2026, Vol.21, No.1

Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine 2024 KCI Impact Factor : 0.84

pISSN : 1975-311X / eISSN : 2287-7215
https://journal.kci.go.kr/kspm

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify parents’ perceptions and satisfaction with aquatic exercise programs for children with disabilities and to develop strategies for enhancing program effectiveness. It particularly explored differences in perception based on disability type to emphasize the need for individualized interventions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 101 parents of children with disabilities enrolled in an aquatic therapy center in D City. The questionnaire assessed the perceptions of physical and emotional changes in the child, satisfaction with therapists, and evaluations of program management. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation analysis were conducted using SPSS 29.0. RESULTS: Most parents perceived aquatic exercise as beneficial for their children's physical function, emotional stability, and social development. Satisfaction with therapists’ expertise, feedback, and kindness was notably high. Nevertheless, the session frequency, duration, and cost received comparatively lower satisfaction ratings. Significant differences in perceptions and expected outcomes were found across different disability types (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Aquatic exercise was recognized as an effective intervention supporting the holistic development of children with disabilities. Parents’ positive perceptions play a key role in sustaining program engagement. Future efforts should focus on designing individualized programs that align with the disability type and family needs, alongside expanding public funding and institutional support.

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of Tai Chi and Swiss ball exercises on static and dynamic balance in young adults METHODS: Thirty-two healthy adults aged 20 years or older were assigned randomly to a Tai Chi group (n = 16) or a Swiss ball group (n = 16). Each group performed different exercises three times a week for four weeks. Balance assessments were conducted before and after the intervention using center of pressure (COP) analysis during a single-leg stance and the Y-Balance Test. The COP sway area and sway velocity were calculated using a plantar pressure measuring device, and the Y-Balance Test was evaluated using the composite scores. RESULTS: After the four-week intervention, both groups showed significant differences before and after the intervention in the COP test, a static balance assessment. With their eyes closed, the COP area and velocity showed significant differences in the Tai Chi group compared to the Swiss ball group. Both groups showed significant improvements in the Y-Balance Test after the intervention, which assesses the dynamic balance, but no significant difference was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi and Swiss ball training were effective in improving the static and dynamic balance abilities. In particular, Tai Chi showed greater improvement in the static balance tasks under conditions where visual information was blocked. These results provide foundational data for developing differentiated intervention strategies based on the sensory characteristics and goals of individual participants.

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of Pilatesand Swiss ball-based trunk stabilization exercises on the balance ability and Center of Pressure (CoP) sway in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-one patients were assigned randomly to a Pilates group (n = 15) or a Swiss ball group (n = 16). Both groups trained three times per week for eight weeks, and all participants received concurrent neurorehabilitation. Balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and CoP parameters (anteroposterior, mediolateral, total path length, and sway velocity) measured with the Balancia system. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (α = .05). RESULTS: Both groups showed significant time effects in all CoP parameters and BBS scores (p < .05). The CoP sway distance and velocity decreased, and the BBS scores improved from 43.0 ± 7.2 to 49.15 ± 5.34 in the Pilates group and from 44.83 ± 6.64 to 50.92 ± 4.72 in the Swiss ball group. No significant group-by-time interaction was found (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Pilates and Swiss ball exercises enhanced the postural stability and balance by reducing CoP sway and improving the functional performance. Pilatesbased training can serve as an effective alternative or complementary approach to Swiss ball exercises in stroke rehabilitation.