Effects of Knee Tracking Training on Gait in Stroke Patients

무릎관절 추적훈련이 편마비 환자의 보행에 미치는 영향

  • Shin, Hwa-Kyung (Dept. of Rehabilitation Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University) ;
  • Yeom, Ho-Joon (Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, The Graduate School, Yonsei University) ;
  • Cho, Sang-Hyun (Dept. of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Institute of Health Science, Yonsei University) ;
  • Jang, Sung-Ho (Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University)
  • 신화경 (연세대학교 대학원 재활학과) ;
  • 염호준 (연세대학교 대학원 의공학과) ;
  • 조상현 (연세대학교 보건과학대학 물리치료학과 및 보건과학연구소) ;
  • 장성호 (영남대학교 의과대학 재활의학과)
  • Published : 2003.09.17

Abstract

Manual tracking is an experimental paradigm that can be used to study information processing in continuous movements involving accurate, ongoing control of motor performance. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of knee tracking training, using the paretic side, on gait in stroke patients. Nine patients with hemiplegia participated in the study. The timed 10 m gait speed test and tracking test were administrated. The tracking test was composed with ranges of $-20^{\circ}$ to $20^{\circ}$ and $0^{\circ}$ to $60^{\circ}$. The tracking training consisted of five times every week for 4 weeks. The data were analyzed by non-parametric paired sign test of Wilcoxon. The flexion/extension error of the tracking test was significantly reduced on the paretic side, while the nonparetic side was not statistically significant. The transfer of the skill to the functional activity was shown in the significant improvement at timed 10 m gait speed test. This study shows that individuals with chronic who have impaired knee movement can be trained to improve their knee control through intensive practice at a knee movement tracking task and that the skill learned from such training is transfered to a more functional gait speed.

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