[Purpose] To investigate the influence of thoracic lateral deviation on gait trajectory during blindfolded gait in able-bodied participants. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-three healthy adult males were classified into left, excessive left, and right groups based on thoracic lateral deviation while standing. Gait speed, progression angle, and pelvic and thoracic rotation angles were measured under full vision and no vision conditions using three-dimensional motion analysis. The effect size was calculated for each group. [Results] Thirteen participants were classified into the left group, nine into the excessive left group, and one into the right group. The patient in the right group was excluded from the study. Both remaining groups showed significantly smaller progression angles during no-vision gait, indicating leftward gait deviation. The pelvic and thoracic rotation angles were significantly smaller during no-vision gait only in the excessive left group. Effect sizes were larger in the excessive left group than in the left group. [Conclusion] Participants with excessive left thoracic deviation exhibited significant leftward gait deviation and increased leftward pelvic and thoracic rotations during blindfolded gait. Left thoracic deviation may influence structural asymmetry and sensory input, and is related to gait trajectory during blindfolded gait. These findings provide insights into the potential causes of gait asymmetry in able-bodied participants.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate variations in step time and trunk acceleration during the first five steps of walking initiation when rhythmic auditory stimuli matched to a comfortable walking tempo, were provided before walking. [Participants and Methods] Seventeen healthy, right-foot dominant adults (10 males, 7 females; mean age 23.2 ± 4.9 years; mean height 165.3 ± 10.2 cm) without orthopedic or neurological abnormalities were enrolled in this study. The participants were instructed to perform 10 steps of indoor-level walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation in two tasks. In Task 1, participants began walking after hearing the 1st auditory stimulus, while in Task 2, they initiated walking after the 10th auditory stimulus. Step times; peak trunk acceleration values in the vertical, lateral, and forward/backward directions; and the coefficients of variation for these measures over the first five steps were compared between the two tasks. [Results] The step time during Task 2 was significantly longer than that during Task 1. The coefficients of variation for step time and lateral and forward trunk accelerations during Task 2 were significantly lower than those during Task 1. [Conclusion] This study found that the variability in step time and lateral and forward trunk accelerations during the five steps of walking initiation decreased when healthy participants listened to rhythmic auditory stimuli 10 times before walking.

[Purpose] Patients with hematologic malignancies frequently experience hand function decline due to disease progression and adverse effects of chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Given the critical importance of daily hand function, effective rehabilitation strategies are essential. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of a novel knitted hand function enhancement glove designed for routine use. [Participants and Methods] Six hospitalized patients undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation voluntarily participated by wearing gloves and recording wear time. Functional assessments, including grip strength, pinch strength, and the Box and Block Test, were performed at baseline and at 1 and 2 weeks post-intervention. [Results] Adverse events occurred in less than 5% of patients and comprised mild skin irritation and temporary numbness. A significant improvement was observed in the Box and Block Test after wearing hand function enhancement gloves, whereas grip strength and pinch strength showed no significant changes. Compliance was strongly correlated with functional improvement, suggesting a potential role of the glove in passive rehabilitation. [Conclusion] This knitted glove may serve as a practical, low-impact rehabilitation tool for safely maintaining finger dexterity during hospitalization. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate its long-term efficacy.

[Purpose] Independent group activities (Kayoino-ba) are expected to improve Ikigai (a sense of purpose) among older adults in the community. The differences in Ikigai, physical and mental function, and frailty among older adults, participating in Kayoino-ba, were examined by comparing participants with and without group roles. [Participants and Methods] Older adults who engaged in Kayoino-ba were enrolled. Physical function was assessed using grip strength, the five-times sit-to-stand test, the 5-meter walking time, and the Timed Up and Go test. Participants were grouped by role status, and intergroup comparisons were performed. Ikigai was the dependent variable and role status was the independent variable, with age group, sex, participation, and frailty as covariates. Clustering was adjusted using generalized estimating equations. [Results] In total, 265 participants (20 groups) participated in this study. Participants with a group role had significantly lower frailty and superior performance in grip strength, the Timed Up and Go test, Ikigai-9, Kihon Checklist, and Life Space Assessment than participants who did not have a group role. Multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis showed that participants who had a group role had a significantly greater likelihood of reporting Ikigai (odds ratio=7.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–45.52). [Conclusion] Having a group role may be an important factor associated with Ikigai among older adults, and it could positively contribute to healthy aging.

[Purpose] We compared the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) applied to the peripheral nerve and motor points on the H-reflex pathway in the soleus muscle. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-six healthy adult males were randomly assigned to one of three groups: peripheral nerve stimulation, motor point stimulation, or control (n=12/group). The excitability of the monosynaptic reflex pathway was assessed using the H-reflex of the soleus muscle. In each session, 24 H-reflexes were recorded 10 min before and after either rPMS or rest (control groups). The final analysis was carried out by comparing the mean amplitudes of the resulting 12 measurements. [Results] The H-reflex amplitude increased following stimulation in the peripheral nerve stimulation group, and a significant interaction effect was observed among the three groups (before and after intervention in the peripheral nerve and motor point stimulation groups, and 10 min before and after rest in the control group). [Conclusion] The increase in H-reflex amplitude after peripheral nerve stimulation may be attributed to effective stimulation of the tibial nerve, with signals ascending through Ia sensory fibers. Future research should clarify the mechanism by which rPMS influence spinal neural circuits via peripheral nerves and muscles.

[Purpose] To present a case series of five patients who presented with a cervical kyphosis and chronic neck pain who were treated with Chiropractic Biophysics^® (CBP^®) extension traction as part of a multimodal program. [Participants and Methods] Five patients with cervical kyphosis and chronic neck pain were randomly selected from files from one clinic. All patients refrained from follow-up treatments after the initial trial of corrective care of CBP used to improve the cervical lordosis. Treatment included extension traction to the neck as well as mirror image^® extension exercises and spinal manipulative therapy. The patients were treated from 2–4 months and follow-up assessment was performed at least 1 year later. [Results] After treatment the patients demonstrated an average increase in global lordosis of 24° and a decrease in the regional cervical kyphosis of 18°. The patients experienced a 5-point improved pain intensity and 24% improved disability. Follow-up of over a year demonstrated a 10° loss of original lordosis correction but no change in disability. [Conclusion] In this randomly selected series, CBP rehabilitation protocols were successful at reducing gross cervical kyphosis, however, a regression in correction occurred supporting the need for further maintenance treatments required to stabilize the original correction.