Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on chronic stroke patient's trunk control and dynamic balance ability in the sitting position of a dual motor task training program combined with a conventional training program.[Subjects] Twenty-eight subjects after twelve months post stroke participated.[Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: a dual motor task training group (n=14) and a control group (n=14). Both groups performed the conventional exercise program for 60 minutes per day, 5 times a week for six weeks. The dual motor task training group also performed dual motor task training in the sitting position for 30 minutes per day, 3 times a week for six weeks at a separate place from the control group.[Results] The dual motor task training group showed significant improvements in trunk control ability, and dynamic balance in the sitting position.[Conclusion] Dual motor task training combined with a conventional exercise program improves trunk control ability and sitting balance. These results suggest that dual motor task training is feasible and beneficial for individuals with chronic stroke.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of visual cues on movement smoothness during gait performance by individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen patients with symptoms of idiopathic PD were recruited into the study. The mean age of the subjects was 65.1 years, and the mean post-disease period was 71.3 months. The gait performance was analyzed in this study under 2 different conditions, free walking and visual cue walking. To determine the effect of visual cues on the gait performance of PD patients, we collected spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. [Results] Spatiotemporal parameters significantly improved during gait performance with visual cues compared to free walking. The presence of visual cues also resulted in significantly improved peak-to-peak angular displacement of the ankle, hip, and pelvis as well as movement smoothness in the lower extremities. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that augmented feedback using visual cues improves the deficit in kinematic parameters, and improves movement smoothness in the lower extremities of individuals with PD.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate correlations between lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and general characteristics of postmenopausal females, including body composition, knee extensor strength, standing balance, and femur BMD. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 40 postmenopausal females (55.6 ± 4.6 years) who were caregivers or guardians of patients in the K hospital were included in the study. The weight, height, body composition, left and right knee extensor strength, standing balance, femur BMD, and lumbar BMD measurements of the subjects were obtained. [Results] The effect of measurement variables on lumbar BMD was examined. Increases in age and menopausal duration were observed to significantly increase lumbar BMD, whereas an increase in height was found to significantly decrease lumbar BMD. An increase in soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat-free mass, and femur BMD was also associated with significantly decreased lumbar BMD. [Conclusion] Age, menopausal duration, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, and fat-free mass were factors that decreased lumbar BMD in menopausal females. This study is expected to provide basic knowledge for osteoporosis prevention and treatment programs for postmenopausal females.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on balance ability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: This study was one group pretest -posttest design. Twenty young idiopathic scoliosis patients were recruited for this study. They had the lumbar stabilization exercise program for 40 minutes a day, three times per