• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.221-230
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• 2023

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality combined robot assist gait training (VRG) on improvement of balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients. Methods : A single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 35 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly allocated 2 groups; VRG group (n=18) and conservative treatment group (CG; n=17). The VRG group received 30 minutes robot assisted gait training combined virtual reality training, robot assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device (2 sessions of 15 minutes in a 3D-recorded walking environment and 15 minutes in a downtown walking environment). In the conservative treatment group, neurodevelopmental therapy and exercise therapy were performed according to the function of stroke patients. Each group performed 30 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome balance and respiratory function were measured by a balance measurement system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), Berg balance scale, functional reach test for balance, Spirometry (Cosmed Micro Quark, Cosmed, Italy) for respiratory function Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and maximum expiratory volume (PEF) were measured according to the protocol. The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in balance and respiratory function during intervention period. VRG revealed significant differences in balance and respiratory function as compared to the CG groups (p<.05). Our results showed that VRG was more effective on balance and respiratory function in patients with chronic stroke. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that VRG can improve balance and respiratory function, highlight the benefits of VRG. This study will be able to be used as an intervention data for recovering balance and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2022

Background: Task-oriented training on an unstable support surface is an effective intervention for improving the ankle joint stability and muscle strength in patients with ankle instability. This study examined the effects of balance training on an unstable support surface in patients with ankle sprains with ankle instability. Methods: Forty-four patients with ankle sprains participated in this study. Screening tests were performed and assigned to an experimental group, who performed task-oriented training on an unstable support surface (n=22), and a control group, who performed task-oriented training on a support surface (n=22) using a randomization program. All interventions were applied 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The numeric rating scale (NRS), cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT), balance ability, muscle activity, and muscle thickness were compared to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in the NRS, CAIT, balance ability, and muscle activity between before and after the intervention (p<.05). In addition, there were significant differences in balance ability, muscle activity, and muscle thickness between the experimental and control groups (p<.05). Conclusion: Task-oriented training on an unstable support surface is an effective intervention for improving the balance ability, muscle activity, and muscle thickness during contraction.

• 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.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of squat training on an unstable support surface with different knee flexion angles on the balance ability of normal adults balance ability. Methods: 41 university students in their 20s attending N University in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do were divided into a 45-degree knee-bending squat training group and a 90-degree knee-bending squat training group. The groups trained on an unstable support surface 20 minutes per day, 3 times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. Results: Changes in static balance ability were not significant within and between the groups for both the sway distance and sway area in the eyes open and eyes closed states (p<.05). The changes in dynamic balance ability were significant in the forward, leftward, and rightward angles in both groups at the limit of stability (p<.05), but not significant in the backward angle (p>.05), and the comparison between groups was not significant (p>.05). Conclusion: No significant difference between static balance-related variables within and between the groups was found. Significant changes in dynamic balance-related variables within the groups were found but not between the groups. Therefore, in future studies, it is considered necessary to study various ages and differentiated intervention periods, such as young adults and the population of elderly people, with sufficient intervention periods to affect balance ability.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.59-71
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• 2023

Background: This study was to investigate the effects of coordinative locomotor training(CLT) using elastic bands on pain, dynamic balance, muscle strength, and muscle activity of female college students with patellofemoral pain syndrome(PFPS). Design: Randomized Controlled Trial Methods: Twenty-six female college students with PFPS were assigned randomly to an experimental(n=13) or control(n=13) group. The experimental group performed CLT using an elastic band. The control group performed squat exercises to strengthen muscle strength. The 30-minute inter- vention was applied a total of twelve times, three times a week for four weeks. All subjects measured the pain, the muscle strength, the dynamic balance, and the muscle activity(VL/VM ratio) before and after intervention. A paired t-test was used for the determination of differences before and after treatment, and an independent t-test was used for the determination of differences between treatment groups. Results: As a result of comparison within groups, the experimental group showed significant differences in pain, muscle strength, dynamic balance, and VL/VM ratio after the experiment(p<0.05), and the control group showed significant differences in pain, muscle strength, and dynamic balance after the experiment(p<0.05). In comparison between the two groups, the experimental group showed more significant differences in pain, dynamic balance, and VL/VM ratio than the control group(p<0.05), and the control group showed more significant differences in muscle strength than the experimental group(p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on these results, CLT using elastic bands effectively improved the pain, muscle strength, dynamic balance, and VL/VM ratio of female college students with PFPS.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.13-21
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of side walking training combined with squats on the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to provide fundamental data regarding the use of side walking training combined with squats among stroke patients. Methods: Thirty patients with stroke were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=15) that underwent side walking training combined with squats and a control group (n=15) that performed general rehabilitation exercises. Both groups performed their respective exercises for 30 minutes, five times a week for six weeks. Balance was assessed using the functional reach test and timed up and go test, while gait ability was evaluated using the 10-meter walk test. A paired t-test was performed to compare within-group changes before and after the intervention. Differences between the experimental and control groups were analyzed using an independent t-test. For all tests, the level of statistical significance was set at α=0.05. Results: After the exercise, significant within-group improvements in balance and gait ability were observed in both the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). There was also a significant between-group difference in balance and gait ability following the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: While general rehabilitation is commonly employed in treating stroke patients and is relatively effective, the application of side walking training combined with squats may offer additional benefits in terms of improving balance and gait ability in these patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide basic clinical data by analyzing the impact of motion observation training and stretching exercises for improving postures on the neck alignment and balance of stroke patients to enable them to accurately recognize the correct exercise method. METHODS: After sampling 20 stroke patients who met the selection criteria, this study randomly assigned 10 people who were administered the stretching exercise with observation training to the experimental group and 10 who received only the stretching exercise intervention to the control group by drawing lots. Next, neck alignment and balance were pre-tested. All interventions were conducted for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and when all the interventions were completed after 4 weeks, neck alignment and balance were re-measured in the same way as the pre-test. RESULTS: The comparison of changes in neck alignment and balance within the experimental and control groups showed statistically significant differences in the craniovertebral angle, cranial rotation angle, and balance (p < .05) (p < .01). Between the groups, statistically significant differences were found in the craniovertebral angle, cranial rotation angle, and balance (p < .05) (p < .01). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant difference in neck alignment and balance was observed in the group that underwent stretching exercises combined with observational training and a statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Therefore, it is believed that observation training should be used in clinical practice to improve forward head posture and restore balance in stroke patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.59-71
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• 2015

Purpose : This study examines the effect of vibration exercise grafting PNF patterns for 6 weeks on upper body stability and equilibrium for seniors having fifteen or over of MMSE-K. Method : A total of 10 senior citizens participated in this study. Each participant performed PNF patterned exercises using vibration sports equipment for 30 minutes, once static a week, for six weeks. We measured trunk stability and balance degree before and after the six-week exercise program. Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) was used to measure trunk stability, while Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) was used to measure balance degree. The collected data was processed using paired t-test to confirm the difference between pre-program conditions and post-program conditions. Results: The results of our study show that post-program trunk stability measurements increased when compared to pre-program data; however, this increase was not statistically significant. pre and post-measurements for satatic balance and dynamic balance were statistically unchanged. Conclusion: Due to limitations in the number of participants, the procedural design of this experiment, and the limited amount of time participants actually controlled, this study failed to produce statistically significant results. However, further study should be conducted using a systematically implemented exercise program to show support for exercising with flexi-bar as an effective program for the elderly.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.108-113
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• 2009

The functional regulator(FR) appliances act to remove the restrictive forces that prevent the normal maturation of the maxilla and mandible. FR appliances are different from other functional jaw orthopedic appliances(e.g., the twin block, bionator, and activator). $Fr{\ddot{a}}nkel$ has based his treatment philosophy on the concept that the capacity to regulate growth residues in the soft tissue environment, and that adequate space must be available for the proper development of the hard tissue. In class II malocclusion with mandibular retrusion, FR-II treatment is not only the change in the postural position of mandible, but also expansion of the dental arches. By balancing the neuromuscular environment, not only can severe malocclusions be treated successfully, but also the tendency toward relapse is minimized because the neural and soft tissue factors associated with the skeletal malocclusion have been addressed as well. We report cases using by FR-II that is applicated in cases of Class II malocclusion without fixed appliance, only FR-II and space supervision.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.33-45
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• 2017

Objective : This study is to provide basic data for hospice occupational therapy and to develop hospice occupational therapy curriculum in Korea. Methods : 45 articles were selected from CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Scopus, which were published from 1980 to 2013. The selected articles were analyzed in term of study year, study source, author's characteristics, study subjects, and study designs. Results : The number of studies have increased steadily since the 1980's. A total of 21 research journals was published, and the most highest published journals were American Journal of Occupational Therapy. Qualitative research methodology was employed four times more than quantitative research methodology. Interventions included various formats such as crafts, ADLs trainings, relaxation techniques, care giver educations and applications of spirituality. The doing-being-becoming theoretical framework and the model of human occupation applied to hospice or palliative patients as a theoretical foundation. Conclusion : Hospice occupational therapy has been developed along with hospice and palliative medicine. There also appeared to be a balance on both clinical trials and researches The hospce occupational therapy care has being studied deeply with various topic. More efforts on curriculum developments as well as clinical advances pertinent to the palliative care should be proceed to warrant making the start of the hospice and palliative occupational therapy in Korea.