• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.641-646
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to observe how balance exercise on an unstable platform and on a stable platform affects balance ability. The subjects were 35 adults in their 20s and were randomly assigned to a stable platform group and an unstable platform group. They performed balance exercise three times per week for six weeks. Balance exercise introduced by previous research was modified and complemented for use in this study. Balance ability of the subjects was measured through center of pressure(COP) area, medial-lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior displacement using a portable balance platform BT4. There was significant difference in the COP area between the unstable platform exercise group and the stable platform exercise group. In comparison in differences between the unstable platform exercise group and the stable platform exercise group after the exercise, there was significant difference in anterior-posterior movement. Therefore, exercise on an unstable platform is more effective than exercise on a stable platform in strengthening balance ability.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.124-127
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• 2015

Purpose: The emphasis on gait rehabilitation after stroke depends on training support through the lower limbs, balance of body mass over the changing base of support. However, muscle weakness, lack of control of lower limb, and poor balance can interfere with training after stroke. For this case study report, a wearable robot orthosis was applied to stroke patients in order to verify its actual applicability on balance and gait ability in the clinical field. Methods: Two stroke patients participated in the training using the wearable robot orthosis. Wearable robot orthosis provides patient-initiated active assistance contraction during training. Training includes weight shift training, standing up and sitting down, ground walking, and stair up and down Training was applied a total of 20 times, five times a week for 4 weeks, for 30 minutes a day. Gait ability was determined by Stance phase symmetry profile, Swing phase symmetry profile, and velocity using the GAITRite system. Balance ability was measured using the Biodex balance system. Results: Subjects 1, 2 showed improved gait and balance ability with mean individual improvement of 72.4% for velocity, 19.4% for stance phase symmetry profile, 9.6% for swing phase symmetry profile, and 13.6% for balance ability. Conclusion: Training utilizing a wearable robot orthosis can be useful for improvement of the gait and balance ability of stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.29-35
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of study was to measure stroke patients' ability to balance and their degrees of clinical function and to examine the effect of the aquatic exercise method using tasks related to these features. Methods: Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to an aquatic task exercise group and a land task exercise group. Both groups used the same exercise method for 60 minutes each session, three times a week for 12 weeks at the same time point and with the same amount of exercise. Results: Before and after the exercise, static balance was measured using balance measuring instruments locomotive faculties, muscular strength, and dynamic balance were assessed through the Berg balance and 10 m gait tests. Finally, gait abilities were measured, and the data obtained were analyzed to generate the results. Conclusion: Both groups showed significant improvement, but the aquatic exercise group showed slightly more significant results in static balance, Berg balance, and upright walking tests. It is thought that the improvement of stroke patients' balance and gait ability can be triggered through the application of aquatic exercise programs in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.23-28
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the difference between the faller and the non-faller in the test for balance and fear of falling. This was also done to determine whether the balance and the fear of falling are correlated in the elderly. Method: Forty eight subjects participated in this study, who attended the senior center in Daegu. Prior to the test, demographic data was collected. As for the balance test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and One Leg Stance (OLS) were used. For measuring the fear of falling, Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) were used. Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation was performed using PASW 18.0 for windows. Result: All balance tests, except OLS, and fear of falling could discriminate between the faller and the non-faller. There existed a significant correlation between some balance test and fear of falling (r=0.64~0.86). Conclusion: The findings indicate that assessing the falling in the elderly, there needs to be a consideration of multiple aspects including the fear of falling and not only the balance test.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.11-19
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• 2017

Purpose : This study examined the effects of balance training using virtual reality program on sitting balance ability and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. Method : In the study, 20 patients with hemiplegia were divided into two groups: experiment group (EG) of 10 patients and control group(CG) of 10 patients. The two groups received general occupational therapy for 30 minutes, per day, at a rate of 5 times per week for 6 weeks. The EG was additionally conducted which was performed virtual reality balance training and the CG was conducted general occupational therapy balance training for 30-minutes, once a day, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Result : The evaluations of this study included: limit of stability(LOS), modified Functional Reach Test(mFRT), and modified Barthel Index(MBI). The patients were evaluated before and after their six week training programs. Significant differences in the LOS, mFRT, MBI were found between pretest and posttest scores in both the EG and CG groups(p<.05). Also, LOS, mFRT, MBI were significant different between the groups at post-test(p<.05). Conclusion : The study findings suggest that virtual reality balance training can improve sitting balance and ADL ability in stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.105-113
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dynamic balance training on pain, physical function, and dynamic balance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Fourteen patients with knee osteoarthritis participated in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n=7) or a control group (n=7). All the patients took part in a lower extremity strength program for 30 min. In addition, the experimental group participated in a 30-min dynamic balance program. Both groups performed the program five times a week for 3 weeks. Outcomes, including the numeric rating scale (NRS), Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M), were measured at baseline and after 3 weeks. Results: Both groups showed pre-to-post intervention improvements on all outcome measures (p<0.05). The experimental group showed a significant improvement in WOMAC (p = 0.00; Z = -2.82) and CB&M (p = 0.03; Z = -2.20) scores after the intervention as compared with those of the control group. Conclusion: The results revealed that dynamic balance training improved physical function, as well as balance ability, in patients with knee osteoarthritis as compared with that of a control group with no balance training.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.79-86
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• 2011

Background : The purpose of this study was to investigate on the ankle pain, Range of Motion(ROM) and balance ability with old man have fall down experience used to ankle strengthening exercise for 6 weeks. We introduced ankle strengthening exercise in this study in order to recover the pain, ankle ROM and balance ability. Methods : Twenty-four old mans have fall down experience were included for the study. Among them, twelve old mans(experimental group) were ankle strengthening exercise and physical science methods(H/P, TENS, U/S), another twelve old mans(control group) were treated by physical science methods(H/P, TENS, U/S). Each group made use of Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) to pain and goniometer to ankle ROM and Berg Balance Test(BBS) to balance ability to compare the possible changes of pain, ROM and balance ability in two groups after treatment. Results : In experimental group, pain reduced, ankle ROM has increased in dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion and balance ability has increased for 6 weeks. In control group, pain reduced, ankle ROM has not changed in dorsi-flextion, plantar-flextion and balance ability has not changed for 6 weeks. Conclusion : According to the results, we concluded that ankle strengthening exercise for 6 weeks is effective for reducing pain and increasing ankle ROM and balance ability. Therefore, we thought the old man have fall dawn experience need ankle strengthening exercise for prevention repeatedly fall down.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.56-65
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• 2020

Purpose: Individuals affected by stroke present with changes in motor function, balance, and cognition. The purpose of this study was to the correlation between motor function, balance, and cognition in patients with stroke. Design: cross-sectional study design. Methods: 67 stroke patients in the experiment were included. For evaluation of motor function which is Manual Muscle Test, Range of Motion, Modified Ashworth Scale for spasticity, grasping power, and balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Functional reach test. For evaluating Cognition which is Korean-Mini Mental State Examination. Results: The results of this study's motor function, balance, and cognition showed a significant positive correlation (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that motor function, balance, and cognition were significantly correlated with each other. Therefore, it is suggested that to improve the motor function and balance of patients with stoke, it needs to evaluate the cognition and the motor function, balance, and cognitive training should be combined.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1999-2004
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• 2020

Background: Although studies on physical motor learning through motor imagery training have been conducted in various fields, studies on its effectiveness are still considered insufficient. Objective: To investigate the effect of motor imagery training and balance training on static balance of asymptomatic adults in their 20s. Design: A quasi-experimental study. Methods: Thirty-six adults in their 20s who passed the tandem stance test were randomized to the motor imagery training group (MIG, n=12), motor imagery with balance training group (MIBG, n=12), and balance training group (BG, n=12). Each group underwent their respective interventions three times a week for four weeks, and changes in static balance were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Results: Trace length was significantly lower in the MIBG than in the MIG and BG (P<.05), and a significant reduction in trace length in the MIBG was observed after the intervention as compared to the baseline (P<.05). Furthermore, a significantly lower velocity was observed in the MIBG than in the MIG and BG (P<.05), and a significant reduction of velocity in the MIBG was more observed after the intervention compared to the baseline (P<.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that motor imagery training enhance static balance in healthy college students.

• 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.