[Purpose] We aimed to investigate how the effectiveness of the seat-cover assembly (ScA) in reducing shear force fluctuations on the buttocks is influenced by the incorporation of reclining, tilt-in-space, and adjustable back-support functions. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen healthy adult males participated (mean age: 33.1 ± 10.4 years). Parallel forces, which were used as indicators of shear forces on the buttocks, were measured using a portable force plate. Participants were exposed to a 10° tilt and a reclining angle between 100° and 130° using an experimental chair equipped with either an adjustable back-support (aBS) or a flat back-support (control condition). [Results] The peak parallel forces were 13.3 ± 1.7% of body weight (%BW) and 11.6 ± 1.9%BW under the aBS and control conditions, respectively. The median range of parallel force fluctuations was 10.2 (9.4‒10.7) %BW with the aBS and 8.8 (8.0‒10.5) %BW with the control. The aBS condition showed significantly higher values than the control condition for both metrics. [Conclusion] These results suggest that integrating adjustable back-support mechanisms compromises the effectiveness of the ScA in stabilizing shear forces during combined reclining and tilt-in-space functions. Future designs should optimize back-support systems to preserve the effectiveness of ScA while maintaining postural alignment.

[Purpose] To clarify the characteristics and safety of circulatory dynamics during supine ergometer exercise in patients with cardiac disease by examining autonomic nervous system activity and lower limb blood flow, and to compare these responses with those observed during seated ergometer exercise. [Participants and Methods] Ten patients with ischemic heart disease performed ergometer exercises in two positions, supine and seated at the anaerobic threshold level intensity. Measurements included lower limb blood flow, autonomic nervous activity, physiological indicators, and perceived exertion at rest and during warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down. [Results] The Sup Ex condition exhibited significantly higher lower limb blood flow and parasympathetic activity than the Sit Ex condition. No significant differences were observed in sympathetic nervous system activity, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, or double product. The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and double product increased during exercise and decreased during cool-down, along with increased parasympathetic activity. Borg scale scores for leg and dyspnea increased over time but did not differ significantly between positions. [Conclusion] Despite similar cardiac loads and perceived exertion, the supine ergometer exercise resulted in greater parasympathetic activation and lower limb blood flow, suggesting its potential safety and benefits in the rehabilitation of patients with ischemic heart disease.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of strength testing of the hip external rotators using a dynamometer and a luggage scale. Furthermore, the secondary purpose was to examine the validity of the luggage scale when compared to the dynamometer. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-two participants were strength tested bilaterally (n=44). Hip external rotation strength was tested using a Lafayette handheld dynamometer (HHD) and an analog luggage scale (LS) with the participant prone with their knee flexed to 90 degrees and hip maintained in neutral. [Results] The results indicated good to excellent intra-rater reliability for the HHD (ICC=0.921, 95% CI=0.864, 0.99, ICC=0.886, 95% CI=0.772, 0.923) and excellent intra-rater reliability for the LS (ICC=0.971, 95% CI=0.948, 0.984, ICC=0.926, 95% CI=0.871, 0.958) for each examiner. Inter-rater reliability was good for the HHD (ICC=0.891, 95% CI=0.837, 0.927) and excellent for the LS (ICC=0.938, 95% CI=0.907, 0.958). Strong correlations were found between the HHD and LS by both examiners (r=0.869, r=0.750, respectively). [Conclusion] Both an HHD and LS are reliable for measuring hip ER strength. The luggage scale is a valid, cost-effective means for reliable measurement of hip ER strength.

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the usefulness of stick figure images as visual feedback in recognizing the “elbow dropped” position among baseball players and to identify the optimal filming angle for such recognition. [Participants and Methods] Study participants were 51 male baseball players aged 11–15 years who had been diagnosed with throwing-related shoulder or elbow injuries and who also exhibited the “elbow dropped” position. Shadow throwing was filmed from four angles (front, rear, ventral, and dorsal), converted into stick figure images using SPLYZA Motion, and presented in three formats: standard playback, frame-by-frame, and still images. The ease of recognizing the “elbow dropped” position was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale. [Results] The stick figure images were significantly easier for participants to interpret than the actual throwing videos. The front and dorsal filming angles provided the clearest visualization, followed by the rear and ventral filming angles. [Conclusion] Filming from a front or dorsal angle is the most effective method for teaching baseball players to recognize the “elbow dropped” position. Stick figure images may enhance the players’ understanding of proper throwing mechanics.

[Purpose] Sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity (SO) impair physical function and quality of life in older women and are associated with locomotive syndrome (LS). However, the relationship between SO, as defined by the new 2024 algorithm from the Japanese Working Group on Sarcopenic Obesity (JWGSO2024), and LS remains insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of LS and its association with physical function across four groups classified by the JWGSO2024 criteria: normal, sarcopenia, obesity, and SO. [Participants and Methods] We studied 178 community-dwelling women aged 57–91 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the Japanese Strength, Ambulation, Rising from a chair, Stair climbing and history of Falling (SARC-F) questionnaire, handgrip strength, the Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, and appendicular lean mass adjusted to body mass index (ALM/BMI). Obesity was defined based on waist circumference, BMI, and body fat percentage. LS was assessed using the stand-up and two-step tests. We compared the prevalence of LS and differences in physical function among the four diagnostic groups. [Results] The SO prevalence was 3.9–6.2%. All participants in the SO group had LS. This group showed the lowest performance on the two-step test, indicating the highest risk of LS among groups. [Conclusion] SO, as defined by the JWGSO2024 criteria, was strongly associated with LS. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing LS prevention and intervention strategies for patients with SO.

[Purpose] This study aimed to analyze the reliability of using the Locomo Scan to measure quadriceps muscle strength in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. [Participants and Methods] Two testers (A and B) used the Locomo Scan to perform three measurements of quadriceps muscle strength on the operated side of 64 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and recorded the mean and maximum values. We then assessed intra- and inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients and obtained systematic errors via Bland–Altman analysis. We calculated the 95% confidence interval and percentage error for the minimum detectable change. [Results] The intraclass correlation coefficients for case 1 were 0.903 and 0.889 for testers A and B, respectively, and those of case 2 were 0.783 and 0.818 for the mean and maximum values, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis revealed no systematic errors. The 95% confidence interval and percentage error for the minimum detectable change were 0.138 kgf/kg and 39.6% for the mean value and 0.132 kgf/kg and 35.1% for the maximum value, respectively. [Conclusion] The Locomo Scan can reliably measure quadriceps strength in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and may be useful in clinical settings.