Clinical Characteristics of Proper Robot-Assisted Gait Training Group in Non-ambulatory Subacute Stroke Patients.

Objective: To identify the clinical characteristics of proper robot-assisted gait training group using exoskeletal locomotor devices in non-ambulatory subacute stroke patients.

Methods: A total of 38 stroke patients were enrolled in a 4-week robotic training protocol (2 sessions/day, 5 times/week). All subjects were evaluated for their general characteristics, Functional Ambulatory Classification (FAC), Fugl-Meyer Scale (FMS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) at 0, 2, and 4 weeks.

A Further Step to Develop Patient-Friendly Implementation Strategies for Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation in Patients With Acute Stroke.

Background: Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is gaining attention as a way to promote early mobilization in patients with acute stroke. However, given the motor weakness and cognitive impairment associated with acute stroke, implementation strategies for overcoming patient-perceived difficulty need to be developed to enhance their motivation for training.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore patient-perceived difficulty and enjoyment during VR-based rehabilitation and the factors affecting those experiences.

Feedback training using a non-motorized device for long-term upper extremity impairment after stroke: a single group study.

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of feedback training using a non-motorized device on the upper extremity kinematic performance of chronic stroke survivors. [Subjects] This study had a single group design. Thirteen chronic stroke survivors (onset duration: 11.

Effects of 4-Week Intensive Active-Resistive Training with an EMG-Based Exoskeleton Robot on Muscle Strength in Older People: A Pilot Study.

This study aims to investigate the idea that an active-resistive training with an EMG-based exoskeleton robot could be beneficial to muscle strength and antagonist muscle cocontraction control after 4-week intensive elbow flexion/extension training. Three older people over 65 years participated the training for an hour per session and completed total 20 sessions during four weeks. Outcome measures were chosen as the maximum joint torque and cocontraction ratio between the biceps/triceps brachii muscles at pre-/post-training.

Driving Trail Making Test part B: a variant of the TMT-B.

[Purpose] The Trail Making Test part B (TMT-B) is used in evaluating driving abilities and includes testing for the executive function. A driving simulator version of this test (DTMT-B) was developed to measure drivers' executive abilities in three-dimensional space. The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of the DTMT-B for driving assessment.

Risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in Korean dental practitioners.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between psychosocial stress, occupational stress, and musculoskeletal symptoms in Korean dental practitioners. [Subjects and Methods] Self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 401 dental practitioners in Korea. To assess the risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, and Psychosocial Well-Being Index Short Form were used.

Robot-Assisted Reach Training for Improving Upper Extremity Function of Chronic Stroke.

Stroke, as a major risk factor for chronic impairment of upper limb function, can severely restrict the activities of daily living. Recently, robotic devices have been used to enhance the functional upper extremity movement of stroke patients. The purpose of the current study was to assess whether a robot-assisted reach training program using a whole arm manipulator (WAM) could improve upper extremity kinematic performance and functional movement for chronic stroke patients.

A Brief Introduction of Assistive Technology Service Delivery System in Republic of Korea.

Social participation of People with Disability in Republic of Korea has been grown last few years. Also demand of Assistive Technology has been increased as well. Responding these needs, the public benefits of Assistive Technology Device in Republic of Korea in 2014 was USD 1.

Usability of a New Writing Assistive Device for Persons with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

The hand function for persons with cervical spinal cord injury (PCSCI) is most frequently cause difficulties in leading normal lives. The purpose of this study was to test the usability of a new writing assistive device (NWAD) for PCSCI. To access its usability, the authors design usability testing method and test the NWAD to five individuals with cervical spinal cord injury.

Effects of a 6-Week Indoor Hand-Bike Exercise Program on Health and Fitness Levels in People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

Objective: To investigate the effects of a 6-week indoor hand-bike exercise program on fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and physical fitness in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: National rehabilitation center (outpatient).

Virtual Reality Training with Cognitive Load Improves Walking Function in Chronic Stroke Patients.

Virtual reality training is considered as an effective intervention method of stroke patients, and the virtual reality system for therapeutic rehabilitation has emphasized the cognitive factors to improve walking function. The purpose of current study was to investigate the effect of virtual reality training with cognitive load (VRTCL) on walking function of chronic stroke. Chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to the VRTCL group (11 patients, including 5 men; mean age, 60.

Risk factors related to falling in stroke patients: a cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate a comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with falls in poststroke patients. [Subjects] Forty-eight stroke patients (22 males and 26 females; age 63.79 years) participated in this study.

Effectiveness of bee venom acupuncture in alleviating post-stroke shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Shoulder pain is a common complication of stroke. Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is increasingly used in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain.

Objective: To summarize and evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of BVA in relieving shoulder pain after stroke.

Influence of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on weight distribution in lower leg muscles.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), with and without visual input, on weight distribution following exercise-induced fatigue in the dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles of the ankle. [Subjects and Methods] This study had a cross-sectional design. Nineteen healthy adults (10 males, 9 females; mean age 21±0.

Upper extremity muscle activation during drinking from a glass in subjects with chronic stroke.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activities of upper extremities during a drinking task between the stroke-affected and less-affected sides. [Subjects] Eight stroke patients (8 men; age 45.3 years; stroke duration 21.

Behaviors of providers of traditional korean medicine therapy and complementary and alternative medicine therapy for the treatment of cancer patients.

Objectives: In Korea, cancer is one of the most important causes of death. Cancer patients have sought alternative methods, like complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) together with Western medicine, to treat cancer. Also, there are many kinds of providers of CAM therapy, including providers of Korean oriental medicine therapy.

Factors Related to Gait Function in Post-stroke Patients.

[Purpose] Gait function after a stroke is an important factor for determining a patient's ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADL). The objective of this study was to elucidate the factors associated with gait function in post-stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty-nine stroke patients (16 females and 23 males; average age 67.

Test-retest reliability of the GAITRite walkway system for the spatio-temporal gait parameters while dual-tasking in post-stroke patients.

Purpose: To examine the test-retest reliability of spatio-temporal gait parameters during performance of single- and dual-tasking in post-stroke patients.

Method: This study was conducted using a single-group repeated-measures design, involving a baseline measurement session and a follow-up session two days later. Forty-three chronic stroke patients (>6 months) participated in this study.

Effects of functional movement strength training on strength, muscle size, kinematics, and motor function in cerebral palsy: a 3-month follow-up.

We investigated the long-term effects of comprehensive hand repetitive intensive strengthening training (CHRIST) on strength, morphological muscle size, kinematics, and associated motor functional changes in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Ten children (5 boys, 5 girls; age range, 6-11 years, mean age, 8.6 years) participated in the study.

Acupuncture for shoulder pain after stroke: a systematic review.

Objectives: Shoulder pain, for which acupuncture has been used, is a common complication after a stroke that interferes with the function of the upper extremities. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and evaluate the effects of acupuncture for shoulder pain after stroke.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the effects of acupuncture for shoulder pain, published between January 1990 and August 2009, were obtained from the National Libraries of Medicine, MEDLINE(®), CINAHL, AMED, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register 2009, Korean Medical Database (Korea Institute of Science Technology Information, DBPIA, KoreaMed, and Research Information Service System), and the Chinese Database (China Academic Journal).

Effects of a combined lifestyle score on 10-year mortality in Korean men and women: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Most studies that have evaluated the association between combined lifestyle factors and mortality outcomes have been conducted in populations of Caucasian origin. The objective of this study was to examine the association between combined lifestyle scores and the risk of mortality in Korean men and women.

Methods: The study population included 59,941 Koreans, 30-84 years of age, who had visited the Severance Health Promotion Center between 1994 and 2003.

Impact of metabolic syndrome independent of insulin resistance on the development of cardiovascular disease.

Background:  It is controversial as to whether metabolic syndrome is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to determine the independent and combined effects of metabolic syndrome and IR on the incidence of CVD in a prospective cohort study.

Methods And Results:  A total of 6,430 healthy subjects who underwent a health check-up were enrolled.

Telerehabilitation needs: a bidirectional survey of health professionals and individuals with spinal cord injury in South Korea.

Objective: To assess multiple facets of awareness, understanding, value, needs, and desirability to resolve issues regarding unmet medical needs of individuals with a disability by adopting telerehabilitation. The survey included collection and analysis of current services as well as of supplementary and future services of rehabilitative interventions in South Korea.

Study Design And Participants: Thirty-six health professionals who were members of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine and 57 individuals with spinal cord injury responded to a survey of those belonging to two non-profit professional groups, one group belonging to the Korean Spinal Cord Injury Association and joining the National Spinal Cord Injury Wheelchair Games and the other group belonging to the Jeong-Sang-Hye (High Quad Spinal Cord Injury Association) and having joined one of the focus groups of the Korea National Rehabilitation Research Institute.