[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of prolonged sitting and smartphone use on the craniocervical angle (CCA), trunk flexion angle (TFA), pelvic obliquity, and gluteal pressure asymmetry in healthy adults. [Participants and Methods] Thirty healthy participants used smartphones for 30 min in three sitting positions: cross-legged, side sitting, and long sitting. Cervical and lumbar angles, pelvic obliquity, and gluteal pressure asymmetry were measured at the start of upright sitting, 30 s, 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min. Visual 3D software was used for data collection and analysis. [Results] CCA and TFA progressively decreased in all three positions. Significant CCA reductions were observed at 30 min in both cross-legged and side sitting positions, and as early as 30 s in long sitting. TFA decreased significantly at all measured times in side sitting, and at most intervals in cross-legged sitting, but not in long sitting. Pelvic obliquity increased significantly in both cross-legged and side sitting, while remaining unchanged in long sitting. Gluteal pressure asymmetry significantly increased at 30 s in cross-legged sitting and at all intervals in side sitting, with no significant changes in long sitting. [Conclusion] If prolonged floor sitting is unavoidable, adopting a symmetrical long sitting posture is preferable.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and dual-task training on the attention and executive functions of hemodialysis patients using the Trail Making Test B and to make recommendations for clinical practice. [Participants and Methods] Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups, with 10 individuals in each group. The first group, designated the dual-task group, performed both motor and cognitive tasks in addition to regular dialysis treatment. The second group, designated the exercise group, performed only motor tasks in addition to regular dialysis treatment. The third group served as the control group and underwent regular dialysis. The performance on the Trail Making Test B was compared among the dual-task, exercise, and control groups. [Results] The dual-task group exhibited a significantly shorter completion time for the Trail Making Test B after the intervention period than at the pre-intervention baseline. However, no significant differences were observed between the exercise and control groups. [Conclusion] The findings of this study indicate that dual tasks may facilitate improvements in attention and executive function in hemodialysis patients. We conclude that dual-task training is effective in enhancing the attention and executive functions of hemodialysis patients.

[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between the degree of forward head posture (FHP) and stiffness of the upper trapezius (UT) in young men, and the difference in these variables between those with and without neck/shoulder pain and/or stiffness. [Participants and Methods] In this cross-sectional study, we measured the craniovertebral angle (CVA) to evaluate the degree of FHP, and used ultrasound shear wave elastography to measure the shear elastic modulus of the UT (SEMUT) to evaluate muscle stiffness in 40 young men. We evaluated the relationship between the CVA and SEMUT in all participants. We compared the CVA and SEMUT between participants with and without neck/shoulder pain and/or stiffness. [Results] There was a weak negative correlation between the CVA and SEMUT in the total cohort (ρ=−0.338). However, the CVA and SEMUT did not significantly differ between participants with and without neck/shoulder pain and/or stiffness. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that a greater degree of FHP might lead to greater neck/shoulder muscle stiffness. However, the subjective symptoms of neck/shoulder pain and/or stiffness in young men were not consistent with the objective measurements of the CVA and SEMUT, which suggests that clinicians should assess both the subjective symptoms and objective measurements.

[Purpose] We evaluated the effects of a multicomponent intervention for pre-frail and frail older adults and assessed changes in cognitive function and body composition to explore frailty reversibility. [Participants and Methods] A total of 51 community-dwelling older adults aged 70 years or older were classified into the Robust (n=28) and Prefrail/Frail groups (n=23) using the Kihon Checklist. A 3-month intervention combining exercise and cognitive training was implemented. Cognitive function was assessed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology functional assessment tool, and body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. [Results] Compared with the Robust group, the Prefrail/Frail group exhibited significantly improved processing speed, whereas other cognitive function measures showed no significant changes. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that short-term intervention may enhance specific cognitive functions associated with frailty. Further research is needed to clarify the long-term effects.

[Purpose] Leg thermal therapy (LTT) using far-infrared-ray dry sauna stimulation improves hemodynamics in patients with heart failure (HF); however, its additive effect when combined with cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether incorporating LTT into acute-phase CR confers exercise capacity in hospitalized patients with HF. [Participants and Methods] Seventeen patients with decompensated HF (median age 75 years) admitted between June 2018 and November 2019 were prospectively assigned to the CR plus LTT (11 participants) or the CR group (6 participants). Both groups performed structured exercise sessions for 40 min, five times a week. The LTT group received additional leg heating at 45°C for 20 min. Cardiopulmonary function and blood tests were performed before and after the intervention. [Results] At one month, peak oxygen uptake was equal between groups. However, anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake increased in the CR plus LTT group, noradrenaline levels decreased, and no complications were observed. [Conclusion] The addition of LTT to CR did not improve overall exercise capacity in hospitalized patients with HF, but it contributes to specific physiological improvements. Hence, this could be a potential approach to optimize cardiac rehabilitation for patients with decompensated HF.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the eating difficulties experienced by patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 in Japan. [Participants and Methods] This cross-sectional study was part of a larger survey of Japanese patients with spinal muscular atrophy that included the use of a questionnaire. The feeding questionnaire was developed by a medical professional and validated before survey administration. Of 221 patients who completed and returned the questionnaire, 62 had spinal muscular atrophy type 2. The average age of the study patients was 17.6 years (± 11.7 years). To identify feeding problems experienced by patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 by age, the participants were divided into the following three groups: 0–11 years, 12–19 years, and 20 years or older. [Results] The frequency of choking episodes during meals in Japanese patients with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy was 66.1% and increased with age. [Conclusion] Ongoing swallowing evaluation and feeding instructions are necessary for patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 2.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the trunk displacement and ground reaction force during hand-behind-back (HBB) movements between the right and left hands. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy right-handed men participated in this study. The measurement task involved performing HBB movements while standing, using a three-dimensional motion capture system and two force plates. Changes in trunk displacement and ground reaction force were measured to evaluate differences between the right and left hands at the examined level. [Results] Anterior trunk displacement was observed when the thumb reached the pelvis. The ground reaction force on the side of the HBB movement increased during this phase and decreased as the thumb touched the eighth thoracic vertebra. No significant differences were observed between right and left hands. [Conclusion] Anterior trunk displacement and changes in ground reaction force occurred in both right and left hands during HBB movement, with no differences observed between the right and left sides. During physical therapy evaluation and treatment, focusing on changes in trunk displacement and loading on the lower extremity on the side of the HBB movement may be useful.

[Purpose] Effective nutritional management is essential for inpatient rehabilitation. This study aimed to examine changes in body composition in relation to weight gain or loss between admission and discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. [Participants and Methods] A total of 91 patients (39 men and 52 women) admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards were included. Body composition, height, and weight were measured during admission and discharge using a device which allows measurements in seated or supine positions (InBody S10). Patients were classified into three groups based on whether they gained, maintained, or lost at least 3% of their body weight. [Results] Thirteen participants (six men and seven women) were categorized into the weight gain group, 58 (24 men and 34 women) into the unchanged group, and 20 (nine men and 11 women) into the weight loss group. Significant differences in the percentage change in the amount of body fat in men and change in the skeletal muscle mass index in women were observed. [Conclusion] In men, changes in body fat mass were observed, while in women, skeletal muscle mass changes were observed, which were linked to weight variations. These findings underscore the gender-specific differences in body composition changes during inpatient rehabilitation.

[Purpose] Skeletal muscle mass index, an essential parameter for diagnosing sarcopenia, necessitates special measurement. Using clinical data that can be easily evaluated through nutrition counselling, we aimed to develop a formula to derive the skeletal muscle mass index. [Participants and Methods] This retrospective study enrolled older outpatients who visited an acute-care hospital for the periodical consultation of comorbidities. The skeletal muscle mass index was measured using the bioimpedance method. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to clarify the relationship between the skeletal muscle mass index and various factors, including age, sex, height, body weight, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, grip strength, the Barthel Index, and lifestyle factors. [Results] Among the 142 participants of this study, we applied a prediction model that was derived as follows: skeletal muscle mass index (kg/m²)=0.361 × sex (0: female, 1: male) + 0.068 × body weight (kg) −0.065 × Charlson Comorbidity Index (score) + 0.022 × grip strength (kg) + 0.089 × balanced meals per day (3: three meals, 2: two meals, 1: one meal, or 0: no meals) + 0.101 × working activity (1: unemployed at home, 2: housework, 3: desk work, 4: desk/non-desk work, or 5: non-desk work) + 1.549 (R²=0.847). [Conclusion] Dietary habits and working activities correlated with the skeletal muscle mass index. This model may facilitate the calculation of the skeletal muscle mass index in patients whose bioimpedance data are unavailable.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with physical therapy on improving outcomes in chronic low back pain (CLBP). [Participants and Methods] Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (31 participants) received CBT combined with physical therapy, and Group B (32 participants) received only physical therapy. Outcome measures at baseline and post-treatment were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. [Results] After 12 weeks of intervention, the pain relief effect, as measured using the NPRS, indicated that Group A experienced a reduction of 79.0% compared with the pretreatment period, whereas Group B showed a decrease of 58.0% during the same timeframe. However, Group A demonstrated a more significant improvement than did Group B. Additionally, enhancements in self-confidence during daily activities, reduction in motor avoidance, and overall psychological well-being were all more pronounced in Group A than in Group B. [Conclusion] Both groups demonstrated improvement following treatment; however, CBT combined with physical therapy resulted in greater enhancements in pain relief, psychological status, kinesiophobia, and daily functioning in patients with CLBP compared with that via physical therapy alone after 12 weeks of intervention.

[Purpose] The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence, background factors, general health literacy, and knowledge of urinary incontinence among female rehabilitation professionals. [Participants and Methods] We conducted an anonymous online survey of 73 female rehabilitation professionals who worked in a general hospital. The survey collected data on demographics, number of urinations, incontinence-related disorders, and childbirth history. Moreover, the severity of urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence-related quality of life, and general health literacy were assessed. [Results] Urinary incontinence was reported by 49.3% participants. Those with urinary incontinence were older, had a higher number of births, and reported higher rates of vaginal delivery and perineal incision than those without urinary incontinence. One item of the quality of life that was related to urinary incontinence, “personal relationships”, was influenced by the frequency of micturition while the other items were related to the severity of urinary incontinence. [Conclusion] Female rehabilitation professionals have a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence than women in general population as shown in previous studies (Onishi, 2023). Therefore, it is important to understand the work characteristics that predispose individuals to urinary incontinence and to create a toilet-friendly workplace environment.

[Purpose] This study aimed to conduct a systematic review the measurement properties of standardized observational gait analysis (OGA) tools for patients with stroke. [Participants and Methods] A systematically search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases using stroke- and gait-related keywords. No time restrictions were applied. Studies evaluating OGA using gait analysis tools were included. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. [Results] A total of eighteen studies utilizing four gait analysis tools were identified. Sixteen studies employed video-based measurements. The GAIT and WGS tools were assessed for reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability. However, the overall methodological quality of these assessments was not rated as high. [Conclusion] Video-based OGA holds significant potential for clinical applications, but several challenges remain to be met. Standardizing video recording protocols and measurement methods are essential and additional research is needed to determine the qualifications and expertise of the evaluators. Although some studies have shown video-based OGA are effective, determining clinically relevant indicators, such as the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), is necessary to enhance its applicability in clinical practice.

[Purpose] We report a case of stroke hemiplegia in which two types of step training affected gait parameters. [Participant and Methods] A 50-year-old man presented with right-sided hemiplegia caused by a left putaminal hemorrhage. Four months after the onset of asymmetric gait, he practiced stepping in the anterior–posterior directions on a 20-cm platform. Step training was conducted over three 5-day periods. Gait parameters were evaluated on the day following the completion of each training period. Data on the maximum walking speed, single- and double-leg support phases, and step length were collected. Furthermore, the symmetry ratio and trailing limb angle were calculated. [Results] Post-training improvements were noted in gait symmetry, and the trailing limb angle on the affected side improved after anterior–posterior step training. [Conclusion] Anterior–posterior step training may improve gait parameters following a hemiplegic stroke.