• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.351-367
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to identity effects of virtual reality(VR) program related to standing postural control on balance, gait and brain activation patterns in chronic hemiplegic stroke patients. Subjects were assigned randomly to either VR group (n=12) or the control group (n=12) when the study began. Both groups received conventional physical therapy for 2 to 3 times per week. In addition to conventional physical therapies, VR group trained 3 types of virtual reality programs using IREX for standing postural control during 4 weeks (4 times/week, 30 minutes/time). Subjects were assessed for static and dynamic balance parameters using BPM, functional balance using Berg Balance Scale related to movement of paretic lower limb before and after 4 weeks of virtual reality training. The results of this study were as follows. 1. Following VR training, VR group demonstrated the marked improvement on dynamic mean balance, anteroposterior limits of stability (AP angle) and mediolateral limits of stability (ML angle). 2. Following VR training, both groups scored higher on Berg Balance Scale. However, a comparison of mean change revealed differences between groups. In conclusion, these data suggest that the postural control training using VR programs improve dynamic and functional balance performance in chronic hemiplegic stroke patients.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.181-186
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• 2020

This case study reports the effect of Korean medicine treatments on a 73 year-old female who had a cerebellar infarction. She was hospitalized for 120 days (without visiting Western medicine hospital) where she was treated with acupuncture, herbal decoction, pharmacopuncture, chuna, moxibustion and physiotherapy. Following treatment, her symptoms of dizziness were evaluated using the numeric rating scale and showed pain had reduced (3 to 0). The K-Modified Barthel, showed that life performance had improved (15 to 74), and the Berg balance scale showed an improved balance (2 to 32). Steps per minute and gait posture at stance phase for ataxia also showed improvement. This case report shows that Korean medicine treatment is effective in alleviating dizziness and improved gait instability caused by cerebellar infarction.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.67-74
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prove the effects of coordinative locomotion training (CLT) on walking speed, walking endurance, and balance for incomplete spinal cord injury patients. Methods: Ten subjects were randomly assigned to the CLT group (n = 5) and the treadmill (TM) group (n = 5). The CLT group performed PNF pattern exercise using the motions of the sprinter and skater for 30 minutes, while the TM group performed using a treadmill for 30 minutes. Both groups performed these therapeutic interventions for five days per week, for a period of four weeks. A 10 meter walking test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and 6 meter walking test were used for the assessment of gait speed, balance, and gait endurance. The SPSS Ver. 18.0 statistical program was used for data processing. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for the comparison of pre- and post-intervention performance and a Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison between the groups. The significance level for the statistical inspection was set at 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in the 10 meter walking test, Berg Balance Scale, and 6 meter walking test (P < 0.05). Conclusion: CLT had an effect on the improvement of walking speed, walking endurance, and the balance of incomplete spinal cord injury patients. Thus, we suggest that CLT is a therapeutic intervention for incomplete spinal cord injury patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical performance, such as gait and postural control, and cognition on as assessed by clinical tools in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods : Twenty-six patients who had hemiparetic stroke participated in this study, and were evaluated four common clinical measurements, including the Berg balance scale (BBS), 10 meter walk test (10MWT), 6 minute walking test (6MWT), and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Multiple regression analysis was used BBS score, 10MWT, and 6MWT as the dependent variables; MoCA score, post-stroke duration, age, and affected side as independent variables. Results : In the regression equation of the BBS score, the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.875, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.786, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining the BBS score. In the regression equation for the 10MWT, ther was 0.888, the R2 was 0.999, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining 10MWT. Finally, the r was 0.777, the R2 was 0.998, and the MoCA score was the most important variable for determining 6MWT in the regression equation of the 6MWT. Conclusion : The results show that cognitive abilities affect gait proficiencies in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Therefore, these results suggest that cognitive tests are necessary for examining and evaluating the abilities of postural control and gait performance for chronic stroke patients in research and clinical environments.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.453-463
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of an intensively rehabilitation program on the gait, balance, functional performance, and wearing satisfaction of patients with traumatic lower extremity amputations caused by industrial accidents. Methods: In this study, the anonymized electronic medical records of individuals who participated in the intensive rehabilitation program (among those who were admitted to the hospital belonging to the Labor Welfare Corporation) due to an industrial accident from August 2018 to September 2019 were collected. As a result, the records of 12 subjects meeting the screening criteria were analyzed. Results: According to the time of application to the intensive rehabilitation program, the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (p < 0.01), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (p < 0.01), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) (p = 0.01), the L Test of Functional Mobility (L-test) (p < 0.01), Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (Plus-M) (p < 0.01), and Houghton Score Question (HSQ) (p < 0.01) values significantly improved with time. Conclusion: This study confirmed the positive effect of an intensive rehabilitation program on the gait, balance, functional performance, and wearing satisfaction of patients with traumatic lower extremity amputations caused by industrial accidents. However, this study was limited by the absence of a control group, and, thus, it highlights the need for more extensive research with a large sample.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.289-300
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• 2017

Objectives: This case report describes the effect of Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture (HPP) on multiple sclerosis. Methods: A multiple sclerosis patient with gait disturbances, tremors, spasms of both lower limbs, and diplopia was treated with only HPP for two weeks. To evaluate the effects of HPP on the balance ability of the patient, the Functional System (FS) scale, Expanded Disability Statue Scale (EDSS), visual analog scale (VAS), manual muscle test (MMT), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used. Results: The HPP treatment reduced the patient's gait disturbance, tremors, spasms of the lower limbs, and diplopia. According to the FS scale, the patient's cerebellar and optic functions were enhanced. In addition, the patient's performance on the EDSS improved from 4.0 to 3.0.3. As shown by the MMT, the lower extremities showed a mild improvement (from F+ to G.4). Furthermore, the VAS showed a considerable improvement, decreasing from 9 to 6.5 post-treatment. The patient's performance on the BBS, which denotes balance ability, showed a considerable improvement, increasing from 38 to 49. Conclusion: Treatment with only HPP could help to ameliorate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 2020

With the advent of westernized diet and a lack of exercise, young female college students are paying more attention to their bodyweight and health. Whole-body vibration has been demonstrated to be a suitable training method for improving knee extension maximal strength in young female athletes, as well as the gait performance in elderly women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a vertical vibration intervention on the physical fitness and postural balance in young females. Fifty-four young women were recruited; all subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention group and control group. The intervention group underwent vertical vibration with a platform for 12 weeks. The results showed that body mass index and body fat percentage had decreased (P<0.05). In addition, their muscle endurance as indicated by a sit-up test and their flexibility as indicated by a sit-and-reach test were both increased. With regard to postural balance, their 30-second sit-to-stand and timed up and go test results were improved. At the same time, their mean single-leg stance with eyes closed time increased (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences, meanwhile, for the control group. Overall, the results showed that the whole body vibration (WBV) intervention had some beneficial effects on physical fitness and postural balance in young women.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2019

Purpose: Cognitive function is a main concern for rehabilitation progression in individuals who have sustained brain damage, even among those whose motor function has returned after brain damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate how cognitive impairment relates to functional independence in postural stability and gait performance in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods: This was an observational design in an outpatient rehabilitation hospital. Twenty-eight adults with chronic hemiparetic stroke, receiving a course in an outpatient rehabilitation program, participated in this study. They were divided into two groups (i.e., non-cognitive impairment and cognitive impairment groups) via a cut-off score of 23 or less on a mini-mental state examination. Functional independence was assessed with the timed up-and-go test (TUG), 10-meter walk test (10mWT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), Berg balance scale (BBS), and modified Barthel index (MBI). The independent t-test was used for statistical analysis when comparing the two groups. Results: The cognitive impairment group had less functional independence, balance, and gait performance than those of the non-cognitive impairment group had. The former also showed a statistically significant decrease in their TUG score, FTSST score, BBS score, and MBI score compared to the latter, but not in their 10mWT score (p<0.05). Although the non-cognitive impairment group walked faster than the cognitive impairment group did, that difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that cognitive impairment relates to functional independence in postural stability and the activities of daily living. In rehabilitation settings, cognitive impairment would be considered a major component in therapeutic rehabilitation to overcome the patients difficult physical problems and to treat for improving functional independence more after stroke.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week combined cognitive and physical exercise program on cognitive and physical functions in older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design: A one-group pretest-posttest study. Methods: Twelve participants with MCI engaged in a weekly 60-minute session of combined cognitive and physical exercise program. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while physical function was evaluated through measures of muscle strength, postural balance, and walking capabilities. Muscle strength assessments included the arm curl test, handgrip strength, and the 5 sit-to-stand test. Postural balance was evaluated using the one-leg stance test, timed up-and-go test, functional reach test, and four square step test. Walking function was analyzed through a gait analysis device. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were compared to determine the effects of the exercise program. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in MoCA, arm curl test, timed up-and-go test, walking speed, and cadence following the 12-week intervention (p<0.05). MoCA scores revealed enhanced cognitive performance, while measures of muscle strength, including the arm curl test, exhibited significant changes. Improvements in timed up-and-go test scores indicated enhanced mobility, accompanied by increased walking speed and cadence, as evidenced by gait analysis. Conclusions: This study suggests that a structured 12-week program incorporating both cognitive and physical exercises can lead to meaningful improvements in cognitive and physical functions among older adults with MCI.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.77-85
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was to investigated the effect of physical function and quality of life through physical therapy and occupational therapy by Bobath approach to patient with ALS. Methods: The data of 1 patient with ALS, who visited D hospital in Busan, was collected from June 5, 2006 to August 19, 2007. To determine the physical function and quality of life, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Gait, Skate. Purdue Pegboard, WHOQOL-BREF, COPM were used. Results: BBS score was increased 0 to 33 in the pre and post test. Gait distance was increased 0m to 500m in pre and post test. Skate score was increased 13 to 22 in the pre and post test, Purdue Pegboard score was increased 0 to 3 in the pre and post test, WHOQOL-BREF was increased 1.92 to 2.46 in the pre and post test. Average COPM score of performance and satisfaction grade of pre test score was 1 then Post test score of performance score increased to 5.7 and satisfaction increased to 4. Conclusion: Physical therapy and Occupational therapy increase physical function and quality of life in ALS patients. Physical therapy and occupational therapy should study more about patients with ALS.