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BACKGROUND: The effects of trunk stabilization exercise programs and exercises applying weight loads for stroke patients are well presented. However, there is not enough objective research to prove the effects of trunk stabilization exercise programs using weight loads for stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads was performed to investigate its impact on the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with stroke were randomly divided into three groups. Experiment group 1 followed a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads, experiment group 2 followed a trunk stabilization exercise program, and the control group followed general physiotherapy. Patients’ balance ability was assessed using balance measurement equipment BT-4 (postural sway area (PSA), postural sway length (PSL), limit of stability (LOS)), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Time Up and Go test (TUG). Gait speed was measured to examine gait ability. RESULT: After the intervention, the PSA, PFSL in experimental groups 1 and 2 decreased but that of the control group increased. BBS, TUG, and LOS scores of experimental group 1 were significantly improved compared to experimental group 2 and the control group. Also, gait speed was significantly improved in experimental group 1 compared to experimental group 2 and the control group. CONCULSION: This study may be used as a basic material for an effective trunk stabilization exercise method for stroke patients and might be of significance as an intervention method for stroke patients requiring long-term treatment.

In this study, we analyze radiation images of muscle structure of mice soleus muscles using radiation source-based microtomography and nanotomography. Soleus muscle samples were collected for analysis from 8-week-old male Institute of Cancer Research mice. First, phase-contrast X-ray microtomography was employed in these experiments. Then to obtain images with excellent contrast, imaging was performed using monochromatic light with excellent transmission power. To analyze additional muscle structures in higher magnification images than these images, nanotomography was performed, which facilitated obtaining high-magnification and high-resolution images. Muscle tissue microstructures were confirmed through three-dimensional images obtained from phase-contrast X-ray microtomography. Thus, the muscle tissue's overall shape at microscopic level can be captured. Additionally, a single muscle fiber was examined using hard X-ray nano-imaging, through which we could observe the alignment of countless myofibrils, that is, actin and myosin filaments in the muscle fibers. Thus, the methodology adopted here proved to be advantageous in analyzing the muscle tissue's overall structure with microtomography and in observing the myofibrils in detail using nanotomography.

Until now, studies on nail diseases have been performed through microscopic diagnosis and microscopic computed tomography (micro-CT). However, these kinds of conventional methods have some limitations. Firstly, the microscopic method is considered the gold standard for medical diagnosis. However, due to the use of fluorescent materials, the sample is damaged and it takes a long time to get results. Secondly, while micro-CT is a noninvasive method to get inner structure images of the sample with high resolution, the penetration and spatial resolution are insufficient for studying the microstructures of the sample, such as the sponge bone and the muscle fibers. In contrast, synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray imaging technology has the advantage of very vividly demonstrating the anatomic structure of the sample with high penetration, sensitivity and resolution. In this study, we compared the optical microscopic method using hematoxylin and eosin staining and SR imaging to analyze the nail tissue in a mouse model. The results showed that SR could depict the inner structures of a mouse nail without any physical damage. Additionally, we could divide the important anatomical structures of the nail unit into three parts with three-dimensional (3D) images: the nail bed, nail matrix and hyponychium. The images showed that SR could be used for analyzing nails by visualizing the relatively clear and medically semantic structures in a 3D section. We expect that the results of this study will be applied to study nail diseases and conduct pharmaceutical research on their treatment.

Damage to lower limb muscles requires accurate analysis of the muscular condition via objective microscopic diagnosis. However, microscopic tissue analysis may cause deformation of the tissue structure due to injury induced by external factors during tissue sectioning. To substantiate these muscle injuries, we used synchrotron X-ray imaging technology to project extremely small objects, provide three-dimensional microstructural analysis as extracted samples. In this study, we used mice as experimental animals to create soleus muscle models with various nerve injuries. We morphologically analyzed and quantified the damaged Section and Crush muscles, respectively, via three-dimensional visualization using synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging to diagnose muscle injury. Results of this study can also be used as basic data in the medical imaging field.

Preclinical experiments to analyze the trabecular space of spongy bones using small animals are required for the evaluation and treatment of patients with osteoporosis (OP). We performed ovariectomy to create OP models. A total of four mice were used. Ovariectomized group (OVX, n = 2) in which both ovaries were resected at random, and the sham operated group (SHAM, n = 2) performed surgery without resecting the ovaries. We propose a study that enables OP analysis by analyzing tibia microstructures of OVX and SHAM using synchrotron radiation (SR). SR imaging is a technology capable of irradiating an extremely small object in the order of several tens of nanometers using a nondestructive method at the microscopic level. Unlike previous imaging diagnoses (staining, micro-CT [Computed Tomography]) it was possible to preserve the real shape and analyze bone microstructures in real-time and analyze and evaluate spongy bones to secure data and increase the reliability of OP analysis. We were able to confirm the possibility of OP diagnosis through experimental animals for spongy bone damage related to bone mineral density. Therefore, we aimed to provide a rehabilitation and medicine therapy intervention method through basic research on the evaluation of OP diagnosis through human-based segmentation of challenging spongy bones while supplementing the limitations of existing imaging methods. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We present an analysis of osteoporosis through spongy bone using phase-contrast X-ray source. Unlike existing methods, it is possible to analyze the internal microstructure of the tibia with this method. This is an objective mechanism for OP and a basis for rehabilitation.

If intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) rehabilitation animal model studies had included processes related to imaging diagnosis, not only interim evaluation of treatment effects but also the objectification of treatment effects would have been possible. The purpose of this study was to examine the rehabilitation treatment effect on biomarkers identified on magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy in an animal intra-cerebral hemorrhage model. Two groups of rats were used in this study: (1) the rehabilitation treatment group, 12 6-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats with experimental hemorrhage that received rehabilitation; and (2) the control group of 12 rats with experimental hemorrhage that received no intervention. Training rehabilitation was implemented 15 min daily for 2 weeks with 55–85% of the VO2 max. We conducted MRI/MRS scans before and after ICH rat modeling to evaluate brain metabolite concentration changes. The signal intensity of T2WI was measured at the site of ICH and in a similarly sized area on the opposite side. Integration of the areas under the peaks was conducted to measure cerebral metabolite concentrations. Differences in the mean T2WI-SI ratios measured 2 weeks after ICH induction were not statistically significant (p = 0.514) between the control group and the experimental group. However, the brain tCho/tCr metabolite ratio in the control group was significantly lower than in the experimental group 2 weeks after ICH induction (0.243 ± 0.044 vs. 0.326 ± 0.061, p = 0.007). The tCho/tCr ratio might be used as a biomarker to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation treatment for ICH.

Light touch is the combination of cutaneous and kinesthetic inputs. The literature suggests that light touch compensates for a reduced amount of center of pressure information in older peoples, blind subjects and patients with neurological disorder. This study investigated the effects of light touch applied to an external bar, on the postural sway in individuals with hemiparetic stroke. We used a cross sectional study, fifteen individuals with stroke and 15 healthy age-matched adults stood as still as possible on a force plate. Experimental trials (duration, 30 s) included two visual conditions (open eyes and closed eyes), two somatosensory conditions (no touch and light touch) and two support surface conditions (firm and foam surfaces). The area of center of pressure (COP) and the mean velocity of COP in the medio-lateral and anterior-posterior directions were assessed. For both groups, COP velocity and area decreased with light touch regardless of the visual or surface conditions. The effects of light touch were similar in both groups. In addition, results show that the effectiveness of light touch in reducing postural sway was greater on a foam surface than on a firm surface. Our findings indicate that light touch could be beneficial in postural control for individuals with hemi-paretic stroke

This study was to construct a quantitative analysis for the diagnosis and evaluation of osteoporosis by using synchrotron radiation based X-ray, which can analyze the three-dimensional microstructure of white mouse tibia. The anatomical structure and microstructure of the white mouse tibia was obtained through synchrotron radiation, and to achieve this, three-dimensional structural analysis was performed. Then, we visualized the quantified analysis and microstructure information with high-resolution imagery through the image data obtained by synchrotron radiation. In addition, it was confirmed that synchrotron radiation can obtain more reliable results through accurate observation than analysis by the mechanical method. The present invention can provide the diagnosis and evaluation associated with osteoporosis. It is expected that this will provide a basis for the evaluation and prevention of evidence-based skeletal diseases.

Muscle damage can reduces the biological functions and lead to ultimately a disease state. For the reason, it is important to accurately check the state of an injury such as atrophy, and it is required to identify the state of fibers constituting the muscle. This study describes a novel method of analyzing single muscle fibers with injury conditions in three-dimensions. The muscle fibers of the mice were visualized using phase-contrast X-ray projection the microstructure. In additions, it was possible to confirm the status by quantitatively analyzing the injury severity of muscle fibers. Significantly, the muscle conditions of multiple individuals were individually determined. This study could contributes to areas where it is very important to identify microdetailed and quantitative changes of state, such as new drug development.

Background and objectives: Common problems in stroke patients include loss of proprioception, spasticity, and impaired gait. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of task-specific training (TST) combined with cognitive sensorimotor exercise (CSE) on proprioception, spasticity and gait speed in stroke patients. Materials andMethods: Thirty-seven subjects were randomly divided into three groups, (1) the TST after CSE group (Experimental I, n = 13), (2) the TST group (Experimental II, n = 12), and (3) a conventional physical therapy training group (control group, n = 12). Evaluations were performed before the commencement of training and again eight weeks after training was initiated. An electrogoniometer was used to evaluate proprioception variation. The composite spasticity score (CSS) and MyotonePRO were used to evaluate spasticity. In addition, 10 m walk test was used to assess gait speed. Results: After training, the Experimental I group showed significant improvement in proprioception compared to the Experimental II and control group (p &lt, 0.05). In CSS, gastrocnemius muscle tone (GMT) and gait speed among three groups, Experimental I group differed significantly after eight weeks of training compared to the control group (p &lt, 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the TST combined with CSE provided significant improvements in proprioception, spasticity, and gait speed.

Radiation beam interface contrast X-ray microscopy provides resolution of a few dozen nanometers from fixed whole muscle biopsies, allowing better reconstruction of the microstructure of the muscle than is currently possible with classic histological techniques. Fixed soleus muscle biopsies have been evaluated from the walk-in mouse model using phase-contrast X-ray microscopy, and results presented that corroborate the accuracy of the method used, and its potential for application in physiotherapy and occupational therapy studies. We believe that this method will enhance existing morphometric methods of analysis, leading to accurate reconstruction of other thick specimens that would otherwise require thin sectioning and reconstruction through deconvolution algorithms.

BACKGROUND Unstable neck posture, muscle imbalance, and segmental instability can cause neck pain and decrease the respiratory function. OBJECTIVE To examine effects of a neck stabilization exercise on respiratory muscle activity and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in patients with a chronic stroke. METHODS A total of 40 patients with a chronic stroke participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups (20 in each group). However, ten patients dropped out of the experiment (5 in each group). The experimental group (n= 15) performed a 15-minute neck stabilization exercise and a 15-minute breathing retraining exercise in addition to a rehabilitation exercise treatment. The control group (n= 15) completed a 30-minute breathing retraining exercise in addition to a rehabilitation exercise treatment. Exercises were conducted for 30 minutes a day, five times a week, for a total of six weeks. Activities of major respiratory muscles and MVV were measured before and after the experiment. RESULTS Both the experimental group and the control group showed significant difference in activities of major respiratory muscles and MVV before and after the experiment (p< 0.05). The experimental group showed a significantly higher increase compared to the control group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The application of a combination of a neck stabilization exercise and a breathing retraining exercise to patients with a chronic stroke can increase activity of respiratory muscles and MVV.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of EMG-triggered functional electrical stimulation on balance and gait ability on patient with Chronic Stroke. A total of 60 chronic stroke patients were divided into mirror treatment and functional electrical (MT-EF) Group, MT group, CON group. Each group performed 60 min a day five times a week for eight weeks. MT-FE group was performed 30 min five times a week for eight weeks in mirror therapy process with EMG-FES. MT group performed 30 min five times a week for eight weeks in mirror therapy process. CON group was performed 30 min five times a week for eight weeks in conservative treatment. To measure the balance ability, Biorescue (COP, LOS), Berg balance scale (BBS) and FRT, and the gait ability test was performed by 10 m walk test. MT-FE group revealed significant differences in COP, LOS, BBS, FRT and 10 m walk test as compared to the MT and CON groups (p &lt, 0.05). Our results showed that MT-FE was more effective on COP, LOS, BBS, FRT and 10 m walk test in patients with chronic stroke. Our results also showed that MT-EF group was more effective on balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. We suggest that this study can be used for intervention data for recovering balance and gait ability in chronic stroke patients.

The microstructure of small molecular semiconductors can be readily altered via side group-engineering although they have same conjugated core. Here, we study a variation of morphology and charge transport properties about derivatives of triethylsilylethynyl-modified dibenzochrysene (TES-DBC) depending on side group size. It was verified that the TES-DBC combined with smaller side group developed more favorable morphology to charge carrier transport. The TES-DBC derivative with thienyl (DTTES-DBC), the smallest side group, formed well-connected crystal domain with well-ordered molecular assemblies which facilitate fast charge carrier transport. In addition, a high (1,2,4-trichlorobenzene; TCB) and low (chlorobenzene; CB) boiling point was used as processing solvent to observe the effect of the film fabrication time on the molecular ordering according to side group size.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify whether walking on a treadmill at an adjusted speed is suitable for humans by examining the effects of exercise on the joint functions of white rats with induced knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 Sprague-Dawley white rats, aged eight weeks, weighing 250 to 300 g. The moderate-speed exercise group performed their exercise at a gradient of 0% and a speed of 15 m/min, and the high-speed exercise group performed their exercise at a gradient of 0% and a speed of 26 m/min. [Results] Statistically significant changes were elicited by the moderate-speed and high-speed exercises. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the results of the present study present the importance of walking exercise. In particular, they demonstrate that changes in knee ROM and stance time are elicited by changes in walking speed.

This study attempts to investigate the impact that the sensory integration training has on the recovery of balance among patients with stroke by examining the muscle activity and limit of stability (LOS). A total of 28 subjects participated. The subjects were randomly allocated by the computer program to one of two groups: control (CON) group (n=15), sensory integration training (SIT) group (n=13). The research subjects received intervention five days a week for a total of four weeks. The CON group additionally received 30-minute general balance training, while the SIT group additionally received 30-minute sensory integration training. In the muscle activity, the improvement of Erector spinae (ES) and Gluteus medius (GM) was more significant in the SIT group than in the CON group. In the LOS, the improvement of affected side and forward side was significantly higher in the SIT group compared to the CON group. Sensory integration training can improve balance ability of patients with stroke by increasing muscle activity of stance limb muscles such as GM and trunk extensor such as ES along with enhancement of the limit of stability.

[Purpose] This study aimed to conduct thoracic and cervical mobilization in stroke patients and determine its effects on respiratory function. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one stroke patients were studied. Subjects were divided into a control group (control group, n=11) who did not undergo thoracic and cervical joint mobilization, and an experimental group (thoracic and cervical mobilization group, n=10) who underwent thoracic and cervical joint mobilization. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second, well-known indicators of respiratory capabilities, were measured. Peak cough flow was measured as an indicator of cough capability. [Results] After the exercise, respiratory function in the thoracic and cervical mobilization group showed statistically significant improvements demonstrated by increases in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and peak cough flow. [Conclusion] The findings indicate that thoracic and cervical mobilization can improve the thoracic movements of stroke patients resulting in improved pulmonary function.

[Purpose] This study investigates effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on nerve growth factor expression in stroke in rats. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group, a control group. The experimental group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy after the stroke. The spinal cord encompassing the lumbar 4-lumbar 5 level was then removed for Western blot analysis. [Results] There was a significant difference in nerve growth factor expression between the groups after the impairment. [Conclusion] Application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy increased the expression of nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor postulated to promote nerve growth factor upregulation through formation of a microenvironment at the spinal cord level related to the injured area.

In this study, we designed a backpack that can reduce the moment arm of backpack load by placing the center of gravity of the backpack close to the axis of the spine. In order to investigate the effect of sagittal spinal alignment compared with the general backpack, we conducted the study using radiological images. The participants in this study were 18 adults (8 males and 10 females). The subjects participated in the experiment without carrying the backpack, wearing the normal backpack, and wearing a backpack designed to reduce the load moment arm by placing the center of gravity close to the body. Spinal alignment parameters were measured and analyzed using 3D radiography measurement software based on radiographic images taken under three conditions. The overall angle of lumbar lordosis, upper arc, lower arc, difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis, lower cervical lordosis, and sagittal vertical axis were measured. In the case of wearing the backpack rather than without the backpack, there was a significant difference in the overall angle of lumbar lordosis, lower arc, lower cervical spine angle, difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis, and sagittal vertical axis. In the case of wearing the backpack with reduced moment arm, the overall angle and lower arc of lumbar lordosis were significantly increased compared to those with the normal backpack. The difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis was significantly decreased. The results showed that a normal backpack caused imbalance of sagittal spinal alignment, and the backpack reducing the load moment arm by placing the backpack&rsquo, s center of gravity close to the vertebral joint played a positive role in reducing the change of lumbar alignment compared with the normal backpack.

We investigated the effects of the solvent boiling point on organic field-effect transistor (OFET) device performances in devices prepared using two newly synthesized anthradithiophene derivatives: 9,10-di(4′-pentylphenylethynyl)-anthra[2,3-b:6,7-b′]dithiophene (DPPEADT) and 9,10-bi([9′,9′-dimethyl-fluoren-2-ylethynyl])-anthra[2,3-b:6,7-b′]dithiophene (DFEADT). DPPEADT exhibited a distinct crystalline morphology whereas DFEADT was amorphous. We characterized the relationship between the molecular structures, film morphologies, and OFET device performances in devices prepared using solvents having one of three different boiling points (chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene). 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, which provided the highest boiling point among the solvents tested and acted as a good solvent for DPPEADT, significantly improved the field-effect mobilities of DPPEADT devices up to 0.16 cm 2 /V by enhancing the crystallinity of the film. OFETs based on amorphous DFEADT films prepared using the three solvents did not provide enhanced electrical performances. The differences between the transistor performances were attributed to the degree of π-overlap, the molecular structures, and the morphological properties of the films.

[Purpose] This study examined low back pain patients' decrease in pain and improvement in functionality after performance of a lumbar stabilization exercise using an oral assistive device, which can replace a lumbar assistive device. [Subjects and Methods] The experimental group (n=12) conducted a stabilization exercise using an oral assistive device after conventional physical therapy. The control group (n=12) received conventional physical therapy. In order to objectively measure pain in this study, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used. In order to evaluate the subjects' functional aspects while living with low back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used. [Results] There were statistically significant improvements in the comparison of the VAS and ODI of the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group's VAS and ODI significantly improved after the intervention compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The stabilization exercise using the assistive device after conventional physical therapy in the rehabilitation of low back pain patients reduced subjects' pain and increased their functional activities.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an ankle foot orthosis on weight-bearing abilities of stroke patients by comparing weight loading during performance of tasks in various standing positions on the affected side. [Subjects and Methods] This study was performed with 16 stroke patients. To measure the weight loading value and percentage of weight loading in affected lower extremities, 5 standing tasks were performed with and without an ankle foot orthosis in random order. [Results] In the rising from a chair, maintaining a standing position, and forward weight shifting tasks, the affected lower extremities showed a significantly higher percentage of weight loading with an ankle foot orthosis. In the tasks requiring weight shifting to one leg, weight shifting to the lateral side showed the best weight-bearing ability with or without an ankle foot orthosis, followed by the forward and backward weight shifting, respectively. There were statistically significant correlations in all 5 tasks with or without an ankle foot orthosis. [Conclusion] An ankle foot orthosis improves the weight-bearing ability, especially when shifting weight forward, resulting in increased weight-bearing ability in activities of daily living tasks such as quiet standing and rising from a chair. The 5 tasks in this study would be a fine assessment tool under clinical conditions to investigate the postural stability of the affected side with or without application of an ankle foot orthosis.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of treadmill training on functional recovery by analyzing the ankle joint as well as the knee and hip joints with 2D video analysis during gait by rats with sciatic nerve injury. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The sham group (SG) received only a sham operation without any sciatic injury; the training group (TG) performed treadmill training for 4 weeks after sciatic injury; and the control group (CG) wasn’t provided with any therapeutic intervention after sciatic injury. [Results] The ankle, knee, and hip ROM of TG and CG during the initial, mid stance, and toe-off phases of gait at post-test were significantly different from SG. [Conclusion] Physical exercise, like treadmill training, is beneficial for the improvement of the ankle, knee and hip joints of rats with crushed sciatic nerve injury.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) translated into Korean for use with patients' low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-two subjects with low back pain, 28 men and 34 women, participated in the study. Reliability was determined by using the intra class correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. Validity was examined by correlating the JOABPEQ scores with the 36 item short form health survey (SF 36). [Results] Test-retest reliability was 0.75-0.83. The criterion-related validity was established by comparison with the Korean version of the SF 36. [Conclusion] The Korean version of the JOABPEQ was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing low back pain.

Twenty five subjects participated and were randomly divided into two groups, TENS group (n=13) and control group (n=12) by the computer program. Interventions were given to subjects 5 days a week for four weeks. TENS group were treated with TENS for 60 minutes in addition to the conventional therapy which included 30-minute exercise and rehabilitation ergometer training for 15 minutes. Control group performed only conventional therapy. TENS was applied on the skin of soleus, tibialis anterior, tensor fascia latae and vastus medialis in affected side. Foot pressure, limit of stability and velocity sway fo r balance test were measured using Biorescue.

본 연구는 가정운동프로그램이 뇌졸중 환자의 균형능력회복에 미치는 효과를 알아보기 위하여 실시하였다. 본 연구는 2013년 9월에서 2013년 12월까지 실시하였으며, 대상자는 총 20명으로 일반적인 통원 물리치료를 실시한 조군 10명, 일반적인 통원 물리치료를 실시하고 추가적으로 가정운동프로그램을 실시한 운동군 10명으로 나누어 배정하였다. 가정운동프로그램은 신경계 물리치료사가 대상자 집을 방문하여 8주동안 주 2회씩 매회 30분간 시행하였으며 체중이동훈련, 지구력훈련, 운동재훈련, 감각재훈련, 하지운동으로 구성되었다. 균형능력을 평가하기 위하여 Biorescu를 이용하여 족저압, 안정성한계, 동요속도를 측정하였고 임상적인 측정방법 중 하나인 기능적 팔뻗기 검사를 실시하였다. 연구결과 대조군과 운동군은 안정성한계, 동요속도, 기능적 팔뻗기 검사에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 본 연구는 가정운동프로그램이 뇌졸중 환자의 균형회복을 회복하는데 효과적인 치료전략 중 하나라는 것을 나타낸다. 【The present study was designed to investigate the effect of home based exercise program on balance recovery of stroke patients. In total, 20 participants were assigned to a control group(n=10) or exercise group(n=10) between September 2013 and December 2013. In addition to existing physiotherapy, the exercise group received home based exercise program consisting of weight transfer, training endurance, mobility, sensory retraining, lower limb exercise for 30 minutes, 2 times a week, for 8 weeks, every time for 30 minutes. Balance ability was assessed by measuring foot pressure(FP), limit of stability(LOS) and velocity sway(VS) by using Biorescue and by using the functional reaching test(FRT). To compare the improvement level of each group's balance ability, examination of independent sample T was done. Significant differences between control group and exercise group in LOS, VS of affect side and FRT were observed. This study showed that home based exercise program application was effective strategy on balance recovery in a post stroke population.】

The purpose of this study is to design a backpack to push the lumbar region forward and confirm the change in the sagittal plane of the spine using radiography when wearing the backpack to present an effective backpack wearing method that can help spinal alignment. Place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study. A total of 14 adult volunteers participated in the study. The study was carried out on the subjects without carrying a backpack, with a general backpack, and with a backpack designed to push the lumbar region forward. We investigated cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral alignment under these three conditions. Lumbar lordosis showed a significant decrease in the state of wearing a general backpack compared to the case without a backpack, and a significant increase in the state of wearing a backpack designed to push the lumbar region forward rather than a general backpack. In addition, the sacral slope was significantly increased when carrying the backpack designed to push the lumbar region forward, compared to carrying the general backpack. There was a significant correlation between the sacral and lumbar alignment change when wearing the backpack compared to the state without a backpack. The results of this study indicate that wearing a backpack designed to push the lumbar region forward may contribute to the recovery of lumbar lordosis that is reduced when wearing a general backpack. This may be due to an increase in the sacral slope corresponding to the inferior angle of lumbar spine.

Aging is an inevitable process that occurs in the whole body system accompanying with many functional and morphological changes. Inflammation is known as one of age-related factors, and inflammatory changes could enhance mortality risk. In this study, we compared immunoreactivities of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine), its receptor (IL-2R), IL-4 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine), and its receptor (IL-4R) in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord of young adult (2-3 years old) and aged (10-12 years old) beagle dogs using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. IL-2 and IL-2R-immunoreactive nerve cells were found throughout the gray matter of the cervical and lumbar spinal cord of young adult and aged dogs. In the spinal cord neurons of the aged dog, immunoreactivity and protein levels were apparently increased compared with those in the young adult dog. Change patterns of IL-4- and IL-4R-immunoreactive cells and their protein levels were also similar to those in IL-2 and IL-2R; however, IL-4 and IL-4R immunoreactivity in the periphery of the neuronal cytoplasm in the aged dog was much stronger than that in the young adult dog. These results indicate that the increase of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the aged spinal cord might be related to maintaining a balance of inflammatory reaction in the spinal cord during normal aging.

Three weeks old male rats were randomly assigned into General diet(GD, n=10), High fat Diet(HD, n=10), and High fat diet+Treadmill exercise(HDT, n=10) groups. Treadmill exercise consisted of the treadmill running 5 times per week during 6 weeks(30 min/time for first 3 weeks and 60 min/time the other 3 weeks).

Extended Abstract This study attempts to investigate the impact that the sensorimotor integration exercise has on the recovery of balance among patients with stroke by examining the muscle activity and limit of stability (LOS) [1] [2]. A total of 24 subjects participated. The subjects were randomly allocated by the computer program to one of two groups control (CON) group (n=12), sensorimotor integration exercise (SIE) group (n=12). The research subjects received intervention five days a week for a total of four weeks. CON group additionally received 30-minute general balance training, while SIE group additionally received 30-minute sensory integration training. In the muscle activity, the improvement of Erector spinae (ES) and Gluteus medius (GM) was more significant in SIE group than CON group. In the LOS, the improvement of affect side and forward side was significantly higher in SIE group compared to CON group. Sensorimotor integration exercise can improve balance ability of patients with stroke by increasing muscle activity of stance limb muscles such as GM and trunk extensor such as ES along with enhancement of the limit of stability [3].

[Purpose] This study aims to investigate the effects of upper-limb exercises on the respiratory functions of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] This study was performed with 25 stroke patients. The subjects were divided into the control group (n=12) which did not perform upper arm training and the experimental group (n=13) which conducted upper arm training. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second, both of which are used in this study, are well-known indicators of respiratory capabilities. Peak cough flow is used to indicate cough capability. [Results] Concerning changes in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second and the peak cough flow of each group after the exercise, while the control group did not show significant differences, the experimental group showed statistically significant increases. [Conclusion] The results of the study indicate that exercise programs that increase the mobility of upper limbs and increase muscular strength have the effect of normalizing vertebral alignment for stroke patients, and thus can provide effective interventions for improving respiratory function.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of familiar exercise and novel exercise on motor function after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats. The rats were subjected to a unilateral striatal ICH via collagenase infusion. The rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: the CON (control group; rested one week post-ICH), the FE (familiar exercise group; familiar exercise was performed two weeks after one-week post-ICH period), and NE (novel exercise group; novel exercise was performed two weeks after one-week post-ICH period). We measured neurological behavior using a ladder rung walking test and a beam walking test; we measured the level of nerve growth factor (NGF) using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. We performed a one-way ANOVA test to analyze the scores obtained from the neurological behavior tests and the differences of NGF protein levels among the three groups. In the present study, the FE group and the NE group showed significant improvement during the neurological behavior tests and in their expression of NGF protein level, as compared to the CON group. Especially, NE group more increase than FE group in neurological behavior tests, the expression of NGF on motor cortex. In conclusion, these results suggest that, after ICH, familiar exercise and novel exercise enhance motor function and, novel exercise is more effective than familiar exercise.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of mechanical in-exsufflator (MI-E) with on pulmonary rehabilitation in stroke patients with trachostomy tube. Methods： We studied ten stroke patients who had neither history nor radiologic finding of pulmonary disease. The pulmonary function was evaluated by measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC) The capacity of cough was evaluated by measuring manual assisted peak cough flow (MPCF). Data were analyzed statistically using repeated ANOVA test. Results：The results were as follows : 1) There are significant improvement of FVC and FEV1 according to training period (p

Three new anthracene derivatives, 2,6-bis(4-decylphenyl)anthracene (DDPAnt), 2-decyl-5-(2-(5-decylthiophen-2-yl)anthracen-6-yl)thiophene (DDTAnt), and 2,6-bis(4-decyloxy phenyl) anthracene (DDPXAnt) were synthesized by Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The obtained oligomers were characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IR, Mass, UV-visible spectroscopy, cyclovotammetry, differencial scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal studies show that these oligomers are stable up to 400 degrees C. The solution processed OTFTs were fabricated using synthesized oligomers by spin-coating and drop casting processes on Si/SiO2. OTFTs based on DDPAnt showed the mobility of 7.6 x 10(-3) cm2/Vs and on/off ratio of 10(5).

New semiconductors having naphthalene and anthracene cores with hexylated bithiophene side units, 2,6-bis(5'-hexylbithiophen-2'-yl)naphthalene (HBT-NA) and 2,6-bis(5'-hexylbithiophen-2'-yl)anthracene (HBT-AN), were synthesized. HBT-AN and HBT-NA were characterized using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, Mass spectrum and elemental analysis. HBT-AN and HBT-NA showed well ordered crystalline with high thermal stabilities as evidenced by 5% weight loss at 447 degrees C for HBT-AN and 434 degrees C for HBT-NA. The closed packed structures between adjacent molecules were observed by studying UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) in solution and film. The HOMO energy levels of HBT-NA and HBT-AN were found to be 5.47 eV and 5.42 eV, respectively. HBT-NA exhibits hole mobility of 8.4 x 10(-2) cm2Ns and on/off ratio of 5.6 x 10(5). HBT-AN shows 5.2 x 10(-2) cm2Ns and on/off ratio of 1.0 x 10(5).

Polymer Research Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, KoreaReceived November 3, 2011, Accepted December 9, 2011New candidates composed of anthracene and 4-alkylethynylbenzene end-capped oligomers for OTFTs weresynthesized under Sonogashira coupling reaction conditions. All oligomers were characterized by FT-IR, mass,UV-visible, and PL emission spectrum analyses, cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)