Method: 16 hemiplegic patients who could walk without assistive devices were included in this study. We used insole foot-pressure system to measure weight bearing ratio of both feet during walking. We assessed walking speed and pressure ratio during straight or circular walking at their comfortable gait speed.

Results: Pressure ratio of affected foot showed negative correlation with walking time irrespective of walking direction. Pressure ratio of affected foot and walking time during circular walking to the affected side was significantly higher and slower respectively than that to the intact side.

Conclusion: Asymmetrical weight bearing of both feet during walking is highly correlated with walking ability in hemiplegic patients and pressure ratio of affected foot may be simple and useful determinant of walking ability. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 173-177)

Muscle functions are limited in patients with osteoarthritis of knees. In patients with osteoarthritis, isokinetic testing of knee musculature reveals decreased peak torque and increased walking time(50-ft). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate deficiency in muscular performance of knee, and the relationship between walking time and isokinetic parameters of muscular strength, endurance and pain of knee in patients with osteoarthritis of knees. The subjects were divided into a control group and the study group. The control group consisted of 40 persons without a knee pain, and the study group consisted of 30 patients with osteoarthritis of knees. The peak torque of patients in the study group was decreased by 16∼21%, compared to that the control group. There was a negative relationship between the walking time and the endurance of knee extensors(r=⁣0.7195). These findings suggest that exercises to increase the strength and endurance of extensors and flexors of knees should be emphasized in the rehabilitation program for the osteoarthritis of knees.