• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.75-89
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study measured the impact of a 12-week fall-prevention exercise program on balance, ambulatory ability, lower limb strength, and psychosocial characteristics in older adults diagnosed with dementia. METHODS: The participants comprised 31 older adults (9 men, 22 women) diagnosed with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia at a long-term care hospital located in Gunsan City. A fall-prevention exercise program was provided to the experimental group, while the control group was only provided with instruction and materials related to the fall-prevention exercise program. The participants were evaluated before the intervention, 6 weeks after the intervention, and 12 weeks after the intervention on static and dynamic balance abilities (using Timed Up and Go test: TUG, Tinetti-balance scale, one-leg standing test: OLS), gait (Tinetti-balance scale, 6-minute walk test: 6MWT), lower limb strength (sit to stand test; STS), and psychosocial characteristics (Short Form 36 Health Survey-Korean version, Korean Mini-Mental State Exam). RESULTS: An independent samples t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance were used for the statistical analysis. There were statistically significant improvements after the intervention (p<.05) in dynamic balance abilities (TUG and OLS using the left foot), gait (6MWT), and lower limb strength (STS) for the experimental group, but not for the control group. No difference was seen in psychosocial characteristics. CONCLUSION: Older adults with dementia who participated in the fall-prevention exercise program showed significant improvements in their static and dynamic balance abilities, lower limb strength, and ambulatory ability after the intervention.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.369-379
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to compare the initial effect of nerve mobilization (NM), static stretching (SS), and contract-relax (CR) techniques to find the best method in improving hamstring flexibility and gait function in patients with hemiplegia. Methods : Eleven patients with hemiplegia were included in this study. Passive knee extension (PKE) range of motion and the sit and reach (SR) test were used to measure hamstring flexibility, while timed up and go (TUG) and the 10m walking (10MW) test were used to measure the subject's gait. Measurements on each test were assessed prior to the experiment, immediately following the experiment, and 30 minutes after the experiment. Analysis of the results utilized a repeated measures analysis of variance to examine hamstring flexibility and the difference in walking ability. Results : The results suggest significant increases in NM, SS, and CR techniques as they relate to hamstring flexibility (p<.05) following (both immediate and 30 minutes post experiment) PKE range of motion and the SR test, but post-hoc showed no significant difference between the three techniques (p>.05). Additionally, the results suggest significant increases in NM, SS, and CR techniques as they relate to gait function (p<.05) following the TUG test, but found no significant difference in the 10MW test (p>.05). Post-hoc analysis between the three techniques suggests that only the NM technique significantly changed gait function. The time of TUG and 10MW test showed no significant difference between the three techniques before an experiment, just after an experiment, and 30 minutes following the experiment according to the measurement points in time (p>.05). Conclusion : This study suggests NM, SS, and CR techniques immediately improve hamstring length and flexibility while improving gait function in patients with hemiplegia.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2003

We need to study about lower extremity alignment because the structure dictates the function of lower extremity. Through lower extremity alignment assessment in static posture, we recognize abnormal structural conditions which could affect dynamic motion such as gait. To evaluate of lower extremity alignment provide so many useful information, but method of measurement is so limited. Therefore, this review will assist understanding for measurement of lower extremity alignment in static posture. From now on study about the objective measurement method must be achieved much more in physical therapy.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.165-172
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine effects of 12-week wearing of unstable shoe on the standing posture and gait mechanics. Nine healthy men were asked to wear the unstable shoes for 12-week and walk for 30 minute everyday. Their standing posture and gait mechanics were measured before and after treatment. Standing posture was measured for each side(anterior, posterior, lateral) for standing position. And gait analysis was measured joint angle of a right lower limb between first right heel contact and second right heel contact. Kinematic data were collected using video camera at 30 frame per seconds. Statistical analysis was paired t-test(p<.05) to compare before training with after that. A head tilt angle was significantly decreased for posterior side(p<.05). The angle of between center of line and surface was significantly decreased at midstance and take off during walking(p<.05). Ankle dorsiflexion significantly increased at heel contact2(p<.05) and ankle plantarflexion significantly increased at midstance and midswing(p<.05). The increase of ankle dorsiflexion showed that our results consisted with previous study. In conclusion, there was not large significant difference in static standing posture but joint angle of lower limb represented many changes with increasing of ankle motion during walking. These were of benefit to body by increasing leg muscle activity but it was necessary for man having a ankle problem to consider. Further studies concerning optimum outsole angle of unstable shoes are necessary.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.88-93
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• 2018

Objective: Elevated cholesterol levels contribute to changes of the arterial endothelial permeability. Hyperlipidemia promotes atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of stroke incidence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of having a history of hyperlipidemia prior to a stroke incidence on postural balance, anticipatory dynamic postural control, gait endurance and gait performance in individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-two adults who were diagnosed with stroke 6 months ago or more were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two different groups according to hyperlipidemia history before stroke. All participants were assessed with the Activities-specific into Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, Berg Balance scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). An independent t-test was used to analyze the difference between the hyperlipidemia group and non-hyperlipidemia group. Results: After analysis, the BBS, TUG, and 6MWT scores were significantly different between the hyperlipidemia and non-hyperlipidemia group, but not the ABC and DGI scores. Conclusions: The results of this study show that having a history of hyperlipidemia before stroke affects static and dynamic postural balance performance, anticipatory dynamic postural balance, and gait endurance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Based on the results of this study, we also suggest treatment for hyperlipidemia should be implemented throughout the therapeutic interventions, such as pharmacological or exercise programs, in order to restore the physical function of stroke survivors.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate effects of a stim-up matt walking exercise program on balance and gait of the frail elderly. Methods: A total of 37 elderly people recruited from S city were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=22) and control group (n=15). The stim-up matt walking exercise program was offered twice a week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21.0. Results: The dynamic balance ability Timed Up and Go test of the experimental group was significantly faster than that of the control group (t=21.72, p<.001). The static balance ability open-eye standing test (t=44.15, p<.001) and close-eye standing test (t=9.01, p=.005) also showed increase in effects of the experimental group. In the walking ability, gait cycle (t=2.48, p=.018), cadence (t=-2.21, p=.034) and gait speed (t=-2.78, p=.009), positive effects were on. However, no statistically significant differences were found in stride length and double support. At the ankle joint range left ankle plantar flexion (t=3.92, p<.001) and left ankle dorsal flexion (t=4.51, p<.001) were higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and also right ankle plantar flexion (t=2.79, p=.008) and right ankle dorsal flexion (t=2.92, p=.006) increased in the experimental group. Conclusion: The significance of this study is that the stim-up matt walking exercise program for the frail elderly proves to be useful for improving balance and walking.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.1-12
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• 2021

Purpose : We aimed to determine whether improvements in balance, gait, and motor function were different when the same exercise was performed, with and without mirror therapy, by patients with subacute stroke using the affected and unaffected lower limbs. Methods : Eight patients with subacute stroke were randomly divided into experimental groups 1, 2 and the control group. A mirror therapy program was performed with group 1 using the unaffected lower limb and group 2 the affected lower limb. The exercise lasted 30 min per session, five times weekly, for 4 weeks. The control group did not perform the exercises. BT-4, BBS, POMA, 10MWT, and BRS were used to evaluate balance, gait, and motor function before and after the intervention. Results : Post-intervention analysis showed that all three groups had higher BBS scores. After training, the postural sway in groups 1 and 2 decreased in the post eye opened and closed positions; that of the control group increased. The scores of two subjects in group 1 increased by 4 and 5 points in POMA, resulting in significant changes compared to those in the other groups. No group showed significant results in 10MWT. BRS improved in all subjects in group 1 from BRS 2 to 1 and in only one subject in group 2 there was no change in the control group. Conclusion : Static and dynamic balance and significant results are noted in POMA, BBS, but not gait velocity. Therefore, mirror therapy seems to show a positive change in subacute patients, but the research results are not clear and the difference between groups is unknown due to the small number of subjects. The effects of mirror therapy and exercise therapy should be compared using more subjects in future.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.201-211
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of trunk stabilization exercises using a Reformer on trunk control, balance ability, and gait function in chronic stroke patients. Methods: The participants were 24 chronic stroke patients, randomly divided into two groups: trunk stabilization exercise using the Reformer group (TS-R, n = 12) and general trunk stabilization exercise group (GT-E, n = 12). Assessment methods included the Trunk Impairment Scale for trunk control, the AMTI force platform for static balance, the Timed Up and Go test for dynamic balance, and the Dynamic Gait Index for gait function. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. The intervention for the TS-R group consisted of bridging exercises using a Reformer, while the GT-E group performed bridging exercises on a mat. All interventions were performed for 17 minutes per session, five times a week, for a total of 20 sessions over four weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA to analyze the interaction between groups and time. Results: The results of the repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between the groups and time. The TS-R group showed statistically significant differences in all variables before and after the intervention. In contrast, the GT-E group did not show statistically significant differences in any variables before and after the intervention. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that trunk stabilization exercises using a reformer are effective in improving trunk control, balance ability, and gait function in chronic stroke patients.

• 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.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.353-360
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• 2007

This paper proposes the trot gait pattern generation and online control methods for a quadruped robot to carry heavy loads and to move fast on uneven terrain. The trot pattern is generated from the frequency modulated pattern generation method based on the frequency modulated oscillator in order for the legged robots to be operated outdoor environment with the static and dynamic mobility. The efficiency and performance of the proposed method are verified through computer simulations and experiments using qRT-1/-2. In the experiments, qRT-2 which has two front legs driven by hydraulic linear actuators and two rear casters is used. The robot can trot at the speed up to 1.3 m/s on even surface, walk up and down the 20 degree inclines, and walk at 0.7 m/s on uneven surface. Also it can carry over 100 kg totally including 40 kg payload.