• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.383-390
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• 2016

Objective: Gymnastics on rings needs a high level of muscle strength with balance ability for controlling the body. A study on a new balance training program is necessary for elite gymnasts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week pilates core-muscle training on balance ability and asymmetry index of the L-sit on the rings in male elite gymnasts. Method: Ten elite gymnasts (age: $20.6{\pm}0.7years$, height: $169.9{\pm}4.9cm$, weight: $65.4{\pm}5.6kg$, career duration: $20.6{\pm}0.7years$), who are students at K-university, participated in this study. Results: First, the range of the COM tended to decrease in the anterior-posterior direction. Second, the left hip joint angle and knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion angles significantly increased after the pilates training. Third, the ROM also increased. Fourth, the symmetry value increased in the hip angle, while the symmetry index in all joints of the ROM decreased. As a result, the pilates core-muscle training influenced the static balance ability during the L-sit on the rings. Conclusion: Accordingly, the pilates core-muscle training is suitable in enhancing the basic balance ability in gymnastics on rings.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.248-253
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• 2019

Purpose: To improve pulmonary function and decrease in balance ability with increasing forward head position and vertebral curvature, we applied Figure-8 brace to confirm the immediate effect on vital capacity and balance and to see if it is applicable. Methods: A total of 34 elderly women aged 65 or older and young women in their 20s with FHP were screened to measure vital capacity, measuring the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), and measuring the foot pressure to see the change in balance. For statistical analysis, the difference between pre and post values was compared using pared t-test. Results: As a result of vital capacity measurements, there was no significant difference between FEV1 and FVC for women over 65 years old (p>0.05). Young women in their 20s had no significant difference in FEV1 (p>0.05), and FVC had significant differences (p<0.05). In measuring foot pressure to measure balance, both women aged 65 and above and young women in their 20s had a significant decrease in anterior foot pressure, and a significant increase in posterior foot pressure (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study did not positively affect the vital capacity of elderly women with FHP. However, the significant increase in vital capacity of young women in their 20s suggests that contraction of the abdominal muscle is necessary during forced expiration. Therefore, it is believed that proper application and therapeutic interventions should be combined when applying Figure-8 brace.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.149-158
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• 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thoracic mobilization (TM) on the angle of thoracic kyphosis, and static and dynamic balances by application period. The subjects of this study were 18 adult males and females (${\geq}20years\; old$) who had the angle of thoracic kyphosis equal to or higher than $40^{\circ}$. A pre-test was conducted for all subjects and TM was carried out. Data were collected before the intervention, 3 weeks after the intervention, and 6 weeks after the intervention. It was measured three times per measurement and mean values were used for the analysis. The results of this study showed that the angle of thoracic kyphosis significantly (P<.05) decreased after applying TM. However, the migration area ($mm^2$) of the center of pressure (COP) in the static balance did not vary significantly. In the case of the dynamic balance, when eyes were open, the migration area ($mm^2$) of the COP significantly (P<.05) decreased after 3 weeks. When eyes were open, the migration area ($mm^2$) of the COP significantly (P<.05) decreased after 3 weeks and 6 weeks. Therefore, an intervention for improving the human body alignment and balance should be applied for a long-term, rather than a short-term, in order to be effective.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2019

Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of walking and turning plus treadmill training on the functional balance and walking ability of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Twenty-four participants with Stage 1 to 3 ($2.13{\pm}0.64$) PD based on the Hoehn and Yahr scale were randomly allocated to the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), with 12 participants in each group. The measured outcomes included the motor subscale of the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS-M), the Berg balance scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: Pre-to-post intervention improvements were noted for all the outcome measures for both groups (p < 0.05). Post intervention, there was a significant improvement in the EG compared to the CG for the following measured outcomes (p < 0.05): UPDRS-M (p = 0.021; 95% CI, 0.081-6.519), BBS (p = 0.042; 95% CI, 1.375-4.541), TUG (p = 0.034; 95% CI, -3.315--0.143), 10MWT (p = 0.011; 95% CI, -2.032--0.289), and 6MWT (p = 0.002; 95% CI, 24.39-91.273). Conclusion: Our study suggests that walking and turning plus treadmill training improves balance and walking compared to treadmill training only in patients with PD.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.242-247
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• 2022

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of 60° semi-squat exercises according to three different types of support surfaces. The effects were examined on joint position sense and balancing ability using stable and unstable surfaces in patients afflicted with post-stroke hemiplegia. Methods: Subjects were instructed to perform three sets of 60° semi-squat exercises according to the characteristics of the support surface conditions. The three ground states were bilateral stable surface (BSS), nonaffected side unstable surface (NUS), and bilateral unstable surface (BUS). The joint position sense, characteristics of body sway, and dynamic balance were analyzed according to floor conditions before and after the experiment. A balance-pad (50 cm W×41 cm L×6 cm H; Alcan Airex AG, Sins, Switzerland) was used for the unstable floor. Results: The 60° semi-squat exercises applied to hemiplegic patients showed the highest statistical significance in joint position sense in the NUS group, and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) in the BUS group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Functional training using an unstable surface can be applied as a meaningful intervention method for improving the balance and joint position sense of stroke patients.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.271-277
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop a balance chair for improving pelvic correction and postural balance through postural balance training using tactile feedback by a vibration motor provided in real time according to the user's attitude. We built a body frame using mono cast(MC) Nylon, Touch thin film transistor(TFT) for user interface, a main control module using Arduino, a 9-axis acceleration sensor for user's posture determination, and a vibration module for tactile feedback. The prototype of the Balance Chair which surrounds the outside was made with cushion for sitting conformability. In order to verify the effectiveness of the postural balance training system using the built prototype, the muscle activity (% MVIC) of the left and right iliocostalis lumborum those are the main muscles of the spinal movement was measured with ten female subjects. And the balance ability before and after training was measured using Spine Balance 3D, a posture balance ability evaluation device. The muscular activities of the left and right iliocostalis lumborum showed the balance activation according to vibration feedback during exercise protocol and postural balance improved after balance exercise training using balance chair. This study could be apply to use the fundamental research for developing the various postural balance product.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.136-141
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• 2021

Purpose: Dementia is a disease in which cognitive function declines, leading to deterioration of body functions and activities of daily living. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of dual-task training, including cognitive tasks, on cognitive and body function and β-amyloid levels in Alzheimer's dementia patients. Methods: 34 inpatients diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia at a nursing hospital located in South Korea. The patients were randomly divided into a dual-task group (n=16) and a single-task group (n=18). Each group was trained for 30 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. The MMSE-K was used to measure the patients' cognitive function. To assess the patients' static balance ability, their LOS was measured using BioRescue. while dynamic balance was measured using the BBS. The 10MWT were conducted to evaluate the patients' walking ability. Blood analysis was performed to measure levels of β-amyloid. Results: Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in gait function after the training (p<0.05). The dual-task group exhibited statistically significant differences in cognitive function, static and dynamic balance function, and β-amyloid levels after training (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dual-task training were found to be effective in improving cognitive and bodily functioning and reducing β-amyloid levels in Alzheimer's dementia patients. Thus, this may be suggested as an effective exercise method for the treatment and early prevention of Alzheimer's dementia.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2023

Purpose : This study suggests that the unique chakra arrangement of Tibetan singing bowls resembles the mantra of chakra lotus in the tantric tradition and the structure of chakra ascent, The two aim at the liberation of consciousness and confirm that they have a body, mind, and conscious healing mechanism. Methods : First, the structural characteristics of Tibetan singing bowls arrangement and chakra lotus mantra arrangement were investigated through the consideration of previous studies. Next, the healing mechanism of Tibetan singing bowls, which has been learned in Nepal, was examined through previous studies and literature to clarify that the rise of chakra in the two systems has a balance of body, mind, and consciousness and aims at liberation of consciousness. Results : The arrangement of Tibetan chakras is similar to the mantra of chakra lotus. Both have a structure in which the auxiliary sound of the previous chakra is interlocked with the structure of being the main sound of the next chakra to raise the chakra. At this time, the rise of the chakra is the liberation of consciousness by the ultimate purpose. Conclusion : Tibetan chakra are structurally similar to chakra lotus mantras and chakra ascents, as they have a theoretical background to tantric traditions. Chakra is the quality of inner consciousness that is conveyed to the outside and expressed in its own actions. Therefore, chakras should be well coordinated to lead our lives healthily. In this point, the chakra arrangement of Tibetan singing bowls is a system that exposes the inner balance to the outside and heals us more directly. Therefore, Tibetan singing bowls therapy has an integrated medical value in restoring our mind and body balance. Because chakras are dimensions of consciousness, the study of chakras is abstract or lacking, so more systematic and scientific study of chakras is needed.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.61-66
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance applied in various directions on lower extremity muscle activity and balance during squat exercise performance. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Forty-one adults (19 males and 22 females) agreed to the study purpose and procedures. All subjects randomly performed squat exercises with an intensity of overcoming 10% of body weight resistance pulled forward, backward and general squats with $60^{\circ}$ of knee joint flexion. Electromyography was used to measure muscle activity of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis oblique (VLO), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. The Wii Balance Board was used to assess balance during the three-method squat operation. Each operation was measured three times for 10 seconds. Results: There were significant differences in muscle activities of the VMO, RF, VLO, ST and balance ability with the application of three directions of resistance (p<0.05). Post hoc comparisons revealed that squats performed with resistance pulled in the backward direction resulted in higher VMO, RF and VLO activity than with the resistance placed in a pulled forward direction (p<0.05). In the ST, resistance applied in the pulled forward direction showed greater muscle activity compared to the pulled backward direction (p<0.05). With balance, squats performed with resistance pulled in the forward direction showed greater muscle activity than with resistance applied in the pulled backward direction and during general squat performance (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, squat exercises performed with resistance applied in the direction of pulling backwards was found to be the most effective in improving quadriceps muscle strength and balance. It is effective to provide resistance that is placed in the forward when it is difficult to perform a general squat due to weakness of the quadriceps.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2019

Purpose : To find out how action observation training for chronic stroke patients affects their balance and body control abilities in the posture seated in the rehabilitation of stroke. Methods : This study was conducted on 30 subjects who were diagnosed with stroke. The group conducted motion observation training through video clips, while the control group only conducted physical training, and the general physical therapy was performed equally by both counties. The static balance was measured using Biorescue and the dynamic balance was measured using Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, and Trunk Impairment Scale. Results : Static balance showed statistically significant difference in foot pressure (p<.05) as a result of comparison between pre and post exercise training. Dynamic balance was statistically significant (p>.05) as a result of comparing pre and post differences using modified functional reach test. The trunk control ability was statistically significant (p>.001). Comparison between the results of before and after motion observation training showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: This study confirmed that exercise training in sitting position was effective for static, dynamic balance ability and trunk control ability of hemiplegic patients due to stroke. These results suggest that the use of motion monitoring in stroke patients may have a positive impact on the diversity and function of rehabilitation.