Usefulness of one-arm motorized gait device for chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors.

Background: After stroke, gait training is a key component of rehabilitation, and most individuals use a variety of walking aids depending on their physical condition and environment.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of a one-arm motorized gait device for gait assist of chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors through comparison with traditional gait devices (parallel bar and hemi-walker).

Methods: This study was conducted on 14 chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors.

Analysis of trunk muscles activity during horseback riding machine exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Appropriate trunk muscle activity is needed to perform functional activities in cerebral palsy, this study analyzed the activity of trunk muscles during horseback riding machine exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy. 10 children with spastic cerebral palsy were participated, the activity of the trunk muscles, including both sides of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, latissimus dorsi, and erector spinae in sitting posture and during horseback riding machine exercise were evaluated using a surface electromyography. The activity of bilateral rectus abdominis, external oblique, latissimus dorsi, and erector spinae increased during horseback riding machine exercise than quiet sitting posture.

Gender differences in pulmonary function, physical activity, and quality of life of patients with COPD based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015 to 2019 from the Perspective of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide, with the fourth highest mortality rate. This study aims to analyze pulmonary function, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL) between genders from the perspective of pulmonary rehabilitation in Korean patients with COPD. This study investigated raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2015 to 2019 and included 151 COPD patients (men: 66.

Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Game-Based Training for an Adolescent with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report.

Background: Recently, virtual reality-based training (VR-based training) is receiving attention as greater emphasis is placed on the importance of interest and motivation in participation. However, studies investigating the effects of fully immersive VR-based training are insufficient.

Case Presentation: We report a case of using a fully immersive VR game-based training in a patient with cerebral palsy.

Effects of Upper-Body Flexibility Exercise on Golf Performance of Amateur Female Golfer: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND We investigated the effects of the upper-body flexibility exercises on the golf performance of a female amateur golfer. CASE REPORT The participant was a 43-year-old woman who performed a general golf swing exercise (30 min) and an upper-body flexibility exercise (20 min) 3 times a week, for a total of 6 times in 2 weeks. The maximum rotation angle of the upper body was measured using a goniometer.

Knee Muscles Strength Can be Improved by Using an Elastic Band as an Assistive Device for Knee-Ankle Complex.

BACKGROUND There are various tools and methods used for strength exercise. Elastic bands, one of the resistance exercise tools, have been used for various purposes, including muscle strengthening; however, there is very little evidence supporting their efficacy. The study was performed to investigate the effect of knee-ankle elastic bands on knee muscle strength-related parameters according to sex in healthy adults.

The relationship between sitting balance, trunk control and mobility with predictive for current mobility level in survivors of sub-acute stroke.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between sitting balance, trunk control, and mobility, as well as whether the sitting balance and trunk control can predict mobility level in sub-acute stroke survivors.

Methods: This is a observational and cross-sectional study. Fifty-five hemiplegic stroke survivors were participated in this study.

Feasibility of full immersive virtual reality video game on balance and cybersickness of healthy adolescents.

Various virtual reality (VR) games with head-mounted displays (HMDs) can provide immersive experiences, but are often accompanied by negative experiences. We investigated the feasibility of immersive virtual reality game on balance and cybersickness in healthy adolescents. This is cross-over design.

Development of a sit-to-stand assistive device with pressure sensor for elderly and disabled: a feasibility test.

Elderly patients face difficulty in performing the sit-to-stand motion; hence, their dependency on assistive devices for activities of daily living is increasing. However, the existing devices do not provide support according to the individual's characteristics. This study aimed to develop a sit-to-stand motion assistive chair that detects the user's weight using a load sensor and assists them to stand up by adjusting the speed themselves as per their weight and preference.

Feasibility of training using full immersion virtual reality video game in young stroke survivor: A case report.

Background: With the recent developments in science, full-immersion virtual reality devices have been developed, which may have feasibility for stroke rehabilitation.

Objective: This case report investigated the feasibility of training using a full-immersion virtual reality video game for improving motor function, balance, and gait in a young stroke survivor.

Method: The case was a 27-year-old woman with stroke.

Effects of Kinect Video Game Training on Lower Extremity Motor Function, Balance, and Gait in Adolescents with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Unlabelled: The Kinect video game (KVG) has received attention as an intervention method for cerebral palsy (CP). However, evidence remains limited.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of training using Xbox Kinect on lower extremity motor function, balance, and gait in adolescents with spastic diplegia CP.

Impaired Cognitive Function is Associated with Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Dementia.

Background: The deterioration of cognitive and motor functions and activities of daily living is common in Alzheimer's dementia.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation and the strength of the relationship between cognitive function and motor function and activities of daily living after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease dementia.

Methods: Sixty-three patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease dementia in a community setting of South Korea were examined for cognitive and motor functions, and functional levels.

Full-immersion virtual reality: Adverse effects related to static balance.

The use of virtual reality (VR) is associated with several adverse effects including dizziness, headache, and motion sickness. This study investigates how full-immersion VR games cause changes in static balance with associated adverse effects, and whether a fixed or a changing game background is more likely to contribute to such problems. Static balance and adverse effects (eye fatigue and dizziness) were measured in 15 healthy adults under three conditions: baseline; after a full-immersion virtual reality game (PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation® VR headset) with a fixed background (15 min); and after a full-immersion virtual reality game with a unfixed background (15 min).

Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment on Muscle Strength, Proprioception, Balance, and Gait of a Middle-Aged Woman Who Had Total Knee Replacement: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this case study was to apply a training program using virtual reality to a middle-aged woman who had total knee replacement surgery and to investigate its effects on her muscle strength, proprioception, balance, and gait ability. CASE REPORT The subject who participated in this study was a 62-year-old woman, who had been diagnosed with moderate osteoarthritis and had a total knee replacement. Post-operative treatment consisted of virtual reality training along with range of motion exercise of the knee joint, light quadriceps isometric exercise, and conventional physical therapy.

The Effects of Viewing Smart Devices on Static Balance, Oculomotor Function, and Dizziness in Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND The number of people using smart devices such as smartphones (SPs) or virtual reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) is rapidly increasing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of viewing smart devices, including SPs and HMDs, on postural balance and the development of dizziness in healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-six healthy adults underwent static balance measurements at baseline, and after 5, 10, and 20 minutes of viewing the SP and HMD display.

Comparison of Gait Ability of a Child with Cerebral Palsy According to the Difference of Dorsiflexion Angle of Hinged Ankle-Foot Orthosis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare gait abilities in a child with spastic diplegia according to different dorsiflexion angles on hinged ankle-foot orthosis (hinged AFO). CASE REPORT This study is a case report of a child who was diagnosed with spastic diplegia and ambulated independently with the use of a hinged AFO. For gait analysis, the GAITRite® was used under 3 different conditions including barefoot, wearing regular of hinged AFO, and wearing a dorsiflexion 10° hinged AFO.

Gait analysis in hemiplegic stroke survivors who used the one-arm motorized walker.

Objective: A high number of stroke survivors experience limitations in balance and gait abilities. Thus, an improvement in gait ability is an important goal in the rehabilitation of hemiplegic stroke survivors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using the one-arm motorized walker, a hemi-walker developed to assist hemiplegic stroke survivors in gait training and activities of daily living, on the improvement in gait ability in hemiplegic stroke survivors.

Biological surface electromyographic switch and necklace-type button switch control as an augmentative and alternative communication input device: a feasibility study.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an approach used to supplement, improve, and support the communication of those with speech or language impairments. We developed an AAC device for diverse approaches, using an electromyographic (EMG) switch and a necklace-type button switch. The EMG switch comprised an EMG signal processor and a switch interface processor.

Effect of afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy on motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: When solely mirror therapy is applied for a long period of time, spatial perception and attention to the damaged side may decrease, and the effect of mirror therapy may be limited. To overcome this limitation, it has recently been suggested that the combination of mirror therapy with mirror treatment is effective.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of afferent electrical stimulation with mirror therapy on motor function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke survivors.

Whole-Body Vibration in Horizontal Direction for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND As most of the existing whole-body vibration (WBV) training programs provide vertical or rotatory vibration, studies on the effects of horizontal vibration have rarely been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of WBV in the horizontal direction on balance and gait ability in chronic stroke survivors. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial.

Progressive Respiratory Muscle Training for Improving Trunk Stability in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Stroke weakens the respiratory muscles, which in turn may influence the trunk stability; it is unclear whether the progressive respiratory muscle training (RMT) is effective in improving the trunk stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive RMT with trunk stabilization exercise (TSE) on respiratory muscles thickness, respiratory muscle functions, and trunk stability in chronic stroke survivors.

Methods: This is a pilot randomized controlled trial.

A novel hinged ankle foot orthosis for gait performance in chronic hemiplegic stroke survivors: a feasibility study.

Stroke survivors with gait disturbances may use ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). However, most AFOs come in one-piece styles, which make it difficult for spasticity-affected stroke survivors to don. AFOs are also limited since they do not properly prevent ankle joint for foot drop by itself.

Effect of Horizontal Whole-Body Vibration Training on Trunk and Lower-Extremity Muscle Tone and Activation, Balance, and Gait in a Child with Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of horizontal whole-body vibration (WBV) training on trunk and lower-extremity muscle tone and activation, balance, and gait in a child with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. CASE REPORT A 10-year-old male with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy received horizontal WBV training followed by conventional physiotherapy (50 min per day, 12 days per month), but only conventional physiotherapy during followup. Muscle tone was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and muscle activation with surface electromyography.

Development of a wheeled walker braking device using the four-bar mechanism.

The elderly population in many countries has been rising rapidly, and falls are a serious event many elderly people experience. Assistive equipment is actively used to reduce falls among elderly people. Popular types of assistive equipment include canes, electric wheelchairs, and wheeled walkers.

Does virtual reality training using the Xbox Kinect have a positive effect on physical functioning in children with spastic cerebral palsy? A case series.

Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of virtual reality (VR) training using the Xbox Kinect on motor function, balance, gait, and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method: This was a case series. Four children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were provided VR training using the Xbox Kinect for 12 sessions (three sessions per week for 4 weeks).