Background: Stroke is a neurological disorder characterized by an impaired static balance. A change in poor posture after stroke may worsen static balance. The balance control through an upright posture may include kinesiology taping of the middle back. Objectives: To investigated the effect of kinesiology taping of middle back on static balance in patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 10 patients with stroke were divided into two groups. The experimental and control groups received kinesiology taping and placebo taping of the middle back, respectively. After 24 h, static balance (i.e., sway area and path length) was measured in closed eyes condition. Results: The experimental group (kinesiology taping group) showed a significant decrease in sway area and path length after the intervention. In addition, kinesiology taping group showed a significant decrease in sway area and path length compared to the control group. Conclusion: Kinesiology taping of the middle back can improve static balance in stroke patients.

Background: It is very difficult for hemiplegic patients to effectively perform the sit-to-stand (STS) movements independently because of several factors. Moreover, the analysis of STS motion in hemiplegic patients has been thus far confined to only muscle strength evaluation with little information available on structural and environmental factors of varying chair height and foot conditions. Objects: This study aimed to analyze the change in biomechanical factors (ground reaction force, center of mass displacement, and the angle and moment of joints) of the joints in the lower extremities with varying chair height and foot conditions in hemiplegic patients while they performed the STS movements. Methods: Nine hemiplegic patients voluntarily participated in this study. Their STS movements was analyzed in a total of nine sessions (one set of three consecutive sessions) with varying chair height and foot conditions. The biomechanical factors of the joints in the lower extremities were measured during the movements. Ground reaction force was measured using a force plate; and the other abovementioned parameters were measured using an infra-red camera. Two-way repeated analysis of variance was performed to determine the changes in biomechanical factors in the lower extremities with varying chair height and foot conditions. Results: No interaction was found between chair height and foot conditions (p>.05). All measured variables with varying chair height showed a significant difference (p<.05). Maximum joint flexion angle, maximum joint moment, and the displacement of the center of mass in foot conditions showed a significant difference (p<.05); however the maximum ground reaction force did not show a significant difference (p>.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that hemiplegic patients can more stably and efficiently perform the STS movement with increased chair height and while they are bare-foot.

Background:After a stroke, the control of the trunk muscle may be severely impaired. Due to the importance of trunk control in complex daily postures, the ability to adopt a correct sitting posture is considered a determinant of the recovery of independent function after a stroke.Objects:The purposes of this study were to compare differences in buttock pressure between the left and right sides of hemiplegic patients and differences in their pelvic tilting angles (sagittal and coronal planes) after sitting training with visual biofeedback (VBF) in real time.Methods:Twenty-two individuals with unilateral strokes (11 left-side and 11 right-side hemiplegic stroke patients) participated in this study. Buttock pressure was measured using a pressure mat, and pelvic angles were measured using a palpation meter.Results:The asymmetry of pressure between the right and left (first and third chamber) sides was significantly decreased after the VBF training. The measurements obtained using the palpation meter revealed a significant decrease in the pelvic angles pre- versus post-intervention.Conclusion:VBF training may be distribute a patient’s buttock pressure equally while in a sitting posture and increase the length of time a stroke patient can maintain a symmetrical sitting posture. It can also improve pelvic control while sitting in a neutral position.

목적 : 국내 재활치료 환경과 사회적 제도의 상황에 맞춘 편마비 환자를 위한 한국형 수동 휠체어 기술 훈 련 프로그램(Korean version of manual Wheelchair Skills Training Program for hemiplegia; K-WSTP)을 개발하고 이의 효과성을 검증하여 향후 편마비 환자의 이동성 향상에 기여하는데 목적을 두었다. 연구방법 : 기존에 알려진 휠체어 기술과 수동 휠체어에 대한 일반적 훈련내용을 수정·보완하여 본 연구의 취지와 목적에 따라 K-WSTP를 개발하였다. 개발된 K-WSTP의 효과검증을 위하여 실험군으로 휠체 어 사용시 도움이 필요한 편마비 환자 6명, 대조군으로는 휠체어 사용시 독립적인 편마비환자, 작업치료 전공학생, 작업치료사 각 6명씩 총 24명의 대상자를 선정하였다. 실험 대상자들은 휠체어 훈련프로그램 시행전·후에 휠체어기술검사(Wheelchair Skills Test; WST), 캐나다작업수행측정(Canadian Occupational Perfomance Measure; COPM), 한국판수정바델지수(Korean version of Modified Barthel Index; K-MBI), 주관적의견 등을 평가 하였다. 결과 : 실험군은 훈련 후 WST와 K-MBI 점수에서 훈련 전에 비해 유의한 차이(p<.05)로 향상되었다. 또 한, 훈련 후 WST, 수행도, 만족도는 대조군과 유의한 차이를 보이지 않을 정도(p>.05)로 향상되었다. 전체 연구대상자에 대한 주관적 평가결과 어려움을 느낀 휠체어 기술은 ‘turns in place’와 ‘maneuvers sideways’(18.2%)를, 실험군은 ‘level transfer’와 ‘relieves weight from buttocks’를 가장 어렵다고 평가하였다. 결론 : 개발된 휠체어 훈련프로그램은 편마비 환자의 휠체어 기술, 독립성, 개인의 수행도, 만족도에 긍정 적인 향상을 보임으로써 향후 편마비 환자의 재활의지를 고취시키고 이동성 보장과 삶의 질 향상에 기 여할 수 있을 것이라 기대한다.

목적 : 본 연구는 편마비 환자의 표준형 수동 휠체어 사용상 문제점을 분석하고 그 해결방안으로 한 손 추 진이 가능한 수동 휠체어(one-hand propellable manual wheelchair) 장치를 개발하고 그 효과를 알아 보는데 목적을 두었다. 연구방법 : 참여자는 광역시소재 재활병원 및 요양병원에 입원한 편마비 환자 30명을 대상으로 하였다. 연 구도구는 일반적으로 편마비 환자가 많이 사용하는 표준형 수동 휠체어와 본 연구에서 개발한 한 손 추 진이 가능한 장치가 장착된 수동 휠체어를 사용하였다. 평가도구는 휠체어 기술 검사(Wheelchair Skills Test; WST)를 도입하였으며 참여자의 주관적 의견을 평가하기 위하여 주행성, 편리성, 차이성, 수용성 에 대한 설문조사를 실시하였다. 결과 : 평가결과 편마비 환자가 발을 사용하지 않고 보조자 없이 기존의 표준형 수동 휠체어를 운전할 경 우 모든 WST 항목에서 매우 높은 실패율(96.7%)을 보임으로써 발을 사용하지 않으면 휠체어를 독립 적으로 이동할 수 없음을 실험을 통해 알 수 있었다. 개발된 한 손 추진이 가능한 수동 휠체어에 대한 평가결과 기존의 표준형 수동 휠체어를 운전한 경우보다 휠체어 조작 능력, 주행성, 편리성 등에 있어서 편마비 환자에게 매우 효과적인 것으로 판명되었을 뿐만 아니라 기존의 휠체어에 비하여 차이성이나 추 후 수용성에 있어서도 탁월한 효과를 보였음을 알 수 있었다. 결론 : 본 연구는 편마비 환자가 기존의 휠체어를 운전할 경우 발생되는 문제점을 해결하기 위한 적극적인 해결 방안으로서 이의 도입과 확산이 절실히 필요함을 시사하고 있다. 따라서 이와 관련된 연구개발과 보급의 활성화를 통하여 편마비 환자를 비롯한 한 손 사용자들에게 보다 편리하고 독립적인 이동성 참 여와 작업수행의 촉진을 이끌어 낼 것으로 예상한다.

The purpose of this study was to determine which spatiotemporal gait parameters obtained during hemiplegic walking could be a predictive factor for the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Two hundreds nine subjects who had suffered a stroke were recruited for this study. They were participated in two assessments; the TUG test and gait analysis. The relationship between the TUG test and spatiotemporal parameters was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. In addition, to predict the spatiotemporal gait parameters that correlated most with the TUG scores, we used multiple linear regression analyses (stepwise method). The results show that the normalized velocity was strongly correlated with the TUG performance (r=-.72, p<.001). Additionally, single support percentage (SSP), double support percentage (DSP), step time difference (STD), and step length difference (SLD) significantly were correlated with the TUG test. Normalized velocity, STD, DSP of affected side, and SSP of non-affected side explained 53%, 8%, 3%, 2%, of variance in the TUG test respectively. In conclusion, an increase in gait velocity and a decrease in STD would be effective indicators of improvement on the functional mobility in the stroke rehabilitation.

목적 : 본 연구는 뇌졸중으로 인한 편마비 환자들을 대상으로 앉은 자세에서 지지면의 안정성 변화가 상지기능 수준과 체간근육의 활성도에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : D광역시 ○○재활병원에 내원중인 편마비 환자 15명(남 9명, 여 6명)을 대상으로 앉은 자세에서 양발지지, 손상측지지와 비손상측지지를 사용하여 지지면의 안정성 변화를 중재하였다. 상지기능 수준은 Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled (KEPAD) 다차원 상지기능 작업표본검사로 측정하였고 체간근육의 활성도는 표면근전도를 사용하여 측정하였다. 결과 : 앉은 자세에서 세 가지 지지방법 간에 상지기능 수준을 비교한 결과 양발지지가 손상측지지에 비해 상지기능에 유의한 차이를 보였으나 비손상측으로 지면을 지지한 경우와 비교에서는 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 체간근육의 활성도를 비교한 결과에서는 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 결론 : 본 연구를 통해 임상에서 편마비 환자에게 앉은 자세로 작업수행을 할 경우 양발로 지면을 지지하는 것이 상지기능 수준에 긍정적인 영향을 미친다는 것을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 작업치료사는 환자에게 양발로 지면을 지지하도록하여 자세 안정성을 극대화시킨다면 기능적인 상지의 움직임을 촉진시킬 수 있을 것이다.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ankle joint mobilization with movement (MWM) on the range of motion (ROM) in the ankle, on the muscle strength of lower extremities, and on spatiotemporal gait parameters in chronic hemiplegic patients. Fifteen subjects with chronic stroke were divided into two groups: an experimental group (8 subjects) and a control group (7 subjects). Both groups attended two or three sessions of physical therapy each week. The experimental group also attended additional MWM training sessions three times a week for five weeks. For both groups, the ROM of the ankle, the muscle strength of the lower extremities, and the spatiotemporal gait parameters in paretic limbs were evaluated before and after the training period. The results showed that the experimental group experienced more significant increases than did the control group in terms of passive (6.10%) and active (21.96%) ROM of the ankle, gait velocity (12.96%), and peak torque, of the knee flexor (81.39%), the knee extensor (24.88%), and the ankle plantar flexor (41.75%)(p<.05). These results suggest that MWM training in patients with chronic stroke may be beneficial in increasing ROM in the ankle, muscle strength in the lower extremities, and gait speed.

This study examines the effects of different environments on the application of hemiplegia patients circuit balance training. Group 1 performed circuit balance training without any auditory intervention Group 2 performed training in noiseless environments and Group 3 performed training in white noise environments. First, among lower extremity muscular strength evaluation items, maximum activity time(MAT) was not significantly different(p>.05). Maximum muscle strength(MMS) increased significantly in Group 3(p<.01), there was no significant difference in MMS among the groups. Average muscle strength(AMS) indexes also significantly increased in Group 3(p<.01), there was no significant difference in AMS among the groups. Second, among balancing ability evaluation items, Berg's balance scale(BBS) scores significantly increased in all groups(p<.05), BBS scores were significantly difference among the groups. Based on the results, Group 1, 2 and Group 1, 3 showed significant increases (p<.05). Functional reach test(FRT) values significantly increased in Group 2, 3(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in FRT values among the groups. Timed up and go(TUG) test values significantly decreased in Group 2, 3(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in TUG test values among the groups. Third, among walking speed evaluation items, the time required to walk 10m significantly decreased in all groups(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in the values among the groups. Average walking speeds showed significant increases in Group 1, 3(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in the values among the groups. Based on the results of this study, noise environments should be improved by either considering auditory interventions and noiseless environments, or by ensuring that white noise environments facilitate the enhancement of balancing ability.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of weight shift training with joint mobilization on the ankle joint passive range of motion (PROM), balance capacity and gait velocity in hemiplegic patients. Fourteen subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG), with seven subjects in each group. The EG received weight shift training with joint mobilization in the paretic leg's subtalar joint in order to increase ankle dorsiflexion. The CG received general physical therapy training. Both groups received training five times a week over a period of two consecutive weeks. The figures for PROM of ankle dorsiflexion on the paretic leg, the functional reach test (FRT), the timed up and go (TUG) test, and gait velocity were recorded both before and after the training sessions for both groups. The EG's results in gait velocity, the FRT and the TUG test improved after training (p<.05). The PROM of ankle dorsiflexion improved both in the EG and the CG (p<.05), the EG demonstrated a significantly higher increase (p<.05) than that of the CG. The results of this study suggest that increased joint mobilization positively affects balance and gait velocity of hemiplegic patients. Further studies with a greater sample size are necessary in order further prove the accuracy of the results of this study.

목적 : 만성 경직성 편마비 환자에서 보툴리눔 독소 근 주입 후 상지 운동기능 개선을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 뇌졸중 발병 후 12개월 이상이 경과된 만성기 편마비 환자 18명을 대상으로 환측 상지의 요측수근굴근, 척측수근굴근, 심지굴근, 천지굴근에 보툴리눔 독소를 각각 25 단위 주사하였다. 평가는 주사 전, 주사 2주 후와 8 주 후의 상지 기능 변화 및 동작 분석을 시행하였다. 상지의 경우 수정 에쉬워스 척도와 도수 근력 평가, 뇌졸중 상 지 기능 평가, 수지의 파악력 및 측면 집기력을 평가하였고 정량 분석을 위하여 3차원 동작 분석기를 이용하여 손 목관절의 최대 굴곡-최대 신전, 손바닥 두드리기, 검지 두드리기, 30cm 추적운동의 동작을 분석하였다. 결과 : 보툴리눔 독소를 주사 후 마비측 수지의 파악력, 측면 집기력에서는 유의한 변화가 없었으나 손목관절의 신 전, 수지의 신전 근력, 뇌졸중 상지 기능 평가에서 유의한 호전이 관찰되었다(p<.05). 3차원 동작 분석기를 이용한 상지 기능의 평가에서 손목관절 최대 굴곡-손목관절 신전 동작의 관절운동범위에서 유의한 호전이 관찰되었으며 손목관절 최대 굴곡-손목관절 신전 동작 및 손바닥 두드리기와 검지 두드리기 동작에서 진동수의 유의한 증가와 변이도의 유의한 감소는 관찰되지 않았으나 진폭의 유의한 증가가 관찰 되었다(p<.05). 결론 : 만성 경직성 편마비 환자에서 환측 상지에 대한 보툴리눔 독소 치료는 상지 운동기능 개선에 유의한 효과를 보였다.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) therapy with compensation inhibition and feedback (CIF) on upper extremity function in chronic stroke patients. Seven chronic stroke patients participated in this study, which was a randomized controlled trial with a crossover design. Self upper extremity exercise, conservative VR therapy, and VR therapy with CIF were performed for one hour per session, 5 times per week, over a 3 week period. The main outcome measures involved range of motion (ROM) including shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints, a Manual Function Test (MFT), and a Motor Activity Log (MAL). Data were calculated as posttest and pretest changes in every session and were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests at p<.05. The results were as follows: 1) Statistically significant increase in ROM measurements of shoulder and elbow joints were seen with VR therapy with CIF compared to VR therapy and self upper extremity exercise (p<.05), whereas no significant increasing was noted for the wrist joint (p>.05). 2) Statistically significant increase in the MFT was seen with VR therapy with CIF compared with VR therapy and self upper extremity exercise (p<.05). 3) VR therapy with CIF also resulted in statistically significant increase in both activity of use (AOU) (p<.05) and quality of movement (QOM) (p<.05) on the MAL test when compared with VR therapy and self upper extremity exercise, respectively. In conclusion, VR therapy with CIF was more effective than conservative VR therapy and self upper extremity exercise in improving the upper extremity function in hemiplegic patients with chronic stroke.

In chronic ambulatory hemiplegic patients, structural changes might be developed at both ankles possibly due to unequal and repetitive weight bearing on tendons and ligaments. We examined ankles by sonography to find out structural changes of tendons and ligaments of both ankles in ambulatory hemiplegic patients. Nineteen ambulatory hemiplegic patients over 1 year were included as study subjects. All subjects had no previous trauma or disease history in their ankle joints and they were able to walk independently or with supervision but had spastic ankles with equinovarus tendency. We examined both ankle joints by sonography to see joint effusion and measure width, thickness, and area of tendons of the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and Achilles, and also ligaments of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular. We compared sonographic features of the hemi-side ankle with the sound-side ankle. There were no significant differences between hemi-side and sound-side ankles in almost all measured parameters of tendons and ligaments. However, the width of the hemi-side tibialis posterior tendon (8.61±1.37 mm) was narrower than the sound-side tendon (7.24±1.52 mm). With the amount of active joint motion and weight bearing possibly preventing ligament and tendon atrophy even though marked weakness, spasticity occurred during the chronic hemiplegic phase.

The purpose of this study was to suppose basis data the influence of different chair type and pelvic control on quadriceps muscle activity and strength during knee joint extension isometric exercise in hemiplegic patients. This research were investigated in ten healthy adults and tens hemipelgic patients. Surface electromyography (EMG) and Biodex system were used to collect kinematic data and muscle activity, respectively. Independent t-test, paired t-test and one-way repeated ANOVA were used to determine a statistical significance. The results showed as follows: (1) Posterior pelvic angles in healthy group and hemiplegic group were significantly different on isokinetic equipment (p<.05). (2) Different chair type and pelvic control on quadriceps muscle activity and strength were significantly different in hemiplegic patients (p<.05). From the result of this research, posterior pelvic angle control during knee joint extension isometric exercise in hemiplegic patients on isokinetic equipment is necessary to increase quadriceps muscle strength in hemiplegic patients.

목적 : 편마비 환자의 비대칭적 체중부하와 일상생활동작과의 상관관계를 알아보고자 한다.연구방법 : 2007년 12월부터 2008년 2월까지 뇌졸중으로 인한 편마비 환자로 삼육재활병원에서 재활치료를 받고 있는 63명의 편마비 환자를 대상으로 비대칭적 체중부하의 정도를 알아보기 위해 Tetrax를 이용하여 환측 하지의 체중부하율을 측정하였고, MBI를 이용하여 일상생활동작 수행정도를 측정하여 상관관계를 알아보았다.결과 : 환측 하지의 체중부하율과 일상생활동작과의 상관관계를 분석한 결과 상관관계(r=.539)가 있음을 알 수 있었으며, MBI는 이동하기, 개인위생, 보행 항목이 상관관계가 높게 나타났다.

목적 : 가정환경에서 실시한 강제유도운동치료(Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy: CIMT)와 건측제한(Forced Used: FU)치료법이 편마비 환자의 상지기능과 일상생활활동에 어떠한 영향을 미치는 지를 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법 : 본 연구는 개별실험 연구방법 중 실험 집단간 다중기초선설계를 사용하였다. 뇌졸중으로 편마비 진단을 받은 6인을 3집단(각 집단 2인)으로 분류하였다. CIMT는 건측제한(5시간)과 함께 환측 집중훈련(3시간)을 실시하였다. FU는 하루 중 활동이 가장 많은 5시간 동안 건측에 장갑을 착용하여 사용을 제한하였다. 기초선과 치료과정 동안에는 상자와 나무토막검사(Box and Block Test: BBT), 치료 전·후에는 울프운동기능검사(Wolf Motor Function Test: WMFT)를 사용하여 상지기능을 측정하였다. 일상생활활동은 치료 전·후에 운동·처리기술평가(Assessment of Motor and Process Skills: AMPS)와 운동활동지표(Motor Activity Log: MAL)를 사용하여 측정하였다. 결과분석은 그래프를 통한 시각적 분석과 치료 전·후 측정값의 변화를 비교하였다.결과 : WMFT와 BBT에서 모든 대상자의 수행능력이 향상 되었다. AMPS 능력치와 MAL의 환측사용빈도와 움직임 질도 모든 대상자에서 향상을 보였다. 특히 각 집단에서 CIMT 대상자들이 모두 FU 대상자보다 많이 향상되었다.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate isometric trunk extension strength in hemiplegic patients, and to compare that with normal subjects to find a correlation between trunk extension strength and the functional independent degree in hemiplegic patients. Fifteen hemiplegic male patients (mean age 55.2±10.2 years) and twenty-five healthy male subjects (mean age 54.6±10.3 years) completed isometric trunk extension. Strength was measured at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 degrees of trunk flexion. The functional independent degree was assessed by Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Mean isometric trunk extension strength was 91.2 ft-lbs, 120.7 ft-lbs, 142.3 ft-lbs, 156.4 ft-lbs, 173.5 ft-lbs, 184.1 ft-lbs, and 195.3 ft-lbs in the hemiplegic patients group, and 135.6 ft-lbs, 175.6 ft-lbs, 204.4 ft-lbs, 221.9 ft-lbs, 231.2 ft-lbs, 246.8 ft-lbs, and 259.7 ft-lbs in the normal subjects group. The values of isometric trunk extension strength had a descending linear correlation pattern from trunk flexion angle to extension angle. Trunk extension strength in hemiplegic patients was significantly lower than that of normal subjects (p<.05) but did not correlate with the FIM total score (p>.05). Therefore, the isometric trunk extension strength in hemiplegic patients was lower than that of normal subjects and did not correlate with the functional independent degree.

This study investigated therapeutic effects of pelvic tilt exercise (PTE) on weight bearing and body sway during sit-to-stand (STS) on 18 hemiplegic patients who had visited the Hanyang University Seoul Hospital and Injae University Sanggyebek Hospital physiotherapy rooms. The study compared the patients with 18 normal adults. The subjects were sampled out from those who could get up independently, maintain a standing posture more than 10 seconds, understand the movements of this study and have no difficulty in performing the tasks. By executing STS in a natural way with habitual movements before and after PTE, the weight bearing was measured by using Mediance II. In order to compare the difference of weight distribution, weight bearing and body sway on affected and nonaffected sides during STS before and after PTE, the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used. The statistical significance level was based on p<.05. The results revealed that the difference of weight distribution in the hemiplegic group was significantly decreased (p<.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the healthy group (p>.05). Weight bearing loaded on the affected side was 42.53±7.65% and 44.20±6.32%, respectively, in the hemiplegic group during STS before and after PTE. Weight bearing during STS after PTE is increased significantly, as compared with weight bearing before PTE (p<.05). Body sway in the hemiplegic group was significantly decreased (p<.05). As mentioned, PTE proved to be effective for improvement in weight bearing on the affected side during STS of hemiplegic patients.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the upper limb nerve mobilization (ULNM) on functional recovery of upper extremity in hemiplegic patients following stroke. Twenty patients who had functional impairment on upper extremity were participated. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: Control group (n=10) received traditional physical therapy only for 4 weeks; Experimental group (n=10) received ULNM treatment along with traditional physical therapy for the same period. Upper extremity functions were assessed by manual muscle test (MMT), modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) before and after the treatment. In both experimental and control group, upper extremity functions were significantly improved in MMT (p<.01) and FMA (p<.01), however only experimental group showed significant improvement in FMA after the treatment (p<.05). Moreover, experimental group showed significantly greater improvement than control group in MMT (p<.05), MAS (p<.05), and FMA (p<.05). We conclude that the upper extremity functions is a useful additional therapeutic technique for the effective treatment of upper extremity deficits in hemiplegic patients.

The Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS) has been used for hemiplegic patients in order to help their walking and to increase their balance function. Past studies have mainly focused on the PLS's influence on patients' walking without taking balance function into consideration. The purpose of this study was to identify the immediate effect of PLS on the standing balance in hemiplegic patients. Fifteen hemiplegic patients participated in this study: 10 men and 5 women, with an average age of 53.8 years. Standing balance was measured using a computerized dynamic posturography device under three conditions namely bare-foot standing, standing in shoes without PLS, and standing in shoes with PLS. The results were as follows: 1) The composite equilibrium scores of patients who stood in shoes only and stood in shoes with PLS were higher than those of patients who stood bare-foot. 2) There were no statistical difference in the composite equilibrium scores between the standing condition of patients who stood bare foot and that of patients who stood in shoes with PLS. In conclusion, it is not clear whether or not the PLS affects the standing balance of hemiplegic patients. Further study is required to determine the precise effect of the PLS on standing balance in hemiplegic patients who are not wearing shoes. This is particularly relevant in Korea culture where custom demands the removal of shoes when entering any house or even many restaurants.