The purpose of the study was to investigate the immediate effects of negative pressure soft tissue therapy on muscle tone, muscle stiffness and balance in patients with stroke. In total, 20 patients with stroke and assigned to the negative pressure soft tissue therapy group (NPST, n=10) or, placebo-negative pressure soft tissue therapy group(Placebo-NPST, n=10). Both groups underwent NPST or placebo-NPST once a day during the experimental period. MyotonPRO was used to assess the parameters for muscle tone and stiffness. Biorescue was used to assess the parameters for balance. Each group showed improvements in muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and balance ability (p<.05). Especially, Muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and anterior length in the limit of stability were the significant improvement on NPST group (p<.05). The results of the study suggest that the NPST is effective in improving muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and balance ability in patients with stroke.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
 Subjects
 Experimental procedure
 Measurements Method
 Evaluation of balance ability
RESULTS
 Changes in muscle tone and stiffness
 Changes in balance ability
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Kyu Ryeong Kim(HaeSung Rehabilitation Hospital)
• Houng Soo Shin(Kyungwoon University)
• Sang Bin Lee(Namseoul University)
• Hyun Sook Hwang(Cheju Halla University)
• Hee Joon Shin(Cheju Halla University) correspondence