We examined the psychological characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the viewpoint of difference in GOLD stages. The subjects were 38 patients with COPD. Egogram was used to evaluate their personality, and the differences between Phase I group and Phase II group were compared. As a result, it was suggested that FC (Free Child) was significantly lower in stage II group than I group, and emotional expression was poor when disease stage progressed. In addition,we examined the patientʼs overall personality by integrating the stages. As a result, CP (Critical Parent) and NP (Nurturing Parent) showed the highest scores, then the scores of A (Adult) and FC showed the same degree, and AC (Adapted Child) showed the lowest score. We suggested the characteristics of personality of COPD patients asfollows.In other words, they were stubborn, also easy on themselves, and considered difficult to listen to advice of others.

To clarify the relationship between body sway and walking abilities in pre school children, body sway measurement and gait analysis were performed, involving 45 preschoolers (16 males and 29 females). When walking at a normal speed, both the total trajectory length and outer peripheral area as body sway indices were significantly corre lated with 3 parameters: the cadence (total trajectory length: ­0.421 and outer peripheral area: ­0.347), length of the stance phase (0.474 and 0.426), and length of the double support phase (0.398 and 0.346). When walking at the maximum speed, both of them were signifi cantly correlated with 4 parameters: the gait speed (­0.469 and ­0.382), cadence (­0.388 and ­0.351), length of the stance phase (0.489 and 0.569), and length of the double support phase (0.556 and 0.653). The results revealed a strong correlation betweenbodyswayand gait during the preschool period, highlighting the importance of evaluating postural con trol in preschool children using body sway meters. The feasibility of effectively promoting their physical activities, such as gait, as part of developmental support by enhancing their postural control was also suggested.

[Objective] To clarify factors that affect the quality of life (QOL) of patients with early knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects] Forty-five female patients with early knee osteoarthritis. [Methods] We analyzed the association of the Japan Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) scores with the background factors and various parameters of physical function by using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and one-leg standing time with eyes open were found to be significantly correlated with the JKOM scores in a simple correlation analysis. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed with knee flexion ROM and one-leg standing time as independent variables and JKOM score as a dependent variable. [Results] Knee flexion range of motion was identified as a factor that affects the total JKOM score. [Conclusion] Physical therapy aimed at maintaining and improving knee flexion range of motion, focusing on the treatment of the knee flexion range of motion, can prevent the progression of early knee osteoarthritis and improve the QOL of patients.

[Objective] The present study involved community-dwellings females agedbetween 45 and 64 years old, and examined the physical ability and characteristics of people with locomotive syndrome. [Subjects] The subjects were 24 females aged betwee 45 and 64 years old living an independent life.[Methods] A locomotion-level test, physical ability examination (including five question items), and a test to assess the body composition (bone density, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass Index (SMI)). The subjects were classified into locomotive and non-locomotive syndrome groups, and the results were compared between the two groups. [Results] Nine of the 24 females exhibited locomotive syndrome. There were no significant differences in all question items related with physical ability. Regarding the body composition, there were significant differences in the skeletal muscle mass and SMI between the two groups. [Discussion] Although there was little decrease in the motor ability of the subjects, signs of the loss of muscle mass were identified. It is important to raise awareness of locomotive syndrome among middle-aged or older people, and provide potential patients with appropriate exercise guidance.

Objective: We decided to find a factor to prevent falls by examining differences in the feeling of falling fear of middle-aged, young-old elderly, and old-old elderly suffering from exerciser disease. Methods: Thirty-three subjects were middle-aged, young-old elderly, and old-old elderly affected with exerciser disease. We measured the falling fear sense by Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and analyzed the difference. Results: The score of the old-old elderly person was significantly less than the score of the middle-aged person, and the feeling of falling fear was high. Conclusion: There is a need to exercise therapy on the premise that the feeling of falling fear is high in the old-old elderly who suffer from exerciser disease.

Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is effective in alleviating pain and improving psychological outcomes in patients of chronic pain; however, the evidence of its effectiveness in treating hospitalized high tibial osteotomy (HTO) patients is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to report the implementation and outcomes of physical therapistdelivered postoperative PNE to HTO patients. The participants were 32 patients with knee osteoarthritis, aged 50 years and older, who were undergoing the HTO procedure. The PNE was conducted in a group setting, starting one week after the surgery; there were five one-hour long weekly sessions. In addition, participants were given printed information related to the course components. Primary outcomes of rest and walking pain scores were measured by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes were assessed by Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), quadriceps strength, and walking speed. Measurements were taken before surgery and five weeks after surgery to ascertain any intervention effects. After the intervention, a significant improvement in walking pain and PCS scores indicated the effect size was large. Therefore, PNE intervention in hospitalized HTO patients may be effective; it is necessary to consider the setting and a control group.

The present study examined the effects of room shoes with a toe-holding bar on the physical function and walking ability of eight elderly aged 75 years or older living in an elderly facility. The elderly people were asked to wear general room shoes during the baseline period of four weeks (A) and room shoes with a toe-holding bar during the following intervention period of four weeks (B), and the measurements were compared to examine the effects of the intervention. There were significant increases in the gate rate and walking speed and a significant decrease in the stance phase time, comparedwiththosein the baseline period. The results of the study suggest that room shoes with a toe-holding bar may improve the walking ability of the elderly aged 75 years or older livingina facility.