Background: Recently, new methods have emerged that encourage voluntary participation by allowing patients to perform tasks, including exercises or treatments, in a virtual reality (VR) environment. Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of full immersion virtual reality training on balance and knee function in patients who had undergone total knee replacement. Design: Single blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Department of Physical Therapy in a rehabilitation center. Population: A total of 30 elderly patients ([Formula: see text]65 years old) who had undergone total knee replacement. Methods: Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group ([Formula: see text]) and a control group ([Formula: see text]). The experimental group received with a continuous passive motion machine, exercise therapy, and a full immersion VR training program; the control group received only with a continuous passive motion machine and exercise therapy. Biorescue was used to test static and dynamic balance ability, and the Timed Up and Go and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities tests were used to assess knee function. Paired [Formula: see text]-tests were used to examine differences by time in each group, and independent [Formula: see text]-tests were used to examine differences between the groups. Results: In terms of within-group differences by time, both the experimental group and the control group showed significant changes in the anterior, and posterior limits of stability in both sides; static balance; and knee function. In the between-groups comparison, among static balance tests, there was a significant difference in center of mass path length in the standing position with eyes open ([Formula: see text]); among dynamic balance tests, there were significant differences in left, right, anterior, and posterior limits of stability ([Formula: see text]). Conclusions: VR training produced better early balance ability and knee function than what was seen in the control group. We believe that VR training in initial post-operative rehabilitation of total knee replacement patients may increase the rate of recovery. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: VR exercise programs are effective in early rehabilitation after total knee replacement, and have clinical value as inexpensive methods that can promote active participation.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in muscle activation of the trunk and lower extremities and plantar foot pressure due to backpack loads of 0, 10, 15, and 20% of body weight during level walking in individuals with flatfoot. [Methods] Fourteen young flatfoot subjects and 12 normal foot subjects participated in this study. In each session, the subjects were assigned to carry a backpack load, and there were four level walking modes: (1) unloaded walking (0%), (2) 10% body weight (BW) load, (3) 15% BW load, and (4) 20% BW load. Trunk and lower extremity muscle activities were recorded by surface EMG, and contact area and plantar foot pressure were determined using a RS scan system. [Results] The erector spinae, vastus medialis, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle activities, but not the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis muscle activities of flatfoot subjects significantly and progressively increased as load increased in flatfoot subjects. Contact area and pressure of the lateral and medial heel zones were significantly increased too. [Conclusion] Based on this data, the weight of a backpack could influence muscle activation and plantar foot pressure in flatfoot.

Abstract. [Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation on the foot blood circulation and the degree of pain experienced by diabetes patients.[Subjects] Twenty nine patients with diabetic neuropathy over the age of 60 were randomly divided into an experimental(16 patients, 67.9 ± 8.0 years) and a control group(13 patients, 70.4 ± 4.4 years).[Methods] Both groups walked on a treadmill at a comfortable pace for 50 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks, and each participant's body weight, body composition, and blood lipid were examined at the baseline and 4 weeks later.[Results] The results show that the foot blood flow rate increment after the intervention was significantly different between the experimental group and the control group, and the VAS was also significantly different.[Conclusion] Based on the results of this study, we consider that microcurrent electric stimulation of the foot may be helpful for preventing the pain and diabetic ulcers by increasing the foot blood circulation in diabetes patients.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate trunk repositioning errors after PNF exercise, or stabilizing exercise for low back pain.[Methods] Subjects were randomly assigned to a PNF exercise group or a stabilizing exercise group. The PNF exercise group voluntarily participated in PNF programs for the low back stability 4 times a week for 6 weeks. The stabilizing exercise group took part in stabilizing exercises 4 times a week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were subjective pain measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and trunk repositioning error (RE).[Results] The VAS score was significantly reduced by the intervention in the PNF and stabilizing groups, but the difference in VAS scores between the groups was not significant. The RE of the PNF and stabilizing groups was significantly reduced by the intervention and of the difference in the RE score between the groups was also significant.[Conclusion] Based on these results, we conclude that PNF exercise and stabilizing exercise both reduce subjective pain and RE. Therefore PNF exercise and stabilizing exercise are useful for improving the low back stability of low back pain patients. Accordingly we consider that PNF exercise will be beneficial for low back pain.

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