Eccentric muscle contraction is more effective than concentric and iosmetric muscle contraction in increasing muscle strength. Also, eccentric or concentric-eccentric training has greater effective in neural activation and muscle hypertrophy than concentric training. In some study, eccentric exercises have been shown to reduce pain and improve function on Achilles tendinopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eccentric isokinetic exercise in a patient with dislocation of the tarsometatarsal joint by traffic accident. After eccentric isokinetic training, peak torque, average work, and average power were increased. Also, the patient was fully weightbearing with a pain free normal gait thus making good recovery.

Patient education is one of the most important roles of a physical therapist. Physical therapists have to teach and provide information about illness, instruct for home exercise, and give advice relating to correct posture and daily activities et al. For an efficient education some strategies are required. The purpose of this article is to review general learning methods, to introduce elements that influence the procedure of patient education and learning, and to plan an education strategy.

In rehabilitation programs involving muscle re-education and endurance exercise, it is necessary to confirm when fatigue occurs. It is also necessary to quantify fatigue, to confirm whether the muscle has been exercised sufficiently. In general, as fatigue occurs, the force-generating ability of the muscle is reduced. If the median frequency (MDF) obtained from electromyogram (EMG) power spectrum is correlated highly with work, then the timing and degree of fatigue may be confirmed. This study examined the relationship between work and MDF obtained from the EMG power spectrum during repetitive isokinetic exercise. Surface EMG signals were collected from biceps brachii and vastus lateralis of 52 normal subjects (26 males, 26 females) at and while performing an isokinetic exercise. The exercise was finished at 25% of peak work. MDF data was obtained using a moving fast Fourier transformation (FFT), and random noise was removed using the inverse FFT, then a new MDF data was obtained from the main signal. There was a high correlation between work and MDF during repetitiv isokinetic exercise in the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis of males and the biceps brachii of females (r=.50~.77). However, there was a low correlation between work and MDF in the vastus lateralis of females (r=.06~.19).

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of anterior walker and posterior walker on gait parameters and body alignment of children with cerebral palsy. The intraclass correlation coefficient was .99 for intertester reliability. Intratester reliability was between .96 and .99. The use of posterior walker increased gait velocity and facilitated more upright posture. The measurement of joint angle program was found to be reliable to measure range of motion. This study has a limitation of generalizing the results to all children with cerebral palsy. Research is required to investigate the effect of posterior walker on energy efficiency.

Stroke is a serious disease despite recent improvement in medical and surgical treatment. Hence, identification of modifiable risk factors for stroke is important. This case-control study was done to demonstrate that relationship between smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, perception of saltness and the incidence of stroke and to identify that smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and perception of saltness, after adjusting for age, hypertension. A structured interview was carried out from April 15, 1996 to May 3, 1996 in Yonsei Medical Center. The study group consisted of 59 neurologically confirmed stroke patients as the study group and 59 non-stroke patients as controls. Analysis of the data was done by means of -test and logistic regression analysis. The results were as follows. In the study group: 1) Hypertension in males had a 10.2 odds ratio (p<0.05), cardiovascular disease in females had a 11.3 odds ratio (p<0.05) and a farnily history of stroke in males had a 3.1 odds ratio (p<0.05). 2) Females smoking one or more cigarettes had a 8.3 odds ratio (p<0.1), but males had no direct relationship with odds ratio of 1.5 (non-significant). 3) Alcohol consumption in males had a 0.4 odds ratio, and in females had a 0.8 odds ratio. The odds ratio was decreased in alcohol consumption group (non-significant). 4) Males with more than 20 cigarettes pack-years history had a 2.5 odds ratio (p<0.05), more than 25 Body Mass Index had a 3.1 odds ratio (p<0.05) and more than 220 ml ethanol weekly consumption had a 1.5 odds ratio (non-significant). 5) Female smokers had a 8.3 odds ratio (p<0.1), drinkers a 0.8 odds ratio and more than 25 Body Mass Iidex, a 43.1 odds ratio (p<0.05). 6) Females without saltness perception from a 0.5% salt solution had a 6.8 odds ratio (non-significant). 7) By logistic regression analysis independent risk factors for stroke in males were found to be hypertention, age, and obesity. The study was limited because number of subjects was too small for practical implications. However, like as other results, this study suggest that people should be advised to control hypertension, and obesity since these carry a risk of stroke.

Arthritis may well be the diagnosis most commonly encountered by physicla therapists. Until the past few year, physical therapy treatment programs for arthritis consisting of heat, ROM, isometric exercise and rest were the rule. But now physical therapy treatment activities have changee. New philosophies, about exercise in particular, have emerge, as well as an improved understanding and application of physical agents. Therefore a review of the literature regarding physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is presented.