본 연구의 목적은 알츠하이머질환(Alzheimer’s disease: AD) 동물 모델을 대상으로 트레드밀 운 동(Treadmill exercise: TE)과 환경강화(environmental enrichment: EE) 처치가 인지기능, 근 기능, 및 밀 착연접 단백질 발현에 미치는 영향을 확인하는데 있다. AD 동물 모델을 제작하기 위해 aluminum chloride(AlCl3)를 90일간(40mg/kg/하루) 투여 하였으며 동시에 TE(10-12m/min, 40-60min/day) 혹은 EE에 노출시켰다. 그 결과 AlCl3 투여에 의한 인지기능 저하와 근 기능 감소가 TE와 EE에 의해 완화된 것 으로 나타났다. 또한, TE와 EE는 AD 질환에서 나타나는 β-amyloid(Aβ), alpha-synuclein 및 tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) 단백질의 발현 증가를 감소시킨 것으로 나타났다. 게다가 TE와 EE는 AlCl3 투여에 의해 감소된 밀착연접 단백질(Occludin, Claudin-5 및 ZO-1)의 발현을 통계적으로 유의하게 증가시킨 것으로 나타났다. 마지막으로 Aβ 단백질과 밀착연접 단백질과의 상관분석을 실시한 결과 부적 상 관관계(Occludin: r=-0.853, p=0.001; Claudin-5 : r=-0.352, p=0.915; ZO-1 : r=-0.424, p=0.0390) 로 나타났다. 따라서 이를 종합해 보면 TE 혹은 EE 처치는 AD에 나타나는 병리학적 특징들을 일부 완화 시켜 인지기능과 근 기능을 일부 개선 시킬 수 있는 효과적인 운동 방법이라고 생각된다.

서로 다른 감각 정보의 불일치가 가상현실 멀미를 유발하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 트레드밀 기반의 가상현실 보행을 통해 감각 정보 일치의 멀미 완화 효과를 검증하고 나아가서 가상현실에서의 광학 흐름(optic flow) 단서에 의한 시각적 속도감과 트레드밀 보행을 통한 보행 속도감의 불일치가 멀미 완화 효과에 미치는 영향을 검증 하였다. 실험1에서는 트레드밀 보행의 멀미 완화 효과를 검증하기 위해 HMD를 통해 앞으로 이동하는 가상현실 체험을 하면서 가만히 서 있을 때와 트레드밀 보행을 할 때의 멀미 수준을 비교하였다. 실험 결과 가상현실 속에서 이동을 하며 트레드밀 보행을 할 때 더 적은 멀미를 느끼고 실재감과 몰입감은 증가하였다. 실험2와 실험3에서는 가상현실 속에서 이동하는 속도에 대한 시각적 속도감과 트레드밀 보행의 속도감을 조작해 두 속도감이 일치할 때와 불일치할 때의 멀미 수준을 비교하였다. 흥미롭게도 참가자들은 시각적 속도감이 보행속도감보다 빠르게 느껴지는 불일치 조건에서 일치조건보다 더 낮은 멀미를 경험하였다. 이와 같은 실험결과는 가상현실 속에서 이동할 때 시각적 정보와 일관되게 트레드밀 보행을 하게 하는 것이 가상현실 멀미를 완화시키지만 속도감의 일치가 필수적인 것이 아님을 시사한다.

이 연구는 비만이 심장 조직에서 자가포식 관련 단백질 발현에 미치는 영향을 확인하기 위해 고지방 식이(20주)를 통해 비만을 유도한 후 8주간의 트레드밀 운동을 실시하고, 자가포식의 유도, 형성 그리고 자가포식포와 라이소좀 융합단계를 조절하는 단백질의 발현을 확인하였다. 실험동물(SD rat)은 20주 간의 고지방식이(탄수화물: 20%, 지방: 60%, 단백질: 20%)를 통해 비만을 유도하였으며, 8주간의 트레드 밀 운동(주 5일, 하루 30분, 5분; 8m/min, 5분; 11m/min, 20분; 14m/min)을 실시하였다. 집단 구분은 정상식이 비교군(n=10), 고지방식이 비교군(n=10), 고지방식이 운동군(n=10)으로 구분하였다. 8주간의 트레드밀 운동 실시 전과 후에 경구당부하검사를 실시하여 곡선하 면적(area under the curve; AUC)을 산출 하였으며, 공복시 인슐린 농도와 포도당 농도를 통해 인슐린 저항성 지표인 HOMA-IR과 체중 당 복부지 방량(abdominal visceral fat/Body weight; AVF/BW)를 산출하여 비교하였다. 또한 심장 조직에서 자가포식 관련 단백질을 분석하여 운동 트레이닝의 효과를 검증하였다. 장기간의 고지방식이를 통해 HFD-CON 그룹에서는 비만이 유도되었으며, ND-CON 그룹에 비해 체중, AUC, HOMA-IR, AVF/BW가 증가되는 것으로 나타났다. 하지만 8주간의 트레드밀 운동을 실시한 HFD-TE 그룹에서는 AUC, HOMA-IR, AVF/BW가 개선되는 것으로 나타났다. 체중의 경우, 감소되는 경향은 있었지만, 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다. 자가포식 유도에 관여하는 mTOR와 AMPK는 비만상황에서 모두 감소되었지만, 운동을 통해 증가되는 것으로 나타났다. 자가포식 형성에 관련된 Beclin-1, BNIP3, ATG-7, p62, LC3는 비만상황에서 모두 증가하는 것으로 나타났으며, 운동을 통해 감소되는 것으로 나타났다. 자기포식포와 라이소좀 융합단계 조절하는 Cathepsin L과 LAMP2는 비만상황에서 모두 감소되었으며, 운동을 통해 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 트레드밀 운동과 같은 신체활동은 대사성 질환에서 나타나는 병리학적 현상을 개선하고 자가포식 과정을 정상적으로 유도하는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 트레드밀 운동이 심장 관련 질환의 예방 및 치료에 있어 일차적으로 고려해야할 필요성이 있다고 제안한다.

Background: In previous studies, changes in postural alignment were found when the slope was changed during walking. Downhill walking straightens the trunk by shifting the line of gravity backward. Objects: This study investigated the effect of the downhill treadmill walking exercise (DTWE) on thoracic angle and thoracic erector spinae (TES) activation in subjects with thoracic kyphosis. Methods: A total of 20 subjects with thoracic kyphosis were recruited for this study. All the subjects performed the DTWE for 30 minutes. A surface EMG and 3D motion capture system were used to measure TES activation and thoracic angle before and after the DTWE. Paired t-tests were used to confirm the effect of the DTWE (p<.05). Results: Both the thoracic angle and TES activation had significantly increased after the DTWE compared to the baseline (p<.05). An increase in the thoracic angle indicates a decrease in kyphosis. Conclusion: The DTWE is effective for thoracic kyphosis patients as it decreases their kyphotic posture and increases the TES activation. Future longitudinal studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of the DTWE.

Background: Stroke patients show abnormal walking patterns due to brain injury. In order to have the desired walking pattern, appropriate stimulation is required to activate the central pattern generator. For this reason, our study performed treadmill ambulatory training with rhythmic auditory stimulation. However we did not consider the influence of visual feedback. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the gait abilities in chronic stroke patients following either treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation and visual feedback (TRASVF) or treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation (TRAS) alone. Methods: Twenty-one stroke patients were divided into two groups: A TRASVF group (10 subjects) and a TRAS group (11 subjects). They received 30 minutes of neuro-developmental therapy (NDT) and walking training for 30 minutes, five times a week for three weeks. Temporal and spatial gait parameters were measured before and after the training period. The Biodex gait trainer treadmill system measured gait parameters. Results: After the training periods, the TRASVF group showed a significant improvement in walking speed, the step length of the affected limb, and time on each foot of the affected limb when compared to the TRAS group (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation and visual feedback improved individual gait ability more than the treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation alone. Therefore, visual feedback should be considered along with rhythmic auditory stimulation training.

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.

Background: Patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) functionally adapt to decreased postural control due to impaired processing of sensory information. Standing postural control has been the focus of recent research in CLBP. Change in postural control may be a risk factor for CLBP, although available studies are not conclusive. Objects: This study aimed to identify the role of partial weight supported treadmill training (PWSTT) in improving balance, dysfunction, and pain in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: The study included 22 patients with CLBP. Patients in the control group (n1=8) performed three 20 min stabilization exercise sessions per week, for 4 weeks. Patients in the full weight treadmill training group (n2=7) performed treadmill training for 30 min after stabilization exercise. Patients in the PWSTT group (n3=7) performed PWSTT with 20% of their body weight unloaded after stabilization exercises. By using the Biodex balance system, the dynamic balance abilities of the patients in the three groups were assessed in the quiet standing position under combined conditions of visual feedback (eyes open and closed) and platform stability (level 8). The Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale score were used as the main measure. Results: The results of this study showed that dysfunction and pain were significantly improved in all groups. Although dynamic postural stability with eyes closed was significantly improved only in the PWSTT group (p<.05), no significant difference was found in the other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that PWSTT improved balance, dysfunction and pain in the patients with CLBP. Thus, this intervention is necessary for patients with CLBP with decreased postural control.

In this paper, we developed a virtual reality-based contents that can gait analysis and gait training on a treadmill using a depth camera of Kinect. This content was used in the user's step length, step velocity, step count, flexion angle extracted by the Kinect skeleton tracking. Nine male subjects (24.9 years, 173.2cm) performed gait training using avatars to reflect their movements on the treadmill and confirmed result of gait analysis using real-time graphs to display their gait variables. Implemented contents can lead to a cognition reaction that is to avoid collisions with obstacles, as well as to determine the gait movements in a virtual reality. Based on these results, we will be able to make real time gait analysis and gait training, in consider the characteristics and safety of a rehabilitation patient by developing content that we have fun with additional tests for gait analysis.

This research sought to analyze the characteristics of breast movement at the treadmill activity levels. It also examined the effect of wearing a sports bra in reducing breast displacement. The subjects for the data collection were females in their 20s (n=2) with C-cup size breast. The experimental conditions were three different moving speeds (4 km/h, jogging: 7 km/h, and sprinting: 10 km/h) and two types of sports bras. Three dimensional breast displacement was measured. The displacement of the right nipple point was measured with a 3D motion analyzer. The results show that the breasts were greatly displaced from the walking speed (4 km/h) when subjects did not wear any bra. Whereas their breast displacement distance decreased remarkably when they wore sports bras. The nipple point moved 42~44 mm in the vertical direction at walking speed with naked condition. But it was reduced by 80% after wearing sports bras. When subjects running (7 km/h, 10 km/h) without any bra, the nipple point moved 122~141 mm. However it was reduced by 60~70% when they wore sports bras. The apartment time (time delay) between at the highest point of the upper body and the nipple was 0.25 seconds at the running speeds (7 km/h, 10 km/h) without wearing any bra. After wearing sports bras, the time delay was cut to 0.06~0.12 seconds. These results implies that without wearing any bra the skin surrounding the breasts might be seriously pulled at running activity. The functional sports bra suppress breast movement. It might prevent the sagging of breasts by preventing the damage of the Cooper's ligaments.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of visual cue deprivation during sideways treadmill training in individuals with stroke. Twenty-eight stroke patients were divided into two groups, and each group participated in a sideways treadmill training session for 20 minutes, three times per week for 4 weeks. The eyes close group (15 subjects) performed this treadmill training with visual cue deprivation, while the eyes open group (13 subjects) performed it without visual cue deprivation. Gait function was measured in both groups before and after the training sessions with the Biodex Gait Trainer 2, which determined walking speed, distance, step length, and time on each foot. Balance was measured before and after each training period in both groups using the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the seven-item Berg Balance Scale-3P (7-item BBS-3P). The eyes close group showed significantly improved gait function, walking speed, distance, step length, and time on each foot after training (p<.05). The eyes close group showed improved balance ability, FTSST, TUG, and 7-item BBS-3P test after training (p<.05). The findings indicated that sideways treadmill training with visual cue deprivation positively affects gait ability of stroke patients. Therefore, sideways treadmill training with visual cue deprivation may be useful for the recovery of gait ability of stroke patients.

The study aimed to compare the effect of the treadmill walking training combined with obstacle-crossing (TWT-OC) and treadmill walking training (TWT) on the walking function of patients with chronic stroke. 29 subjects volunteered to participate in this study; they were randomly assigned to either TWT-OC group (15 subjects) or TWT group (14 subjects). Subjects from the TWT-OC group underwent a treadmill walking combined with obstacles-crossing for 30 minutes daily, three days a week for four weeks, whereas subjects from the TWT group received only a treadmill walking. The 10 m walk test (10MWT), 6-min walk test (6MWT), berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG), activities-specific balance confidence-Korean version (ABC-K), and walking ability questionnaire (WAQ) were measured before and after the 4-week training. The TWT-OC group showed significantly better functional mobility of walking and balance measured by 6MWT (p<.01), BBS (p<.01), and TUG scores (p<.05) when compared with those of the TWT group. Further, within-group comparison showed significant improvement in all variables (p<.01) except for 10MWT. These findings suggest that the TWT-OC and TWT may be helpful for improving the walking function of patients with chronic stroke, and the TWT-OC has probably more favorable outcomes for chronic stroke, however, further trials with wider range of subjects are warranted for generalization and clinical relevance.

The aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of backward gait training on the treadmill in patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve patients with spastic diplegic CP participated in the study. An 8-week course of backward gait training was administered to the subjects for 3 days per week. Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments of temporal-spatial gait parameters, the symmetry of the bilateral lower extremity weight bearing, and gross motor function were analyzed using motion analysis system, force plate, and Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM). There were significant improvements (p<.05) in the measures of both step length and right stance phase time. Joint kinematics showed increase in right hip abduction in initial contact and terminal swing, right hip external rotation and knee flexion in mid-swing, left ankle dorsiflexion in initial contact and terminal swing (p<.05). The symmetry of the bilateral lower extremity weight bearing and GMFM also significantly increased (p<.05). These findings indicate that backward gait training using a treadmill is beneficial for patients with spastic diplegic CP.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of treadmill exercise of low-intensity and moderate- intensity on the functional recovery and histological change in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. SCI was induced by the spinal cord impactor dropped after laminectomy. Experimental groups were divided into the Group I (normal control), Group II (non-treatment after SCI induction), Group III (low-intensity treadmill exercise after SCI induction), Group IV (moderate-intensity treadmill exercise after SCI induction). After operation, rats were tested at modified Tarlov scale at 2 days with divided into 4 groups, and motor behavior test (BBB locomotor rating scale, Grid walk test) was examined at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. For the observation of damage change and size of the organized surface in spinal cord, histopathological studies were performed at 21 days by H & E, and BDNF(brain-derived neutrophic factor) & Trk-b immunohistochemistry studies were performed at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 days. According to the results, treadmill exercise can play a role in facilitating recovery of locomotion following spinal cord injury. Specially, moderate-intensity treadmill exercise after SCI induction was most improvement in functional recovery and histological change.

This study was designed to examine the effects of electroacupuncture and treadmill exercise on the improvement of muscle atrophy and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) expression in an ischemic stroke model induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. This study selected 120 Sprangue-Dawley rats, divided them into six groups, and assigned 5 rats to each group. Experiments were conducted for 1, 3 days and 1, 8 weeks, respectively. In each group, changes in weight of muscle and relative muscle of tibialis anterior muscle, histologic observations, and BDNF expression were observed and analyzed. For the changes in muscle weight of unaffected and affected sides of tibialis anterior, muscle atrophy was expressed in an affected side 3 days after ischemic stroke was induced. There was a statistically significant difference in Group VI 1 and 8 weeks after ischemic stroke was induced, compared to Group II (p<.05). For the changes in relative muscle weight of unaffected and affected sides of tibial anterior muscle, there was significant decrease in each group 3 days after ischemic stroke was induced, compared to Group I, while there was a statistically significant increase in Group VI 1 week after ischemic stroke was induced, compared to Group II (p<.05). For neurologic exercise behavior test, Group VI generally had the highest score, compared to other groups. The results of the behavior test suggests that 8 weeks after ischemic stroke was induced, Group VI improved in degeneration and inflammation of muscle fiber and decreased in destruction of nerve cells and cerebral infarction, thus indicating a similar state of muscle fiber and brain tissue in Group I. In immunohistochemical observations, Group 1 week showed increase in BDNF. Based on these results, electroacupuncture and treadmill exercise may improve muscle atrophy and change in BDNF expression of ischemic stroke rats and contribute to the improvement of exercise function.

To compare the effects of forward walking and backward walking on surface electromyographic analysis of quadriceps muscles at treadmill grades of 0%, 5% and 10%, subjects were randomized to eleven athletics (5 females, 6 males), with a mean age of 17.8 years, and a SD of 4.66 years. The values of the surface electromyographic (SEMG) activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) were measured during forward walking and backward walking on a treadmill at grades of 0, 5 and 10%. The subjects walked for approximately 10 seconds at 4.0 km/h. The data were analyzed by repeated measuring of the two-way ANOVA and analyzed by a paired t-test between forward walking and backward walking. The SEMG activity levels of the RF, VL and VMO were the highest when both the forward walking and backward walking increased incrementally for treadmill grades of 0% to 10%, but the VMO/VL ratio had no significant changes. The SEMG activity levels of the RF, VL and VMO were significantly different between directions. However, SEMG activity levels of the RF, VL, VMO and VMO/VL ratio did not show significant difference among the treadmill grades. No statistically significant interactions were detected between the direction of walking and treadmill grade. Backward walking on the treadmill at 4 km/h and grades of 0%, 5%, 10% elicited a greater SEMG activity on the quadriceps muscles than did forward walking under the same conditions. The results suggest that the quadriceps may be effectively activated by performance at treadmill grades of 10%. This investigation confirms that backward walking up an incline may place additional muscular demands on individuals.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of applied insole types to lower extremities muscle fatigue during treadmill exercise. The control group and each different insole type group consisted of ten healthy male subjects. In the control group and each different insole type (soft type; 10 shore, semi-rigid type; 33 shore, rigid type; 50 shore) treadmill exercise was performed in twenty-five minutes. The electromyography (EMG) signals of four muscle (tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris) were recording at sampling rate of 1024 Hz during treadmill exercise. The localized muscle fatigue (LMF) can be investigated using power spectral analysis. When did data analysis that excepted initial five minutes. The raw EMG signals was processed using the fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) and the median power frequency value was determined in initial ten second period and in last ten second period. Fatigue index was calculated and collected data were statistically analyzed by SPSS version 10.0 two-way using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures () was used to determine the main effect and interaction. Post hoc was performed with least significant difference. A level of significance was .05. Muscles fatigue index were significantly decreased in insole types (p<.05) and not significantly different in muscle (p>.05). Post hoc analysis shows that fatigue index in soft insole type, semi-rigid insole type and rigid insole type were lower than that control group (p=.028, p=.146, p=.095). There were no interaction between insole type and muscles (p>.05). The finding of this study can be used as a fundamental data when insole is applied and insole can be used to decreased of a fatigue during the dynamic exercise.

Body weight support treadmill training is a new and promising therapy in gait rehabilitation of patients with hemiplegia. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of body weight support treadmill training on gait and standing balance in patients with hemiplegia. Eighteen patients with hemiplegia participated in the study. A 10 m-timed walk test, measurements of step length and standing balance score were administered. Intervention consisted of body weight support treadmill training five times a week for 2 weeks. The data were analyzed by paired t-test. Body weight support treadmill training scoring of standing balance, step length and 10 m-timed walk test showed a definite improvement. Body weight support treadmill training offers the advantages of task-oriented training with numerous repetitions of a supervised gait pattern. The outcomes suggest that patients with hemiplegia can improve their gait ability and standing balance through body weight support treadmill training.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the treatment effect of three interventions on the disuse atrophy of rat hindlimb after two weeks suspension. Forty-eight 11~12 weeks old female Sprague-Dawley white rats were divided into four intervention groups: 1) suspension only (S; n=10), 2) intensive weight bearing treadmill (IWBT; n=10), 3) electrical stimulation (ES; n=9), 4) 2)+3) (ES/IWBT; n=9). Another 10 rats received no intervention or hindlimb suspension and served as controls (C). After the interventions, 1) the cross-sectional area (CSA), 2) the ratio of white muscle fiber composition (WMFC), 3) isometric tetanic tension (ITT), and 4) muscle weights (MWs) were measured from the four calf muscle specimens. The results were as follows: 1. In all intervention groups, the CSAs of medial and lateral gastrocnemius (MG LG), soleus (SOL), and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) decreased when compared to the control (C) group (p<.05). The CSA increased in FDS and LG for the IWBT group, in SOL for the ES/IWBT group compared to the S only group (p<.05). 2. The ratios of WMFC in MG, LG, SOL, and FDS increased compared to the C group for all interventions (p<.05). The ratios of WMFC decreased in SOL and LG for the IWBT group, in SOL for the ES/IWBT group compared to the S only group, and decreased in SOL for the ES/IWBT group compared to the IWBT group (p<.05). 3. The ITT in the MG, LG, SOL, and FDS decreased compared to the C group for all interventions (p<.05). The ITT increased in MG LG/FDS, SOL, and the whole calf muscles (WCMs) in the IWBT, ES and ES/IWBT groups compared to the S only group (p<.05). 4. The MWs in MG LG/FDS, SOL, WCMs decreased compared to the C group for all interventions (p<.05). The MWs increased in MG LG/FDS and WCMs for the IWBT group, in SOL for the ES group, and in SOL for the ES/IWBT group compared to the S only group (p<.05). 5. In atrophied muscles, the IWBT group showed the best recovery and the ES/IWBT and ES groups followed in decreasing order. The most susceptible muscle to disuse atrophy was the SOL. But conversely, it showed the best recovery in the ES/IWBT group. After two weeks of hindlimb suspension, the calf muscles of rats atrophied and their isometric tension decreased. These changes were best reversed by hindlimb-focused treadmill activity. The next best results were achieved by electrical stimulation combined with the treadmill followed by only electrical stimulation. These findings indicate that full weight bearing treadmill activity alone or in combination with electrical stimulation are effective treatments for non-weight bearing induced muscle atrophy. Further study of the effect of different intensities of electrical stimulation and variations in the duration period of full weight bearing treadmill activity on disuse atrophy is recommended.

This study addresses the effects of treadmill training on hyperextended knee and cadence in patients with hemiplegia. A single subject research design with multiple baselines across individuals was used for the study. Two patients with hemiplegia participated in the experiment. The experiment consisted of interventions where the patients were asked to ambulate for 15 minutes at a comfortable walking speed on the treadmill with 11% slope grade and were allowed to rest for 10 minutes. Patients, then, were asked to ambulated 20 meters at walkway. The number of occurrences of knee hyperextension and the total number of steps were recorded. The results showed that the occurrence of knee hyperextension decreased by approximately 30% after the first session of the treadmill training and continued to gradually decrease during the following sets of treadmill training. Meanwhile, there was a slight increase in the cadence to a negligible extent. These results suggest that the gait training on the sloped treadmill may be helpful for correcting the knee hyperextension in patients with hemiplegia.