[Purpose] To determine the motor learning effect of a combination of verbal instructions incorporating internal focus of attention (IFA) with knowledge of performance (KP) on postural optimization training using functional reach (FR). [Subjects] Twenty-three able-bodied university students (16 females, 7 males; mean age, 19.5 ± 0.5 years) who volunteered to participate in this study were randomly assigned to the IFA group or the control group. [Methods] Horizontal distance between the lateral malleolus and the fingertip (FR distance) and the location of the center of gravity were measured at before, and 1 day and 1 week after the completion of the intervention. After the initial measurement, participants performed 10 daily FR trials on 5 consecutive days (practice phase) and the IFA group received verbal instructions and knowledge of performance (KP). The FR distance was measured after all trials. [Results] The main effect of days of experience on FR distance was significant (p < 0.001). However, the main effect of group on FR distance was not significant. The IFA group tended to perform better during the first half of a practice day with the lapse of a practice phase. [Conclusions] A high level of similarity between IFA instruction and KP might influence the learning effect. Furthermore, IFA instruction may have an effect on trainability by immediately showing the best performance.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the fall situations and fall risk factors over one year and five months of wheelchair users hospitalized in a long-term care health facility. [Subjects] The subjects were 123 wheelchair users (82 female) with an average age of 83.9 ± 8.8 years. [Results] The number of those who fell within the study period was 68 (26 males and 42 females), and twenty-one persons had fallen within two months of admission. Almost all fall locations were near the bedside or in the toilet. As for the direction of fall, backward falls were 74% of the total. In addition, there were no significant differences of age, gender, cognitive function or care level between the faller group and the non-faller group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that to prevent wheelchair users’ falls, falls risk assessment is required in the early admission period and living room environment and toilet activities should be improved.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of foot arch related muscle strength training on the incidence of ankle and foot injuries among college soccer players. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 male college soccer players. [Methods] The subjects were distributed to a training group and a control group. Height, weight, toe flexor muscle strength, foot arch ratio, functional reach test, one maximum width of step, one-leg standing time with eyes closed, and 10 m maximum speed walking time were measured before and after the intervention. The subjects were paired by toe flexor muscle strength, 10 m maximum speed walking time and then divided randomly into two groups. The training group performed toe flexor muscle strength training. We evaluated the number of accidental injuries per one season between the training group and the no-training group, and the number of accidental injuries were divided into each part of the body, and the measurement items and the number of accidental injuries were compared between the groups. [Results] Toe flexor muscle strength significantly increased in the training group, and one maximum width of step, and one-leg standing time with eyes closed also increased. Furthermore, the number of ankle sprains in the training group, were significantly less than in the no-training group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that foot arch related muscle strength training for college soccer players is effective for injury prevention.

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[Purpose] We investigated the effect on body sway of changes in craniocervical alignment with various sensory input restrictions. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy adult males. [Method] The experimental task was to maintain standing for 20 s with the feet 10 cm apart. The sensory input restrictions were: no restrictions, sight restriction, somatic sensory restriction, and sight and somatic sensory restriction. For craniocervical alignment we used the neutral, extension, and flexion positions of the neck. We examined the effect of craniocervical alignment on body sway in each of the conditions. [Results] Under sight and somatic sensory restriction, body sway in neck extension was greater than in the other positions. [Conclusion] The results suggest that under conditions of compound sensory restriction, the importance of craniocervical alignment increases for postural maintenance.

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[Purpose] Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of patients’ age on the recovery of external rotation after arthroscopic Bankart repair by measuring the angle of external rotation periodically till 24 weeks after operation. [Subjects and Methods] Ninety patients were followed over 6 months after arthroscopic Bankart repair. They were divided into the following three groups: patients with ages of 14-19 (group A: 30 shoulders); patients with ages of 20-29 (group B: 36 shoulders); and patients with ages of 30-39 (group C: 24 shoulders). The external rotation angle was measured before the operation, and at 6, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after the operation, and compared among the three groups at each period. [Results] The pre-operative external rotation angle was 70.9±15.8° in group A, 65.3±16.3 in group B, and 60.2±15.3° in group C. There was a significant difference between groups A and C. The external rotation angle at 24 weeks was 67.4±15.9° in group A, 57.0±15.5° in group B, and 47.6±18.7° in group C, while the external rotation angle in group A was significantly larger than that in group C. [Conclusion] Improvement of range of motion in external rotation was poor for the older patients as the external rotation angle was significantly lower in group C than in group A.

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[Purpose] This study was done to clarify the effects of ultrasound (US) treatment on an axonotomesis rat model. [Subjects] Eighteen Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, US group, and non-US group (N-US group). [Method] Bilateral sciatic nerves of the US and N-US groups were crushed and compressed. The US group received ultrasound treatment 5 times/week. The US treatment conditions were: frequency, 1 MHz; intensity, 1.0 W/cm² duty time 20%, 10 min/day. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, bilateral sciatic nerves were excised as samples for histological examination. [Result] The mean number of myelinated fibers showed a significant difference between the US group and the N-US group at 2 and 4 weeks after nerve damage, with a significant increase in the US group. The mean axon diameter showed a significant difference between the US group and the N-US group at 2 and 4 weeks after nerve damage, being significantly smaller in the US group than in the N-US group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that US treatment for axonotomesis is effective at facilitating neurotization.

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[Purpose] To verify how the application of elastic tape to the anterior surface of the thigh changes the knee angle pattern during gait. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 persons who showed an abnormal gait pattern when walking ordinarily. [Method] Subjects were asked to walk as usual, and with elastic tape attached to the anterior surface of the thigh. The knee angle was measured during gait with an electronic goniometer. We graphed the temporal changes of knee angle and compared them with the normal gait pattern. [Results] With application of the tape, the knee angle gait pattern of 6 of the 10 subjects improved, becoming like that of the normal gait pattern. [Conclusion] The application of elastic tape to the anterior surface of the thigh changed the knee angle gait pattern. The change in knee angle resulted from stimulus via the skin, rather than voluntary muscular adjustment, suggesting the possibility that it originated from a change in reflexive tensile strength.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of power spectrum entropy of acceleration time-series in setting the load for high-intensity strength training for the frail elderly. [Subjects] Twenty-one community-dwelling elderly persons requiring long-term care. [Methods] All movements of the subjects were distinguished as good movements from poor movements by an experienced physical therapist during evaluation to set the load. The entropy of spectrum of acceleration was measured and compared between the good movements and poor movements. [Results] Significant differences were found by paired t-test analysis of the subjects (p=.000, 95%CI: 0.12-0.30 bit), except for 6 subjects who performed their movements within a narrow range. [Conclusion] The current results suggest that the entropy derived from the spectrum of the acceleration time-series during movement is useful for setting the load in high-intensity strength training, as well as attention to reduced range of movement.

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[Purpose] This study was performed to clarify conditions of stroke patients suitable for a convalescent rehabilitation ward for discharging to home early. [Methods] The subjects were 118 stroke patients who were hospitalized in our convalescence rehabilitation ward. They were divided into “home discharge group” and “hospitalization/transfer group”. The two groups were compared using patient background, contents of discharge planning, course of hospitalization, neurological symptoms and activities of daily living (ADL). [Results] There were no differences in patient background and duration from the onset to admission between the two groups. There were differences in duration of hospitalization, neurological symptom and ADL at admission and discharge and improvement factor of ADL between the two groups. Hope of home discharge based on family care in the home discharge group was higher than that in the hospitalization/transfer group. [Conclusion] It is important that the family understands the condition of the patient and cooperates with care for the patient.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether the effect of an exercise differs according to the balance tool. [Subjects] The subjects were 45 elderly people, 70 years or older (average age 83.2 years old). [Method] We divided the subjects into C group, that did not perform balance exercise, D group, that performed balance exercise using a balance disk, and P group that performed balance exercise using a balance pad. The subjects carried out balance exercise two times a week for four weeks. Functional reach (FR), the timed up-and-go test (TUG), 10m walking test (10mWT), and center of foot pressure (COP) were used to assess the effect of the balance exercise. [Results] The improvement of COP was larger in groups D and P than in group C, but was not significantly difference between groups D and P. The improvement of FR was larger in group D than in groups C and P. [Conclusion] The balance pad exercise led to a large change in COP that might be effective at improving dynamic balance such as FR.

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[Purpose] We examined the effect of wearing a corset on trunk muscle activity in lumbar stabilization exercises. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy men, average age 21.3 ± 0.5 years. [Method] We measured subjects’ trunk muscle activity, while they performed bridge, bird dog, and leg-rasing exercises with and without a corset. [Results] The right obliquus internus abdominis muscle activity in the bridge, bird dog (right arm, left leg), and right leg raise exercises, and the right obliquus internus abdominis and rectus abdominis muscle activities in the right leg raise exercise, showed significantly lower values when the subjects wore the corset. [Conclusion] Because the activity of the obliquus internus abdominis decreased when a corset was worn for lumbar stabilization exercises, we consider that the frequency of the exercises should be increased.

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[Purpose] To determine the relationship between a decline in walking speed under a dual-task (DT) condition and attentional function. [Subjects] We studied 23 frail, elderly community dwellers requiring support to nursing care level 1. [Methods] We analyzed relationships between the trail-making test (TMT) part A/B (TMT-A, TMT-B), which is an assessment of attentional function, and ΔTMT by calculating the difference (Δ) in walking speed between single-task (ST) and DT conditions. [Results] Difference in walking speed positively correlated with TMT-B and ΔTMT, but not with TMT-A. [Conclusion] The decline in the walking speed of frail elderly individuals under DT conditions is closely associated with attentional function, especially divided attention.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of introduction of a flowchart for cases of putaminal hemorrhage. [Subjects] Subjects were 54 cases of cerebral hemorrhage confined to the putamen. [Methods] Subjects were divided into before and after the introduction of the flowchart. We investigated the timing to commencement of each practice, timing to independence, outcome, length of stay, and 3 weeks after the onset of FMS, and compared them between the two groups. [Results] For the introduction group, timing to independence and commencement of practice, tended to be faster than before the introduction. Also, the FMS total score was significantly higher than before the flowchart introduction. [Conclusion] Introduction of the flowchart appears to have brought forward the start of practice and early recovery of basic motor skills.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between anxiety and the circumstances of travel to university to provide reference material for student guidance. [Subjects] The subjects were physical therapy university students. [Method] We divided the students into those attending university from home and those who were not, and analyzed the group relationships with anxiety. Next we divided the two groups according to the distance from home to university and analyzed its psychological impact. [Results] There was no significant difference in anxiety levels between the group traveling to university from home and the group who were not. However, in the group who were not traveling from home, anxiety was significantly higher among those who were living the farthest from home. [Conclusion] We are apt to believe that all those who begin living alone experience the same levels of anxiety; however, the levels of anxiety were different according to the distances from home, indicating the necessity of tailoring responses to different circumstances.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between muscle mass and glycemic control in men with type 2 diabetic patients, which could help when creating an exercise program. [Subjects and Method] Subjects were 58 men with type 2 diabetes without bone, joint motor diseases. According to the criteria of the Japan Diabetes Society, glycemic control was classified into good (14 patients), fair (20 patients) and poor (24 patients) groups, and upper and lower limb and trunk muscle were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. [Result] In all of the upper and lower limb and body trunk, the poor group showed significantly less muscle mass than the good group. In addition, for the upper limb and trunk muscle mass, the poor group showed significantly less muscle mass than the fair group. [Conclusion] It was revealed that patients with poor glycemic control had less muscle mass in all parts of the body. Therefore, when planning an exercise program for these patients, it is necessary to choose exercise which combines aerobics exercise and resistance exercise.

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[Purpose] To study the difference of the excitability of spinal neural function at 10 and 50%MVC motor imagery. [Subjects] Subjects were 25 healthy subjects, mean age of 24.7±7.27 years. [Methods] We recorded the F-wave under 3 conditions. 1) In the rest condition, we recorded F-wave during relaxation. 2) At 10 and 50%MVC motor imagery, subjects were asked to imagine contraction while holding a pinch meter. 3) In the after imagery period, we recorded the F-wave at 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after imagery. [Results] Both persistence and the amplitude ratio of F/M during 10 and 50%MVC imagery were significantly higher than that at rest. The relative values of 50%MVC imagery to rest tended to be higher than those of 10%MVC imagery. [Conclusion] We consider that 50%MVC motor imagery increased the excitability of the spinal neural function more than 10%MVC motor imagery.

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[Purpose] This study compared differences between groups to determine instructional factors for beginners, by focusing on the pelvic movement in the straight right punching motion. [Subjects] The two groups were those with experience (n=5,27.3±4.5 years old) and without experience (n=7,22.3±1.2 years old) of boxing. [Methods] We measured three straight right punching motions using a three-dimensional motion analysis system, and derived the pelvic rotation angle, pelvic angular velocity, and rotation time. Based on the maximum pelvic rotation angle, the results were divided into acceleration and restoration periods. Using the average values of each measurement in both periods we investigated, the significance of difference between the experienced and inexperienced groups. [Results] In both groups, a significant difference was found in the maximum pelvic rotation angle and the maximum pelvic angular velocity in the two periods, as well as the average pelvic rotation time in the restoration period. [Conclusion] When coaching beginners in boxing, the results suggest that there is a need to instruct carefully about going back to the original stance immediately.

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[Purpose] We examined the relationships of the magnitudes of muscle activities of the leg and trunk with respect to the leg feeling “heavy” or not in an active straight leg raise (ASLR). [Subjects] The subjects were 11 normally healthy men. [Method] The subjects performed ASLR and decided which leg felt the heaviest. Then, we investigated the magnitude of the muscle activities of both legs and sides of the trunk when the subjects performed ASLR with and without a load. [Results] In ASLR with load of the “heavy” leg, the activity of the obliquus externus abdominis of the contralateral side showed a lower value than that of the ipsilateral side. Furthermore, without load, the activity of the contralateral gluteus medius showed the same pattern as that of the obliquus externus abdominis. [Conclusion] The feeling of heaviness in the leg when performing ASLR is related to lower muscle activities of the obliquus externus abdominis on both sides and the gluteus medius on the contralateral side.

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[Purpose] To ascertain the effect on subjective visual vertical (SVV) of cervical rotation in standing. [Subjects] The subjects were 20 healthy persons with an average age of 22.7±1.7 years. [Method] In the standing position, we measured SVV at 7 cervical rotations of 0, and left and right rotations of 15, 30, and 45 degrees, and computed the extent of its deviation. We investigated the effect of cervical rotation on SVV, using two-way analysis of variance with a post hoc multiple comparison test, and a significance level of less than 5%. [Result] At cervical left and right rotations of 30 and 45°, the deviation of SVV showed a high value. At the same angles, we also found significant deviations in SVV between direction of rotation. [Conclusion] The results suggest that, in cervical rotation, shift of the eye position through lateroversion creates an optokinetic stimulation effect.

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