To clarify the effects of hallux valgus (HV) angle-reducing shoes on the gait of HV females, gait parameters were measured in 12 females (mean age: 24.8±11.5) with such a condition to compare their values when wearing HV angle-reducing shoes and control shoes with the same appearance to walk. When walking with HV angle-reducing shoes,the step length increased (p<0.05), the double-leg support period shortened (p<0.05), and the gait speed increased (p<0.05), revealing significant differences in all cases. On the other hand, none of the 5 other parameters, the step width, ankle angle, foot progression angle,stance phase, or swing phase, revealed significant differences. The effect sizes on the step length, double-leg support period, and gait speed revealing significant differences were within the range from ǀ0.46ǀto ǀ0.60ǀ, suggesting that some positive effects on the gait of HV females are achieved with the HV angle-reducing shoes.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether foot orthoses manufactured immediately (FMI) would be as effective as foot orthoses manufactured by prosthetist and orthotist (FMPO) in the gait of healthy adults. [Methods] Spatio-temporal factors, kinematics, kinetic factors, and plantar pressure were measuredin15healthyindividuals while gait at a comfortable speed using a three-dimensional motion analysis device and a plantar pressure distribution measurement device. The measurement conditions were wearing a flat insole (CTL), FMPO, and FMI. [Results] The results showed that the maximum plantar pressure (PP) at the heel was significantly decreased in the FMPO and FMI conditions compared to the CTL condition. The midfoot PP and pressure time integral were significantly increased in FMPO and FMI compared with CTL, and FMPO was significantly increased than FMI. The COP lateral excursion was significantly decreased in FMPO and FMI compared to CTL. [Conclusion] The results of midfoot PP, PTI,and COP lateral sway width suggested that the FMI had a similar function as the FMPO in supporting the medial longitudinal arch and decreasing COP lateral sway width.

The purpose of this study was to longitudinally evaluate 21 patients (Average age 63.6±14.6, 5 males, 16 females) with upper limb fracture using the PET bottle cap test (PCT), in order to confirm whether the PCT accurately measures the recovery of upper limb function. On comparing PCT and Hand 20 scores at various points, there were significant differences in both scores between the initial evaluation and after 1 week and between after 1 week and after 1 month. There were also significant differences in the peg test score, hand grip strength, and pinch strength on the injured side between the initial evaluation and after 1 week, but such differences were not observed after 1 month. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the times needed to fasten/unfasten buttons and change clothes between the initial evaluation and after 1 week, but they were observed after 1 month. The results demonstrated that the PCT is a useful method to evaluate time-course changes in functions on the injured side and hand manipulation skills on both sides in patients with upper limb fracture. Not requiring special measurement devices, and allowing measurement only with a PET bottle and stopwatch, the PCT may be a versatile and clinically applicable evaluation method.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of facial massage actively performed by the elderly on the activity of the prefrontal cortex. Seven communitydwelling older women (85.0±4.3 years) participated in this study. Near InfraRed Hemoencephalography (nIR HEG) was used to measure blood oxygenation levels (HEG rate) of the prefrontal cortex region. We investigated the difference between the facial massage actively performed by oneselves and passively performed by others on the activity of the prefrontal cortex. As a result, the HEG rate tended to increase gradually during facial massage. The change in HEG rate was greater during active massage (1.70 ± 1.25%) than during passive massage (0.30 ± 0.36%) (p <0.01). These results suggest that the beauty treatment at face performed independently has a greater impact on prefrontal cortex activity.

To compare caregiversʼmovements with and without assistive technology devices (ATDs) for patient transfers, analysis was performed using a markerless motion capture system, focusing on caregiversʼtrunk tilt angle and the distance between their and care-receiversʼheads during 3 movements: 1) moving the patientʼs body upward on the bed using a sliding sheet, 2) lifting the patientʼs trunk using the head elevation function of an adjustable electric bed, and supporting him/her to sit on the end of the bed, and 3) helping the patient safely move from the bed to wheelchair using a sliding board.Oncomparing the trunk tilt angle and head-to-head distance at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of transfer with/without ATDs, the angle was significantly smaller (p<0.05), and the distance was significantly longer (p<0.01) with ATDs. The results support the usefulness of ATDs for patient transfers not only to reduce the load on the lumbar spine of caregivers, but also in terms of infection prevention.