• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2008

A decrease in the ability to maintain static and dynamic balance after stroke could be related to the inability to select reliable sensory information in producing relative motor action needed to maintain postural stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different types of surface conditions on the balancing ability of subjects with stroke. Eighteen hemiparetic subjects were assigned to an experimental and control group participating in a six－week rehabilitative therapeutic exercise program focusing on balance and mobility. Exercises were performed 3 to 5 times per week in a stable surface condition by the control group, and in an unstable surface condition by the experimental group. Pre－ and post test assessments involved the measurement of the static balance and dynamic balance, respectively by 7－item Berg Balance Scale－3P and by Pro－3 Balance System. Results showed that under the unstable surface condition, static balance in the experimental group showed more improvement than that of the control group.(Statistically, not very significant.) All the aspects of dynamic balance and mediolateral sway(balance) improved significantly than those of the control group. However, there were no significant differences between two groups. Overall, it can be concluded that under the unstable surface condition, the rehabilitative therapeutic exercise programs are effective in improving the dynamic balance of stroke subjects. The results suggest that the adaptation of the unstable surface in the rehabilitative therapeutic exercises could be effective for the patients with hemiplegia in balance. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of the unstable surface on improving balance and postural stability of hemiplegics.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.81-92
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• 2013

Purpose : This research was carried out to find how neck exercise program combined with self stretching and muscle strengthening program influences on smart phone addicts with forward head posture. Methods : The subjects of this study were 20 smart phone-addicts with forward head posture and we divided them into 2 groups. The experimental group(10 people) participated in neck exercise program as a intervention for 3 months and the control group(the other 10 people) didn't participate in neck exercise program. Neck exercise program were composed of self stretching and muscle strengthening program. Then we measured cervical alignment with GPS(Global Posture System) and evaluated balance ability with Balance Master ver 7.0 systems. Results : The result were as follows. 1. After the intervention, experimental group were significantly more closed to normal cervical alignment than control group. 2. After the intervention, experimental group increased in dynamic balance ability a little more than control group. Conclusion : Neck exercise program seems to get cervical alignment better and improve balance ability.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.17-24
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of present study was to determine effects of a visual feedback training on balance ability in poststroke hemiparetic subjects. Methods : Fourteen chronic stroke patients participated. Participants were randomly divided into either visual feedback training group(7 experimental group, 7 control group). All of participated were inpatients at local rehabilitation center and had been receiving a traditional rehabilitation program, five days a week. Exprimental group have additionally undergone for four weeks, three days a week, the visual feedback training but control group was not received any additional program except the traditional rehabilitation program. The Berg Balance Scale(BBS), the FICSIT-4, the MTD-balance system to measure a balance ability were carried out twice before and after training. Results : After participation in the program, subjects of visual feedback training demonstrated a significant improvement in the scores of the BBS, the FICSIT-4, the MTD-Balance system. The control group had no change on the any tests. After the training, the result to improve significantly in visual feedback training group compared to post-test of control group were the score of BBS and the FICSIT-4 and the MTD-Balance system. Conclusions : The present study suggests that the visual feedback training program may become a useful strategy for enhancing balance ability in the rehabilitation of stroke patiens.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2007

The objective of this study was to discern the effects of a balance training program on the performance of lower extremities in order to improve strength (muscle power, flexibility, walking power), balance control and walking ability in the elderly. The subjects selected were aged 65 years and over, with no known relevant medical history that may disturb their balance, and have also been visiting the Gimhae Senior Welfare Center. The variable group consisted of 30 subjects, of whom were people who had been participating in balance training programs (One Leg Standing; OLS, Functional Reach; FR, Timed Get Up and Go; TUG) as an intervention for 8 weeks 3 times per a week. They were examined in order to identify their balance control before and after. The control group consisted of thirty subjects who preferred to exercise without any intervention relating to balance training program. The subjects were measured before and after balance training in order to determine the effectiveness of exercise and the effectiveness of exercise combined with the aid of a Balance Performance Monitor. 1. Mean time on OLS test with left and right sided extremities in the experimental group was 35.44 sec, 42.10 sec longer than control group respectively. In FR tests applied to the left and right side, mean reaching distance was increased up to 5.56 cm, 6.73 cm in experimental group respectively. Mean time on TUG test from a chair in experimental group was decreased to 2.33 sec. 2. Mean value of decline in the level balance control, both left and right side, decreased to 2.24% as examined by the Balance Performance Monitor. Mean scores for sway level after balance training decrease to .98% and for balance control both anterior and posterior directions decreased to mean 1.07% and 1.44%, respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.143-150
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was intended to discover the effect of the turning training on figure of 8 tract on stroke patients' static and dynamic balance, as well as walking. Methods: A total of 42 stroke patients participated in this study. The training group was trained on the figure of 8 tract, while the control group was trained on the straight path for 30 minutes per day, for 4 weeks. Berg balance scale was used to measure the balance of the patients, before and after the training, and Good balance system was used to measure the sway speed and the distance of COG while standing. To measure the ability of walking, TUG and FSST were also used. Results: There were significant increases in the average score of Berg balance scale, in both groups after the training, and also significant difference between both groups were observed. The training group showed significant differences in the static balance ability, as well as anteroposterior and mediolateral sway speed. Further, there were significant increases in the dynamic balance ability, COP total distance, and TUG in both groups. The results showed more differences in comparing the control group with that of the training group. In FSST, there was no change in the control group, but there was a significant increase in the training group. Conclusion: Turning training on figure of 8 tract in stroke patients significantly increased the static and dynamic balance and walking ability. Based on the results, it can be seen that the training on the figure of 8 tract can influence the ability of balance and walking, which can lead to appropriate reactions to the change of environment and various tasks. Thus, it is assumed that turning training on figure of 8 tract as a means of improving the condition of stroke patients can be a meaningful program.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.253-262
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of performing the half squat exercise with Kinesio taping (HSEKT) on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity and balance ability in general university students. Methods: The 32 participants were randomly assigned to either the HSEKT group (half squats with Kinesio taping) or the control group (half squats with sham Kinesio taping). Both groups performed half squats with either Kinesio taping (HSEKT group) or sham Kinesio taping (control group) for 30 min/day, 3 times/week for 6 weeks. The Noraxon mini direct transmission system (DTS) electromyography (EMG) system was used to evaluate trunk and lower extremity muscle activity. BioRescue equipment was used to measure the movement area of the center of pressure with eyes open and eyes closed. The muscle activity of the trunk and lower extremities and the balance ability of all participants were measured before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to statistically analyze the pre- and post-intervention EMG and balance ability results. Results: The trunk and lower extremity muscle activity was found to have significantly improved in the HSEKT group and the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the balance ability of the HSEKT group differed significantly after 6 weeks of training compared to that of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that performing half squats with Kinesio taping had a positive effect on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity and balance ability in general university students.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.124-127
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• 2015

Purpose: The emphasis on gait rehabilitation after stroke depends on training support through the lower limbs, balance of body mass over the changing base of support. However, muscle weakness, lack of control of lower limb, and poor balance can interfere with training after stroke. For this case study report, a wearable robot orthosis was applied to stroke patients in order to verify its actual applicability on balance and gait ability in the clinical field. Methods: Two stroke patients participated in the training using the wearable robot orthosis. Wearable robot orthosis provides patient-initiated active assistance contraction during training. Training includes weight shift training, standing up and sitting down, ground walking, and stair up and down Training was applied a total of 20 times, five times a week for 4 weeks, for 30 minutes a day. Gait ability was determined by Stance phase symmetry profile, Swing phase symmetry profile, and velocity using the GAITRite system. Balance ability was measured using the Biodex balance system. Results: Subjects 1, 2 showed improved gait and balance ability with mean individual improvement of 72.4% for velocity, 19.4% for stance phase symmetry profile, 9.6% for swing phase symmetry profile, and 13.6% for balance ability. Conclusion: Training utilizing a wearable robot orthosis can be useful for improvement of the gait and balance ability of stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.25-32
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• 2011

Background : The aim of this study is to effect of lumbar stabilization exercise on double limb support, balance ability and risk of fall index in elderly people. Methods : A six-week lumbar stabilization program training for improvement of balance ability and prevention of fall down were applied by dividing into ten people of experimental group and ten people of control group for elderly aged below sixty-five more than eighty years who were capable of independent activity of daily living. for double limb support, balance ability and fall index assessment, the TETRAX were used. Results : The double limb support, balance ability and fall index in experimental group indicating changes in statistical significance(p<0.05), But changes in significance were not found of all parts in control group(p>0.05). Conclusion : The above results mean that the lumbar stabilization exercise was effective for promotion of elderly people's double limb support, balance ability and fall index and further study considered need to be more the study relative to effect of fall prevention exercise program.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.321-325
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• 2022

Purpose: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition defined as pain and dysfunction of temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles. Abnormal interconnections between temporomandibular muscles and cervical spine structures can cause the changes of postural alignment and balance ability. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in static balance ability in subjects with painrelated TMD. Methods: This study conducted on 25 subjects with TMD and 25 control subjects with no TMD. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the masseter and temporalis muscles were measured using a pressure algometer. Static balance ability was assessed during one leg standing using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor. During balance task, the IMU sensors measured motion and transfer movement data for center of mass (COM) motion, ankle sway and hip sway. Results: PPTs of masseter and temporalis muscles were significantly lower in the TMD group than in the control group (p<0.05). One leg standing, hip sway, and COM sway results were significantly greater in the TMD group (p<0.05), but ankle sways were not different between group. Conclusion: We suggest pain-related TMD is positively related to reduced PPTs of masticatory muscles and to static balance ability. These results should be considered together with global body posture when evaluating or treating pain-related TMD.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.70-75
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of static and dynamic balance control ability according to the stability of shoes in elderly woman and female university student. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Six elderly women and seven female university students were recruited for this study. The subject's static and dynamic balance were evaluated while wearing two different types of shoes (comfortable running shoe and masai walking shoe). The BT4 system was used to measure the static (postural sway area and velocity) and dynamic balance (limit of stability on forward, backward and left and right side). The measurement of static and dynamic balance control ability was performed in standing posture wearing comfortable running shoes and masai walking shoes. Results: In the static balance control ability, both female university students and elderly women showed significant increase in postural sway area and velocity when wearing unstable shoes (p<0.05) In addition, in the dynamic balance control ability, both female university students and elderly women showed significant decrease in limit of stability on forward and backward when wearing unstable shoes (p<0.05). Conclusion: In selecting shoes for the elderly, the stability of shoe should be considered for prevention of falls.