Background: In patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), lumbar flexion exercise (LFE) is considered a standard therapeutic exercise that widens the space between the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen. However, some researchers have reported that lumbar extension exercise (LEE) may improve lumbar pain and functional ability in patients with LSS. Although exercise intervention methods for patients with LSS have been widely applied in clinical settings, few studies have conducted comparative analysis of these exercise methods. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of LFE, LEE, and lumbar flexion combined with lumbar flexion-extension exercise (LFEE) on pain, range of motion (ROM), pelvic tilt angle, and functional gait ability in patients with LSS. Methods: A total of 30 patients with LSS, LFE (n1=10), LEE (n2=10), and LFEE (n3=10) were assigned to each of the three exercise groups. The numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), modified-modified schober test (MMST)-flexion, MMST-extension, pelvic tilt inclinometer, and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were measured. Results: After the intervention, statistically significant differences were observed in the NPRS (p=.043), MMST-flexion (p<.001), MMST-extension (p<.001), and 6MWT (p=.005) between groups. According to the post hoc test, the NPRS was statistically significant difference between the LFEE and LEE groups (p=.034). The MMST-flexion was statistically significantly different between the LFE and LEE (p=.000), LFE and LFEE (p=.001), and LEE and LFEE (p=.001) groups. The MMST-extension was statistically significantly different between the LFE and LEE (p<.001), LFE and LFEE (p=.002), and LEE and LFEE (p=.008) groups. The 6MWT was statistically significantly different between the LFE and LFEE (p=.042) and the LEE and LFEE (p=.004) groups. Conclusion: This study suggested that LFEE was the most effective exercise for pain and functional gait ability in patients with LSS, LFE was the most effective exercise for lumbar flexion ROM, and LEE was the most effective exercise for lumbar extension ROM.

The purpose of this study was to effects of hippotherapy on functional ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty-seven children with CP participated were randomly divided into two groups. All of the groups received thirty minutes of conventional physical therapy program for three times a week per twelve weeks, however experimental group received additional fifteen minutes of the hippotherapy. Gross Motor Function Measure(GMFM) was used to compare the effects of hippotherapy. The results were as followings: GMFM score in dimensions A and B significantly increased in the control group after intervention. All dimensions of GMFM was significantly increased in experimental group after intervention. All dimensions of GMFM were significantly different between experimental group and control group. These results suggest that hippotherapy can be considered as a therapeutic method for physical therapy for the children with CP to improve the functional movements.

Activated carbon fiber (ACF) surfaces are modified using an electron beam under different aqueous solutions to improve the NO gas sensitivity of a gas sensor based on ACFs. The oxygen functional group on the ACF surface is changed, resulting in an increase of the number of non-carbonyl (-C-O-C-) groups from 32.5% for pristine ACFs to 39.53% and 41.75% for ACFs treated with hydrogen peroxide and potassium hydroxide solutions, respectively. We discover that the NO gas sensitivity of the gas sensor fabricated using the modified ACFs as an electrode material is increased, although the specific surface area of the ACFs is decreased because of the recovery of their crystal structure. This is attributed to the static electric interaction between NO gas and the non-carbonyl groups introduced onto the ACF surfaces.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of multi joint-joint position sense (MJ-JPS) training on joint position sense, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. A total of 18 stroke patients participated in the study. The subjects were allocated randomly into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Participants in the experimental group received MJ-JPS training (10 min) and conventional treatment (20 min), but participants in the control group only received conventional treatment (30 min). Both groups received training for five times per week for six weeks. MJ-JPS is a training method used to increase proprioception in the lower extremities; as such, it is used, to position the lower extremities in a given space. MJ-JPS measurement was captured via video using a Image J program to calculate the error distance. Balance ability was measured using Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Gait ability was measured with a 10 m walking test (10MWT) and by climbing four flights of stairs. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normalization. Within-group differences were analyzed using the paired t-test. Between-group differences were analyzed using the independent t-test. The experimental group showed a significant decrease in error distance (MJ-JPS) compared to the control group (p<.05). Both groups showed a significant difference in their BBS and 10MWT results (p<.05). The experimental group showed a significant decrease in their TUG and climbing results (p<.05), but the control group results for those two tasks were not found to be significant (p>.05). There was significant difference in MJ-JPS and by climbing four flights of stairs on variation of pre and post test in between groups (p<.05), but TUG and BBS and 10MWT was no significantly (p>.05). We suggest that the MJ-JPS training proposed in this study be used as an intervention to help improve the functional activity of the lower extremities in stroke patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of walking on a treadmill while using dynamic functional electrical stimulation (Dynamic FES) on functional ability and gait in chronic stroke patients. This was a prospective, randomized controlled study. Twelve patients with chronic stroke (＞;24 months) who were under grade 3 in dorsiflexor strength with manual muscle test were included and randomized into intervention (Dynamic FES) (n1=7) and control (FES) (n2=5). Both the Dynamic FES group and FES group were given a neuromuscular development treatment. The Dynamic FES group has implemented a total of 60 minutes of exercise treatment and gait training with Dynamic FES application. The FES group, with the addition of applying FES while sitting, has also implemented a total of 90 minutes of gait training on treadmill after the exercise treatment. Both two groups accomplished the program, twice a week, for a total of 24 times in a 12-week period. Exercise treatment, gait training on treadmill, and both Dynamic FES and FES were implemented for 30 minutes each. Korean version activities-specific balance confidence scale (K-ABC) was measured to determine self-efficacy in balance function. Timed up and go (TUG) test was performed to evaluate the physical performance. K-ABC, TUG, Berg balance scale (BBS), modified physical performance test (mPPT) and G-walk were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, statistically significant differences (p＜.05) were apparent in the Dynamic FES group in the changes in K-ABC and BBS. mPPT, TUG, gait speed, stride length and stance phase duration (%) were compared with the FES group. K-ABC had higher correlation to BBS, along with mPPT to TUG. Our results suggest that walking with Dynamic FES in chronic stroke patients may be beneficial for improving their balance confidence, functional ability and gait.

목적 : 초등 특수학급 아동과 특수학교 아동을 대상으로 장애아동의 적응행동을 검사하는 적응행동검사(Korea Adaptive Behavior Scale; K-ABS)와 학교에서의 기능적인 과제 수행 능력을 평가하는 학교기능평가(School Function Assessment; SFA)를 적용하여 장애유형별 특징을 알아보고 두 평가도구 간의 상관관계를 도출하고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 대상 장애유형은 지적장애, 뇌병변 장애, 발달장애였으며, 아동을 6개월 이상 지도한 선생님을 통하여 설문지 를 작성하도록 하였다. 연구에 사용된 설문지는 총 67부로 이를 가지고 통계분석 하였다. 결과 : 전체 장애아동에 대한 K-ABS와 SFA의 Pearson 상관관계는 .93으로 높은 상관관계를 보였다. 장애유형에 따른 K-ABS 총점과 SFA 총점 간에는 모두 통계적으로 유의한 상관관계를 가지고 있는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : K-ABS와 SFA의 상관관계가 입증되었으며, 이후에는 보다 구체적인 장애분류를 통해 타당성을 높일 수 있는 후 속 연구가 필요할 것이다.

목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 사물조작능력 분류체계(Manual Ability Classification System; MACS)를 이용한 뇌성마비 아동 사물조작능력과 Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory(PEDI)를 이용한 기능적 능력과의 관련성을 살펴보기 위한 것이다. 연구 방법 : 16개의 장애인복지관에서 재활프로그램을 이용하는 186명의 뇌성마비 아동을 대상으로 하였다. 치료사는 MACS를 통하여 아동을 분류하였으며, 부모들은 PEDI 설문지를 통하여 아동의 기능적 능력을 평가하였다. MACS와 PEDI 점수와의 상관관계를 보기위하여 Spearman의 순위상관계수를 이용하였으며 MACS 각 단계별 기능적 점수의 차이는 ANOVA 분석과 Bonferroni의 사후검사 방법을 사용하여 검증하였다. 결과 : 186명의 아동 중 남자는 105명, 여자는 81명이었으며 평균연령은 7세 5개월(4세~13세 7개월)이었다. MACS와 PEDI 점수와의 상관관계를 보면 MACS 단계별로 신변처리 영역과 유의한 차이를 보였으며(r=-.79),이동하기 영역과도 유의한 차이를 보였다(r=-.77). MACS 각 단계별 신변처리 능력의 차이를 보면, 1단계와 2단계를 제외한 모든 단계에서 유의한 차이를 보였으며 이동 능력은 모든 단계에서 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 결론 : MACS에 의한 분류는 뇌성마비의 기능적 기술 중 신변처리와 이동하기 기능과 밀접한 관련성을 보이고 있었다. 따라서 MACS 단계를 통하여 뇌성마비아의 대략적인 기능적 기술을 설명하는 것이 가능할 것으로 보이며, 임상적으로 폭넓은 활용이 가능할 것으로 보인다.

The aim of this study was to investigate correlations of the Trunk Control Test (TCT), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS-TC), and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and to compare the TCT, PASS-TC, TIS and its subscales in relation to balance, gait and functional performance ability after stroke. Sixty-two stroke patients attending a rehabilitation program participated in the study. Trunk control was measured with the use of TCT, PASS-TC, TIS balance (Berg Balance scale; BSS), gait ability (10 m walk test), functional performance ability (Tuned Up and Go Test TUG) and the mobility part of the Modified Barthel index (MBI), Fugl Meyer-Upper/Lower Extremity (FM-U․L/E). The scatter-plot (correlation coefficient) was composed for the total scores of the TCT, PASS-TC, and TIS. The multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of trunk control on balance, gait, and functional performance ability. Twenty eight participants (45.2%) and twenty participants (32.3%) obtained the maximum score on the TCT and PASS-TC respectively; no subject reached the maximum score on the Trunk Impairment Scale. There were significant correlations between the TIS and TCT (r=.38, p<.01), PASS-TC (r=.30, p<.05), TCT and PASS-TC (r=.59, p<.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the BBS score (β=.420～.862) had slightly more power in predicting trunk control than the . TIS-dynamic sitting balance, TUG and the MBI-mobility part. This study clearly indicates that trunk control is still impaired in stroke patients. Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of balance, gait and functional performance ability. The results imply that management of trunk rehabilitation after stroke should be emphasized.

목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 ICF(International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health)의 능력(capacity)과 수행(performance) 평가치의 신뢰도와 FIM(Functional Independence Measure)과 MBI(Modified Barthel Index)와의 기준관련타당도를 알아보고자 하였다. 연구 방법 : 국립재활원에 입원한 아급성기 뇌졸중 환자 55명을 대상으로 실시하였다. ICF에 경험이 있는 2명의 의사가 FIM과 MBI에 해당하는 항목을 ICF 항목과 연결시켜 10개 항목 중 3개의 범주인 이동, 보행, 자기 관리 항목을 추출하였으며, 모든 평가는 물리치료사, 작업치료사에 의해 수행되었다. ICF의 수행과 능력 평가치의 측정자간 신뢰도(Inter-rater reliability)는 급간내상관계수인 ICC(2.1)을 절대적 신뢰도는 SEM(Standard Error Measurement)과 SRD(Small Reference Difference)를 FIM과 MBI, ICF와의 상관관계는 Pearson 상관계수를 이용하여 분석하였다. 결과 : ICF 능력과 수행 평가치의 측정자간 신뢰도는 각각 .92(.95, .97), .98(.97, .99), SEM은 1.03, 1.09이었으며, SRD는 2.85, 3.02로 매우 높은 신뢰도를 보였다. ICF 능력 평가치는 FIM(r=-.97), MBI(r=-.90)와 높은 음의 상관관계가 있었고, ICF 수행 평가치는 FIM(r=-.73), MBI(r=-.69)와 중간 정도의 음의 상관관계가 있었다. 결론 : ICF는 FIM과 MBI의 기준 관련 타당도에서 음의 상관관계가 있었으며, 신뢰할만한 기능 평가 도구로서 뇌졸중 환자의 기능적 상태를 평가하는데 임상 연구나 실험에서 유용한 평가 도구가 될 수 있을 것이다.

The present study was aimed at investigating the postural control ability of volleyball players with functional ankle instability. The subjects were 26 male volleyball players were divided into 2 groups (13 subjects with functional ankle instability and 13 subjects with ankle stability) who could evaluate Questionnaire. All the male participants were tested by a Balance Master System. This study were to measure of static balance ability, dynamic balance ability, motor function the difference between functional ankle instability group and control group. Ankle instability group and stable group in postural sway (°/sec) on film surface with eye closed in modified clinical test sensory interaction on balance, and left unilateral stance with eye opened and closed were significantly different (p<.05). The ankle instability group and stable group in limit of stability were significantly different (p<.05). The ankle instability group and stable group in left/right rhythmic weight shirt were significantly different (p<.05). The ankle instability group and stable group in turn time (sec) & turn sway (°) during step/quick turn and end sway (°/sec) in tandem walk were significantly different (p<.05). This study showed that volleyball players with functional ankle in stability were effected postural control ability by static balance & dynamic balance ability. Further study is needed to measure various athletic with functional ankle instability for clinical application.

The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of swimming training on brain function after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Therefore, this study was examined on neurogenesis in dentate gyrus of hippocampus using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label proliferating cells and assessed the neurological response following focal cerebral ischemia in rats using neurological motor behavioral test. In an observer-blinded fashion, twenty male Sprague-Dawley (280~310 g, 7 weeks old) rats were divided into four groups: MCAO plus swimming group (ME, =5), MCAO plus control group (MC, =5), SHAM plus swimming group (SE, =5), SHAM plus control group (SC, =5). The results of this study were as follows: 1) The limb placing time before and after swimming in the ME group were significantly longer than the MC group (p<.05), the SE group were significantly longer than the SC group (p<.01). 2) The balance beam scores before and after swimming in the ME group was higher than the SE group, the MC group was higher than the SC group but was not significantly different (p>.001). 3) The foot fault index before and after swimming training in ME group was significantly lower (i.e., improved) than the MC group (p<.001) and the SE group (p<.001), the SE group was significantly lower (i.e., improved) than the SC group (p<.001). 4) The mean number of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus in the ME group was significantly higher than the MC group (p<.001) and the SE group (p<.01). The MC group and the SE group was significantly higher than the SC group (p<.001). 5) There was significantly correlation between limb placing time and number of BrdU-positive cells on swimming training, there was positive correlation (r=.807, p<.0001) and between foot fault index and BrdU-positive cells number, there was negative correlation (r=-.503, p<.05). However, between balance beam scores and BrdU-positive cells number, there was no correlation. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the role of swimming training improves behavioral motor function probably by enhancing cell proliferation in that hippocampus. This study provides a model for investigating the stroke rehabilitation that underlies neurogenesis and functional ability.