[Purpose] To compare changes in skeletal muscle mass after stroke based on the severity of motor dysfunction. [Participants and Methods] This study included 17 patients who had experienced a stroke. Patients were classified into two groups based on lower limb Brunnstrom stages, i.e., those with stages III and IV (moderate motor dysfunction group; n=9), and those with stages V and VI (mild motor dysfunction group; n=8). Muscle mass was measured at the following time points: within 3 days of stroke onset; at 2 weeks ± 2 days after stroke onset; at 4 weeks ± 2 days after stroke onset; at 8 weeks ± 2 days after stroke onset, and muscle mass indices, i.e., the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), paralyzed lower limb muscle mass, and non-paralyzed lower limb muscle mass were evaluated. Changes in these muscle mass indices between stroke onset and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after stroke, i.e., ΔSMI, Δparalyzed lower limb muscle mass, and Δnon-paralyzed lower limb muscle mass, were calculated and the changes in each index over time were compared between the two groups. [Results] The analyses did not reveal any significant intergroup differences. [Conclusion] Even in cases of severe paralysis, appropriate nutritional and exercise therapies may help maintain the muscle mass.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the ability to perform basic movements at admission and returning home from convalescent rehabilitation in patients with subacute stroke after adjusting for socioenvironmental factors. [Participants and Methods] This retrospective cohort study used data from the medical records. The primary outcome was returning home, and the associated factors were basic movement ability and socioenvironmental factors. Basic movement ability was assessed using the revised version of the Ability for Basic Movement Scale. Socioenvironmental factors included pre-stroke cohabitation status, support at home, and marital status. [Results] Of the 480 participants included in the analysis, 380 had returned home. The revised version of the Ability for Basic Movement Scale scores were found to be significantly associated with returning home, even after adjusting for socioenvironmental factors. Among the various influencing socioenvironmental factors, only pre-stroke cohabitation status remained significant after adjustment. [Conclusion] Even after adjusting for socioenvironmental factors, basic movement abilities were found to be associated with returning home. Assessing the revised version of the Ability for Basic Movement Scale scores at admission and pre-stroke cohabitation status may be useful for reasonable hospitalization planning to return home after subacute stroke.

[Purpose] To evaluate the validity of measurement sites for assessing blood lactic acid levels following unilateral upper-limb exercises. [Participants and Methods] Blood lactic acid levels were measured at the fingertips of both hands in 40 healthy young men (mean age 20.9 ± 2.5 years). Measurements were taken before, immediately after, and at 90-s intervals following unilateral upper-limb exercises involving palmar flexion and dorsiflexion of the non-dominant hand. Exercise load was determined through maximum voluntary contraction testing. [Results] No significant differences were found in the average blood lactic acid levels between the fingers at any measurement time point. The peak blood lactic acid level occurred approximately 90 s earlier in the motor limb than in the non-motor limb. [Conclusion] This study found no significant difference in blood lactic acid levels between the motor and non-motor limbs when using fingertip measurements during unilateral upper-limb exercises. Therefore, either fingertip may be a suitable measurement site. However, because the peak lactic acid level in the non-motor limb was delayed by around 90 s, the timing of peak muscle fatigue evaluation in the non-motor limb should be considered.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the relationship between bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements and 10 repetition maximum for chest press and leg press, and to develop a regression model to determine if bioelectrical impedance analysis can predict 10 repetition maximum in healthy young adults. [Participants and Methods] Ninety-four healthy adults participated in the study. Correlations between 10 repetition maximum and bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements were calculated, and simple linear regression was performed using bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements as independent variables to develop 10 repetition maximum prediction models. [Results] Significant correlations were found between 10 repetition maximum and bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements. The regression models for 10 repetition maximum for chest press based on upper limb muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, and skeletal muscle mass index were Y=16.40X−13.27, Y=3.81X−36.78, and Y=20.51X−81.27, respectively. The regression models for 10 repetition maximum for leg press based on lower limb muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, and skeletal muscle mass index were Y=12.60X−3.21, Y=8.09X−24.39, and Y=43.68X−119.60, respectively. [Conclusion] These findings may contribute to developing a safe and efficient method for measuring 10 repetition maximum, which can be useful in resistance training prescriptions.

[Purpose] To investigate whether the skin-to-bone distance at specific points in the interscapular region differs when measured in the prone and seated positions. [Participants and Methods] Eighteen healthy males (age, 22–63 years; height, 161.5–181.5 cm) were recruited. The skin-to-bone distance at Points A (fifth rib, near acupoint BL43) and B (eighth rib, near acupoint BL46) was measured using ultrasonography in the prone and seated positions. In the prone position, the participants laid on a bed with their shoulders abducted at 90°, and in the seated position, a commercial massage chair was used. [Results] The mean distance at Point A in the prone position was 2.7 ± 0.4 cm (range, 1.9–3.4 cm). The mean distance at Point B was lower than that at Point A in the prone and seated positions, with no significant difference in the distance between the two positions. [Conclusions] The skin-to-bone distance in the interscapular region did not differ significantly when measured in the seated and prone positions. Tissue components in some anatomical areas change with posture, whereas others do not. Further studies on posture-induced changes to tissue components are necessary to improve understanding of these variations.

[Purpose] Treadmill-based interventions are widely utilized in rehabilitation due to their advantages of providing controlled environments and enabling individualized training. However, the differences between overground and treadmill walking during the subacute rehabilitation phase remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to compare gait parameters between treadmill walking at varying speeds and overground walking in a subacute rehabilitation setting. [Participants and Methods] A total of 42 inpatients with cerebrovascular and orthopedic conditions were recruited from a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Gait parameters were measured using the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) system during comfortable overground walking and treadmill walking at various speeds, including self-selected comfortable speeds and speeds matched to overground walking. Walking speed, stride length, cadence, and step width were calculated without markers and compared across conditions. [Results] The comfortable treadmill walking speed was significantly lower than the overground walking speed (mean [standard deviation]: 0.85 [0.23] m/s vs. 1.20 [0.20] m/s). Stride length was significantly shorter during treadmill walking at comfortable speeds compared to overground walking (0.86 [0.22] m vs. 1.21 [0.18] m), whereas step width was significantly wider (0.17 [0.04] m vs. 0.13 [0.03] m). [Conclusion] Maintaining cadence at reduced treadmill speeds promotes comfortable endurance training in subacute rehabilitation patients.

[Purpose] The relationship between fine and gross motor function and visuospatial working memory in children with autism spectrum disorder remains unclear. This study examined whether visuospatial working memory is associated with gross or fine motor skills in children with developmental disabilities and motor coordination disorders. [Participants and Methods] The study included 30 children with autism spectrum disorder (24 boys and 6 girls; mean age: 9.5 ± 2.2 years) enrolled in child development support and after-school daycare service centers in Osaka Prefecture. Fine motor skills, gross motor skills, visuospatial working memory, and developmental disabilities were assessed. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation and multiple regression analyses. [Results] A significant relationship was observed between fine motor skills and visuospatial working memory, and a positive correlation remained after controlling for age. Multiple regression analysis with fine motor scores as the dependent variable and age, visuospatial working memory, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores as independent variables demonstrated a significant association only for visuospatial working memory. [Conclusion] The study findings suggest that factors influencing fine and gross motor skills vary, highlighting the need for skill-specific interventions to address deficiencies effectively.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of reclining angle and leg rest angle adjustments on pressure distribution in the back, buttocks, and feet in a wheelchair sitting position. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-six healthy young adults participated in this study. Pressures on the back, buttocks, and feet were measured under nine postural conditions with a combination of reclining angles (10°, 30°, and 50°) and leg rest angles (20°, 40°, and 60°). Body pressure distribution was measured for 30 s in each posture using a pressure distribution measuring device, followed by statistical analysis. [Results] Posture adjustments significantly impacted pressure distribution. Pressure was increased on the back and reduced on the buttocks of participants when in the reclining position. The leg rest angle had a minimal effect on foot pressure, but changes in the leg rest angle influenced the balance of pressure between the back and buttocks. [Conclusion] Adjusting wheelchair posture can effectively manage pressure distribution and reduce the risk of pain and pressure ulcers, especially on the back and buttocks. The reclining angle plays a key role in redistributing pressure, making it important for comfort and the prevention of bedsores.