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Akane HIRAI, Osamu AOKI, Yuina BAN, Kaoru SAKUMA, Koichi MUKAI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
155-159
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of knee flexion angle increment during gait with high-heeled shoes in the initial stance phase. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy young women were enrolled in this study (mean age: 19.8 ± 0.7 years). [Methods] Subjects were instructed to walk on a 8-m walkway barefoot and wearing high-heeled shoes. [Results] The knee flexion angle was higher in the high-heeled gait than in the barefoot gait, and the thigh inclination angle was also higher in the high-heeled gait. There was no difference in the tibia inclination angle between the gait conditions. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that the increment of knee flexion angle during high-heeled gait contributes to the insufficiency of thigh inclination in the initial stance phase.
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Shogo OKAMOTO, Daisuke UGA, Rie NAKAZAWA, Masaaki SAKAMOTO
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
161-165
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect on the range and strength of shoulder rotation of repeated shadow pitching exercise. [Subjects] The subjects were 9 male high-school baseball club pitchers. [Methods] Before and after consecutive normal pitching and shadow pitching, we compared the shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion (ROM) with or without the scapula fixed, shoulder internal and external rotation strength, and subjective fatigue on the throwing side between the two tasks. [Results] Normal pitching and shadow pitching decreased shoulder internal and external rotation strength. However, decrease of shoulder internal rotation ROM was found only in normal pitching, and shadow pitching increased shoulder external rotation. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the contribution of the scapulothoracic joint to shoulder rotation during the pitching motion of shadow pitching is large, possibly decreasing the risk of throwing injury.
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Yoshihide KANAI, Ryohei YAMAMOTO, Kazunori AKIZUKI, Wataru NAKANO, Yuk ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
167-170
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The developmental changes in the walk ratio (WR) in a population with Down syndrome (DS) were investigated. [Subjects] Twenty-four persons with DS (mean age of 18.7 years old) and 111 children with typical development (mean age of 4.5 years old) participated in this study. Sixteen subjects out of the 24 with DS, who were younger than 17 years old, were called the children with DS group. The mean age of that group was 12.2 years old. [Methods] Step length, cadence, WR and height were measured, and the regression equations determined. We conducted multiple regression analyses on the relationships of step length and cadence with WR in the group of children with DS, and determined the relationship between age, step length and cadence. [Results] In the group of children with DS, there was a significant correlation between cadence and WR, but no significant correlation between step length and WR. [Conclusion] In a DS population, WR slowly increases over a long period due to the change of cadence.
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Hidefumi ARAMAKI, Munenori KATO, Yutaka OKUDA, Toshikazu ITO, Kiyomi T ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
171-175
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The muscle enlargement and strengthening effects of repeated stretching of skeletal muscle of human subjects were investigated. [Subjects] The subjects were 20 healthy males. [Methods] An isokinetic dynamometer was used for repeated stretching of the triceps surae muscle. The intervention group which received repeated stretching through passive dorsiflexion movement of the ankle joint was compared with a control group. The muscle architectural index (gastrocnemius muscle thickness and pennation angle), the triceps surae muscle strength, and the range of motion of active dorsiflexion at the ankle joint as the dependent variable were measured, were weasured. [Results] The intervention group showed significantly increased gastrocnemius muscle thickness and pennation angle. No significant difference was seen between the groups in the muscle strength or the range of motion. [Conclusion] Repeated stretching has beneficial effects on the muscle enlargement of the triceps surae muscle in healthy males. This suggests that muscle strengthening involves mechanisms other than those causing muscle enlargement.
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Akihiko HISHIYAMA, Junji KATSUHIRA, Hitoshi MARUYAMA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
177-181
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the leg muscle strength of post-operative patients with proximal femoral fractures using a novel measurement method based on the measurement of the output force exerted at the end-point of the lower extremity. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 post-operative patients. [Methods] Using a hand-held dynamometer, we measured the forces of 10 healthy and 10 post-operative limbs at the end-point in the prone position with 90 degrees knee flexion. The measurements were conducted in three directions: the direction responding to gravity in static standing, and the anteroposterior orthogonal components to that direction. [Results] The post-operative limb exerted the largest force in the direction reacting to gravity in static standing. The force of the non-operated limb showed larger values than those of the postoperative limb in all three directions. No significant change was observed in the ratio of force of the postoperative limb from that of non-operated limb in all three directions. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the leg force at the end-point of post-operative patients with proximal femoral fractures decreases in the three directions with similar extent.
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Makoto OIKAWA, Akira KUBO
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
183-186
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between living space and gait performance. [Subjects] The subjects were 138 outpatients with hemiplegia resulting from cerebrovascular accidents. [Methods] The 10-m walking time was used to assess gait performance, and the Life-space Assessment (LSA) was used to assess living space. The correlation of these two variable was analyzed using a single regression calculation, and the regression curve with the best fit was also investigated. [Results] The LSA and 10-m walking time showed a negative correlation (r=-0.576), and reciprocal regression gave a better fit (r=-0.768). [Conclusion] Living space can be deduced from the 10-m walking time, and we consider it will be useful for giving advice about living activities in rehabilitation for return to home.
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Tomoaki ARAI, Yoshito SUGIURA, Hiroaki SAKURAI, Yoshikiyo KANADA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
187-192
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To propose a method of setting exercise intensity for low-load, simple knee extension exercise, using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and weight bands. [Subjects] Sixteen elderly persons with care needs of less than 3 on the long-term care insurance scale. [Methods] With 1RM equivalent to 100%, we investigated the reproducibility of RPE, and its relationship with load at loads of 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The reliability and validity of the simple load setting method was also investigated. [Results] Reproducibility had a weighted kappa statistic ranging from 0.72~0.92, and the relationship between RPE and load had a Spearman rank correlation coefficient of r=0.93, indicating the validity and reliability of the proposed method of setting exercise intensity. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that the method proposed in this study is a simple way of calculating the appropriate exercise load for the elderly.
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Kazuo SUGANUMA, Shigeru HIRABAYASHI, Hiroshi OHINATA, Chika KANEKO
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
193-196
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate the anxiety with campus life of department of physical therapy students. [Subjects] Seventy third-year university students, facing long-term practical training outside the campus. [Methods] The students were surveyed using the college life anxiety scale. [Results] In the comparison of students repeating the same year with those who were not, uneasiness with everyday life was higher in the former. In the comparison of males and females, uneasiness with everyday life and the total anxiety assessment were higher among males, and maladjustment to university was higher among females. [Conclusion] Because uneasiness with everyday life is higher among students repeating the same year, support for these students is especially necessary. In this study, long-term practical training outside the campus was considered to have influenced students’ uneasiness with everyday life; therefore, it will be necessary to confirm the chronological changes by comparing students’ conditions between pre- and post-practice.
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Kazuya GOTO, Akira KUBO, Noritsune KOUZU
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
197-201
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To clarify whether or not there are differences between care needs categories 1 and 2 in muscle mass in each region of the body. [Subjects] The subjects were 27 elderly females with care needs: category 1, 17; category 2, 10. [Method] Using the BIA formula for body composition, the muscle masses of the whole body, thighs, lower legs, and trunk were measured, and their average values were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. [Results] No significant differences were found in the general characteristics of the two groups. There were significant differences in all of the muscle masses, except that of the lower legs, between the two groups. [Conclusion] The muscle masses of care needs category 2 subjects were smaller, and we consider that this affects their living behaviors and amounts of physical activity.
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Tomoya NAKANISHI, Kaori TACHIBANA, Kazuhide TOMITA, Manami SHIOKAWA, M ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
203-206
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The effectiveness of a proposed abdominal pressure breathing exercise for improvement of the transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness was investigated. [Subjects] The subjects were 23 healthy adults with an average age of 20.7 ± 0.8 years. [Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of breathing, one with and the other without abdominal pressure. Each subject’s TrA thickness was measured three times, time 1, time 2 and after the exercise task, to analyze the temporal changes in muscle thickness, and differences between the two tasks. [Result] A significant increase in muscle thickness was found in the breathing with abdominal pressure group after completion of the exercise task. [Conclusion] The results suggest that training of the TrA, a muscle which is rarely consciously activated on a daily basis, utilizing breathing with abdominal pressure can achieve strengthening of TrA contraction.
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Yasumasa TANABE, Masahumi MIZUKAMI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
207-212
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether lower limb biomechanics during stair descent is related to the descent velocity of healthy young individuals. [Subjects] Twenty young healthy subjects (12 males, 8 females, range 20-28 years) participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects descended the stairs in three cadences, paced by a metronome. Lower extremity biomechanical data was obtained using a 3D motion analysis system and two force plates. [Results] As stair descent velocity increased, the knee extensor moment and the ankle plantar-flexor moment at the early stance phase became larger, and the knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion angles increased. On the other hand, the second peak of the knee extensor moment in the late stance phase was lower, and the knee flexion angle became smaller. [Conclusion] This study revealed that the lower limb biomechanics during stair descent is related to the velocity of stair descent.
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Tomohiro SHIRAI, Yukiko TAKEUTI, Noriko FUKUDA, Munenori KATOH
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
213-217
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between walking ability at one week post-operation and prognosis prediction of the hip fracture surgery. [Subjects] The subjects were 119 hip fracture patients. [Methods] The subjects were divided into three groups according to walking ability at one week post-operation and the prediction formula plus age and dementia were investigated. [Results] The probability of achieving walking with a stick at discharge was 24.2% in parallel bar walking, 86.7% in walking with an ambulatory assistance device, and 100% in walking with a stick at one week post-operation. According to logistic regression analysis, the factors affecting ability to walk with a stick at discharge were age, days before operation, and the Barthel index before injury in the parallel bar walking group, and age, and dementia in the walking with an ambulatory assistance device group at one week post-operation. [Conclusion] The walking ability at one week post-operation was related to the prognosis prediction of hip fracture surgery.
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Tsuneo KUMAMOTO, Toshiaki SEKO, Sayo MIURA, Naoto NAKAMURA, Masashi TA ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
219-224
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To examine the differences in muscle hardness among postures maintaining different anterior trunk angles in sitting and standing. [Subjects] The subjects were 19 healthy males. [Methods] In sitting and standing, the hardness of the multifidus of the lumbar spine was measured at 7 trunk anterior inclination angles from 0 to 60˚. The inclination angles of the sacrum and femur, and hip flexion angle were compared among the trunk angles, and the relative and absolute reliabilities of the muscle hardness values, and the muscle hardness of the lumbar region according to the exercise task was investigated. [Results] Compared to standing, the sacrum had a more posterior tilt in the sitting position. The reliability and validity of the muscle hardness measures were high, and at low angles of trunk inclination, the hardness of the multifidus showed greater values in the sitting position. [Conclusion] It is possible to confirm the hardness of the lumbar spinal muscles with a muscle hardness meter, but attention should be paid to the influence of sacral tilt when investigating hardness in the sitting position compared to standing.
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Yoshito SUGIURA, Yasuhiko HATANAKA, Tomoaki ARAI, Hiroaki SAKURAI, Yos ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
225-228
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To demonstrate the relationship between force and velocity in isotonic contraction of knee extension, and with estimation of isometric peak torque, investigate the appropriate load for physical safety in human measurements. [Subjects] Six healthy males in their 20s and 30s. [Methods] Images captured by a high-speed video camera were converted to sequential frames using video editing software. Using the angle measurement tools of image measurement software, angular velocities, and knee angles were determined, and the angular velocities were compared among minimum loads of 20, 30, and 40% 1RM, and maximum loads of 100, 130, 150 and 160% 1RM. [Results] There were no significant differences among the three minimum loads, but there was a significant difference between the maximum loads of 150 and 160% 1RM. [Conclusion] We consider that a minimum load of 40% 1RM and a maximum load of 150% 1RM are appropriate loads.
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Hiromichi TAKEDA, Yumi OKAYAMA, Shinichi DAIKUYA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
229-232
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects that thoracic spinal curvature, lumbar spinal curvature, and the angle of posterior pelvic tilt have on thorax mobility and pulmonary function [Subjects] Fourteen healthy adult males. [Methods] We measured the thorax mobility and pulmonary function at different pelvic and spinal alignments in the sitting position. The pelvis was positioned at 0, 10, 30 and 50 degrees posterior tilt, and the changes in spinal alignment elicited by the changes in pelvic position were measured. The relationships between thorax mobility, pulmonary function and thoracic spinal curvature, lumbar spinal curvature, and the angle of posterior pelvic tilt were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. [Results] Thorax mobility and pulmonary function were the most affected by changes in posterior pelvic tilt, followed by lumbar spinal curvature and thoracic spinal curvature. [Conclusion] These results suggest that improvement of the angle of posterior pelvic tilt would potentially improve thorax mobility and pulmonary function.
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Yoshito SUGIURA, Yasuhiko HATANAKA, Tomoaki ARAI, Hiroaki SAKURAI, Yos ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
233-238
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] Focusing on the force and velocity relationship, we verified the valid combinations of angular velocity and joint torque for estimations of isometric peak torque in knee extension using 2D movement analysis. [Subjects] Ten healthy males aged between 24 and 38. [Methods] Images captured by a high-speed video camera were edited, and the coordinates of the joints determined by image measurement software were entered into a dynamic model which calculated angular velocity, joint angle and torque. Valid combinations of angular velocity and joint torque were investigated at the estimated values of isometric peak torque, and the estimated and actual values were compared. [Results] The estimated and actual values of isometric peak torque had ICCs ranging from 0.61 to 0.76, and the highly compatible combinations determined using the estimated value were the peak angular velocity and peak torque. [Conclusion] In the future, we would like to investigate the validity of the estimated values with a greater number of subjects and with a limited number of loads, and investigate their compatibility with various muscle strengths.
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Masashi MATSUMURA, Hideyuki USA, Daisuke OGAWA, Kazuna ICHIKAWA, Masaf ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
239-246
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength of the lower extremities of males and females of different age groups. [Subjects] This study recruited 141 healthy subjects who were divided into three groups based on age: young, middle-aged, and elderly. [Methods] ROM and muscle strength were measured at the hip, knee, and ankle joints. [Results] ROM of most motions was significantly decreased in the middle-aged group of males and in the elderly group of females. Hip adduction, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion showed no differences between females and males. Only hip external rotation was significantly greater in males than in females. Other motions were significantly greater in females than males. In the middle-aged group, both males and females showed a significant decrease in muscle strength. Hip extension, abduction, and adduction, as well as knee extension and flexion, were significantly greater in males than in females in the young group. Knee extension was significantly greater in males than in females in the middle-aged group. [Conclusion] It is important to consider the tendency of ROM and muscle strength to change due to aging in each gender when providing physical therapy.
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Masafumi MIURA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
247-250
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate median nerve movement during upper limb motions. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 healthy adults. [Methods] Ultrasound images of the median nerve in the middle forearm were taken during active finger flexion and median nerveneurodynamic testing. The transverse distance, cross-sectional area, perimeter and the ratio of the major axis of the ellipse of best fit to the minor axis were calculated and compared between before and after upper limb motion. [Results] During active finger flexion and median nerve neurodynamic testing, the median nerve was moved in the transverse direction according to movement of the muscles. Movements differed among individuals. No significant changes were found in cross-sectional area, perimeter, and the ratio between the major and minor axes of the ellipse of best fit. [Conclusion] The median nerve was moved transversely according to the tissue around the nerve. These movements were different among subjects and suggest the individuality of median nerve sliding.
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Takeshi FUCHIGAMI, Atsushi MATSUO, Hiroaki KOSHIMOTO, Saori KAWAGUCHI, ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
251-256
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate the effect of action observation therapy on the lower limb function of chronic stage hemiplegic stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 21 chronic stage hemiplegic stroke patients. [Methods] The subjects were divided into an action observation therapy (AO) group, and a control group. The AO group watched a video of a person performing forward and lateral stepping for 5 min, then performed the same exercise themselves for 5 min. The control group performed only the forward and lateral stepping for 5 min. The outcome measures, the numbers of successful forward and lateral steps, the functional reach test (FRT), and the four square step test (FSST), were measured before, after, and 1 month after the intervention. [Result] In the comparison of the groups, mutual interaction was found for FRT. In the AO group, the successful number of forward steps, FRT, and FSST results showed significant improvements, which were maintained at 1 month post-intervention. Regarding the effective dose, all of the measured items of the AO group were better than those of the control group. [Conclusion] Action observation therapy for chronic stage hemiplegic stroke patients significantly improved lower limb performance in comparison with physical training alone.
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Kazuo SUGANUMA, Suzuka MASUDA, Takayoshi SAITO, Chika KANEKO, Toru SER ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
257-260
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the 3 m zigzag walk test and motor function. [Subjects] The subjects were 50 community-dwelling elderly. [Methods] In order to investigate the relationship between the 3 m zigzag walk test and motor function we conducted the timed up-and-go (TUG) test, the functional reach test (FRT), the seated legs open and shut test, 5 m maximum walking speed, and counted the number of times the subjects could stand on tiptoe. [Results] The 3 m zigzag walk test showed significant correlations with all of the motor function tests. In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis identified the 5 m maximum walking speed as the motor function influencing 3 m zigzag walk test result. [Conclusion] We consider the 3 m zigzag walk test is profoundly related to gait ability, and that in the assessment of fall risk it is necessary to perform several kinds of evaluations.
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Hideki IKEZAWA, Ryoichi TAKAGI, Toshiaki SUZUKI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
261-264
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate how alteration of the shoulder abduction angle affects the muscle activity of the lower trapezius muscle fibers while the hip joint is extended in the prone position. [Subjects] Sixteen healthy males participated in this study. [Methods] With the hip joint extended in the prone position, we measured the muscle activity of the lower trapezius muscle fibers at different abduction angles of the shoulder joint. [Results] The muscle activity of the lower trapezius muscle fibers was significantly increased at shoulder joint abduction of 90 and 120°compared with shoulder joint abduction of 0, 30 and 60°. [Conclusions] The results suggest that the lower trapezius muscle fibers contribute to upward rotation of the scapula in order to utilize the upper limb’s weight.
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Masaki IWAMURA, Masao KANAUCHI, Hiroyuki KAJIMOTO
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
265-271
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] In this study, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), based on magnetic resonance imaging, was used to measure the skeletal muscle mass (SMM) of Japanese male and female, in order to gather SMM data for setting cut-off points for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Differences in age-associated SMM changes according to sex and body part were investigated. [Subjects] The subjects were 1,347 Japanese male and female (622 male, 725 female) aged 18~84 years. [Methods] The results of arm, leg, and whole-body muscle mass measuremalets and SMM index (SMI) calculations were compared by sex and age. [Results] Calculations of the rate of muscle mass loss for each body part in male and female revealed a markedly low rate of loss in arm muscle mass and SMI in female. Cut-off points were 4.0 kg/m
2 for male and 2.9 kg/m
2 for female. [Conclusion] The present findings demonstrate that, although muscle mass loss occurred in both male and female, muscle loss rates were greater in male. The present findings also suggest that BIA values might differ depending on the measuring instruments.
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Masafumi MIURA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
273-277
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate median nerve movement during upper limb motions. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 healthy adults. [Methods] Ultrasound images of the median nerve in the middle forearm were taken during active finger flexion and median nerveneurodynamic testing. The transverse distance, cross-sectional area, perimeter and the ratio of the major axis of the ellipse of best fit to the minor axis were calculated and compared between before and after upper limb motion. [Results] During active finger flexion and median nerve neurodynamic testing, the median nerve was moved in the transverse direction according to movement of the muscles. Movements differed among individuals. No significant changes were found in cross-sectional area, perimeter, and the ratio between the major and minor axes of the ellipse of best fit. [Conclusion] The median nerve was moved transversely according to the tissue around the nerve. These movements were different among subjects and suggest the individuality of median nerve sliding.
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Tsuneo KUMAMOTO, Toshiaki SEKO, Masashi TANAKA, Toshikazu ITO
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
279-283
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The effects of different postures on the static flexion relaxation phenomenon were compared using electromyography, to clarify whether the angles for the activation and relaxation of the spinal muscles are different. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy males maintained several different trunk inclination angles while standing and sitting. The muscle activities were measured and compared among the different postures and the different trunk angles: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and maximum forward leaning. The thoracic and lumbar erector spinae, multifidus, gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris were the target muscles. [Results] Muscle activities increased with increasing forward inclination angle, but at low inclination angles in the sitting position, the activities of the multifidus and erector spinae were constant. Between the postures, trunk muscle activities became significantly lower in the sitting position than in the standing position with increasing inclination. [Conclusion] Compared to standing, muscle activities at low inclination angles have low, constant values.
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Emiko TODO, Yumi HIGUCHI, Masakazu IMAOKA, Tomomi KITAGAWA, Kenichi HI ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
285-289
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to the decreased frequency of going out among elderly Japanese men. [Subjects] The subjects were community-dwelling men aged over 65 years old. [Methods] A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the participants, and the recovery rate was 59.4%. 116 valid responses were used for this analysis. The
χ2 test was used for univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. [Results] Univariate analysis found the following three factors were significantly associated with decreased frequency of going out: an age older than 75 years, lack of an elevator in their residences, a great difference in elevation between their residences and the neighboring shops. Significant independent factors related to the decreased frequency of going out were a great difference in elevation between their residences and the neighboring shops (adjusted odds ratio 4.03), and older than 75 years (adjusted odds ratio 3.10). [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that environmental factors are high risk factors for the decreased frequency of going out among community-dwelling elderly men.
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Yutaro IKENO, Satoshi TANAKA, Eiji YAMADA, Wataru FUKUDA, Yusuke KATAO ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
291-295
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The relationship between the knee extension moment in the early walking stage at 9 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery with hamstring tendon autografts (STG) on anterior tibial translation (ATT) at one year post-surgery were investigated to clarify the influence of knee extension moment on ligament reconstruction. [Subjects] Ten cases of ACL reconstruction using STG (20 limbs: 10 operated, 10 non-operated). [Methods] The knee extension moment of the early walking stage at 9 weeks post-surgery was computed from 3D motion analysis data and ground reaction force, and normalized to body weight. At one year post-surgery ATT was determined. [Results] The knee extension moment at 9 weeks post surgery of the operated side showed a significantly lower value than that of the non-operated side, but it was not related to ATT at one year post-surgery. [Conclusion] To prevent secondary injury, improvement of the decreased knee extension moment in the early walking stage at 9 weeks after ACL reconstruction surgery is necessary.
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Hiroto TAKENAKA, Kasuri NISHIHAMA, Atsuki YAGUCHI, Hideaki USHIJIMA, Y ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
297-300
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence of low back pain in hospital workers and its relevant factors. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 40 persons who worked in an orthopedic hospital. The existence of low back pain, the low back pain specific QOL measure (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire: RDQ), occupation, and back beliefs questionnaire (BBQ) were surveyed, and body mass index (BMI), straight leg raise angle (SLR), finger-floor distance (FFD), muscle tightness at the front of hip joint (modified Thomas test), heel-buttock distance (HBD), and trunk flexion and extension muscular strengths were measured. [Results] Twenty-two participants (55%) had low back pain. Those without low back pain group had higher BBQ scores than the low back pain subjects. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the group of subjects without low back pain had occupations other than “nurse”, and significantly higher BBQ score and trunk extension muscular strength. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that occupation (no nurse), BBQ score, and trunk extension muscular strength are related to low back pain. We hypothesize that improved physical function and recognition of low back pain prognosis are related to prevention of low back pain.
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Kaori OBA, Minoru HOSHIYAMA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
301-305
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] Cerebral responses discriminating information at the preconscious stage of visuospatial information were investigated using magneto-encephalography to clarify their characteristics. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy right-handed adults with visual acuity ≥0.8 who had no history of nervous or mental disease. [Methods] Using apparent movement, the mismatch field (MMF) of repeated stimulus in the same direction and deviant stimulus in the opposite direction was measured, and the inferred current intensities of the MMF generated by stimuli in the up, down, left, and right directions were compared. [Results] The inferred MMF currents generated in the right hemisphere by leftward standard stimulus and rightward deviant stimulus were significantly large. [Conclusion] The results suggest greater brain activity is generated in the detection of rightward deviant stimulus, indicating a directional characteristic exists in the visuospatial perception function, and the relationship of this visuospatial perception function with the fall risk of the elderly should be investigated.
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Nobuhiro KOMORO, Takashi SAKAMOTO, Masami YOSHIMURA, Munenori KATOH
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
307-311
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate the efficacy of the provision of administrative procedures for dealing with hospital discharge documents. [Subjects] The subjects were 51~57 administrators in charge of hospitalization. [Method] The baseline was the period when the document deficiency rate was unchanged. Period A was the conditioning period, Period B was the reinforcement period, and repetition of the conditioning was the follow-up period. For statistical analysis, the document deficiency rates of each of the periods were investigated using the
χ2 test of independence. [Results] The document deficiency rates were 35.7% in the baseline period, 37.1% in Period A, 19.2% in Period B, and 11.9% in the follow-up period. The deficiency rate of Period B was found to be significantly different from those of the baseline and Period A. [Conclusion] The intervention to reduce document deficiencies after submission of hospital discharge documents was effective.
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Tomoya OHNISHI, Hirohisa TACHIBANA, Isao TAKEDA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
313-316
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] This study examined and compared lower leg and pelvis sway in standing with a narrow stance and a wide stance. [Subjects] The subjects were 9 young healthy adults. [Methods] Each subject wore three accelero-gyro sensors on the lower part of both legs and on the pelvis. The subjects performed two 40-second balance tasks in the wide stance and the Romberg stance with their eyes open. Angular velocities of the three axes were measured to calculate the Euler angles (θ, ϕ, and ψ). The maximum angle of inclination (maximum polar angle) and azimuth were calculated from θ and ϕ, respectively. [Results] The maximum polar angles of the wide stance and Romberg stance were not significantly different. When the maximum polar angles measured by the sensors at the three locations were compared, the values of the wide stance were significantly different, while those of the Romberg stance were not significantly different. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that the lower leg and pelvis sway are synchronous in healthy men during standing with a narrow stance. Also, the pelvis tended to sway in the mediolateral directions.
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Masahiro GOMI, Masahiro HIRANO, Munenori KATO
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
317-321
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate the validity of a measurement method using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) fixed by a belt in the measurement of shoulder muscle strength. [Subjects] Twenty healthy young adults. [Method] Measurements of upper limb muscle strength in shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, and internal and external rotation were made by two testers (A and B) with a HHD. The validity of the measurements made with the HHD were investigated using the values of Biodex measurements as an external standard. [Results] Pearson correlation coefficients showed that for both of the testers, there were significant correlations between the testers’ measurements and the Biodex standard for all of the items measured. [Conclusion] Shoulder muscle strength measurements made with a HDD and belt have high validity, and they should provide data which is robust in comparison to other methods in clinical practice.
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Hideo KANEKO, Ryuji OKAMOTO, Akari SUZUKI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages
323-327
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: June 24, 2015
JOURNAL
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[Purpose] This study investigated the relationship between thoraco-abdominal wall movements and respiratory effort sensation with inspiratory resistive loads in healthy young male subjects. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy young male subjects participated in this study. [Methods] The respiratory effort sensation (modified Borg scale), thoraco-abdominal wall (bilateral upper chest and lower chest, abdomen) movements, respiratory rates, and breathing patterns were measured during quiet breathing and inspiratory resistive loaded breathing using three-dimensional motion analysis. The data were analyzed using a multiple comparison method and a generalized mixed model with Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). [Results] In proportion to the inspiratory resistive loads, the modified Borg scale, each thoraco-abdominal distance, and the predominance of thoracic breathing significantly increased, and the respiratory rate significantly decreased. The breathing movement of the left upper chest had the lowest AIC value for the modified Borg scale. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the upper chest movements, in particular, the left upper chest, reflect the respiratory effort sensation due to inspiratory resistive loads in healthy young male subjects.
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