This purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility and validity of the maximum knee varus angle during the initial ground contact and stance phases. Evaluations were performed during gait, when the knee varus angle changed from the stance phase from the knee varus angle of initial ground contact. We used markerless and optical motion capture in 30 limbs of 16 patients with knee OA. For reproducibility, the intraclass correlation coefficient was determined, and the Bland-Altman analysis was used for absolute reliability. Pearsonʼs correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between the measurements. The results of the analysis showed that the knee varus angle and its change during the initial ground contact and stance phases were highly reproducible. In addition, strong positive correlations were observed between measured values. Furthermore, the Bland-Altman analysis showed a fixed error between the measurements of each method. Our findings reveal that markerless motion capture provides a simple and quantitative method for measuring lateral knee joint sway during gait, thus ensuring the reliability and validity of the measured values.

This study aimed to clarify the physical function characteristics in older women according to obesity classification by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. The subjects for analysis were 222 older women aged ≥65 years who participated in a physical fitness test in 2023. According to BMI, obesity was classified as below target weight (18. 5-<22), target weight (22-<25), and obese (25-<30). Obesity classification according to body fat percentage was <30% as non-obese, ≥30% as obese I, and ≥35% as obese II. Patients were divided into groups based on obesity, BMI, and body fat percentage. Their physical functions were then compared. In the group based on BMI, obese and target weight subjects showed significantly lower muscle strength and one leg standing than below target weight subjects. In the group based on body fat percentage, obese II subjects had significantly lower muscle strength, balance, and walking ability than non-obese and obese I subjects. They showed a significantly low value. These results suggest that a body fat percentage of 35% is a better indicator of obesity than BMI in reflecting reduced physical function.

Introduction: Inspiratory muscle strength in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been reported to be related to nutritional status. Nutritional status should be evaluated from multiple perspectives. We assessed nutritional status with the clinically used mini nutritional assessment-short form (MNASF) and investigated its relation to MIP in COPD patients. Subject: This study included 86 participants (mean age 75 ± 9 years, 84% male) Methods: MIP assessed inspiratory muscle strength with a spirometer attached respiratory muscle strength meter. MNA-SF assessed nutritional status. Multiple regression analysis was performed with MIP as the dependent variable and MNA-SF, mMRC, effort lung capacity, % Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, age, and sex as independent variables. Result: A relationship was found between MIP and MNA-SF [standardized coefficient β: 0．25, p=0．002 ]. Conclusion: MIP in COPD patients was found to be associated with MNA-SF.

This study aimed to analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) data during finger movements using a finger flexion and extension assist device and to explore indicators related to motor adaptation. Eight healthy young adult males (mean age 22.0±6.2 years) participated in the study. Participants performed right-hand finger flexion and extension movements while wearing the assist device under two conditions: an assisted condition and a voluntary condition. Frequency component and coherence analyses were conducted on EEG data recorded from channels corresponding to the left prefrontal cortex (F7) and left primary motor cortex (C3). Results showed a significant increase in β -band coherence between F7 and C3 during the assisted condition (p＜0.05). In the voluntary condition, a significant negative correlation was observed between the β/θ ratio at F7 and the coherence values (p＜0.05). These findings suggest that during movements using the assist device, functional connectivity between relevant brain regions increases during the initial adaptation phase and may decrease as movements become more automated.

Therapists in convalescent rehabilitation wards collect preliminary information before conducting on-site home surveys when proposing home modifications. However, it remains unclear what specific information should be collected for these purposes. This study aimed to investigate which evaluation items are important to collect before conducting a home assessment．Survey items were developed through brainstorming sessions involving two groups of three physical therapists each (n=6). Using the Delphi method and an 11-point Likert scale, a group of 11 therapists then evaluated the importance of these criteria. As a result of the survey, it was suggested that items other than house information such as “information to make specific predictions about life in the home”, “feasibility of home modification under long-term care insurance,” and “obtaining both patient and family agreement on proposed home modifications,” are important.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between Central Sensitization-related Symptoms (CSS), Health Literacy (HL), and motor function among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The study included 211 community-dwelling older adults. They completed the Central Sensitization Inventory-9 (CSI-9), Communicative Critical Health Literacy, motor function assessments, and various motor function tests. These tests included the 30-second chair stand test, long body forward bending distance, eye-open holding time, Timed Up and Go Test, and walking speed. The statistical analysis involved correlating each measurement and conducting a multiple regression analysis with the CSI-9 as the dependent variable and the significantly correlated items as independent variables. Results : The results suggest that older adults with lower HL and shorter educational histories have higher CSI-9 scores. Conclusion: This indicates that improving CSS for these individuals may involve taking an active interest in their health, increasing their knowledge, and acquiring skills to manage their health.