[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of gait parameters with fear of falling in stroke survivors. [Subjects] In total, 12 patients with stroke participated. [Methods] The subjects performed on a Biodex Gait Trainer 2 for 5 min to evaluate characteristic gait parameters. The kinematic gait parameters measured were gait speed, step cycle, step length, and time on each foot (step symmetry). All the subjects also completed a fall anxiety survey. [Results] Correlations between gait parameters and fear of falling scores were calculated. There was a moderate degree of correlation between fear of falling scores and the step cycle item of gait parameters. [Conclusions] According to our results, the step cycle gait parameter may be related to increased fall anxiety.

[Purpose] This study sought to determine the usefulness of sit to stand training in self-directed treatment of stroke patients. It examined the effect that sit to stand training has on balance and functional movement depending on the form of support surfaces. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly sampled and divided into an unstable support surface group (15) and stable support surface group (15). In order to identify the effect depending on the form of support surfaces, 15 minutes of support surface training plus + 15 minutes of free gait training was performed. [Results] The results of the unstable support surface training showed that the corresponding sample t-test results were significant for the 7-item 3-point Berg balance scale, timed Up and Go test, and 6-minute walking test. The independent samples t-test, showed that there were significant outcomes in step length on the affected side, and step length on the unaffected side. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the sit to stand training on stable support surfaces was not as effective as the training using unstable support surfaces, but it is a simple and stable exercise with less risk of falls during training. It can also be performed alone by the patient in order to increase endurance and dynamic balance ability. Therefore, it is considered a useful exercise that can be performed alone by the patient outside the treatment room.

This study investigated the effects of cryotherapy on the ankle joint muscle strength and balance ability in stroke patients with ankle joint muscles. Methods: In this study, 20 patients with chronic stroke were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: a cryotherapy group (10 patients) and a control group (10 patients). The cryotherapy group performed sit-to-stand training for 15 minutes and then cryotherapy for the minutes. In the control group, after sit-to-stand training for 15 minutes, blocked cryotherapy was provided for three minutes. In both groups, the interventions were provided five times a week for three weeks. The strength of the ankle joint muscles was measured before and after the training using the Biodex systems 3. The static balance ability was measured using balancia software, and the dynamic balance ability was measured by performing the sit-to-stand test (FTSST) five times. Results: After the training periods, the cryotherapy group showed significant improvement in the ankle dorsiflexor strength, ankle plantarflexor strength, weight distribution of the affected side, and FTSST compared to the control group (p< 0.05). Conclusion:Based on these results, cryotherapy could be considered an effective method to improve the strength of ankle joint muscles. Cryotherapy improves muscle strength as it increases the motor neuron excitability. Therefore, cryotherapy may be considered to improve the strength of the ankle joint muscles of stroke patients.

Purpose: This investigation aimed to determine the effects of treadmill training (TT) and high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) on pulmonary function and walking ability in stroke patients as well as propose an exercise program to improve cardiovascular function. Methods: Twenty hemiplegic stroke patients were randomized to either the control group (CG) (n= 10) or the experimental group (EG), which received TT and HFCWO (n= 10). Pulmonary function was quantitated using patient forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) while walking speed was assessed by the 10m walking test (10MWT). Further, walking endurance was determined utilizing the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Subjects of the EG performed the study protocol for 60 minutes, five times a week for six weeks; CG patients did not participate in regular exercise. To determine significance for the differences observed before and after exercise, within-group and between-group comparisons were conducted utilizing paired and independent t-tests, respectively, with the level of significance set at α= 0.05. Results: Within-groups, significant differences were observed in both FVC and FEV1 (p< 0.01) following completion of the study protocol. Further, between-group comparisons demonstrated significant differences in both FVC (p< 0.05) and FEV1 (p< 0.01). Post-exercise, significant changes in the 10MWT and 6MWT score were observed between the EG and CG (p< 0.01). Further, statistically significant differences were observed in 6MWT scores between-groups (p< 0.05). Conclusion:The TT and HFCWO effectively improved pulmonary function and walking ability in subjects with stroke. The proposed program can be applied to stroke patients as a useful therapy.

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