• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.67-74
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• 2009

Background: This study had been carried out with 20 elderly subjects as its object for about one month from November 3, 2008 to December 14, 2008 in order to observe the effect of Underwater Treadmill on the elderly's walking and balance ability. Methods: Subjects were assigned either experimental group (n=10) or the control group (n=10), experimental group received Underwater Treadmill program (30 min per course, 3days a week for 6weeks). Subjects were assessed for muscle power (Nicolas Manual Muscle Test), balance (Functional Reach Test), gait ability (Time Up and Go, 10M walking test) before experiments and after experiments. Results: The results of this study were as follows; 1. After underwater treadmill exercise, the change of isometric contraction indicated a beneficial increase on lower extremity muscle power of experimental group and functional test of balance function; FRT, TUG indicated beneficial difference between groups. 2. beneficial difference between groups in walking speed of hourly index change of walking function. 3. between muscle power and balance, gait ability, we could find out there's high correlation ship between lower extremity muscle power increasing and balance and gait ability of the elderly. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise using underwater treadmill effects on muscle power strengthening of the elderly, and because of this, increase of lower extremity muscle power is very helpful not only to improvement of balance ability, but also to improvement of gait ability, so it will be used as a physical therapy program on clinic and used as an exercise program for protecting the elderly from falling down very well.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.169-174
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to resolve, in an efficient manner, the mechanoreceptor problems of the part far from the paretic upper extremity in stroke patients, as well as to provide clinical basic data of an intervention program for efficient neurodynamic in stroke patients, by developing a rhythmic neurodynamic exercise program and verifying functional changes depending on the increase in the upper extremity nerve conduction velocity. Methods: Samples were extracted from 18 patients with hemiplegia, caused by stroke, and were randomly assigned to either the experimental group I for the general upper extremity neurodynamic (n=9) and the experimental group II for rhythmic upper extremity neurodynamic (n=9). An intervention program was applied ten times per set (three sets one time) and four times a week for two weeks (once a day). As a pre-test, changes in the upper extremity nerve conduction velocity and functions were assessed, and two weeks later, a post-test was conducted to re-measure them in the same manner. Results: The wrist and palm sections of the radial nerve and the wrist and elbow sections of the median nerve, as well as the wrist, lower elbow, upper elbow, and axilla sections of the ulnar nerve had significant differences with respect to the upper extremity nerve conduction velocity between the two groups (p<0.05)(p<0.01), and significant differences were also found in the upper extremity functions (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rhythmic neurodynamic accelerated the nerve conduction velocity more in broader neural sections than the general neurodynamic. In conclusion, rhythmic neurodynamic was proven to be effective for improving the functions of upper extremity.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2011

Purpose : This study is to identify the effect of a thera-band exercise program on the physical function of elderly women. Methods : The subjects included 54 elderly women who participated in the program at J Senior Welfare Center in Jeollabuk-do. They were divided into two groups, 30 elderly women of control group and 24 of experimental group. A thera-band exercise program was conducted to both groups for total eight weeks-three times a week with a 50-minute period. After/before the experiment, the following seven categories were estimated for each subject: cardiopulmonary endurance, lower extremity power, upper extremity power, muscle endurance, flexibility, equilibrium, and agility. Results : There was a significant increase on the physical function of all the subjects in the experimental group and the control one after the experiment. Furthermore, the experimental group showed more meaningful improvement than the control one. Conclusion : On the basis of these findings, the thera-band exercise program contributes the enhancement of physical function of elderly women. Thus, more various physical exercise program should be developed for healthy aging.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.11-22
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• 2002

In this study, an asymmetric lifting posture prediction model was developed, which was a three-dimensional model with 12 links and 23 degrees of freedom open kinematic chains. Although previous researchers have proposed biomechanical, psychophysical, or physiological measures as cost functions, for solving redundancy, they lack in accuracy in predicting actual lifting postures and most of them are confined to the two-dimensional model. To develop an asymmetric lifting posture prediction model, we used the resolved motion method for accurately simulating the lifting motion in a reasonable time. Furthermore, in solving the redundant problem of the human posture prediction, a moment weighted Joint Range Availability (JRA) was used as a cost function in order to consider dynamic lifting. However, it is known that the moment weighted JRA as a cost function predicted the lower extremity and L5/S1 joint motions better than the upper extremities, while the constant weighted JRA as a cost function predicted the latter better than the former. To compensate for this, we proposed a hybrid moment weighted JRA as a new cost function with moment weighted for only the lower extremity. In order to validate the proposed cost function, the predicted and real lifting postures for various lifting conditions were compared by using the root mean square(RMS) error. This hybrid JRA reduced RMS more than the previous cost functions. Therefore, it is concluded that the cost function of a hybrid moment weighted JRA can be used to predict three-dimensional lifting postures. To compare with the predicted trajectories and the real lifting movements, graphical validations were performed. The results also showed that the hybrid moment weighted cost function model was found to have generated the postures more similar to the real movements.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.81-90
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• 2012

The aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of backward gait training on the treadmill in patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve patients with spastic diplegic CP participated in the study. An 8-week course of backward gait training was administered to the subjects for 3 days per week. Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments of temporal-spatial gait parameters, the symmetry of the bilateral lower extremity weight bearing, and gross motor function were analyzed using motion analysis system, force plate, and Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM). There were significant improvements (p<.05) in the measures of both step length and right stance phase time. Joint kinematics showed increase in right hip abduction in initial contact and terminal swing, right hip external rotation and knee flexion in mid-swing, left ankle dorsiflexion in initial contact and terminal swing (p<.05). The symmetry of the bilateral lower extremity weight bearing and GMFM also significantly increased (p<.05). These findings indicate that backward gait training using a treadmill is beneficial for patients with spastic diplegic CP.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to assess the effect for gait, balance, and depression for stroke patients by group task-related program training based motor learning theory. Methods : The subjects of this study were administrated to the 11 stroke patients (9 male, 2 female) by 5 weeks, 3 times per week, 15 times. The group task-related program training were performed gait, balance, treadmill, muscle strengthening, and game program. Each program took 7~10 minutes and total time took 60 minutes including moving time. The difference of program training were compared using the paired t-test. Results : The results of this study revealed that Fugl-Meyer motor assessment, Chedoke-McMaster Stroke assessment of lower extremity and Berg balance scale were significantly correlated. However, impairment item of Chedoke-McMaster Stroke assessment, spatio-temporal gait parameters, Timed up and go test, and depression item of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory were not significantly correlated. Conclusion : These results support that group task-related program could be a useful treatment to improve the balance skills and motor function of lower extremity for the chronic stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.221-227
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of gluteus medius (GM) strengthening training using the pressure biofeedback unit for lower extremity muscle function and balance ability in stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-seven stroke patients (14 men, 13 women) volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups: pressure biofeedback unit GM training, general GM training, and control group. Experimental group 1 performed GM strengthening training using PBU in the sidelying position. Experimental group 2 performed GM strengthening training without PBU in the sidelying position. The training program lasted 4 weeks (20-minute sessions, three times a week). Muscle function was assessed by measuring muscle strength and endurance, and Berg balance scale (BBS), Lateral Reach Test (LRT), and limited of stability (LOS) velocity were measured for evaluation of balance ability. Results: Enhancement of muscle strength and endurance was significantly higher in experimental group 1 than in the other two groups (p<0.05). In comparison of the balance function, experimental group 1 showed a significantly enhanced ability to balance (p<0.05). After the intervention, experimental group 1 showed a significant reduction of LOS velocity in the anterior direction and affected direction (p<0.05). There was no significant difference than the other two groups but a large reduction was observed. Conclusion: These findings suggest that selective gluteus medius strengthening training using the pressure biofeedback unit is effective for lower extremity muscle function and balance ability in stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.424-431
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Otago exercise program on physical function and risk of falling in elderly who have experienced falls. Thirty-six elderly people who had experienced falls more than once were randomly classified into an experimental group and control group. Each group exercised 30 minutes three times per week for a total of 8 weeks. Measurements were made using Tetrax to assess risk of falls. In addition, to measure physical function, static balance was measured using Biorescue, dynamic balance was measured using TUG, walking ability was measured using 10 MWT, and lower extremity strength was measured using FTSST. A paired t-test was conducted to verify the difference between before and after exercise in each group, and an independent t-test was performed for comparison between the groups. Regarding the experimental and control groups, static balance ability and dynamic balance ability increased significantly after exercise, and risk of falls decreased (p<.05). Lower extremity strength and gait ability increased significantly after exercise only in the experimental group (p<.05). Based on these results, the Otago exercise program is effective in improving physical function and reducing risk of falls in elderly people who have experienced falls.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2019

Objective: Degenerative knee arthritis is the most common disease that occurs in older people. Constriction-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been reported to be as an effective treatment for the impairments, such as asymmetric weight-bearing and reduced balance that occurs after receiving a total knee replacement (TKR). Game-based rehabilitation training for persons with TKR is interesting and provides a variety of feedback. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-six subjects with TKR were randomly assigned to either the CIMT game training (n=12), general game training (n=12), or the control (n=12) group. Each group underwent twelve sessions (30 min/d, 3 d/wk for 4 weeks). In the CIMT game training group, the application of CIMT adjusted the weight of the pressure delivered from the two boards used in Wii games. In the general game training group, the game was played without adjusting the weight of pressure. The game training used the Wii Fit's Ski Slalom application. Subjects were assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Results: All three groups showed significant improvements in pain, stiffness and physical function, total WOMAC scores, and ABC scores after the intervention (p<0.05). Significant differences were observed in physical function, total WOMAC scores, and ABC scores of the CIMT game training group compared with the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: The CIMT game training and general game training exhibited improvements on stiffness, but the CIMT game training exhibited a larger effect on lower extremity function and balance confidence levels.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.549-558
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• 2013

PURPOSE: This study is designed as a retrospective study, and identified the clinical usability of Sit to Stand (STS) test for predicting of fall incidence in stroke patients who experienced a fall within 1 year. METHODS: Between July 2011 and November 2012, 69 inpatients with stroke in K rehabilitation hospital were participated under voluntarily signing the informed consent form. STS test and 10m walk test (10MWT) were used to assess the muscle strength of lower-extremity and walking velocity, respectively. Also, we tested dynamic balance and motor function of lower-extremity in affected-side using with the Berg balance scale (BBS) and the Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity (FM-L/E). METHODS: There were significant differences between subjects with fall-experienced group and without subjects without fall-experienced group in STS test, 10MWT, BBS scores and FM-L/E. STS test significantly showed a negative correlation between 10MWT (r=-.657), BBS (r=-.512), and FM-L/E (r=-.563). And, 10MWT have a influence on the performance of STS test (the capacity of explanation = 20%). The cut-off value of STS performance predicting falls experience is ${\geq}14.36$ seconds (sensitivity=76%; specificity=79%, area under curve=.785). According to logistic regression analysis of falls experience, subjects ${\geq}14.36$ s showed that 4.164 times (odd ratio) increased in falls than subjects < 14.36 s in STS test. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that STS test may be a useful tool predicting and measuring falls in patients with stroke. Further study will be needed to elucidate the kinematic analysis of STS test and the relationship between physical activity level and falls in stroke patients.