[Purpose] Morphological changes in the dual-layered structure of the heel fat pad under varying loads, differences between the dominant and non-dominant feet, and changes over one month are not understood. This study aimed to examine these factors, as understanding normal conditions provides insights into identifying abnormal conditions. [Participants and Methods] Forty healthy Japanese adults (80 feet) participated in this study. The heel fat pad was divided into a macrochamber layer (extending from the calcaneal tuberosity to the fibrous septum, including the macrochambers) and a microchamber layer (extending from the microchambers to the skin). The thickness of each layer in the dominant and non-dominant feet was measured under four conditions: non-load, sitting, 50% load, and 80% load. The compressibility indices were calculated and compared. The same investigations were performed one month later. [Results] Changes in thickness from non-load to 80% load mainly occurred in the macrochamber layer (compressibility index=0.40), with minimal changes observed in the microchamber layer (compressibility index=0.76). No significant differences were observed, although a difference of a few millimeters was observed. Similar results were obtained in the second examination, which was conducted after one month. [Conclusion] These results likely represent the morphological changes in the normal heel fat pad under varying loads.

[Purpose] To perform a morphological analysis of the foot windlass mechanism during running and compare it with previous studies. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy adults (14 males and six females) participated in this study. A VICON 3D motion-analysis device was used and the analysis used the medial longitudinal arch height model in addition to the full plug-in model. The medial longitudinal arch height, ankle joint internal plantar flexion moment, ankle joint angle, and movement of the center of gravity were measured. The focus was on running cycle synchrony and changes in the medial longitudinal arch height. A one-way analysis of variance for multiple comparisons was performed. [Results] The peak running cycles were 50.5% ± 0.6% for the ankle dorsiflexion angle, 54.4% ± 0.7% for the ankle moment, and 59.5% ± 1.7% for the medial longitudinal arch height, which were significantly different. The medial longitudinal arch showed a reverse windlass phenomenon, with a minimum of 17.1 mm at an approximately 60% running cycle and then a spike-like phenomenon of 29.1 mm at a 98% running cycle. [Conclusion] We did not observe synchronicity of any parameter, such as that observed during walking. The spike phenomenon that occurred during the 98% running cycle was the original windlass mechanism, which caused the push-off phenomenon.

[Purpose] To confirm the reliability and validity of the acromion-greater tuberosity (AGT) distance measured using ultrasound and to investigate its relationship with functional impairments inpatients with stroke. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-four patients with stroke admitted between May and September 2024 were evaluated. Physical function assessments included motor paralysis, spasticity, pain (numerical rating scale [NRS]), shoulder range of motion (ROM), sensory impairments, and shoulder subluxation using the fingerbreadth palpation method. Ultrasound was used to measure the AGT distance and the thickness of the long head of the biceps tendon. [Results] A significant correlation was found between the AGT distance and subluxation, measured using the fingerbreadth palpation method, confirming its validity. The AGT distance was positively correlated with spasticity, tendon thickness, and NRS during movement but negatively correlated with motor paralysis and shoulder ROM. These findings suggest that an increased AGT distance may be associated with severity of subluxation, reduced motor function, and a higher pain level during movement. [Conclusion] The AGT distance measured using ultrasound is a valid tool for assessing shoulder subluxation and related impairments in patients with stroke. Further studies are required to explore the causal relationship between pain and tendon inflammation to guidebetter clinical management strategies.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the direction-specific kinematic characteristics of stepping movements in the Four Square Step Test among community-dwelling older adults who fell and those who did not, using an optical motion capture device. In addition, specific elements of fall risk were identified based on the kinematic characteristics of stepping movements. [Participants and Methods] We enrolled 74 individuals aged ≥65 years who visited community centers in this study. The participants were interviewed to determine their fall history in the past year and divided into two groups: fallers and non-fallers. An optical motion capture device was used to assess the stepping parameters (step length, step speed, and toe clearance). [Results] The step length of both lower extremities in the right direction and the step speed of both lower extremities in the forward direction, the right lower extremity in the backward direction, and the left lower extremity in the right direction were significantly shorter and slower in the faller group, respectively. [Conclusion] The step length and speed in each direction may be important kinematic indicators for estimating the likelihood of falls in community-dwelling older adults.

[Purpose] Forward head posture (FHP), swayback posture, and knee hyperextension are musculoskeletal conditions that can lead to pain, dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Accurate assessment of these postural deviations is critical for prevention and treatment. This study aimed to assess the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of photogrammetry in evaluating the craniovertebral angle (CVA), swayback posture, and knee hyperextension in a sample of university students. [Participants and Methods] Thirty participants were evaluated by four physical therapists (PTs) on the same day, with each PT performing three repetitions of the measurements. One PT repeated the measurements on a subsequent day to determine the retest reliability. [Results] The results showed excellent reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.98 for both inter- and intra-examiner reliability. [Conclusion] Photogrammetry is a reliable noninvasive method for evaluating these postural deviations, making it suitable for use in clinical and research settings.

[Purpose] Older adults are at higher risk of falling during dual-task walking; however, their eye movements during such time are unclear. Our previous studies measured eye movements during pseudo-walking (walking in place), with and without calculation tasks, to investigate the mechanisms of falls experienced by elderly individuals during dual-task walking. This study aimed to clarify whether eye movement during actual walking are similar to those during pseudo-walking obtained previously and examine the mechanism of falls during actual dual-task walking in elderly people. [Participants and Methods] Participants were 15 healthy older adults (four men, 11 women, mean age; 85.3 ± 5.8 years). A wireless eye movement-measuring device was used to measure eye movements during single-task walking without calculations, dual-task walking with calculations, and walking while consciously looking ahead. [Results] Eye movements during walking were similar to those observed during pseudo-walking. [Conclusion] During actual dual-task walking, the eyes move but are not focused on the forward visual field, increasing the risk of stumbling, a major cause of falls, and makes individuals more susceptible to falls.

[Purpose] We aimed to assess the reliability of body composition measurements for individual limbs using a bioimpedance analyzer, with a focus on determining the minimal detectable change for each site. [Participants and Methods] This study included 55 healthy Japanese university students (28 men and 27 women). Each participant underwent two measurements using an InBody S10 body composition analyzer. Intraclass correlation coefficients and minimal detectable change values were calculated for muscle mass, water content, and phase angle at various limb sites. [Results] Muscle mass and water content measurements demonstrated high reliability across all limb sites, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.996 to 0.998. Phase angle measurements also showed high reliability for the limbs, with values ranging from 0.936–0.975; however, reliability was lower for the trunk, with a value of 0.854. The minimal detectable change values indicated that detecting differences in trunk phase angle required a larger change than that required for limb sites. [Conclusion] Limb-specific measurements of body composition were highly reliable, showing stable and consistent muscle mass and water content. However, the low reliability of trunk phase angle measurements suggests that factors affecting trunk measurements warrant further exploration for accurate assessment.

[Purpose] To examine whether functional independence measure scores and effectiveness at discharge can be predicted using N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations at admission in postoperative patients aged ≥75 years with proximal femur fractures. [Participants and Methods] This study included 35 patients who were admitted for rehabilitation after proximal femur fracture surgery between April 1, 2020 and September 20, 2023 and were discharged by November 30, 2023. The primary outcomes were the functional independence measure scores and effectiveness at discharge. The explanatory variables analyzed using multiple regression included demographic data; N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and geriatric nutritional risk index at admission; functional ambulation categories before injury; and motor, cognitive, and total functional independence measure scores at admission. [Results] The motor functional independence measure score at admission and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration were significant explanatory variables for the motor functional independence measure score at discharge. The N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration was a significant explanatory variable in total and motor functional independence effectiveness. [Conclusion] This study, which excluded cognitively impaired patients and focused on individuals aged ≥75 years, suggests that N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration at admission affects the functional independence measure scores and effectiveness at discharge.

The authors would like to apologize for the mistakes in 3rd paragraph, 5th to 9th sentences in PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS and Fig. 2 legend.

Incorrect:

(2) the midpoint of the line connecting the two auricular lobules; (3) the midpoint of the line connecting between anterior superior iliac spine; (4) the midpoint of the upper edge of the VB; (5) the line connecting the two frontal points of the elevated platform; (6) the line connecting the left tibial tuberosity and the midpoint of the line connecting the left medial and lateral malleolus; and (7) the line connecting the right tibial tuberosity and the midpoint of the line connecting the right medial and lateral malleolus.

Correct:

(2) the midpoint of the line connecting the two anterior acromial surfaces; (3) the midpoint of the line connecting between anterior superior iliac spine; (4) the midpoint of the upper edge of the VB; (5) the line connecting the two frontal points of the elevated platform; (6) the line connecting the right tibial tuberosity and the midpoint of the line connecting the right medial and lateral malleolus; and (7) the line connecting the left tibial tuberosity and the midpoint of the line connecting the left medial and lateral malleolus.