• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2023

Purpose : Using a smartphone while walking districts attention and increases the risk of losing balance or falling. Ankle instability is caused by decreased muscle strength and decreased neuromuscular ability leading to postural control problems. Dual tasks increases the risk of falls by reducing postural control in adults with ankle instability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of performing a dual task on balance and muscle activity in adults with ankle instability using a smartphone. Methods : Forty-nine individuals with ankle instability participated in this study. A game of finding the wrong picture was performed using a smartphone in the dual task, and only looking at the blank screen of a smartphone was evaluated in the single task. The participants randomly performed single and dual task to evalutate balance and muscle atcitivy. Balance was evaluated using the Biodex balance system (BBS), and muscle activity was evaluated using surface EMG. Muscle activity of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior was measured at the same time as balance. Results : The results of this study showed that overall, anteior/posterior, and medial/lateral balance indices all showed significant differences when performing the dual task compared with those during the single task (p<.05). The muscle activity results showed a significant difference compared with that of the gastronemius muscle on the nondominant side during the dual task (p>.05). Conclusion : The results of this study showed that maintaining balance is more difficult when performing the dual task than during the single task, and only the muscle activity of the nondominant gastrocnemius muscle decreased. The dual task causes a decrease in concentration for postural control, which negatively affects postural stability. Individuals with ankle ankle instability should refrain from performing dual tasks, such as using smartphones, to prevent ankle damage.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.127-135
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• 2023

Purpose : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of magnetic therapy (MT) on pain threshold, blood flow, and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods : A single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 30 patient with knee osteoarthritis. They were randomly allocated 2 groups; magnetic therapy group (MTG; n=15) and placebo magnetic therapy group (PG; n=15). The MTG group received 30 minutes magnetic therapy and 20 minute conservative physical therapy (Hotpack, ICT), magnetic therapy was conducted in magnetic therapy device (OM-100, NUGA, Korea). In the placebo magnetic group received 30 minutes placebo magnetic therapy and 20 minute conservative physical therapy. Each group performed 50 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome pressure pain threshold test, blood flow, balance ability were measured by a pressure threshold meter (Commander algometer, JTECH medical, USA), laser dofler image (Moor LDI2-IR, Moor instruments, USA), balance measurement system (BioRescue, Marseille, France). The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results : Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in pain threshold, blood flow, and balance ability during intervention period. magnetic therapy group revealed significant differences in pain threshold, blood flow, and balance as compared to the placebo magnetic therapy group groups (p<.05). Our results showed that magnetic therapy was more effective than placebo therapy on pain threshold, blood flow, and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion : Our findings indicate that magnetic therapy can improve pain threshold, blood flow, and Balance, highlight the benefits of magnetic therapy. This study will be able to be used as an intervention data for recovering pain threshold, blood flow, and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.92-101
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• 2023

Background: Stroke is one of the causes affecting gait and balance. Taping is considered an effective method for improving balance and gait in stroke patients. Numerous studies have confirmed the functional effects of taping in stroke patients. However, there is still no consensus regarding the use of taping to improve gait and balance. Objects: The purpose of this review was to investigate the effects of taping on the balance and gait of patients with stroke through meta-analysis of studies. Methods: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Review, RISS, DBPia, and Science on were used to collect articles on Kinesio and non-elastic taping. The key terms were "Stroke", "Hemiplegia", "Taping", "Tape", "Balance", and "Gait" with cut-off of October, 2022. Taping group was compared with control groups with sham, placebo, and no taping. The outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed (cm/s). Eighteen studies (524 patients) were selected for the meta-analysis. Results: Overall, taping improved balance and gait in stroke patients, and Kinesio and non-elastic taping had similar effect sizes. Taping improved the BBS and TUG, and was most effective on gait speed. Contrary to the expectation that a longer duration of taping would be more affective, taping was most effective when the total taping duration was shorter than 500 minutes. In addition, the effect size of taping was greater when it was simultaneously attached to multiple locations. Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the use of taping to improve gait and balance in stroke patients, and provides guidelines for the location, duration, and type of tape to increase taping efficiency.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.156-164
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• 2022

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a representative disease, and LBP is characterized by muscle dysfunction that provides stability to the lumbar spine. This causes physical functional problems such as decreased posture control ability by reducing the muscular endurance and balance of the lumbar spine. Pelvic compression using instruments, which has been used during recent stabilization exercises, focuses on the anterior superior iliac spine of the pelvis and puts pressure on the sacroiliac joint during exercise, making the pelvis more symmetrical and stable. Currently, research has been actively conducted on the use of pelvic compression belts and non-elastic pelvic belts; however, few studies have conducted research on the application effect of pelvic compression using instruments. Objects: This study aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in trunk muscular endurance and dynamic and static balance ability levels by applying pelvic stabilization through a pelvic compression device between the LBP group and the non-LBP group. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects currently enrolled in Daejeon University were divided into 20 subjects with LBP group and 19 subjects without LBP (NLBP group), and the groups were compared with and without pelvic compression. The trunk muscular endurance test was performed with 4 movements, the dynamic balance test was performed using a Y-balance test, and the static balance test was performed using a Wii balance board. Results: There was a significant difference the LBP group and the NLBP group after pelvic compression was applied to all tests (p < 0.05). In the static and dynamic balance ability test after pelvic compression was applied, there was a significant difference in the LBP group than in the NLBP group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results show that pelvic compression using instruments has a positive effect on both those with and without LBP and that it has a greater impact on balance ability when applied to those with LBP.

• 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.4
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• pp.92-110
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• 2023

Background: Digital therapeutics are software medical devices that provide evidence-based treatments to prevent, manage, and treat disease. Digital therapies have recently been shown to be effective in motivating children with cerebral palsy as a tool in neuropsychological therapy. Digital therapies improve postural control, balance and gait in children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of digital therapies on balance and gait in children with cerebral palsy and to provide guidelines for prescribing digital therapies for children with cerebral palsy. Design: A Systematic Review Methods: This study searched for English-language articles published in medical journals from January 2000 to July 2023 using PubMed and MEDLINE based on the year of initiation of the digital therapy. The search terms used in the study were 'digital technology' OR 'digital therapeutic' OR 'mobile application' OR 'mobile health' OR 'virtual reality' OR 'game' AND 'cerebral palsy', 'balance' 'gait' as the main keywords. The final article was assigned an evidence level and a Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score to assess the quality of clinical trials studies. Results: The digital therapies applied to improve balance and gait in children with cerebral palsy are game-based virtual reality training and the Nintendo Wii Fit program. Both digital therapy interventions had a significant effect on improving balance in children with cerebral palsy, and virtual reality training significantly improved balance and gait. However, there were no significant improvements in balance and gait within two weeks of treatment, regardless of the type of digital intervention. Conclusion: The study suggests that this data will be important in building the evidence base for the effectiveness of digital therapies on balance and gait in children with cerebral palsy and in advancing clinical protocols.

• 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 Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.55-64
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training on balance and gait ability in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-one stroke patients were allocated randomly into one of two groups: robot-assisted gait training combined virtual reality training group (RGVR group; n = 16) and control group (n = 15). The RGVR group received 30 minutes of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training. Robot-assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device. In the Control group, neurodevelopmental therapy was performed according to the function of chronic stroke patients. Both groups underwent training for 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. The balance assessment system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), BBS, and TUG were used to evaluate the balance ability. The OptoGait (Microgate Srl, Bolzano, Italy) and 10 mWT were measured to evaluate the gait ability. The measurements were performed before and after the eight-week intervention period. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in their balance and gait ability during the intervention. RGVR showed significant differences in balance and gait ability compared to the control group groups (p < .05). These results showed that RGVR was more effective on balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. CONCLUSION: RGVR can improve balance and gait ability, highlighting the benefits of RGVR. This study provides intervention data for recovering the balance and gait ability of chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.91-98
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide basic clinical data by investigating the impact of Activities of daily living-related dual-task intervention on lung function, balance, and Activities of daily living of stroke patients. METHODS: After sampling 40 stroke patients who met the selection criteria, this study randomly assigned 20 patients who received dual-task exercise intervention to the experimental group and 20 patients who received single exercise intervention to the control group by drawing lots. Next, the study pre-tested their lung function, balance, and activity of daily living. All interventions were conducted for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and when all interventions were completed after 4 weeks, lung function, balance, and activity of daily living were re-measured in the same way as the pre-test. RESULTS: In comparing changes in lung function, balance, and activity of daily living within each of the experimental and control groups, statistically significant improvement were found in the experimental group only (p < .01). Statistically significant improvement were also found in lung function, balance, and activities of daily living between the groups (p < .05) (p < .01). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant improvements were found in lung function, balance, and activities of daily living only in the experimental group and statistically significant differences were found between groups. Because they take arm exercises by maintaining balance in a standing position on a labile surface and through dual-task exercise such as folding a towel, moving a cup, and throwing and catching a ball, muscles related to lung function were stimulated and lung function and balance were improved. This helped activities of daily living to be improved. Thus, it is considered that dual-task exercise should be utilized for stroke patients' smooth everyday life.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.175-181
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of interference current therapy and laser therapy on functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty by measuring the Berg balance scale and range of motion. Methods: Subjects were 30 patients who were admitted to G Hospital after total knee arthroplasty. They were randomly assigned to experimental group I in which interference current therapy was applied (n=10), experimental group II in which laser therapy was applied (n=10), or the control group (n=10). The Berg balance scale and range of motion of the subjects were measured before, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks of therapy. Results: There was a statistically significant change (p<0.05) in the Berg balance scale and range of motion before and after therapy intervention among the laser therapy group and the interference current therapy group. There was also a significant change between the groups in the Berg balance scale and range of motion. Tukey's post hoc comparison showed a statistically significant difference between the control group and experimental group I and between the control group and experimental group II (p<0.05). Conclusion: The application of interference current therapy and laser therapy resulted in a significant change in both the Berg balance scale and range of motion among patients with total knee arthroplasty. The findings of this study can be used as preliminary clinical data in evaluating functional recovery in patients with total knee arthroplasty in a post-clinic setting.