• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of goal-oriented side walking training on balance and gait in chronic stroke patients. Methods: This study involved 18 chronic stroke patients who were divided into an experimental group (n=9) and a control group (n=9). The experimental group performed goal-oriented side walking training, and the control group performed general side walking training. The walking variables assessed were walking speed, stride length, and 10-m walking time. The balance variables assessed were foot pressure, timed up and go test (TUG), and Berg balance scale (BBS). These variables were measured before and after the exercise. Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used to compare the participants' performances before and after the intervention in both groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was conducted for between-group comparisons after the intervention. Statistical significance was set at ${\alpha}=0.05$ Results: Walking speed, stride length, 10-m walking time, TUG, and foot pressure were significantly improved in both groups after the exercise (p<0.05). The between-group comparison showed a significant improvement in the goal-oriented side walking group (p<0.05). However, there were no significant between-group differences in 10-m walking times (p>0.05) and BBS (p=0.05). Conclusion: The results revealed that goal-oriented side walking training was effective in improving the balancing and walking ability of chronic stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.1-10
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• 2016

Background: Gait problems appear in most stroke patients. Commonly, stroke patients show the typical abnormal gait patterns, such as circumduction, genu recurvatum, and spastic paretic stiff-legged gait. An inclined treadmill gait exercise is good for gait problems of stroke patients. In addition, the backward walking training has been recommended in order to improve the component of the movement for the forward walking. Objects: The purpose of this study to investigated the effects of backward walking with inclined treadmill training on the gait in chronic stroke patients. Methods: A total of 30 volunteers were randomly allocated to two groups that walked on an inclined treadmill: the experimental group ($n_1=15$), which walked backward, and the control group ($n_2=15$), which walked forward. To measure the improvement of the patients' gait, a Figure of Eight Walking Test (F8W), Four Square Step Test (FSST), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) were performed. We also measured spatio-temporal gait variables, including gait speed, cadence, stride length, and single limb support using a three-axial wireless accelerometer. The measurements were taken before and after the experiment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare both groups before and after the interventions. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparisons after the interventions. The statistical significance was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: Before and after experiment, all dependent variables were significantly different between the two groups (p<.05). As compared to the control group, the experimental group showed more significant improvements in F8W, FSST, speed, cadence, stride length, and single limb support (p<.05); however, FGA in this group was not significantly different from the control (p>.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that backward walking on an inclined treadmill is more effective for improving the gait of stroke patients than forward walking.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.105-115
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• 2005

This study was investigated the kinematic factors of the last approach strides and. take off motion for the skill improving of BKH elite male athlete. 'The subjects chosen for the study were BKH and. KASZCZYK Emillian male athletes who were participated in 2003 Dae-Gu Universiad Games. Three high speed video cameras set in 60frames/s setting were used. for recording from the last approach strides to the apex position. After digitizing motion, the Direct Linear Transformation(DLT) technique was employed to obtain 3-D position coordinates, The kinematic factors of the distance, velocity and angle variable were calculated for Kwon3D 3.1. The following conclusions were drawn; 1. It showed longer stride length, as well as faster horizontal and lateral velocity than the success trial during the approach phase. For consistent of the approach rhythm, it appeared that the subject should a short length for obtain the breaking force by the lower COG during the approach phase. 2. The body lean angle showed a small angle by a high COG during the take-off phase. For obtain the vertical displacement of the COG and a enough space form the bar after take-off, it appeared that the subject should increase the body lean angle. 3. For obtain the vertical force during the takeoff phase, it appeared that the subject should keep straight as possible the knee joint. Therefor, the subject can be obtain a enough breaking force at the approach landing.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.373-380
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of balance training on gait stability. The study population included 17 male high school students who were divided into 3 groups, each of which underwent one of the following types of balance-training programs for 8 weeks: 1 foot standing on cushion foam, trunk muscle training, and inverted body position training. 0, 4, and 8 weeks, the following experiment was performed: The participants were asked to close their eyes and take 17 steps; the stability of forward and sideward movement was determined, and the direction linearity was measured. The results revealed that all the training programs caused a decrease in stride deviation and an increase in the and the stride length, thereby improving the stability of forward movement. All the programs decreased the variation in step width and were thus also effective in improving the stability of sideward movement. The inverted body position training program was considered very effective because the cross point appeared on post hoc graphic analysis after 4 weeks, and the deviation length for 10 m was low, i.e., below 4 cm. All the programs were effective with respect to direction linearity because they decreased the deviation in direction widths. The results indicate that whole-body neurocontrol training is more effective than simple muscle training and local focused balance training, although this neurocontrol training-in the form of inverted body position training-required a longer training period than did the other programs.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resistant gait training with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the walking and balancing abilities of chronic stroke patients. Methods: Twelve chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 6) that underwent treadmill gait training or an experimental group (n = 6) that underwent resistant gait training using PNF. The interventions were performed five times per week for four weeks. Gait variables were measured using a GAITRite system (CIR System Inc, Clifton, NJ, USA) to examine changes in walking ability; the Berg balance scale (BBS) was used to measure changes in balance; and the activity-specific balance confidence scale (ABC) was measured to examine changes in confidence about balance. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine intragroup differences before and after the interventions, and a Mann-Whitney U-test was used for intergroup comparisons of the effects of the interventions. All statistical significance levels were set to ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: Both the experimental group and the control group showed significant intragroup improvement in walking speed, the number of steps per minute, stride length, double support time, balance, and confidence about balance after the interventions (p < 0.05). In intergroup comparisons after the interventions, the experimental group showed significant improvements over the control group in walking speed, the number of steps per minute, stride length, balance, and confidence about balance (p < 0.05). No significant difference in double support time was seen in the intergroup comparison after training (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study applied resistant gait training using PNF to chronic stroke patients, and the results showed significant improvements in the patients' walking and balancing abilities. Therefore, resistant gait training using PNF is thought to be applicable as an intervention method for chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.135-144
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 2 weeks of backward walking exercise (BWE) on cervical angle and gait parameters in college students with forward head posture. Methods : Fifteen subjects participated in the experiment. All the participants had a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of 55 degrees or less. The purpose of the study was explained to all the subjects prior to participation, and volunteered to take part in the study. A camera capable of taking pictures of the lateral plane was installed at a distance of 1.5 meters from each subject. Images of forward head posture were obtained before and after performing the BWE, and the CVA and craniorotational angle (CRA) were compared pre- versus post exercise. Foot pressure and gait parameters (step length of left and right, stride length, stance of left and right, swing of left and right, step time of left and right, and stride time) were measured using a rehabilitation treadmill. The subjects performed the BWE for 2 weeks. The exercise program consisted of a 5-minute warm-up exercise, 20-minute main exercise, and 5-minute cool-down exercise. In the main exercise, the treadmill speed was set to 2.4 km/h in the first week and 3.4 km/h in the second week. A paired t test was used to compare the CVA and CRA and gait parameters before and after the exercise. Results : Comparison of the CVA and CRA before and after the BWE revealed a significant difference post exercise, with a marked improvement in forward head posture after the exercise (p<.05). Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, the BWE is considered to be an effective exercise for the forward head posture. Also, additional research is needed to shed light on the impact of the BWE on gait parameters.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.23-33
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• 2021

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the effects of dual-task training according to the variability of the walking environment on balance, gait, and function in patients with stroke. Methods : Twenty-five patients with stroke were randomly assigned to experimental group I (n=12) and experimental group II (n=13). Experimental group I and II performed obstacle and non-obstacle walking training, respectively, along with cognitive tasks for 21 minutes per session, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Both groups received additional general physical therapy for 30 minutes per session. The functional reach test (FRT), gait analyzer (G-Walk), and functional independence measure (FIM) were used to evaluate balance, gait and function of pre- and post-interventions, respectively, while gait cadence, gait velocity, and stride length were evaluated using a gait analyzer. Results : In the within-group comparison of FRT, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of gait cadence, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of gait velocity, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of stride length, experimental group I showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05), while experimental group II did not show significant post-intervention improvements (p>.05). In within-group comparison of FIM scores, experimental group I showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05), while experimental group II did not show significant post-intervention improvements (p>.05). There was a significant difference in the change of FIM scores pre- and post-intervention (p<.05) in the between-group comparison. Conclusion : The results of this study show that dual-task training with cognitive tasks and walking training can improve the balance, gait and function of patients with stroke, and obstacle walking training is effective for improving functions including activities of daily living compared to non-obstacle walking training.

• 한국체육학회지인문사회과학편
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.521-531
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• 2014

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of normalization by dimensionless number of Hof(1996) and to analysis the gait pattern for 20s Korean males and females. Subjects are selected in accordance with classification system of Korean standard body figure and age. Experimental equipment is the Motion capture system. Subjects who are walked at a self-selected normal walking speed were photographed using the Motion capture system and analyzed using 3D motion analysis method with OrthoTrak, Cortex, Matlab and SPSS for a statistical test. When used to normalize data, there are no differences of statistical significances between gender in all spatiotemporal variables. I concluded that gait research for mutual comparison requires a normalization by dimensionless number to eliminate the effects of the body size and to accurate statistical analysis.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2013

■ Objectives The goal of this pilot study is to observe the change of gait pattern in a patient after peroneal nerve electrical stimulation(PNST). ■ Methods We analyzed the gait pattern of stroke patient using treadmill gait analysis system before and after PNST for seven weeks. The PNST was carried out for 20minutes every day except Sunday. In addition, the measurement was carried out every Saturday. At the fifth week, the PNST was not carried out to confirm whether the effect of PNST was disappeared immediately when PNST was not applied. ■ Results After PNST, while heel contact time and heel max force increased and forefoot and midfoot max force decreased, the gait parameters such as cadence, velocity, swing phase, stance phase, total double support, step length, stride length, step time, stride time and forefoot contact time, were not changed. ■ Conclusion Gait of a patient with cerebral stroke was changed positively after PNST.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.80-89
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• 2013

■ Objectives The aim of study is to analyze the change of gait pattern by arm sling in a hemiplegic patient. ■ Methods We analyzed the change of gait pattern under three conditions using Treadmill Gait analysis equipment(Zebris Co.Ltd FDM-T) First, the patient didn't have arm sling on her upper limb, second, the patient have arm sling on her affected upper limb, third, patient have arm sling on her unaffected upper limb. ■ Results In terms of spatiotemporal gait values, swing phase, step time, step length of unaffected lower limb increased. Furthermore, stride time and stride length also increased when the patient had arm sling on her unaffected upper limb. In terms of displacement of Center of pressure(CoP), anterior/posterior position and lateral symmetry of CoP increased. Furthermore, lateral symmetry of decreased when the patient had arm sling on her affected upper limb. ■ Conclusion Arm sling applied on affected side would be advantage to gait improvement in hemiplegic patients.