[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of eye movements and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on patients with neglect syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the eye movements (EM) group; and the PNF with eye movements (PEM) group. The program was conducted five times each week for 6 weeks. Balance (both static and dynamic) and head alignment (craniovertebral angle and cranial rotation angle) were measured before and after testing. [Results] In measurements of static balance, the EM group showed significant improvement in sway length and sway area when examined in the eyes-open condition, but not when examined in the eyes-closed condition. The PEM group showed significant improvement when examined under both conditions. In the assessment of dynamic balance, both groups showed significant improvement in measurements of sway areas. With respect to head alignment, there were no significant differences pre- and post-testing in either the craniovertebral angle or the cranial rotation angle in the EM group, but the PEM group showed significant differences in both measurements. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in stroke patients with neglect syndrome, PNF with eye movements, rather than eye movements alone, has a greater positive effect on balance and head alignment.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of increased amount of physical therapy exercise on improvements in the walking ability of patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were selected from patients with stroke who were hospitalized in the convalescent rehabilitation ward, and included 91 patients who received physical therapy for 2.5–3 exercise sessions per day during 2005–2006 (PT3unit group), and 86 patients who received physical therapy for 4.5–6 exercise sessions per day during 2010–2015 (PT6unit group). The functional independence measure (FIM) score evaluates the walking ability of patients during hospital admission, 2 and 4 weeks after admission, and at discharge. The FIM score was stratified according to the degree of lower limb motor paralysis and subsequently compared between groups. [Results] Among the patients with complete paralysis and severe paralysis, the FIM-Walking scores at 4 weeks after admission and at discharge were significantly higher in the PT6unit group than in the PT3unit group. No significant differences were found between the PT6unit and PT3unit groups for patients with mild and moderate paralysis. [Conclusion] Higher amounts of physical therapy exercise contributed to improvements in the walking ability of patients with complete and severe lower limb paralysis.

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[Purpose] In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between the Barthel Index and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form in a cohort of elderly patients hospitalized in the General Rehabilitation Center. [Subjects and Methods] Three hundred and forty-four patients underwent an extensive evaluation, which included the following tests: 1) a Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form to evaluate nutritional status; and 2) a Barthel Index assessment to evaluate functional status. We categorized patients into three age groups (65–74 yrs, 75–84 yrs, and >85 yrs). Barthel Index cutoff scores were defined as ≥45 out of 100 for better functional status and <45 for worse functional status. [Results] Significant associations between age distribution and the scores obtained with the Barthel Index and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form were found; nutritional status measured with Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form and functional status measured with the Barthel Index were positively related. [Conclusion] This study shows that the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form value was associated with the Barthel Index score, and that these scores varied with age.

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[Purpose] The purposes of this study were first to analyze the multijoint dynamics of downward squatting, and to examine the contribution of interaction torque and muscle torque to net torque, and second, to examine mechanisms of movement control. [Subjects] The subjects were 31 healthy men with a mean age of 21.0 ± 1.2 years (range, 19–24 years). [Methods] Squatting tasks with the trunk in two positions, an erect and anterior tilt position, were performed by the subjects. Net, interaction, muscle, and gravity torque were calculated according to the Lagrange equation using 3D tracking data. [Results] The contribution ratio of interaction torque to net torque was approximately 90%, irrespective of the joint and task. In contrast, muscle torque showed complicated behavior to compensate for gravity torque. A combined muscle and gravity torque profile showed flexion or dorsiflexion immediately after the initiation of the movement, and it later changed to extension or plantar flexion. [Conclusion] The torque that contributes almost exclusively to the net torque was interaction torque. The combination of muscle and gravity torque at the knee joint and the hip joint is important for movement control, independent of the starting position.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate characteristics of postoperative physical functional recovery in octogenarians undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. [Subjects and Methods] This was a multi-center, retrospective study. Nine hundred and twenty-seven elective isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgeries were evaluated (746 males and 181 females, mean age: 68.6 years, range: 31–86 years). Participants were stratified according to age < 80 years (n = 840; mean age, 67.1; range, 31–79) or > 80 years (n = 87; mean age, 82.2; range, 80–86). Patient characteristics and postoperative physical functional recovery outcomes were compared between groups. [Results] There was no significant difference between groups when considering the postoperative day at which patients could sit on the edge of the bed, stand at bedside, or walk around the bed. The postoperative day at which patients could walk 100 m independently was later in octogenarians, when compared with non-octogenarians (6.1 ± 3.2 days vs. 4.9 ± 3.9 days). In octogenarians, the percentage of patients who could walk 100 m independently within 8 days after surgery was 79.5%. [Conclusion] A postoperative target time in octogenarians for independent walking, following coronary artery bypass grafting, can be set at approximately 6 days.

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[Purpose] Currently, various simulators are produced and used for athlete’s exercise, rehabilitation, and training. In this study, we analyzed the kinematic factors of sectional and total movements in healthy participants by providing group-dependent information during simulated exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Participants in this study included 26 male adults (non-experts and experts); experts held a certificate issued by the Korea Ski Instructors Association. The elapsed times in each phase, the difference in the lower extremity angles, and muscle activity were computed through analysis of kinematic factors. [Results] We observed that motions in the experts took shorter time to perform than that in non-experts, and showed larger variation of lower limb joint angle in most events during simulated skiing. There were also significant group-dependent differences in the peak and mean EMG values during simulated skiing. [Conclusion] A non-expert’s posture leads to enhanced muscle activity to keep the lower body in balance. We suggest the following training guideline: initially, non-experts should maintain appropriate range of motion with lower-intensity exercise to improve muscle endurance. It can be useful in providing preliminary data for future training and rehabilitation studies, as well as improvements in muscle strength and balance.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate activities of the hip extensors and erector spinae during bridging exercise by using instruments with a laser pointer on the pelvic belt. [Subjects] Twelve subjects (age, 23 to 33 years) with non-specific low back pain volunteered for this study. [Methods] Subjects performed bridging exercises with and without trajectory exercises by using a laser pointer fixed to a pelvic strap. The erector spinae, gluteus maximus and hamstring activities with and without trajectory exercises using a laser pointer were recorded on using electromyography. [Results] Compared to the without laser pointer group, the group that underwent bridging with trajectory exercises using a laser pointer had significantly higher gluteus maximus activity and significantly lower erector spinae activity. Significantly higher gluteus maximus/erector spinae activity ratios were observed when performing trajectory exercises using a laser pointer during bridging exercises. [Conclusion] This result suggests that trajectory exercises using a laser pointer during a bridging exercise would be effective for improving gluteus maximus activity.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of lumbopelvic stabilization training on tissue blood flow changes in the lumbopelvic region and lumbopelvic stability compared to placebo treatment and controlled intervention among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 25 participants (7 males, 18 females; mean age, 33.3 ± 14.4 years) participated in this within-subject, repeated-measures, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison trial. The participants randomly underwent three types of interventions that included lumbopelvic stabilization training, placebo treatment, and controlled intervention with 48 hours between sessions. Lumbopelvic stability and tissue blood flow were measured using a pressure biofeedback device and a laser Doppler flow meter before and after the interventions. [Results] The repeated-measures analysis of variance results demonstrated a significant increase in tissue blood flow over the lumbopelvic region tissues for post- versus pre-lumbopelvic stabilization training and compared to placebo and control interventions. A significant increase in lumbopelvic stability before and after lumbopelvic stabilization training was noted, as well as upon comparison to placebo and control interventions. [Conclusion] The current study supports an increase in tissue blood flow in the lumbopelvic region and improved lumbopelvic stability after core training among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

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[Purpose] Efficient management using exercise programs with various benefits should be provided by educational institutions for children in their growth phase. We analyzed the heart rates of children during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test to evaluate the cardiopulmonary endurance by calculating their post-exercise recovery rate. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects (n = 77) were categorized into a normal weight and an overweight/obesity group by body mass index. They performed each exercise for 3 minutes. The cardiorespiratory endurance was calculated using the Physical Efficiency Index formula. [Results] The ski simulator and Harvard step test showed that there was a significant difference in the heart rates of the 2 body mass index-based groups at each minute. The normal weight and the ski-simulator group had higher Physical Efficiency Index levels. [Conclusion] This study showed that a simulator exercise can produce a cumulative load even when performed at low intensity, and can be effectively utilized as exercise equipment since it resulted in higher Physical Efficiency Index levels than the Harvard step test. If schools can increase sport durability by stimulating students’ interests, the ski simulator exercise can be used in programs designed to improve and strengthen students’ physical fitness.

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[Purpose] To develop a clinical assessment test of 180-degree standing turn strategy (CAT-STS) and quantify its reliability and construct validity. [Subjects] Outpatients with stroke that occurred at least 6 months previously (N = 27) who could walk 10 m without physical assistance were included. [Methods] The CAT-STS was based on the literature and discussion with four physical therapists. The final version of the CAT-STS includes seven items: direction, use of space, foot movement, initiation, termination, instability, and non-fluidity. Patients were videotaped performing a 180-degree turn while standing. The Motricity Index, gait speed and Functional Ambulation Category were also evaluated. Two raters evaluated the turn on two occasions, and inter- and intra-rater reliability were calculated. Construct validity was also calculated. [Results] Inter-rater reliability was fair or moderate for many items (kappa = 0.221–0.746). Intra-rater reliability was good-to-excellent for all items (kappa = 0.681–0.846) except direction and termination. Inter- and intra-rater reliability of the total CAT-STS score were substantial and excellent, respectively (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.725 and 0.865, respectively). The total CAT-STS score was associated with walking ability and the time and number of steps taken to turn. [Conclusion] The total CAT-STS score is a reliable and valid measure.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the craniocervical posture on abdominal muscle activities in hook-lying position. [Subjects] This study recruited 12 healthy young adults. [Methods] Each subject was asked to adopt a supine position with the hip and knee flexed at 60°. Surface electromyographic signals of transversus abdominis/internal oblique, rectus abdominis, and external oblique in different craniocervical postures (extension, neutral, and flexion) were compared. [Results] The transversus abdominis and rectus abdominis showed increased muscle activities in craniocervical flexion compared to craniocervical extension and neutral position. Greater muscle activities of the external oblique were seen in craniocervical flexion than in craniocervical extension. [Conclusion] Craniocervical flexion was found to be effective to increase the abdominal muscle activities. Consideration of craniocervical posture is recommended when performing trunk stabilization exercises.

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[Purpose] In the present study, in order to examine the differences in proprioceptive senses between children with diplegic CP and children with hemiplegic CP, neck reposition errors were measured. [Subjects and Methods] Head reposition senses were measured after neck flexion, extension, and left-right rotation, using head repositioning accuracy tests. These tests were done with 12 children with diplegic CP and nine children with hemiplegic CP. [Results] The results indicated that children with diplegic CP had poorer head repositioning senses after movements in all directions compared to children with hemiplegic CP. [Conclusion] The results indicated that children with diplegic CP had poorer head repositioning senses after movements in all directions as compared to children with hemiplegic CP.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to compare dynamic balance ability according to foot shape, defined as normal, pronated, or supinated on the basis of the height of the medial arch. [Subjects] In this study, 14 subjects for the pronated foot group, 14 for the supinated foot group, and 14 for the normal foot group were selected from among 162 healthy university students by using the navicular drop test proposed by Brody. To measure dynamic balance ability, a star excursion balance test (SEBT) was conducted for each group, in which a cross-shaped line and lines at 45° in eight directions were drawn on the floor. In this study, only three directions were used, namely anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial. The mean of the SEBT was calculated by measuring three times for each group, and the values were standardized using the following equation: measured value/leg length × 100. [Results] No significant differences in dynamic balance ability were found between the normal, pronated, and supinated foot groups. [Conclusion] No significant differences in dynamic balance ability according to the foot shape were found among the healthy university students with normal, pronated, and supinated feet.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare patients with low back and neck pain with respect to kinesiophobia, pain, and quality of life. [Subjects and Methods] Three-hundred patients with low back (mean age 43.2±11 years) and 300 with neck pain (mean age 42.8±10.2 years) were included in this study. Pain severity was evaluated by using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, which includes a Visual Analogue Scale, quality of life by the Nottingham Health Profile, and kinesiophobia by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. [Results] Pain severity was similar in both groups, with a Visual Analogue Scale score of 6.7±2 in the low back pain and 6.8±2 in the neck pain group. Nottingham Health Profile pain [z=−4.132] and physical activity scores [z=−5.640] in the low back pain group were significantly higher. Kinesiophobia was also more severe in the low back pain group, with a mean 42.05±5.91 versus 39.7±6.0 Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia score [z=−4.732]. [Conclusion] Patients with low back pain developed more severe kinesiophobia, regardless of the pain severity, and had greater pain perception and lower physical activity levels. Kinesiophobia adversely affects the quality of life and requires effective management of low back pain.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether strength training programs for hip extensors and knee extensors improve gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy in Myanmar. [Subjects and Methods] Forty children (25 boys and 15 girls, mean age: 6.07 ± 2.74 years) from National Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar, who had been diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Classification System I and II participated in a 6-week strength training program (45 minutes per day, 3 days per week) on hip and knee extensors. Assessment was made, before and after intervention, of the amount of training weight in pounds, as well as Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) dimensions D (standing) and E (walking, running, jumping). [Results] All scores had increased significantly after the strength-training program. [Conclusion] A simple method of strength-training program for hip and knee extensors might lead to improved muscle strength and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

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[Purpose] This study was performed in order to investigate the grip strength of the unaffected hand of hemiplegic post-stroke patients. [Subjects] This study conducted on 83 hemiplegic post-stroke patients from May to August 2012. [Methods] This study was measured the mean grip strength of the unaffected hand of patients with hemiplegia and comparatively analyzed this with the mean normal grip strength. [Results] The grip strength of the unaffected hand of patients with hemiplegia was weaker compared to the of normal. [Conclusion] Patients with hemiplegia demonstrated problems in both their unaffected and affected sides. Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to expand treatment from the affected to unaffected areas of patients with hemiplegia.

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[Purpose] To determine the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise with thoracic extension exercise on chronic low back pain patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into a lumbar stabilization exercise group (group A) and a lumbar stabilization exercise with thoracic extension exercise group (group B). Group B did 15 min of lumbar stabilization exercises and 15 min of thoracic extension exercises, while group A did 30 min of lumbar stabilization exercises five times a week for 4 weeks. For assessing lumbosacral alignment, the lordotic angle, lumbosacral angle, and sacral angle were evaluated. The Oswestry disability index was used for assessment of disability due to low back pain. [Results] Both groups showed improvement in lumbosacral alignment and in the disability index. Group B showed greater changes in the lordotic angle and in the Oswestry disability index than group A, although the differences were not statistically significant. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercise with thoracic extension exercise can be recommended for improvement of chronic low back pain, although the improvements seen in lumbosacral alignment and low back pain disability index in this study did not achieve statistical significance.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the most effective method of performing ankle pumping exercises. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 10 men. We measured time-averaged maximum flow velocity and peak systolic velocity in the common femoral vein using a pulse Doppler method with a diagnostic ultrasound system during nine ankle pumping exercises (three different ankle positions and three exercise intervals). Changes of blood flow velocity during ankle pumping exercises with different ankle positions and exercise intervals were compared. [Result] Peak systolic velocity of the leg-up position showed significantly lower values than those of the supine and head-up positions. For all exercise intervals, the increased amount of blood flow velocity in the leg-up position was significantly lower than that in the head-up and supine positions. [Conclusion] Ankle positions and exercise intervals must be considered when performing effective ankle pumping exercises.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ankle joint mobilization with movement on knee strength, ankle range of motion, and gait velocity, compared with weight-bearing exercise in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty subjects with chronic stroke were divided into three groups: MWM (n = 12), WBE (n = 8), and control (n = 10). All groups attended physical therapy sessions 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Subjects in the MWM group performed mobilization with movement exercises, whilst participants in the WBE group performed weight-bearing exercises. Knee peak torque, ankle range of motion, and spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated before and after the interventions. [Results] Knee extensor peak torque increased significantly in both MWM and WBE groups. However, only the MWM group showed significant improvement in passive and active ankle range of motion and gait velocity, among the three groups. [Conclusion] Ankle joint mobilization with movement intervention is more effective than simple weight-bearing intervention in improving gait speed in stroke patients with limited ankle motion.

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[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to perform a review of the literature on objective measures of upper limb movements in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and describe the methods used to investigate upper limb kinematics in this population. [Materials and Methods] An extensive database search was performed using the keywords kinematics, upper limb, and cerebral palsy. A total of 146 papers were identified, but only five met the inclusion criteria. [Results] No consensus was found regarding the data collection, processing, and analysis procedures or reporting of the results. [Conclusion] Standardization of the protocol for 3D upper limb movement analysis will provide the foundation for comparable, reproducible results and eventually facilitate the planning of treatment interventions.

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[Purpose] To report the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (RSWT) on heterotopic ossification (HO). [Subjects and Methods] Two cases of neurogenic HO in the upper extremity were administered RSWT using the MASTER PLUS^® MP 2000 (Storz, Tägerwilen, Switzerland) and ultrasonographic guidance. The RSWT protocol consisted of 3,000 pulses at a frequency of 12 Hz during each treatment. The intensity level ranged from 2–5 bars, and it was administered 5 times a week for 4 weeks, a total of 20 treatments. [Results] RSWT improved pain, range of motion, and hand function in 2 patients with neurogenic HO in the upper extremity. [Conclusion] Further studies are needed to support these results and to understand the mechanism and to devise the protocol of RSWT for neurogenic HO.

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[Purpose] This study developed methods of shoulder supporting banding and shoulder pulling banding using elastic bands for scapular dyskinesis patients with shoulder depression and scapular downward rotation and investigated the effect on shoulder pain and scapular position. [Subject] The subject was a scapular dyskinesis patient with shoulder depression and scapular downward rotation and shoulder pain. [Methods] This study compared the scapular position and upper trapezius pressure pain between before and after applying the shoulder supporting banding and shoulder pulling banding for one month. [Results] The results showed that the acromion depression distance and scapular inferior downward distance decreased and that the pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius increased after using shoulder supporting banding and shoulder pulling banding for one month. [Conclusion] Therefore, the shoulder banding methods using elastic bands showed positive effect in a scapular dyskinesis patient with shoulder depression and scapular downward rotation.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to report the effects of ankle eversion taping using kinesiology tape on ankle inversion sprain. [Subject] The subject was a 21-year-old woman with Grade 2 ankle inversion sprain. [Methods] Ankle eversion taping was applied to the sprained left ankle using kinesiology tape for 4 weeks (average, 15 h/day). [Results] Ankle instability and pain were reduced, and functional dynamic balance was improved after ankle eversion taping for 4 weeks. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool score and reach distances in the Y-Balance and lunge tests were increased. [Conclusion] Repeated ankle eversion taping may be an effective treatment intervention for ankle inversion sprain.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dual chest banding using elastic bands on the shoulder pain of a scapular dyskinesis patient with winging and an elevated scapula. [Subject] The subject was a 40-year-old male scapular dyskinesis patient with winging, an elevated scapula, and shoulder pain. [Methods] This study developed a method of dual chest banding using elastic bands, and the subject applied this method for 1 month [Results] After applying dual chest banding for one month, the scapular position and scapular winging were improved when compared to the initial conditions. The upper trapezius pressure pain threshold was increased. [Conclusion] The present study suggests that dual chest banding provides a mechanical effect and increases proprioception and therefore reduces abnormal scapular mobility. The present study suggests that dual chest banding using elastic bands could be applied to patients with scapular dyskinesis in the clinic.

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[Purpose] The effect of early rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is currently unknown. We examined short-term effects of early rehabilitation on functional outcomes and activities of daily living after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. [Subject and Methods] An 82-year-old male fell during a walk, resulting in a supraspinatus tear. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was performed using a single-row technique. He wore an abduction brace for 6 weeks after surgery. [Results] From day 1 after surgery, passive range of motion exercises, including forward flexion and internal and external rotation were performed twice per day. Starting at 6 weeks after surgery, active range of motion exercises and muscle strengthening exercises were introduced gradually. At 6 weeks after surgery, his active forward flexion was 150°, UCLA shoulder rating scale score was 34 points, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire disability/symptom score was 36 points. At 20 weeks after surgery, his active forward flexion was 120°, UCLA shoulder rating scale score was 34 points, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire disability/symptom score was 0 points. [Conclusion] These protocols are recommended to physical therapists during rehabilitation for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to support rapid reintegration into activities of daily living.

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