The complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Asplenium antiquum Makino 1929, an Endangered species in Korea.

Asplenium antiquum Makino 1929 is one of the Endangered endemic species on the Korean Peninsula. The complete chloroplast of A. antiquum is 150,690 bp in length with typical quadripartite structure comprised of large single-copy region of (83,166 bp), a small single copy region (21,932 bp), and two inverted repeat regions, each 22,796 bp in length. 114 genes were detected in the chloroplast genome of A. antiquum, comprising 84 protein-encoding genes, 26 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a monophyletic relationship, placing A. antiquum as a sister to voth A. Prolongatum and A. nidus, forming a subclade of Asplenium species within the Aspleniaceae family. The genomic data obtained from this study will serve as valuable information for the species' genetic classification of Asplenium.

Effect of 4-weeks exercise program using wearable hip-assist robot (EX1) in older adults: one group pre- and post- test.

BACKGROUND: Older adults have muscle loss and are at risk of falling. Recently, research in the healthcare field has been actively conducted, and Samsung Electronics has developed EX1, a hip joint assisted robot for exercise. This study aimed to verify the effect of a 4-week combined exercise program applying EX1 on older adults. METHODS: This study design was an evaluator-blinded, pre- and post-test. A total of 21 older adults performed an exercise program consisting of walking and fitness wearing EX1 for 50 min per session, 3 days a week during the 4-week exercise period. For comparison before and after participating in the exercise program, the spatio-temporal parameters, pelvic movement were analyzed by G-Walk, functional outcomes were evaluated by TUG, muscle power were evaluated by RUSI, and waist-hip ratio were analyzed by Inbody. All data were analyzed before and after exercise using paired t-test, and the statistical significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: In spatio-temporal parameters, stride length showed statistically significant improvements after exercise with EX1 (P < 0.01). Also, propulsion showed statistically significant improvements after exercise with EX1 (P < 0.01) Regarding changes of the gait posture, there was a statistically significant improvement in pelvic movement (P < 0.05). In the functional evaluation, the time required was statistically significantly reduced in the timed up and go test (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that a 4-week exercise program with EX1 was effective in improving the functional gait of the elderly. However, because the participants were 21, it is difficult to generalize the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0007367. Registered 08/06/2022.

Effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of rectus abdominis, waist circumference and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women.

BACKGROUND: Pilates is expected to have a positive effect on women with weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. Pilates may have a beneficial effect on the structure and function of the abdominal muscles in pregnant women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of the rectus abdominis, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women. METHODS: Thirty-five primiparous postpartum women were assigned to either the Pilates exercise group (n = 20) or the control group (n = 15). Pilates was undertaken by the exercise group for 50 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. The control group maintained their daily activities without any intervention. The inter-recti distance was measured at three locations along the linea alba, and the thickness of the rectus abdominis was measured using ultrasound. Abdominal muscle endurance was measured using a repeated 1-min curl-up test. Waist circumference was also measured. RESULTS: The exercise group showed significant improvements from baseline in inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). The control group showed no significant improvement in these variables. Compared with the control group, the exercise group showed significantly improved performance in terms of inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that Pilates was effective in reducing inter-recti distance and waist circumference and improving abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous postpartum women. Pilates is considered an effective exercise for improving muscle structure and function in primiparous postpartum women, helping in the recovery from, and preventing, diastasis rectus abdominis.

Sedum middendorffianum Maxim Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits the Invasion of Human Ovarian Cancer Cells via Oxidative Stress Regulation.

Sedum middendorffianum Maxim (SMM) is a Korean endemic plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of the SMM extract on human ovarian cancer cells. Among five endemic plants grown in Korea, the SMM extract showed the most potent cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells and had little effect on normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. Furthermore, we revealed that the SMM extract dose-dependently induced apoptosis in human ovarian cancer A2780 and SKOV3 cells. The SMM extract markedly stimulated the activation of caspase-3/8, while the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor and caspase-8 selective inhibitor significantly reversed SMM extract-induced apoptosis. In addition, the SMM extract significantly inhibited cell invasion and the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in ovarian cancer cells. Notably, the SMM extract increased the generation of intracellular ROS, and pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly suppressed SMM-induced cytotoxicity and anti-invasive activity. Moreover, NAC treatment reversed the SMM-induced inhibition of MMP-2/9 expression. Taken together, these data suggest that the SMM extract induces caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death and inhibits MMP-dependent invasion via ROS regulation.

A wearable electromyography-controlled functional electrical stimulation system improves balance, gait function, and symmetry in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Wearable technologies have been developed for healthy aging. The technology for electromyography (EMG)-controlled functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems has been developed, but research on how helpful it is in daily life has been insufficient. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the EMG-controlled FES system on muscle morphology, balance, and gait in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-nine older adults were evaluated under two randomly assigned conditions (non-FES and FES assists). Muscle morphology, balance, gait function, and muscle effort during gait were measured using ultrasonography, a physical test, a gait analysis system, and EMG. RESULTS: The EMG-controlled FES system improved gait speed by 11.1% and cadence by 15.6% (P< 0.01). The symmetry ratio of the bilateral gastrocnemius was improved by 9.9% in the stance phase and 11.8% in the swing phase (P< 0.05). The degrees of coactivation of the knee and ankle muscles were reduced by 45.1% and 50.5%, respectively (P< 0.05). Balance improved by 6-10.7% (P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: The EMG-controlled FES system is useful for balance and gait function by increasing muscle symmetry and decreasing muscle coactivation during walking in older adults.

Diversity and authentication of Rubus accessions revealed by complete plastid genome and rDNA sequences.

Complete plastid genome (plastome) and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of three Rubus accessions (two Rubus longisepalus and one R. hirsutus) were newly assembled using Illumina whole-genome sequences. Rubus longisepalus Nakai and R. longisepalus var. tozawai, described as different varieties, have identical plastomes and rDNA sequences. The plastomes are 155,957 bp and 156,005 bp and the 45S rDNA transcription unit sizes are 5809 bp and 5811 bp in R. longisepalus and R. hirsutus, respectively. The 5S rDNA transcription unit is an identical 121 bp in three Rubus accessions. We developed three DNA markers to authenticate R. longisepalus and R. hirsutus based on plastome diversity. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that the Rubus species classified as two clades and R. longisepalus, R. hirsutus, and R. chingii are the most closely related species in clade 1.

Effects of bi-axial ankle strengthening on muscle co-contraction during gait in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle dysfunction in patients with stroke is a common but serious cause of balance and gait impairments. However, comprehensive paretic ankle training seldom exists. Thus, we investigated the effects of a bi-axial ankle muscle training program using visual feedback as a means to improve ankle strength and performance of functional activities in patients with stroke. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled pilot trial with concealed allocation and assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Twenty-five patients with stroke and difficulty in walking (e.g., foot drop) or ankle muscle weakness receiving inpatient rehabilitation were included. The experimental group underwent ankle muscle training consisting of passive stretching, control of ankle muscles, and active-resistive strengthening using visual feedback for 40 min per day, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. The control group underwent ankle-related physical therapy, including ankle range-of-motion exercises. The amount of time for training was equal between the two groups. The outcome measurements were isometric ankle contraction force to assess the strength of ankle muscles, ankle proprioception, Fugl-Meyer lower extremity score, Berg balance scale score, walking speed, and ankle co-contraction index to assess muscle efficiency during gait. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant between-group differences in the ankle muscle strength in each direction (P < 0.05), Fugl-Meyer score (P < 0.01), and stance-phase co-contraction index (P < 0.05). After training, the experimental group displayed significant within-group differences in the strength of the ankle muscles in each direction (P < 0.01), ankle proprioception (P < 0.05), and walking speed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the significant short-term effects of ankle muscle training on strength, walking speed, and muscle efficiency in patients with chronic stroke.

Land-based and aquatic trunk exercise program improve trunk control, balance and activities of daily living ability in stroke: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There are many land-based or aquatic exercise programs for improving trunk control, balance, and activities of daily living in stroke patients. However, no study has reported the effects of an exercise program that combines land-based and aquatic trunk exercises in stroke patients. AIM: To investigate the effects of a land-based and aquatic trunk exercise (LATE) program on trunk control, balance, and activities of daily living in chronic stroke patients. DESIGN: This study was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation ward, Goyang, Republic of Korea. POPULATION: Twenty-nine patients participated in this study. METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to the LATE group (N.=14) and control group (N.=15). The LATE program consisted of land-based and aquatic trunk exercises, performed for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks as an adjunct to 30 minutes of conventional physical therapy. The control group underwent only conventional physical therapy for 30 minutes each time, twice per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The participants were tested before and after the intervention using the Korean Trunk Impairment Scale (K-TIS) and the 5-item, 3-level Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS-3L) to assess trunk control; the 7-item, 3-level Berg Balance Scale (BBS-3L) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT) to evaluate balance; and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) to assess activities of daily living. RESULTS: The LATE group exhibited improvements in K-TIS, PASS-3L, BBS-3L, and MBI scores and FRT distance compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the LATE program can help improve trunk control, balance, and activities of daily living in chronic stroke patients and may be used as a practical adjunct to conventional physical therapy. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The LATE program can improve postural control in stroke patients and improve independence in daily activities.

Effects of pelvic range of motion and lower limb muscle activation pattern on over-ground and treadmill walking at the identical speed in healthy adults.

[Purpose] Many studies have compared over-ground and treadmill walking, but the biomechanical relationship between the two gait modes is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in pelvic range of motion and lower limb muscles activity during over-ground and treadmill walking in healthy adults. Moreover, we aimed to analyze differences according to gender. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three healthy adults (9 men, 14 women) between 25 and 35 years of age walked at the identical speed for 30 seconds each in two difference gait modes. The pelvic range of motion were obtained by using three-axis accelerometer and lower limb muscle activation data were obtained by using wireless surface EMG. [Results] The results showed that pelvic obliquity showed a greater angular range of women than men, and the pelvic rotation decreased more in treadmill walking than over-ground walking. In the muscles activity, vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior increased, and gastrocnemius medialis decreased in treadmill walking than over-ground walking. [Conclusion] We conclude that treadmill walking reduces the range of motion of the pelvic and increases lower limb muscles activity therefore, when using treadmill for the purpose of rehabilitation at the clinic, consider this difference.

Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities for novel muscle thickness assessment during Co-contraction with dual-rehabilitative ultrasound imaging.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of dual-rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (D-RUSI) for the simultaneous measurement of the thickness of the tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles in healthy young adults. DESIGN: A single-group repeated-measures reliability study. SETTING: Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging analysis laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six healthy participants (23 males; age = 26.36 ±â€¯5.57 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: D-RUSI was used for the simultaneous measurement of the muscle thickness of the TA and GCM at rest and during maximum voluntary contraction. Two examiners acquired data from all participants during three separate testing sessions. RESULTS: In the results for the intra-examiner reliability of the TA and GCM muscle thickness for two sessions, all ICC values (95% CI) were good to very good, ranging from 0.72 to 0.95 (SEM 0.01-0.05 mm, MDC 0.02-0.13 mm, respectively). In the results for the inter-examiner reliability of the TA and GCM muscle thickness for three sessions, all ICC values (95% CI) were good to very good, ranging from 0.78 to 0.97 (SEM 0.01-0.10 mm, MDC 0.02-0.15 mm, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the potential usefulness of D-RUSI measurements for making management decisions related to muscle function, including muscle co-contraction.

Systematic Review of Appropriate Robotic Intervention for Gait Function in Subacute Stroke Patients.

The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on gait-related function in patients with acute/subacute stroke. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials published between May 2012 and April 2016. This search included 334 articles (Cochrane, 51 articles; Embase, 175 articles; PubMed, 108 articles). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 7 studies were selected for this review. We performed a quality evaluation using the PEDro scale. In this review, 3 studies used an exoskeletal robot, and 4 studies used an end-effector robot as interventions. As a result, RAGT was found to be effective in improving walking ability in subacute stroke patients. Significant improvements in gait speed, functional ambulatory category, and Rivermead mobility index were found with RAGT compared with conventional physical therapy (p < 0.05). Therefore, aggressive weight support and gait training at an early stage using a robotic device are helpful, and robotic intervention should be applied according to the patient's functional level and onset time of stroke.

Reliability and validity of a dual-probe personal computer-based muscle viewer for measuring the pennation angle of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in patients who have had a stroke.

Background A dual-probe personal computer-based muscle viewer (DPC-BMW) is advantageous in that it is relatively lightweight and easy to apply. Objective To investigate the reliability and validity of the DPC-BMW in comparison with those of a portable ultrasonography (P-US) device for measuring the pennation angle of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle at rest and during contraction. Methods Twenty-four patients who had a stroke (18 men and 6 women) participated in this study. Using the DPC-BMW and P-US device, the pennation angle of the MG muscle on the affected side was randomly measured. Two examiners randomly obtained the images of all the participants in two separate test sessions, 7 days apart. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), confidence interval, standard error of measurement, Bland-Altman plot, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to estimate their reliability and validity. Results The ICC for the intrarater reliability of the MG muscle pennation angle measured using the DPC-BMW was > 0.916, indicating excellent reliability, and that for the interrater reliability ranged from 0.964 to 0.994. The P-US device also exhibited good reliability. A high correlation was found between the measurements of MG muscle pennation angle obtained using the DPC-BMW and that obtained using the P-US device (p < 0.01). Conclusion The DPC-BMW can provide clear images for accurate measurements, including measurements using dual probes. It has the advantage of rehabilitative US imaging for individuals who have had a stroke. More research studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of the DPC-BMW in rehabilitation.

The improvement in respiratory function by inspiratory muscle training is due to structural muscle changes in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: The changes effected by the inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the structure of inspiratory muscles such as on the diaphragm, in patients with stroke, is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of IMT on inspiratory function, diaphragm thickness, walking endurance, and fatigue in patients with stroke. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with stroke were randomized to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group (n = 15) underwent inspiratory muscle training with resistance adjusted to 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 90 breaths a day, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. Both groups received regular physical therapy for the same amount of time. The primary outcome measure was the diaphragm thickness ratio. The secondary outcomes were inspiratory function; maximal inspiratory pressure and inspiratory muscle endurance; and gait endurance and fatigue. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in the thickness ratio on the affected diaphragm thickness (medium effect size), maximal inspiratory pressure (medium effect size), and inspiratory muscle endurance (large effect size; Bonferroni correction p < 0.005). The gait endurance (medium effect size) and fatigue (small effect size) showed no significant differences in the between group comparison. CONCLUSION: Inspiratory muscle training was effective in improving respiratory function and inducing structural changes, especially in the affected diaphragm.

The effects of the menstrual cycle on the static balance in healthy young women.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the menstrual cycle on the static balance of healthy young women. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen healthy young subjects (mean age 19.1 years; weight 57.5 kg; height 159.9 cm) participated in this study. The Good Balance system was used to measure the postural sway speed and velocity moment of subjects in the static standing posture. Subjects were measured for static balance between 1 and 3 days after menstruation and 13 days after menstruation. [Results] The velocity moment of postural sway was significantly higher at 13 days after menstruation. [Conclusion] Our results indicate that the menstrual cycle affects the static balance of healthy subjects. During the menstrual cycle, intensity for balance exercises in females should be carefully controlled for injury prevention.

Discrepancy between self-awareness and actual diagnosis and treatment of the conditions among adolescent with scoliosis in middle-school age.

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to determine the awareness of the actual conditions of the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis by focusing on middle-school students in order to provide a basis for active education and treatment of scoliosis. [Subjects and Methods] The survey was conducted among 4,782 students. The students performed Adam's forward bend test, and some of the students who showed predictive features of scoliosis were further examined for the spine structure with rasterstereography. [Results] The proportion of students with awareness about scoliosis appeared to be 71.47%. Among the students, 50.84% knew the definition of scoliosis and 4.37% were diagnosed as having scoliosis, of whom 46.37% underwent treatment. It was a significant difference between to get a diagnosis and the predictive scoliosis or the scoliosis. [Conclusion] The results showed that the students in the second grade of middle school had high awareness levels, but about 50% of them did not know the definition of scoliosis. More than 50% of them did not receive treatment after diagnosed as having scoliosis. Therefore, active education and school screening for scoliosis should be provided to adolescent students.

Comparison of accelerometer-based and treadmill-based analysis systems for measuring gait parameters in healthy adults.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the correlation between accelerometer-based and treadmill-based analysis systems for measuring gait parameters during comfortable walking in healthy young adults. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three healthy adults participated in this study. Gait parameters were measured with simultaneous use of accelerometer-based and treadmill-based gait analysis systems, while participants walked for 30 s. [Results] There was a highly-significant correlation between the two systems with respect to cadence and velocity. The cadence, speed, and stride measured with the accelerometer system were significantly and highly correlated with the cadence, velocity, and number of steps measured with the treadmill-based system. The gait cycle duration measured with the accelerometer system was significantly and highly correlated with the step time and stride time measured with the treadmill-based gait system. [Conclusion] Gait analysis using an accelerometer system is a valid method for assessment of the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in a clinical setting.

Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of measurement of ultrasound imaging for muscle thickness and pennation angle of tibialis anterior muscle in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunction of skeletal muscle has been commonly reported in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of measurement of ultrasound imaging (USI) for pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) of tibialis anterior muscle in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-four stroke patients (19 men) participated in this study. USI was used for measurement of PA and MT of the tibialis anterior muscles at rest and during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Two examiners acquired images from all participants during two separate testing sessions, seven days apart. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), confidence interval (CI), standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and Bland-Altman plots were used for estimation of reliability. RESULTS: In the intra-rater reliability between measures, for all variables (PA and MT of the paretic and non-paretic sides of tibialis anterior muscles at rest and during MVC), the ICCs ranged between 0.639 and 0.998 and the CI was within an acceptable range of 0.388-0.999. In inter-rater reliability between examiners for the two tests, for all variables, the ICCs ranged between 0.690 and 0.995 and the CI was within an acceptable range of 0.463-0.997. In addition, significant difference was observed between the paretic and non-paretic sides of the tibialis anterior muscle architecture (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These finding demonstrate that measurements of the tibialis anterior muscle using USI can be useful for clinical assessment in stroke patients. In addition, objective and quantitative measurements of tibialis anterior muscle using USI may provide appropriate management for the walking recovery of stroke patients.

The effects of sitting with the right leg crossed on the trunk length and pelvic torsion of healthy individuals.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on the trunk length and pelvic torsion of healthy individuals that arise from crossing the right leg while sitting. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects in this study were 30 healthy individuals consisting of 18 males and 12 females. The subjects were instructed to sit on a chair, the height of which was adjustable, so that their knee and hip joints were bent at 90°. For the study, they sat stripped to the waist, with the back and hips bare. They were then instructed to perform a one-leg-crossed sitting posture by placing the right leg on the top of the left knee. A spinal posture test was performed to measure the subjects' trunk length and pelvic torsion by using a three-dimensional image-based spinal diagnostic system. [Results] The results of the three-dimensional spine examination showed statistically significant decreases in trunk length and pelvic torsion after the one-leg-crossed sitting posture. [Conclusion] In this study, the right leg-crossed sitting posture led to a decrease in the right trunk length with time and, in terms of pelvic torsion, increased the posterior rotation of the right pelvis when compared with the left pelvis.

The effects of horse riding simulation exercise with blindfolding on healthy subjects' balance and gait.

[Purpose] The study was conducted to determine the effect of horse riding simulation combined with blindfolding on healthy individuals' balance and gait. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The subjects in the experimental group covered their eyes using a blindfold, climbed onto a horse riding simulator, and performed the horse riding simulation exercise. The control group took part in the horse riding exercises without a blindfold. All of the subjects performed the 20 minutes long exercise once a day, five times a week, over a four-week period. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvement in static balance, dynamic balance, velocity, and cadence compared to pre-intervention measurements. In addition, the control group showed significant improvement in static balance, dynamic balance, single support, and cadence compared to pre-intervention measurements. Significant differences in post-training gains in static balance, dynamic balance, and cadence were observed between the experimental group and the control group. [Conclusion] Subjects that performed horse riding simulation exercise after blindfolding showed significant improvements in balance and cadence compared to the control group.

Reliability of an Electronic Inspiratory Loading Device for Assessing Pulmonary Function in Post-Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the inter- and intra-rater reliability of an electronic inspiratory loading device for the assessment of pulmonary functions: maximum inspiratory pressure, peak inspiratory flow, and vital capacity. MATERIAL/METHODS: Subjects were 50 patient volunteers in a rehabilitation hospital who had experienced their first episode of unilateral stroke with hemiparesis during the previous 6 months (26 men, 24 women; mean age [±SD], 55.96 [±12.81] years), with no use of medications that could induce drowsiness, evidence of restrictive lung disease, history of asthma, use of psychotropic drugs, or alcohol consumption habit. Maximum inspiratory pressure, peak inspiratory flow, and vital capacity for pulmonary functions were assessed using an electronic inspiratory loading device (PowerBreathe, K5, 2010) by 2 examiners, with patients in an unassisted sitting position, and 1 examiner re-assessed with same patients at the same time of a day after 1 week. Intra-class correlation coefficients were used to assess reliability. RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability ranged from intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs)=0.959 to 0.986 in variables. For the inter-rater reliability between 2 examiners, the ICCs ranged from 0.933 to 0.985. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were good in variables (maximal inspiratory pressure, peak inspiratory flow, and vital capacity). CONCLUSIONS: The intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the pulmonary function measurements, maximum inspiratory pressure, peak inspiratory flow, and vital capacity, for the post-stroke patients was very high. The results suggest that the electronic inspiratory loading device would be useful for clinical rehabilitative assessment of pulmonary function.