• 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.

• 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 Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.94-102
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm the effects of a moderate and fast walking exercise program on middle-aged women's fatigue, serum lipids and immunoglobulins. Method: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used for this study. The experiment was conducted for 10 weeks from May 17th to July 25th, 2004 with 44 middle-aged women, consisting of 16 for the moderate walking group, 15 for the fast walking group and 13 for the control group. Result: Walking exercise at both a moderate and fast speed was effective in middle-aged women in reducing fatigue and serum lipids. It was also revealed that extended periods of exercise was more effective in decreasing fatigue while for reducing serum lipid, high intensity exercise was more effective. In this study, serum immunoglobulins were reduced after moderate and fast walking exercise but its cause was not fully understood so further research is needed. Conclusion: This study helps us recognize the importance of regular exercise and promotes motivation to exercise for a healthy life among middle-aged women.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.364-368
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• 2015

Purpose: Walking in the dual-task condition is a critical skill for hemiplegic patients to live in real-life situations. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dual-task gait training and general gait training on gait parameters and cognitive function in patients with chronic stroke during dual-task walking. Methods: The study included 23 patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke who were randomly divided into experimental (dual-task gait training) and control (general walking training) groups. The 11 subjects in the experimental group and nine subjects in the control group received dual-task gait training (walking while handling a ball, crossing obstacles, picking up various objects, and problem solving simple cognitive tasks and general over-ground gait training, respectively, for 30 minutes per day 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Spatiotemporal parameters and cognitive tasks in the dual-task gait condition were measured. Statistical analysis of the changes between the pre- and post-intervention measurement variables was performed using ANCOVA. Results: In the gait condition under cognitive tasks, the changes pre- and post-intervention in gait velocity, stride length, double support limb, and step symmetry were significantly greater in the dual-task gait training group; however, the dual-task gait training group showed no significant improvement compared to the general gait training group in terms of the assessment of cognitive tasks. Conclusion: The findings suggest that dual-task gait training may be beneficial for walking ability in dual-task walking condition.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.783-789
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• 2007

In this paper, firstly, we propose a generating method of the 3-D obstacle map using ultrasonic sensors. Secondly, we try to find the necessary stimulation conditions of compact tactile display device for effective transfer of obstacle information. The final goal of this research is the development of a walking guide system for the blind to walk safely. The walking guide system consists of a guide vehicle for the obstacle detection and a tactile display device for the transfer of the obstacle information. The guide vehicle, located in front of the walking blind, detects the obstacle using ultrasonic sensors. The processed information makes an obstacle map and transmits safe path and emergency situation to the blind by the tactile display. The tactile display device, located in the handle which is connected with the guide vehicle by cane, offers the processed obstacle information such as position, size, moving, shape of obstacle and safe path, etc. The concept of a walking guide system with tactile display is introduced, and experiments of 3-D obstacle detection and tactile perception are carried out and analyzed.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1152-1159
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• 2013

This paper proposes an effective walking system for a hexapod robot on uneven terrain. To overcome the deficiencies of two-pair walking systems, which are effective on even terrain, the use of only three legs changes the steps required for movement. The proposed system receives feedback data from switches attached to the bottom of the legs and gyro sensor to carry out stable walking using the Bezier curve algorithm. From the coordinates of the Bezier curve, which guarantees the circular motion of legs, the motor's angle value can be obtained using inverse kinematics. The angle values are sent to each motor though RS-485 communication. If a switch is pushed by the surface during navigation in the Bezier curve pattern, the robot is designed to change its circular course. Through the changed course, each leg can be located on an optimal surface and the wobble phenomenon is reduced by using a normal vector algorithm. The simulation and experiment results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of repetitive sit to stand training to improve knee extensor strength and walking ability of total knee replacement patients. Methods: In this study, 12 patients with total knee replacement patients were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a repetitive sit to stand group (n=6) and a control group (n=6). They all received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion (CPM). After that, the repetitive sit to stand group performed repetitive sit to stand training, and the control group performed resistance exercise for 15 minutes five times a week for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of training, knee extensor strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured. Knee extensor strength was measured by Biodex system 3, walking ability was measured by Biodex gait trainer 2. Paired t test was performed to verify the difference between before and after intervention within the group, and analysis of covariance was used to verify the differences between the two groups. Results: After the training periods, the repetitive sit to stand group showed a significant improvement in knee extensor muscle strength, walking speed, step length of the operated side, and step length of the non-operated side (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that repetitive sit to stand training was more effective in improving knee extensor muscle strength and walking ability. Therefore, to strengthen knee extensor muscles and improve the walking ability of total knee replacement patients, it is necessary to consider repetitive sit to stand training.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2021

Background: The requirements for postural and motor control in backward walking training (BWT) may improve balance and walking speed in patients with acute stroke. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of BWT on balance, balance confidence, and fall efficacy in this population. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial. Methods: This study included 14 subjects with acute stroke (onset of illness less than one month). They were randomly allocated to a BWT (n=7) or forward walking training (n=7) group and observed five times in a week for a period of two weeks. Measurements were taken before and after the experiment using the Berg balance scale (BBS), Activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC), and Fall efficacy scale (FES). Results: The BBS, ABC and FES scores obtained in both groups after the experiment were significantly higher than those before the experiment (p<0.05). In addition, the BBS, ABC, and FES scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that BWT improved balance and balance confidence and decreased the risks of fall in patients with acute stroke. Further study is needed to better understand the effects of backward walking in acute stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.76-87
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• 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of power walking and square dancing on middle-aged women with hypertension. Design: Randomized controlled Trial. Methods: 30 middle-aged women with hypertension were selected and divided into two groups. 15 cases in the control group received routine treatment, and 15 cases in the intervention group received community vigorous walking and square dancing intervention on the basis of routine treatment. The intervention time was 40-60minutes/day, 5days/week, total 16 weeks. total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), angiotensin II (Ang II), Leptin, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured. Results: Body weight, body mass index (BMI), TC, TG, LOW-density lipoprotein, angiotensin II, leptin, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly reduced after power walking and square dancing (p<0.05). After the experiment, TC and TG in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05), while HDL was higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that power walking exercises and square dances are significant effects on lipid mechanism and heart rate.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.565-575
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• 2009

This paper concerns the use of support vector regression (SVR), which is based on the kernel method for learning from examples, in identification of walking robots. To handle complex dynamics in humanoid robot and realize stable walking, this paper develops and implements two types of reference natural motions for a humanoid, namely, walking trajectories on a flat floor and on an ascending slope. Next, SVR is applied to model stable walking motions by considering these actual motions. Three kinds of kernels, namely, linear, polynomial, and radial basis function (RBF), are considered, and the results from these kernels are compared and evaluated. The results show that the SVR approach works well, and SVR with the RBF kernel function provides the best performance. Plus, it can be effectively applied to model and control a practical biped walking robot.