[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between exercise habits and social activities of cancer survivors after discharge from hospital. [Subjects] The subjects were 53 gastrointestinal cancer patients who underwent surgery and could be investigated at the time of outpatient care. [Methods] Exercise habits, community integration questionnaire (CIQ) Japanese version as a substitute of the social activity, and so on were evaluated with self-rating questionnaires. [Results] 43.4% of subjects had exercise habits, but there was no statistically significant difference between exercise habits and the total score of CIQ. [Conclusion] The social activities of the subjects were lower than those of the healthy population. We consider the decrease in the physical activity, except for exercise, was one of the factors behind decrease in social activity, and we deem interventions considering gender and family structure are necessary.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ability to stand on a balance-pad for a minute and gait-style, and falls by the elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 37 elderly persons using a day service (mean age 82.9 ± 7.0). [Methods] We divided the subjects into indepedent walking and walking with a cane groups. We also divided the subjects groups based on history of falls in the last 3 months. We timed standing on a balance-pad for a minute, and investigated its relationship with the groups. [Results] Compared to the walking with a cane group, the independent walking group showed longer standing times. Also, the no fall group showed significantly longer times of standing than the fall group. [Conclusion] The results demonstrate the relationships between ability to stand on a balance-pad for a minute and gait-style and fall.

View full abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the relationship the ability to select the position in a movement task has with gait speed. [Subjects] One hundred twenty community-dwelling elderly people participated. [Methods] The ability to select the position was calculated by the ratio of the results of the seated side tapping test (SST) and the conditional SST (cSST). SST requires the subjects to move their bodies bilaterally as quickly as possible in a seated position with the distance between the feet chosen by the subjects, and the time is measured. On the other hand, the foot breadth is set at 30 cm in the cSST. We also measured gait speed, knee strength, and trunk muscle endurance. We examined the relationship between gait speed and the ability to select the position. [Results] The subjects with high ability to select the position showed significantly greater gait speed. In addition, multiple regression analysis revealed that the ability to select the position, knee strength, and age were significantly associated with gait speed. [Conclusion] Our results highlight that the ability to select the position in a movement task has a large effect on gait speed of community-dwelling elderly subjects.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify whether prolongation of the observation time of a task in which missteps were evaluated would make it possible to predict the risk of falls for community-dwelling elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 39 community-dwelling elderly who were divided into fall (17) and no-fall (22) groups based on their fall history. [Methods] The subjects were instructed to continuously walk to and fro, 4 times, on a 10-m level course with a stepping over task, under single and dual task conditions. We compared the results of performance time and missteps as gait parameters, with fall history as a factor. [Results] The number of missteps increased significantly from the 2nd course repeat in the fall group. From the 3rd course repeat, missteps increased significantly under the dual task condition. [Conclusion] The results suggest it is possible that misstep assessment in continuous walking over 40 m would be useful for predicting the fall risk of the community-dwelling elderly.

View full abstract

[Purpose] With hemiplegic stroke patients as subjects, we investigated the relationships between motor imagery ability and gait ability and degree of gait independence. [Subjects] The subjects were 28 hemiplegic stroke patients. [Methods] We measured subjects’ times in the timed up and go (TUG) test and 10-m walking, as well as their mental times of motor imagery. Motor imagery ability was defined as the difference between the mental and actual times. We investigated the relationships between motor imagery ability and gait ability and degree of gait independence using regression analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. [Results] Mental time and actual time, and motor imagery ability and actual time showed moderate correlations. Under the condition of TUG performed at a comfortable speed, motor imagery ability showed moderate correlations with gait ability and degree of gait independence, as well as a moderate degree of prediction accuracy. [Conclusion] Motor imagery ability of gait is related to gait ability and degree of gait independence.

View full abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the influences of visual and supporting surface conditions on standing postural control of patients with post-stroke hemiplegia by measuring postural sway, and to examine associations between these influences and somatosensory disturbance, clinical standing balance and gait ability. [Methods] Postural sway while standing was measured by posturography under four standing conditions (visual conditions: eyes open or eyes closed; surface conditions: firm floor or foam rubber) for 30 seconds each. In addition, we examined associations between standardized clinical measures of standing balance and gait ability, and quantified somatosensory disturbances (touch, vibration) and postural sway. [Results] Sway of the center-of-pressure (path length and root mean square of velocity) significantly increased under the eyes-closed and foam rubber conditions. Path length correlated significantly with standing balance and gait ability score, and superficial sensory disturbance of the affected side under almost all conditions. [Conclusion] Patients with hemiplegia show a reduced ability to select or compensate for appropriate sensory information according to changes in various conditions.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the dominant leg and leg-crossing preference on pelvic anteversion angle in the standing posture. [Subjects] Subjects were 24 male university students with no medical history involving the lower extremity or the pelvic girdle. [Methods] We used a questionnaire to determine the dominant hand, dominant leg, and leg-crossing preference. We measured the pelvic anteversion angle in the standing position with a goniometer, and compared the right and left sides. We categorized the subjects into the dominant leg group, the pivot leg group, the crossing the upper leg group, and the crossing the lower leg group, and compared them. [Results] The right side pelvis inclined forward more significantly than the left side. The, dominant leg group pelvis inclined forward more significantly than the pivot leg group, and the crossing the upper leg group pelvis inclined forward more significantly than the crossing the lower leg group. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that the pelvis is distorted in the standing posture, due to the effects of the dominant leg and leg-crossing preference.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the interrelationships of assessments of motor imagery using different attributes. [Subjects] The subjects were 43 healthy persons. [Methods] Using the results of a paper questionnaire (VMIQ-2), mental chronometry tasks (iBBT and iTUG), and a mental rotation task (HLJT), we performed correlation and principal component analysis. [Results] We found correlations between VMIQ2-KI and VMIQ2-EVI, VMIQ2-IVI, iTUG, and HLJT. In principal component analysis, the major factors comprising the second principal component were VMIQ2-IVI, VMIQ2-KI, iTUG, and HLJT, and we consider that it is a principal component related to imagery of muscle sense. [Conclusion] In assessments of motor imagery ability, in addition to paper questionnaires, performance of iTUG and HLJT is useful.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The present study investigated whether moving the front extremity forward over the center of mass at the moment of initial contact or moving the rear extremity backward at the moment of pre-swing affects the elongation of step length. [Subjects and Method] Subjects were 6 healthy men. Each subject walked with an adjustable-speed pacemaker. The subject’s motion during walking was measured by a three dimensional analysis system. In this study, step length (SL) was divided into two components for examination: touch-down distance (TD) using body inertia parameters at initial contact; and release distance (RD). Each subject performed two walking tasks at 1.3 m/s (usual walking speed). The free walking task was walking at the subjects’ preferred speeds, and the restrained walking task was walking with elongation of SL to 1 m. This research examined the variance of TD and RD, including pelvic rotation and extremity angles, in increasing the SL, by comparing free walking with restrained walking using the t-test. [Results] Although TD and RD increased significantly in restrained walking, the joint motion associated with the elongation of TD was not consistent. On other hand, hip extension and pelvic rotation were found to be associated with the elongation of RD. [Conclusion] RD could reasonably be expected to cause elongation of SL.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence rate and preoperative variables that give rise to a risk of postoperative respiratory complications in patients who have undergone thoracic surgery of single lobectomy for lung cancer. [Subjects and Methods] Seventy-one consecutive patients (mean 71.0 ± 8.8 years of age) with lung cancer underwent single lobectomy. We retrospectively researched the presence or absence of respiratory complications in medical records, and calculated the incidence rate and incidence days of respiratory complications. Postoperative respiratory complications were defined as atelectasis and pneumonia. We also looked for predictive factors of respiratory complications using logistic regression analysis. [Results] The incidence of postoperative respiratory complications was 14.1%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the variables increasing the chances of postoperative respiratory complications were body mass index (odds ratio, OR = 1.36). [Conclusion] These results provide a framework for identifying patients at risk of developing postoperative respiratory complications following thoracic surgery of lobectomy. A reliable and valid risk factor could be used clinically to guide preoperative and postoperative respiratory physiotherapy and care, and direct limited resources to patients at risk.

View full abstract

[Purpose] We examined the relationships between maximal calf circumference and histological characteristics of the soleus muscle and the neuromuscular function factor of strength of ankle plantar flexion to confirm the importance of evaluating maximal calf circumference. [Subjects] The subjects were 50 healthy adults with no history of lower limb pathology. [Methods] With calf length as 100%, the maximal calf circumference site was measured at 26% from the lower end of the fibular head. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate the histological characteristics of the soleus muscle and a Biodex dynamometer with EMG was used for other measurements. [Results] A moderately strong correlation was observed among muscle histological characteristics, maximal calf circumference, and ankle plantar flexor force in all subjects. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that histological characteristics of the soleus muscle correlate with maximal calf circumference and strength of ankle plantar flexion.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between physical functions and psychological factors in community-dwelling frail elderly. [Subjects] Subjects were 170 elderly persons who participated in an exercise program for frailties. [Methods] Walking abilities, balance functions, and muscle functions of the lower and upper extremities were assessed. We evaluated relationships between physical functions and psychological factors such as Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QOL), falls self-efficacy and so on by partial correlation coefficient analysis. [Results] Some physical functions showed significant relationships with psychological factors, but those relations were moderate or weak. [Conclusion] Although we supposed that there were some relations between physical and psychological functions, a more multiphasic evaluation might be needed to produce more conclusive evidence.

View full abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify the causes of muscle fatigue in the area surrounding the knee joints following a mountain-climbing race. [Subjects] Subjects were firefighters who competed in a Mount Fuji climbing race after performing regular training. [Methods] The strength and activity of the muscles surrounding the knee joints were measured prior to and following the climbing race. [Results] Whereas no significant changes were noted in knee joint extension/flexion torque values following the race, mean EMG frequencies and the RRE (Rate of Rise of absolute EMG amplitude) of the muscle action potential were significantly lower following the race. [Conclusion] The results suggest that there were decreases in muscle fiber conduction velocity and synchrony of motor unit action potential after the firefighters had competed in the climbing race. There were differences in mean EMG frequencies and the RRE depending on the muscle and angular velocity.

View full abstract

[Purpose] For three cases with different stages of non-specific low-back pain (LBP), we conducted direct stretching of the tensor fascia latae, and strengthening exercises for the gluteus medius, and investigated the immediate effects. [Subjects] The subjects were 3 persons diagnosed as having non-specific LBP: a 24-year-old female in the acute stage, a 32-year-old male in the chronic stage, and a 20-year-old male in the chronic stage with acute exacerbation. [Methods] This study used an AB type single case design comprised of leg positioning for pain relief in the A stage, and direct stretching of the tensor fascia latae, and strengthening exercises for the gluteus medius in the B stage. With a visual analog pain scale (VAS), finger-floor distance (FFD), and posterior lumbar flexibility (PLF) as assessment indices, we performed analyses using the binomial test. [Results] VAS, FFD, and PLF showed significant improvements in the B stage compared to the A stage. [Conclusion] The results suggest direct stretching of the tensor fascia latae, and strengthening exercises for the gluteus medius have an immediate effect on non-specific LBP of different stages.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors affecting longitudinal changes in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) of home-bound elderly disabled, Quality of Life (QOL) and burden of the family caregivers. [Subjects] Data were collected from 11 home-bound elderly disabled receiving rehabilitation services at a day-care center (mean age of 73.7 ± 13.0) and their 11 family caregivers (mean age of 62.7 ± 7.0) who were living at home in Kobe city, Hyogo. [Methods] Capacity to perform ADL was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for the home-bound elderly disabled. The health status, QOL and burden of the family caregivers were also evaluated. [Results] It was revealed that the factors affecting the burden of the family caregivers were related to dementia of the home-bound elderly disabled and QOL of the family caregivers. ADL of the home-bound elderly disabled were related to dementia and the burden of the family caregivers. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in order to reduce the burden of family caregivers, it is important to preserve and improve ADL of the home-bound elderly disabled, and to prevent dementia decline.

View full abstract

[Purpose] This study examined factors affecting blood citric acid density in relation to lifestyle-related disease prevention. [Subjects] The subjects were 99 elderly and middle-aged women. Those receiving medication were excluded ?. [Method] We compared factors affecting life-style related diseases in two groups by quantity of blood citric acid density change. [Result] Significant differences between the groups were found in weight, BMI, degree of obesity, maximum blood pressure level, pulse pressure, RBC, Hb, Ht%, and LDL cholesterol. [Conclusion] The citric acid density results suggest that just a modest amount of exercise is effective at burning off fat.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the non-painful side and painful side, and the presence or absence of chronic low back pain, to investigate the relationship of the muscle hardness of the multifidus with chronic low back pain. [Subjects] Six healthy young adults and eleven patients with chronic low back pain participated in this study. [Methods] We measured by the muscle hardness of the lumbar multifidus, 2.5 cm laterally from the L5 spinous process using a dolorimeter ?. [Results] Compared to the normal group, the muscles hardnesses of the painful side and non-painful side of the low back pain group were significantly lower. Muscle hardness of the low back pain group was significantly higher on the pain side compared to the non-pain side. [Conclusion] Treatment of patients with chronic low back pain is also necessary on the non-painful side as well as painful side.

View full abstract

[Purpose] We examined the effect on pulmonary function, lower limb strength, exercise tolerance, and quality of life (QOL) of once a week, outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. [Subjects and Methods] For 18 male patients aged over 40 with mild to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we conducted outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation once a week over a 3-month period (12 weeks), focusing on guidance for home performance. [Results] In the pre- and post-intervention comparisons, FEV_1.0, lower limb strength, exercise tolerance, and QOL showed significant improvements. [Conclusion] Once a week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation with maintenance of motivation for home performance had an effect on functional improvement, and the gap in QOL from that of healthy persons disappeared.

View full abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the frequency and degree of decreased work performance due to low back pain among physical therapists in Japan. [Subjects] A total of 378 physical therapists. [Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the degree of decrease in work performance due to low back pain, the degree of low back pain, age, years of experience, and sex. [Results] A total of 46.0% of subjects experienced decreased work performance due to low back pain. A significant positive correlation was observed between the degree of decrease in work performance due to low back pain and the degree of low back pain. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that many physical therapists experience decreased work performance due to low back pain.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cervical rotational position on voluntary cough intensity. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in this study. [Methods] Cough peak flow (CPF), maximum phonation time (MPT), and other respiratory functions were measured in two positions: a neutral cervical rotational position, and at 30° to the right. [Results] CPF, vital capacity (VC), and %VC at 30° right cervical rotation were significantly lower than their respective values in the neutral position. There was no significant difference in tidal volume or MPT between the two positions. CPF showed a significant positive correlation with VC, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1.0), % FEV1.0, peak expiratory flow, and MPT. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that CPF is related with MPT and other respiratory functions. The volume of CPF at 30°right cervical rotation was lower than that in the neutral position.

View full abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the suitability and reliability of the Borg Category Ratio Scale (CR-10) for isometric contraction exercises performed by polio survivors. [Subjects] The subjects were 15 polio survivors and 45 age-matched normally healthy persons. [Methods] Subjects performed isometric contraction exercise for the knee extensors. The exercise intensity (CalcVal) was derived from the maximum muscle strength, and measured the Borg CR-10 value when reproducing the exercise using CalcVal as visual feedback. Then, we measured muscle strength (RealVal) when performing exercise with the Borg CR-10 value as an index of exercise intensity. We investigated the agreement of CalcVal and RealVal, and the correlation between the Borg CR-10 value and exercise intensity. [Results] Moderately high agreement was found between CalcVal and RealVal, and the Borg CR-10 value correlation with exercise intensity was high. [Conclusion] The results suggest that for polio survivors, an exercise intensity of Borg CR-10 value=4, quite strong, can prevent “muscle overuse and disuse”.

View full abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the effects of cognitive function decline in stroke and femoral neck fracture patients on the structure of their activities of daily living (ADL). [Subjects] Case data of relevant cases were retrieved from the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine database. [Methods] We divided the cases into 4 groups based on the criterion of independence in ADL, and compared FIM motor scores and degree of ADL difficulty determined by Rasch analysis among the groups. [Results] We retrieved the data of 3,367 cases of stroke and 595 cases of femoral neck fracture. In the 4 groups of cases, FIM scores decreased with the severity of both diseases. As ADL impairment progressed the order of difficulty with ADL items changed. [Conclusion] Difficulty with self-care and sphincter control increases with increasing severity of cognitive impairment, and our results show that it is important to pay early attention to these items of ADL.

View full abstract

[Purpose] We investigated the mental characteristics of martial arts athletes using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EQS). [Subjects] The subjects were 80 healthy male martial arts athletes with an average age of 22.6 ± 4.7. [Methods] We conducted STAI and EQS assessments, divided the athletes into Boxing (boxers and kick-boxers) and Grappling (judo and wrestlers) groups, and investigated and compared the types of sport and groups. [Results] In the STAI no differences were found between the groups or sports, but state anxiety and trait anxiety showed a tendency to have high scores compared to the standard score. In the EQS, the Boxing group showed significantly high values of self-control, and significantly low values of empathy. [Conclusion] The results suggest that a mental characteristic of martial arts athletes is a tendency to be susceptible to anxiety, and that the characteristics of a particular sport give shape to differences in areas of emotional intelligence.

View full abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week program of light exercises in the seated position on lower body muscular strength and functional fitness of frail older adults. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-two individuals (mean age = 72 yr) were assigned to two groups: resistance (R) and balance (B) exercise groups. The resistance group performed exercise using an elastic band and a pneumatic exercise kit, and the balance group performed exercise using another pneumatic exercise kit. Lower body strength of knee extension (KE), ankle dorsal extension (AE) and flexion (AF), hip adduction and abduction, and functional fitness were assessed at pre- and post-test. [Results] Significant improvement in the R group was noted in AF, KE, while the B group showed significant changes in KE, AE and single leg balance, but not in functional reach. [Conclusion] Light intensity exercise programs in the seated position were effective at improving the lower body strength of frail older adults.

View full abstract

[Purpose] We investigated the influence on intra-rater reliability of tibia fixation methods, which becomes the main axis when measuring range of motion (ROM) of dorsiflexion. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 female Wistar rats. [Methods] We measured dorsiflexion ROM, with the principal axis fixed either by hand, or by an implement. The measurements were performed by one examiner, and we determined the intra-rater reliability. [Results] The intra-rater reliability of rat hindlimb dorsiflexion ROM was 0.76 when fixation was performed by hand, and 0.84 when fixation was done with an implement. [Conclusion] In order to obtain ROM measurement results of high reliability, using an implement for fixation of the principal axis is useful.

View full abstract

[Purpose] This study examined the influence of different methods of carrying a load on gait parameters. [Subjects] Sixteen healthy young adults participated in this study. [Methods] They walked on the sheet of a gait analysis system with three randomly ordered carrying methods: holding with the dominant hand, holding with the non-dominant hand, and holding with both hands. Walking speed, stance time, step length, step width and toe angle were measured as gait parameters. [Results] Compared with holding the load with the dominant hand, walking speed and stance time were decreased in holding the load with both hands, and toe angle was decreased in holding the load with the non-dominant hand and both hands. [Conclusion] The results suggest that in load-carrying with the dominant hand, walking speed and balance are maintained.

View full abstract

[Purpose] This case study reports the progress of gait training for a man with chronic cervical incomplete spinal cord injury, utilizing the robot suit HAL^® well-being (HAL). [Subjects and Methods] The case was a male in his 60’s with quadriplegia, and his 5 gait training sessions were analyzed for HAL utilization, and his gait function. Progressive gait training with HAL considering fitting adjustment, assistance setting, goal setting, and self-exercise instruction were implemented safely. [Results] Compared to before HAL training, gait velocity increased from 0.46 to 0.76 m/sec, and step length increased from 32.0 to 50.0 cm. In visual analysis, swing motion improved and longer weight shift to the left side in the stance phase was observed during gait. [Conclusion] This case study of 5 gait training sessions utilizing HAL found improvement in gait function of the man, indicating the effectiveness of neuro-rehabilitation.

View full abstract