[Purpose] Using electroacupuncture in a mirror box, we investigated the changes with illusion of movement in excitation through the F wave. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 13 right-handed healthy adults. Electroacupuncture was applied to the right hand, and the F wave of the left hand was measured with and without the mirror, alternately, 4 times. Electroacupuncture was applied to the first dorsal interosseus muscle at a frequency of 1 Hz. The F wave was evoked in the median nerve by supramaximal stimulus eliciting the M wave, and was recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis. [Results] The persistence of F wave and amplitude ratio of F/M increased in the mirror condition, compared with the no mirror condition; however, no significant changes in average latency F wave were found. [Conclusion] We proved that with the mirror, visual information from the mirror, and somatosensory information of muscular movement induced by electroacupuncture, not only recruitment in the excitation of spinal neural function, but did so synchronization.

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[Purpose] In this study, we examined the effects of observing different parts of the reach-to-grasp movement on neural activation using electroencephalography. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 right-handed, healthy adults. [Methods] The subjects were instructed to observe the entire reach-to-grasp movement, only the proximal part of the reach-to-grasp movement, or only the distal part of the reach-to-grasp movement. We studied the effect on mu suppression of observation of the reach-to-grasp movement, and compared it with the baselines values. [Results] First, our results showed that for all conditions, the log ratio of mu power at the C3 and C4 regions while observing the reach-to-grasp movement was significantly lower than the baseline values. Second, our results showed that the log ratio of mu power when the subjects observed the entire reach-to-grasp movement was significantly lower thay when they observed only the proximal part or only the distal part of the reach-to-grasp movement. [Conclusion] Observing the entire reach-to-grasp movement was more effective at activating mirror neurons than observing only the proximal part or only the distal part of the reach-to-grasp movement.

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[Purpose] To investigate the change of whole body reaction time and muscular activity of the obliquus internus abdominis muscle in vertical jump before and after the intervention of a labored breathing exercise. [Subjects] Ten healthy men (mean age 21.6±0.7 (SD) years old) participated. [Methods] The subjects were asked to jump vertically as quickly as possible when a red light placed 2 m ahead of them was turned on. The time from the light stimulus to both feet aloft was measured and the obliquus internus abdominis muscular activity was recorded using surface electromyography before and after the labored breathing exercise. Whole body reaction time, muscle contraction starting time and muscular activity maximum time of the obliquus internus abdominis muscle were compared between before and after the intervention. [Results] The times of whole body reaction time, before and after the intervention were 342.7±28.6 msec and 329.9±25.9 msec (p<0.05). The times of muscle contraction initiation, before and after the intervention were 96.0±12.8 msec, and 84.0±19.6 msec. The times of muscular maximum activity, before and after the intervention were 170.0±25.7 msec, and 148.0±26.0 msec (p<0.05). [Conclusion] The labored breathing exercise improved the whole body reaction time and muscular maximum activity time of the obliquus internus abdominis muscle, enabling more rapid vertical jumping.

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[Purpose] Efficient steps in the paradoxical walking exercise for Parkinson??s disease (PD) patients were studied under several walking conditions. [Subjects] Seven PD patients capable of walking independently as directed, and 10 aged, normally healthy subjects. [Method] Using 4 walking conditions that used 3 types of visual cues with differing step lengths indicating free walking, steps, cadence and speed were measured and compared among the conditions. [Results] When walking freely, the PD patients had a shorter step and slower walking speed than the healthy subjects, however, there was no difference in their cadence. Their step length increased with all 3 types of visual cue. however, together with the increase in indicated steps, their cadence decreased. [Conclusion] For PD patients, a step length shorter than the free walking step length of healthy aged subjects is appropriate for the paradoxical walking exercise.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the shoulder joint external rotation muscles are affected by muscle fatigue from consecutive baseball pitching. [Subject] Ten adult men who had spent more than five years playing baseball participated in this study. [Methods] The muscle activity in pitching before and after throwing 100 pitches were recorded using surface electromyography. From the recorded electromyography data, we calculated the time required to reach 50%, and 100% maximal voluntary contraction, and maximal value. We compared these values before and after throwing 100 pitches. [Results] After throwing 100 pitches, in terms of maximal value, only the electromyography data of the teres minor was delayed. The others muscles did not show any change. [Conclusion] Fatigue from consecutive baseball pitching weakened all muscles, but electromyography data were non-uniform.

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[Purpose] We examined the validity and reproducibility of a method of pharynx movement analysis using a combination of a microphone, to record the sound of swallowing for frequency analysis, and a redesigned ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device, aiming to develop a visual and quantitative evaluation method of the dynamics of deglutition. [Subjects] The subjects were four healthy adults. [Methods] We compared the reproducibility of the measured pharynx movement time and frequency analysis of the swallowing sound with the conventional method of contrast radiography. To investigate the validity, we made the same measurements using VF and compared them. [Results] In the comparison of the measured values, the frequency analysis of the swallowing sound using a voice microphone and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device gave measured values that were comparable with those of VF which has superior visual judgement of the maximal pharyngeal movement. [Conclusion] We consider the evaluation utilizing an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is an effective way of quantitatively evaluating patients suffering from aspiration.

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[Purpose] To study the effects of low intensity exercises performed on passive movement type machines (PMTM). [Subjects] Community dwelling chronic stroke patients who were regularly attending day-care services. [Methods] The participants were observed for three months when they attended the day-care center as usual. In the following three months, they performed low intensity exercises on PMTM, 2 times a week. Effects of training were evaluated by measuring arm curl (AC), chair stand (CS), up and go (UG), sit and reach (SR), back scratch (BS), functional reach (FR), and 12-min walking distance (TW) three times: 1) after enrolment into the training program; 2) at the beginning of the passive exercise program; and 3) after completion of the passive exercise training period. [Results] No significant changes were noted in any tested parameter during the observation period. Significant improvement was noted in CS (32.3%↑), TW (55.0%↑), and SR (-5.3 cm↑) after completion of three months of passive exercises. [Conclusion] Transitive exercises are effective at improving the lower body muscular performance and ambulatory ability of community-dwelling chronic stroke patients.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferential activity of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) of six isometric knee extension exercises. [Subjects] Eighteen healthy females participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects performed six isometric knee extension exercises: straight leg raise (SLR), straight leg raise with externally rotated hip, knee flexed at 60 degrees combined with neutral, internal, and external tibial rotation, and simultaneous isometric hip adduction at 10 degrees of hip adduction with the knee fully extended. The muscle activities of VMO and VL and VMO/VL ratios were calculated during the exercises. [Results] The VMO/VL ratios of the exercises with tibial rotations were significantly greater than the exercises involving SLR. VMO muscle activities of the exercises with tibial rotations were significantly higher than these of the other exercises. [Conclusion] The results suggest that isometric knee extension exercises with the knee flexed are effective at preferentially activating VMO. It will be necessary to examine the effect on preferential activity of VMO in knee extension exercises with the knee flexed.

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[Purpose] The present study was conducted to determine the number of measurements required to establish the intra- and inter-class reliabilities of measurement of the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles using ultrasound scanning equipment. [Subjects] Thes subjects were 15 healthy males. [Methods] To assess intraclass reliability, the measurement was conducted twice by the same examiner, and once, for interclass reliability, by three different examiners. The number of measurements required to establish a high level of reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient, standard errors of measurement, and minimal clinically important difference. [Results] The interclass correlation coefficient was smaller than the intraclass correlation coefficient. Measurement errors of 0.57 to 0.77 mm were noted between the examiners, suggesting that changes of 1.59 mm for the external abdominal oblique muscle, 2.15 mm for the internal abdominal oblique muscle, and 1.77 mm for the transverse abdominal muscle or more should not be considered as measurement errors. The appropriate number of measurements was one: k=1.0. [Conclusion] The level of reliability was the highest when measurement of the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles was performed once by the same examiner.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to find the most effective site of electrode placement in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for postoperative showder patients. [Methods] Twelve patients (seven males, five females) 14 to 15 days after shoulder orthopedic surgery were enrolled in this study. The current perception threshold (CPT), the pain (VAS), and the shoulder range of motion (ROM) were evaluated before, during and after TENS. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive TENS with electrode placement on C4 to C6 dermatomic regions of pain (group A) and C7 to Th1 dermatomic regions not related to pain (group B) on the 14th postoperative day. [Result] Group A showed significantly less pain and greater CPT than group B. ROM improved during and after TENS regardless of electrode placement. [Conclusion] The results suggest that TENS with electrode placement on the dermatomic region of pain was more effective than other regions for postoperative shoulder patients.

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[Purpose] There have been no reports in which the activity of the upper extremity has been assessed quantitatively in the sitting position. This study aimed to examine the daily activity of the upper extremity in the sitting position using two different accelerometers. [Methods] In the first experiment, young healthy students wore accelerometers. The activities in the sitting position were videotaped and analyzed, then the level of activities was determined. In the second experiment, the activities of the upper extremity in everyday life were monitored by an accelerometer and total sitting time, the activity time and the percentage of the upper extremity activity in each activity were analyzed. [Results] In the first experiment, there was strong significant correlation between the times measured by the accelerometers and the videotape. There were no additional or proportional errors in the level of times measured by the two methods. In the second experiment, even for the young healthy students, activity was at a low level for the majority of the total sitting time. [Conclusions] The activities of the upper extremity were divided into three categories according to their strength using two different accelerometers. Furthermore, the daily activity of the upper extremity in actual life could be evaluated according to its level of strength.

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[Purpose] The first purpose of this study was to evaluate the cough-induced energy expenditure (EE), and the second purpose of this study was to examine the difference in the cough-induced EE according to the frequency and the body position. [Subjects] Eighteen healthy students (age 22.2 ± 0.4) participated in this study. [Methods] Cough was induced two times continuously in the TLC position (1 set). EEs were measured for 10 sets, 20 sets and 30 sets of cough using an expiratory gas monitor in the chair sitting, the semi-recumbent, and the recumbent positions. [Results] EEs in the sitting position increased significantly in 10 sets and 20 sets of cough, EEs in the semi-recumbent and the recumbent positions increased significantly in 10 sets, 20 sets, and 30 sets of cough. Mean cough-induced EE was 6.39 ± 0.50 (ml/kg/min) and the increase rate of the cough-induced EE was 62% from resting EE. [Summary] The increase rate of the cough-induced EE from resting EE was 62%. There was no difference in the cough-induced EE among the three body positions.

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[Purpose] To determine the criterion-related validity of a measure of dual-task performance using the dynamic gait index (DGI) for patients with stroke. [Subjects] Seventeen patients with stroke who were capable of walking unassisted and had no cognitive impairments. [Methods] We evaluated the DGI, stops walking when talking test (SWWT), timed up and go test, walking speed, and step length under the dual-task condition. To determine the criterion-related validity, we first, performed correlation analysis of the DGI scores and the results of each evaluation. Next, we classified subjects into two groups, continued walking group or stops walking group using the results of SWWT, and then, we compared the DGI scores between the two groups. [Results] DGI scores showed significantly strong correlations with each result under the dual-task condition. The average DGI score of the continued walking group was significantly higher than that of the stops walking group. [Conclusion] The DGI showed evidence of criterion-related validity. It is a useful measure for evaluating the dual-task performance of patients with stroke.

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[Purpose] Utilizing the reaction time (RT), we investigated the short-term effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) specific techniques, employing 8 kinds of stretches. [Subjects] The subjects were 40 healthy adult males. [Methods] From among the specific techniques, we employed four kinds of unilateral joint movements (simple movement), and investigated the duration of the effect, by measuring elbow flexion before and at specific time points after PNF. [Results] We found an RT shortening effect, compared to pre-treatment, which lasted for 5 min at the most among the groups receiving the specific techniques of rhythmic stabilization, contract-relax and hold-relax; no significant differences were found for the rhythmic initiation group. [Conclusion] PNF applications in physical therapy interventions are possible, since RT was shortened for 5 min after simple movements.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate how long and how much muscle stretching would cause a change in muscle oxygenation. [Subjects] Seventeen healthy young volunteers participated in this study. [Methods] Four types of manual passive stretching (5 N·m) for 60 sec and for 120 sec, 10 N·m for 60 sec and for 120 sec) were randomly performed by the calf muscle. Near-infrared spectroscopy muscle oxygenation of the calf muscle was monitored during passive stretching. [Results] Muscle oxygenation in the calf muscle during passive stretching of 10 N·m for 120 sec decreased significantly compared with that during the other three types of passive stretching. The difference of muscle oxygenation in the calf muscle between passive stretching at 5 N·m and passive stretching at 10 N·m became significant as the stretch time increased. [Conclusion] Theresults suggest that a certain level of strength and time are indispensable for decreasing the muscle blood flow and to causing sufficient metabolic change during passive stretching.

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[Purpose] We report the outcome of an early intervention with a tactile discrimination task for 2 patients with phantom limb pain related to superficial pain, after qualitative assessment. [Subjects] Two patients who experienced phantom limb pain related to superficial pain after amputation for diabetic gangrene. [Method] The 2 patients were asked to discriminate the region of tactile sensation when a cushion was held to the amputation stump. [Results] At the beginning of the discrimination task, the patients could not discriminate the region of tactile sensation accurately. However, after the discrimination task, the subjects could discriminate the region of tactile sensation, and the phantom limb pain improved. [Conclusion] This result shows the importance of an immediate decision regarding intervention, after the qualitative assessment of phantom limb pain.

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[Purpose] In this case study, we investigated the effect of pulsed ultrasound therapy (US) for early knee osteoarthritis (OA) with severe synovitis and joint effusion. [Subject] The subject was a 70-year-old woman with left knee OA. [Method] The subject received 12 sessions (three times weekly) of pulse US therapy for 10 minutes per session at a frequency of 1.0 MHz, intensity of 0.5 W/cm², and pulsed mode (20%). Findings by ultrasonography, pain, range of motion, muscular strength and JKOM were assessed before and after treatment. [Result] Synovitis and joint effusion measured by ultrasonography, pain, range of motion, muscular strength and JKOM improved. [Conclusion] These results show that pulsed US is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for patients who have early knee osteoarthritis with severe synovitis and joint effusion.

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[Purpose] To simplify the method of analysis of phase synchronization between cardiac and locomotor rhythms, we introduce a method of analysis using Microsoft Office Excel. [Methods] We use the data of a healthy man during walking as an example. Two time-series data are generated from the R wave onset time signals of the ECG data and the heel contact signals of the foot switch data. We calculated the relative phase between the two time-series data. Next we generated a scatter diagram which shows the time-line as the abscissa and the relative phase as the ordinate (Phase Synchrogram). We also generated a histogram of the relative phase divided into 10 classes. We additionally calculated the strength of synchronization. Lastly to rejectd the hypothesis that the phase synchronization occurs by chance, we analyze the relative phase data using the surrogate data technique. [Conclusion] The software which most physical therapist can use was ubilized to investigate synchronization among biological rhythms in the physical therapy field.

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