The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of foot position adjuster on body alignment and weight loads in chronic stroke patients. The subjects were 15 chronic stroke patients who were admitted to KHospital in Daegu, South Korea. The study compared the body alignment and weight load changes on flat ground with the foot position adjuster using Foot scan and Dartfish video analysis software. In the results of this study, posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) alignment decreased significantly after use of the foot position adjuster and center pressure was significantly increased after use of the foot position adjuster. This study suggests that foot position adjuster influences body alignment and weight distribution.
The purpose of this study was to compare the body alignment during standing on level and wedge board. Twenty healthy college students (8 females, 12 males) were evaluated in this study. Diagnostic contourline potographic imaging system (Model JTC-1, Jodang Trading Co.) was used to measure body alignment. Sagittal and frontal plane images were used to analyze the body alignment. The result showed that the cervical and lumbar lordotic curve significantly decreased during standing on wedge board when compared with standing on level. On the other hand, thoracic kyphosis significantly increased during standing on wedge board. There was no significant difference in body alignment according to gender, weight, and height. Clinically, patients with low back pain and severe lordosis may be affected by heel wedge. Further study is needed to identify whether the standing on wedge board can change the body alignment in patients with low back pain and spinal deformity.
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.