[Purpose] This study was a pilot investigation. The purpose is to examine short-term longitudinal changes in limb skeletal muscle mass and water content in participants with severe cerebral palsy and examine the safety of an exercise intervention in participants, as a single-group pre-post observational study. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 11 individuals. The survey period was set to 6 months. Body composition was assessed using the skeletal muscle mass index and extracellular water/total body water ratio. The first 3 months served as a non-intervention period, followed by a 3-month intervention period involving passive stretching and postural changes. [Results] extracellular water/total body water levels in the trunk and the right lower limb significantly increased at 3 and 6 months compared with the values at the start (p<0.05) (ηp²=0.58 and 0.49, respectively). The skeletal muscle mass index did not show any significant changes and remained very low. Within the 6-month observation period, edema progression was detectable, but measurable declines in muscle mass were not, suggesting that longer follow-up periods are likely needed to capture longitudinal changes in skeletal muscle in severe cerebral palsy. [Conclusion] The exercise did not show any significant impacts. Physical therapists should continue exploring effective way to improve the status of their body composition.

[Purpose] Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can alleviate pain and improve daily functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, postoperative decreases in knee extensor strength and limitations in joint range of motion (ROM) may increase the risk of knee buckling. This study aimed to investigate gait characteristics and mechanical conditions potentially associated with knee buckling in patients following TKA. [Participants and Methods] This study was conducted on patients following TKA. Based on the inclusion criteria, this study included 21 patients (25 knees; postoperative day 22.0 ± 10.5) with data for knee joint position sense, knee-extension strength, tibial acceleration, knee flexion angle, and electromyography (EMG) of vastus medialis, vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and lateral head of the gastrocnemius during gait. EMG signals were normalized using the maximal voluntary contraction method. Participants walked six steps at a self-selected speed and the second gait cycle on the operated side was analyzed. [Results] Knee joint position sense and knee flexion angle at initial contact (IC) showed a moderate positive correlation. Moderate negative correlations were observed between postoperative days and VL activity and between maximum vertical direction tibial acceleration and VL activity. [Conclusion] Decreased position sense may affect knee joint control at IC, potentially manifesting as an increased knee flexion angle and suggesting the involvement of mechanical conditions associated with knee buckling. Furthermore, VL muscle activity during gait decreased with increasing postoperative days, and greater VL muscle activity was associated with gait patterns characterized by reduced vertical tibial acceleration.

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the immediate effects of manual therapy on the infrapatellar fat pad. [Participants and Methods] Forty healthy university students were randomly assigned to either the manual therapy group or control group. The manual therapy group received a 3-min manual technique synchronized with knee extension, whereas the control group rested for 5 min. The primary outcome was the gliding velocity of the infrapatellar fat pad, which was assessed using ultrasonography and particle image velocimetry. The secondary outcome measure was the tibial angle of the patellar tendon. [Results] Group difference were observed in the deep-layer gliding velocity of the infrapatellar fat pad; however, consistent immediate changes were not observed following the intervention. No discernible alterations were identified in the superficial layer or in the patellar tendon tibial angle. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that the immediate effects of manual therapy on the infrapatellar fat pad are limited. Further studies with modified intervention conditions and clinical populations are required to clarify their clinical significance.

[Purpose] Study assessed test-retest reliability, minimal detectable change (MDC₉₅), concurrent validity, and known-groups validity of Two Square Agility Test (TSAT) and WorkAbility Rate of Manipulation (WRM) in adults with musculoskeletal disorders. [Participants and Methods] Fifty-five participants (mean age: 61.3 ± 15.3 years) transitioning from physical therapy completed TSAT and WRM subtests for Turning (WRMT) and Placing (WRMP) in both sessions. In session 2, participants also completed Grip Strength (GS), 10-Meter Walk at usual (GSU) and fast (GSF) pace, and Grooved Pegboard Placing (GPP) and Remove (GPR). [Results] Test-retest reliability was good for TSAT (ICC=0.89) and WRMT (ICC=0.86), and excellent for WRMP (ICC=0.93). MDC₉₅ was 0.74 steps/sec for TSAT, 13.1 parts/min for WRMT, and 6.5 parts/min for WRMP. TSAT correlated moderately with GSF (r=0.52) and GSU (r=0.50). WRMT and WRMP correlated highly (r=0.71). WRMT correlated highly with GPP (r=0.74), low with GPR (r=0.46) and negligible with GS (r=0.17). WRMP correlated highly with GPP (r=0.79), moderately with GPR (r=0.55) and negligible with GS (r=0.20). WRM differed by age and TSAT by age and body mass index. [Conclusions] Findings support reliability and validity of TSAT and WRM to assess adults with musculoskeletal disorders.

[Purpose] We aimed to determine the relationships between social frailty, physical function, nutritional status, and appetite among community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] Women aged ≥65 years (n=45) who attended a day-care service in City A, Tokushima Prefecture, between August and September 2024, were included. Data concerning baseline characteristics, body composition analyzer, physical function (grip strength, walking speed), nutritional status, and appetite were collected. Social frailty was classified into robust, pre-frail, and frail groups using Yamada’s questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and a Kruskal–Wallis test. [Results] The participants comprised 5 robust, 15 pre-frail, and 25 frail women. Significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of muscle mass, number of cohabitants, phase angle, and number of medications. Those with poor appetite had a significantly lower skeletal muscle mass index, and appetite loss was more frequent among those living with cohabitants. [Conclusion] Social frailty was associated with reduced muscle mass and fewer cohabitants. Individuals living alone tended to report better appetite status; however, they also exhibited a lower skeletal muscle mass index. These associations should be interpreted with caution given the limited sample and study design.