• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.83-92
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• 2004

This study aims to the influenced factor analysis of spinal cord independence measure(SCIM), on walking velocity, walking endurance, time up & go(TUG), and subject characteristics. The subject of this study were 12 persons with incomplete spinal cord injury(ASIA C, D). All subject ambulatory with or without an assistive device. All participants were assessed on SCIM(score), walking velocity(m/s), walking endurance(m) and TUG(s). The data were analyzed using independent t-test and stepwise multiple regression. The results revealed that no statistical difference was noted in subject characteristics among SCIM, walking velocity, walking endurance, TUG(p>0.5). The independence score, breathing-sphincter control and ambulation were important factors in TUG(31.4%). The results suggest that SCIM may be an inappropriate assessment tool to predict gait ability of patient with incomplete spinal cord injury. Further study about gait speed, gait endurance and TUG by change of SCIM is needed using to patient of incomplete spinal cord injury.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.49-53
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• 2018

Objective: This study was performed to examine differences in the association between straight and curved walking abilities of inpatients in the subacute phase and walking independence level. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Subjects were divided into an independent group and a supervised group (n=10 each) by walking independence level within the ward decided by physical therapists. Inclusion criteria comprised the ability to ambulate independently within the ward, regardless of the use of walking aids. Straight walking abilities (walking velocity, stride length, and cadence) were evaluated using the 5-meter walk test. Curved walking abilities were evaluated using the Figure-of-8 Walk Test (F8W) and the 3-meter zigzag walk test (3ZW). Differences in associations between straight and curved walking abilities of inpatients were examined by calculating correlation coefficients between straight and curved walking abilities. Results: Age, walking velocity, stride length, F8W and 3ZW varied markedly between independent and supervised groups. In the independent group, F8W and 3ZW correlated significantly with walking velocity and cadence (p<0.05). In the supervised group, F8W correlated significantly with walking velocity and stride length (p<0.05), but 3ZW did not correlate significantly with straight walking abilities. Conclusions: The association between straight and curved walking abilities varied between inpatients who could ambulate independently and inpatients requiring supervision for ambulating. These differences may depend on skill on straight and curved walking abilities. There is a possibility that curved walking exercise is necessary for supervised group.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2022

PURPOSE: A gait assessment is an important component of the rehabilitation process, and observational gait assessment (OGA) is used routinely in clinical settings. This study examined the association of OGA tools with the independent walking ability in stroke patients to determine a cutoff value of the OGA tool according to independence levels of stroke patient gait. METHODS: Two hundred ten hemiparetic stroke patients participated in the study. The independence of gait was identified using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) classifications. The walking ability was assessed using OGA tools (Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment [RVGA], Wisconsin Gait Scale [WGS], Tinetti Gait Scale [TGS], and Functional Gait Analysis [FGA]). RESULTS: Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that among the OGA tools, the FGA correlated with the FAC. The FGA explained approximately 77% of the variance in FAC. In distinguishing the independence levels, the cutoff values were as follows: between FAC 1 and FAC 0 was .5 points; between FAC 2 and lower levels, 5.5; between FAC 3 and lower levels, 11.5; between FAC 4 and lower levels, 14.5; and between FAC 5 and lower levels, 18.5. Items 1, 2, 3, and 10 were identified as explaining most of the variance in the FGA in the stepwise multiple regression. CONCLUSION: The present study found that the FGA is an assessment tool related to the level of gait independence after stroke. Furthermore, the FGA total score can serve as an index of the increase in independence level after stroke.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2006

The main purposes of this study were to find the correlation between walking ability assessment tools using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Spinal Cord Injury Measurement II (SCIM II), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI), walking velocity, and walking endurance. The study population consisted of 56 patients with spinal cord injury referred to the department of Rehabilitative Medicine in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. All subjects were ambulatory with or without an assistive device. All participants were assessed by MBI, FIM, SCIM II, WISCI, walking velocity, and walking endurance. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and X2. There was significant correlation between the MBI, FIM, SCIM II, WISCI, walking velocity, and walking endurance (p<.01). In particular, WISCI has a significant correlation with SCIM II(p<.001). Therefore the WISCI scale is an appropriate assessment tool to predict the gait ability of patients with spinal cord injury. Further study about MBI, FIM, SCIM II, WISCI, walking velocity, and walking endurance is needed using a longitudinal study design.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.398-404
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• 2012

Purpose: This is designed to study the effect of weight-support walking training through motor learning on motor functions of children with cerebral palsy, in particular their activity of daily living and balance. Methods: Thirteen children with spastic cerebral palsy, at gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels III~IV, underwent treadmill walking training. It used principles of weight support, 4 times a week for 7 weeks, 10 minutes at a time, before and after neurodevelopmental physical therapy. Everyday functions were measured using Functional Independence Measure for Children (Wee-FIM). The ability to keep their balance was measured using electronic measuring equipment from good balance system and the assessment was made before and after the experiment. Results: There were significant differences (p<0.05) between pre and post experiment levels of functional independence in everyday life, in self-care activities, mobility, locomotion and social cognition. With regard to changes in standing balance, there were significant differences before and after the experiment (p<0.05) in GMFCS level III. There was a reduction in the agitation velocity in the x- and y-axes which measures the left-to-right shaking; in GMFCS level IV, velocity moment was reduced. Conclusion: Walking training using a treadmill can help improve the everyday activity and balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy. It can also be served as a useful purpose as a method of intervention in pediatric care.

• Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.348-356
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• 2015

In 2026, in ten years from now, Korea is expected to enter into a super aged society. By facing this social phenomenon, analyzing the elderlies and preparing measures are needed among society. In the transportation field, the traffic accidents which are related to the elderly pedestrians have drastically increased so that R&D projects and policy supplementations are introduced. However very few base studies on which focused on the behavior, capability, impact factors analysis of for elderly pedestrians are conducted. To determine the walking capability, this study divided the walking capability into 3 three categories - general, health and exercise. It carries out the comprehensive survey targeting 52 elderlies with the average age of 72.6 years and this survey is made up of total 12 factors in the 3 three categories. This survey also is conducted with various measuring devices and methods such as interview, National Fitness Award, SPBB, Cybex and the like for. From the 12 detailed factors, the general factors such as age, physical shape and so forth have little impact on the walking speed. However the factors that have the greatest impact on the walking speed are extensor muscle on lower limbs in the health factors and balance, coordination, and SPPB in the exercise factors. With these results, this study develops the independent walking model which can measure the walking capability of the elderly people. The developed model is expected to be utilized as the base study for elderly's walking patterns in the transportation field by examining the walking capability of the older people.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.451-456
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• 2020

This study compared the utility of walking aids, and activities of daily life depending on the ability of people with mobility disabilities to use walking aids. Data were extracted from the Korea Welfare Panel Study in 2014. Data of 435,947 individuals were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests. The findings from this study showed that disabled persons who cannot use walking aids independently were more likely to have a severe disability level and a lower level of daily activities than the independent group. The level of social participation and leisure activities were also significantly lower in the dependent than the independent group. Therefore, walking aids should be tailored for individuals depending on their level of independence for using walking aids.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2007

Walking is not only an essential component of the human mobility, but also is a good exercise. Inability to walk freely can reduce an individual's quality of life and independence substantially. Being a relatively low impact activity, walking is particularly good for the elderly and research has shown that regular walking in the elderly reduces the chance of fall-related injuries and mental diseases as well. In spite of the documented benefits of regular walking, it is still difficult to walk without the aid of assistive devices for the frail elderly who have lower extremity problems. Assistive walking devices(AWD), such as crutches, canes, hiking-poles, T-Poles and walkers, are often prescribed to the elderly to make their walking be safe and efficient. Many researchers have demonstrated the effects of AWDs such as reducing lower extremity loading, improved dynamic/gait stability, yet, no study has been done for gait pattern when the elderly gait with AWDs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether T-Poles, one of the AWDs, change the elderly gait pattern. Eight community-dwelling female elderly participated in this study. Laboratory kinematics during walking with T-Poles(PW) and with out T-Poles(NPW) was assessed. PW showed significant increase in step width, stride length, gait velocity and decrease in swing time. No significances were found in lower body joint angles but meaningful trend and pattern were found. Maybe the reason was due to the participants. Our participants were healthy enough so that the effect of T-Poles was minimum. PW also showed typical gait phases which are no single support phase during a gait cycle. It indicates that walking with T-Poles may guarantee safe and confident walking to the frail elderly.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.23-33
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• 2021

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the effects of dual-task training according to the variability of the walking environment on balance, gait, and function in patients with stroke. Methods : Twenty-five patients with stroke were randomly assigned to experimental group I (n=12) and experimental group II (n=13). Experimental group I and II performed obstacle and non-obstacle walking training, respectively, along with cognitive tasks for 21 minutes per session, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Both groups received additional general physical therapy for 30 minutes per session. The functional reach test (FRT), gait analyzer (G-Walk), and functional independence measure (FIM) were used to evaluate balance, gait and function of pre- and post-interventions, respectively, while gait cadence, gait velocity, and stride length were evaluated using a gait analyzer. Results : In the within-group comparison of FRT, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of gait cadence, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of gait velocity, all the two groups showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05). In within-group comparison of stride length, experimental group I showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05), while experimental group II did not show significant post-intervention improvements (p>.05). In within-group comparison of FIM scores, experimental group I showed significant post-intervention improvements (p<.05), while experimental group II did not show significant post-intervention improvements (p>.05). There was a significant difference in the change of FIM scores pre- and post-intervention (p<.05) in the between-group comparison. Conclusion : The results of this study show that dual-task training with cognitive tasks and walking training can improve the balance, gait and function of patients with stroke, and obstacle walking training is effective for improving functions including activities of daily living compared to non-obstacle walking training.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.385-392
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among quality of life, caregiver depression levels, and disease severity, especially motor function, in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires using survey and interview from 80 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. The caregivers' quality of life was measured using medical outcomes study 36-item short form health survey, and level of depression was scored using the beck depression inventory. In addition, children's motor function was evaluated using gross motor function measure-88 and functional independence measure scores. Results: Among 8 domains of medical outcomes study 36-item short form health survey, "physical functioning," "physical role functioning," "mental health," and "bodily pain" domains were significantly correlated to "total" percentage scores of gross motor function measure-88. In addition, "mental health" and "bodily pain" domains were correlated to each sub-dimension, including "lying and rolling," "sitting," "crawling and kneeling," "standing," and "walking, running, and jumping." Similarly, the "running" and "jumping" dimensions including motor function measures correlated with "transfer," "locomotion," and "motor subtotal" of functional independence measure scores. The beck depression inventory scores were negatively correlated to "lying and rolling," "sitting," "crawling and kneeling," and the "total" percentage scores of gross motor function measure-88. The beck depression inventory scores were negatively correlated to "sphincter control," "communication," "social cognition," "cognitive subtotal," and "total" functional independence measure scores. Conclusion: It is necessary to consider the quality of life and emotional problems of caregivers of CP children and support them both physically and psychologically with comprehensive rehabilitation.