• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.265-273
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of participation in contact sports on neurocognitive scores, dual-task walking velocity, and cognitive costs in retired athletes. Method: Forty-four retired athletes (mean age = 26.4±5.5 yrs) and thirty-eight controls (mean age = 26.1±4.9 yrs) participated in this study. Neurocognitive score was collected using computerized neurocognitive testing using RehaCom. Gait velocity was collected one single task, four dual-tasks, and two multi-tasks using Optogait. Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compared differences in cognitive scores among groups. A mixed-design two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni posthoc test were used to assess the effect of group and walking tasks for each condition. Results: The auditory divided attention of neurocognitive score of retired athletes was higher than the control group (p < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the other neurocognitive scores between groups. The changes in walking velocity and cognitive costs according to the dual-task walking tests differed between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although participation in contact sports did not affect the neurocognitive results of retired athletes, it could be confirmed that the reduction in walking velocity and an increase in cognitive costs during dual-task walking. Rather than observing only neurocognitive scores as a single evaluation item for cognitive evaluation of retired athletes in relation to daily life, the application of the dual-task gait test may provide useful information.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.83-92
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• 2004

This study aims to the influenced factor analysis of spinal cord independence measure(SCIM), on walking velocity, walking endurance, time up & go(TUG), and subject characteristics. The subject of this study were 12 persons with incomplete spinal cord injury(ASIA C, D). All subject ambulatory with or without an assistive device. All participants were assessed on SCIM(score), walking velocity(m/s), walking endurance(m) and TUG(s). The data were analyzed using independent t-test and stepwise multiple regression. The results revealed that no statistical difference was noted in subject characteristics among SCIM, walking velocity, walking endurance, TUG(p>0.5). The independence score, breathing-sphincter control and ambulation were important factors in TUG(31.4%). The results suggest that SCIM may be an inappropriate assessment tool to predict gait ability of patient with incomplete spinal cord injury. Further study about gait speed, gait endurance and TUG by change of SCIM is needed using to patient of incomplete spinal cord injury.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.63-70
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• 2021

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the improvement of global synkinesis (GS) and gait in stroke patients by the weight shift exercise. METHODS: Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to experimental group I (n = 10) and experimental group II (n = 10). In experimental group I, weight shift with upper extremity exercises in a standing position were mediated and in experimental group II, upper extremity exercises in a standing position were mediated. These interventions were conducted in both groups for three sessions per week, 30 minutes per session over four weeks. Before the interventions, leg GS was measured using surface electromyography and the 10m walk test (10MWT). The same parameters were measured four weeks later. RESULTS: The GS and 10MWT of the experimental group I showed that there was a statistically significant difference between dorsiflexion (p < .05) and plantarflexion (p < .01) and 10MWT (p < .01). In experimental group II, there was a statistically significant difference only in 10MWT (p < .01). The comparison between the changes in both groups showed that in the case of GS, there was a statistically significant difference in the dorsiflexion (p < .01) and plantarflexion (p < .05), and in the 10MWT too (p < .05). CONCLUSION: GS of the lower extremities was decreased by improving posture control and enlarging soft tissues due to the symmetrical weight shift in experimental group I, which turned out to be effective in improving the gait speed.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.9-23
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) exercise on body functions(gait, balance, lower extremity power) of elderly women. Methods : This study applied PNF exercise in a fall prevention program in addition to fall prevention seminars to an experimental group of 15 subjects and applied only fall prevention seminars to a control group of 15 subjects. The PNF exercise consisted of three sessions per week for 8 weeks and fall prevention seminars were composed of three times educations(0th, 4th, and 8th week). As a result of statistical analyses, following conclusions were obtained. Results : A 8-week PNF exercise significantly improved gait function and balance functions, lower extremity functions of elderly women. Conclusion : The PNF exercise in a fall prevention program was found to be effective to improve body functions(gait, balance, lower extremity power) of elderly women. In other words, the PNF exercise needs to be considered as an effective intervention for elderly women in order to strengthen their body functions and in fall prevention program.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2021

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is common knee disorder encountered in clinical: notably, altered hip biomechanic may contribute to PFPS. In this study, We investigated the effects of hip joint mobilization on pain, balance, and gait in patients with PFPS. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to a control group (n=18) or an experimental group (n=20). Both groups received exercise therapy thrice a week for 4 weeks. The experimental group performed additional hip joint mobilization thrice a week for 4 weeks. Measurement were obtained in each patient pre-intervention and post-intervention (after 4 weeks). Results: The assessed items included the visual analog scale (VAS), one leg standing test (OLS), timed up and go test (TUG), and the 10m walk test (10MWT). Post-intervention assessment showed significantly improved results in both groups (p<.01). A significant intergroup difference was observed only in the results of the 10MWT (p<.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that hip joint mobilization with exercise therapy may be useful to improve PFPS.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

Background: This study evaluates the usability of the Motion-Tracking Gait Assistive Walker (MTGAW) designed for elderly individuals and those with disabilities, identifying areas for improvement through interviews with physical and occupational therapists. Design: A survey study involves the usability test for MTGAW. Methods: Usability evaluations were conducted with 37 physical therapists and occupational therapists. The process included explanation, product usage, satisfaction surveys, and interviews. A satisfaction survey covering 19 items across safety, maneuverability, usability, and management areas was administered. Individual interviews identified areas for improvement. Results: Overall, high satisfaction was reported across the four areas, but interviews highlighted the need for improvements, such as addressing discomfort due to slow speed and enhancing safety measures to prevent rear-end falls. Adjusting the walker's height and width to suit the user's physique was also suggested. Conclusion: MTGAW enhances walking support and hand movement freedom but needs refinement in speed control, fall prevention, and customization based on the user physique. Future efforts should focus on developing an improved MTGAW, considering recommendations from physical therapy experts, and conducting studies to analyze its clinical effectiveness for commercialization.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2012

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of trunk control training on the labile surface on relative impulse and balance in stroke patients. Methods: A total of 21 participants were assigned to an experimental group (n=11) or a control group (n=10). In addition to conventional therapy, the experimental group received trunk control training on the swiss ball; 20 minutes, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks. Balance ability was evaluated by FRT (functional reaching test) and TUG (time up and go). In addition relative impulse in 6 areas of the foot (hallux, 1st metatarsal head, 2~3 metatasal head, 4~5 metatasal head, mid foot and heel) were measured using the F-scan system to evaluate locomotion ability during gait. Results: Significant differences in the relative impulse were observed in the areas of the 2~3 metatasal head during gait after exercise in both the control group and experimental group (p<0.05). Also, a significant increase was seen in the hallux after exercise in the experimental group (p<0.05), but no such significant increase was seen in the control group (p>0.05). Significant differences were observed in FRT and TUG in the experimental group but no such significant increase was observed in the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that trunk control training on labile surface improves the balance in stroke patients and has a positive effect on locomotion ability.

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1988.10a
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• pp.131-136
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• 1988

In this paper we describe a motion control algorithm for a 4-legged robot over slopped terrain and steps. The new concept of the mechanically constrained angle has been introduced and the algorithm has been developed based on the relationship between the gait stability margin and the slope angle. The result then has been extended to the case where the robot walks over steps.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.59-66
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• 2017

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of postural control training on balance and walking ability in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: Eighteen chronic stroke patients were allocated equally and randomly to an experimental group (n=9) or a control group (n=9). All participants received 60 minutes of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, the experimental group additionally received a postural control training for 30 minutes, while the control group additionally performed a treadmill training for 30 minutes. These 30-minute training sessions were held five times per week for three weeks. Balance was assessed using Berg balance scale (BBS) and walking ability (gait speed, cadence, step length, and double limb support) was assessed using the GAITRite system. RESULTS: Improvement on all outcome measures was identified from pre-to-post intervention for both groups (p<.05). Post-intervention, there was a significant between-group difference on measured outcomes (p<.05). The experimental group exhibited greater improvement in the gait speed (p=.01; 95% CI .08-.16), cadence (p=.04; 95% CI .34-4.79), step length (p=.02; 95% CI 1.50-5.17), double limb support period (p=.04; 95% CI -2.18 to -.14), and BBS (p=.01; 95% CI 1.04-6.74) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that postural control training may be beneficial for improving balance and walking ability of patients with chronic stroke.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2018

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of freezing of gait on spatiotemporal variables, ground reaction forces (GRFs), and joint moments during the sit-to-walk task at the preferred and maximum speeds in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Method: The subjects were classified by a neurologist into 12 freezers, 12 non-freezers, and 12 controls. Sit-to-walk parameters were measured during three repetitions of the task in a random order at the preferred and maximum possible speeds. Results: In the sit-to-walk task at the preferred speed, the freezers and non-freezers exhibited a higher peak anterior-posterior GRF (p<0.001) in the sit-to-stand phase and lower step velocity (p<0.001), step length (p<0.001), and peak anterior-posterior GRF (p<0.001) in the first-step phase than the controls. The freezers had higher peak anterior-posterior GRF (p<0.001) and peak moment of the hip joint (p=0.008) in the sit-to-stand phase than the non-freezers. In the sit-to-walk phase at the maximum speed, the freezers and non-freezers had lower peak moment of the hip joint (p=0.008) in the sit-to-stand phase than the controls. The freezers and non-freezers displayed lower step velocity (p<0.001) and peak anterior-posterior GRF (p<0.001) in the first-step phase than the controls. The freezers showed higher peak moments of the hip joint in the sit-to-stand phase than the non-freezers (p=0.008). Conclusion: The PD patients had reduced control ability in sit-to-stand motions for efficient performance of the sit-to-walk task and reduced performance in the sit-to-walk task. Furthermore, the freezers displayed reduced control ability in the sit-to-stand task. Finally, the PD patients exhibited a lower ability to control dynamic stability with changes in speed than the controls.