• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.17-28
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• 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of treadmill gait training on the functional characteristics and the temporal-distance parameters of gait in hemiplegic patients, as compared with conventional gait training. The subjects of this study were 32 hemiplegic patients who had been admitted or were visited out-patients at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, from March 3 through April 25, 2003. These subjects were randomly divided into treadmill gait training group or conventional gait training group. We evaluated the gait ability, motor functions, muscle strength, spasticity, physiological cost index, and temporal-distance parameters. We analyzed the changes between pre and post training in each groups, and the difference between two groups. Temporal-distance parameters were obtained using the ink footprint method and then energy consumption using physiological cost index. The results were as follows: 1. After a six-week training, treadmill gait training group significantly improved, as. compared to pre-training, in gait ability, motor functions for the leg and trunk and gross function, muscle strength of the lower limb, gait speed, cadence, step length both on the affected and on the unaffected side, step length symmetry, and energy consumption(p<0.05). 2. After a six-week training, conventional gait training group significantly improved, as compared to pretraining, in gait ability, motor functions for the leg and trunk, muscle strength of the lower limb, spasticity the upper limb, gait speed, cadence, step length both on the affected and on the unaffected side, and energy consumption(p<0.05). 3. After a six-week training, the treadmill gait training group significantly improved, as compared to the conventional gait, training, in gait speed and step length on the unaffected side. These results show that treadmill gait training was improved gait speed and step length on the unaffected side of hemiplegic patients, as compared with conventional gait training. Further research is needed to confirm the generalization of these findings and to identify which hemiplegic patients might benefit from treadmill gait training.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.351-360
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• 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of observed action gait training on stroke patients. METHODS: 22 subjects were randomized into two groups. The observed action gait training performed that watched a video of normal gait before gait training and the general gait training without watching it. The experimental group(n=11) performed observed action gait training and the control group(n=11) performed general gait training. Both group received gait training for 3 times per week during 8 weeks. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant differences in the cadence, gait velocity, stride, step, single limb support, double limb support, stride length and step length(p<.05). The control group showed significant differences only in the stride(p<.05). CONCLUSION: The observed action gait training affected coordination and weight shift, as well as symmetry of the body. Plasticity of the brain was facilitated by repetitive visual and sensory stimulation. The observed action gait training promoted the normal gait by watching the normal gait pattern. In conclusion, motor learning through the sensory stimulation promotes brain plasticity that could improve motor function, and observed action gait training indirectly identified stimulated brain activities.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.364-368
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• 2015

Purpose: Walking in the dual-task condition is a critical skill for hemiplegic patients to live in real-life situations. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dual-task gait training and general gait training on gait parameters and cognitive function in patients with chronic stroke during dual-task walking. Methods: The study included 23 patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke who were randomly divided into experimental (dual-task gait training) and control (general walking training) groups. The 11 subjects in the experimental group and nine subjects in the control group received dual-task gait training (walking while handling a ball, crossing obstacles, picking up various objects, and problem solving simple cognitive tasks and general over-ground gait training, respectively, for 30 minutes per day 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Spatiotemporal parameters and cognitive tasks in the dual-task gait condition were measured. Statistical analysis of the changes between the pre- and post-intervention measurement variables was performed using ANCOVA. Results: In the gait condition under cognitive tasks, the changes pre- and post-intervention in gait velocity, stride length, double support limb, and step symmetry were significantly greater in the dual-task gait training group; however, the dual-task gait training group showed no significant improvement compared to the general gait training group in terms of the assessment of cognitive tasks. Conclusion: The findings suggest that dual-task gait training may be beneficial for walking ability in dual-task walking condition.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.283-289
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the force of lower extremities, the change in walking ability on the ground by applying a walking training program based on perceptual learning to improve gait capacity of chronic stroke patients. Method: This study included Twenty-four patients with chronic stroke. Using a perceptual-based gait training, the experimental group trained twice a day for 30 minutes each time, 5 times a week, for a total of 8 weeks. The control group underwent ground gait training that excluded the element of a perceptual training for 30 minutes, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Results: In the two groups, the maximum forefoot pressure after intervention was significantly different in both the LEPGT and GGT (p<0.05). The maximum midfoot pressure was significantly different in LEPGT (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the maximum heel pressure after intervention between the two groups (p<0.05). As a result of comparing the change in step length and stride length after intervention in the two groups, there was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both gait training programs was found that gait training based on perceptual learning and ground gait training were the training for improving the functional gait of stroke patient. Perceptual learning gait training utilizing intensive perceptual awareness was the training for improving gait capacity within the period than ground gait training.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 2022

Purpose : The goal of this study is to examine the effect of robot assisted gait training (RAGT) on the kinematic factors (temporospatial gait parameters, gait cycle ratio, and gait line length) of gait in stroke patients. Methods : The subjects of this study were 24 stroke patients selected by inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: robot assisted gait training (n=11) and general neurological physical therapy group (n=11). In the robot-assisted gait training group, robot-assisted gait training was mediated for 30 minutes a day in addition to general neurological physical therapy. The general neurological physical therapy group was mediated by general neurological physical therapy for 30 minutes a day in addition to general neurological physical therapy. The number of interventions was 5 times a week for 5 weeks. In order to compare the kinematic factors of walking between the two groups, gait analysis was performed before and after 5 weeks of training using the Zebris gait analysis system. Results : As a result of the gait analysis of the two groups, there were significant differences in temporospatial gait variables (step length, stride length, step width, step time, stride time), gait cycle ratio (swing phase, stance phase) and gait line length. However, there was no significant difference in the cadence (temporospatial gait parameters) in the robot assisted gait training group compared to general neurological physical therapy group. Conclusion : It is considered to be a useful treatment for stroke patients to promote the recovery of gait function in stroke patients. Based on the results of this study, continuous robot assisted gait training treatment is considered to have a positive effect on gait ability, the goal of stroke rehabilitation. In the future, additional studies should be conducted on many subjects of stroke patients, the kinematic factors of the legs according to the severity of stroke and treatment period, and the effect of gait training.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.106-112
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• 2017

Objective: Robot assisted gait training is implemented as part of therapy for the recovery of gait patterns in recent clinical fields, and the scope of implications are continuously increasing. However clear therapy protocols of robot assisted gait training are insufficent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training applied with guidance force on balance and gait performance in persons with hemiparetic stroke. Design: Two group pre-test post-test design. Methods: Nineteen persons were diagnosed with hemiparesis following stroke participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to the unilateral guidance group or bilateral guidance group to conduct robot-assisted gait training. All participants underwent robot-assisted gait training for twelve sessions (30 min/d, 3 d/wk for 4 weeks). They were assessed with gait parameters (gait velocity, cadence, step length, stance phase, and swing phase) using Optogait. This study also measured the dynamic gait index (DGI), the Berg balance scale (BBS) score, and timed up and go (TUG). Results: After training, BBS scores were was significantly increased in the bilateral training group than in the unilateral guidance group (p<0.05). Spatiotemporal parameters were significantly changed in the bilateral training group (gait speed, swing phase ratio, and stance phase ratio) compared to the unilateral training group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that robot-assisted gait training show feasibility in facilitating improvements in balance and gait performance for subacute hemiparetic stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.205-210
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was to examine the effects of treadmill gait training at different controlled inclinations on the standing balance of hemiplegic patients caused by cerebrovascular injury. Methods: The study's subjects were 44 patients with chronic stroke, randomly divided into three experimental groups: $0^{\circ}$ treadmill gait training (n=14), $5^{\circ}$ treadmill gait training (n=15), and $10^{\circ}$ treadmill gait training (n=15). In addition to conventional physical therapy, the subjects underwent gait training on a treadmill with one of three different inclinations for 30 min per session five times per week for six weeks. The Biodex balance system SD, Berg balance scale, and timed up and go tests were used to measure the postural balance of the patients. Results: This study showed that gait training on a treadmill at controlled inclinations of $0^{\circ}$, $5^{\circ}$, and $10^{\circ}$ positively influenced the stroke patients' standing balance. The $5^{\circ}$ and $10^{\circ}$ inclination gait training groups showed significantly more improvement than the $0^{\circ}$ inclination group. Conclusion: Gait training on a treadmill with inclinations of $0^{\circ}$, $5^{\circ}$, or $10^{\circ}$ can be said to positively affect the postural balance of hemiplegic patients due to stroke. In particular, $5^{\circ}$ and $10^{\circ}$ inclination gait training offered more significant improvement than the $0^{\circ}$ inclination gait training group. When added to regular treatment routines, gait training at controlled inclinations is an effective intervention for improving hemiplegia due to postural balance.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.12
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• pp.674-682
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aquatic gait training on plantar foot pressure, foot kinesiology and gait speed in right hemiplegic patients. The subject were 20 stroke patients who elapsed from 12 month to 24 month after stroke(aquatic gait training group(n=10), land gait training group(n=10)). This study measured plantar foot pressure, toe out angle, subtalar joint angle, gait speed from data of gate on 2m long measuring apparatus for RS-scan system(RS scan Ltd. German). This experiment performed in twice, before and after the aquatic gait training and land gait training. Collected data were statistically analyzed by SPSS Ver. 12.0 using descriptive statistics, paired t-test. Aquatic gait training group had more variety pressure area on their foot such as T1(Toe 1), HM(Heel medial), and HL(Heel lateral). But motion of subtalar joint flexibility and toe out angle decreased considerably and gate speed also increased. According to the result, aquatic gait training is considered as more effective way in foot stability and normal gait pattern than land gait training.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.55-64
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training on balance and gait ability in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-one stroke patients were allocated randomly into one of two groups: robot-assisted gait training combined virtual reality training group (RGVR group; n = 16) and control group (n = 15). The RGVR group received 30 minutes of robot-assisted gait training combined with virtual reality training. Robot-assisted gait training was conducted in parallel using a virtual reality device. In the Control group, neurodevelopmental therapy was performed according to the function of chronic stroke patients. Both groups underwent training for 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. The balance assessment system (BioRescue, Marseille, France), BBS, and TUG were used to evaluate the balance ability. The OptoGait (Microgate Srl, Bolzano, Italy) and 10 mWT were measured to evaluate the gait ability. The measurements were performed before and after the eight-week intervention period. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in their balance and gait ability during the intervention. RGVR showed significant differences in balance and gait ability compared to the control group groups (p < .05). These results showed that RGVR was more effective on balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. CONCLUSION: RGVR can improve balance and gait ability, highlighting the benefits of RGVR. This study provides intervention data for recovering the balance and gait ability of chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.19-29
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• 2019

Purpose : To determine whether an advanced rehabilitation therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy consisting of sensorimotor exercises that would be superior to a usual treadmill training in gait ability and fall risk in subacute stroke patients. Methods : Thirty subjects randomly assigned to either multi-sensorimotor training group (n=19) or treadmill training group (n=18). Both groups first performed conventional physical therapy for 30 min, after which the multi-sensorimotor training group performed multi-sensorimotor training for 30 min, and the treadmill training group performed treadmill gait training for 30 min. Both groups performed the therapeutic interventions 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Gait ability was evaluated using the GAITRite system and Fall risk was measured using the Biodex Balance system before intervention and after 8 weeks. Results : There were no intergroup differences between demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline (p>.05). Both groups showed a significant improvement in gait ability (p<.05) and Fall risk (p<.05). In particular, the multi-sensorimotor training group showed more significant differences in gait velocity (p=.05), step length (p=.01) and stride length (p=.014) than the treadmill training group. Conclusion : The multi-sensorimotor training program performed on multiple types of sensory input had beneficial effect on gait ability. A large-scale randomized controlled study is needed to prove the effect of this training.