Jin-Hwa Jung

Effects of computer assisted cognitive rehabilitation on brain wave, memory and attention of stroke patients: a randomized control trial.

[Purpose] This study investigated brain wave, memory and attention changes in adult stroke patients using computer assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR). [Subjects] Twenty-five stroke patients were randomly allocated to either the CACR group (n=12) or the control group (n=13). [Methods] Two expert therapists provided the CACR group and the control group with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30-minute sessions, semi-weekly, for 6 weeks. CACR was provided only to the CACR group. The control group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after the 6 weeks of intervention, electroencephalography (EEG) and a computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT) were performed, and the results were analyzed. [Results] After the intervention, the CACR group showed significant differences in the frontal lobe (Fp1, Fp2, and F4) and in the parietal lobe (P3 and P4), and also showed significant differences in CNT memory (DST and VST forward/backward test) and attention (VCPT correct responses), but no notable changes were observed in the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that CACR is feasible and suitable for individuals with stroke. Detailed and diverse investigations should be performed considering the numbers and characteristics of subjects, and the limitations affecting the CACR training period.

The effect of neurofeedback on a brain wave and visual perception in stroke: a randomized control trial

[Purpose] This study investigated a brain wave and visual perception changes in stroke subjects using neurofeedback (NFB) training. [Subjects] Twenty-seven stroke subjects were randomly allocated to the NFB (n = 13) group and the control group (n=14). [Methods] Two expert therapists provided the NFB and CON groups with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30 thirst-minute sessions over the course of 6 weeks. NFB training was provided only to the NFB group. The CON group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after the 6-week intervention, a brain wave test and motor free visual perception test (MVPT) were performed. [Results] Both groups showed significant differences in their relative beta wave values and attention concentration quotients. Moreover, the NFB group showed a significant difference in MVPT visual discrimination, form constancy, visual memory, visual closure, spatial relation, raw score, and processing time. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that NFB training is more effective for increasing concentration and visual perception changes than traditional rehabilitation. In further studies, detailed and diverse investigations should be performed considering the number and characteristics of subjects, and the NFB training period.

The reliability and validity of the Korean version of the foot function index for patients with foot complaints

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the Foot Function Index translated into Korean for use in patients with plantar fasciitis and foot/ankle fracture. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-six subjects with foot complaints, 14 males and 22 females, participated in the study. Reliability was determined by using the intra-class correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency. Validity was examined by correlating Foot Function Index scores with the Short Form-36 and the Visual Analog Scale scores. [Results] Test-retest reliability was 0.90 for the pain subscale, and 0.94 and 0.91 for the disability and activity limitation subscales, respectively. The criterion-related validity was established by comparison with the Korean version of the Short Form-36 and Visual Analog Scale. [Conclusion] The Korean version of the Foot Function Index was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing foot complaints.

Immediate effects of Graston Technique on hamstring muscle extensibility and pain intensity in patients with nonspecific low back pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Graston Technique on hamstring extensibility and pain intensity in patients with nonspecific low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four patients with nonspecific low back pain (27–46 years of age) enrolled in the study. All participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Graston technique group (n=12) and a static stretching group (n=12). The Graston Technique was used on the hamstring muscles of the experimental group, while the static stretching group performed static stretching. Hamstring extensibility was recorded using the sit and reach test, and a visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. [Results] Both groups showed a significant improvement after intervention. In comparison to the static stretching group, the Graston technique group had significantly more improvement in hamstring extensibility. [Conclusion] The Graston Technique is a simple and effective intervention in nonspecific low back pain patients to improve hamstring extensibility and lower pain intensity, and it would be beneficial in clinical practice.

Effects of neurofeedback and computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation on relative brain wave ratios and activities of daily living of stroke patients: a randomized control trial

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of neurofeedback (NFB) and computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) on the relative brain wave ratios and activities of daily living (ADL) of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-four participants were randomly allocated to the NFB (n=14), CACR (n=14), or control (CON) (n=16) groups. Two expert therapists provided the NFB, CACR, and CON groups with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30-minute sessions, 5 times a week, for 6 weeks. NFB training was provided only to the NFB group and CACR training was provided only to the CACR group. The CON group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after 6 weeks of intervention, brain wave and ADL evaluations were performed, and the results were analyzed. [Results] The relative ratio of beta waves, only showed a significant increase in the frontal and parietal areas of the NFB group. Significant changes in ADL were shown by all three groups after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences between the NFB and CACR groups and the CON group. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that CACR and NFB are effective at improving cognitive function and ADL of stroke patients.

Effects of visual feedback with a mirror on balance ability in patients with stroke

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of a visual feedback obtained from a mirror on balance ability during quiet standing in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Fifteen patients with stroke (9 males, 6 females) enrolled in the study. [Methods] Experimental trials (duration, 20s) included three visual conditions (eyes closed, eyes open, and mirror feedback) and two support surface conditions (stable, and unstable). Center of pressure (COP) displacements in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions were recorded using a force platform. [Results] No effect of condition was observed along all directions on the stable surface. An effect of condition was observed on the unstable surface, with a smaller mediolateral COP distance in the mirror feedback as compared to the other two conditions. Similar results were observed for the COP speed. [Conclusion] Visual feedback from a mirror is beneficial for improving balance ability during quiet standing on an unstable surface in patients with stroke.

The influence of Task-Related Training combined with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on paretic upper limb muscle activation in patients with chronic stroke

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the efficacy of Task-Related Training (TRT) Combined with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the improvement of upper limb muscle activation in chronic stroke survivors with mild or moderate paresis. METHODS A single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 46stroke survivors with chronic paresis. They were randomly allocated two groups: the TRT+TENS group (n = 23) and the TRT+ placebo TENS (TRT+PLBO) group (n = 23). The TRT+TENS group received 30 minutes of high-frequency TENS on wrist and elbow extensors, while the TRT+PLBO group received placebo TENS that was not real ES. Both groups did 30 minutes of TRT after TENS application. Intervention was given five days a week for four weeks. The primary outcomes of upper limb muscle activation were measured by integrated EMG (IEMG), a digital manual muscle tester for muscle strength, active range of motion (AROM) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE). The measurements were performed before and after the 4 weeks intervention period. RESULTS Both groups demonstrated significant improvements of outcomes in IEMG, AROM, muscle strength and FMA-UE during intervention period. When compared with the TRT+PLBO group, the TRT+TENS group showed significantly greater improvement in muscle activation (wrist extensors, P = 0.045; elbow extensors, P = 0.004), muscle strength (wrist extensors, P = 0.044; elbow extensors, P = 0.012), AROM (wrist extension, P = 0.042; elbow extensors, P = 0.040) and FMA-UE (total, P < 0.001; shoulder/elbow/forearm, P = 0.001; wrist, P = 0.002; coordination, P = 0.008) at the end of intervention. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that TRT Combined with TENS can improve paretic muscle activity in upper limb paresis, highlighting the benefits of somatosensory stimulation from TENS.

The reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Japanese orthopaedic association back pain evaluation questionnaire

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) translated into Korean for use with patients’ low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-two subjects with low back pain, 28 men and 34 women, participated in the study. Reliability was determined by using the intra class correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency. Validity was examined by correlating the JOABPEQ scores with the 36 item short form health survey (SF 36). [Results] Test-retest reliability was 0.75–0.83. The criterion-related validity was established by comparison with the Korean version of the SF 36. [Conclusion] The Korean version of the JOABPEQ was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing low back pain.

Reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire for patients with musculoskeletal disorder

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire, which was translated into Korean, for patients with musculoskeletal disorder. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-five subjects (26 males and 29 females) with musculoskeletal diseases participated in the study. The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire focuses on a limited range of physical functions and includes a dysfunction index and a bother index. Reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and validity was examined by correlating short musculoskeletal function assessment scores with the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) score. [Results] The reliability was 0.97 for the dysfunction index and 0.94 for the bother index. Validity was established by comparison with Korean version of the SF-36. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that the Korean version of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders.

The effects of task-oriented training on hand dexterity and strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a preliminary study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of task-oriented training (TOT) on hand dexterity and strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to either the TOT group (n=6) or the control group (n=6). In both groups, conventional occupational therapy was performed 40-min/day, 2 times a week, for 4 weeks. In the TOT group, TOT was additionally performed for 20 min, and the control group received usual care. The box and block test (BBT) was performed to assess hand dexterity. Hand strength was also assessed using hand dynamometer. [Results] After intervention, the TOT group showed a significant improvement of hand dexterity. In the control group, BBT and grip strength were not significantly improved after intervention. [Conclusion] In clinical settings, we suggest that TOT may be used as an intervention to improve hand dexterity in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.