[Purpose] Pulmonary function pathology is primarily treated pharmacologically, with a range of medication side effects. Few studies have systematically examined non-pharmacologic approaches such as joint manipulation effects on pulmonary function. This study examined the immediate and short-term effects of thoracic manipulation on pulmonary function. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-one physically inactive otherwise healthy participants aged 50 years or older were randomly assigned to either receive three sessions of thoracic manipulation (n=10) or three sessions of “sham intercostal training” (n=11). Outcome measures included forced vital capacity, maximal voluntary ventilation and thoracic excursion during maximal inhalation and exhalation. [Results] There was a statistically significant difference in maximal voluntary ventilation in the manipulation group, when measured within a week of the third intervention session and immediate effects in thoracic excursion during exhalation in the sham group following a single intervention session. There were no significant changes in other measures. [Conclusion] Spinal manipulation had no immediate effect on pulmonary function, however, affected an improvement in maximal voluntary ventilation within 7 days following a third session. The sham intervention showed a change in thoracic excursion during exhalation after the first session. Future research is necessary to further explore the relationship between thoracic manipulation and pulmonary function.

[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of elastic tape in increasing the dorsiflexion angle and plantar flexor strength in healthy individuals. [Participants and Methods] This randomized controlled trial included 24 healthy university students who were categorized into the following groups (12 participants in each group): the intervention group (elastic tape was applied to the dominant foot) and the control group (no intervention was performed). We performed intergroup comparison of the pre- and post-intervention dorsiflexion angles and plantar flexor strength. Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses based on a straight-leg raise angle of 70°. [Results] We observed no significant intergroup differences in the dorsiflexion angle or plantar flexor strength. However, the post-intervention dorsiflexion angle was significantly greater than the pre-intervention angle in the subgroup with a straight-leg raise angle of <70° among participants in the elastic tape group. [Conclusion] Elastic tape application may effectively increase the dorsiflexion angle in individuals without hamstring extensibility.

[Purpose] Humans keep their trunks vertical while walking. This defining characteristic is known as upright bipedalism. Research on the neural control of locomotion indicates that not only subcortical structures, but also the cerebral cortex, especially the supplementary motor area (SMA), is involved in locomotion. A previous study suggested that SMA may contribute to truncal upright posture-control during walking. Trunk Solution^® (TS) is a trunk orthosis designed to support the trunk in decreasing the low back load. We hypothesized that the trunk orthosis might reduce the burden of truncal control on the SMA. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the effect of trunk orthosis on the SMA during walking. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen healthy participants were enrolled in the study. We measured the hemodynamics of the SMA during walking with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The participants performed two gait tasks on a treadmill: (A) independent gait (usual gait) and (B) supported gait while wearing the TS. [Results] During (A) independent gait, the hemodynamics of the SMA exhibited no significant changes. During (B) gait with truncal support, the SMA hemodynamics decreased significantly. [Conclusion] TS may reduce the burden of truncal control on the SMA during walking.

[Purpose] Previous studies suggest that the infrapatellar-fat-pad is affected by aging or knee osteoarthritis, and that the infrapatellar-fat-pad in knee osteoarthritis cases may be associated with limited mobility during knee movement. This study aimed to determine changes in the shape and volume of the infrapatellar-fat-pad between 30° and 0° of knee extension in knee osteoarthritis cases and in young, healthy individuals, and to characterize differences in patellar mobility, patellar tendon mobility, and length between the groups. [Participants and Methods] We created 3D models of the infrapatellar-fat-pad, the patellar tendon, and bones using sagittal MRI with the knee at 30° and 0°. The following four parameters were determined: (1) movement of the infrapatellar-fat-pad; (2) infrapatellar-fat-pad volume; (3) angle and surface length of the patellar tendon; and (4) patellar movement. [Results] Compared with the knee osteoarthritis group, the healthy group showed (1) reduced anterior movement of the infrapatellar-fat-pad; (2) smaller volume changes only in the infero-postero-lateral portion; and (3) no changes in the angle of the patellar tendon to the tibial plateau between 30° to 0°. [Conclusion] In conclusion, between 30° and 0°, (1) the infrapatellar-fat-pad in patients with knee osteoarthritis exhibited less anterior movement, and (2) the patellar tendon angle was diminished in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with those of young-healthy knees.

[Purpose] We aimed to examine the correlation between the knee extension angles in the sitting and supine positions measured using ImageJ software. [Participants and Methods] A total of 50 legs in 25 healthy participants (17 males and 8 females) were included in our study. The knee extension angle was measured in the sitting and supine positions with the participants actively and maximally extending their knee joint on one side. The participants were photographed from the side with their knees centered in the image. Thereafter, the photographs were imported into the ImageJ image processing software to calculate the knee extension angles. [Results] The mean values of the knee extension angles in the sitting and supine positions were 131.5 ± 11.2° and 132.1 ± 12.2°, respectively, with a correlation coefficient of 0.85. No systematic errors were observed, and the minimal detectable change was 12.9°. [Conclusion] The knee extension angle in the sitting position showed a strong correlation with that in the supine position, with no systematic errors observed. Therefore, measurement of the knee extension angle in the sitting position can be an alternative to its measurement in the supine position.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the criterion validity, construct validity, and feasibility of the Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk (FACT). [Participants and Methods] This study was a multicenter, cross-sectional study of patients with subacute stroke at three Japanese rehabilitation hospitals. To clarify feasibility, we examined the differences in the measurement time between FACT and the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). For the criterion validity of FACT, correlations between FACT, TIS, and the trunk items of the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. For the construct validity of FACT, we examined the correlations with the other assessments. [Results] Seventy-three patients participated in this study. The measurement time was significantly shorter for FACT (212.6 ± 79.2 s) than TIS (372.4 ± 199.6 s). For criterion validity, FACT correlated significantly with TIS (r=0.896) and two SIAS trunk items (r=0.453, 0.594). For construct validity, significant correlations were found for FACT and other tests (r=0.249–0.797). Areas under the curve for FACT and TIS were 0.809 and 0.812, respectively, and the cutoff values for walking independence were 9 and 13 points, respectively. [Conclusion] For inpatients with stroke, FACT offered feasibility, criterion validity, and construct validity.

[Purpose] Clam exercise is commonly used to strengthen hip abductor muscles. This study aimed to classify the directions of greater trochanter movement during clam exercise and examine whether this classification reveals any differences in the characteristics of muscle activities. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy male participants were included and were divided into three groups according to the direction of greater trochanter movements during clam exercise: diagonally upward, backward, and upward. Muscle activity of the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, tensor fascia lata, and external oblique was measured during clam exercise, along with the direction of greater trochanter movement and maximum muscle strength in the clam exercise limb position. [Results] In the diagonally upward group, the gluteus medius muscles showed higher activity than the other three muscles, and their activity was higher in the diagonally upward and backward groups than in the upward group. [Conclusion] The tension and action vector of the muscles changed due to differences in the direction of the greater trochanter movement caused by the movement pattern of each participant. The muscle activity around the hip joint changes with the direction of greater trochanter movement during clam exercise.

[Purpose] Healthcare workers, such as physical therapists, need to be equipped in dealing with patients’ psychological problems. The three-session interpersonal counseling (three-session IPC) is a constructed counseling method that can be performed even by non-mental health professionals. This study examined the efficacy of the three-session IPC for treating depression. Immediate efficacy and efficacy up to 12 weeks post-intervention were examined. [Participants and Methods] In this randomized controlled trial of the two groups, one group (n=24) received the three-session IPC therapy (IPC group) while the other (n=24) received three sessions of active listening (active listening group). Depression was assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) at baseline, post-intervention, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. [Results] There was a significant difference in total SDS scores between the IPC and active listening groups from baseline to 4 weeks after counseling, although no significant differences were observed at other time points. [Conclusion] The three-session IPC may be effective for 4 weeks after counseling. However, further studies are warranted in this regard.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of measuring the range of motion of joints using a remote videoconferencing system (Zoom) and a smartphone application. [Participants and Methods] This study included 16 young and healthy adults. The participants were instructed to perform shoulder joint flexion exercises in a seated position, with automatic motions, and maintain that posture throughout the measurement. Two measurements were performed: 1) angle measurement using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analyzer, and 2) angle measurement using the videoconference software, Zoom, and a smartphone application. Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The degree of agreement between the representative values of each measurer and the 3D motion analyzer was examined. [Results] ICC (1, 1) for intra-examiner reliability were 0.912 and 0.996. For the inter-rater reliability, the ICC (2, 1) was 0.945. The correlation coefficient between each examiner’s value and the value of the 3D motion analyzer was 0.955 and 0.980, respectively. The Bland–Altman analysis results indicated no systematic error. [Conclusion] The method of remotely measuring joint range of motion using Zoom and a smartphone application demonstrated high reliability and validity.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of glucose intake on physical function in a heart failure rat model. [Materials and Methods] Five-week-old male Wistar rats were used for this study. Monocrotalin (40 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to rats to induce heart failure. The rats were divided into two groups, control and MCT; the MCT group was further classified according to glucose concentration (0%, 10%, and 50%). [Results] Glucose intake during heart failure prevented the loss of body weight, skeletal muscle, and fat mass. Myocardial metabolism in heart failure was enhanced by hypoxia, which in turn, enhanced the glycolytic system. [Conclusion] Glucose loading suppressed cardiac hypertrophy and improved physical function in the heart failure rat model.

[Purpose] The Trail Making Test is a valuable tool for predicting the transition from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate gender-specific factors associated with the Trail Making Test using body composition and motor function among Japanese workers. [Participants and Methods] Demographic data, body composition, motor function, and cognitive and attentional functions (Trail Making Test, Part B) were analyzed among 627 workers who underwent health assessments during the 2019 fiscal year. After conducting univariate analysis, multiple regression analysis was performed. [Results] The presence of metabolic syndrome risk factors was found to significantly prolonged the performance time of the Trail Making Test-B in male workers. In addition, low fat-free mass and the 30-second chair stand test also significantly prolonged the performance time of the Trail Making Test-B in male workers. Among female workers, the presence of metabolic syndrome risk factors affected the performance time of the Trail Making Test-B. Therefore, MetS risk factors affect the performance times of the Trail Making Test-B in both male and female workers. [Conclusion] As male and female workers exhibit different body composition and motor function items in the Trail Making Test-B, gender differences should be considered when formulating measures to prevent cognitive and attentional decline.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the quantitative evaluation of anticipatory postural adjustments using smartphones. [Participants and Methods] The study included 10 young control participants who underwent a one-legged stance with an accelerometer and a smartphone that were simultaneously attached to their lower back (L5). Acceleration was measured as the mediolateral component of the lumbar movement toward the stance side. The peak value of the time (peak latency) and the amount of displacement (peak magnitude) in the stance side direction of the lumbar acceleration were analyzed as anticipatory postural adjustment features. Intra-rater reliability was calculated for both accelerometer and smartphone measurements, while inter-rater reliability was calculated for smartphone measurements by two examiners. Validity was determined for both accelerometer and smartphone measurements. [Results] In this study, the intra-rater reliability of the peak latency and peak magnitude in accelerometer and smartphone measurements was confirmed, as was the inter-rater reliability in smartphone measurements. The intra-rater reliability was confirmed through re-testing, while the validity of the accelerometer and smartphone measurements was also confirmed. [Conclusion] The findings of this study suggest that the use of smartphones to measure anticipatory postural adjustments is highly reliable and valid, making it a useful clinical balance index. The method is simple and can be used for continuous patient monitoring.

The authors would like to apologize for the mistake in author affiliation.

Incorrect:

Soma Tsujishita, RPT, MD^1)*, Masaki Nagamatsu, MD²⁾, Kiyoshi Sanada, PhD³⁾

¹⁾Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe International University: 9-1-6 Koyocho-naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032 Japan

²⁾Organization of Science and Technology, Faculty of Research, Ritsumeikan University, Japan

³⁾Faculty of College of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Japan

Correct:

Soma Tsujishita, RPT, MD^{1, 3)*}, Masaki Nagamatsu, MD²⁾, Kiyoshi Sanada, PhD³⁾

¹⁾Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe International University: 9-1-6 Koyocho-naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032 Japan

²⁾Organization of Science and Technology, Faculty of Research, Ritsumeikan University, Japan

³⁾Faculty of College of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Japan