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The purpose of this study was to determined the effects of reciprocal inhibition on spatial-temporal gait parameters in spastic hemiplegic patients through GaitRite system. The subjects were consisted 45 patients who had spastic hemiplegia due to stroke. All subjects randomly assigned to 3 group : manual reciprocal inhibition program group(manual group), neuromuscular electrical stimulation group(NMES group) and control group. The manual group received voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle. The NMES group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation on tibialis anterior. The control group was not recieved any therapeutic intervention. Before and after experiments, spatial-temporal gait parameters and functional ambulatory profile was measure in all patients. The data of 30 patients who complete experimental course were statistically analysed. The results of this study were as following : 1. The percentage of change of functional ambulatory profile were markedly increased in manual group but statistically non significant(p>.01). 2. The percentage of change of gait velocity and cadence were markedly increased in manual group but statistically non significant(p>.01). 3. Asymmetry ratio of gait elements were more improved in manual group but statistically non significant(p>.01). 4. There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with functional ambulatory profile, gait velocity, cadence and asymmetry ratios in NMES group(p>.01). 5. There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with unctional ambulatory profile, gait velocity, cadence and asymmetry ratios in control group(p>.01). In conclusion, the present results revealed that reciprocal inhibition which produced by voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle can be improved spatial-temporal gait parameters including functional ambulatory profile in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, reciprocal inhibition is useful to improve functional activities in hemiplegic patient. Further study should be done to analyze the effects of intervention duration of reciprocal inhibition, appropriate muscle contraction, optimal time to apply the reciprocal inhibition in more long period.
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