Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the function of stroke patients could be improved by simultaneously performing bridging and masticating exercises. And, this was tested by examining whether the effects of arousal and cognitive improvement due to mastication muscle activity could affect exercise ability.
Objectives: To compare the effects, the movement of the center of pressure and the stability limit change were measured using a balance analysis platform (BT4).
Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Methods: In this study, 36 chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to either single training group of the bridging exercise or combined training group that performed both the bridging exercise and the mastication exercise. The exercise was performed for thirty minutes a day, three times a week, for eight weeks.
Results: In both groups, the static balance ability improved after exercise, but the dual-task training group had a better improving effect on the distance and area of the center of pressure while the eyes was open. The dynamic balance ability also improved after exercise, and the dual-task training was more effective in reducing forward, left, and right movements, but not in backward movement.
Conclusion: The importance of mastication was recognized in the rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients, and it can be expected to use mastication to improve balance in stroke patients in the future.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Minchul Park(Department of Physical Therapy, Seochoprime hospital)
• Jiyoung Bae(Department of Physical Therapy, Gangdong University)