• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.608-618
• /
• 2007

Image binarization is an important preprocessing to identify the object of interest by dividing pixels into the background and object. We proposes efficient binarization method and a stroke reconstruction method of the low quality character image for an effective character recognition. First, the character image is binarized by using the both advantages of local and global thresholding method and then the noise elimination around the character stroke and the hole filling on the stoke by the analysis of the binarized stroke image are performed to enhance the quality of the character stroke. Proposed binarization algorithm for character image achieved an efficiency of both processing speed and performance by the adaptive threshold selection. Moreover, We could get a high qualify binary image by a stroke reconstruction of the step-by-step denoising process.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.47-56
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of neck pattern of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on balance and walking ability in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Fourteen participants with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to vestibular rehabilitation and then divided into two groups: the neck pattern group or treadmill group. Each group underwent 20 sessions (20 minutes/day, five days/week, for four weeks). Patients were assessed with the Berg balance scale (BBS) and gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, step length, and double-limb support period) using a GAITRite system. Results: Vestibular rehabilitation for the neck pattern group and the treadmill group showed significant intragroup improvement on the BBS and in terms of gait speed, cadence, step length, and double-limb support period (p < 0.05). Vestibular rehabilitation was more effective for the neck pattern group than for the treadmill group in terms of the BBS (p = 0.00; 95% CI, 1.49-5.94), gait speed (p = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.05-0.16), cadence (p = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.54-4.99), and step length (p = 0.00, 95% CI, 1.55-4.62). Conclusion: This study used the neck pattern of PNF for vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke. The results showed significant improvement in the patients' balance and walking ability. Therefore, the neck pattern of PNF for vestibular stimulation may be more effective than treadmill training to improve balance and walking ability in patients with chronic stroke.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.49-60
• /
• 2019

Background: After stroke, in order to improve gait function, it is necessary to increase the muscle strength and to enhance the propriocetive function of the lower extremity. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of open kinetic chain (OKC) versus closed kinetic chain (CKC) isokinetic exercise of the hemiparetic knee using the isokinetic equipment on lower extremity sensorimotor function and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Thirty participants with chronic hemiplegia (> 6 months post-stroke) were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: CKC group and OKC group. Patients from both groups attended conventional physiotherapy sessions 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, subjects from the CKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the CKC attachment, while those from the OKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the OKC attachment. The isokinetic knee and ankle muscles strength, position sense of the knee joint, and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured before and after interventions. Results: The knee muscles peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) and hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio significantly increased in both groups (p<.01). In particular, ankle plantarflexors PT/BW, position sense of the knee, gait velocity, and spatial gait symmetry significantly improved in the CKC group (p<.01, p<.05, p<.01, and p<.01, respectively). Conclusion: CKC isokinetic exercise can be an effective therapeutic intervention for the improvement of sensorimotor function of the lower extremity and gait functions, such as gait velocity and symmetry. CKC position in isokinetic strength training is effective to improve functional ability in patients with chronic stroke.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.101-108
• /
• 2023

Purpose : To investigate effects of transcranial directed current stimulus (tDCS) combined with abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) on balance ability and trunk impairment scale of chronic stroke patients. Methods : Twenty-six chronic stroke patients were recruited and twenty-four participated after excluding two patients who met the exclusion criteria. After screening tests, they were randomized through excel program into an experimental group (n = 12) to apply a tDCS combined with ADIM and a control group (n = 12) to apply a sham tDCS with ADIM. The intervention lasted three times a week for six weeks. To compare tDCS intervention effects, trunk impairment scale and balance ability were measured. Comparisons between experimental and control groups were statistically processed using an independent t-test and comparisons within groups were statistically processed using a paired t-test. Results : The experimental group showed significant increases of pre- and post-intervention medial lateral velocity, anterior posterior velocity and area of balance ability, and trunk impairment scale (p<.05). The control group showed significant increases in pre- and post-intervention medial lateral velocity of balance ability and trunk impairment scale (p< .05). The experimental group showed significant increases of medial lateral velocity of balance ability and trunk impairment scale compared to the control group (p<.05). Conclusion : Results of this study suggest that tDCS combined with ADIM for chronic stroke patients can be effective in improving medial lateral velocity of balance ability and trunk impairment scale. Thus, tDCS can be used as an effective treatment protocol for trunk rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.62-71
• /
• 2023

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Thermal stimulation combined virtual reality training (TV) on improvement of upper extremity AROM and function in patient with chronic stroke. Design: Two groups pre-post randomized controlled design. Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly allocated two groups; the TV group (n=15) and Virtual Reality training group (VT) (n=15). The TV group received treatment for 30 min - 15 min of Thermal stimulation, and 15 min of VR training. The VT group received 15 min of VR training. Each group performed 30 minutes a day 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome upper extremity AROM and function were measured by a active range of motion test, Manual Function Test (MFT) and Jebsen-Taylor hand function Test (JTT). The upper extremity active range of motion was evaluated using a digital dual inclinometer. MFT and JTT were used to evaluate the hand function. The measurement were performed before and after the 8 weeks intervention period. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in muscle strength and upper extremity function during intervention period. TV group revealed significant differences in AROM and upper extremity function as compared to the VT groups (p<.05). Our results showed that TV was more effective on upper extremity AROM and function in patients with chronic stroke. Conclusion: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of outcome in muscle strength and upper extremity function during intervention period. TV group revealed significant differences in AROM and upper extremity function as compared to the VT groups (p<.05). Our results showed that TV was more effective on upper extremity AROM and function in patients with chronic stroke.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.75-81
• /
• 2009

Background: The purpose of this study was to confirm whether surface FES was effective in the function of chronic stroke patients' affected shoulder and whether FES influenced their functional abilities in ADL, as well. Method: the subjects were inpatients at a general hospital in Gyeonggi-Do, Korea and had been diagnosed as a sub-luxation in their affected shoulder. They were 26 and were separated to an experimental group and a control group, in equal number. Both groups had gotten an exercise treatment for 6 weeks. The control group didn't get any FES as opposed to the experimental group. Result: in the experimental group there was no statistical significant difference in the vertical space and the joint space, even though the space was reduced. In the control group, there was no statistical significant difference, either. Moreover, each space of their shoulders was increased. In the range of motion of each group, there was no statistical significant difference. In functional independent ability, there was a significant difference in an experimental group. In contrast, there was no difference in a control group. Conclusion: this result suggests that FES should be effective in the sub-luxation of the patients' affected shoulder and the range of motion of their shoulders. On the other hand, compared to the previous items, FES was quite effective in the functional improvement.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.908-913
• /
• 2010

Bojungiki-tang is a traditional oriental medicine to boost the immune system. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bojungiki-tang by withdrawal of isolation of VRE colonization. Four cases of post-stroke patients with VRE colonization took Bojungiki-tang and continuously were followed up with stool cultures. After three times negative stool VRE, we withdrew isolation of VRE colonization. One case patient was diagnosed with VRE colonization in another hospital and had no withdrawal during that period. He was admitted to Kyung-hee University Oriental Medicine where he took Bojungiki-tang. After three times negative stool VRE, we withdrew isolation of the patient. These results demonstrate that Bojungiki-tang is effective on boosting immunity level. Further studies are needed to better characterize this protective effect of Bojungiki-tang.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
• /
• v.12 no.11
• /
• pp.1640-1651
• /
• 2009

In this paper we introduce a new approach to stroke based rendering using brush stroke profile. Our proposed method, based on image retrieval method, is a simple but flexible and scalable method to create various painting styles, for which scalable database constructed with the collection of real stroke data is used. Input image is reproduced with combinations of brush stoke in the database, when a search process to determinate appropriate brush stroke and a judgment process to decide whether to draw the retrieved brush stroke on the canvas or not are presented. In addition, this paper suggests a new brush stroke model and a depiction technique in order to utilize effective height information which allows natural texture depiction, or good visual effect, without carrying out physical simulation. Our method is able to create diverse variations of painting by controling various user parameters. It also provides scalable framework that can produce various painting styles with different artistic media by changing the stroke combinations of stroke database.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.633-638
• /
• 2001

Objective : Stroke is the most frequent cause of death in Korea. Because it remains severe disablities disturbing normal life, it is important to carry out intervention preventing from progression of condition in patients with acute ischemic stroke within therapeutic time window. Thus early thrombolysis is beneficial for patients with acute ischemic stroke. However its therapeutic efficacy is not known in combination with oriental medical therapy. In this study, we investigated the safety and the clinical effect of continous intravenous urokinase therapy and oriental medical therapy. Methods : Twenty eight patients with acute onset of ischemic stroke no later than three days received continous infusion of urokinase and oriental medical therapy. We estimated the subjects's neurological deficit and functional status with National institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke Scale(NIHSS) and Europian Stroke Scale (ESS) prior to therapy, on day 3, 7, 14 after the starting urokinase therapy and on day at discharge. Results: After day 7, the scores of NIHSS and ESS were improved significantly. There are no differences in therapeutic effects of the interval between onset of stroke and initiation of therapy. Complication were noted in four(14%) patients, but these are not fatal complication and make no neurological deficiency. Conclusion : The results of these investment suggest that continuous intravenous urokinase with oriental medical therapy could be a safe and effective intervention to prevent from progression in acute ischemic stroke. But this findings should be confirmed in multicenter double blind controlled trial.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.111-121
• /
• 2020

Objectives: In 2019, we conducted a 12-week public health promotion program on the use of Korean medical treatments for elderly people who are at potential risk for stroke. A significant improvement effect was obtained through the program. The objective of this study was to report the results of this public health promotion program. Methods: Fifty people participated in the program. The participants were received herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments for stroke prevention for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and body fat were evaluated twice. A questionnaire was used to assess the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score, the stroke danger signs, the recognition of stroke signs, and treatment satisfaction. Results: During the 12-week Korean medical treatment program, systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased by 119.40±19.32 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure was decreased by 79.80±8.92 mmHg, and weight was decreased by 58.24±9.70 Kg. The EQ-5D score was increased by 13.82±1.2 and the stroke danger signs score was increased by 26.76±3.59. Sex and EQ-5D score, stroke danger signs score, weight, and body fat were correlated. Age and weight were correlated. Conclusions: For elderly people with the potential risk for stroke, the 12-week Korean medical treatment program was effective and their satisfaction with the treatment was high. This study has significance because this is an unusual report in Korea on the effect of a Korean medical treatment program for stroke using a Korean medicine public health promotion.