Physical Therapy Japan

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of massage at two different hamstring positions on hip flexion angle (HFA) in healthy adult males. Methods: Thirty-two healthy adult males were randomly categorized into one of the following three groups: the group being massaged at the musculotendinous junction of the hamstrings (n=11); the group being massaged at the muscle belly of the hamstrings (n=11); and a control group being massaged at the muscle belly of the contralateral hamstrings (n=10). Massage was performed for 3 minutes with the same pressure in all the three groups. HFA values was assessed by blinded raters before massage; immediately after massage; and 3, 6, 9, and 15 minutes after massage. Results: HFA value in the group being massaged at the musculotendinous junction of the hamstrings was significantly greater than that of the control group immediately after massage and 3 and 6 minutes after massage. Conclusion: These results suggest that massage at the musculotendinous junction of the hamstrings can induce greater HFA.

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Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the influence of degree of low back pain and psychological factors on impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) in care workers. Methods: Degrees of ADL impairment and low back pain, helpless, depressive tendencies, and beliefs about back pain prognosis were assessed in 126 care workers with low back pain. After modeling the inter-factor relationships based on a cognitive-behavioral theory, the model was revised or modified through path analysis, and the fit of the resulting model and relationships among measurement items were investigated. Results: The fit of the revised model was high (CMIN=21.880, p=0.189, AGFI=0.923, RMSEA=0.046), and the present findings demonstrate that degree of low back pain, helpless and beliefs about back pain prognosis directly or indirectly affect ADL impairment. Conclusion: In order to understand the factors that affect the ADL impairment on back pain subjects, in addition to the degree of low back pain, psychological factors are important.

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Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) as a measure of walking confidence under challenging everyday circumstances in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Two-hundred forty older individuals living at home aged 65 years or over (mean 73.5 years) participated in this study. Participants were assessed using the Japanese version of mGES and measures of physical performance (chair-stand test, one-legged standing time, walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance), fear of falling, and life-space assessment (LSA). In a subsample of participants (n=31), the Japanese version of mGES was administered twice, within 14 to 20 days, to establish test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]). Results: The Japanese version of mGES demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC [2,1]=0.945, 95% confidence interval 0.891-0.973, p<0.001). The Japanese version of mGES was related to measures of physical performance and LSA. Logistic regression analysis revealed that sex (female), walking speed and the Japanese version of mGES were significantly associated with fear of falling. Conclusion: The Japanese version of mGES is a reliable and valid measure of walking confidence in community-dwelling older adults.

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Objectives: To clarify the effects of lavender oil aroma on the excitatory state of spinal motor neurons, we performed F-wave measurements, which is an index for testing muscle tonus. Methods: The subjects were 19 healthy volunteers (7 males and 3 females for experimental group; average age, 25.9±6.0 years, and 6 males and 3 females for control group; average age 29.1±8.8 years) without any olfactory function disorder. All subjects had no prior experience with aromatherapy. F-waves were measured before and after inhalation of lavender oil in a supine position. The objective nerve was median nerve, and F-waves were elicited by supramaximal stimulation at left thenar eminence. After measurements, we asked the subjects whether they liked the smell of lavender. Results: The amplitude of the measured F-waves was significantly smaller at 5 and 10 minutes after aroma inhalation than before inhalation. The amplitude ratio of F/M was significantly lower at 1 min after inhalation than before inhalation. All subjects liked the smell of lavender. Conclusion: In subjects inexperienced with aromatherapy, the excitatory state of spinal motor neurons innervating upper extremity was lowered after inhalation of lavender oil. To decrese muscle tone, therefore, physical therapy that suppress muscle tone may be more effective after inhalation of lavender oil.

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