• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.305-313
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between a functional evaluation model and the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale in evaluating the upper extremities of stroke patients Methods: Thirty-eight stroke patients were evaluated using the FMA and performed reaching and grasping motions using a three-dimensional motion analysis (Qquas 1 series, Qualisys AB, Sweden). The participants sat on a chair with a backrest. The position of the cup was located at a distance of 80% to the front arm length. The markers were attached to the sternum, acromion, elbow lateral epicondyle, ulnar styloid process, three metacarpal heads, and the distal phalanges of the thumb and index finger. The variables of the correlation between the functional evaluation model and the FMA scale were analyzed. Multiple regression (stepwise) was used to investigate the effect of the kinematic variables. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between the movement time (p < 0.05), movement unit (p < 0.05), and trunk displacement values (p < 0.05) in the FMA total scores, while a positive correlation was found between the peak velocity (p < 0.05) and maximum grip aperture values (p < 0.05). As a result of the multiple regression analysis, the most significant factor was the movement unit, followed by the general movement assessment and trunk displacement. The explained FMA total score value was 62%. Conclusion: This study presents a new functional evaluation model for assessing the reaching and grasping ability of stroke patients. The factors of the proposed functional evaluation model showed significant correlations with the FMA scale scores and confirmed that the new functional evaluation model explained the FMA by 67%. This suggests a new functional evaluation model for reaching and grasping stroke patients.

• Speech Sciences
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.27-38
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• 2004

This study attempted to determine the effects of a cooperative and cognitive group therapy compared to individual therapy in 24 aphasic subjects. Two dependent variables were measured overall language performance, functional communication skills. 18 subjects with different types and severity of aphasia participated in the group therapy. 6 aphasic subjects participated in the individual therapy and they functioned as a control group. The subjects were ranged from 27 to 59 years in age. The group therapy using the cooperative learning utilized the following procedures. First, 6 aphasics constituted 1 group where each subject peformed a task and they monitored one another. Second, 2 aphasics consisted 1 group and they cooperated to perform a task. Third, 3 groups with 2 aphasics in a group competed one another in a task where the 2 aphasics had to cooperated. Finally, the investigator gave the feedback to the group and she and the subjects discussed the overall procedures of the therapy. The above mentioned 2 tests were administered pre- and post-treatment. A repeated two-way ANOVA was performed for analysis. The results showed that the group therapy was more effective in improving overall language performance as compared to the individual therapy. And, the group therapy was more effective in increasing functional communication skills as compared to the individual therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.68-73
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of closed kinetic chain exercise using EMG-biofeedback for selective training of the vastus medialis oblique on functional ability and Q-angle in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Thirty participants who met the criteria were included in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the control group (Group I, n=10), closed kinetic chain exercise group (Group II, n=10), and closed kinetic chain exercise using EMG-biofeedback group (Group III, n=10). Intervention was performed in three groups, three times per week, for a period of six weeks. Kujala patellofemoral score and Q-angle were measured before and after the experiment. Results: Some significant differences in kujala patellofemoral score were observed in group II and group III, compared with group I (p<0.01). There was no significant difference on in Q-angle at knee flexion angle $0^{\circ}$. However, some significant differences in Q-angle at knee flexion $60^{\circ}$ were observed in group III, compared with group I (p<0.01). Conclusion: Closed kinetic chain exercise using EMG-biofeedback that provides real-time biometric information on selected muscles in order to increase the efficiency of treatment may be helpful in improvement of functional ability and Q-angle in patellofemoral pain syndrome.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.37-44
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the functional (mobility, self-care, social ability) and health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A cross- sectional survey of 202 children with CP, mean age $5.91{\pm}1.57$ years, was carried out using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Results: The functional assessment of children with CP showed that a more severe GMFCS level was associated with lower functional abilities (p<0.05). The health-related quality of life assessment showed that psychosocial well-being was less impaired than physical well-being. The internal consistency of the three instruments was satisfactory (cronbach's ${\alpha}$>0.80). The three different scales were correlated from moderate to strong (r=0.44 to 0.92). It was also found that mobility, tone distribution, and the parents' education level exerted a significant effect on the quality of life of children with CP (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that children with CP have reduced function and quality of life and these are influenced by various factors. However, planning and application of various task-oriented functional interventions to childhood CP may be useful.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.51-58
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• 1999

In general, sitting balance is decreased in subjects with spinal cord injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Functional Reach Test (FRT) which is used to measure sitting balance. The subjects of this study were 26 persons with spinal cord injury, and they were divided into three groups according to their injury level. Group I, II and III consisted of the following $C_5{\sim}C_8$ quadriplegics, $T_1{\sim}T_4$, and $T_9{\sim}T_12$ paraplegics, respectively. Subjects sat on a mat table that was set at an 80 degree inclination. During three sessions, the length subjects could reach in the FRT test was measured by three physical therapists, and compared to each other. The results showed that intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) were above 0.97 and inter-rater difference was not statistically significant. The one-way ANOVA demonstrated that reach differed between groups with lower thoracic lesion and the other test groups. In conclusion, we think modified FRT is useful and reliable method to measure the sitting balance in subjects with spinal cord injury.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.17-25
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• 2008

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a weekly circuit-group exercise program on functional performance, flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities, and balance in individuals with chronic stroke who are living in a community. Thirteen community-living individuals (eleven males and two females) with chronic stroke participated in this study. The group exercise program was set up as a weekly circuit application with four stations aiming to strengthen the muscles, increase endurance, improve flexibility, and enhance functional capacity. The average duration of a session was an hour, and the sessions were conducted once a week for six months for a total of 24 sessions. Assessments for functional performance, flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities and balance were conducted four times: before treatment, after one month of treatment, after four months of treatment, and after six months of treatment. There were significant improvements in functional performance and flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities in the given time frame. No significant improvement was observed in balance ability. The findings suggest that a weekly circuit-group exercise program has some benefits in terms of managing the physical symptoms of individuals with mobility problems after stroke. Therefore, this program can be adapted and employed as a community-based rehabilitation program for such patients. Further studies with various community-based treatments will be conducted to validate these findings.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.28-33
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined the effects of heel raise exercises combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the muscle strength and postural control ability of subjects with functional ankle instability (FAI). Methods: Twenty-two subjects with FAI participated in this study. They were assigned randomly to two groups: 11 each in the NMES and the sham-NMES groups. Heel raise exercise was applied, and NMES electrodes were attached to the peroneus longus muscles. The NMES group applied NMES during the heel raise exercise. NMES was applied for 20 minutes during the heel raise exercise. The heel raise exercise was performed four times a week for five weeks. The muscle strength and balance error scoring system (BESS) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: A comparison of before and after the intervention within the groups revealed improved muscle strength in the NMES and Sham-NMES groups, but the BESS was improved under all conditions only in the NMES group. The Sham-NMES group showed no improvement in the unstable support surface. Furthermore, when comparing the amount of change before and after the intervention between the groups, there were significant differences in the total score and unstable support in the BESS and muscle strength. Conclusion: NMES had a positive effect on the functional activities of the functional ankle instability subjects, such as balancing on an unstable support surface during postural control and increasing muscle strength.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the effects of stretching and strengthening exercises on the pain, pelvic tilt (PT), functional disability, and balance of patients with chronic lower back pain (CLBP). Methods: A total of 42 patients with CLBP were randomly divided randomly into either experimental group I (EG I, n=21), who received stretching exercise, or experimental group II (EG II, n=21), who received strengthening exercise. Both interventions were applied three times a week for eight weeks. Assessments were made with a visual analogue scale (VAS), PT, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Berg's balance scale (BBS) before and after the eight weeks intervention period. A paired t-test was conducted to compare the within-group changes before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used compare the between-group difference. The statistical significance level was set to ${\alpha}=0.05$ for all variables. Results: The EG I and II showed significant within-group changes in the VAS, PT, ODI, and BBS (p<0.05). The changes in VAS, PT, ODI, and BBS were similar regardless of the exercise form. Conclusion: In this study, the application of stretching and strengthening exercise for subjects who complain of CLBP was effective in changing the level of pain, PT, functional disability, and balance.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.47-55
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• 2021

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions of the lower limbs. The present study aimed to compare the effect of hip muscle strengthening exercise and stretching of lower extremity in plantar fasciitis, with regard to pain, navicular drop and foot and ankle functional ability. Methods: A total of 42 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=21) that applied the hip muscle strengthening exercise and the control group(n=21) that applied the general lower limb stretching. The intervention period was 6 weeks. Results: The results of the experiment showed that the exercises for strengthening the hip muscle had significant effects on pain, navicular drop and foot and ankle functional ability In addition, lower extremity stretching showed improvement effects in pain, navicular drop and foot and ankle functional ability, however, the difference between the groups except navicular drop did not reach statistical significance Conclusion: Both interventions tested in this study were confirmed to be effective treatment options for patients with plantar fasciitis.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.51-56
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• 2022

Purpose: This study examined the effects of gym ball stabilization exercises on the physical functions of elementary school baseball players. Methods: The elementary school baseball players were assigned to an experimental group (n=21). The group performed gym ball stabilization exercises and the changes in the physical functions were measured using the visual response speed test, functional movements, physical balance ability, and pulmonary function. Results: The results of the visual response speed test showed changes in the time response speed. There was a significant change in the number of touches in 15 seconds in the upper arms and left and right legs (p<0.05) after 10 weeks. Also, there was a significant change in the reaction times of the left and right legs after 10 weeks (p<0.05). Further, there were significant differences in functional movements involving rotational stability and the total functional scores after 10 weeks (p<0.05). The player's body balance ability showed a significant difference after 10 weeks in the posterior-lateral and posterior-medial composite scores of the left and right legs (p<0.05). There was a significant change in the forced lung capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second after 10 weeks (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results show that the gym ball stabilization exercises effectively improved the visual response speed and functional movements, balance, and vital capacity of elementary school baseball players.