Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality treadmill training on balance and balance self-efficacy in stroke patients with a history of falling.[Subjects] Twenty-one stroke patients with a history of falling were allocated into 2 groups: a virtual reality treadmill training group (experimental group, n = 11), and control group (n = 10). [Methods] We measured patients' balance function and balance self-efficacy before and after 3 weeks of virtual reality treadmill training.[Results] Balance and balance self-efficacy were significantly higher in the experimental group. Furthermore, balance and balance self-efficacy significantly increased after 3 weeks in both groups compared with the baseline values.[Conclusion] Virtual reality treadmill training significantly improves balance and balance self-efficacy in stroke patients who are able to participate in physical balance training.

[Purpose] This study was conducted to identify the effects of expiratory muscle strength training on swallowing function in acute stroke patients with dysphagia. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 18 stroke patients with dysphagia were enrolled in the study. All participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=9) or a control group (n=9). All participants performed traditional-swallowing rehabilitation therapy in 30-minute sessions five times a week for four weeks; however, only the experimental group received expiratory muscle strength training. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvements after mediation. When compared with the control group, the functional dysphagia scale, vallecular residue, and penetration-aspiration scale were significantly improved in the experimental group. [Conclusion] Expiratory muscle strength training is an effective intervention for impaired swallowing function in acute strike patients with dysphagia.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of motor dual task training on gait ability of post-stroke patients.[Subjects] Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: a motor dual task training group (n=17) and a control group (n=16).[Methods] Both groups received physical therapy for 30 minutes, 5 days per week for 6 weeks. The motor dual task training group received additional motor dual task training for 30 minutes, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Gait ability was evaluated using the GAITRite system. [Results] Temporal parameters and spatial parameters were significantly improved by motor dual task training. Changes in gait speed, cadence, paretic step length, non-paretic step length, paretic stride length, non-paretic stride length, and paretic single limb support period were significantly different between the motor dual task training group and the control group.[Conclusion] Motor dual task training improved gait ability. These results suggest that motor dual task training is feasible and suitable for individuals with stroke.

[Purpose] This study investigated a brain wave and visual perception changes in stroke subjects using neurofeedback (NFB) training. [Subjects] Twenty-seven stroke subjects were randomly allocated to the NFB (n = 13) group and the control group (n=14). [Methods] Two expert therapists provided the NFB and CON groups with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30 thirst-minute sessions over the course of 6 weeks. NFB training was provided only to the NFB group. The CON group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after the 6-week intervention, a brain wave test and motor free visual perception test (MVPT) were performed. [Results] Both groups showed significant differences in their relative beta wave values and attention concentration quotients. Moreover, the NFB group showed a significant difference in MVPT visual discrimination, form constancy, visual memory, visual closure, spatial relation, raw score, and processing time. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that NFB training is more effective for increasing concentration and visual perception changes than traditional rehabilitation. In further studies, detailed and diverse investigations should be performed considering the number and characteristics of subjects, and the NFB training period.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Graston Technique on hamstring extensibility and pain intensity in patients with nonspecific low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four patients with nonspecific low back pain (27–46 years of age) enrolled in the study. All participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Graston technique group (n=12) and a static stretching group (n=12). The Graston Technique was used on the hamstring muscles of the experimental group, while the static stretching group performed static stretching. Hamstring extensibility was recorded using the sit and reach test, and a visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. [Results] Both groups showed a significant improvement after intervention. In comparison to the static stretching group, the Graston technique group had significantly more improvement in hamstring extensibility. [Conclusion] The Graston Technique is a simple and effective intervention in nonspecific low back pain patients to improve hamstring extensibility and lower pain intensity, and it would be beneficial in clinical practice.