Abstract.[Purpose] The objective of this study was to compare the effect of underwater and overground treadmill walking, which affect gait pattern and muscle strength in people with hemiparesis following a stroke. [Subjects] Twenty chronic stroke patients were included in this study.[Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups, the underwater treadmill walking (UTW) and overground treadmill walking (OTW) groups. The amount of weight the subjects exerted on the foot on the affected side, as well as the joint angle values and muscle strengths on the affected side, were measured. Intervention was performed 4 times per week, and each session lasted 30 minutes. [Results] It was shown that the weight exerted on both the entire foot and hindfoot increased more in the UTW group than in the OTW group. However, the weight put on the forefoot was not found to increase for either group. In terms of the joint angle values, the angle between the hip and the knee showed a greater increase in the UTW group than in the OTW group. In contrast, the ankle joint angle did not show significant change in either of the groups. Muscle strength showed a similar increase in both groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that after a stroke underwater treadmill walking has a more positive effect on gait pattern than overground treadmill walking.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of functional electrical stimulation on muscle tone and stiffness in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Ten patients who had suffered from stroke were recruited. The intervention was functional electrical stimulation on ankle dorsiflexor muscle (tibialis anterior). The duration of functional electrical stimulation was 30 minutes, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. The Myoton was used a measure the muscle tone and stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle (medial and lateral part) on paretic side. [Results] In the assessment of muscle tone, medial and lateral part of gastrocnemius muscle showed differences before and after the experiment. Muscle stiffness of medial gastrocnemius muscle showed differences, and lateral gastrocnemius muscle showed differences before and after the experiment. The changes were greater in stiffness scores than muscle tone. [Conclusion] These results suggest that FES on ankle dorsiflexor muscle had a positive effect on muscle tone and stiffness of stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of whole-body vibration exercise and plyometric exercise on female volleyball players. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were randomly allocated to two exercise groups (whole-body vibration exercise group and plyometric exercise group). The exercise was conducted three times each week for 8 weeks. Isokinetic muscular strength, jumping performance, and balance were measured before starting the exercise and after finishing the 8 weeks of exercise. [Results] Measurements of isokinetic muscular strength revealed that the whole-body vibration exercise group showed significant increase after the exercise. However, the plyometric exercise group had no significant increase in lumbar flexion, extension, and knee flexion. Measurements of vertical jumping revealed that, the whole-body vibration exercise group had no significant increase after the exercise. However, the plyometric exercise group showed significant increase. Measurements of balance revealed that, the whole-body vibration exercise group showed significant increase. However, the plyometric exercise group showed no significant increase. [Conclusion] Although both whole-body vibration and plyometric exercises are effective intervention methods, the two methods have different effects on the improvement of isokinetic muscular strength, jumping performance, and balance of female volleyball players.

[Purpose] This study was aimed at assessing the effect of lumbar stabilization exercise on the pulmonary function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated into lumbar stabilization exercise group and a general physical therapy group. The program consisted of 30-min sessions conducted 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function was assessed based on lung performance parameters, including forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at 1 second, ratio of forced expiratory volume at 1 second to forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow. [Results] In the assessment of pulmonary function, the values of all the lung performance parameters were significantly increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group but were significantly decreased in the general physical therapy group. [Conclusion] These results indicate that lumbar stabilization exercise had a more positive effect on pulmonary function than general physical therapy.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to show the effectiveness of performing squat exercises at various angles to show the maximum muscle activity of the Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) and Biceps femoris (BF). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of seventeen healthy young adults (8 males and 9 females) voluntarily participated in the study. All subjects randomly performed three different squat variations as follows: A squat performed with the ankle joint at 0° of incline, a squat performed with the ankle joint at 5° of incline, and a squat performed with the ankle joint at 10° incline. Muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography. Electrodes were placed on the VMO and BF to measure the muscle activity on the various ankle angles for comparison analysis. Results: There was a significant increase in bilateral VMO muscle activation at 10° of incline compared to 0° and 5° (p<0.05). Greater increases in muscle activation and exercise effect was observed with increasing incline angles of the board. Changes in bilateral BF muscle activity were found; however, none were found to be significant. Conclusions: Bilateral VMO activity was found to be significant when the squats were performed at an ankle angle of 10° of incline when compared to at an ankle angle of 0° and 5° of incline. Squats performed on an incline can be recommended as an effective method to facilitate lower extremity muscle activities.