• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of using the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contract-relax technique in the close kinetic chain position on the gait ability and gastrocnemius muscle tone of stroke patients. Methods: The subjects were patients who had strokes due to cerebrum infarction and hemorrhage. The subjects participated in exercise with the PNF contract-relax technique in the standing-on-elbow position with a high table, and the affected lower leg was placed in the posterior position. The PNF contract-relax technique was applied at the position in which the ankle plantar-flexors were in a sufficiently elongated position. After performing twice in each range, while the muscle was elongated, the affected side was moved further back and a new range was set. In each session, the time of contraction was set to 8 seconds, and the resting time was set to 5 seconds; however, if the patient felt tired, they received more resting time during the intervention. The Myoton Pro and 10 m walking test were used to measure the muscle tone and gait ability both pre- and post-intervention. Results: After participating in the program, the muscle tone decreased and the gait ability improved in the ankle plantar-flexors, as determined by the Myoton Pro and 10 m walking test. Conclusion: The PNF contract-relax technique can help to decrease muscle tone in ankle plantar-flexors with hypertonus and increase the gait ability in stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.356-366
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to compare gait ability through gait evaluations in indoor and outdoor environments according to the general characteristics and walking ability of stroke patients. Design: Crossed-sectional study. Methods: The subjects of this study were 57 hospitalized stroke patients.The study subjects were asked to select an indoor environment and an outdoor environment in random order, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Figure-Eight Walk Test (F8WT) and the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) were used to assess each environment. Results: The TUG, 10MWT, F8WT time and number of steps, and FGA showed a significant decrease in gait ability in the outdoor environment compared to the indoor environment (p<0.05). Although the TUG, 10MWT, and the time required for the F8WT were statistically higher in the outdoor compared to the indoor environment at points 2, 3, and 4, but not 5 of the functional ambulatory category (FAC), significant increases in the number of steps of the F8WT were found in the outdoor compared to the indoor environment for only points 2 and 3 of the FAC (p<0.05). In the FAC 3 and 4, there was a statistically significant decrease in the outdoor compared to the indoor environment only in the FGA (p<0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, it has been shown that the gait ability of stroke patients is reduced in the outdoor environment compared to the gait ability in the indoor environment.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 2023

Purpose : This study was conducted to identify the common characteristics of older persons with sarcopenia and to explore the relationship between gait, balance, and stress using an integrated assessment tool. Methods : In this study, 95 people aged 65 years or older were screened using the sarcopenia diagnostic evaluation algorithm presented by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019. Skeletal muscle index, grip strength, and short physical performance battery were used as sarcopenia evaluation measurements. Based on the results of this evaluation, participants were grouped into the 'non-sarcopenia group' (41 participants) or the 'sarcopenia group' (54 participants). Participants underwent further assessment using an integrated evaluation tool capable of measuring gait, balance, and stress. Gait ability was evaluated using the timed up and go test, and balance ability was evaluated using the berg balance scale. And the stress of the last month was measured by modifying the stress index developed by a Korean researcher. Collected data were statistically analyzed using the independent t-test and Mann Whitney-U test. Results : The sarcopenia group and the non-sarcopenia group showed significant differences in all elements of the sarcopenia diagnostic evaluation. There were significant differences in all three integrated evaluation tools. For the evaluation of walking ability, the time measured in the timed up and go test was longer in the sarcopenia group, the berg balance scale score for the evaluation of balance ability was lower in the sarcopenia group, and the stress index was higher in the sarcopenia group. Conclusion : Through sarcopenia analysis using an integrated evaluation tool, it was confirmed that sarcopenia is closely related to decreased walking ability, poor balance, and increased stress. We recommend using this tool to reduce the risk of sarcopenia progression and stress exposure through the planning and implementation of an exercise program for sarcopenia prevention.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2011

Purpose: Study on the effect of the use of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) method by use of the direction and charge regulation which is the advantage of the Thera-band therapy on the walks and balances in old people and comparison with the result after applying the general PNF technique. Method: The study has been performed on 30 females over 65 years old. The study has been done by dividing the object group in 3 patterns, which are number 1, the comparison group of 10, two ones that are applied the PNF technique using Thera-band and third, the ones that are applied only the PNF technique. For the PNF and the Thera-band using PNF, we have divided the group into Combination of Isotonic technique and the Rhythmical stabilization technique according to the patient's acquaintance pattern and applied them to the patient's body. Evaluation was the balancing ability which was calculated by using the BIODEX Balance system / FRT and for the evaluation of walking ability, we have used the speed of walking for 10M / TUG. Result: In the comparison group of 10, the balancing ability and the walking ability did not change much before and after the experiment, which made it possible to compare the group with the other two easily(p>0.05). For the other two groups, we have recognized the enhancement both in the balancing ability and the walking ability, but they did not know much difference between themselves(p<0.05). Conclusion: Though there were not a big difference in the sense of improvement between the Thera-band using PNF and the PNF technique only, we could infer that these two therapy has enhanced much in the walking and balancing ability for people over 65 and through these result we can foresee that not only using the method shown in this study but also by using many advantages of Thera-band, we could diminish the tiredness of healer, enhance the efficiency of exercise in them and also by forming self training program for older people we could help them build the prevention program from falls.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.27-36
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• 2006

The purpose of this study would like to analyze statically significant difference for low back-pain frequency of mother after development-disability children. Seven nursery children with disability conducted survey from 122 mothers cared children with disability. Survey data was obtained from April 14. 2006 to May 23. 2006. The results were as follows: According to walking-existence, assistance walking, and disability-degree, low back pain incidence frequency of mothers were statically significant difference, (p<0.05). Low back pain incidence frequency of walker-ability population was 51.4%, but low back pain incidence frequency of walker-disability population was 80.0%. then low back pain incidence frequency of mothers to walking-existence was differed amount. Disabled not statically significant difference to encephalopathy and disability-type1 and disability -type2 (p>0.05). children with disability-degree and assistance walking benchmarked low back pain disability-measure. Low back pain degree not relevancy statically significant. Physical load was statically significant difference between Oswestry's low back pain score and reach effect to child-cared(p<0.05). As development-children with disability of disable degree, Mother appeared to highly low back pain frequency rate and appeared to large reach effect child-cared owing to physical load of low back pain. So hereafter, location and person request to approach with more clinical and objectively. As approach result, it will help to stress solution of children with disability owing to develop to low back pain class and family capable strengthening program and so on.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.546-552
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare walking speed and balance abilities according to various taping methodsin patients with stroke. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: Twenty patients with stroke who were hospitalized at a rehabilitation hospital were allotted to the either the talus stabilization, Kinesio or sham taping, or barefoot conditions by drawing lots. Assessment tools used were the Functional Reach Test(FRT), Timed Up and Go test(TUG), One-Legged Stance Test (OLST), and the 10-Meter Walk Test(10MWT).After each test was measured three times, the mean values of each test was used for analysis. Results: Significant results were observed with thetalus stabilization and Kinesio taping groupcompared to the barefoot and sham taping method for theFRT,TUG, the OLST, and the 10MWT(p<0.05). Also, significant differences in the resultswere seen in the OLST, TUG, and the 10MWTwith the talus taping compared to the Kinesio taping method(p<0.05). Conclusions: The use oftalus stabilization taping applied to the ankle of patients with stroke was more effective for balance and walking ability improvement than Kinesio taping through the correction of an abnormal position of the talus.It is considered that these methods of taping can be applied effectively in the clinic.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Health Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.816-824
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• 2017

Purpose. This study was classified into normal and demented elderly through K-MMSE. The purpose of this study was to analyze gait characteristics of normal elderly and demented peoples using GAITRite walking system. Methods. The subjects of this study were selected as elderly people receiving home visit physical therapy. An independent t-test was conducted to verify the statistical significance of the time-space variables of the elderly with dementia. Results. Step time(p=0.041), cycle time(p=0.037), distance(p=0.024), and cadence(p=0.048) were significantly shorter in the normal elderly than in the demented elderly on flat place. The mean age was significantly longer in normal elderly than in elderly persons with dementia. Step time(p=0.022), cycle time(p=0.023), distance(p=0.019), and cadence(p=0.015) were significantly shorter in the mat walking. The mean age was significantly longer in normal elderly than in elderly patients with dementia. Stretch time, cycle time, distance, and hair support time were significantly shorter in the mat walking. The mean age of the elderly was significantly longer than that of the elderly with dementia. The spinal support time, which is a spatial variable, was significantly shorter in the normal elderly than in the demented elderly. Conclusions. It compares the various gait characteristics of the normal and demented elderly people, thereby increasing the walking ability of the elderly person more effectively. This study should be utilized as basic data for preventing fall-down.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.156-168
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• 2017

Personal mobility (PM) can increase the mobility of individual, so that the elderly can be set as the target group for using PM because of relatively low walking ability to normal. In this study, we design PM device for elderly that can be used safely in the walking environment such as sidewalk. There are various obstacles in the walking environment, so the device must have mechanical performance to overcome all of them. In this study, we survey the status and level of obstacle factors in walking environment to determine the dynamic performance of the PM device for elderly. We check up several guidelines about walking facilities to define obstacle points for the device, establish field survey methodologies, and conduct field survey for some specific road sections. Based on the survey results, we confirm the possible problems that could arise when the dynamic performance of the device is selected based on the facility-related criteria. We also define the performance requirements for the device based on the requirements for electric wheelchair.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.139-148
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• 2018

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of indoor and outdoor environmental changes on the activity of the major lower limb muscles and walking factors in people 40-50 years and those aged older than 70 years. METHODS: Ten middle-aged people in their forties (age:$44.2{\pm}2.7$, BMI:$21.8{\pm}1.8$) and 10 elderly aged more than 70 years (age:$76.4{\pm}5.9$, BMI:$22.2{\pm}1.9$) with a normal walking ability were included. The participants walked 100 m both indoors and outdoors at their own speed. Using a 3D motion analyzer and EMG, the walking speed, angle of the ankle and activity changes of the lower limb muscles were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences in walking speed and peak-plantar flexion angle were observed between the two groups (p<.05). The muscular activity of the gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) was significantly different outdoors in the swing phase between the two groups (p<.05). In the people aged in their forties, the muscular activity of the rectus femoris (RF) was significantly higher outdoors than indoors (p<.05). In the elderly, however, the muscular activity of the RF was lower outdoors than indoors (p<.05). When compared to those in there forties, the muscular activity of the outdoor RF significantly decreased in the elderly group (P<.05). The muscular activity of the biceps femoris (BF) in the elderly decreased significantly outdoors compared to indoors (p<.05). CONCLUSION: For the elderly, increasing the exposure to the new environments or focusing on the performance of repeated movements for gradual speed control and precise movements is required to maintain normal gaits and movements that are less affected by environmental changes.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.439-448
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• 2016

The population over 65 years old is 12.7% of total population in 2014 and Korea is going to be an aged society in the near future. The transportation vulnerable including the aged should be guaranteed in walking mobility under safe and comfortable environment for their socio-economic activities. For the era of fusion and convergence this paper investigated the characteristics of walking accidents related to the aged pedestrians and analyzed the aged-oriented walking factors with a reaction time and a walking speed at crosswalks in Yeosu. In the results, the crashes for the aged occur at 9.9% of total crashes and the fatalities of the aged are 40.3% of total fatalities in 2014. The 47.4% of the aged fatalities is also attributed to vehicle-to-pedestrian accidents. The 49.3% of all pedestrian fatalities occurs at the aged pedestrians with a very high proportion. The reaction time and walking speed for the aged were determined as the values located at the lower 15%-tile of the elderly physical ability. It is shown that the reaction time is 4.56 seconds and the walking speed is 0.76 m/s in the case of Yeosu. From two factors' standpoint, the walking environment at crosswalks in Yeosu is inappropriate for the aged.