[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to conduct different interventions for frail community-dwelling elderly persons and investigate the time course changes in their physical function. [Subjects] The subjects were 51 frail community-dwelling elderly over 65 years of age, classified from category 1 of needing support to category 1 of needing care. [Method] The subjects were divided into a balance exercise group (24 persons) and a muscle strength exercise group (27 persons), according to site, and exercises were performed for 1 hour once a week for 3 months. One-leg standing with eyes open, the sit-to-stand (STS) time, timed up-and-go (TUG), and lower limb muscle strength were used to assess physical function, and their time course changes were analyzed in each group. [Results] In the balance exercise group, lower limb muscle strength had significantly increased after 1 month, and subsequently all the physical function assessments significantly improved. In the muscle strength exercise group, lower limb muscle strength increased significantly after 2 months, and subsequently the results of the STS and TUG times significantly improved. [Conclusion] In each of the exercise groups, physical function improved after increase in lower limb muscle strength. Furthermore, different responses were shown to the balance and muscle strengthening exercises.

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[Purpose] To clarify the characteristics of arm exercise, which easily increases breathlessness in patients with cardiorespiratory disease, the relationship between vagal activity and cardiorespiratory function according to muscle group use was examined. [Subjects] The subjects were 11 healthy young males. [Methods] Using an ergometer, arm and leg exercise was performed at a low-intensity, Karvonen 30%. The time constants of the beat-by-beat heart rate decay for the first 30 s (T30) and the coefficient of variance of heart rate were calcuated, and the respiratory rate was measured. [Result] A positive correlation was found between T30 and heart rate coefficient of variance, and T30 and respiratory rate in the arm exercise. No relationship was found in the leg exercise. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that respiratory rate and heart strain will increase in persons with slow heart rate decay in the arm exercise. This is thought to be due to rapid withdrawal of vagal outflow and an early increase in sympathetic nerve activity.

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[Purpose] We investigated the effect on mind and body of individual muscle stretching. [Subjects] Sixty right legs of 60 healthy students were the subjects. [Method] The subjects were divided into a group performing individual muscle stretching (ID group), a group performing static stretching (SS group) and a group performing no stretching, the control group. We investigated differences before and after each stretching session and among groups using a goniometer, a Cybex, and a questionnaire. [Results] We found a significant increase in flexibility and a significant decrease in muscle power in the ID group after the intervention. Both the ID and SS groups showed significant improvements in feelings of physical fatigue and mood after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results suggest that individual muscle stretching gives rise to increased flexibility, decreased muscle power and improvement of mood.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationships between lower limb flexibility and physical characteristics of growing children. [Subjects] The subjects were 136 grade 6 primary school children, 61 boys and 75 girls. [Method] For flexibility, we measured ankle dorsiflexion with the knee in extension and the straight leg raise angle and investigated their relationships with body weight, height and BMI. [Results] Compared to boys, girls had significantly greater flexibility. For both girls and boys, no relationship between height and flexibility was found. No relationship between weight and flexibility was found for girls; however, among boys, those who were heavy or showing an obese tendency had low flexibility. [Conclusion] The results show that the flexibility of grade 6 primary school boys is related to weight and BMI, not height, and that for girls it is not related to physical characteristics.

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[Purpose] We investigated the change in shoulder function of junior-high school baseball players after 70 pitches, a limit proposed for preventing juvenile baseball injuries. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 junior-high school baseball club pitchers. [Method] Before and after pitching we measured shoulder internal range of motion (ROM), shoulder internal and external rotation strength, and fatigue on the throwing side, and ball speed. Seventy pitches, straight and curve balls, were thrown as if in normal practice. Shoulder ROM and strengths, and fatigue before and after practice were examined with the t test, and ball speed with one-way analysis of variance. [Results] Shoulder ROM was significantly reduced after pitching practice; however, no differences in internal or external rotation strength were found. Fatigue significantly increased after pitching practice, but no difference in ball speed was found. [Conclusion] Similar to a report on high school baseball players, shoulder ROM declined after pitching practice without any difference being found in internal or external rotation strength. Therefore, we consider it necessary to perform shoulder external rotation stretching after pitching practice.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the factors of ACL injury risk from the relationship between the foot, ankle alignment and muscle activity before and after landing. [Subjects] The subjects were 27 healthy adult males. [Methods] We measured the angle of maximum knee valgus and maximum knee flexion after left single-leg landing, electromyographical activity immediately before and after landing, foot and ankle alignment and conducted the navicular drop test. [Results] We found a significant negative correlation between maximum knee valgus angle and the navicular drop test. A comparison of the muscle activity before and after landing with the high group and the low group of navicular drop test showed significantly greater muscle activity of the semitendinosus in the low group. [Conclusion] This finding suggests that the navicular drop test would be helpful for identifying players likely to suffer ACL injury, and in injury prevention and postoperative rehabilitation programs.

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[Purpose] In order to provide safe exercise therapy in the supine position, we investigated the setting of exercise loads in the supine position from the perspective of autonomic nervous system activity with the target heart rate as the index of exercise. [Subjects] The subjects were 11 healthy males with no regular exercise habit. [Method] Using the Karvonen method for exercise intensity, we used exercise loads of 80% and 40% of the target heart rate. Exercise was performed on a bicycle ergometer in the supine position. We measured autonomic nervous activity and recorded electrocardiograms from at rest to 5 min after the cessation of exercise. [Results] At 80% exercise load, HFnu was significantly suppressed compared with at rest, and it rose significantly after cessation of exercise. LF/HF rose significantly at 80% load compared with at rest, and significantly declined after cessation of exercise at loads of 80% and 40%. [Conclusion] Since we anticipate that sympathetic nervous activity would be suppressed and parasympathetic nervous activity would tend to rise after cessation of pedaling exercise in the supine position at an exercise load of 40%, we suggest that it is possible to provide safe exercise therapy for physically weak subjects at low exercise intensities in the supine position.

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[Purpose] The test-retest reproducibility, construct validity, and safety of a "self-sustained movement test" were examined to verify the reliability of physical capacity measurement by participants in a program designed to prevent dependence on long-term care insurance. [Subjects] The subjects of the study were 129 community-dwelling elderly and 48 elderly with light care requirements. [Methods] The interclass correlation coefficient between test-retest was examined. The construct validity of the test was investigated through an examination of the correlations between the self-sustained movement test and other motor function measurements. The safety of the test was examined by a risk assessment. [Results] The interclass correlation coefficient of test-retest was more than 0.75 for each task, indicating the high reproducibility of the test. The correlation between the self-sustained movement test and other motor function measurements were from 0.39 to 0.92 for walking tests and the timed up-and-go test and from -0.36 to -0.45 for one-legged standing with eyes open. [Conclusion] We judged that the self-sustained movement test was a high reliability test because the reproducibility and construct validity of the test were confirmed for the participants in the program for the prevention of dependence on long-term care insurance.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the presence or absence of muscle contractions around the ankle on angle misperceptions. [Methods] We conducted examinations of ankle joint position sense of healthy subjects. The measurement involved an active and a passive examination method. A total of six limb positions were measured, including positions fixed with an ankle joint inversion of 0 or 20 degrees and three plantar flexions of -10, 10, and 30 degrees. We used the absolute error (AE) and constant error (CE). [Results] The comparison of the active and passive examination methods revealed that when CE was used as an index there was a tendency to underestimate the ankle joint plantarflexion in the direction of dorsiflexion when the passive examination method was used. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in the passive examination method of CE, the estimated angle tended to be smaller toward clorgiflexion than the test plantarflexion angle, and the misperception angles were increased.

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[Purpose] To examine the effect of ankle weights on the activation of the semitendinosus and the anterior instability of the knee. [Subjects] Thirty-nine healthy elderly women. [Methods] Subjects randomly performed three load conditions (0, 1.5, 2.5 kg). We calculated the mean integrated EMG amplitude (iEMG, μV) of the semitendinosus during one gait cycle and the loading response. The anterior instability of the knee was calculated as the anterior displacement of the tibia in response to the femur. [Results] The amount of anterior instability showed no significant difference between the 2.5 kg condition and the 0 kg condition, and was significantly smaller in both these conditions than in the 1.5 kg condition. The iEMG amplitude of the 2.5 kg condition was significantly higher than the other conditions, although the iEMG of the 1.5 kg condition was not significantly different from the no load condition. [Conclusion] Wearing 2.5 kg would be better for strengthening the semitendinosus than wearing 1.5 kg.

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[Purpose] In this study, we compared trunk mobility in the standing position while carrying a shoulder bag on the habitual side with those of the bag carried on the non-habitual side and examined the relationship between trunk lateral bending exercise and the habitually used side. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy persons aged 20.1 ± 1.5 years. [Method] Using a 3D motion analysis system, we measured trunk mobility while carrying a shoulder bag in the standing position and compared the left and right sides. We also compared the mobility of the left and right sides in lateral bending, and examined the relationship with the habitual side. [Results] On the habitual side, increases in lower trunk lateroversion on the contralateral side and backward inclination were seen. During lateral bending, increases in lateroversion on the habitually carried side and contralateral side were found. [Conclusion] We consider that for cases of lumbar pain such as those arising from asymmetric lower spine mobility in lateral bending, or instability arising from posterior tilt of the lumbar spine, guidance and caution about maintenance of standing posture while carrying a shoulder bag are necessary.

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[Purpose] Manipulative techniques are becoming popular, although, their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the application of cervical sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGS) to C5/6 with cervical flexion and range of motion in cervical flexion (CF). [Subjects] Twenty asymptomatic subjects participated. [Method] within subject, repeated measures study design which included control, active movement of the cervical spine, and cervical SNAGS in flexion was used. Range of motion (ROM) in CF was measured four times (0, 5, 10, and 40 min) for the three interventions and the changes of the ROM were compared. Active neck flexion and SNAGS were performed just before the second measurement. The manipulative forces (N) at C5 were recorded. [Results and Conclusion] There was a significant increase in CF at the second measurement in the SNAGS intervention. Further research is needed.

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[Purpose] Aiming to improve the gait of spina bifida sufferers, we examined the effect of an ankle-foot orthosis with a double-braking function (DB-AFO). [Subjects] The subjects were two consenting spina bifida (L4~L5) patients. [Method] We performed gait analysis of the subjects with a 3D motion analysis system under 3 conditions, without orthosis, with AFO, and with DB-AFO, and compared the computed parameters among the conditions. [Results] With DB-AFO, center of gravity was maintained at the highest position. For Case 1, in the early to mid stance phase, the moment of ankle plantar flexion increased and the knee and hip joint flexion angles decreased. For Case 2, in the late stance phase, the moment of ankle plantar flexion increased, and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion angles decreased. [Conclusion] We consider the DB-AFO was effective at improving the gait of spina bifida sufferers because it improved the flexion angles of the lower limbs and elicited a high center of gravity.

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[Purpose] We investigated the degree of influence physical function and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) had as factors related to the use of a bed bar when rolling over by elderly persons. [Subjects] The subjects were 52 persons either living in a health facility for the elderly or attending a day-care center. [Method] After surveying the use of bed bars when rolling over, we categorized the rolling over action patterns and assessed functional independence measures (FIM) and the stroke impairment assessment set (SIAS); then, we investigated which items within the assessment items were factors related to the use of bed bars. [Results] In discriminant analysis, FIM total score, grip strength, abdominal strength and disease were factors determining if the use of bed bars was possible. [Conclusion] We infer from the results that when physical therapists give guidance to patients on rolling over action, it is necessary for them to consider FIM total score, grip strength, abdominal muscle strength and disease, to decide whether or not patients should be told to use bed bars.

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[Purpose] We investigated the effect of foot-grip strength training through the time course changes of foot-grip strength. [Subjects] The subjects were 19 healthy adult females. [Method] We conducted foot-grip strength training (towel gathering) 4 days a week for 6 weeks, and compared the before training, and 3 and 6 weeks of training foot-grip strengths. [Results] Foot-grip strength showed a significant increase after 3 weeks training compared to before training; however, no significant difference was found between 3 and 6 weeks of training. [Conclusion] The results show the effect of foot-grip strength training on muscle strength increase was apparent by 3 weeks. Furthermore, we infer from the shape characteristics of the muscle group involved in foot-grip strength that muscle enlargement arising from 6 weeks training does not necessarily result in increased strength.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine lower limb muscle activities and cardiopulmonary function during treadmill walking with partial body weight support (BWS). [Subjects] The subjects were 18 young healthy men, average age: 20.4 ± 1.7 years. [Methods] The subjects walked on a treadmill with Full Weight Bearing (FWB), 25%BWS, and 50%BWS in a random order. Muscle activities and muscle activation patterns were measured using integrated electromyography (iEMG) through the gait cycle. Cardiopulmonary function was measured focusing on oxygen consumption. [Results] The muscle activation patterns did not change significantly among the 3 conditions, but iEMG decreased as BWS increased. In addition, oxygen consumption decreased by 10% (25% BWS) and by 18% (50% BWS) from FWB. [Conclusion] The results indicate that BWS did not change muscle activity but reduced energy cost.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the stand-up frequency (no. of times/minute) and physiological exercise intensity for senior males. [Subjects and Method] The subjects were 17 men aged between 63 and 69 (Senior group) and for comparison, 31 young men aged between 19 and 24 (Youth group). Subjects performed stand-ups at a frequency which was gradually increased every 3 minutes until they reached the criteria for terminating exercise. Expiratory gas volume, heart rate and blood pressure were measured. For the analysis, after calculating oxygen uptake, relative heart rate and double-product averages for each group at each stand-up frequency, we determined the physiological exercise intensity at each stand-up frequency. [Results] In both groups, oxygen uptake and double-product increased with increasing stand-up frequency, but relative heart rate in the Senior group did not. [Conclusion] We revealed the physiological exercise intensity of the seniors needs to be modified because of an increase in systolic blood pressure in the initial period of exercise.

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[Purpose] We aimed to clarify the structural factors of "enjoyment" among the elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 165 persons using old peoples' welfare facilities in two districts of Maebashi, Gunma. [Method] Using a questionnaire we developed ourselves, we asked about age, gender, existence of enjoyment and reasons for enjoyment in face-to-face interviews. For those who answered "yes" to "existence of enjoyment", we enquired about the ingredients and reasons for enjoyment. Referring to the Taxonomy of Human Goals, we elicited yes or no responses for reasons for enjoyment. We performed prospective factor analysis of the items cited as reasons for enjoyment and identified items constituting enjoyment. [Results] One hundred fifty-nine (96.4%) reported experiencing enjoyment, and the main ingredients were karaoke, visiting the welfare facility, conversation, hot spas, and handicrafts. As reasons for enjoyment, we identified 3 factors composed of 11 items. Factor 1 was composed of curiosity, understanding, mental creativity, proficiency and task creativity. Factor 2 was composed of individuality, self-determination and superiority; and Factor 3 was composed of tranquility, happiness and physical well-being. We named them Cognitive Tasks, Self-assertiveness and Social Relations, and Emotions, respectively. Cronbach's alpha for the 11 items was 0.73. [Conclusion] Community-dwelling elderly persons enjoyment was expressed by 3 structural factors, Cognitive Tasks, Self-assertiveness and Social Relations, and Emotions, suggesting that it can be assessed by their eleven identified component items.

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[Purpose] In this study, to investigate the utility of the 10-second chair-stand test for the frail elderly (Frail CS-10), we investigated its relationship with activities of daily living (ADL). [Subjects] The subjects were 159 (65 men, 94 women) frail elderly or elderly with light care needs. [Method] Using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, we investigated the gender-specific relationships of the Frail CS-10 and quadriceps femoris strength (QFS) with the functional independence measures motor domain (FIM-M) and each of its component items. [Results] For both genders, both Frail CS-10 and QFS showed significant relationships with FIM-M and each of its component items. However, judging by the magnitude of the correlation coefficients, Frail CS-10 showed stronger correlations than QFS with all of the items of FIM-M. [Conclusion] The results suggest that Frail CS-10 is more strongly related to ADL of the frail elderly than QFS which has hitherto been used as a representative index of lower limb function.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of children with developmental disorders (CDD) to make estimations related to the avoidance of obstacles. [Method] Participants were 9 CDD and 9 healthy children (HC) who had been diagnosed as having attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or Asperger's syndrome, aged 5-6. As a visual discrimination task, participants compared 2 bars at different heights from a distance of 7.0 m. Furthermore, in order to test their estimation of obstacle avoidance, bars of different heights were displayed one by one, and participants were asked to judge whether it would be possible to pass without crouching or bumping into the bars. [Results] CDD and HC performed similarly in the visual discrimination tests. However, CDD fell behind HC in their ability to use body images to estimate the possibility of pass-under movements. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the reason that CDD bump into obstacles lies in the inaccuracy of their own body images. The above results indicate that it is difficult for CDD, in comparison to HC, to make estimations of the possibility of avoiding physical contact with obstacles based on body image.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare physical activity measured by activity meter before and after discharge from a recovery rehabilitation unit, and to consider the causes of decreased amounts of activity after discharge. [Methods] This study measured participant's physical activity by activity meter before and after discharge from a recovery rehabilitation unit for about 1 month. One month after discharge, we investigated the causes of decreased amounts of activity after discharge, and classified them based on the ICF. [Results] There were 11 participants, and 8 completed the study. The average number of steps per day were 2,483 steps before discharge, and 1,304 steps after discharge. All participants felt they had decreased the amount of activity after discharge, and the causes were classified as health service, climate, family's attitude, indoor movement and motivation, etc, based on ICF. [Discussion] To prevent decreasing physical activity after discharge from the recovery rehabilitation unit, it is important to establish a caring plan to increase subjects' opportunities to go outside and the frequency of rehabilitation before discharge.

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[Purpose] After stroke with dominant hand paralysis, patients practice chopstick movements with the non-dominant hand. The aim of this study was to investigate neural activities of chopstick movements, imaging and imitations with the non-dominant hand by functional MRI. [Subjects] The subjects were 5 right-handed healthy adults (mean age, 20.7 yrs) with no significant medical history or current medical problems. [Methods] We compared neural activities in the brain by 3.0T functional MRI during a chopsticks task performance, imaging and imitations. [Results] The chopsticks task activated the bilateral sensoriomotor cortex (SMC) and supplementary motor area, cerebellum, inferior parietal lobule, basal ganglia and right Brodmann area 44. The imaging task activated similar parts, but not the left SMC and cerebellum. The imitation task activated bilateral SMC, SMA, inferior/superior parietal lobule and Brodmann area 44. [Conclusion] The motor image and imitation task both induced activities in the areas stimulated when performing the actual task. We conclude that rehabilitation exercises should include motor imaging and imitation of chopsticks movement.

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[Purpose] In this study, we investigated whether or not wearing a lumbosacral corset during load elevation suppressed increases in spinal curvature. [Subjects] The subjects were 14 healthy women with an average age of 20.1 ± 0.3 years. [Method] The positioning of the corset was from the costal arch to the iliac crest. Measurements were made while subjects looked straight ahead in a static standing posture with both feet set 10 cm apart. We measured thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis with both hands gripping a box containing 2-kg weights at upper limb elevation angles of 0, 90 and 120°, and compared the two angles of spinal curvature among the elevation positions. [Results] Lumbar lordosis showed a significantly large value at 120° of arm elevation. No significant differences were found for thoracic kyphosis. [Conclusion] We showed that by wearing the corset during load elevation work, increase in lumbar lordosis was suppressed at an arm elevation of 90°.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effect of increased muscle strength of the electrically eccentric muscle training (EEMT) method seen in healthy young people is also observed in the elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 11 men and 11 women, average age 80.3 ± 5.2, who could walk independently. [Method] The subjects were divided randomly into an intervention and a control group, and the intervention group performed EEMT. We measured maximum walking distance, muscle endurance and strength before and after the intervention in the respective groups. [Results] The changes in muscle strength between the intervention and control group before and after the intervention were not significant, but for walking distance, they were significant. A significant change was also seen in the muscle endurance of the intervention group. [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that EEMT for sarcopenia can increase muscle endurance but has a limited effect on muscle strength increase.

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[Purpose] We investigated the effects of intervention on the recovery process related to reloading after disuse atrophy of the rat soleus muscle with respect to sites. [Methods] Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (n=7): 1) control group under standard breeding (C14 group), 2) control group on the day of initiation (C0 group), 3) hind-limb suspension group (H14 group), and 4) standard breeding (reloading) groups after hind-limb suspension (R3, R5, R7, and R14 groups). After the completion of the experiment, the right soleus muscle was cut into 4 to prepare origin, proximal, middle, and distal samples. Subsequently, the transverse muscle fiber area was measured. [Results] In the H14 group, the transverse muscle fiber area was significantly lower than in the C14 group. In this group, the value for the distal region was significantly higher. The transverse muscle fiber area increased with the interval of reloading. However, in the R groups other than the R14 group, the values for the distal region were significantly higher than those for the proximal region. [Conclusion] The results suggest that there are differences in the responsiveness to hind-limb suspension and subsequent reloading among longitudinal sites of the rat soleus muscle.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between peak power in the lower extremities during isokinetic movement using a step ergometer and physical performance of community-dwelling elderly. [Methods] Twelve elderly women (mean age 78.3 years) completed physical performance tests which included lower limb muscle power using a step ergometer (60 and 90 steps/minute), the timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and isometric muscle strength of knee extension and flexion. Pearson's correlation coefficients and a stepwise multiple regression model were used to examine the relationships among measurements. [Results] The muscle power at 60 and 90 steps/min showed significant correlations with the TUG test and isometric muscle strength in knee extension, and the TUG test and isometric muscle strength in knee extension and flexion, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, the muscle power of 90 steps/min was only significantly associated with the TUG. [Conclusion] The measurement of the isokinetic power using a step ergometer is valid and useful for evaluating muscle performance of the elderly.

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[Purpose] We conducted a survey of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients' exercise habits and their effects on choices and patterns of activities of daily living. [Subjects] The subjects were 48 DM2 outpatients. [Method] We calculated daily living activity times from responses to a questionnaire about physical activity amounts, and total energy consumption, number of steps, activity times, walking times and high intensity exercise times from a pedometer; then, we identified factors related to exercise habits. [Results] We found there were 3 factors related to the promotion of exercise habits: daily 3METs physical activity time, number of steps, and dedicated exercise times. [Conclusion] The exercise habits of DM2 patients are influenced by having daily opportunities for low intensity exercise, such as walking on the level, suggesting exercise habit would also have an influence on lipid factors which are often involved in DM2 complications.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the evaluation scores of activity limitation in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) using the "Criteria for Activities and Participations" proposal. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 patients with cerebrovascular disorders living in a support center for people with disabilities. [Methods] Two physical therapists (PT) classified each evaluation item of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) into corresponding ICF activity codes. Then, a full-time nurse and a part-time PT scored the activity limitations of each subject and calculated the weighted κ of each evaluated item using a flowchart-type questionnaire for the FIM and the scoring criteria shown in the proposal, "Criteria for Activities and Participations" in ICF. [Results] The range of the weighted κ of each item in FIM was 0.44-1.00, and that of ICF was 0.50-1.00. Our results demonstrate high inter-rater reliability for more than 70% of items scored by both evaluations. [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that the ICF scores of activity limitations are sufficiently applicable to clinical practice using the proposal, "Criteria for Activities and Participations".

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of exercise intervention from the perspective of problems caused by bad posture for high-risk elderly people. Subjects: The subjects were high-risk elderly people participating in town projects for prevention of care: 90 persons in short-term projects, and 25 persons in long-term projects. [Methods] All subjects were given personal exercise instructions in addition to exercises which they were already performing. The evaluations were weight, body fat percentage, grip strength, 30-s chair-stand test, one-leg standing time, Timed "Up-and-Go" Test, 10-m walking time and the number of people having pain of some kind. [Results] In short-term projects, significant increases in one-leg standing time and decreases in the number of people with pain were observed after this intervention. In long-term projects, the same tendencies as in the short-term projects were observed, but without significance. [Conclusion] This postural approach is expected to have good effects on pain relief for high-risk elderly people.

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[Purpose] We investigated the results of exercise interventions and Plastic Ankle Foot Orthosis (PAFO) for a case with polio and stroke. [Subjects] The subject was a male with monoplegia due to polio and ipsilateral hemiplegia due to stroke. He needed minimum assistance for walking when he started rehabilitation. During standing, his knee showed significant valgus and hyperextension. [Methods] Strengthening of abdominal muscles and the gluteus maximum were emphasized as therapeutic exercises. We offered PAFO after consideration of his gait pattern before stroke for protecting his knee. [Results] As a result of therapy, he was able to walk outside with a T-shaped cane independently at discharge. Three months after discharge, his physical function and ability to walk were much improved. [Conclusion] These remarkable changes in his performance may indicate that both exercise and PAFO are very effective.

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