Background: The method of measuring the walking function of patients with chronic stroke differs depending on patients walking capability and environmental conditions. Objects: This study aimed to demonstrate the influences of walking capacity and environmental conditions on the results of short- and long-distance walk tests in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Forty patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study, and allocated to group-1 (<.4㎧, household walking, n1=13), group-2 (.4∼.8㎧, limited community ambulation, n2=16), and group-3 (>.8㎧, community ambulation, n3=11) according to their walking capacity. The 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and 6-min walk tests, (6MWT) were used to compare the short- and long-distance walk tests results, which were randomly performed under indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Results: The comparison of the results obtained under the indoor and outdoor conditions revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in the 6MWT and 10MWT (p<.05). Post-hoc tests’ results showed significant differences between groups-1 and -2 and between groups-1 and -3 in the 10MWT, and between group-1 and -3 in the 6MWT. Furthermore, in group-2 the 10MWT and 6MWT results significantly differed between the indoor and outdoor conditions, and the values measured under the indoor and outdoor conditions significantly differed between 10MWT and 6MWT (p<.05). Group-3 showed a significant difference in 10MWT results between the indoor and outdoor conditions (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the results of the short- and long-distance walk tests may differ depending on the walking capacity of patients with chronic stroke and the environmental condition under which the measurement is made, and these effects were greatest for the patients with the limited community ambulation capacity.

Background: Many studies have reported positive results of the various mirror training and virtual reality games in improving dynamic standing balance and posture adjustment in chronic stroke patients. However, no systematic study has been conducted to compare the effects of virtual reality games and the mirror balance training. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Wii balance games and Mirror Self- Balancing Exercises in improving proprioception of knee joint and standing balance of people with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a Wii balance games group and a Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises group with 10 patients in each group. Each training was performed for 30 mins a day for 4 days. In addition to the balance training, 30 mins neuro-developmental-treatment based routine physical therapy was given to both groups. Proprioception was measured using two continuous passive motion devices, and static balance was measured using a Wii balance board. Dynamic balance assessment tools included the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and Timed Up-and-Go test. Results: All measured variables before and after the experimental results showed a significant improvement in both groups (p<.05). Only the improvement of the affected knee proprioception appeared to be significantly greater in the Wii balance game group (p<.05). However, other variables did not differ between the groups (p>.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both Wii balance games and Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises may be helpful for improving the proprioception of knee joint and the balance of patients with chronic stroke.

Background: Gait problems appear in most stroke patients. Commonly, stroke patients show the typical abnormal gait patterns, such as circumduction, genu recurvatum, and spastic paretic stiff-legged gait. An inclined treadmill gait exercise is good for gait problems of stroke patients. In addition, the backward walking training has been recommended in order to improve the component of the movement for the forward walking. Objects: The purpose of this study to investigated the effects of backward walking with inclined treadmill training on the gait in chronic stroke patients. Methods: A total of 30 volunteers were randomly allocated to two groups that walked on an inclined treadmill: the experimental group (n1=15), which walked backward, and the control group (n2=15), which walked forward. To measure the improvement of the patients’ gait, a Figure of Eight Walking Test (F8W), Four Square Step Test (FSST), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) were performed. We also measured spatio-temporal gait variables, including gait speed, cadence, stride length, and single limb support using a three-axial wireless accelerometer. The measurements were taken before and after the experiment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare both groups before and after the interventions. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparisons after the interventions. The statistical significance was set at α=.05. Results: Before and after experiment, all dependent variables were significantly different between the two groups (p<.05). As compared to the control group, the experimental group showed more significant improvements in F8W, FSST, speed, cadence, stride length, and single limb support (p<.05); however, FGA in this group was not significantly different from the control (p>.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that backward walking on an inclined treadmill is more effective for improving the gait of stroke patients than forward walking.

Background: Many studies regarding task-oriented training have recently demonstrated functional improvement in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. The task-oriented approach is very diverse, and chronic stroke patients must have access to a sustained systematic treatment program to enhance their walking ability. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of the task-oriented circuit training and treadmill training on walking function and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a task-oriented circuit training group and a treadmill training group with 7 patients in each. Each training regimen was performed for 30 min a day and 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Assessment tools included the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT), 10-m Walk Test, 6-min Walk Test (6MWT), and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Results: The change in results of the TUGT, 6MWT, and SIS measured prior to and following the training regimens appeared to be significantly different between the two groups (p<.05). In addition, after the intervention, significant differences were found for all parameters in the task-oriented circuit training group and for the TUGT, 6MWT, and SIS in the treadmill training group (p<.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that task-related circuit training and treadmill training may be helpful to improve walking function and quality of life of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. Additionally, a task-related circuit training program may achieve more favorable outcomes than a treadmill program.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mobilization of the sciatic nerve on hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke. This study was a randomized clinical trial with a crossover design. Sixteen subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two intervention groups and underwent either of the following two interventions: sciatic nerve mobilization or static stretching of the hamstring. We assessed hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance using a digital inclinometer, a hand-held dynamometer, and the 10-meter walk test, respectively. Subjects had a 24-hour rest period between each session in order to minimize carryover effects. Measurements for each test were assessed prior to and immediately after the intervention sessions. Using a two-way analysis of variance test with repeated measures, data from the two trials were analyzed by comparing the differences between both techniques. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. Sciatic nerve mobilization resulted in significantly better knee extensor strength (p=.023, from 15.32±5.98 to 18.16±6.95 ㎏) and knee flexor strength (p=.011, from 7.80±4.80 to 8.15±4.24 ㎏) in the experimental group than in the control group. However, no significant effects of static stretching of the hamstring were observed on hamstring flexibility from the ankle plantar flexion (p=.966) and ankle neutral positions (p=.210) and on gait performance (p=.396). This study indicated that the sciatic nerve mobilization technique may be more effective in muscle activation of the knee extensor muscle and knee flexor muscle than hamstring static stretching technique in patients with chronic stroke.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of an upper extremities group exercise program based on motor learning in chronic stroke patients and to assess improvements in upper sensory motor function and activities of daily living (ADL). Five chronic stroke patients participated for the duration of 25 weeks. On the assessment of motor and process skills, there was a statistically significant improvement in motor area functioning in 4 of the subjects. In process area functioning, there was a statistically significant change in 3 of the subjects. Therefore, further studies are needed to assess sensorimotor area and ADL changes in chronic stroke patients to reduce medical cost and assess for positive psychological changes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dual-task training with cognitive effort on the walking and balance functions of chronic stroke patients. The study included 14 chronic stroke patients, who were randomly divided into the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), each with 7 patients. The EG performed the dual-task training with cognitive effort 3 times a week, 30 minutes for 4 weeks, where as the CG performed single-task training three times a week, for 30 minutes for 4 weeks. Outcome assessments were made with 10 m walk test, timed up and go test, 6 minutes walk test, and Berg balance scale. In within-group comparison, subjects from the EG showed significant differences in all variables (p<.05), while subjects from the CG showed only significant differences in 6 minutes walk test, and Berg balance scale (p<.05). Further, there was significant difference in the improvement rate of 10 m walk test. The findings suggest that the dual-task with cognitive effort may be beneficial for improving walking and balance functions of patients with chronic stroke.

The common features of walking in patients with stroke include decreased gait velocity and increased asymmetrical gait pattern. The purpose of this study was to identify important factors related to impairments in gait velocity and asymmetry in chronic stroke patients. The subjects were 30 independently ambulating subjects with chronic stroke. The subjects’ impairments were examined, including the isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors, knee flexors, ankle plantarflexors, and ankle dorsiflexors. Passive and active ranges of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, ankle plantarflexor spasticity, joint position senses of the knee and ankle joint, and balance were examined together. In addition, gait velocity and temporal and spatial asymmetry were evaluated with subjects walking at their comfortable speed. Pearson correlations and multiple regressions were used to measure the relationships between impairments and gait speed and impairments and asymmetry. Regression analyses revealed that ankle passive ROM and peak torque of knee flexors were important factors for gait velocity (R2=.41), while ankle passive ROM was the most important determinant for temporal asymmetry (R2=.35). In addition, knee extensor peak torque was the most significant factor for gait spatial asymmetry (R2=.17). Limitation in ankle passive ROM and weakness of the knee flexor were major contributors to slow gait velocity. Moreover, limited passive ROM in the ankle influenced the level of temporal gait asymmetry in chronic stroke patients. Our findings suggest that stroke rehabilitation programs aiming to improve gait velocity and temporal asymmetry should include stretching exercise for the ankle joint.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of walking on a treadmill while using dynamic functional electrical stimulation (Dynamic FES) on functional ability and gait in chronic stroke patients. This was a prospective, randomized controlled study. Twelve patients with chronic stroke (＞;24 months) who were under grade 3 in dorsiflexor strength with manual muscle test were included and randomized into intervention (Dynamic FES) (n1=7) and control (FES) (n2=5). Both the Dynamic FES group and FES group were given a neuromuscular development treatment. The Dynamic FES group has implemented a total of 60 minutes of exercise treatment and gait training with Dynamic FES application. The FES group, with the addition of applying FES while sitting, has also implemented a total of 90 minutes of gait training on treadmill after the exercise treatment. Both two groups accomplished the program, twice a week, for a total of 24 times in a 12-week period. Exercise treatment, gait training on treadmill, and both Dynamic FES and FES were implemented for 30 minutes each. Korean version activities-specific balance confidence scale (K-ABC) was measured to determine self-efficacy in balance function. Timed up and go (TUG) test was performed to evaluate the physical performance. K-ABC, TUG, Berg balance scale (BBS), modified physical performance test (mPPT) and G-walk were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, statistically significant differences (p＜.05) were apparent in the Dynamic FES group in the changes in K-ABC and BBS. mPPT, TUG, gait speed, stride length and stance phase duration (%) were compared with the FES group. K-ABC had higher correlation to BBS, along with mPPT to TUG. Our results suggest that walking with Dynamic FES in chronic stroke patients may be beneficial for improving their balance confidence, functional ability and gait.

목적:본 연구는 연하장애를 동반한 만성 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 8주간 실시된 혀의 저항 운동 프로토콜이 혀의 근력과 전반적인 연하 기능에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법:본 연구는 2013년 8월부터 2014년 2월까지 75명의 연하장애 환자를 대상으로 실험군과 대조군으로 나누어 실시하였다. 두 군 모두 전통적 연하재활치료를 시행 받았으며 실험군은 아이오아 구강 수행도구를 이용하여 혀의 저항 운동을 추가적으로 시행 받았다. 혀의 근력 변화는 아이오아 구강 수행척도(Iowa Oral Performance Instrument; IOPI)를 사용하였으며 전반적인 연하기능과 식이단계의 변화는 비디오 투시 조영검사(Video Fluroscopic Swallowing Study; VFSS)를 기반으로 비디오 투시 연하장애척도(Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale; VDS)와 미국언어청각협회 연하척도(American Speech–Language- Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System; ASHA NOMS)를 사용하였다.결과:본 연구 결과 혀의 저항운동을 실시한 실험군에서 대조군에 비해 혀의 근력, 연하의 기능과 식이단계에 있어 효과에 대한 명확한 차이를 확인 할 수 없었으며 결과는 다음과 같다. 1) 혀의 전방과 후방의 근력 변화는 실험군, 대조군 모두 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 2) 연하기능의 변화와 식이단계 변화 역시 두 군 모두에서 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 3) 두 그룹 모두 중재 전과 후의 변화량 역시 통계학적 유의한 차이가 없었다. 결론:본 연구는 연하장애를 동반한 만성 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 혀의 저항운동이 혀의 근력 향상, 연하기능과 식이단계의 변화에 있어 대조군과 비교한 결과 그 효과에 대한 차이가 없었다. 추후 연구에서는 중재 기간과 횟수가 수정된 프로토콜을 이용한 효과 검증이 필요할 것이다.

This study purposed to provide a scientific base for understanding the effect of therapeutic intervention using motivation on chronic stroke patients’balance and determining whether it is applicable as a new therapeutic intervention. For this study, we sampled 38 chronic stroke patients, and divided them randomly into a motivation training group(n=20) and a control group(n=18). To the control group was applied neurological physiotherapy 5 times a week, and 30 minutes each time, and to the motivation training group was applied neurological physiotherapy and then, additionally, a Nintendo Wii-Fit program 3 times a week, and 30 minutes each time. Before and after the experiment, the subjects’dynamic balance was measured with functional reach test(FRT), timed up & go test(TUG), and 10m gait test, and their static balance was measured with the Romberger Test. When dynamic balance ability was compared between before and after the experiment and between the motivation training group and the control group, significant difference was observed in the results of FRT, TUG, and 10m walking test between before and after the intervention(p<.05). As to static balance, in addition, body balance movement distance was not significantly different. Therapeutic intervention using dynamic motivation was found to be more effective than the control group in improving dynamic balance.

목적 : 본 연구는 만성 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 상상훈련과 근전도 유발 신경근전기자극의 결합된 치료가 마비측 상지 기 능과 일상생활활동에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 2012년 8월부터 2013년 2월까지 K의료원에 외래 치료 중인 44명의 만성 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 무작위 대 조 실험을 하였다. 두 집단은 전통적 재활치료와 함께 실험군은 상상 훈련과 근전도 유발 전기자극의 결합된 치료를, 대조군은 일반적인 전기자극치료를 회당 30분간, 주 5회, 6주간 실시하였다. 상지기능평가로 Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)와 Manual Function Test (MFT)를 사용 하였으며 일상생활활동 평가로 수정바델지수(Modified Barthel Index; MBI)를 사용하여 중재 전·후 평가를 실시하였다. 결과 : 1) 6주간의 중재 후 실험군의 FMA, MFT 점수의 비교 결과 통계학적 유의한 변화를 보였다(p<.01). 2) 실험군의 MBI 점수의 비교 결과 통계학적 유의한 변화는 없었다. 하지만 개인위생과 옷 입기 항목에서 통계학적 유의한 변화를 보였다(p<.05). 반면 대조군의 경우 약간의 점수 향상은 있었지만 모든 평가에서 통계학적 유의한 변화는 없었다. 결론 : 만성 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 상상훈련과 근전도 유발 전기자극의 결합된 치료가 기능적 전기자극치료에 비해 뇌 졸중 환자의 마비측 상지기능을 향상 시킨다는 것을 확인하였으며, 손의 움직임과 관련된 일상생활활동 수행능력에도 영향을 미친다는 것을 알 수 있었다.

목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 뇌졸중 환자의 얕은손가락굽힘근에 진동자극을 적용하는 것이 손의 기민성을 향상시키고 얕은손가락굽힘근의 개시와 종료 시간을 단축시키는데 도움이 되는지를 알아보는 것이었다. 연구방법 : 본 연구는 개별실험연구방법 중 ABA 연구 설계를 이용하였다. 총 실험회기는 24회로 기초선 과정, 중재 과정, 기초선 회기 과정으로 나누어 각 8회기씩 진행하였다. 중재기간 동안 진동자극은 환측의 얕은손가락굽힘근에 적용되었다. 상자와 블록 검사(Box and Block Test; BBT), 그리고 컵을 쥐기 및 놓기 과제를 수행하는 동안 얕은손가락굽힘근의 개시시간과 종료시간을 측정하였다. 결과 : BBT 점수는 기초선 과정에 비교하였을 때 중재기간 동안 유의하게 증가되었으며(p<.05), 과제 수행 동안 얕은손가락굽힘근의 개시시간과 종료시간은 중재 기간 동안 유의하게 단축되었다(p<.05). 이 러한 경향은 회귀 과정 동안에도 긍정적으로 유지되었다. 결론 : 이러한 결과는 진동자극이 이환된 손의 기민성을 향상시키고 물건을 쥐고 놓는 동안 손과 얕은손가락굽힘근의 활성 형태를 향상시키는데 긍정적으로 사용될 수 있다는 것을 의미한다.

목적 : 이 연구의 목적은 전산화 인지재활 프로그램(Rehacom)이 50대, 60대, 70대 만성 뇌졸중 환자의 인지기능과 일상생활활동에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 2011년 6월 1일부터 동년 9월 30일까지 부산에 위치한 I병원에 입원한 환자 중 뇌졸중 진단을 받고 발병일로부터 24개월이 경과한 50대, 60대, 70대 각 10명을 대상으로 하였다. 대상자는 한국판 간이 정신상태 검사(Mini-Mental Status Examination-Korean; MMSE-K) 점수 18점 이상 23점 이하의 환자이며, 중재는 1회 30분씩, 주 3회, 9주 동안 Rehacom을 이용한 전산화 인지재활이 제공되었다. 중재 전과 중재 3주, 6주, 9주에 걸쳐 인지기능을 비교하기 위해 한국판 수정 간이정신상태검사(Korean Modified Mini-Mental State Examination; K-3MS)과 신경행동학적 인지상태검사(Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination; NCSE)를 시행하였고, 일상생활활동 수행능력을 비교하기 위하여 수정바델지수(Modified Barthel index; MBI) 와 기능적 독립측정(Functional Independence Measure; FIM)을 시행하였다. 결과 : 중재 전 인지기능과 일상생활활동 능력에서 50대, 60대, 70대 간의 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<.05). 중재가 진행되면서 각 집단의 NCSE와 K3MS 점수는 유의하게 향상되었으나, 공분산 분석에 의하면 중재 후 세 집단간에는 유의한 차이가 없었다. 일상생활활동 분석결과 50대 군은 중재에 따른 유의한 변화를 보이지 않았으나, 60대와 70대는 유의한 변화를 보였다(p<.05). 중재 후 세 집단 간 비교 시 FIM 평가에서 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<.05). 연령에 따른 인지기능의 회복정도가 일상생활활동에 미치는 영향을 알아본 결과 전산화 인지재활을 통한 K-3MS의 점수향상과 연령은 MBI점수와 FIM점수 향상에 영향을 미치는 요인으로 나타났다(p<.05). 결론 : 전산화 인지재활 프로그램(Rehacom)이 발병일로부터 24개월이 경과한 만성 뇌졸중 환자에게도 효과를 나타낸다는 것을 알 수 있었으며, 인지기능 향상은 고연령층에서 일상생활활동에 더 긍정적인 효과를 보였다. 본 연구는 만성 뇌졸중 환자나 연령이 높은 환자에게도 전산화 인지재활이 효과적임을 확인하였다.

We evaluated whether group locomotor imagery training-combined knowledge of performance (KP) lead to improvements in gait function in community dwelling individuals with chronic stroke. Ten adults who had suffered a hemiparetic stroke at least 6 months earlier participated in group locomotor imagery training-combined KP for 5 weeks, twice per week, with 2 h intensive training. Dynamic gait index scores increased significantly after the group locomotor imagery training-combined KP. However, times for the timed up-and-go test did not improve significantly after the training. Group locomotor imagery training-combined KP may be a useful option for the relearning of gait performance for community dwelling individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

This study is to examine the effects of a feedback breathing device exercise and diaphragm breathing exercise on pulmonary functions of chronic strokes patients. The selection of 20 subjects was divided equally and placed into a experiment group and a control group and the intervention was applied four times per a week for five weeks. In each session, both groups received rehabilitative exercise treatment for 30 minutes, and a feedback breathing device exercise for 15 minutes. In addition, experimental group conducted a combination of diaphragm breathing exercise for 15 minutes. Prior to and after the experiment, patients’ pulmonary functions were measured using a spirometer. The pulmonary function tests included FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, VC, TV, IC, ERV, IRV. With respect to changes in the pulmonary functions of both groups, the experimental group significantly differed in FVC, FEV1, TV, ERV but did not in PEF, FEV1/FVC, VC, IRV. The control group did not significantly differ in any of the tests. There were significant differences in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, TV, ERV between the two groups, but no significant differences in FVC, PEF, FEV1/FVC, VC, IRV between them after the experiment. The experimental group, which conducted a combination of a feedback breathing device exercise and diaphragm breathing exercise, saw their respiratory ability increase more significantly than the control group. The breathing exercise was found to improve pulmonary function in chronic stroke patients.

목적 : 본 연구는 만성뇌졸중 환자에게 휴대전화를 이용한 원격재활이 상지운동기능, 균형감각과 일상생활활동 수행능 력에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 발병 2년 이상 경과된 만성뇌졸중 환자 20명을 무작위 할당을 통해 실험군(10명)과 대조군(10명)으로 구분 하였다. 실험군과 대조군 모두에게 자가운동프로그램을 주 5회, 총 8주간 실시하였다. 자가운동프로그램과 함께 실험 군에는 휴대전화를 이용한 원격재활 중재를 적용하였으며, 대조군에는 스스로 확인할 수 있는 일일점검표를 제공하였 다. 중재 전·후 대상군들의 기능을 측정하기 위해 Fugl-Meyer 평가 척도, 버그균형검사, 상자와 나무토막 검사, 운동 활동지표, 수정된 바델지수를 사용하였다. 결과 : 휴대전화를 이용한 원격재활 중재가 제공된 실험군은 상지기능, 균형감각 및 일상생활활동 수행능력에서 유의하 게 향상된 반면(p<.05), 대조군에서는 유의한 변화를 보이지 못했다(p>.05). 또한 중재 전·후의 변화량, 수행도와 만 족도 모두 대조군에 비해 실험군에서 통계적으로 유의하게 높은 것으로 나타났다(p<.05). 결론 : 본 연구는 휴대전화를 이용한 원격재활이 만성뇌졸중 환자의 상지기능, 균형감각 및 일상생활활동 수행에 효과적 임을 지지하며, 국내 임상적 상황에서 원격재활의 가능성을 제시하였다.

목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 균형능력에 문제가 있는 만성 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 과제 지향적 활동의 실험군과 보존적 작업치료의 대조군과의 중재결과를 비교하여 일상생활동작의 수행 능력과 균형능력, 만족도에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 본 연구는 2000년 7월부터 2008년 6월까지 뇌졸중 진단을 받고 서울 △병원에서 입원 치료를 받은 대상자 중 본 연구 목적에 맞는 실험군 18명 대조군 15명을 대상으로 실시하였다. 모든 중재는 훈련받은 2인의 작업치료사가 3개월 동안 주 5회, 1일 30분씩 시행하였고, 실험군은 과제 지향적 활동으로, 대조군은 신경발달치료를 기반으로 한 보존적 작업치료로 중재하였다. 중재 전·후 일상생활동작과 균형능력, 작업수행 만족도는 Berg Balance Scale(BBS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure(COPM), Functional Independence Measure(FIM)으로 측정하였다. 결과 : 중재 후 과제 지향적 활동의 실험군(p<.001)과 보존적 작업치료를 받은 대조군(p<.01)의 균형능력과 일상생활동작 수행능력, 환자의 만족도 모두 중재 전보다 유의하게 향상되었다. 중재 후 집단 간 비교에서는 균형능력(p<.05)과 환자의 만족도(p<.01)에서 실험군이 대조군보다 유의하게 향상되었다. 일상생활동작 수행능력에서는 집단 간 차이를 보여주지 못했다(p>.05). 결론 : 본 연구 결과에 근거하여 과제 지향적 활동이 보존적 작업치료보다 만성 뇌졸중 환자의 일상생활동작 수행능력과 균형능력, 만족도를 향상하는데 도움이 될 것으로 보인다.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of task-oriented arm training for chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. The experimental design in this study was the pre-test and post-test with control group for 4-week intervention. Thirty patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke were recruited from 2 rehabilitation units. The subjects were divided randomly into experimental and control groups. The experimental group conducted task-oriented approach, involving 3 subparts of upper extremity activities, and the control group involved in the general upper extremity exercises. Functional movements of the upper extremities were assessed using clinical measures, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity Section, Box and Block Test, and Action Research Arm Test. The score of Fugl-Meyer Assessment showed greater increases in the experimental group than in the control group after training. The improvement in Box and Block Test between pre-test and post-test measurements was significantly greater after task-oriented arm training compared to general upper extremity exercises. Action Research Arm Test scores also improved after task-oriented arm training compared to exercises in the control group. The task-oriented arm training improves the gross and fine motor activities and encouraging the use of the paretic arm through activity dependent intervention expedites the recovery of functional activities in the upper extremities for chronic hemiparetic stroke.

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors determining the participation restriction of chronic stroke patients based on international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) model. Sixty-eight stroke patients participated. The participants were assessed participation restriction using the Korean version of London handicap scale (K-LHS), modified Barthel index (K-MBI) to measure activities of daily living, Berg balance scale (K-BBS) to assess balance, and the center for epidemiologic studies depression (K-CES-D) to gauge depression. Also, 3 minutes walking test (3MWT), gait velocity, asymmetric posture, and family support were assessed. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to explore the factors determining participation restriction. There were no significant different in the K-LHS and K-MBI results by gender (p>.05). Correlations between the K-LHS and K-MBI (r=-.656), K-BBS (r=-.543), K-CES-D (r=.266), 3MWT (r=-.363), gait velocity (r=.348), and family support (r=-.389) were significant (p<.05). Also, the K-MBI and family support were the factors that determined participation restriction (p<.05) and that 40.2% of the variation in the K-LHS can be explained. Therefore, it is suggested that evaluation and intervention of patient's activity level and extent of family support is necessary to reduce participation restriction of chronic stroke patients.