• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.17 no.1_2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2010

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether sensorimotor training using an unstable surface affects dynamic balance and gait function in patients with hemiparesis, and to compare the effect of sensorimotor training with that of cycling exercise. Methods: Two subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis volunteered to participate in this study. Single-subject A-B design with alternating treatment was used for this study. Baseline(A) and intervention(B) phases were performed for 7 and 8 sessions, respectively. Sensorimotor training and cycling exercise were performed for 20 minutes in randomized order. Assessment tools were made by using a step test, timed up and go(TUG) test, and 6-minute walk test(6MWT). Results: Each of the participants improved in all three tests after the two interventions. Participants 1 and 2 showed the improvement for their assessment score after sensorimotor training in the step test by 42.1%(p<.05) and 58%, in the TUG, 31% and 19.5%, and in the 6MWT test, 32.3% and 10.6%(p<.05), respectively. After cycling exercise, participants 1 and 2 also improved in the step test by 32.5% and 53.1%, in the TUG, 27.4% and 18%, and in the 6MWT test, 28.8% and 3%. In statistical analysis between the two interventions, sensorimotor training showed a significant increased values in the step test for participant 1 and the 6MWT for participant 2 as compared with those of cycling exercise. Conclusion: Sensorimotor training and cycling exercise are helpful for improving dynamic balance and gait capacity. Furthermore, sensorimotor training may be more helpful than cycling exercise.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.163-168
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ipsilateral shoulder pain affects the sensorimotor function of the same side shoulder in patients with stroke. Methods: Thirty stroke patients, who were divided into the ipsilateral shoulder pain group (n=15) and the ipsilateral shoulder non-pain group (n=15). Subjects were evaluated on performance of a tracking task, joint reposition test and 9-Hole pegboard test for sensorimotor functions, and Fugl-Meyer test and Motricity Index for functional ability of the contralateral side. Results: In comparison of the two groups, significant differences in performance on functional ability, including the Fugl-Meyer test(both upper and lower limb) and Motricity Index(only lower limb) were observed (p<0.05). With regard to sensorimotor functions, the ipsilateral shoulder pain group were observed significantly poor scores on the Accuracy Index, joint reposition score and 9-Hole pegboard test, when compared with the ipsilateral shoulder non-pain group (p<0.05). Conclusion: We found that ipsilateral shoulder pain could impede accurate performance of a movement and result in deteriorated proprioception of the ipsilateral shoulder. Therefore, careful evaluation and appropriate therapeutic intervention are essential for stroke patients who suffer from ipsilateral shoulder pain.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.273-282
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• 2011

This study was to investigate the effect of improve forelimb sensorimotor function and neurotrophic factor(GAP-43) expression when differing an application time of tDCS in ischemic brain injury rat model(pre, $1^{st}$, $7^{th}$, $14^{th}$). Focal ischemic brain injury was induced in 80 Sprague-Dawley rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) by 'Longa' method. And then experimental groups were randomly divided into four groups; GroupI: MCAO induction, GroupII: application of tDCS(10 min) after MCAO induction, GroupIII: application of tDCS(20 min) after MCAO induction, GroupIV: application of tDCS(30 min) after MCAO induction. Modified limb placing test and single pellet reaching test were performed to test forelimb sensorimotor function. And the histological examination was also observed through the immunohistochemistric response of GAP-43(growth-associated protein-43) in the cerebral cortex. In modified limb placing test, groupIII(p<0.05) showed significantly improve than the other groups on $14^{th}$). day. In single pellet reaching test, groupIII(p<0.01) and groupIV(p<0.05) significantly improved on $14^{th}$) day. And in immunohistochemistric response of GAP-43, group III showed significantly positive response than the other groups on $14^{th}$ day. These results suggest that the intensity(0.1 mA)/time(20 min) condition of tDCS application has a significant impact on the sensorimotor functional recovery in focal ischemic brain injury rat models.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.36-46
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• 2021

Background: It is reported that the proprioceptive sensation of patients with neck pain is reduced, and neck sensory-motor control training using visual feedback is reported to be effective. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate how sensorimotor control training for the cervical spine affects pain, function, and psychosocial status in patients with chronic cervical pain. Methods: The subjects consisted of 36 adults (male: 15, female: 21) who had experienced cervical spine pain for more than 6 weeks. An exercise program composed of cervical stabilization exercise (10 minutes), electrotherapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (10 minutes), and cervical sensorimotor control training (10 minutes) was implemented for both the experimental and the control groups. The cervical range of motion (CROM) and head repositioning accuracy were assessed using a CROM device. In the experimental group, the subjects wore a laser device on the head to provide visual feedback while following pictures in front of their eyes; whereas, in the control group, the subjects had the same training of following pictures without the laser device. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in pain, dysfunction, range of motion, or psychosocial status; however, post-test results showed significant decreases after 2 weeks and 4 weeks compared to baseline (p < 0.01), and after 4 weeks compared to after 2 weeks (p < 0.01). The cervical joint position sense differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, visual feedback enhanced proprioception in the cervical spine, resulting in improved cervical joint position sense. On the other hand, there were no significant effects on pain, dysfunction, range of motion, or psychosocial status.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.49-60
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• 2019

Background: After stroke, in order to improve gait function, it is necessary to increase the muscle strength and to enhance the propriocetive function of the lower extremity. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of open kinetic chain (OKC) versus closed kinetic chain (CKC) isokinetic exercise of the hemiparetic knee using the isokinetic equipment on lower extremity sensorimotor function and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Thirty participants with chronic hemiplegia (> 6 months post-stroke) were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: CKC group and OKC group. Patients from both groups attended conventional physiotherapy sessions 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, subjects from the CKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the CKC attachment, while those from the OKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the OKC attachment. The isokinetic knee and ankle muscles strength, position sense of the knee joint, and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured before and after interventions. Results: The knee muscles peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) and hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio significantly increased in both groups (p<.01). In particular, ankle plantarflexors PT/BW, position sense of the knee, gait velocity, and spatial gait symmetry significantly improved in the CKC group (p<.01, p<.05, p<.01, and p<.01, respectively). Conclusion: CKC isokinetic exercise can be an effective therapeutic intervention for the improvement of sensorimotor function of the lower extremity and gait functions, such as gait velocity and symmetry. CKC position in isokinetic strength training is effective to improve functional ability in patients with chronic stroke.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.193-200
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• 2011

This study is intended to examine the tDCS and Montoya stair task(MST) on sensorimotor recovery and glial scar expression in MCAo induced stroke model of rat. To achieve this goal, this study selected 80 SD rats of 8 weeks. The experiment groups were divided them into four groups, and assigned 20 rats to each group. Group I was a experimental control group; GroupII was a tDCS application group after MCAo; Group III was a MST application group after MCAo; Group IV was a tDCS and MST application group after MCAo. In each group, neurological function test measurement, motor behavior test, montoya stair task test, immunohistochemistric finding of GFAP expression finding were analyzed. In motor behavior test, the outcome of group I was significantly difference than the other group, especially from 14days. In montoya stair task test, the outcome of group I was significantly lower than the other group especially, group II were significantly different on 14days and group IV was most significantly difference than the other group. In immunohistochemistric finding, group II, III, IV were decrease GFAP expression on depend on time stream. These results throughout the MCAo due to focal ischemic brain injury rat model four weeks tDCS and MST was applied, when the neurobehavioural, upper extremity function and ability, histopathologic data suggest that sensorimotor function recovery and a positive influence on glial scar decrease and confirmed that.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.23-39
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• 2001

Dysfunction of the anterior and dorsal muscles of the trunk have been studied in relation to low back pain of many years. Many muscles of the trunk are capable of contributing to the stabilization and protection of the lumbar spine, recent evidence has suggested that transversus abdominis may be critically involved and has been the focus of rehabilitation. The delay in onset of contraction of trunk muscles associated with movement of the upper or lower limb in patients with low back pain indicates a significant deficit in the automatic motor command for control of disturbance to the spine. The function of transversus abdominis has been largely ignored in the evaluation of spinal stabilization and protection. The most essential stabilizing muscles for the lumbar column are the transversus abdominis and the multifidus. Sling exercise therapy(SET) concept consists of a system of diagnosis and treatment. The system of diagnosis involves testing the muscle's tolerance through progressive loading in open and close kinetic chains. The SET system contains elements such as relaxation, increasing the range of movement, traction, training the stabilizing musculature, sensorimotor exercises, training in open and close kinetic chains, dynamic training of the mobilizing musculature, cardiovasc+ular exercises, group exercise, personal exercise at home. Sensorimotor training is an essential element of the SET concept. The emphasis is on closed kinetic chain exercises on an unstable surface, thereby achieving optimum stimulation of the sensorimotor apparatus.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.124-131
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• 2003

Purpose : To reveal clinical usefulness of functional MRI (fMRI) using sensorymotor and language stimuli for demonstrating anatomic relationship between sensorimotor or language cortices and lesions in the planning of brain tumor surgery. Materials and Methods : This study included 12 right-handed patients with brain tumors in or around sensorimotor or language cortices. Eleven patients were evaluated with primary motor and sensory stimuli. Of these patients, six patients were also evaluated with language stimuli. One patient was evaluated with language stimuli only. For fMR imaging, a 1.5T scanner was used and the EPI BOLD technique was employed. For postprocessing image, the SPM99 program and a program made by our department was utilized. We evaluated whether sensorimotor and language stimuli activate sensorimotor and language cortices. And also, clinical efficacy of revealing anatomic relationship between cerebral cortices and lesions for planning neurosurgical operation were evaluated. Finally, we compared post-operative neurologic function with pre-operative neurologic function in same patients. Results : The fMRI examination was successful in identifying the functional cortices and depicting anatomic relationship between functional cortices and lesions in all patients. In nine patients of 11 patients with identified sensorimotor cortices, postoperative grade of manual motor test was not changed, compared with preoperative grade. Whereas postoperative improved than preoperative grade in one patient of remaining two patients, postoperative aggravated than preoperative grade in the other. This result was due to atherosclerotic lacunar infarction, regardless of tumor resection. Postoperative deficit of language function was not found in seven patients with identified language cortices. Conclusion : fMRI could be a helpful method for determining the best approach to neurosurgical treatment in patients with brain tumors in or around sensorimotor or language cortices.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.291-299
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• 2012

Purpose: This study examined the improved sensory, hand function, postural balance and activities of daily living (ADL) through somatosensory stimulation, such as the facilitation of functional reaching and tactile, proprioceptive stimulus of the upper limb (UL) and hand. Methods: Seventeen stroke patients having problems with motor and somatosensory deficits were selected in Bobath Memorial Hospital adult rehabilitation center. The patients were divided into two groups; the sensorimotor deficit group (SMDG) and motor deficit group (MDG). Somatosensory stimulation on the UL, physical therapy and occupational therapy were carried out three times a week over a six week these treatments were performed in both group period. To compare each group, the following assessment tools were used: such as tactile detection thresholds (TDT), two point discrimination on the affected side (TPDas), unaffected side (TPDus) stereognosis (ST) manual function test, hand function on the affected side (HFas) and unaffected side (HFus), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) and Korean version Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Results: In the SMDG, somatosensory stimulation on the UL was statistically important for TDT, TPDas, TPDus (except for the thener), ST, hand function on HFas, on HFus, PASS length of displacement with foam (LDFSEO), and K-MBI. In the MDG, somatosensory stimulation on the UL was important for TDT, TPDas, TPDus (except index finger) length of displacement with the eyes open, LDFSEO, HFas, HFus, PASS and K-MBI. In addition, there was a significant difference in the PASS between SMDG and MDG. Conclusion: Somatosensory stimulation on the UL affects the sensory, hand function, postural control and ADLs performance.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.409-413
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• 2012

Purpose: Rehabilitative devices are used to enhance sensorimotor training protocols, for improvement of motor function in the hemiplegic limb of patients who have suffered a stroke. Sensorimotor integration feedback systems, included with these devices, are very good therapeutic frameworks. We applied this approach using electrical stimulation in stroke patients and examined whether a functional electric stimulation-assisted biofeedback therapy system could improve function of the upper extremity in chronic hemiplegia. Methods: A prototype biofeedback system was used by six subjects to perform a set of tasks with their affected upper extremity during a 30-minute session for 20 consecutive working days. When needed for a grasping or releasing movement of objects, the functional electrical stimulation (FES) stimulated the wrist and finger flexor or extensor and assisted the patients in grasping or releasing the objects. Kinematic data provided by the biofeedback system were acquired. In addition, clinical performance scales and activity of daily living skills were evaluated before and after application of a prototype biofeedback system. Results: Our findings revealed statistically significant gradual improvement in patients with stroke, in terms of kinematic and clinical performance during the treatment sessions, in terms of manual function test and the Purdue pegboard. However, no significant difference of the motor activity log was found. Conclusion: Hemiplegic upper extremity function of a small group of patients with chronic hemiparesis was improved through two weeks of training using the FES-assisted biofeedback system. Further research into the use of biofeedback systems for long-term clinical improvement will be needed.