PLS (Posterior Leaf Spring) 착용이 편마벼 환자의동적 균형에 미치는 영향

Abstract

The Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS) has been used for hemiplegic patients in order tohelp their walking and to increase their balance function. Past studies have mainlyfocused on the PLS' s influence on patients' walking without taking balance functioninto consideration. The purpose of this study was to identify the immediate effect ofPLS on the standing balance in hemiplegic patients. Fifteen hemiplegic patientsparticipated in this study: 10 men and 5 women, with an average age of 53.8 years. Standing balance was measured using a computerized dynamic posturography deviceunder three conditions namely bare-foot standing, standing in shoes without PLS, andstanding in shoes with PLS. The results were as follows: 1) The composite equilibriumscores of patients who stood in shoes only and stood in shoes with PLS were higherthan those of patients who stood bare-foot. 2) There were no statistical difference inthe composite equilibrium scores between the standing condition of patients who stoodbare foot and that of patients who stood in shoes with PLS. In conclusion, it is notclear whether or not the PLS affects the standing balance of hemiplegic patients. Further study is required to determine the precise effect of the PLS on standingbalance in hemiplegic patients who are not wearing shoes. This is particularly relevantin Korea culture where custom demands the removal of shoes when entering any houseor even many restaurants.