• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.8-16
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mobilization of the sciatic nerve on hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke. This study was a randomized clinical trial with a crossover design. Sixteen subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two intervention groups and underwent either of the following two interventions: sciatic nerve mobilization or static stretching of the hamstring. We assessed hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance using a digital inclinometer, a hand-held dynamometer, and the 10-meter walk test, respectively. Subjects had a 24-hour rest period between each session in order to minimize carryover effects. Measurements for each test were assessed prior to and immediately after the intervention sessions. Using a two-way analysis of variance test with repeated measures, data from the two trials were analyzed by comparing the differences between both techniques. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. Sciatic nerve mobilization resulted in significantly better knee extensor strength (p=.023, from $15.32{\pm}5.98$ to $18.16{\pm}6.95kg$) and knee flexor strength (p=.011, from $7.80{\pm}4.80$ to $8.15{\pm}4.24kg$) in the experimental group than in the control group. However, no significant effects of static stretching of the hamstring were observed on hamstring flexibility from the ankle plantar flexion (p=.966) and ankle neutral positions (p=.210) and on gait performance (p=.396). This study indicated that the sciatic nerve mobilization technique may be more effective in muscle activation of the knee extensor muscle and knee flexor muscle than hamstring static stretching technique in patients with chronic stroke.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.88-93
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• 2018

Objective: Elevated cholesterol levels contribute to changes of the arterial endothelial permeability. Hyperlipidemia promotes atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of stroke incidence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of having a history of hyperlipidemia prior to a stroke incidence on postural balance, anticipatory dynamic postural control, gait endurance and gait performance in individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-two adults who were diagnosed with stroke 6 months ago or more were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two different groups according to hyperlipidemia history before stroke. All participants were assessed with the Activities-specific into Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, Berg Balance scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). An independent t-test was used to analyze the difference between the hyperlipidemia group and non-hyperlipidemia group. Results: After analysis, the BBS, TUG, and 6MWT scores were significantly different between the hyperlipidemia and non-hyperlipidemia group, but not the ABC and DGI scores. Conclusions: The results of this study show that having a history of hyperlipidemia before stroke affects static and dynamic postural balance performance, anticipatory dynamic postural balance, and gait endurance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Based on the results of this study, we also suggest treatment for hyperlipidemia should be implemented throughout the therapeutic interventions, such as pharmacological or exercise programs, in order to restore the physical function of stroke survivors.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2019

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wearing an ankle weight belt while performing gait in water by focusing on the effect of using ankle weights have on the gait kinematics and the muscle activities for developing optimum training strategies. Method: A total of 10 healthy male university students were recruited for the study. Each participant was instructed to perform 3 gait conditions; normal walking over ground, walking in water chest height, and walking in water chest height while using ankle weights. All walking conditions were set at control speed of $4km/h{\pm}0.05km/h$. The depth of the swimming pool was at 1.3 m, approximately chest height. The motion capture data was recorded using 6 digital cameras and the EMG was recorded using waterproof Mini Wave. From the motion capture data, the following variables were calculated for analysis; double and single support phase (s), swing phase (s), step length (%height), step rate (m/s), ankle, knee, and hip joint angles ($^{\circ}$). From the electromyography the %RVC of the lower limb muscles medial gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, erector spinae, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis oblique was calculated. Results: The results show significant differences between the gait time, and step length between the right and left leg. Additionally, the joint angular velocities and gait velocity were significantly affected by the water resistance. As expected, the use of the ankle weights increased all of the lower leg maximum muscle activities except for the lower back muscle. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ankle weights can be shown to stimulate more muscle activity during walking in chest height water and therefore, may be useful for rehabilitation purposes.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was conducted to investigate the effects of the ankle mobilization with movement (MWM) technique on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), balance, and gait in patients who underwent total knee replacement (TKR). Methods: Thirty patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG; n=15) and the control group (CG; n=15). For five days a week for 3 weeks, participants in the EG were treated with the ankle MWM technique and traditional total knee replacement (TKR) exercise, and those in the CG only performed traditional TKR exercises. The dorsiflexion ROM, balance, and gait of the patients were before and after exercise. Results: Balance system SD was used compare changes in dynamic balance. Patients in the EG group showed statistically significant differences after the intervention (p<.05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in dynamic balance between the EG and CG groups after the intervention (p<.05). STT-IBS was used to compare changes in velocity, step length, stride length, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Patients in the EG group showed statistically significant differences after the intervention (p<.05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in the velocity, step length, stride length, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM between the EC and CG groups after the intervention (p<.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that applying the ankle MWM technique with traditional TKR exercises improved ankle dorsiflexion ROM, dynamic balance, and gait in patients.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in spatiotemporal gait performance, function, and pain of lower-extremity according to foot morphological characteristics. Method: This case-control study recruited 42 adults and they were classified into 3 groups according to foot morphology using navicular-drop test: pronated (≥ 10 mm), normal (5~9 mm), and supinated (≤ 4 mm) feet. Spatiotemporal gait analysis and questionnaires including Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living / Sports, Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Tegner activity score were conducted. One-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. Results: The pronated feet group showed longer loading response and double limb support in both feet and increased pre-swing phase in non-dominant feet. The supinated feet group demonstrated a longer swing phase in non-dominant feet and single limb support in dominant feet. However, there was no significant group difference in function and pain of knee joint and lower-extremity between groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated that abnormal spatiotemporal gait performance according to foot morphology. Although there was no difference in lower extremity dysfunction and pain according to the difference in foot morphology, they have the possibility of symptom occurs as a result of continuous participation in activities of daily living and sports. Therefore, individuals with pronated or supinated foot should be supplemented by utilizing an orthosis or training to restore normal gait performance.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.65-73
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• 2022

PURPOSE: The present research examined the effects of progressive robot-assisted step training on the strength of the lower extremity and gait speed of an individual with stroke through changes between the baseline and the intervention stage (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). METHODS: A single-subject (A-B) design was performed for a chronic stroke patient aged 70 years old. The robot-assisted step training was conducted three times a week during 12 months (40 minutes/session), and the assessment was conducted a total of seven times between the baseline and the intervention (No. 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months) to determine the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: As a result of the intervention, the muscle strength at the lower extremity of the paralysis side increased by the greatest extent 12 months after the intervention compared to the baseline, and the gait speed via the 10-meter walk test was increased as well. CONCLUSION: Long-term robot-assisted step training might be an effective intervention for improving the strength of the paretic lower extremity muscles and gait speed in stroke patients with difficulty walking independently. Further studies with sufficient sample sizes and a randomized control group will be needed to evaluate the long-term effects of robotic stepping rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.183-189
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• 2023

The propose of this study was to investigate the effects of squat exercise using a reformer on muscle strength, range of motion, and gait in hip joint replacement patients. This study was conducted on 20 patients hospitalized at a rehabilitation hospital in G City. As an intervention method, the experimental group performed squat exercises using a reformer, and the control group performed squat exercises, 7 times a week for 2 weeks. In the within-group comparison of the reformer group, there was a significant difference in hip flexion, extension, and abduction strength (p<0.05). There were significant differences within the group in the range of motion of hip extension and abduction and gait in the Reformer group (p<0.05). In comparison between groups, significant differences occurred in hip extension strength, hip extension, abduction range of motion, and gait (p<0.05).

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.108.3-108
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• 2002

$\textbullet$ Introduction $\textbullet$ trend of walking robot $\textbullet$ Characteristics of waist-jointed walking robot $\textbullet$ simulation $\textbullet$ conclusion

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.685-694
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• 2001

In this study, a transfemoral prosthesis system of which both stance phase and swing phase are controllable has been developed for the recovery of the biomechanical function of the amputated leg. It consists of a 5 bar link mechanism, a hydraulic-rubber knee damper for stance phase control and a pneumatic cylinder controlled via a microprocessor for stance phase control. The mechanical characteristics of the knee damper which absorbs the impact energy generated at the heel contact were investigated. The characteristics of the pneumatic cylinder essential for the speed adaptation of the prosthesis during swing phase were also studied for its mechanical characteristics. The prosthesis was subject to the clinical tests, and the gait characteristics obtained were very close to those of normal subjects. The stance and swing controlled prosthesis that were developed in this study showed good stability during the stance phase and showed good controllability during the swing phase.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2000.11a
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• pp.504-509
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• 2000

In this study, a transfemoral prosthesis system of which stance phase and swing phase are controlled during walking has been developed for the recovery of the biomechanical function of the amputated leg. It consists of a 5 bar link mechanism, a hydraulic-rubber knee damper for stance phase control and a pneumatic cylinder controlled via a microprocessor for stance phase control. The mechanical characteristics and behaviour of the knee damper which absorbs the impact energy generated at the heel contact was investigated. The characteristics of the pneumatic cylinder essential for the speed adaptation of the prosthesis during swing phase was also studied for its mechanical characteristics. The prosthesis was subject to the clinical test ant the gait characteristics obtained were very close to those of normal. The stance and swing controlled prosthesis that were developed in this study showed good stability during the stance phase and showed good controllability during the swing phase.