Objective: To examine the changes in motor patterns during walking on different floor materials. Methods: We obtained electromyograms and recorded the joint motion of the left lower extremity of 10 healthy participants when they were walking on a path on which the floor material changed from wood to sponge. The entire path was covered with a cloth so that the floor material could not be visually identified. Before the study, the participants were not informed that the path was made of different materials. We determined the amount of muscular activity, curve showing the coordination pattern of each joint pair, and curve length for 7 gait cycles before and after the change in floor material. The test was performed for 3 consecutive times. Values for each parameter determined during each gait cycle in the first and third test were compared. Results: During the first test, a significant increase (p<0.05) was recorded in muscular activity immediately after the participants entered an area with a different floor material. The coordination pattern of each joint pair significantly increased (p<0.05) immediately after a change in floor material during the first test, whereas this value significantly increased (p<0.05) just before a change in floor material during the third test. Conclusions: Our results indicate that human beings maintain stability during walking by predictively altering their gait motor pattern even after the circumstances changed.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dart-throwing motion (DTM) plane range of motion (ROM) and DASH score in patients with distal radius fractures. Methods: The subjects were 18 patients who underwent treatment for distal radius fractures. Evaluation criteria included ROM (flexion- extension, radioulnar deviation, pronation- supination, and DTM plane), and grip strength. Grip strength of the injured wrist is expressed as a percentage of the grip strength of the uninjured wrist. DTM plane ROM was measred using the developed goniometer. We evaluated the activities of daily living (ADL) on the basis of the DASH score, which was used to access the locomotorium disease of the upper limb. Statistical analyses were performed to identify possible correlations between DASH score and the ROM and grip strength. Results: Correlations were observed between DASH score and the DTM plane ROM (r=-0.681, p=0.002) and grip strength (r=-0.448, p=0.040). We found no statistical relationship between the DASH score and the other ROM. Conclusion: The present study suggested that DTM plane ROM and grip strength are important for the recovery of ADL in patients with distal radius fractures. The movement direction that is most commonly involved in movements along the DTM plane after a fracture of the distal radius is the most important movement direction.

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Purpose: We investigated the non-thermal effect of pulsed ultrasound therapy as an anti-inflammatory treatment and analgesic for soulder pain due to acute adhesive capsulitis. Method: Our study population included twelve patients with acute adhesive capsulitis who were randomized to either a control (C) group or an ultrasound treatment (US) group. The ultrasound-treated patients underwent 6 sessions (three times/week) of pulsed ultrasound therapy for 10 min each at a frequency of 1.0 MHz, intensity of 0.5 w/cm^2 and pulse mode of 20%. Pain (VAS), range of motion, muscular strength, and quality of life (SF-36) were assessed before and after treatment. Results: Compared to the C group, the US group showed a significantly greater supraspinatus tendon thickness by ultrasonography, night pain, and range of motion (flexion, external rotation). Conclusion: These results show that non-thermal treatment by defined pulsed ultrasound threapy in this study may be effective for patients who have acute adhesive capsulitis.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to observe the long-term change in physical function and quality of life (QOL) from perioperative to postdischarge phases and to examine the relationship between physical function and QOL in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: Subjects were 42 perioperative patients with gastrointestinal cancer [23 men and 19 women aged 60.6±11.3 years (mean±SD)]. Isometric knee extension force, Timed "Up and Go" test, and 6-minute walk distance were measured for physical function; the acute version of Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey version 2 was used for evaluating the QOL index. These items were evaluated at three time points: before surgery, after surgery, and after discharge. Results: A significant decline in physical function and QOL was observed temporarily after surgery. Physical function improved equally before and after surgery. On the other hand, postoperative QOL and physical health were significantly lower than that observed preoperatively. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the preoperative and postoperative rate of change in physical function and the postdischarge QOL. Conclusions: This study suggests that the perioperative change in physical function is related with postdischarge QOL in gastrointestinal cancer patients.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle stiffness (transverse stiffness) measured by muscle hardness meter and passive torque as well as myotendious junction (MTJ) displacement (longitudinal stiffness), which are considered indexes of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) and the muscle stretching levels. Methods: Forty-one healthy young men volunteered to participate in this study. Passive torque and MTJ displacement of the medial head of the gastrocnemius were assessed using an ultrasound machine and a dynamometer during passive ankle dorsiflexion. Simultaneously, muscle stiffness of the medial head of the gastrocnemius was measured using a muscle hardness meter (Myotonometer). Relationship between muscle stiffness and passive torque or MTJ displacement were determined using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed between muscle stiffness and passive torque and MTJ displacement (p<0.01). Conclusion: These results suggest that muscle stiffness measured by muscle hardness meter may be an accurate indicator of MTU and muscle stretching levels.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of low-intensity direct current (LIDC) with electrode placement of negative poles at wound site on pressure ulcer healing. Subject: The subjects were elderly patients having a pressure ulcer (sacrum, 2 cases; thoracic supine, 2 cases; ilium, 1 case; greater trochanter, 1 case; lateral malleolus, 1 case), and healings of these ulcers had been retarded. The DESIGN-R of these ulcers were between 13 and 19. Methods: The negative electrode of silver chloride was inserted into the foam dressing on the wound surface, and the positive pole was attached on intact skin around the wound. Electrical stimulation (intensity: 80μA; frequency: 2 Hz; pulse length: 250 msec; duration: 40 minutes) were administrated five times per week. On every treatment, opposite electrode were shunted by electrical cable after the stimulation. Result: Size reductions were observed on all ulcers treated with LIDC and these ulcers were healed completely at 5〜10 weeks after the beginning of LIDC stimulation. Conclusion: The pressure ulcer healings were promoted by negative LIDC stimulation. It is suggested that LIDC stimulation with consideration for electrical polarity could by effective for shortening of the pressure ulcer healing period.

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