Duk-Hyun An

The Effect of Motor Dual-task Balance Training on Balance and Gait of Elderly Women.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of a motor dual-task balance program on balance and gait of elderly women to suggest a more effective balance exercise method. [Subjects] Twenty elderly Korean women who could walk independently were recruited from the community dwelling. [Methods] The motor dual-task balance training (experimental) group stood on an Aero-step, and performed gym ball bouncing, catching, and throwing, while the simple task balance training (control) group merely stood on the Aero-step. Participants performed 45 minutes of training, 2 times a week for 6 weeks. Balance (fall index) was measured using a TETRAX. Gait variables were recorded on a GAITRite walkway at self-determined walking speed. [Results] The fall index of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Step length, stride length, velocity, and cadence of the experimental group improved significantly more than those of control group. [Conclusions] We found that motor dual-task balance training improved balance and walking ability more than simple balance training. Further studies should investigate motor dual-task training with kinematic and kinetic data, and muscle activation based on motor strategies.

Effects of a Fall Prevention Exercise Program on Muscle Strength and Balance of the Old-old Elderly

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week balance exercise and elastic-resistance exercise program on muscle strength and balance of the old-old elderly (over the age of 75). [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-five elderly persons were recruited from the community and assigned to three groups for convenience: balance exercise (intervention group 1; INT 1), resistance exercise (intervention group 2; INT 2), and control (CON) groups. The intervention was performed twice a week at a senior center and three times a week at home for 8 weeks. Muscle strength and balance were evaluated before and at the end of the trial, using a PowertrackIIand Tetrax. [Results] There were significant improvements in the strength of all seven muscle groups and balance in the INT 2 group. In the INT 1 group, there were significant improvements in the strength of all muscle groups except for the knee flexor and ankle plantar flexor muscle groups. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that an intervention using balance exercises or elastic-resistance exercises is effective at improving the muscle strength and balance of the old-old elderly. These type of exercises should be appropriate for the physical characteristics of the subjects.

Acute effects of hamstring-stretching exercises on the kinematics of the lumbar spine and hip during stoop lifting.

BACKGROUND Hamstring-stretching exercises are frequently used to change lumbar spine and hip movements in the clinic. However, little research into the effects of hamstring flexibility on lumbar spine and hip movements during lifting tasks has been reported. OBJECTIVE We investigated effects of hamstring-stretching exercises on the kinematics of the lumbar spine and hip during stoop lifting. METHODS We recruited 16 males with a reduced range of motion (ROM) in active knee extension (AKE). The angle of the lumbar spine and hip was measured during stoop lifting using a 3D motion-capture system. The ROM of AKE and the angle of the lumbar spine and hip during stoop lifting between pre- and post-stretching were analyzed using a paired t-test. RESULTS We found that hamstring-stretching exercises increased the ROM of AKE significantly. After hamstring-stretching exercises, there was a significant increase in hip flexion and decreases in both lumbar flexion and the lumbar/hip flexion ratio during the preparation phase of stoop lifting. In the lifting phase, only the movement range of the hip was increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS Hamstring-stretching exercises may be useful for decreasing lumbar flexion and increasing hip flexion in people who perform repetitive stoop lifting in the workplace or during daily activities.

Relationship Between the Kinematics of the Trunk and Lower Extremity and Performance on the Y-Balance Test

The lower quarter Y‐balance test (YBT‐LQ) has been recommended as a measure of dynamic postural control in the clinical setting; however, information about the relationship between performance on the YBT‐LQ and joint kinematics is limited. Thus, the kinematic predictors responsible for performance on the YBT‐LQ need to be identified for accurate evaluation of dynamic postural control.

The effects of mirror therapy with tasks on upper extremity function and self-care in stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mirror therapy with tasks on upper extremity unction and self-care in stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). [Methods] Subjects in the experimental group received mirror therapy with tasks, and those in the control group received a sham therapy; both therapies were administered, five times per week for six weeks. The main outcome measures were the Manual Function Test for the paralyzed upper limb and the Functional Independence Measure for self-care performance. [Results] The experimental group had more significant gains in change scores compared with the control group after the intervention. [Conclusion] We consider mirror therapy with tasks to be an effective form of intervention for upper extremity function and self-care in stroke patients.

Effects of a community-based fall prevention exercise program on activity participation

This study was conducted to identify the effects of a fall-prevention exercise program on the participation and static balance of elderly persons in daily life roles. [Subjects] Ten participants over 65 years of age (75.29±2.93) who were healthy community-dwellers (two men and eight women) were recruited. [Methods] The participants exercised three times a week for eight weeks. The exercise program was based on the fitness and mobility exercise (FAME) protocol. The outcome measures were changes in activity participation level and the fall index. [Results] After the exercise, the activity participation level significantly increased, and the fall index significantly decreased. [Conclusion] A fall prevention exercise program can have a positive effect on participation and static balance in older adults.

Effects of the Elastic Walking Band on gait in stroke patients

This study investigated how stroke patients improve the walking patterns by using the Elastic Walking Band, which was included with a long elastic band and four pierced plastics as fixed points. Fifteen patients with stroke were recruited. Participants were nine males and six females. Gait parameters were measured with the GAITRite system to analyze the spatial and temporal parameters of walking by stroke patients. The Elastic Walking Band had no significance in cadence, swing time and stance on both limbs. However, the Elastic Walking Band significantly improved velocity in stroke patients. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in step length of the less-affected limb between the two conditions, but no significant difference in the affected side. When the patients walked with the Elastic Walking Band, affected and less-affected stride length were also significantly increased as compared with barefoot walking. There were significant differences of velocity, less-affected step length, both stride length between walking with and without the Elastic Walking Band. Consequently, the Elastic Walking Band can be used as an assistive walking device that is lighter and less expensive for stroke patient gait training in the clinic.

Difference in Selective Muscle Activity of Thoracic Erector Spinae During Prone Trunk Extension Exercise in Subjects With Slouched Thoracic Posture

The prone trunk extension (PTE) exercise is often used to strengthen the back extensors. Although altered trunk posture is associated with movement impairment, the influences of a slouched thoracic posture on muscle activity of the thoracic erector spinae and thoracic movement during the PTE exercise were overlooked in previous studies.

Changes in kinetic, kinematic, and temporal parameters of walking in people with limited ankle dorsiflexion: pre-post application of modified mobilization with movement using talus glide taping.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), maximum plantar force, force-time integral, and time to heel off during walking between pre- and postapplication of modified mobilization with movement (MWM) using talus glide taping in people with limited ankle dorsiflexion. METHODS Eighteen feet with limited ankle dorsiflexion in 13 people were examined. Participants performed 3 different walking tasks in the following order: walking before and immediately after applying the modified MWM using talus glide taping and walking after 5-minute walking with the modified MWM using talus glide taping. A floor-mat pressure measurement system (HR-mat) was used to measure maximum plantar force, force-time integral, and time to heel off; and passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM was measured using a standard goniometer. The significance of differences was assessed using repeated one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS Passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM and time to heel off were significantly increased after 5-minute walking with the modified MWM using talus glide taping compared with walking before and immediately after applying the tape. Significantly increased maximum plantar force and force-time integral on the hindfoot and significantly decreased force-time integral on the forefoot during walking after 5-minute walking were observed with the modified MWM using talus glide taping compared with before applying the tape. No significant difference between before and immediately after applying the tape was observed in any variable. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that walking an additional 5-minute with the modified MWM using talus glide taping increased passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM and time to heel off and improved dynamic plantar loading during walking.

Effects of the Dual AFO on gait parameters in stroke patients

This study investigated how to improve the walking patterns in stroke patients by using the Dual AFO, which was devised as an alternative AFO consisting of two thin pierced plastic pieces for the lower leg and foot. Fifteen individuals with hemiplegia were recruited. Participants were seven males and eight females. Gait parameters were measured with the GAITRite system to analyze the spatial and temporal parameters of walking by stroke patients.The Dual AFO significantly improved the step time of the non-affected foot compared with barefoot walking. There was no significance difference in the affected swing time between the two conditions, and participants with the Dual AFO had a significantly shorter non-affected swing time. There was a significant difference in the affected single support time between walking with and without the Dual AFO. Additionally, the velocity was increased significantly in subjects with the Dual AFO compared with barefoot. Consequently, the Dual AFO might enhance stability during the stance phase on the affected side and mobility during the swing phase on the non-affected side to promote better walking in stroke patients.