• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the strength and walking ability of chronic stroke patients following either proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern training with pressure biofeedback units (feedback group) or PNF pattern training without pressure biofeedback units (control group). Methods: Eighteen participants with chronic stroke were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a feedback group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 10). They all received 30 minutes of neurodevelopmental therapy and PNF training for 15 minutes five times a week for three weeks. Muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured. Muscle strength was measured by hand-held dynamometer; gait parameters were measured by the Biodex Gait trainer treadmill system. Results: After the training periods, the feedback group showed a significant improvement in hip abductor muscle strength, hip extensor muscle strength, step length of the unaffected limb, and step time of the affected limb (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern training with pressure biofeedback units was more effective in improving hip muscle strength and walking ability than the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern training without pressure biofeedback units. Therefore, to strengthen hip muscles and improve the walking ability of stroke patients, using pressure biofeedback units to improve trunk stability should be considered.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.57-67
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• 2010

Background and Purpose : Many Physical therapist are inclined to communicate less effectively each other because they hardly use the standard terminology. The purposes of this case report are (1) to apply ICF-based documentation in evaluation (2) to submit the strategy of intervention process to improve the ability of walking short distance of the client who has post-stroke. Description : The client was 44-years-old man with hemiplegia who was in 1 month post-stroke problems were diagnosed while applying the ICF core set. The goals agreed with client were independently walking short distance, stairs and obstacles. To come up with the intervention strategy, hypothesis was set and 4 weeks of intervention was carried out after proposing the short goal and detailed purpose. Outcome : The client's performance in walking short distance and confidence were increased after impairment focused intervention, that are improved in walking velocity, endurance, supporting ability in lower limbs, rhythmical movement in upper limbs and the coordination of both limbs. Activities focused intervention also enhanced the ability in climbing steps and walking around obstacles. Conclusion : The decided hypothesis and goal that are to solve the problems the client faced were remarkably meaningful.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.333-341
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was to explore the effects of trunk exercise using PNF combined with treadmill training on balance and walking ability in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study included 16 patients with Parkinson's disease. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: an experimental group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). All participants underwent treadmill training for 30 minutes. In addition, the experimental group (trunk exercise using PNF) and control group (conventional training) participated in a 30-minute exercise program. Both groups performed the training 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Disease severity (determined using the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale motor subscale, UPDRS-3), balance (determined using the Berg balance scale, BBS), walking speed (determined using the 10-meter walking test, 10MWT), and walking endurance (determined using the 6-minute walking test, 6MWT) were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results: Pre- to post-intervention improvement was noted on all outcome measures for both groups (p<0.05). Post-intervention, there was a significant improvement in the experimental group as compared to the control group for the following measured outcomes (p<0.05): UPDRS-3 (p=0.03; 95% CI, -5.52 to -0.24), BBS (p=0.04; 95% CI, 0.59 to 6.45), 10MWT (p=0.01; 95% CI, -2.19 to -0.42), and 6MWT (p=0.04; 95% CI, 1.81 to 96.72) Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that trunk exercise using PNF plus treadmill training improves balance and walking ability as compared to conventional training plus treadmill training in patients with Parkinson's disease.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to find the effects of using aid in enhancing walking ability inpatients with spinal cord injury who have received rehabilitative care. The study population consisted of 24 spinal cord injury patients referred to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC). All subjects were ambulatory with or without an assistive devices. All of the participants were assessed on SCIM II, WISCI II, FIM, MBI, gait speed (m/s), and walking endurance (120 min/m). The data were analyzed using a paired t-test, a one-way ANOVA, and a Duncan test. The results revealed that TSCIM II and all of the items of SCIM II of the cervical ASIA D group patients were higher than those of the Thoracic ASIA A and C group patients (p<.05). The FIM, MBI, and WISCI II of the cervical ASIA D group patients were higher than those of the Thoracic ASIA C group patients (p>.05). The walking velocities of the lumbar ASIA C group patients were higher than those of Thoracic ASIA A group patients (p<.05). The walking endurance of the lumbar ASIA C group patients was higher than that of the thoracic ASIA C group patients (p<.05). The ASIA D group patients used bilateral standard canes or crutches, but none used AFO. The ASIA A and C group patients used bilateral standard walkers with KAFO for standing and walking. The findings suggest that injury level as well as the functionality of walking aids should be considered when formulating a rehabilitative plan for patients with spinal cord injury.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.29-38
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of barefoot walking on the sandy beach on pain intensity, disability, motor function, sleep satisfaction, and quality of life in the elderly with low back pain (LBP). Methods : A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 32 elderly with LBP who underwent sand walking barefoot (intervention, n=16) or with sneakers (control, n = 16). Both walking methods were carried out for 30 minutes per day, three times a week for four weeks. Pain intensity and disability were assessed using the visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index, respectively. Balance and gait were evaluated using the Berg balance scale and timed up and go test, respectively. Sleep satisfaction was quantified with the Verran and Snyder-Halpern sleep scale. Finally, quality of life was assessed through the WHO quality of life scale's abbreviated Korean version. Results : Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant differences in pain intensity (p=.005), disability due to LBP (p=.002), static balance ability (p=.003), dynamic balance ability (p=.002), and sleep satisfaction (p=.017). There was no significant difference in the quality of life between the two groups. Conclusion : Barefoot walking on a sandy beach is significantly effective in improving pain, disability due to LBP, balance ability, and sleep satisfaction in the elderly with LBP. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods must to be conducted to generalize using barefoot walking in LBP management.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.329-338
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of stabilization, resistance exercise, and combined exercise for lumbar on balance and walking ability of elderly. This study selected 22 subjects of over 65 years old elderly women who satisfy the study condition from A, B and C Senior Citizen's Center, in Daegu. The subjects were divided into groups; 7 for resistance exercise group, 8 for stabilization exercise group, and 7 for combined exercise group(resistance and stabilization exercise). The exercises were conducted for 60min a day, three times a week for 12 weeks. Balance and walking ability were checked before the exercise, 6 weeks later, and 12 weeks later. First, all lumbar muscle strengthening exercises were effective for static balance which changed according to exercising period. In dynamic balance, the resistance exercise group showed significant improvement in sit to stand. Stabilization exercise group showed significant improvement in all factors. The combined exercise group showed significant improvement in sit to stand and timed up and go. There was no difference between the exercise types. Second, the resistance exercise group showed significant change in Cadence which changed according to exercising period. The combined exercise group showed significant improvement in all factors. Between the exercise types, combined exercise was a bit more effective than resistance exercise. According to the result of 12 weeks of lumbar muscle exercise, combined exercise is considered to be the most effective exercise to prevent fall as it helps balance and walking ability slightly more than other exercises. Therefore, this study can understand the risk factors for fall accidents that frequently occur among elderly and adopt the combined exercise to prevent fall which in turn will prevent secondary problems occur from fall accidents and improve quality of life of elderly.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.145-153
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study compares the effects of HUBER rehabilitation and general rehabilitation treatment on the coordination, balance, and walking ability of stroke patients. METHODS: This study enrolled 38 randomized stroke patients, and data was collected for 6 weeks. All participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 19) or control group (n = 19). The experimental group were administered Huber rehabilitation and general rehabilitation treatment. The control group was given only general rehabilitation treatment. Both treatments were conducted for 30 minutes during each training session, 3 training sessions per week, for 6 weeks. The coordination, balance, and walking ability were evaluated before and after the intervention, to compare the intergroup and intragroup changes. RESULTS: Change in the right LOS (limit of stability) (p < .001) and forward LOS (p < .02) following intervention were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group, but no significant group difference was observed between left LOS (p > .1) and backward LOS (p > .2). Alterations in coordination (p < .02) and TUG (p <. 05) were significantly greater after intervention in the experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that HUBER rehabilitation is effective in improving the coordination, balance, and walking ability in stroke patients. To strengthen and validate the results of this study, future studies related to HUBER rehabilitation are required.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2007

Purpose : The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of lower extremity strengthening on balance ability of knee osteoarthritis. Methods : The walking exercise group with modality treatment and strengthening exercise group with modality treatment. The walking exercise and strengthening for 40 minutes per day and three times a week during 6 weeks period. Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire(SFMPQ) was used to measure patient's pain level. Patient Specific Functional Scale(PSFS) was used to measure patient's functional disability level. BPM was used to measure sway area. Global Perceived Effect Scale(GPES) was used to measure recovery or worse of patient's condition. Results : 1. SFMPQ was strengthening exercise group showed significantly decreased more than walking exercise group(p<.05). 2. PSFS was strengthening exercise group showed significantly increased more than walking exercise group(p<.05). 3. Sway area was strengthening exercise group showed significantly limited area more than walking exercise group(p<.05). 4. GPES was strengthening exercise group showed significantly increased more than walking exercise group(p<.05). Conclusion : This study will be used as exercise method of patient with osteoarhtritis.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.17-22
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• 2009

Purpose: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of core strength exercises on the balance control and walking ability of stroke patients. Methods: Twelve stroke patients participated in this study. These patients were divided into two groups (a core stability group and a control group). There were 6 subjects in each group. They participated in core strength exercises for 3 weeks. These exercises included The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Messen Trairuieren Dokumentieren (MTD) Systems for balance and walking were measured and compared before and after the treatment. Results: First, core strength exercises improved balance control of patients with stroke by increasing weight shifting to the affected side. Second, core strength exercises improved the walking ability of patients with stroke by reducing the TUG score. Third, there was a significant correlation between balance control and walking. Conclusion: Core strength exercises are effective for improving both balance control and walking.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.109-117
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between walking ability of lumbar spinal stenosis patients and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of lumbar paraspinal muscles. Methods This study was carried out on 62 lumbar spinal stenosis patients who had limited walking abilities because of neurogenic claudication (NC). All patients received more than 2 weeks of complex treatment at Mokhuri Neck&Back Hospital. CSA of lumbar paraspinal muscles was measured from axial T2-weighted MRI and divided by CSA of adjacent vertebral body to avoid influence of body statues (RCSA-Relative CSA). Pain Free Walking Distance and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was measured before and after treatment. Results The Pain Free Walking Distance had significantly increased in patients who had bigger RCSA of psoas muscle (r=0.313, p<0.05). Conclusions The psoas muscle can be a predictive factor for restoring walking ability of lumbar spinal stenosis patients who have limitations walking.