Effects of activation of the foot on trunk mobility of patients with hemiplegia

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of activation of the foot on the trunk mobility of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects] Sixteen subjects with hemiplegia took part in the immediate group (IG), and 14 subjects with hemiplegia participated in the 2-month group (2MG). [Methods] The subjects in IG were given one leg stance training through activation of the foot only once, and 2MG received the same intervention for 30 minutes 3 times a week for, 8 weeks. The Spinal Mouse was used to collect spinal alignment data. Also, the trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Sensory test were used as functional tests. [Results] Sacral hip (SH), lumbar spine (LS) and thoracic spine (TS) angles in IG improved significantly, but not inclination (I), and 2MG showed increased angles of SH, LS and I, but not TS. Also, TIS Dynamic, TIS Coordination and Sensory test results of 2MG increased significantly. [Conclusion] One leg stance training through activation of the foot was effective at improving sensory input and alignment of the spine, therefore trunk mobility was improved.