Objective: Dual-task interference is defined as decrements in performance observed when people attempt to perform two tasks concurrently, such as a verbal task and walking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of gait ability according to the dual task interference in chronic stroke survivors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ten chronic stroke survivors (9 male, 1 female; mean age, 55.30 years; mini mental state examination, 19.60; onset duration, 56.90 months) recruited from the local community participated in this study. Gait ability (velocity, paretic side step, and stride time and length) under the single-and dual-task conditions at a self-selected comfortable walking speed was measured using the motion analysis system. In the dual task conditions, subjects performed three types of cognitive tasks (controlled oral word association test, auditory clock test, and counting backwards) while walking on the track. Results: For velocity, step and stride length, there was a significant decrease in the dual-task walking condition compared to the single walking condition (p<0.05). In particular, higher reduction of walking ability was observed when applying the counting backward task. Conclusions: Our results revealed that the addition of cognitive tasks while walking may lead to decrements of gait ability in stroke survivors. In particular, the difficulty level was the highest for the calculating task. We believe that these results provide basic information for improvements in gait ability and may be useful in gait training to prevent falls after a stroke incident.

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Background Respiratory disorders result in rehospitalization and premature death of patients with cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCI). Community game-based respiratory muscle training (RMT) programs could reduce secondary complications. Methods We examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of RMT as a community-based exercise program. Among the 10 included participants (eight male and two female), four, one, one, and four reported C3, C4, C5, and C6 complete injuries, respectively (eight graded by American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale [ASIA] A and two by ASIA B). Their mean age was 43 ± 12.3 y. The time since injury was 10 ± 6.7 y. The participants completed an RMT program for 60 min/day, twice weekly, for 8 weeks. The participants were trained in the use of a newly developed game-based RMT device. The device provides consistent pressure for respiratory muscle strength and endurance training. Seven RMT devices were modified to allow 10 game-based RMT programs. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), vital capacity (VC), inspiratory capacity (IC), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and peak cough flow (PCF) were measured. Results There were improvements after RMT compared to pre-RMT in FVC (p = 0.027, 10.62%, 0.22 effect size [ES]), PEF (p = 0.006, 23.21%, 0.45 ES), VC (p = 0.002, 35.52%, 0.60 ES), IC (p = 0.001, 46.94%, 0.81 ES), IRV (p = 0.001, 90.53%, 1.22 ES), MIP (p = 0.002, 97.25%, 1.32 ES), MEP (p = 0.005, 141.12%, 1.07 ES), and PCF (p = 0.001, 35.60%, 0.74 ES). The participants reported a positive impact of the program. Conclusions Community game-based RMT for individuals with CSCI appears to be safe and feasible. Community exercise with RMT use may have a positive impact on the respiratory measures for patients with CSCI who are vulnerable to respiratory compromise. Trial registration KCT0005980.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) show restricted breathing patterns with reduced lung volumes and capacities. OBJECTIVE: To improve breathing in such individuals, we aimed to develop breathing exercise devices using a user-centered design (UCD) and then assess the effects of these devices on breathing. METHODS: Patients with SCI were involved in the device development. Preliminary online survey participants were recruited from the community, and interview and pilot test participants were recruited from a patient self-help group. The four UCD phases were repeatedly performed. Users required fun, easy, multi-player, and safe exercise devices. RESULTS: Seven breathing exercise devices were developed, and 10 different game-based exercises were performed. Two individuals participated in a pilot test involving a respiratory rehabilitation exercise program conducted twice weekly for 60 min/session over 8 weeks. Lung function was assessed using a spirometer. Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and vital capacity showed minimal changes, whereas maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures improved. Participants reported that the exercises were entertaining and that the competitive nature of the game-like exercises encouraged further participation. CONCLUSION: Breathing exercise programs using our developed devices can improve breathing and positively affect the psychological states and sociability of users.

[Purpose] Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects balance in the sitting position. Cerebral palsy patients need trunk muscle strengthening and balance training. In order to improve trunk control sensory-motor control training is carried out on an unstable surface. We have developed a Trunk Training System (TTS) that can provide visual feedback using a tilt sensor for balance training in the sitting position. Before using the TTS for training children with cerebral palsy experiments were conducted with healthy adult subjects and the TTS to gather basic data for its improvement. [Subjects] The subjects were 11 healthy men (n=3) and women (n=8). [Methods] Subjects trained at two levels (5°, 10°), in four different directions (anterior, posterior, left, right), three times each. TTS outcome indices (stability index, performance time) were measured. [Results] The stability index and performance time showed high correlation (−0.6