• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.430-437
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the balance confidence and balance ability among community-residing stroke patients. Methods: The sample for this study was a convenience sample obtained from patients who visited welfare centers for the disabled in three cities from October to December in 2009. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and Berg Balance Scale were used to measure confidence in task performance and balance ability. Results: The level of balance confidence and balance ability were low in these subjects. There was a significant relationship between balance confidence and balance ability (r=.424, p=.000). Subjects with less balance ability felt less balance confidence. Conclusion: Among community-residing stroke patients, falls are common. Falls prevention which may contribute to the incidence of fall and fall related injury should be part of stroke rehabilitation plan. Also, it is necessary that an intervention for falls prevention after stroke should take into account factors such as the balance confidence and balance ability.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.417-424
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• 1983

This paper presents two methods of obtaining approximate analytic solutions for the temperature distributions and heat flow to two-dimensional transient heat conduction problems in a finite strip with constant thermal properties using the Heat Balance Integral. The methods introduced in this study are as follows; one using the Heat Balance Integral only, and the other successively using the Heat Balance Integral and an exact analytic method. Both methods are applicable to a large number of the two-dimensional unsteady conduction problems in finite regions such as extended surfaces with uniform thickness, but in this paper only solutions for the unsteady problems in a finite strip with boundary condition at the base expressed in terms of step function are provided as an illustration. Results obtained by both methods are compared with those by the exact two-dimensional transient analysis. It is found that both approximate methods generate small time solutions, which can not be obtained easily by any exact analytic method for small values of Fourier numbers. In the case of applying the successive use of the Heat Balance Integral and Laplace transforms, the analysis shows good agreement with the exact solutions for any Fourier number in the range of Biot numbers less than 0.5.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.35-40
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• 2012

Background : The purpose of this study is to provide the basic data. Elderly cognitive identify the difference between dynamic balance and quality of life according to the performance level of the clinical exercise therapy and cognitive training. Methods : This study was conducted to collect data from October 17th in 2011 until October 28th, to target seniors who living in Yong-in, Gyeonggi-do. Results : The results of the statistical analysis according to the cognitive ability to function. Higher cognitive functions, the dynamic balance ability was higher, and higher quality of life. Also showed that the dynamic balance ability and a high quality of life to the higher cognitive functions(p<.05). Conclusion : For the maintenance and promotion of cognitive function in the elderly, physical therapy approach seems to improve the quality of life and still plays an important role, as well as the promotion of dynamic balance ability. Therefore, to improve cognitive function is thought to be the appropriate intervention methods and approaches to be developed.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.87-93
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• 2015

Objective: Balance is a preceding task for functional activities in daily activities as well as community-dwelling activities. To learn skilled and functional activities, it is also necessary to imagine an appropriate and effective movement representation used to plan and execute the functional activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of balance imagery of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor and balance beam on balance abilities for elderly and young adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifteen elderly and thirty-four young adults were enrolled in this study. In order to determine whether there is a change in postural control ability according to the different imagery training methods used, standing static balance measurements were performed. According to the therapist's instructions, participants were to stand in a semi-tandem position on the Good Balance System for 1 minute while imagining that they were standing on a balance beam, and while the postural control abilities was assessed. Results: Postural control was significantly different in balance ability of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor compared to on a balance beam in both geriatrics and young adults. Postural sway was more significantly decreased in young adults than older adults during balance imagery of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor as well as on balance beam (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the ability to mentally represent their actions was similar in older adults compared to young adults, although older adults showed a drop in efficiency of postural control more than young adults.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1774-1778
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• 2019

Background : Methods of wearing a baby carrier have suggested; however, there have been no studies suggesting ideal ways. Objective : To investigate muscular fatigue and balance of the waist during baby carrier are worn on the front, the side, and the back of the body. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind) Methods : The subjects of this study were 20 healthy men and women in their 20s, who underwent tests of muscular fatigue and balance of the waist bones based on types of wearing baby carrier. Electromyogram (EMG) patches were attached to the L2 and the L4 for testing muscular fatigue, while a device for measuring proprioceptive senses was used to assess balance ability. The measurements were performed before wearing the baby carrier and after 30 minutes of normal walking. The methods of wearing the baby carrier included wearing on the front, the side, and the back of the body. Results : The time taken to adjust the balance was shorter than other types of wearing during the baby carrier were worn on the side, and the ratio of lumbar flexion and relaxation was shown insignificant. Conclusions : These results suggested that wearing the carriers on the side was most effective on reducing fatigue and enhancing balance ability of the waist.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.213-219
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• 2023

Purpose: In this study, based on the error augmentation, we performed walking training with increased rhythmic auditory stimulation speed on the affected side (IRAS) and walking training with decreased rhythmic auditory stimulation speed on the unaffected side (DRAS). The purpose of this study was to verify whether motor learning was effective in improving balance ability. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects with chronic stroke were recruited from a rehabilitation center. The subjects were divided into three groups: an IRAS group (10 subjects), a DRAS group (9 subjects), and control group (9 subjects). They received 30minutes of neuro-developmental therapy and walking training for 30minutes, five times a week for three weeks. Static and functional balance ability were measured before and after the training period. Static balance was measured by balancia software. Functional balance was measured by the timed up and go test (TUG) and the berg balance scale (BBS). Results: After the training periods, the IRAS group showed a significant improvement in TUG, BBS, area 95% COP, and weight distribution on the affected side when compared to both the DRAS group and control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is possible to consider error augmentation methods of motor learning if rhythmic auditory stimulation is applied to stroke patients in clinical practice. If the affected side is shorter than the unaffected side, the affected side should be adjusted to the increased rhythmic auditory stimulation speed, which is considered to be an effective intervention to improve balance ability.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.192-200
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a balance training program in improving balance and functional independence to reduce fall risks among community-dwelling elders. Design: A multi-center randomized controlled trial Methods: A total of 66participants were randomly assigned to a balance training group or a control group. The balance training program, conducted three times a week for 32 weeks, included warm-up exercises, main balance training exercises, and cooldown stretch exercises. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results: The balance training group demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measures, indicating enhanced balance, improved functional mobility, and increased independence in activities of daily living. In contrast, the control group showed only slight improvements in BBS, TUGT and MBI scores. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of balance training programs in reducing fall risk and promoting health and wellbeing among community-dwelling elders. Future research should aim to refine the design of these programs and assess the sustainability of the observed improvements.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.67-77
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of clinical balance tests through the correlation of balance evaluation using by forceplate in elderly. Methods : Thirty nine healthy elderly subjects (14 males, 25 females) participated in the study. The subjects were evaluated with clinical balance tests [(Berg balance scale (BBS), Functional reach test (FRT), Tinetti's performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA), and one leg standing (OLS)]. Static balance evaluation was assessed by using forceplate. Center of pressure (COP) parameters were obtained using it as total path distance, total sway area, X mean frequency and Y mean frequency for 20 seconds in the following conditions: (1) comfortable standing with eyes opened and closed, (2) uncomfortable standing with eyes opened and closed. After static balance evaluation tested, dynamic balance evaluation was assessed. COP parameters were error distance and area during sine curve trace. COP parameters were movement time, error distance, and maintained time in the circle during COP movement task. Results : Clinical balance tests showed statistically significant correlation between static and dynamic balance evaluations. Among the clinical balance tests, the BBS, POMA, and OLS showed significant correlation with to assess the balance ability of elderly in clinical setting both evaluations. Conclusion : Clinical balance tests can be recommended in clinical setting because of low costs and simplicity.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.470-478
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) balance exercise on the ability to balance and walk in patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial Methods: Following baseline measurements, patients (n=24) with hemiplegia caused by stroke were randomized into two groups: the PNF balance group (n=12) that received PNF balance exercise and the balance group (n=12) that received general balance exercise. Each group joined the intervention for 30 minutes, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. Both groups performed the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, as well as the 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for walking. The data were collected both before and after the intervention. The paired t-test was used to compare the post-intervention changes compared with pre-intervention data. An independent t-test was used to analyze the differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the 6-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in balance (TUG, BBS) and walking (10MWT, 6MWT) parameters (p<0.05). The patients in the PNF balance group showed greater improvements in balance (TUG, BBS) and walking (10MWT, 6MWT) than those in the balance group (p<0.05). Conclusions: PNF balance exercise shows improvements in balance and walking parameters in patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.409-420
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• 2004

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of Tai chi exercise for improving balance and its tendency and helps to identify directions for future research. Method: 19 articles from Medline search of foreign journals(1981-2003) and 5 from Korean nursing journals (1981-2003) were surveyed. The contents analyses were focused on outcome measures and relative factors regarding balance. Result: Variable measures for balance were used in Tai Chi studies relating to balance. They included the functional measures such as 14 single-leg stance, 7 walking in physiological measures and 7 laboratory-based balance measures were done with platform stability test. The measure of effective Tai Chi exercise depended on the health status of subjects and the methods. Health status of subjects were only on physically inactive older adults in 17 articles and arthritis patients in 7 articles in the Tai Chi study. The significant effects of Tai Chi exercise on balance was revealed after 10weeks duration. Conclusion: Considering the results, Tai Chi exercise is more effective than any other studies for walking balance. But the reports on the outcome are inconsistent with wide variations in the choice of balance measures. It is suggested that future studies analyze systemic change through meta analysis and have a wide variety of subjects who need postural control and balance control. The methods of measures should be distinct from the balance state of subjects for the effectiveness of Tai chi exercise.