In this study, we evaluated the reproducibility and validity of measuring the abductionin-flexion muscle strength of the hip joint in 33 elderly female community residents (mean age: 70.8 ±5.9 years). The reproducibility was determined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) based on the test-retest method. As for the validity, Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationship between the abduction-in-flexion muscle strength of the hip joint, the extension muscle strength of the knee joint, one-leg standing time with eyes open, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, and the Functional Reach Test. As a result, the ICC of measuring the abductionin-flexion muscle strength of the hip joint was 0.851, suggesting high reproducibility. The abduction -in-flexion muscle strength of the hip joint was significantly correlated with the extension muscle strength of the knee joint (r=0.513), one-leg standing time with eyes open (r=0.462), and TUG (r= -0.384). These findings suggested the clinical application of the measurement of the abduction-inflexion muscle strength of the hip joint to test the gross muscle strength, which represents lower extremity muscle strength.

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[Purpose] The reproducibility and validity of a bridging force measurement method using a scale were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 19 elderly females certified for need for long-term care (mean age: 84.7±6.4 years, mean body weight: 49.9±7.5 kg). The reproducibility of the bridging force measurement method was investigated employing the interclass correlation coefficient on the test-retest method. The validity was investigated with regard to the association with evaluation of lower limb functions (CS-30, FRT, and TUG) by determining the Pearson correlation coefficient. [Results] The reproducibility of the bridging force measurement method was very high (0.964), and a significant correlation with FRT and tendency toward a significant correlation with TUG were noted, confirming the validity. [Conclusion] The bridging force measurement method was superior in reproducibility and may be clinically applicable as a simple evaluation method of lower limb function reflecting balance and walking abilities in the elderly.

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The purpose of this study was to clarify factors influencing the presence or absence of getting down on allfours on standing up from the floor. In 47 elderly female residents, we evaluated the grip strength, muscular strength of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh, foot grasp power, sit-ups, sit-and-reach distance, and duration of standing on one leg. We examined factors involved in getting down on all fours on standing up from the floor using logistic regression analysis. As a factor involved in getting down on all fours on standing up, sit-ups were selected. These findings suggest that the muscular strength ofthe trunk is related to the presence or absence of getting down on all fours on standing up from the floor in elderly persons. Those in whom the muscular strength of the trunk is stronger may stand up without getting down on all fours.

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The purpose of this study was to clarity factors that affect the poor walking distance, which is an index of going out in patients with COPD, and, then, to calculate the cut-off values of the extracted factors. The subjects were 44 male COPD patients (aged 77.4±6.4 years). The methods were compared physical functions between 6-minutes walking distance (6 MWD) of 401 m or longer and shorter than 400 m, a criterion for restriction of going out. We examined the strength of the effects of physical function factors by the multiple logistic regression analysis with the dependent variable as 6 MWD, to the independent variable items that showed a significant difference. Also, the cut-off values of the extracted factors were calculated using ROC curves. The results were extracted mMRC (p=0.02) and %QS (p=0.02) by multiple logistic regression analysis. The cut-off values of the extracted measurement items were Grade 2 for the mMRC (sensitivity=0.880, specificity= 0.737, AUC=0.875) and 53.6% for the %QS (sensitivity=0.789, specificity=0.880, AUC=0.897). The results of this study, the mMRC and %QS were suggested to be factors that restrict going out in COPD patients, and their cut-off values could be calculated.

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Purpose: The purpose of the study is to clarify the factors affecting the recovery process of slow vital capacity (SVC) after cardiovascular surgery. Methods: The study included patients awaiting cardiovascular surgery by median sternotomy. We examined the patients before and after surgery with regard to changes in their SVC recovery rate, specific conditions, surgical information, and chest expansion difference (CED) rate, and the relationship between operative wound pain and post-operative mobility using stepwise multiple regression analysis,.Results: The SVC significantly decreased from 2.51±0.69 L at pre-operation to 2.06±0.61 L at two weeks post-operation, (SVC recovery rate: 82.7%). As a result of multiple regression analysis, the change in CED rate one week after surgery was determined (axilla position). Discussion: The results suggest that the higher the change in the CED rate (axilla position) one week after surgery, the better is the SVC recovery rate.Conclusion: The study concludes that the improvement in the SVC recovery rate two weeks after cardiovascular surgery may be attributed to the change in the CED rate (axilla position) one week after surgery.

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[Purpose] To evaluate the intra-and interobserver reliability of lower loading force measurements in a sitting. [Subjects] Thirteen patients after surgery for proximal femoral fractures in acute phase (mean age:80.8±6.3). [Methods] Two physical therapists as observers analyzed intra -and interobserver reliability using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). [Results] Analysis of intraobserver reliability showed ICC values of 0.813-0.911 on the operated sides and 0.960-0.963 on the non-operated sides. ICC of interobserver reliability was 0.830 on the operated sides and 0.956 on the non-operated sides, again showing good reproducibility. [Conclusion] We confirmed the reliability of lower limb loading force measurements in a sitting posture in patients after surgery for proximal femoral fractures.

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The physical characteristics were compared among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with different 6-minute walking distances (6MWD). The subjects were 76 patients with stable COPD. The 6MWD, body mass index (BMI), respiratory function test, lower limb muscle strength, grip strength, respiratory muscle strength, balance function, walking ability, Nagasaki University Respiratory ADL Questionnaire (NRADL), and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were evaluated. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the 6MWD, and each measurement item was investigated. Significant differences were noted in the %forced vital capacity (%FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV1.0), knee extension muscle strength, grip strength, respiratory muscle strength, single leg standing time, TUG, CS-30, time required to walk a specific distance at the maximum walking speed, NRADL, and SGRQ. The 6MWD reflected the respiratory function, muscle strength, physical ability, ADL, and health-related QOL.

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