[Purpose] The main purpose of this study was to identify the impact of rib cage joint mobilization and chest wall stretch on respiratory muscle tone and stiffness and chest expansion in stroke patients and to compare the effects of both interventions. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were randomly assigned to a rib cage joint mobilization group (n=15) or a chest wall stretch group (n=15). Respiratory muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a myotonometer, and the chest expansion was gauged using a measuring tape. [Results] A significant difference was found on comparing the respiratory muscle tone and stiffness on the affected and sound side before intervention. Although both groups showed an increase in respiratory muscle tone and stiffness after intervention, no significant difference was found. A significant increase in chest expansion was observed; however, no significant difference was observed in the variations between the groups. [Conclusion] This study suggests that rib cage joint mobilization and chest wall stretch exercises can be used to increase chest expansion potential and respiratory muscle tone in patients with chronic stroke.

[Purpose] The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of core stabilization and chest mobilization exercises on pulmonary function and chest expansion in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups: a core stabilization exercise group (n=15) and a chest mobilization exercise group (n=15). Each exercise was performed 3 times per week for 30 minutes for 4 weeks, and pulmonary function and chest expansion when breathing were measured for both groups. [Results] There were significant increases in both forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second before and after intervention. Core stabilization exercise resulted in a significant increase in peak expiratory flow, and significant increases in upper and lower chest expansion were detected with chest mobilization exercise. However, no significant difference was revealed between the two groups. [Conclusion] This study suggested that both exercises were effective in some aspects of pulmonary function while core stabilization can help increase peak expiratory flow and chest mobilization can assist with chest expansion.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of eye movements and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on patients with neglect syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the eye movements (EM) group; and the PNF with eye movements (PEM) group. The program was conducted five times each week for 6 weeks. Balance (both static and dynamic) and head alignment (craniovertebral angle and cranial rotation angle) were measured before and after testing. [Results] In measurements of static balance, the EM group showed significant improvement in sway length and sway area when examined in the eyes-open condition, but not when examined in the eyes-closed condition. The PEM group showed significant improvement when examined under both conditions. In the assessment of dynamic balance, both groups showed significant improvement in measurements of sway areas. With respect to head alignment, there were no significant differences pre- and post-testing in either the craniovertebral angle or the cranial rotation angle in the EM group, but the PEM group showed significant differences in both measurements. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in stroke patients with neglect syndrome, PNF with eye movements, rather than eye movements alone, has a greater positive effect on balance and head alignment.

This study aimed at identifying changes in the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and abduction angle of the arm when the caudal gliding gradeⅡ and Ⅲ of Kaltenborn-Evjenth Concept Ⓡ are applied to the right glenohumeral joint. The humeral head moved down about 5㎜ from the initial position when the gliding gradeⅡ was applied, and about 8㎜ from the initial position when the gliding gradeⅢ was applied. Although men showed a higher acromiohumeral distance per grade than women in comparisons by gender for the acromiohumeral distance, there was no significant difference in statistics. The Abduction angle improved about 10° from the initial angle when the gliding gradeⅡ was applied, and about 12° from the initial angle when the gliding gradeⅢ was applied. Although women showed the abduction angle greater than men for every grade in comparisons by gender for the abduction angle, there was no significant difference in statistics.Based on the aforesaid findings, the extent of kinematic changes in the humeral head could be identified when the gliding grades were applied. Accordingly, it is considered that more scientific evidence based treatments could be expected if influences on the surrounding structures by these changes could be learned through more studies in the future.

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