Effects of Standing on One Leg Exercise on Gait and Balance of Hemiplegia Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare a conventional one leg standing exercise and a device-using one leg standing exercise in order to improve hemiplegia patients gait and balance function. [Subject] The subjects of this study were 30 patients who were hospitalized with hemiplegia resulting from stroke. The final number of participants was 27, because three patients were discharged during the experiment. [Methods] The participants were divided randomly and equally into a conventional one-leg standing balance exercise group (control group) and a device-using one-leg standing balance exercise group (experimental group). In the experimental group, exercise consisted of a one-leg standing weight-bearing balance exercise in which +/- 5 degrees changes could be made for dynamic changes, while maintaining a hip flexion angle of 5 degrees and a knee flexion angle of 10 degrees during the stance phase. [Results] In the comparison of gait traits and velocity prior to and after the therapy in both the conservative group and the device-using group, all items significantly increased after 8 weeks of therapy. TUG and BBS of both groups also significantly increased. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated the effect of a treatment method using a one leg standing balance exercise on the gait cycle.