[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the concurrent validity and
test-retest reliability of the recently introduced OPTOGait Photoelectric Cell System for
the assessment of spatio-temporal parameters of gait. [Subjects] Twenty healthy young
adults (mean age = 27.35, SD = 7.4) were asked to walk 3 times on walkway at a comfortable
speed. [Methods] Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing data obtained using the
OPTOGait and GAITRite systems, and reliability was assessed by comparing data from the
first and third OPTOGait sessions. [Results] Concurrent validity, as identified by
intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC (2, 1) = 0.929–0.998), coefficients of variation
(CVME = 0.32–11.30%), and 95% limits of agreement, showed high levels of
correlation. In addition, the test-retest reliability of the OPTOGait Photoelectric Cell
System was demonstrated as showing a high level of correlation with all spatio-temporal
parameters by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC (3, 1) = 0.785–0.952),
coefficients of variation (CVME = 1.66–4.06%), 95% limits of agreement,
standard error of measurement (SEM = 2.17–5.96%), and minimum detectable change
(MDC95% = 6.01–16.52%). [Conclusion] The OPTOGait Photoelectric Cell System
has strong concurrent validity along with relative and absolute test-retest reliabilities.
This portable system with easy-to-use features can be used for clinical assessments or
research purposes as an objective means of assessing gait.
[Purpose] This study was aimed at investigating the preliminary therapeutic efficacy and
usefulness of canoe game-based virtual reality training for stroke patients. [Subjects and
Methods] Ten stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n=5) or
a control group (CG; n=5). Patients in both groups participated in a conventional
rehabilitation program, but those in the EG additionally participated in a 30-min canoe
game-based virtual reality training program 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Therapeutic
efficacy was assessed based on trunk postural stability, balance, and upper limb motor
function. In addition, the usefulness of canoe game-based virtual reality training was
assessed in the EG and therapist group (TG; n=20), which consisted of physical and
occupational therapists, by using the System Usability Scale (SUS). [Results] Improvements
in trunk postural stability, balance, and upper limb motor function were observed in the
EG and CG, but were greater in the EG. The mean SUS scores in the EG and TG were 71 ± 5.2
and 74.2 ± 4.8, respectively. [Conclusion] Canoe game-based virtual reality training is an
acceptable and effective intervention for improving trunk postural stability, balance, and
upper limb motor function in stroke patients.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in pain intensity, spinal
curvature, and balance and gait ability according to the pregnancy period. [Subjects]
Nineteen pregnant women and fifteen nonpregnant women were recruited in this study.
[Methods] The pain intensity, spinal curvature, gait, and balance of pregnant women were
measured according to the pregnant period (2nd and 3rd trimester). The changes in the
pregnant women were also compared with those in the nonpregnant women. [Results] The pain
intensity and spinal curvature in the third trimester of pregnancy were significantly
increased compared with the second trimester. Only the lumbar spine curvature in the third
trimester pregnancy was significantly greater in the pregnant women than in non-pregnant
women. The gait velocity and cadence in the third trimester of pregnancy showed a
significant decrease compared with the second trimester. The gait speed in the second and
third trimester of pregnancy showed a significant decrease in the pregnant women compared
with nonpregnant women. Balance in the third trimester of pregnancy showed significant
improvement compared with the second trimester. The balance of the pregnant women showed a
significant decrease compare with that nonpregnant women only on unstable surfaces.
[Conclusion] These research findings can be used as basic data for health promotion
programs for sound daily activities in pregnant women.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of underwater
treadmill gait training on the balance ability of stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-two
patients with stroke were randomly assigned to an underwater treadmill group (n =11) or a
control group (n =11). [Methods] Both groups received general rehabilitation for 30 min
per session, 5 times per week, over a 4-week period. The underwater treadmill group
received additional underwater gait training for 30 min per session, 5 times per week,
over the same 4-week period. Static and dynamic balances were evaluated before and after
the intervention. [Results] The means of static and dynamic balance ability increased
significantly in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two
groups. [Conclusion] Compared to the general rehabilitation program, underwater treadmill
gait training was not more effective at improving the balance ability of stroke patients
than land-based training.
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