• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.89-98
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of unilateral static stretching on the flexibility and symmetry of the lower leg, and temporal gait variables in gait asymmetry people. METHODS: Twenty gait asymmetry people were divided into a unilateral static stretching group (USG, n = 10) and control group (CON, n = 10). The USG performed unilateral static stretching for 60 minutes, three times a week, and eight weeks. The flexibility of the lower leg (SR), and symmetry (BR), and temporal gait variables (Step length; SL, gait speed; GS) were measured before, after four and eight weeks of unilateral static stretching. Moreover, SI (symmetry index; SI) was calculated from the measured SL value. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, a paired t-test, and multiple comparisons according to Scheffe. RESULTS: SR and BR in the dominant and non-dominant side, and GS were increased significantly at USG after eight-weeks compared to before unilateral static stretching (p < .05). The difference in BR in the dominant and non-dominant side, and step length (SI) decreased significantly at USG after eight-weeks compared to before unilateral static stretching (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Unilateral static stretching improves the flexibility and symmetry of the lower leg, and temporal gait variables in gait asymmetry people.