary to analyze gait was conducted in seven healthy men, and data about the angle of right and left knee joints and stride length were used to analyze gait. The gait analysis in this study obtained the similar results to the existing ones. The use of the methods suggested in this study will enable gait analysis to be made without high-priced equipment and spatial restrictions.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.120-126
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of backward treadmill gait training between underwater and ground environments on strength, proprioception, and walking ability in persons with stroke. Design: Randomized control trial. Methods: Twenty eight subjects participated in the study in which they were randomly assigned to either the underwater backward treadmill training (UBTT) group (n=13) or the BTT group (n=15). In both groups, forward gait training was performed for 20 minutes on the ground treadmill. The UBTT group performed backward gait on an underwater treadmill for 20 minutes while the BTT group performed backward gait on a ground treadmill for 20 minutes. The gait training in each group was performed twice a week for a total of six weeks. Muscle strength, proprioception, and gait ability was assessed using a digital power meter, joint angle recurrence method using the smartphone protractor application, the Figure-of-Eight walk test (F8W) and the functional gait assessment (FGA) respectively. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in strength, F8W and FGA scores after training (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in proprioception after training (p<0.05). In the comparison between the two groups, there was a greater significant change in the UBTT group for joint proprioception (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, it was found that both backward treadmill gait training programs were effective on strength, proprioception, and gait ability, and that underwater training was particularly effective on proprioception compared to ground training.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.63-70
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to conduct an Otago exercise program with stroke patients in a clinical setting and ascertain its effects on balance and walking ability. METHODS: The participating subjects were 45 people who had been diagnosed with stroke. They were assigned to two groups (Otago exercise; OE, n=22; balance exercise; BE, n=23), and the exercises were conducted for three sessions per week for eight weeks. The main balance outcomes were evaluated using the timed up and go test (TUG) and the four step square test (FSST), while walking ability was evaluated using the 10 m walk test (10MWT), direction change ability was measured using the figure 8 of walk test (F8WT), and the decrease of fear was evaluated using the modified falls efficacy scale (MFES). RESULTS: In the analysis results, the Otago exercise group showed significant increases in TUG, FSST, 10MWT, and F8WT within the both groups. There were significant differences in all variables between the OE group and the BE group at the post-intervention evaluation, but there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the 10MWT. This study showed that conducting Otago exercise in stroke patients increased the main outcomes for TUG, FSST, F8WT scores, but not for 10MWT. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that Otago exercise would be useful to improve balance and gait for stroke patients who want to improve their abilities and activities of daily living.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.133-139
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of balance training on a three-dimensional balance trainer that provides the up-and-down vertical movement of the knee joint and left-and-right horizontal movement, along with visual feedback on the functional ability of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CPs). METHODS: 8 CPs participated in this study. The experiment was implemented for 40 minutes, three times a week for a total of six weeks. The subjects received general physiotherapy for 15 minutes in each session focused on balance and walking, as based on the neuro-developmental treatment theory. Balance training was performed for 20 minutes on a three-dimensional balance trainer where knee joint movement providing visual feedback is applied. The evaluations were conducted before and after the test, and posture sway was measured using 10 Meter Walking Test (10MWT), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), and the Good Balance System to evaluate the functional ability and balance of the subjects RESULTS: 10MWT was not statistically significant (p>.05). On the contrary, TUG and postural sway indicate static balance showed a statistically significant decrease (p<.05). In a static balance test using the Good Balance System, the average moving speed statistically significantly decreased in the AP and ML directions (p<.05), and the mean velocity moment also significantly decreased (p<.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that balance training using the three-dimensional balance trainer, with the features of visual feedback and up-and-down knee joint movement effects on increasing dynamic and static balance.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate characteristics of foot pressure distribution with or without partial prosthetic foot in transmetatarsal amputee. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 9 transmetatarsal amputees. Foot pressures were measured at hallux, the $1^{st}-5^{th}$ metatarsal head (MTH), mid-foot, condyle area by F-scan system in amputated or contralateral foot during active walking. Results: In amputated foot, mean peak pressure was greatest in midfoot without prosthetic foot but it was greatest in hindfoot with prosthetic foot. In unaffected foot, although mean peak pressure was higher in hallux, and $1-5^{th}$ MTH compared to amputated foot, it was greatest in hind foot both with and without prosthetic foot. However, in unaffected foot, mean peak pressure significantly decreased in hallux and $5^{th}$ MTH after wearing the prosthetic foot. There was a significant difference in mean peak pressure in hallux and $5^{th}$ MTH between amputated and unaffected foot after wearing prosthetic foot. However, other region had no significant difference with or without prosthetic foot between feet. Conclusions: The use of partial prosthetic foot tends to shift weight bearing from the heel area to forefoot and could significantly reduce hind foot peak pressure and redistributed to peak pressure. The partial prosthetic foot can also offer the peak pressure to reduction both amputated foot and unaffected foot and help to toe off during walking.