The objective of this study was to examine gender differences in back muscle strength and various physical functions among community-dwelling elderly. Subjects were 145 community-dwelling elderly persons (79 males and 66 females). Back muscle strength, grip strength, quadriceps strength, number of sit-ups, forward bending in a long sitting position, and time able to stand on one leg were evaluated for comparison by gender. The comparison of the physical functions demonstrated that the males had higher scores for back muscle strength, grip strength, quadriceps strength, and number of sit-ups than the females. The females had higher scores for forward bending in a long sitting position than the males. No significant gender difference was noted in time abletostandon one leg. Thus, gender differences were noted for back muscle strength, as well as upper and lower extremity and trunk muscle strengths. The gender differences in the physical functions were more significant for the trunk muscle strengths, such as number of sit-ups and back muscle strength, than the upper and lower extremity muscle strengths.

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Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy brain and body, and plays a fundamental role in improving the quality of life (QOL). In this study, the quality of sleep (duration and subjective satisfaction) and its relationship with the QOL were examined, involving 256 elderly community residents. As a result, no significant differences in perceived health, daily life satisfaction, feelings of fulfillment, satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, and activity levels were observed between 2 duration-based groups (long: 142, 7 to 8 hours; and short: 114, less than 7 to 8 hours). On the other hand, on comparison of the QOL between 2 satisfaction-based groups (high-: 161; and low-level: 95), significant differences were observed in all items, except for activity levels; the high-level satisfaction group showed more favorable values. These results suggest that subjective sleep satisfaction as a qualitative factor may be associated with the QOL more closely than sleep duration as a quantitative factor.

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The present study examined the relationship between the muscle strength of the legs and performance in two types of vertical jump by gender: jumps performed using the recoil action (FVJ) and limited recoil action (LVJ). FVJ and LVJ performances and the strength of leg muscles were measured, and their relationships in male and female groups were examined using Pearsonʼs correlation coefficient. In the male group, no significant correlation was noted between FMJ performance and muscle strength of the legs, although LVJ performance was significantly correlated with the plantar flexor strength. Among females, FVJ and LVJ performances were significantly correlated with muscle strength related to extension of the knee joints, but not the plantar flexor strength. The results suggested that, among males, the recoil action and strength of the plantar flexor were efficiently reflected in jump performance, whereas females may have failed to efficiently utilize the recoil action when jumping and relied solely on muscle strength related to extension of the knee joints.

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This study was aimed to determine the role of an insole aimed to reduce forefoot loading and improve motor function in females wearing high-heeled shoes. Eight healthy females who are unfamiliar to wearing high-heeled shoes were involved. Pressure distribution and physical activities were measured with or without ReaLine@ Insole Fem (GLAB corp) using 9-cm highheels. Fem decreased the peak pressure on the forefoot in standing. None of the subjects complained with foot discomfort with Fem. To conclude,Fem may be effective on reducing the stress on the forefoot without causing discomfort.

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This study examined the influence of arm position on gait parameters in healthy young adults. Sixteen healthy young participants walked on the sheet of gait analysis system in three randomly ordered upper extremity condition (arm swing, crossing their arms on their chest and crossing their hands on their back). Walking speed,stance time, step length, step width and toe angle were selected as gait parameters. As the results, decreases walking speed, step length and toe angle were observed for two crossing arm condition. The results suggest that arm position during gait leads to significant changes in gait parameters.

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The Spinal Mouse is an external non­invasive device which measures the spinal curves and mobility of the spine in several planes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Spinal Mouse to assess sagittal standing measurements of the spine in healthy young adults. Thirty young male and female volunteers took part in the present study. Angle data of vertebral inclination of each subject in sagittal view were measured by Spinal Mouse and standard lateral radiography for vertebral segments from T 2­3 down to L5­S1. Sagittal curvature of the thoracic spine was similar between the Spinal Mouse and standard radiographic measurements. Sagittal curvature of the lumbar spine was smaller for several segments in Spinal Mouse measurement compared with radiographic assessment. Measurement validity of the spinal alignment using Spinal Mouse was suggested to be high in thoracic spine but low in lumbar spine.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of the short term intervention of mechanical plantar stimulation for plantar cutaneous sensitivity or the toe gripping strength. [Method] Twenty two young adults participated in this study, andtheywereassigned to intervention group or control group so that the sex ratio was equality. The plantar two-point discrimination, toe gripping strength and Functional reach test were measured in all participants at pre and post intervention. As an intervention stimulus, intervention group was standing on spike insoles for 3 minutes, and control group was bare foot standing on flat floor for 3 minutes. [Result] Plantar two-point discrimination decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.05), and FRT increased significantly in intervention group (p<0.05). Toe gripping strength was not significant increase in both groups.[Conclusion] These results revealed that the short term intervention of mechanical plantar stimulation is effective for dynamic balance ability; however, plantar cutaneous sensitivity and the toe gripping strength are not affected of it. It indicate that the improvement of dynamic balance ability is not depends on the changes of the plantar cutaneous sensitivity and toe gripping strength.

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