이 연구는 성인 편마비 환자를 대상으로 PLS (Posterior Leaf Spring) 착용이 기립 균형에 미치는 영향을 알아보는 것이었다. 신발만 착용하였을 때의 기립조건과 신발과 PLS를 동시에 착용한 기립조건의 평균평형지수가 맨발로 서 있을 때의 기립조건에 비하여 높았다. 그러나 신발만 착용한 기립조건과 신발과 PLS를 함께 착용한 기립조건하에서의 평균평형지수의 차이는 없었다. 따라서 편마비 환자의 기립균형과 관련하여 PLS만을 착용한 효과와 신

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.