• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.59-67
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• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamic range of motion (ROM) of pelvic and translation of center of mass (COM) when wearing different shoe insole lifts according to leg length discrepancy (LLD) during free speed gait. Methods : Thirty-five healthy adults were participated in this study. Kinematic data were collected using a Vicon motion capture system. Reflective and cluster 40 markers attached to participants lower extremities and were asked to walk in a 6 m gait way under three different shoe lift conditions (without any insole, 1 cm insole, and 2 cm insole). The pelvic ROM and COM translation in three planes were sorted using a Nexus software, and a Visual3D motion analysis software was used to coordinate all kinematic data. Results : There were significantly increased maximal pelvic elevation and total pelvic range in coronal plane when wearing a standard shoe with 2 cm insole lift during gait (p<.05). When wearing a standard shoe with 2 cm insole lift, the total range of the pelvic segment were significantly different in all three motion planes (p<.05). Conclusion : Although LLD of less than 2 cm develops abnormal movement pattern of the pelvis and may cause of musculoskeletal diseases such as low back pain, hip and knee joint osteoarthritis, therefore intensive various physical therapy interventions for LLD are needed.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.384-390
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the side-step tasks based circular training program (STCT) on balance and gait characteristics in stroke patients. Design: A randomized controlled trial Methods: Twenty-four stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups of twelve patients each. One group was applied with the STCT whereas the other group was treated with conservative physiotherapy (CP). The ability of gait was measured in 10m walking test and stride length on both side using BTS G-WALK (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A, Italy) and the ability of balance was measured in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Results: The STCT group was significant differences in the balance parameters of BBS and TUG (p<0.05) and showed significant differences in gait variables in 10m walking speed, stride length of affected and non-affected side after the experiment before and after the experiment (p<0.05). In addition, the STCT group showed a significant difference in BBS compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed that the side-step tasks based circular training program (STCT) improves balance and walking ability in stroke patients. STCT is expected to be used as a useful intervention method for stroke rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study examined the immediate effects of applying ankle eversion taping using kinesiology tape in chronic stroke patients-design: a randomized cross-over trial. METHODS: Seventeen stroke patients underwent three interventions in random order. The subjects were initially assigned randomly to an ankle eversion taping, placebo taping, or no taping for each intervention. Ankle eversion taping was used for mechanical correction and was involved in ankle dorsiflexion and eversion. The tape was stretched by 30-40%. Placebo tapping was applied in the same form as eversion tapping but was not stretched. The balance ability was assessed using the Y-balance test. The gait ability was assessed by maximum foot pressure and time of stance phase, and gait speed was assessed using a 10 m walk test (10MWT). All measurements were performed immediately after the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that the dynamic balance and stance phase time in chronic stroke patients was improved after ankle eversion taping. The ankle eversion taping conditions increased significantly (p < .05) compared to the placebo and no taping conditions. CONCLUSION: The application of ankle eversion taping that uses kinesiology tape instantly increased the gait ability of chronic stroke patients. On the other hand, more research will be needed to identify the long-term effects of ankle eversion taping.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.28-36
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the increasing ankle range motion program on ambulation and balance for the elderly with balance disorder. Eighteen elderly subjects were administered with a timed test twice; approximately 4 weeks apart. The exercise group participated in a fall prevention exercise class at the Y.S. Senior Welfare Center of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The session consisted of a stationary cycle, static stretching ankle joints, balance boards, and progressive resistive exercises using the Thera-band. The results were as follows: Firstly, the increasing ankle range of motion program was effective on the exercise group. Gait-speed was improved (p<.005). Secondly, balance was significantly improved (p<.000). Thirdly, increasing ankle range of motion program was effective in ankle dorsiflexion which was the major risk factor for falls among the elderly. Differences in gait and balance between the groups were examined using a paired t-test (p<.05). The exercise group demonstrated significantly higher values of gait-speed, ankle range of motion, and balance when compared with the non-exercise group. The results of this study suggest that the increasing ankle range of motion program is an effective intervention for the elderly with balance disorder.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.55-63
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• 2008

Background : The Purposes of this study were to understand difference between free walking and obstacle over walking through the naked eye and motion analysis device, and to review merits of obstacle walking training as item of functional assessment in clinical situations. Methods : All participants were male and performed 3 types of walking methods: free walking, obstacle over walking with low block(height=10cm, width=8cm), and obstacle over walking with high block(height=20cm, width=8cm). All walking were performed 3 trials respectively. Results : In the naked eye, initial contact with toes occurred more than heel strike in obstacle over walking, and the flexion angle of hip and knee were increased in obstacle over walking. On interpretations though motion analysis device, cadence, gait speed and weight accept were significant statistically(p<.05). Cadence and gait speed were decreased, and weight accept duration was increased in obstacle over walking. Rotation among three pelvic motions was significant statistically(p<.05), flexion among three hip motions was significant statistically(p<.05) and flexion among three ankle motions was significant statistically(p<.05). Rotation and flexion among three ankle motions was significant statistically(p<.05). Conclusion : Both the naked eye and interpretations of the device presented many difference between free walking and obstacle over walking. In overcrossing obstacles, many participants appeared walking strategy by perform initial contact with toes. Knee flexion was most significant statistically(p<.05) in obstacle over walking with 20cm block.

• 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.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.291-298
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• 2021

Purpose: The Pedisole is a newly developed shoe-mounted wearable assessment system for analyzing balance and gait. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the parameters provided by the system for static balance and gait analysis of healthy adults. Methods: This study included 38 healthy adults (22.4±1.9 years) with no history of injury in the lower limbs. All participants were asked to perform balance and gait tasks for undertaking measurements. For analysis of balance, both the smart Pedisole and Pedoscan systems were concurrently used to analyze the path length of the center of pressure (COP) and the weight ratio of the left and right for 10 s. Gait was measured using the smart Pedisole and GaitRite walkway systems simultaneously. The participants walked at a self-selected preferred gait speed. The cadence, stance time, swing time, and step time were used to analyze gait characteristics. Using the paired t-test, the intra-class coefficient correlation (ICC) was calculated for reliability. The Spearman correlation was used to assess the validity of the measurements. In total, data for balance from 36 participants and the gait profiles of 37 participants were evaluated. Results: There were significant differences between the COP path lengths (p<.050) derived from the two systems, and a significant correlation was found for COP path length (r=.382~.523) for static balance. The ICC for COP path length and weight ratio was found to be greater than .687, indicating moderate agreement in balance parameters. The ICC of gait parameters was found to be greater than .697 except for stance time, and there was significant correlation (r=.678~.922) with the GaitRite system. Conclusion: The newly developed smart insole-type Pedisole system and the related application are useful, reliable, and valid tools for balance and gait analysis compared to the gold standard Pedoscan and the GaitRite systems in healthy individuals.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.127-138
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• 1998

This study was carried out tn invstigate and compare biomechanical characteristics during free speed gait in hemiplegic patients after stroke who took therapeutic exercise by analyzing kinematic and kinetic data in the sagital plane and electromyographic data. Six patients($41\~69$ years old) and age-matched six volunteers in good health(51-61 years old) wire studied. The patients were sorted into two groups, depending on their self-speed of walking : fast speed group(3 patients) and slow speed group(3 patients). The results were as fellows. : 1. In spatio-temparal parameters, affected and unaffected side of fast group showed symetry but blew group showed asymetry of single limb support, opposite foot contact and stance phase (p<0.05). Compared with normal group, patient group showed slower velocity, shoter stride length and longer double limb support (p<0.05). 2. In the pelvic anterior tilt, patient group showed lower valued than normal group. It. In the ground reaction force-vertical force, fast group showed similar double peak gragh compared with normal group, butvslow group showed lower values without double peak (p<0.05).

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2016

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of resistant exercise on the gait performance of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient. Design: A case study. Methods: A 30-year-old male adult who had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE) in April 2013, right middle cerebral artery infarction, and with left hemiplegia agreed to participate in this case study. Patient was unable to walk due to being affected with adynamia. Due to developing necrotizing vasculitis on the left lower extremity, patient underwent a myotomy on the left thigh. The patient was trained with a progressive resistant exercise program for 8 weeks. An intensity of 15 RM was used for the resistant exercises and the resistance level was increased progressively in order to improve the muscle power of the patient. Methods used to increase resistance included changing positions, providing mechanical resistance instead of manual resistance, transitioning from open kinetic chain to closed kinetic chain exercises, and changing the colors of the theraband to those with increase level of resistance. Outcome measures included the 5-repetition sit-to- stand test (5RSST), Timed Up & Go (TUG), and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). In addition, the GAITRite was used to assess the spatio-temporal gait variables, including gait speed, cadence, stride length of the left side, and double limb support pre and post-intervention. Results: The patient was able to perform sit-to- stand after two weeks of performing the resistant exercises. The patient was able to walk after 4 weeks, and the patient's overall gait performance had improved after 8 weeks. All of the variables had improved after each week. Conclusions: The results of this case study may be used to enhance future efforts to objectively evaluate resistant exercises during gait performance in persons affected by SLE.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.127-133
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of foam roller (FR) stretching, kinesiotaping (KT), and dynamic stretching (DS) on gait parameters after inducing muscle fatigue in the ankle joint. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The subjects were thirty healthy young adults between the ages of 20 and 31 years at Baekseok University who voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either the FR group, KT group, or the DS group after inducing muscle fatigue of the ankle joint. Fatigue induction of the ankle joint muscles was performed by alternating a heel up and down exercise with the standing posture on the ground. The speed was maintained at 40 beats/minute using a metronome. Subsequently, the respective intervention was applied to each group. Gait parameters were measured before and after ankle muscle fatigue induction, and after intervention using the GAITRite system. One-way ANOVA was used to compare gait parameters among groups, while repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare gait parameters within each intervention group. Results: The FR group increased significantly in velocity, step length, and stride length except for cadence after intervention compared to after ankle muscle fatigue induction (p<0.01). Furthermore, the KT group showed significant increases in velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length after intervention, especially in cadence group (p<0.05). All intervention groups showed significant increases in stride length after intervention, especially the DS group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, we suggest that KT, FR, and DS can be an effective intervention on gait parameters when the ankle joint is unstable and injured.