Earticle

This study aimed to compare the effects of hamstring self-myofascial release using three different foam rollers on the passive and active angles of knee extension and hamstring muscle tone in subjects with shortened hamstrings. Twenty subjects with shortened hamstrings were included. The passive and active knee extension angles and hamstring muscle tone were measured immediately after each self-myofascial release of the hamstring muscles using a soft-, hard-, or grid-type foam roller. A goniometer was used to measure the passive and active knee extension angles, while a Myoton PRO was used to measure the hamstring muscle tone. The passive and active knee extension angles significantly increased and the hamstring muscle tone significantly decreased after all interventions (p<.05). However, none of the dependent variables differed significantly among the three groups (p>.05). All soft-, hard-, and grid-type foam rollers effectively improved hamstring flexibility and muscle tone in subjects with shortened hamstrings. Our findings suggest that individuals should choose the foam roller that is comfortable for them.

This preliminary study explored the potential effectiveness and efficacy of the online fieldwork program as an alternative to on-site fieldwork placement for occupational therapy students. Eight-week online fieldwork program consisting of diverse topics were provided to enrolled students via the Zoom. Eighteen occupational therapists from five rehabilitation hospitals along with a fieldwork program director led the online program. Students were expected to attend to the program for 7.5 hours (an hour of student presentation, an hour of lecture, and 4.5 hours of group work or study sessions), 5 days a week. Clinical competency, self-efficacy, and motivation for learning were examined. Additionally, reports on favorable part of the program and possible complaints were collected. A total of 82 students participated in survey after the online program. There were no significant differences in clinical competency, self-efficacy, and motivation for learning among students with varying prior fieldwork experiences. Students reported high satisfaction of the overall program and noted satisfaction with the organization of the program, quality of clinical instructors, variety of assignments, convenience of attending, and ease of communication through online platform. However, barriers such as technological problems and lack of hands-on experience were noted. The possibility of providing an online fieldwork program in place of in-person fieldwork was explored. Future research regarding online fieldwork programs need to be explored for more robust statistical investigation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of neck pain and disability and stress in university students. 136 participants with volunteered for this study. General characteristics of the participants, neck disability index, and stress response inventory was collected by using the survey, and its data were included in the final analysis. The neck disability index score showed positive correlation with neck pain (r=.415, p=0.00) and stess level (r=.419, p=0.00). Finally, neck disability index score of university students was a factor affecting on neck pain (ß=.654, p<.001) and stress level (ß=.094, p<.001). These findings suggest that neck pain and disability and stress level might have correlation with each other, and neck pain can be considered as the main variable. Further studies need to warrant these findings.

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of virtual reality exercise program with Wii on balance, walking and upper extremity function in stroke patients. Eleven subjects with stroke (an average age of 70.81 years) were participated in this study. One of three virtual reality exercises (boxing, tennis, bowling) using the Wii is performed for 30 minutes 2 times a week for 8 weeks. This study measured Timed up and go test (TUG), Berg balance scale (BBS), cadence, walking velocity, stride length, gait symmetry and box and block test (BBT) before and after 8-weeks exercise. The collected data were analyzed by using paired t-test. There were significant differences in TUG, BBS, cadence, walking velocity, stride length in the left side, gait symmetry, and BBT scores (p<.05). These findings suggests that virtual reality exercise using Wii might be effective on balance, walking and upper extremity function in patients with stroke.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Big (LSVT-BIG) exercise on balance, gait, and depression in patients with Parkinson's disease. Twenty individuals with Parkinson's disease were recruited, and divided into either the experimental group (EG) of control group (CG), 10 each. LSVT BIG exercise group (EG) and general exercise (CG) were applied 4 times a week for 30 minutes for 4 weeks, respectively. To measure balance function, the Burg balance scale (BBS) and functional reach test (FRT) were performed, and the timed up and go test (TUG), 10 meter walk test (10MWT) were performed to measure gait function. In addition, the state-anxiety test (status test: STAI-S, anxiety test: STAI-T) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) were used to evaluate depression. All tests were measured before and after the intervention. Within-group comparison in the EG showed significant improvement in all variables (p<.05). In the CG, BBS, FRT, TUG, and STAI-T tests were not significantly improved (p>0.05) and 10MWT, STAI-S, and BDI were significantly improved (p<.05). In the between- group comparison, the EG showed significantly greater improvement than the CG in all variables (p<.05). The LSVT BIG exercise may be more beneficial than general exercise to improve balance, gait, and depression in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study aimed to enhance the gross motor function, gait, balance, and quality of life of school-aged children using task-oriented approach based on the school function assessment (SFA). Total of three school-aged children who were diagnosed with genetic developmental disabilities (GDD) participated in the experiment. In a pre-test, the gross motor function measure (GMFM), pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), pediatric balance scale (PBS), and GaitRite was evaluated. Then, 12 weeks of task-oriented approach based on SFA was performed. The treatment consisted of ‘traveling’, ‘maintaining and changing positions’, ‘manipulation with movement’, ‘using materials’, ‘recreational movement’, ‘hygiene’, ‘clothing management’, ‘up/down stairs’. After the treatment, a post-test followed. Gait analysis revealed increased symmetry in both time and distance of a single step. Furthermore, GMFM and PBS measures increased for every participant. Finally, daily life dependence in PEDI decreased for every participant. We demonstrated effect of task-oriented approach in three children with GDD. The proposed treatment effectively enhanced overall GMFM, ratio between swing and stance phases, and PBS. Especially, the ratio between swing and stance phases shifted close to 4:6, which is the presumed normal ratio. Also, daily life dependence in PEDI decreased for every participant, which indicates that it has a significant effect on physical function and participation. Increasing number of participants and applying the suggested protocol to patients with GDD could be future topics.

The purpose of this study was to inform the basic information for improving working environment, efficient manpower management, and medical service through investigate the effect of empowerment of physical therapists on job stress and organizational commitment. Job stress, organizational commitment, empowerment were measured for physical therapists working in clinical settings after obtaining a license. In this study, general characteristics, job stress, organizational commitment, and empowerment of subjects were measured using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed through independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and simple regression analysis. Bonferroni's post-hoc test was performed if significant differences were found among groups. As a result of the study, there was a negative (-) correlation between job stress and organizational commitment. Job stress and empowerment showed a negative (-) correlation, and organizational commitment and empowerment showed a positive (+) correlation. Empowerment significantly affected both job stress and organizational commitment. Therefore, efficient empowerment management will be possible to provide patients high-quality physical therapy and to enhance the work performance.

Patient satisfaction is one of the key indicators that measure the quality of medical services. Since the level of satisfaction highly affects the treatment outcomes and patient retention, it is important to find important factors that affect patient satisfaction. Among various factors in this regard, this study aims at investigating the relationship between the level of awareness of physical therapy services and patient satisfaction. A total of 37 questions were designed to include six general characteristics of awareness of physical therapy service such as satisfaction with physical therapy service. The questionnaire was surveyed by a total of 206 peoples including 142 people who has medical service experiences. Various statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, and one-way ANOVA analysis were introduced to analyze the collected data. It is found that the average score of satisfaction was 74.9 scores out of 100. In addition, the satisfaction level according to the recognition level showed significant differences in seven questions except for three out of ten. From this examination, a proper explanation of physical therapy to patients is expected to improve the overall quality of physical therapy services and the satisfaction of patients.

purpose of this study was to identify the effects of progressive hop to stabilization balance (PHSB) program of balance ability and ankle joint stability in subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI). There were recruited 34 subjects with CAI for this study. They were randomly divided into either the experimental group with PHSB or control group with single limb balance (SLB), 17 each. Both groups received a total of 30 minutes of intervention programs, respectively. Measurements were used before and after the intervention. The balance ability was measured by the star excursion balance test (SEBT) and the ankle joint stability by the foot and ankle disability index (FADI). The following statistical analysis were performed an independen t t-test for the general characteristics of the subjects and 2×2 analysis of variance with repeated measures for the SEBT and FADI scores. The group×time interaction effect showed significant improvement in the SEBT anterior (F=31.442, p=.000), SEBT posterolateral (F=21.944, p=.000), SEBT posteromedial (F=28.445, p=.000), and SEBT average (F=31.856, p=.000), FADI score (F=6.925, p=.013), FADI impairment (F=4.808, p=.036). This study suggested that the PHSB may be more favorably used than the SLB in order to improve the balance ability and ankle joint stability in subjects with CAI.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise with recumbent cycle on pulmonary function and strength of respiratory muscle in university students. Fifteen subjects (an average age of 24.2±1.7 years) were asked to perform aerobic exercise with recumbent cycle. The aerobic exercise was performed for 40 minutes 3 times a week for 4 weeks. This study measured Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). In addition, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured as a pulmonary strength before and after each 8-weeks exercise. Pony FX was used for measuring the pulmonary functions. The participants showed a significant increase in MVV, MIP and MEP (p<.05), but no significant different in FVC was shown. Based on the research results, the recumbent cycle exercise can be recommended to improve pulmonary function and strength of respiratory muscle of University students.