• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of the hip internal rotation on gluteal and erector spinae muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity during treadmill walking. Eleven healthy subjects were recruited. All subjects performed treadmill walking while maintaining the hip in neutral position (condition 1) and in internal rotation (condition 2). Surface EMG activity was recorded from four muscles (gluteus maximus (GM), gluteus medius (GMED), tensor fascia latae (TFL), and erector spinae (ES)) and the hip internal rotation angle was measured using a three dimensional motion analysis system. The gait cycle was determined with two foot switches, and stance phase was normalized as 100% stance phase (SP) for each condition using the MatLab 7.0 program. The normalized EMG activities according to the hip rotation (neutral or internal rotation) were compared using a paired t-test. During the entire SP of treadmill walking, the EMG activities of GM in condition 1 were significantly greater than in condition 2 (p<.05). The EMG activities of TFL and ES in condition 2 were significantly greater than in condition 1 (p<.05). The EMG activities of the GMED in condition 1 were significantly greater than in condition 1 (p>.05) except for 80~100% SP. Further studies need randomized control trials regarding the effect of hip internal rotation on the hip and lumbar spine muscle activity. Kinetic variables during gait or going up and down stairs are also needed.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.147-154
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• 2007

This study's purpose is to investigate the effects on leg muscle activity caused by perturbation, using a trapdoor system during the support phase of gait for healthy adults (n = 6, height $177.5{\pm}5.5cm$, weight $81.0{\pm}9.5kg$, age $30.0{\pm}3.3yrs$). The trapdoor had the functional ability of causing inversion or eversion. The release time for the trapdoor was specified for two times, 0.3 and 0.5 seconds after heel contact. While altering these variables, EMG was recorded for the leg muscles (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, soleus). The following conclusions were derived. The steptime was longer for the 0.5s eversion than 0.3s inversion condition. So in order to regain stability after the perturbation the unsupporting leg reached forward rapidly. This quick reflex can be observed through the center of pressure (COP) and its rapid change in direction. The gastrocnemius was activated throughout the total experiment. There was a low amount of activity recorded in the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior except for the condition of inversion 0.3s. For most of the conditions, the highest average EMG peak values were recorded during the condition of inversion 0.3s. The iEMG patterns were similar for the conditions of inversion 0.3s and eversion 0.3s. To cope with the rapid change in these conditions, the biceps femoris was activated. During the experiment except for the condition of normal gait, the activity of the soleus and gastrocnemius was relatively high. Therefore, to prevent injury from perturbation of the lower leg strengthening of the soleus and gastrocnemius is required. Likewise to prevent injury to the thigh strengthening for the biceps femoris.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.139-149
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of gradually increasing treadmill inclination on the electroencephalogram (EEG) of stroke patients during gait training. Methods: Three stroke patients who were diagnosed with stroke within six months and capable of walking on a treadmill were selected as subjects. EEG electrodes were attached at Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, and P4 positions of the cerebral hemispheres using the International 10-20 system. The intervention involved walking for 2 minutes each at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 30 degrees inclination on the treadmill while focusing on a target point located in front during the treadmill gait training. The EEG (Smartingmobi, Serbia) generated when the treadmill gradient gradually increased was measured. In addition, relative alpha and relative beta waves were visualized through the Brain mapping program in the TeleScan program to assess the changes in each brain region for the activity of the EEG. Results: The relative alpha wave value decreased as treadmill inclination increased, while the relative beta wave value increased. Conclusion: Gradually increasing the inclination during treadmill gait training appears to be a crucial parameter for increasing the brain activity levels of stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.133-144
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effects of task-oriented treadmill training on the gait and balance ability and functional activity in 20 patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: The study subjects were twenty stroke patients, ten randomly placed in the experimental group and ten in the control group. Both the experimental and control groups received 30 minutes of traditional physical therapy and an additional 15 minutes of functional electrical stimulation therapy. The experimental group was given task-oriented treadmill training, while the control group received general treadmill training. Each session lasted for 25 minutes, three times a week, over four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant differences in the 10-metre walk test (10MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Modified Barthel index (MBI). However, statistically significant differences in the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were seen only in the experimental group. There were statistically significant differences in the between-group differences value comparisons in the 10MWT, BBS, TUG, FMA, and MBI. CONCLUSION: Task-oriented treadmill training positively impacts gait, balance, and daily function in subacute stroke patients. This study highlights the benefits of training on unstable surfaces and offers valuable insights for stroke rehabilitation and gait training.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aquatic ramp walking exercise on the activity of the quadriceps, gait and activity of daily living in child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type II. A 5 years-old girl with SMA type II participated in this study. This study used single-subject reverse(A-B-A) design study. There are 12 sessions(4weeks 3 times a week) each during the baseline phase(A), the intervention phase(B), the follow up phase(A). During the baseline phase and the follow up phase performed general aquatic therapy, the intervention phase additional performed walking activity on ramp in pool (60m). Surface electromyogram, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, ACTIVLIM were used as outcome. During the intervention phase, there were decrease on the activity of the quadriceps. In modified TUG test, gait time reduced during the intervention phase. The ACTIVLIM logit score increased during intervention phase by comparison with the baseline phase. These findings suggest that an aquatic ramp walking exercise activities have the therapeutic possibility on the quadriceps activity and gait ability for child with SMA type II.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.35-41
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• 2019

Background: Obstacle training affects lower limb muscle activity, balance, reducing the risk of falls, and making gait more stable. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aquatic and ground obstacle training on balance and muscle activity in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: The study subjects included 30 patients with stroke, who were divided into aquatic ($n_1=15$) and ground ($n_2=15$) groups. Groups underwent obstacle training three times per week, 30 min per session, for six weeks that went as follows: walking over sites with the paralyzed leg, stepping onto and down from a box step, and walking over obstacles with the non-paralyzed leg. Results: The experimental results were obtained by comparing muscle activity. Activity of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius were significantly increased in the aquatic group (p<.05). Activity of the biceps femoris and tibialis anterior were significantly increased in the ground group (p<.05); however, the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius were not significantly different. In the comparison of maximal distance regarding the limits of stability, it was significantly increased on the non-affected side, affected side, and anterior and posterior distance in the aquatic group (p<.05). It was significantly increased in the non-affected side and anterior and posterior distance the ground group (p<.05); however, maximal distance on the affected side distance was not significantly different. Conclusion: Gait training with aquatic and ground obstacles is effective for improving balance and gait ability of patients with stroke. However, it was more effective for the aquatic group than for the ground group.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1107-1119
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• 2020

This study analyzed a subject's body reaction and subjective sensation when wearing a gait-assistive rehabilitation robot. The research method measured skin and clothing surface temperatures for 'seating-standing' and 'walking in place' exercises after wearing a gait-assistive rehabilitation robot. In addition, subjective sensation and satisfaction were evaluated on a 7-point Likert scale. The study results showed that the average skin temperature during exercise while wearing the gait-assistive rehabilitation robot was within a comfortable range. However, during the 'seating-standing' exercise, the skin temperature was slightly lowered. Additionally, the clothing surface temperature tended to be lower than the pre-exercise temperature after all exercises. The subjective sensation evaluation results showed that the wear comfort of the waist part was low during mobility/activity. In addition, an overall improvement in the wear comfort of the robot is necessary. The short-time movement of wearing and walking in the gait-assistive rehabilitation robot did not interfere with the thermal comfort of the body. However, the robot needs to be ergonomically improved in consideration of the long wearing time along with improved material that to satisfy overall wearing comfort.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on gait speed in a stroke patient with genu recurvatum. Methods: The subject was a 52-year-old female diagnosed with stroke. Information on health was collected through client Interview based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF was used to identify connections between functional problems, and for diagnosis, and functional problems were described using ICF terms. For prognostic purposes, comprehensive goals for functional activity and participation level are presented as long- and short-term goals. Intervention was performed using an exercise program composed of techniques and principles based on PNF concepts for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. Gait speed and lower limb strength before to after intervention differences were used as study outcomes. Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function (3.6kg increase in knee extension strength, 1.4kg increase in knee flexion strength, 0.9kg increase in hip abduction). Gait speed, which was the patient's primary limitation, was improved by 0.2m/sec. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, application of the PNF concept would appear to improve gait speed and genu recurvatum in stroke patients.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2007

Walking is not only an essential component of the human mobility, but also is a good exercise. Inability to walk freely can reduce an individual's quality of life and independence substantially. Being a relatively low impact activity, walking is particularly good for the elderly and research has shown that regular walking in the elderly reduces the chance of fall-related injuries and mental diseases as well. In spite of the documented benefits of regular walking, it is still difficult to walk without the aid of assistive devices for the frail elderly who have lower extremity problems. Assistive walking devices(AWD), such as crutches, canes, hiking-poles, T-Poles and walkers, are often prescribed to the elderly to make their walking be safe and efficient. Many researchers have demonstrated the effects of AWDs such as reducing lower extremity loading, improved dynamic/gait stability, yet, no study has been done for gait pattern when the elderly gait with AWDs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether T-Poles, one of the AWDs, change the elderly gait pattern. Eight community-dwelling female elderly participated in this study. Laboratory kinematics during walking with T-Poles(PW) and with out T-Poles(NPW) was assessed. PW showed significant increase in step width, stride length, gait velocity and decrease in swing time. No significances were found in lower body joint angles but meaningful trend and pattern were found. Maybe the reason was due to the participants. Our participants were healthy enough so that the effect of T-Poles was minimum. PW also showed typical gait phases which are no single support phase during a gait cycle. It indicates that walking with T-Poles may guarantee safe and confident walking to the frail elderly.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.27-37
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• 2018

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate and evaluate muscle activity and foot pressure during gait, and isokinetic strength and balance in persons with functional ankle instability (FAI). METHODS: Nine healthy subjects (CON, n=9) without FAI and 11 patients (FAI, n=11) with FAI participated in the study after having been screened with an ankle instability instrument and a balance error scoring system. In addition, FAI was classified as non-involved (FAI-N) or involved (FAI-I), and CON was classified as dominant or non-dominant. All subjects were evaluated for isokinetic strength (plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion of $30^{\circ}/sec$ and $60^{\circ}/sec$), balance (static and dynamic), muscle activity (tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and gastrocnemius) and foot pressure (static and dynamic) during gait. RESULTS: Results showed that plantar flexion (p<.05), dorsiflexion (p<.05), inversion (p<.01) and eversion (p<.00) of $60^{\circ}/sec$ were significantly decreased in FAI-I compared to those in FAI-N and CON. C 90 of static balance with eyes open (p<.01) and closed (p<.00) were significantly increased in FAI compared to those in CON. Forward position of dynamic balance (p<.01) was significantly decreased in FAI compared to that in CON. Gastrocnemius and peroneus longus of dynamic muscle activity (p<.01), left and right weight distribution of static foot pressure (p<.00) and pressure distribution of dynamic foot pressure (p<.00) were significantly decreased in FAI-I compared to those in FAI-N. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that ankle strength, balance, muscle activity and foot pressure were significantly correlated with FAI.