The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) for balance and gait in patients with stroke through meta-analysis of studies conducted in Korea. Methods: RISS, Science on, and DBPia were the three databases used to collect articles on KT. Keywords such as "Stroke," "Kinesio taping," "Elasticity taping," and "Taping" were used to search for published articles. We systematically searched from the inception of each database to November 2020. Interventions and comparisons were KT and without KT. Outcome measures were the timed up and go (TUG) and 10-meter walking tests (10MWT). Consequently, six studies were selected for the second screening using meta-analyses. Results: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, comparison between patients with and without KT showed that KT was effective for TUG (ES: 2.51, 95% CI: 2.12 to 2.90); however, it was not effective for 10MWT (ES: 0.79, 95% CI:-0.04 to 1.62). Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that KT is more effective than without KT interventions for balance function in post-stroke patients. However, more well-conducted randomized controlled trials are required in the future.

Purpose:The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a proposed study "To investigate the effects of applying a vibration stimulation to the paretic and non-paretic sides on balance and gait in stroke patients" before proceeding with the main study. Methods: A total of 30 patients who had suffered a stroke and who met the selection criteria participated in this study. However, only 14 patients completed the study. The study subjects were randomly assigned to vibration stimulation on either both sides (B group) or the paralyzed side (P group). The interventions were applied for six weeks. The patients were assessed using the Berg balance scale (BBS), Timed up and go (TUG), 10-meter walk (10 MW), and 6-minute walk (6 MW) tests. Results: There was a significant difference before and after the application of vibration stimulation in the BBS, TUG, 10MW, and 6 MW tests in the B group (p< 0.05). Similarly, there was also a significant difference observed in the 10 MW and 6 MW tests in the P group (p< 0.05). The difference between the two groups was not significant in the BBS, TUG, 10 MW, and 6 MW tests (p> 0.05). Conclusion:This pilot study suggests that it would be feasible to conduct a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effects of applying a vibration stimulation to the paretic and non-paretic sides, on the balance and gait in stroke patients.

No abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health of physical therapy students in clinical practice during the COV-ID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the pandemic and was completed by 100 physical therapy students in two universities in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, South Korea. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate their anxiety and depression status. A Chi-square test was conducted to evaluate the association of participant characteristics with the risk of having anxiety and depression. Logistic regression models were used to identify the general characteristic factors related to anxiety or depression. Results: Anxiety was found in 28 (28%) of the participants, and depression in 24 (24%). The risk of anxiety and depression in male physical therapy students was 0.189 and 0.211 times lower, respectively, than those female students (p< 0.05). The risk of anxiety and depression in physical therapy students with a history of disease was 11.721 and 7.056 times higher, respectively, than those with a history of disease (p< 0.05). The risk of anxiety in physical therapy students in clinical practice was 11.721 times higher than that in students who were not in clinical practice (p< 0.05). Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a high risk of anxiety and depression among many physical therapy students. More attention and improvements are needed so that physical therapy students can study in a safe environment.

Purpose:The purpose of this pilot study is to identify the problems and stability of a study to investigate "Effects of Squat Exercise according to Weight Support on Balance and Gait in Patients after Total Hip Replacement." before proceeding with the study. Methods: Twenty-two rehabilitation patients after THR surgery who met the selection criteria participated. The study subjects were randomly assigned to a squat group using a slider or a squat group using a reformer. The interventions were applied for two weeks. The patients were assessed using Berg balance scale (BBS), Timed up and go test (TUG), and 10-meter walking test (10MW). Results: Although twenty-two study subjects participated in this study, eight study subjects participated dropouts occurred during the study period. There was a significant difference within the group in BBS and TUG in two groups (p< 0.05). The difference between the two groups was not significant in all outcome measures (p> 0.05). The largest effect size was 1.21 and the smallest effect size was 0.39, all from the BBS. Conclusion: This pilot study suggest that it is feasible with minor adjustment to conduct a larger scale, powered RCT to examine the efficacy of squat exercise according to weight support with patients after THR.