[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of breathing exercises alongside traditional therapy on respiratory indexes and the level of anxiety of generalized anxiety disorder patients. [Participants and Methods] Forty-one patients were assigned a study group undergoing medication and routine counselling plus breathing exercises (EXS), and a control group received medication and routine counselling only (Non-EXS). Every two weeks, patients are called (weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8) to monitor their schedule adherence. [Results] This study’s results showed FEV1/FVC ratio significantly increased in the EXS group in the second study follow-up period after two months. Anxiety, FVC, FEV1, Etco2, respiration, and pulse rate over time have tended towards desirable results in the exercise group than control groups, especially after two months, but significant differences not seen. [Conclusion] This study’s findings indicated that breathing exercises could improve generalized anxiety disorder’s pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Our data bring up this hypothesis that longer follow up, increasing breathing period, and more exercising is associated with higher outcome.

[Purpose] Taping is a therapeutic technique used to prevent and treat sporting injuries and other conditions. This study aimed to clarify how kinesio taping versus non-elastic taping of the trunk affects postural control. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-three healthy male participants were included in this study. Participants were assigned to low or high trunk skeletal muscle mass groups. Main outcomes of path length and area representing the center of gravity sway were measured using a Zebris FDM-S system in three conditions: control, kinesio taping, and non-elastic taping. Tapes were applied to the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae muscles. The measured limb position was seated on a balance cushion. [Results] The area of the low trunk mass group differed significantly between kinesio and non-elastic taping. However, the path length of the low trunk mass group and path length and area of participants with high trunk mass did not differ significantly between groups. [Conclusion] This study’s findings indicated that two types of taping methods affected the area of gravitational sway in healthy adult males with a low trunk muscle mass.

[Purpose] Spatial attention evaluations are beneficial for patients with unilateral spatial neglect or dementia. Thus, such evaluations are crucial among these patients for determining functional disorder extents. The study aimed to determine minimal detectable changes in reaction time to the Posner task among healthy young participants for establishing spatial attention evaluation protocols. [Participants and Methods] The study recruited 10 healthy young adults (five males and five females; mean age: 28.9 ± 4.0 years). Each participant completed two sessions of the Posner task with 160 trials per session. The reaction time for each trial was measured. Data obtained by the two blocks were analyzed by Bland–Altman analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficient case 1 and minimal detectable changes at the 95% confidence interval were calculated. [Results] Bland–Altman analysis indicated no systematic bias. The intraclass correlation coefficient case 1 exceeded 0.80 under all conditions of the Posner task, whereas the minimal detectable changes at the 95% confidence interval spanned 23–34 ms. [Conclusion] The results exhibited high reliability for reaction time to the Posner task. The minimal detectable changes as the 95% confidence interval values determined in this study based on reaction time can be applied to establish spatial attention evaluation protocols.

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the content of work beliefs related to proficiency among physical therapists in Japan. [Participants and Methods] Participants included 50 therapists who met the definition of proficiency to participate in a questionnaire survey conducted between October 2017 and March 2019. Participants were asked to freely describe their daily work beliefs, including their thoughts, values, and ideals. This content was coded and categorized using open coding; a hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward’s method) was conducted of the proficient therapists with the individuals and belief categories as the variables. All belief categories were classified into three groups. [Results] Three work beliefs were identified as follows: 1) practices that emphasize building relationships in the field, 2) broad practices with physical therapist pride (responsibility and enthusiasm), and 3) practices with awareness of treatment outcomes and social benefits. [Conclusion] A better understanding of the three aforementioned work beliefs would facilitate good support for and development of physical therapists. We recommend continuing to elucidate the three work beliefs identified among proficient therapists and verify their educational effects.

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the effects of upper extremity loading on pelvic movements during wheeled upright walker use. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen healthy male adults participated in this intervention study. Participants walked under five conditions with targeted loads on their upper extremities of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of their body weights using a wheeled upright walker with armrests. Measured items included gait velocity and stride length; the angle of the maximum trunk anterior tilt; the range of motion of the trunk and pelvis in the movements of obliquity, tilt, and rotation; and the amplitude of the center of mass in the vertical and lateral directions captured and calculated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. [Results] Increasing the load on the upper extremities did not shorten the stride or restrict pelvic movement during gait using upright walker use. The range of pelvic rotation with walker use increased versus that of the standard gait. [Conclusion] The pelvis showed quantitative movements during gait using the wheeled upright walker with armrests. These results could be helpful in the development of robotic assistive devices.

[Purpose] There is little evidence for blood flow restriction (BFR), or Kaatsu, training in people with neurologic conditions. This study’s purpose was to survey clinicians on BFR use in people with neurologic conditions. [Participants and Methods] One-hundred twelve physical therapists and other healthcare professionals who reported using BFR in the past 5 years completed an anonymous, online survey. [Results] Eighty-nine percent of respondents thought BFR was safe in people with neurologic conditions. Meanwhile, 38% reported BFR use in people with neurologic conditions. The most common intervention used with BFR was resistance training (n=33) and the most commonly reported benefit was improved strength (n=27). The most common side-effect causing treatment to stop was intolerance to pressure (n=6). No side-effects requiring medical attention were reported. In order to support future BFR use in neurologic populations, the most common response was the need for more research (n=63). [Conclusion] Despite the lack of evidence, clinical use of BFR in people with neurologic conditions may be somewhat common. Although this study had a relatively small sample size and collected data retrospectively, the results support the potential clinical feasibility and safety of BFR use in patients with neurologic conditions and suggest that more research is needed.

[Purpose] This study aimed to objectively clarify the effect of the trim line setting on the stiffness of posterior leaf spring ankle-foot orthoses. [Participant and Methods] Posterior leaf spring ankle-foot orthoses were fabricated with two thickness levels and three trim line conditions for the posterior upright width and the dorsi- and plantarflexion moments and stiffness exhibited by the orthoses were measured using an evaluation tester. [Results] The trim line of the posterior upright width affected the dorsiflexion moment generated by the orthoses in plantarflexion. [Conclusion] A strong linear correlation was found between posterior upright width and orthotic stiffness, suggesting that it is highly feasible to standardize orthotic settings according to individual conditions of patients after stroke, even for posterior leaf spring ankle-foot orthoses.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effect of an adaptation of a deviation of the visual field in three axes on spatial cognition in patients with unilateral spatial neglect and distorted spatial perception in three dimensions. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen patients with cerebrovascular disease and symptoms of unilateral spatial neglect were included. Forty-eight pointing movements with a camera attached to a head-mounted display changed in three axes were compared with the control condition in which the camera was deflected only in the horizontal plane as with the prism adaptation. The main outcome measures were subjective straight-ahead pointing, line bisection, line cancellation, and star cancellation. [Results] The head-mounted display adaptive therapy was performed under conditions that varied in all three axes. The results indicated that it was possible to deflect the subjective straight-ahead pointing position to the lower left direction. [Conclusion] In contrast to the prism adaptation, which deflects the visual field in a single axis in the horizontal plane, the tri-axial adaptation corrected the median cognition in the left–right direction as well as the cognition of the body center, including the vertical direction.

[Purpose] To determine whether short-duration, limited rehabilitation is effective in patients with COVID-19. [Participants and Methods] Single-center, retrospective, observational study. Thirty-six inpatients were classified into the three groups: a close contact (CC) group with a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (n=14); a PCR–positive (PP) group (n=15); and a PCR–positive and transfer (PT) group with severe COVID-19 patients who were transferred to an acute care hospital for treatment and then returned to our hospital (n=7). Short-duration, limited rehabilitation was provided to the CC and PP groups in isolated rooms by a therapist wearing full personal protective equipment, and we assessed the changes in their activities of daily living. [Results] The patients’ clinical characteristics at baseline were similar among the three groups. Functional Independence Measure scores in the CC, PP, and PT groups were not different at baseline (69 ± 29, 53 ± 26, and 63 ± 32), but differed after control of COVID-19 (63 ± 25, 47 ± 24, and 32 ± 19). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the implementation of a customized self-exercise program and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form at baseline were independently associated with Functional Independence Measure score after control of COVID-19. [Conclusion] These results suggest that even short-duration, limited rehabilitation may be effective for preventing decreases in activities of daily living in patients with COVID-19.

[Purpose] We aimed to investigate the effects of various modulated interferential currents on deep abdominal muscle thicknesses of healthy participants using ultrasound imaging. [Participants and Methods] We recruited twenty-two healthy male participants for this study. We compared the rate of change in muscle thickness of the abdominal muscles under different stimulation interferential current conditions. [Results] The change in interclass correlation coefficient of muscle thickness for each electrical stimulation by attached electrode altering was 0.738–0.998, indicating normal to good reliability. The rate of change for all muscle thicknesses under interferential current at 2.5 kHz and 20 Hz was significantly greater than that under the other conditions. [Conclusion] An interferential current at 2.5 kHz and 20 Hz is a feasible and reproducible way to train the abdominal muscles.

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess fall-related risk factors among community-dwelling older adults during a period of voluntary self-isolation for preventing the spread of COVID-19. [Participants and Methods] This was a cross-sectional study. Survey questionnaire forms were distributed to 2,586 community-dwelling older adults in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Completed questionnaires were returned by mail. [Results] Of the 1,645 people who responded, 1,040 people aged 65 and over who did not apply for long-term care insurance and fully completed the questionnaire were included in this study. Since no in-person measurements were required, we utilized the Frailty Screening Index for the evaluations. We evaluated the relationship between questionnaire responses and fall rates among community-dwelling older adults. Among the results, “yes” responses to “Do you think you walk more slowly than before?” were identified as significantly associated with falls. [Conclusion] One must pay careful attention to subjectively assessing decreases in walking speed as a fall prevention measure during periods of self-restraint to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.

[Purpose] We aimed to identify the relationship among trunk control, activities of daily living, and upper extremity function during the first week after stroke in patients with acute cerebral infarction. [Participants and Methods] Ninety-five patients with first cerebral infarction were included. Trunk control was assessed using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke. Additionally, activities of daily living were evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure, and upper extremity function was assessed using the upper extremity component of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships among these three measures. Furthermore, stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors affecting activities of daily living. [Results] The total score and two subcategories of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke were significantly correlated with the Functional Independence Measure motor values. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed age and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke as factors influencing the Functional Independence Measure. Moreover, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke and upper extremity component of Fugl-Meyer Assessment showed a high correlation. [Conclusion] The trunk control ability assessed using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke is strongly correlated with activities of daily living estimated using the Functional Independence Measure in the first week after stroke in patients with acute cerebral infarction. The upper extremity component of Fugl-Meyer Assessment was not identified as a factor affecting the Functional Independence Measure.

[Purpose] This study aimed to develop and validate a method for identifying factors that may cause a fall during the pre-impact fall period using wearable sensors. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 23 young people from the public data set (mean age, 23.4 years). Acceleration and angular velocity information obtained from sensors attached to the participant’s waist was used to generate the pre-impact fall. The cause of the fall (slip, trip, fainting, get up, sit down) was then classified with and without the addition of activity of daily living data using three different support vector machine. In addition, we investigated the influence of lead time (0–2.0s) on accuracy. [Results] The quadratic and cubic support vector machine identified the activity of daily living and fall patterns more accurately than the linear support vector machine, and the cubic support vector machine was better for classification, although the difference was slight. The greatest accuracy for predicting the cause of the fall (87.9%) was obtained when the cubic support vector machine was used, activity of daily living was factored into the analysis, and the lead time was 0.25 sec. [Conclusion] Support vector machine can identify the cause of the fall during the pre-impact fall period. Appropriate individualized interventions may be designed based on the most likely cause of fall as identified by this analysis method.

[Purpose] To identify running gait biomechanics associated with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain in female runners compared to healthy controls. [Participants and Methods] In this case-control study, treadmill running gait biomechanics of female runners diagnosed SI joint pain, (by ultrasound-guided diagnostic SI joint injection and/or ≥2 positive SI physical exam maneuvers) were compared with age, height, mass, and BMI matched healthy female runners. Sagittal and coronal plane treadmill running video angles were measured and compared. [Results] Eighteen female runners with SI pain, and 63 matched controls, were analyzed. There was no difference in age, height, mass, or BMI between groups. At the point of initial contact, runners with SI joint pain demonstrated less knee flexion, greater tibial overstride, and greater ankle dorsiflexion, compared to controls. In midstance, runners with SI pain had greater contralateral pelvic drop compared to controls. For unilateral SI joint pain cases (N=15), greater contralateral pelvic drop was observed when loading their affected side compared to the unaffected side. [Conclusion] Female runners with SI joint pain demonstrated greater contralateral pelvic drop during midstance phase; along with less knee flexion, greater “tibial overstride”, and greater ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact compared to controls.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of using a cold pack while doing resistance exercises for enhancing muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy through decreased intramuscular oxygenation and/or increased myoelectric activity. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-four resistance-trained males (age: 26.4 ± 8.4 years, height: 169.3 ± 5.2 cm, body weight: 74.7 ± 8.8 kg) involved in this study. All the participants completed two experimental sessions in random order (cold pack resistance exercise and resistance exercise) with a 3-day interval. Four types of resistance exercises (4 sets × 8 repetitions with an 8-repetition maximum) targeting the right triceps brachii muscle were performed in both the experimental sessions. [Results] The percentage baseline oxyhemoglobin/myoglobin level during resistance exercise was significantly lower, the half-recovery time of muscle oxygenation in intervals between sets was significantly longer, and the myoelectric activity was significantly higher in the cold pack resistance exercise than in the resistance exercise session. [Conclusion] The results suggest that using a cold pack with resistance exercises is effective in inducing intramuscular deoxygenation and increasing myoelectric activity and may be useful for increasing muscle strength and inducing hypertrophy.