[Purpose] This study compared differences between two groups to determine instructional points for beginners. [Subjects] The two groups were those with experience (n=5, aged 26.2 ± 6.1 years old) and without experience (n=5, aged 31.2 ± 1.2 years old) of boxing. [Methods] The subjects were requested to hit the target immediately after a flash of light prompt with right hand straight punches. We divided the punching motion into four periods based on characteristics quantified using two force platforms and electromyography (EMG), and derived the punch motion speed, the trajectory displacement of center of foot pressure (COP), and the muscle activities. The measurement items were examined for significant differences between the two groups. [Results] A significant difference was found in the total punch speed and the anterior-posterior motion in two of the periods, as well as the beginning of muscle activity of two muscles and the duration time of muscle activity of three muscles. [Conclusion] These results provide guidance for straight-punching motion instruction for boxing beginners.

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[Purpose] The activities of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius induced by different movements, and the hip extension and abduction torque values of different limb positions were investigated and compared. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 10 healthy male adults, and the muscles examined were the gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), biceps femoris, and the back muscles of the lumbar region. Hip extension and abduction were performed in the supine position in three limb positions of hip flexion of 0 and 90˚, and hip extension of 15˚ . The values of hip extension and abduction torque were also measured during the movements. [Results] Gmax showed high values of muscle activity during extension with 15˚ hip extension, and during abduction with 90˚ hip flexion. No differences were found among the Gmed activity values. No differences were found in hip extension torque among the different limb positions, but abduction torque showed a high value at hip flexion of 0˚. [Conclusion] The anatomical characteristics of Gmax and Gmed were electromyographically corroborated.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between grade 3 muscle strength and the maximum muscle strength of manual muscle testing established by Daniels et al. [Subjects] The subjects were the dominant legs of 21 healthy persons (mean age: 23.3 years). [Methods] Experimental tasks included maximum force static muscle contraction in flexion and extension of the hip and knee joints. The maximum resistance in each task was determined with a hand-held dynamometer. The relationships between grade 3 muscle strength and the maximum muscle strength were tested using regression analysis and analysis of covariance. [Results] We confirmed that all of the 4 regression equations could be used to predict the maximum muscle strength. The regression equation for flexion of the hip joint was the same as that for extension of the joint, while the regression equation for flexion of the knee joint differed from that of extension of the joint. [Conclusion] This study found there is a linear correlation between grade 3 muscle strength and the maximum muscle strength, and that the correlation was different for each motion.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the satisfaction and economic conditions of family caregivers utilizing long-term care insurance. [Subjects] Data were collected from 33 main family caregivers of home-bound elderly disabled receiving home care support services who were living at home in Kobe city, Hyogo. [Methods] We carried out a survey of long-term care insurance services using records of care, satisfaction with the use of long-term care insurance, and the economic conditions of family caregiver. [Results] It was revealed that 97% of family caregivers were satisfied with long-term care insurance. The group which answered that the amount of nursing care service was “satisfactory” had a higher service utilization rate than the group that answered “not satisfactory”. The results also indicate the possibility that users refrained from using services because of their cost. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in order to continue family care, support to reduce the economic burden of families is required.

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[Purpose] The ankle joint muscle activities during gait of hemiplegics exhibiting a nearly normal knee pattern (NKP) and the extension thrust pattern (ETP), in which the knee extends in the stance phase of the hemiplegic side, were analyzed. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 14 hemiplegic patients in the recovery stage, and the activities of their hemiplegic side tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (Gas) muscles were measured in the stance phase of the hemplegic side during gait at a self-selected speed. [Results] In the NKP, activity of TA in the loading response phase was significantly greater than in the single-leg support phase, but in the ETP no significant differences in TA were found during the stance phase. No significant differences in Gas activities were found in the stance phase of either group of subjects. [Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility that in the stance phase of the hemiplegic side, TA activity is a factor contributing to knee extension during the loading response phase of the hemiplegic side.

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[Purpose] To neurophysiologically clarify the muscle tone inhibitory effect induced by active individual muscle stretching (AID). [Subjects] The subjects were 40 left-side limbs of healthy male students. [Methods] The condition of the soleus muscle was assessed using the Hmax/Mmax ratio calculated from evoked EMG H-wave and M-wave maximum values under both the AID and no-stretch conditions, and compared between the two conditions, and between before and after AID. [Results] No significant differences were found in the Hmax/Mmax ratio between the conditions, but compared to before AID, a significant decrease in the ratio was seen after AID. [Conclusion] The results suggest that AID acts to suppress the excitability of spinal motor neurons.

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[Purpose] Measurement of chest expansion is a simple and practical method for assessing patients’ respiratory function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between chest expansion and changes in chest volumes at specific locales of the thorax. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 sedentary healthy men. [Methods] Circular reflective markers were placed at points on the sternal notch, 3rd rib, xiphoid process, 8th rib, 10th rib and umbilicus. Utilizing a 3-dimensional motion analysis system, the differences in the chest volumes due to chest expansion during deep breathing were calculated. [Results] There was a highly positive correlation between chest expansion and changes in the chest volumes at all locales. [Conclusion] Being able to predict ventilatory volume per unit of chest expansion will aid in the pulmonary assessment of patients for physical therapy.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to consider the relationship between the physical function on admission and walking function on discharge in a convalescence rehabilitation ward. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-six first-time stroke patients with severe hemiplegia of the lower extremity (Brunnstrom recovery stage II or lower) at admission were divided into two group based on walking function at discharge: the independent walking group (n=38) and the assistance walking group (n=18). The background factors and impairment factors were compared between the two groups. We also performed logistic regression analysis using the data of each group. [Results] Logistic regression analysis showed that age and trunk function were significantly related to walking function at discharge. [Conclusion] We conclude that age and trunk function are useful indicators for determining the prognosis of walking function of severe hemiplegia patients at discharge.

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[Purpose] Learners’ physiological and psychological reactions to three kinds of movement teaching methods (demonstration by an instructor alone, demonstration by an instructor with verbal instructions, and demonstration by an instructor with verbal instructions and music) were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy young adults were divided into 6 groups of 5 persons. Each of the groups were taught by each of the instruction methods in a different order, and the differences in their physiological reactions to the movement tasks were examined. A survey of psychological effects was also conducted. [Results] No significant differences were found among the groups’ physiological reactions. In response to the survey of psychological effects, subjects reported strong feelings of mental uplift and calm when music and verbal instructions accompanied the instructor’s demonstration. [Conclusion] The results suggest that psychologically, demonstration by an instructor accompanied by verbal instructions and music was the method by which subjects found it easiest to move.

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[Purpose] The maintenance effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) special techniques were investigated using the reaction time (RT). [Subjects] The subjects were 40 healthy adult males. [Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 persons, 3 groups of PNF techniques, joint exercises classified according to changes in speed, of initial stretch (IS), stabilizing reversal (StR), and combination of isotonics (CI), and an elbow flexion group, which executed the respective movements. To investigate the maintenance effect, RT was measured 7 times, immediately before the interventions, and at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min afterwards. [Results] In the IS and StR groups, RT was found to be shorter than before the intervention, until 10 min after the intervention, and in the CI group, it was shorter than before, the intervention until 15 min after the intervention. In the elbow flexion group, no significant differences from pre-intervention were found in the post-intervention RT. [Conclusion] The compound movement groups showed post-intervention maintenance effects lasting for 10~15 min, suggesting the utility of compound movements as physical therapy techniques in clinical applications.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of measuring angles of the scapula using a 3D digitizer. [Subjects] Sixteen healthy adult males participated in this study. [Methods] Intra-class and inter-class correlation coefficients (ICC1,2, ICC2,1), 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) , and standard errors of measurement (SEM: °) were calculated for the angles of anterior-posterior tilt, upward-downward rotation and internal-external rotation. [Results] ICC (1,2) was 0.89 ~ 0.71, ICC (2,1) was 0.89 ~ 0.74, 95%CI was 0.96 ~ 0.51, and SEM was 0.47~ 0.13. [Conclusion] Strict definition of bone landmarks is required to further improve the values of ICC. However, SEM was small when measuring scapula angles with the 3D digitizer.

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[Purpose] This study investigated leg joint movements of the elderly during the squat motion. [Subjects] Nineteen healthy elderly individuals in their 60s and 70s participated. [Methods] The reaction time, maximum joint angle, distance between the knees foot angle, and the center of mass during the squat task with eyes closed recorded and analyzed using a force plate and a three-dimensional motion analysis system. [Results] There were no significant differences in the reaction times between joints or ages. The maximum knee angle of the 70s group was significant smaller than that of the 60s group. Although the distance between the knees of all participants increased during the squat motion, there was no difference between the two age groups. Both the hip and the knee joints of the 70s group showed significant correlations with the vertical component of the center of mass. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the joint motion of the lower limbs of the elderly changes during the squat motion with aging.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the site of pain and the time course of pain intensity during the acute period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). [Subjects] Participants were 197 patients who received TKA. [Methods] The site and intensity of knee pain were evaluated each day from the day after surgery (postoperative day 1) to the day of discharge. [Results] The patients had significantly less pain at rest and during walking on postoperative day 2 than on postoperative day 1. Additionally, the patients had significantly less pain during walking on postoperative days 3 to 5 than on postoperative day 2. Many patients reported pain at the wound, medial patella area, and popliteal fossa at rest, and at the wound, popliteal fossa, medial patella area, and anterior thigh during walking. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that it is important that early rehabilitation takes account of pain in regions other than the wound.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the kinetic and kinematic effects on gait motion of wearing a backpack. [Subjects] Sixteen healthy young and 8 healthy elderly subjects participated in this study. [Methods] We measured the gait motion using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates, and compared kinetic and kinematic changes among three different conditions: walking without a backpack, with a backpack of 5% of body weight (BW), and with a backpack of 15 % of BW. [Results] Pelvic forward tilt angle significantly increased with increase of weight of the backpack in both subject groups. Lumbar flexion moment and extension moment significantly increased and decreased in the young subjects, and tended to increase and decrease in the elderly subjects. [Conclusion] Increase of the weight of the backpack decreased low back load and this was observed in both subjects groups.

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[Purpose] To determine the benefits of passive exercise machine-based training for elderly female nursing home residents (NHDOW). [Subjects] Twenty-eight NHDOW were divided into two groups (exercise group (EG) n=14, and control group (CG) n=14). [Methods] Twelve weeks of passive training (twice a week, 40 min per day) was conducted for EG. 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 walk (TW) of all the participants before and after the training. [Results] At pre-test, all participants’ functional fitness level was lower than that of the same age norm of community-dwelling older adults. After training, a significant interaction was noted between CS and TW performance, in both EG and CG, along with significant improvement (CS 25.1% and TW 24.3%) in EG only. Mean attendance rate for EG was 97% with no incidence of injury during the study. [Conclusion] Passive exercise was found to be beneficial and safe for elderly female nursing home residents.

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[Purpose] This research was conducted to clarify the cut-off values of the motor and cognition subscales of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for the discharge to home of stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 215 stroke patients. [Methods] The patients’ medical records of the last 5 years were retrospectively examined. Patients were classified into two groups based on discharge destination (discharge to home, and transfer to another hospital or residential facility), and the cut-off values of the FIM motor and cognition subscales were calculated from the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. [Results] The motor FIM cut-off level was 57.5, with a sensitivity of 78.7% and specificity of 89.7%. The cognitive FIM cut-off value was 23.5, with a sensitivity of 73.7% and a specificity of 80.6%. [Conclusion] The results suggest that for the discharge to home of stroke patients, a FIM motor value of 57.5 and a FIM cognitive value of 23.5 or more is needed.

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[Purpose] To develop a weight estimation formula based on the associations of maximum calf circumference (MCC) with body composition (BC), nutritional status (NS), and activities of daily living (ADL). [Subjects] Thirty very elderly hospitalized patients. [Methods] MCC, weight, estimated height, muscular mass, body fat mass, skeletal muscle index, albumin, and Barthel index were assessed. [Results] MCC was significantly correlated with BC, NS and ADL. The regression equation to estimate weight from MCC was as follows weight(kg)= MCC×2.0－13.9, and the coefficient of determination was 0.64. [Conclusion] This result suggests that MCC may be a useful anthropometric variable for estimating the body weight of very elderly hospitalized patients.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether transcutaneous xenon light irradiation of skeletal muscle increases skeletal muscle blood flow. [Subjects and Methods] Thirteen healthy volunteers participated in this study, and they received: experiment 1) 10 minutes transcutaneous xenon light irradiation of the bilateral triceps surae (TS) muscles during prone rest, and experiment 2) 10 minutes prone rest without transcutaneous xenon light irradiation of the bilateral TS muscles. Concentrations of the oxidative hemoglobin in the TS muscle (TS-HbO₂) were continuously measured during each experiment. [Results] During experiment 1, TS-HbO₂ continued to increase with time. During experiment 2, on the other hand, there were no apparent changes in TS-HbO₂ with time. In addition, TS-HbO₂ levels during experiment 1 were generally higher than those during Experiment 2. [Conclusion] These results strongly suggest that transcutaneous xenon light irradiation of skeletal muscle increases skeletal muscle blood flow.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the association of muscle coactivation during isometric and isokinetic knee extension with muscle strength and physical performance. [Subjects] Nineteen healthy young adults were recruited for this study. [Methods] Electromyograms of the biceps femoris and vastus lateralis were recorded and the coactivation index (CAI) of isometric and isokinetic knee extension was calculated. We also measured muscle strength during knee extension and the timed up and go test time. [Results] A significant relationship was revealed between CAI and muscle strength in isokinetic knee extension. The timed up and go test time was associated with CAI in both isometric and isokinetic knee extension. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that higher coactivation is associated with lower muscle strength and slower timed up and go test time.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of trunk posture and gender on the knee joint angle and muscle activity during single-leg landing. [Subjects and Methods] Forty healthy college students were enrolled in the present study. The participants performed single-leg landing from a 40 cm-high platform using one of the three trunk postures: preferred, flexion, and right lateral flexion. The knee flexion and valgus angle was measured, and the hamstrings/quadriceps ratio (HQR) was calculated for each trunk posture. [Results] The knee flexion angle was significantly greater in the flexed posture, whereas the knee valgus angle was significantly greater in the right lateral flexed posture. In addition, the knee valgus angle was significantly higher in females, and the HQR was significantly lower in females than in males. [Conclusion] Both the trunk posture and gender affected the knee angle and muscle activity during single-leg landing. These findings are likely related to the differences in the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury between males and females.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to measure the airway pressure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients at different bed-backrest angles. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 ALS patients under tracheostomy positive pressure ventilation (TPPV) management. [Methods] We measured the maximum airway pressure of ALS patient at 3 different bed-backrest angles (0°, 30°, 60°), using the airway pressure meter of the respirator. [Results] There were significant differences in maximum airway pressures, between 0°and 60°, and between 30° and 60°. [Conclusion] Maximum airway pressure of ALS patients under positive pressure ventilation increased as the bed-backrest angle was increased. It is necessary to pay attention to changes in airway pressure when elevating the head.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the alignment of the pelvis and lower extremities in males and females of different age groups. [Subjects] The subjects were 141 healthy persons who were classified into three groups based on age: young, middle-aged, and elderly. [Methods] Anterior pelvic tilt, knee extension angle, lateral pelvic tilt, femoro-tibial angle (FTA), quadriceps angle, femoral anteversion, navicular drop test, and leg-heel alignment were measured. [Results] In the elderly group, significant changes of alignment due to aging were observed. Flexion of the knees was observed in both males and females. Posterior pelvic tilt, external rotation of the hip, and varus of the knees were observed in females. Anterior pelvic tilt and FTA did not show any difference between genders in the elderly group. [Conclusion] It is important to consider the tendency for alignment to change due to aging in each gender when providing physical therapy.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing postoperative physical function using data collected from perioperative patients with gastrointestinal cancer. [Subjects] Subjects were 101 perioperative patients with gastrointestinal cancer. [Methods] Six-minute walking distance (6MWD) was measured to assess postoperative physical function. Subjects were divided two groups based on the 6MWD of greater or less than 400 m. Demographic data (age, gender, cancer stage, surgical site, and body mass index), intraoperative data (surgical time, blood loss, and surgery type), and biochemical data [serum albumin (Alb), prognostic nutritional index, and C-reactive protein] were collected pre and post-operatively. [Results] Multivariate logistic regression, with 6MWD as the dependent variable, identified postoperative Alb as a significantly independent variable in both groups. [Conclusion] We consider postoperative Alb is useful as an indicator of the impact of surgery on physical function of perioperative patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

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[Purpose] To study spinal neuron excitability during relaxation imagery, we studied F-waves using the relaxation period of hold-relax. [Subjects] Twenty-six healthy volunteers (21.5 ± 2.0 years) participated in this study. [Methods] F-waves were recorded in a resting position and during relaxation imagery using hold-relax. They were recorded at 0, 5, 10, and 15 min of the relaxation imagery period. We analyzed persistence, the F/M amplitude ratio, and latency of the recorded F-waves. [Results] The F/M amplitude ratio and F-wave frequency did not differ significantly between the resting and relaxation imagery conditions; however, F-wave persistence after 15 min of relaxation imagery was significantly lower than that at rest. [Conclusion] Relaxation imagery can decrease spinal nerve excitability.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the satisfaction of family caregivers with home services to improve the quality of the services. [Subjects] Data were collected from 33 main family caregivers of home-bound elderly disabled receiving home-care support services who were living at home in Kobe city, Hyogo. [Methods] We carried out a survey of family caregivers’ satisfaction with and reasons for using home services. [Results] Satisfaction was high with outpatient rehabilitation, outpatient long-term day care, and assistive devices. Users’ reasons for utilizing the services were to reduce their care burden and gain free time. However, there were criticisms of each service, indicating there are problems with them. [Conclusion] The use of home services is useful for reducing the burden of caregivers, but their criticisms suggest that the service offer should be improved.

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[Purpose] To clarify the factors influencing social activities of stroke patients at 6 months after discharge from hospital. [Subjects] Forty-five stroke patients. [Methods] A questionnaire survey was coducted at 3 and 6 months after discharge. Using categorical regression analysis with social participation at 6 months after discharge as the criterion variable, and age, gender, activities of daily living (ADL), intentions of performing social activities, activity plans, and coping strategies at 3 months after discharge as the explanatory variables, the factors associated with social activities at 6 months after discharge were investigated. [Results] Activity plans and coping strategies were the factors influencing social activities at 6 months after discharge. [Conclusion] The results suggest that, to support the objective of greater social participation, encouraging the construction of detailed plans is effective.

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[Purpose] To identify the factors associated with post-stroke depression and apathy, factors hindering rehabilitation, in order to help with the provision of smoother and more effective rehabilitation. [Subjects] Twenty-three sub-acute stroke patients. [Methods] Depression and apathy were assessed using the CES-D and Apathy Scale, respectively, and their relationships with quality of life (QOL), physical function, and psychological, mental and social states were investigated using correlation and regression analyses. [Results] Depressive symptoms and apathy were found in approximately 35% of the subjects. Both were associated with QOL and psychological and mental states; apathy alone was associated with physical function and social state. Regression analysis showed the strong influences of psychological and mental states on depression, and age on apathy. [Conclusion] The results suggest that consideration of age and abnormal psychological and mental states is especially needed in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

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[Purpose] Because physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) roles and specialties in house adaptations are unclear, the objective of this paper was to investigate the characteristics of each profession’s roles and specialties. [Subjects] The subjects were 3,795 PTs and 2,094 OTs who were members of their respective national professional associations. [Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted for 2 months, starting in August 2010. [Results] The response rates were: PTs, 40.3%, and OTs, 37.5%. Both PTs and OTs coordinated with care support specialists the most for house adaptations, followed by PTs with OTs, and OTs with PTs. There was no difference in their respective roles, and they were highly aware of the need for mutual cooperation. Furthermore, there was a common understanding that in activities and ADL, PTs specialty was transfer, and OTs specialties were self-care and IADL. [Conclusion] The results suggest that both professions were aware of the importance of coordination in the same roles, and that they had a common understanding regarding ADL.

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[Purpose] To clarify the changes in physical therapy students’ satisfaction levels with life and learning at the end of their 3rd year, with consideration of their hometowns, in the 3 years following the Great East Japan Earthquake. [Subjects] Subjects were third-year physical therapy students enrolled at the International Welfare University, who cooperated with surveys at the end of the academic years of 2011, the year the earthquake happened, 2012, and 2013, a total of 292 persons. [Methods] Students were asked to mark their satisfaction with life and learning in the 3 years since entering university on a visual analogue scale. The satisfaction levels of students from Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and Ibaraki, regions affected by the earthquake, were compared with those of students from other regions. [Results] The only significant difference among the years was satisfaction with learning in the year of the earthquake, which was significantly lower. Satisfaction with life was higher than satisfaction with learning. Differences due to hometown location were not apparent. [Conclusion] It seems that students had recovered from the effects of the earthquake by the following year.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between error in perceived functional reach distance (ED) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). [Subjects] Subjects were thirty-four elderly requiring long-term care who had no cognitive impairments. [Methods] ED was defined as the difference between actual and estimated forward reach distance. IADL disability was evaluated using the Instrumental Self-Maintenance subscale of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (<=4). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between ED and the presence of IADL disability. [Results] The absolute value of the ED was related to the presence of IADL disability (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.01-1.49). [Conclusion] Our results suggest that larger values of ED are associated with IADL disability.

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[Purpose] To identify the factors associated with quality of life (QOL) from among physical function, and psychological, mental and social states of subacute stroke patients, to promote a whole person approach, in order to help with the provision of smoother and more effective rehabilitation. [Subjects] Twenty-three sub-acute stroke patients. [Methods] QOL was assessed using the Stroke Specific QOL, and associations with physical function, and psychological, mental, and social states were examined through correlation and multiple regression analyses. [Results] Overall QOL was particularly associated with physical function, cognitive state, and psychological state (r²=0.885); however, the structural factors of QOL were mutually interdependent. [Conclusion] The results suggest the importance of not only rehabilitation for physical function, but also interventions for cognitive state, psychological care, and social state, namely the whole person approach.

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[Purpose] A survey of motivation with regard to rehabilitation conducted for stroke patients receiving intensive rehabilitation in a recovery ward was conducted, in order to identify factors that would help with the provision of smoother and more effective rehabilitation. [Subjects] Twenty-three stroke patients. [Methods] Motivation was assessed by inquiring about patients’ expectations of rehabilitation, and its associations with physical function, and psychological, mental, and social states were investigated using correlation and regression analyses. [Results] Motivation was associated with activities of daily living (ADL), level of independence, good communication ability and mood, and vitality; and level of independence in ADL and mood were especially important (r²=0.524). [Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility that raising the independence level of ADL, good communication, and psychological care would improve patients’ motivation.

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[Purpose] To analyze the the possible relationships of maximum calf circumference (MCC), body composition (BC), and nutritional status (NS) with toileting abilities. [Subjects] Sixty-six old-old inpatients. [Methods] We examined the relationships of toileting (Barthel index) with MCC (measured at 26% calf length from the lower end of the fibular head), BC (predictive height, weight, body mass index, and muscle mass), and NS (albumin obtained from medical records using correlation analysis. [Results] Toileting abilities correlated significantly with MCC, BC, and NS. MCC and albumin status showed the best correlations with toileting abilities in the multiple regression model. [Conclusion] MCC and albumin status may predict the toileting abilities of old-old inpatients.

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[Purpose] This study analyzed F-waves to clarify the relationship between muscle strength recovery and motor unit reorganization before and after meniscestomy in a patient with a meniscus injury and investigated changes in lower extremity spinal motor neuron excitability. [Subject] The subject was a female patient with a meniscus injury. [Methods] Thirty-second F-wave samples from the abductor hallucis were recorded bilaterally after stimulation of the tibial nerve at the ankle with the subject in a supine position, and manual muscle testing and thigh circumference measurements were performed before the operation and 1, 2, and 6 months later. The F-waves were analyzed for persistence, latency, and duration over 30 trials. The value of each sample was calculated relative to the value on the healthy side, which was set as 100%. [Results] Persistence values did not change among the readings. Latency and duration values were shorter from before the operation to 2 months after, but were the same as those on the healthy side at 6 months after the operation. Muscle strength and thigh circumference had increased 6 months after the operation. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that latency and duration values, as well as muscle strength and thigh circumference measurements had changed by 6 months after the operation, suggesting a relationship between motor units and muscle strength.

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