[Purpose] In this study, we verified the validity of the step time and walking speed obtained from the smartphone gait analysis application CareCoaching. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 66 independent, community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older who performed a 10-m walking test twice each under preferred- and slow-speed conditions. We concurrently measured gait motions using CareCoaching and the OptoGait system for reference data. Both systems compute walking speed and step time as gait parameters. We examined the concurrent validity of these parameters by using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and limits of agreement (LOAs) with Bland−Altman analyses. [Results] In the preferred walking speed condition, the ICCs of walking speed and step times between the CareCoaching and the OptoGait system were 0.67 and 0.93, respectively. In the slow walking speed condition, the ICCs for walking speed and step time were 0.78 and 0.97, respectively. In addition, the LOAs for step time were −0.0941 to 0.1160 for preferred walking speed and −0.0596 to 0.0883 for slow walking speed. The LOAs for walking speed were −0.4158 to 0.0568 for preferred walking speed and −0.3348 to 0.0523 for slow walking speed. [Conclusion] CareCoaching showed excellent agreement for step time and moderate-to-good agreement for walking speed in independent, community-dwelling older adults.

[Purpose] To quantitatively analyze the characteristics of movements evoked by certain motor instruction words on the basis of measurements of ankle elevation and related body movements in step-over motion tasks. [Participants and Methods] Sixty-one healthy adult participants were presented with motor instructions and asked to step over an obstacle in accordance with the instructions. The motor instructions were as follows: “Raise your XX (body part) up YY (expression)” in four combinations using “thigh” and “knee” for body part and “high” and “firmly” for expression. Using Kinect to analyze movements, ankle elevation, trunk-anteversion angle, hip-flexion angle, and knee-flexion angle were measured and statistically processed. [Results] With respect to body part, there was no significant difference in the mean and standard deviation (individual variation) values for ankle elevation. With respect to expression, hip joint and knee joint were bent significantly more for “high” than for “firmly”, and although the mean value for ankle elevation was high, ankle elevation standard deviation (individual variation) values were significantly lower for “firmly” than for “high”. [Conclusion] Explicit motor instruction words such as “high” may be effective in improving performance, while ambiguous motor instruction words like “firmly” may be effective in stabilizing movements.

[Purpose] We aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19-induced lockdown in Beijing. [Participants and Methods] We distributed a web-based questionnaire survey among 1,029 Beijing citizens to inquire about their physical condition, living habits, and physical activity before and during home isolation. [Results] In the context of forced home isolation due to COVID-19, both males and females reported reductions in daily steps and weekly exercise time and significant increases in daily physical activity time and daily sitting time. The proportions of smokers, patients with metabolic syndrome, and patients with internal diseases were higher in males than in females; females had lower daily step counts and spent more time sitting. [Conclusion] The COVID-19 lockdown affected the physical condition, living habits, and physical activity of both males and females; females were more affected than males. People should be cognizant of the various effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on the body. We recommend a reasonable diet and appropriate home exercise. There is a need to develop training methods and evaluation tools for home exercises in COVID-19 lockdowns.

[Purpose] We investigated the relationship of pitching grip with hand length and index finger metacarpophalangeal joint angle. [Participants and Methods] A total of 650 junior baseball players divided into two groups according to whether they experienced shoulder or elbow pain were divided into two groups based on their pitching grip, i.e., those who held the ball with the ulnar side of the thumb and those who held it with the finger pad of the thumb. The metacarpophalangeal joint angle was measured while the participants held a ball. [Results] The average hand length was 16.3 ± 1.4 cm for those holding the ball with the ulnar side of the thumb and 15.8 ± 1.2 cm for those holding it with the finger pad of the thumb. Hand length and metacarpophalangeal angle were significantly greater in the group using the ulnar side of the thumb. The two groups showed no significant differences in the distribution of grip type or history of shoulder/elbow pain. The index finger metacarpophalangeal angle and shoulder/elbow pain were significantly lower in the pain group. [Conclusion] With respect to the pitching grip for junior baseball players, we recommend a slightly flexed rather than extended position with the metacarpophalangeal angle.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the distance measurements in the Star Excursion Balance Test and participants’ posture and lower limb muscle strength. [Participants and Methods] Nine healthy male college students participated in this study. Star Excursion Balance Test distance was measured in both lower limbs by performing anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial trials; measuring the maximum reach; and performing three-dimensional motion analysis to determine the posture at maximum reach. Isokinetic muscle strength for knee flexion/extension, hip flexion/extension, and hip adduction/abduction were measured using an isokinetic machine. [Results] The hip extension strength, reach side ankle dorsiflexion angles, stance side knee flexion, reach side knee flexion, and knee flexion strength were selected as significant explanatory variables in the anterior direction. For the posteromedial direction, hip adduction and hip extension strength, reach side hip flexion angle, and stance side hip flexion angle were selected. For the posterolateral direction, reach side knee flexion angle and stance side ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion strength and reach side hip flexion angle were selected. [Conclusion] The related factors differed between the dominant and non-dominant legs even in the same reach direction.

[Purpose] To evaluate the incidence of pain originating from the sacrotuberous ligament after sacroiliac joint treatment, and to determine effective physical therapeutic options for sacrotuberous ligament pain. [Participants and Methods] Among 303 patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, 57 patients (20 males, 37 females) with persistent lower-buttock pain after sacroiliac joint injections were included in the study. The incidence of sacrotuberous ligament pain and the physical findings from the first evaluation were investigated by physical therapists. [Results] Diagnostic sacrotuberous ligament injections identified lower-buttock pain originating from the sacrotuberous ligament in 57.9% of the patients (33 out of 57 patients) after treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Of these, 11 patients experienced relief after sacrotuberous ligament injection alone; the others required physical therapy. Sacrotuberous ligament relaxation alone was effective in eight patients; biceps femoris relaxation was required in eight patients; and gluteus maximus contraction exercise was required in six patients. [Conclusion] After sacroiliac joint treatment, the incidence of residual sacrotuberous ligament pain in the persisting lower-buttock pain was 57.9%. In addition to sacrotuberous ligament relaxation, biceps femoris relaxation was effective in patients who showed both higher differences in the straight leg raising test and biceps femoris tenderness, while gluteus maximus contraction exercises were effective in patients with gluteus maximus weakness.

[Purpose] To identify the factors affecting the interest of rehabilitation professionals who indirectly support preventive care projects. [Participants and Methods] Rehabilitation professionals (physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists) working in 617 hospitals and other health facilities in A Prefecture, Japan. On the basis of their degree of interest in the activities of their respective preventive care projects, the professionals were classified into three groups after evaluating their responses to a self-reporting questionnaire (1,851 parts in total). The subsequent comparisons were performed among the three groups and their responses to the remaining questions. [Results] Analysis of the responses provided by 354 of the 374 rehabilitation professionals who answered the questionnaire revealed the following factors affecting their degree of interest in the preventive care projects indirectly supported by them: advanced age; abundant years of experience practicing; being speech-language-hearing-therapists; experience in post-graduate training; and considering the scope of support as a part of the community. Furthermore, the vast majority of individuals in the group showing superior interest had experience in activities related to indirect support. [Conclusion] Confirmation of the extent to which indirect support by rehabilitation professionals is effective for preventive care services is essential, since such support is difficult to demonstrate, unlike direct support.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify factors inhibiting improvement in the quality of life after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. [Participants and Methods] This was a pilot case-control study. The sample comprised of five participants with rheumatoid arthritis and 11 participants with osteoarthritis, who underwent total knee arthroplasty. We compared the groups in terms of physical function, walking ability, Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure, and Life-Space Assessment. Measurements were taken before surgery and at four weeks and five months post-surgery. All patients underwent rehabilitation for five months postoperatively, first as inpatients, and then as outpatients after discharge. [Results] In the period from 4 weeks to 5 months post-surgery, physical function improved similarly in both groups in terms of muscle strength and walking ability. Despite the patients with rheumatoid arthritis being younger, their self-health assessment score by the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure and measures of life-space mobility by Life-Space Assessment were lower. [Conclusion] It is important to consider exercise therapy, and gait instruction to alleviate anxiety about health status and improve the quality of life and life-space mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who undergo total knee arthroplasty.

[Purpose] The number of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been increasing. These patients show low activity in the prefrontal cortex, which can be improved by pharmacotherapy and neurofeedback training. This exploratory study aimed to examine whether the hemodynamic response in the prefrontal cortex during an inhibition response in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tendencies increased after interpersonal counseling. [Participants and Methods] Participants (n=5) received three interpersonal counseling sessions. Interpersonal counseling focuses on the patient’s current problems and devises specific coping strategies, and it can be performed by healthcare personnel such as physiotherapists. Prefrontal cortex activity during a suppression reaction task was measured by using near-infrared spectroscopy at baseline and post-interpersonal counseling. The outcome was a difference in the oxyhemoglobin level from baseline to post-interpersonal counseling. [Results] The oxyhemoglobin level in the prefrontal cortex significantly increased post-interpersonal counseling. [Conclusion] These results suggested that interpersonal counseling could improve the hemodynamic response in the prefrontal cortex under inhibition in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tendencies, suggesting that interpersonal counseling may be effective for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

[Purpose] To investigate the factors affecting the knee-flexion range of motion in the early period after total knee arthroplasty. [Participants and Methods] Ninety-nine patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty at our hospital between 2016 and 2019 were allocated into two groups based on the presence of a 110° knee-flexion range of motion at 14 days post-surgery. From medical records, we extracted data for the participants’ basic attributes and preoperative/postoperative physical function (knee-flexion range of motion, Timed Up & Go Test results, resting/walking pain according to a numerical rating scale, and knee-extension muscle strength). Postoperative physical function was measured 14 days post-surgery. [Results] Preoperative knee-flexion range of motion, preoperative femorotibial angle, postoperative knee-extensor strength, and postoperative Timed Up & Go Test value differed significantly as factors related to achieving a 110° knee-flexion range of motion. Through further statistical analyses, we selected the preoperative knee-flexion range of motion, preoperative femorotibial angle, preoperative Timed Up & Go Test result, and postoperative knee-extension strength as factors affecting the knee-flexion range of motion at 14 days post-surgery. [Conclusion] Preoperative knee-flexion range of motion, preoperative femorotibial angle, preoperative Timed Up & Go Test result, and postoperative knee-extension strength influence knee-flexion range of motion at 14 days after total knee arthroplasty, and our findings indicate the effectiveness of active physiotherapy interventions.

[Purpose] No study has examined whether the determinants of longitudinal changes in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity differ depending on the baseline brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values. Therefore, this study aimed to extract these determinants in high- and low-value groups based on the FY2014 brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values. [Participants and Methods] Participants were 97 male workers who underwent continuous health assessments from FY2014 to four years later. Their demographic, lifestyle, body-composition, and hemodynamic data were recorded. First-year data were subtracted from data obtained four years later for each continuous variable item, and the difference divided by the number of years was considered as the annual change. Based on the first-year median brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, participants were classified into high- and low-brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity groups, i.e., high- and low-value groups, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed with the annual change in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity serving as the dependent variable for both groups. [Results] In comparison with the values obtained in the first year, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity obtained four years later increased significantly in the low-value group and tended to increase in the high-value group. Increased visceral fat area in the high-value group and increased diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in the low-value group were associated with worsening brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. [Conclusion] The determinants of longitudinal changes in the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity differed depending on the baseline brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values.

[Purpose] To investigate the disturbed activities of daily living due to Katakori, a nonspecific symptom that includes discomfort or dull pain around the occiput through the cervical spine to the acromion and scapular area, by assessment of patients’ values or perceptions. [Participants and Methods] Fifty participants with consistent Katakori during the last month were included. We used the patient-elicitation technique, in which the participants were asked to rate the 1) magnitude of disturbance to the elicited activities on an 8-point scale (0–7), and 2) the importance of each activity on an 11-point scale (0–10) in a semistructured interview. A score for each activity was calculated by multiplying the magnitude of the disturbance by its importance, and the score ranged from 0 to 70. [Results] Among the 186 disturbed activities evaluated in the patient-elicitation technique, 24 coding categories of disturbed activities were identified. The two most prevalent disturbed activities were using a personal computer (62%), and using a mobile phone or a tablet (52%). Taking care of children had the highest mean patient-elicitation technique score (66.5). [Conclusion] This study identified 24 conceptual structures of disturbed activities of daily living due to Katakori, which will serve as the foundation for future development of a patient-reported outcome measure for the disability caused by Katakori.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) values and muscle activity during MIP and MEP between chronic neck pain and healthy participants. [Participants and Methods] Twenty chronic neck pain and 20 non-symptomatic females participated in this study. Maximal airway pressure (MIP and MEP) and surface electromyography (sEMG) for both sides of the upper trapezius, anterior scalene, pectoralis major and 6th intercostal muscles were recorded simultaneously. [Results] Significant differences of MIP and MEP values were found between the groups. The muscle activities of both sides of upper trapezius and 6th intercostal muscles during MEP were significantly higher in the chronic neck pain group than the healthy group except both sides of anterior scalene and pectoralis major muscles. During MIP, the activities of upper trapezius, 6th intercostal muscles and anterior scalene were significantly different between the two studied groups. Higher activity of left pectoralis major was found in the chronic neck pain group. [Conclusion] Decreasing values of MEP and MIP as well as muscles activities elevation in chronic neck pain participants were clearly demonstrated. Besides the musculoskeletal treatment, we suggest breathing exercise training to be considered in treatment programs.

[Purpose] To determine the effect of pulsed high intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus low level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. [Participants and Methods] This was a randomized clinical trial that included 30 females diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea who were assigned randomly into two groups of equal numbers. The treatment was three sessions every cycle for three consecutive cycles, where group (A) received pulsed HILT and group (B) received LLLT. All participants were evaluated before and after treatment sessions by visual analogue scale (VAS) and at the end of treatment by pain relief scale (PRS). [Results] The results showed a significant decrease in the severity of pain in the two groups. Comparison between the two groups showed a statistically non-significant difference in the severity of pain and pain alleviation at the end of the treatment course. [Conclusion] Both pulsed HILT and LLLT are effective in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, with no significant differences between the two modalities.

[Purpose] Tilt table use is associated, most often, with the assessment of syncope. However, it also has applications for patients with neurologic and orthopedic problems. These applications do not appear to be widely applied. The purpose of this review, therefore, was to summarize the research literature addressing the use of tilt tables for treating specific musculoskeletal and neurologic impairments in adults. [Methods] Relevant literature was identified by searches of the PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases and hand searches (December 2018 and October 2020). The methodological quality of the identified research articles was assessed using the PEDro scale. [Results] Of 482 unique articles identified, 20 matched the eligibility criteria of the review and were included. The studies varied widely in the populations studied, procedures used, and responses reported. The studies provide limited support for tilt table standing as an intervention. [Conclusion] However, evidence that some patients with neurologic conditions may respond positively to tilt-table standing is available. Among such individuals are those with decreased ankle range of motion, positive neurologic signs in the lower limbs, and decreased levels of consciousness.