[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to get basic data of wheelchair propulsion movements with one leg of normal persons. [Subjects] Three normal persons participated in this study. [Methods] The wheelchair propulsion movements with one leg were recorded by a 3D motion analysis system, VICON. [Results] It was shown that the pelvis and the trunk moved to the opposite direction in the horizontal and frontal planes. The drive speed, stride and cadence rose as the trunk inclined backwards in propulsion. [Conclusion] The resulys suggest that normal persons could maintain a symmetric posture in one-legged wheelchair propulsion.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to understand the rationales for offering research projects as part of the curriculum at physical therapy schools and the recognition of research projects among graduates. [Subjects] The subjects were 231 physical therapy schools and 113 graduates of 3-year vocational schools. [Methods] I investigated the rationales for providing or not providing research projects at physical therapy schools, and the positioning of research projects within school curricula and their postgraduation usefulness to graduates. [Results] Research projects were part of the curriculum in 90 of the 122 schools. There was a tendency for 4-year schools to offer research projects more than 3-year schools. The reasons for providing research projects varied greatly. The most common reason for not providing research projects at 3-year schools was time-related, and most schools compensated through other subjects and methods. Thirty-eight of the 47 graduates replied that "Research projects were important in all classes". Graduates who were able to recognize the influence from the learning process regarding the integration of knowledge replied positively about the postgraduation usefulness of the research projects. [Conclusion] Physical therapy schools need to share the learning objectives with students. In order to make the content of research projects more closely reflect postgraduate circumstances and improve postgraduate education for graduates who did not complete research projects while in school, it will be necessary to review and revise the system at the local and national levels, as well as in the workplace.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the magnitude of external loads on the arm on the orientation of the scapula and trunk during arm elevation in the scapular plane. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy subjects participated in this study. [Methods] We measured the angle of scapular upward rotation, scapular posterior tilt, thoracic extension, lumbar extension and pelvic anterior tilt with four levels of external loads (0 kg, 2 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg) at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 degrees of arm elevation and maximum arm elevation. Kinematic data were collected using four digital video cameras. [Results] With 6 kg at 150° and maximum elevation, scapular upward rotation was greater than in the normal condition. We observed significant increases of thoracic extension with 4 kg and 6 kg at 60° and 90°, and significant differences between 2-6 kg loads and the normal condition over 120°. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the magnitude of the arm external load affects scapular upward rotation and thoracic extension.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability, validity and clinical utility of the basic balance ability test (BBT) which we designed. [Subjects] Subjects were 122 patients with balance disorders hospitalized in five hospitals. [Methods] The BBT is composed of 25 tasks which are divided into three balance levels, including static balance, weight-shifting in the sitting and standing positions, step movement, and standing up from a therapeutic bed and sitting down. Each task was scored on a 3-point scale, 0 to 2, according to the stability levels of performance. Reliability of the BBT was evaluated by the test-retest method. The validity of the BBT was evaluated using the correlation between the total score of the BBT and the Berg balance scale (BBS). The utility of the BBT was assessed by the measurement time of BBT, and the relation between BBT and gait ability of the patients. [Results] The average ratio of agreement between two measurements was 81.6%. The correlation coefficient between the BBT and the BBS was 0.88. The mean measuring time for BBT was 8.6 minutes. And the total score of the BBT changed in accordance with the gait ability of the patients. [Conclusion] From the above results, we conclude that BBT has reasonable reliability, validity and clinical utility.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to make clear the mobility of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (dTS) when the angle of the ankle joint changes, using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. [Subjects] We investigated 28 bilateral limbs of 14 normal adults. [Methods] The subjects moved their ankle joints from the plantar flexion position to dorsiflexion. Sequential changes of the dissociation of dTS were recorded using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, and measured by image analysis. [Results] The dissociation increased gradually in the early stages, and rapidly in the later stages, depending on the position of the ankle joint, from plantar flexion to dorsiflexion. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the separation of dTS was related to muscular activity as well as the amplitude of the trochlea of talus.

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[Purpose] A cuff exercise using a closed kinetic chain (CKC) that was able to forge inner muscle strength selectively was designed. Increase in muscle strength was objectively measured with a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) before and after 3 weeks of self-directed exercise. [Subjects] The subjects were 40 healthy women (40 right shoulders). [Method] Two sets of 50 CKC cuff exercises were performed daily for 3 weeks without supervision. Muscle strength was measured using a HHD at the end of the 3 weeks of training. [Results] A significant increase was found for the inner muscle strength after the 3 weeks of training. [Conclusion] The CKC cuff exercise was an effective training method for increasing muscle strength.

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[Purpose] The aim of the present investigation was to discover which afferent signals (from crural muscle spindle or ankle joint) contribute to dynamic standing postural control. [Subjects] Ten male subjects (23-35 years) stood with eyes-closed on a movable platform. [Methods] Vibrators (92 Hz) were tightly fixed bilaterally to the Achilles and tibialis anterior (TA) tendons or to the lateral and medial malleolies. The maximum displacements and time of center of gravity (COGy) and center of pressure (COPy) of the anterior-posterior axis were examined under control, crural vibration (CV) and malleoli vibration (MV) conditions on the moving platform. [Results] When the platform moved backward, peak times of COGy and COPy in MV were significantly delayed compared to the control condition (p<0.05). The maximum displacement of COGy in MV increased significantly compared to the control condition (p<0.05). When the platform moved forward, peak time of COPy in MV were significantly delayed compared to the control condition (p<0.05). [Conclusion] We think that the afferent signal from the ankle joint rather than the afferent signal from the soleus (Sol) muscle spindle contributed to COGy and COPy displacements when the platform moved backward. We also think that COGy and COPy were controlled by the compensatory activities of other muscles except for TA when the platform moved forward, though TA activity depended on the afferent signal from the ankle joint as well as Sol.

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[Purpose] We surveyed whether exercise continuation after hospital discharge of type II diabetes mellitus patients was improved by teaching indoor exercises in a snowfall area in winter, and investigated the relationship between exercise frequency and glycemic control. In addition, we examined the relationship between continuation of the exercise therapy and the continuation of diet therapy. [Methods] Subjects were 101 patients with type II diabetes mellitus. For these patients, we conducted a monitor-type exercise therapy. One year later, we asked whether the patients continued the exercise by telephone. [Results] 88% of the patients continued the exercise. As for the patients who exercised frequently, glycemic control was good. A significant relationship was observed between diet therapy and exercise therapy. [Conclusion] In a snowfall area, indoor exercise guidance improved exercise continuation of patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

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[Purpose] In this study, we examined the effect of a warm bath and brief stretch on joint cartilage of knee joint immobilized rats. [Subjects and Methods] We used twenty, 9-week-old, male Wistar rats, divided into control (n=4), immobilization alone (Group I: n=4), spontaneous healing (Group S: n=4), warm bath (Group W: n=4), and brief stretch after warm bath (Group WSt: n=4) groups. All groups but the control had their right knee joint fixed in plaster in a posture of knee joint flexion for 4 weeks. The immobilization was for 4 weeks and the warm bath and the brief stretch were about 36 °C and 2.5 N, respectively. After knee joints were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, we observed them under an optical microscope. [Results] Group WSt had less partial adhesion than others. Group W and WSt had degenerated joint cartilage and blood vessels. [Conclusion] These results suggest that warm bath and brief stretch stimulation reduced the degree of adhesion.

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[Purpose] We investigated the effect of space limitation in the standing action on the trunk and lower limbs through electromyography in order to elucidate the points in need of attention when standing up in confined spaces. [Subjects] The subjects were 6 healthy men. [Method] The subjects stood up in environments in which the frontal space was confined and unconfined and the muscle activities were comparatively examined. [Results] In the confined environment, we found increases in the gluteus maximus early muscle activity, and the anterior tibialis and rectus femoris muscle activities. [Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility that, the gluteus muscle activity is seen early in the standing action in a confined space because the center of gravity needs to move upwards at an earlier stage, and that strong muscle activities of the anterior tibialis and rectus femoris are needed as a strategy to control posterior shift of the center of gravity.

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[Purpose] We compared lesson awareness between group discussion (GD)classes and traditional (TT) classes and investigated the relationship with willingness to learn. [Subjects] The subjects were 103 students in the physical therapy department of a vocational school. [Method] GD and TT classes took place. We performed factor analysis on the results of a class awareness survey carried out in the GD class, and compared the scores of the subscales of both classes. In addition, we also investigated the relationship between the subscale scores of the GD class and willingness to learn. [Results] In the factor analysis of the GD class survey results, Factor 1 (self-initiated positive attitude to classes) and Factor 3 (motivated to learn) had higher subscale scores than TT classes. In addition, for Factor 1 as well as Factor 3, self-motivation showed an especially high correlation with willingness to learn. [Conclusion] We think that GD classes are a lesson format which can raise levels of self-motivation higher than those of TT classes.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of excitation of α- motoneurons as the contralateral spinal level by illusion of motion provided by a mirror with voluntary movement of unilateral palmar flexion of the wrist joint. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy adults. [Methods] We measured the H wave in the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) of the contralateral upper extremity under four conditions: combinations of with and without a mirror, and with and without voluntary movement. The maximum H amplitudes (Hmax) were selected from the observed H waves. The paired t-test was performed to compare 2 conditions. [Results] In the conditions without the mirror, %Hmax in voluntary movement was significantly lower than without voluntary movement. In the conditions with the mirror, we observed no significant difference between with and without movement. With voluntary movement, %Hmax with the mirror was significantly higher than without the mirror. [Conclusion] A visually perceived illusion of contralateral upper extremity motion in a mirror inhibited decrement of excitation of α- motoneurons.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of variations in breathing control on swallowing. [Subjects] The subjects were 22 healthy adults. [Method] For four patterns of breathing and swallowing (BS), we recorded suprahyoid muscle electromyography, respiratory airflow, the time of larynx actions and made a visual analog scale assessment for ease of swallowing (VAS-ES) in spontaneous swallowing (SS). [Results] Larynx action time had no significant differences between SS and BS, and suprahyoid muscle activities in BS were significantly lower than those of SS. VAS-ES in BS was significantly lower than that of SS. In the four patterns of BS, VAS-ES in the exhale-swallow patterns tended to show high values. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the exhale-swallow-exhale pattern in BS makes swallowing easy and effective.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect immediately after standing on a sloping platform on the center of pressure (COP) locus as well as its maximum anteroposterior displacement for healthy subjects as well as hemiplegia patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 7 healthy persons (average age, 56.9 years) and 9 hemiplegia patients (average age, 60.6 years). [Method] Before and after an intervention of standing on a 10° sloping platform, we measured the COP locus and its anteroposterior displacement using a stabilometer, and made inter-group and intra-group comparisions. [Results] The COP displacement increased significantly in both groups after the intervention, but a significant difference was not seen between the groups. A significant difference in the maximum anteroposterior COP displacement was seen between the groups, both before and after intervention. In the intra-group comparison only a significant difference was seen for the hemiplegia patients. [Conclusion] The results suggest the intervention has an immediate effect on the maximum displacement of the COP locus of hemiplegia patients.

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[Purpose] We investigated whether or not knee mobility improvement differed according to the start day of range of motion (ROM) exercises after total knee arthroplasty. [Subjects and Method] We divided subjects operated on by the same surgeon with the same technique and given the same artificial knee at random into day-1 (15 persons) and day-2 (17 persons) post-op. rehabilitation start groups, and executed identical 3-week physical therapy programs of ROM exercises for both groups. [Results] There were no significant differences between the two groups in improvements of knee passive flexion angle (KFA), number of days to achieve knee passive flexion angle of 120°, number of persons achieving knee passive flexion angles of 120°, 130° and 140°, leg circumference at the top of the knee (LC), and pain during ROM exercises; but KFA and LC of both groups, and pain during ROM exercises of the day-2 group did significantly improve. Also, all of the measured items showed a trend of improvement that was slower in the day-1 group compared to the day-2 group. [Conclusion] There was no significant difference in the improvement of knee joint mobility according to the start day of ROM exercises, but since there was a delay in the increase in knee passive flexion angle in the day-1 group, we could not find any advantage in starting physical therapy on day-1 post-op. A good result was obtained under the present system of starting ROM exercises on day-2 post-op., and the results of the present study caution against the trend toward early introduction of physical therapy after total knee arthroplasty without thorough investigation.

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[Purpose] We instituted exercise loads by repeated stand-up exercise and bicycle ergometer, and using the anaerobic threshold determined with a bicycle ergometer, we examined the relationship with exercise intensity of both methods. [Subjects and Method] The subjects were 29 healthy young males, (average age 19.9 years). We took measurements of items reflecting cardiopulmonary function from at rest to the end of the exercise. The frequency of stand-ups was set from 6 to 30 per min, and the exercise time was 3 min. The anaerobic threshold was determined on a bicycle with a ramped load protocol. For the analysis, the oxygen uptake volume and heart rate at each stand-up frequency was determined as a ratio of the anaerobic threshold at each value. [Results] Oxygen uptake volume and heart rate in stand-ups from 6 to 30 times per min ranged from 45.9 -119.8% and from 67.6-106.9% of the anaerobic threshold, respectively. [Conclusion] A stand-up frequency of 24 to 30 per min can be considered an exercise intensity approximately equivalent to the anaerobic threshold.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the histopathological effect of stretching on joint capsules after joint immobilization in rats. [Methods] Wistar male rats (9-week-old, n=14) were divided randomly into control and experimental groups. In the experimental group, the right knee joints were immobilized in a plaster cast for 4 weeks. The experimental group was further subdivided into three groups: immobilization alone (C), stretching exercise for 4 weeks after cast removal (S), and no stretching exercise for 4 weeks after cast removal (NS). After the experiments, the knee joints of each group were excised, and were used for histopathological examination. [Results] Both group S and group NS showed a tendency of the joint capsules to recover compared with group C. Range of motion of knee extension in group S was significantly higher than that of group NS. [Conclusion] The stretching was effective for improving the range of motion, although its effect on the joint capsule was not clear histologically.

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[Purpose] The object of this study was to investigate the effect of toe flexor muscle strength training on floor reaction force during maximum speed walking. [Subjects] The subjects were 27 healthy students. [Method] The subjects were distributed at random, males and females separately, to a training and a control group. Toe flexor muscle strength, and walking speed, number of steps, cadence, step length and floor reaction force during 10 m maximum speed walking were measured before and after the intervention. The training group performed toe flexor muscle strength training for 4 weeks, and the control group were instructed to keep to their normal lifestyles. [Results] Toe flexor muscle strength significantly increased in the training group, and 10 m maximum walking speed also increased. Furthermore, trends of increase were also seen in the 3rd wave of the lateral floor reaction force and cadence. [Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility that maximum walking speed was increased and cadence improved by a more appropriate directional raising of the leg in heel-lift. Moreover, because an increase was not seen in the peak wave of the vertical reaction force despite the increase in maximum walking speed, this suggests the shock due to heel contact was reduced by increased braking strength through the toes enabling a soft heel contact.

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[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the reliability and the validity of the Single Side-Step Test (SSST) for stroke patients. [Subjects] We examined 27 stroke patients to verify the validity of SSST, and 18 of the 27 patients were used to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. [Methods] In SSST, we measured the distance of maximal side-step on the unaffected side. We also measured the maximal weight-bearing ratio in the affected lower extremity with a force plate. [Results] Intra-class correlation coefficients for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of SSST were good. SSST had a moderate correlation with maximal weight-bearing ratio. [Conclusion] These results suggest that SSST is a reliable and valid tool for measuring the weight-bearing ability of the affected lower extremities of stroke patients.

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[Purpose] We examined muscle activities in the lower leg and foot muscles (triceps surae, fibularis longus, tibialis anterior and abductor hallucis muscles) to study the adaptation mechanism of the foot to weight-bearing. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy adult females. [Methods] We measured muscle activities and the foot arch ratio of each subject sitting on a chair with the ankle in dorsiflexion angles of 0° and 10° and weight bearing of 50%, 100%, 150% and 200% of the body weight. [Results] There were no significant differences in muscle activities among the different loads at the dorsiflexion angle of 0°, but all the muscle activities at 200% of body weight were significantly higher than those at 50% load at the dorsiflexion angle of 10°. The foot arch ratio decreased significantly in inverse proportion to weight-bearing at both angles. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that the muscle activities are induced by weight bearing at a dorsiflexion angle of 10°.

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[Purpose] In this study, we examined the effect of ROM exercises on joint fixation. [Subjects] Wistar rats (male, 330-380 g) were used in this study. [Methods] The rats were randomly divided into a non-treated group, a joint- immobilization group, and groups which did ROM exercises weekly (1day-group), three days a week (3 days-group) or five days a week (5 days-group). All rats had their joints fixed except during the ROM exercises. After five weeks, the knee joint ROMs were measured and histologically evaluated. [Results] The knee joint ROMs were not maintained in the ROM exercises groups. However, decrease in the knee joint ROMs was inhibited in proportion to the frequency of ROM exercise. The knee joint cavities in the joint-immobilized group and the 1day group were filled with connective tissue. [Conclusion] These results suggest that ROM exercise inhibits decrease in ROM, although development of a decrease in the movable range of the joint could not be prevented.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether resistance positions of the shin during knee extension influence muscle action of the quadriceps femoris. [Subjects] The subjects were seven healthy males. [Methods] The actions of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) were measured by electromyography. We imposed resistance on the leg using dual shin pads or a single pad during isometric contraction with knee flexion at 90 degrees. [Results] The muscle activities of RF and VM increased significantly at 60% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction with dual shin pads. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the muscle action of the quadriceps femoris may be increased by use of dual shin pads in isometric contraction exercises.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of 3 isometric strengths (sum) in patients with polymyositis (PM) not only in the acute phase but also in the stable stage. [Subjects] Our subjects were five females (average age 36.2) with PM. [Methods] We traced the change in three isometric strengths (head up, HU; shoulder abduction; straight leg raising) measured by a hand-held dynamometer, creatine kinase level in serum (CK) and prednisone (PSL) dosage for more than 30 weeks. [Results] The change of the sum of 3 isometric strengths was correlated to CK in four patients, however, the correlation coefficient value was low. The individual strength of HU was also correlated to CK in four patients. Furthermore, HU was negatively correlated to PSL dosage in four patients though the sum strength was correlated in only three of five patients. [Conclusion] These results suggest that sequential measurement of the sum of isometric strengths would be effective for predicting the disease progress in the stable stage, though, not as much as in the acute phase. Sequential measurement of HU might be more effective for identifying the CK level or drug effect in stable stage.

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[Purpose] We investigated cardiopulmonary assessment using the stand-up exercise as the loading method. [Subjects and Method] The subjects were 16 healthy males. Stand-ups were performed at a frequency of 30 times per min, and the physiological reaction was assessed. The height of the chair used for the stand-ups was adjusted to subjects' fibula height in the standing position. The measurement items were oxygen uptake volume, heart rate, blood pressure height, weight, sitting height and chair height; and the assessment items were workload, metabolic equivalent, heart rate increase (%) and myocardial oxygen consumption. [Results] The average workload was 592.5 ± 130.3 kg·m/min, and average oxygen uptake was 24.8 ± 2.1 ml/min/kg. From the metabolic equivalent and heart rate increase subjects' cardiopulmonary function was judged as Good (5 persons, 31%), Fair (10 persons, 63%) or Poor (1 person, 6%). [Conclusion] From the biggest trend for the subject judged Poor for the workload, when performing cardiopulmonary function assessments using the stand-up exercise as the loading method, the workload also needs to be considered.

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[Purpose] We performed outpatient rehabilitation for a patient with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM). Because HAM easily leads to disuse-induced muscle atrophy, we needed a home exercise that would be willingly continued. Accordingly, we divided home exercise into traditional muscle training and horse-riding machine exercise periods and compared the results. [Method] In an ABAB-type single case study, home exercise was performed on a horse-riding machine utilizing trunk in the operating period and lower limb muscle training in the base level measurement period. [Results] The assessment items of sitting lateral reach, functional reach and centre of gravity sway all showed improvement during the operating period. [Conclusion] An improvement in postural balance due to home exercise on the horse-riding machine was found, and improvements in the main objectives of exercise training, housework and supported walking, were also seen. In the case of rehabilitation for HAM patients, the establishment of home exercises compatible with the domestic environment surrounding the patient is very important. The results suggest that such exercises for patients with gradually progressive and intractable diseases of the nervous system, like HAM patients, can be expected to improve functionality.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of a modified mental rotation intervention for patients with frozen shoulder. [Subjects and Method] The subjects were 40 patients (average age, 54.8 ± 10.5 years) who were randomly distributed to a mental rotation intervention (MRI; 20 persons) group and a control group (20 persons). Both groups performed standard rehabilitation therapy for 1 month, and the MRI group additionally performed modified mental rotation training. [Results] After the one-month intervention, shoulder joint function, shoulder flexion angle, abduction angle and first external rotation angle showed significant (p<0.05) improvements in both groups, and the MRI group showed a further significant (p<0.05) improvement over the control group. [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that modified mental rotation training is useful for improving the shoulder function of patients with frozen shoulder.

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[Purpose] At the midyear examinations in 2007 and 2008, we examined the effect of willingness to learn on term examination results' improvement. [Subjects] The subjects were 101 physical therapy students attending a certain college. [Methods] The T-score of each student was calculated on the basis of the results of the midyear examinations in 2007 and 2008. Moreover, a questionnaire was used to evaluate students' willingness to learn just before term examinations. The relation between the results of the questionnaire and term examination was examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. [Results] Significant explanatory variables were external motivation and mental health. [Conclusion] We should consider what improves students' willingness to learn.

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[Purpose] By using equipment which simulates the experience of the elderly, we investigated the effect of using a cane on cardiopulmonary response during walking in a posture with fixed lumbar spine and lower limb. [Subjects] The subjects were 11 healthy young people (7 men, 4 women, 19.1 ± 0.8 years old). [Methods] The subjects walked on a treadmill at a pace of 3.5 km/h for 5 minutes, and we analyzed expired gas, blood pressure and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) under 3 conditions (A: normal condition, B: condition of wearing the equipment, C: condition of wearing the equipment and using a cane). The results were compared among the 3 conditions. [Results] HR, VE, TV, VO₂/W, SBP and RPE were significantly higher under condition B than A. In contrast, HR, VE, TV, VO₂/W and RPE were significantly lower under condition C than B. Only SBP and RPE were significantly higher under condition C than A. [Conclusion] The results suggest that healthy young people using equipment which simulates the experience of the elderly can lighten their cardiopulmonary load by using a cane.

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[Purpose] We examined the effect of the activities of daily living (ADL) level and changes of blood pressure lower limb loading movement in the sitting position. [Subjects] The subjects were 28 elderly persons in long-term care (8 men, 20 women, 78.6 ± 8.6 years old). [Methods] The subjects' blood pressure was measured before and 1, 3 and 5 minutes after the movement. Their ADL levels were classified into 2 groups (low and high group) by the functional independence measure (FIM) score. We compared systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic pressure (DBP) by repeated measures two-way analysis of variance with the blood pressure measurements and ADL levels as factors. Furthermore, the force to weight ratio of lower limb loading (%) in each ADL group was compared with the unpaired t-test. [Results] For SBP and DBP, no main effect was found. The force to weight ratio in lower limb loading (%) showed a significant difference between the groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that subjects with different ADL levels can perform the movement because it offers few risks to the cardiovascular system.

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Instances of physically disabled persons and the elderly receiving physical therapy outside medical institutions or at home have become common. In this paper, we review the assessment of cardiopulmonary function from the points of view of instrumental and non-instrumental loading. We investigated the application of non-instrumental loading, which is generally implemented, in a wide-ranging survey of the literature. We conclude that the exercise loading method which uses the stand-up exercise, one of the non-instrumental loading methods, can be considered useful in future applications. An issue concerning the application of stand-up exercise is the adjustment of the physical workload and the workload appropriate to subjects needs to be clarified.

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