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Shuhei HARAGUCHI, Kaori SHIRANE, Sadaaki OKI, Wakako TSUMIYAMA, Namiko ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
489-492
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To examine the extensibility following thermotherapy of immobilized joints. [Subjects] Twelve female Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were used in this study. [Methods] The right ankle joint was immobilized in full plantar flexion using a cast for a week. The rats were divided into a thermotherapy group and a control group. The rats in the thermotherapy group were immersed in a hot bath (42°C). For both groups, the resistance force up to the joint’s end-range was measured. [Results] The median of the thermotherapy group was 2.8 N, and the median of the control group was 3.0 N. There was no significant difference between the groups. [Conclusion] The extensibility of the immobilized joints was not improved by thermotherapy. Increased collagen extensibility is not enough to increase joint extensibility.
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Shizuka FUJIMOTO, Shuhei FUJIMOTO, Takashi OTA, Akiko KANEMARU
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
493-498
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate how students attending a physical and occupational therapy school think about the relations between the basic movements and activities of daily living (ADL) with knee dysfunction. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 95 students attending a physical and occupational therapy school. In order to reveal the relations between the basic movements and ADL, we conducted a survey using a self-made questionnaire comprising items selected from assessments of knee dysfunction. [Results] Over 80% of the students selected the three basic movements (gait and standing, standing-up and sitting-down, squatting) as factors which could be related to ADL. [Conclusion] In the case of knee dysfunction, the students might select standing movement and squatting as the basic movements related to ADL.
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Akira SHOBO, Fujiyasu KAKIZAKI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
499-502
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] Measurement of chest expansion is a simple and practical method of assessing patients’ respiratory function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between chest expansion and changes in the chest volumes at specific locales of the thorax in two different sitting positions. [Subjects] The participants were 12 sedentary healthy men with a mean age of 21.9 years, a mean body mass of 61.7 kg, a mean height of 169.7 cm, and a body mass index of 21.3 kg/m
2. [Methods] A spherical reflective marker was placed at a selected point on the sternal notch, 3rd rib, xiphoid process, 8th rib, 10th rib and umbilicus. In the positions of stoop sitting with 20° pelvic tilt and upright sitting the differences in chest volumes during deep breathing were measured using a 3-dimensional motion analyzer. [Results] In upright sitting the upper thorax yielded a significantly larger decrease in chest volume compared to the lower thorax. In stooped sitting the lower thorax yielded a significantly larger decrease in chest volume compared to the upper thorax. [Conclusion] The position of stooped sitting may be a factor contributing to the overall decrease in vital capacity and maximum inspiratory capacity.
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Takaki KUMANO, Hiroaki TANI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
503-508
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] A questionnaire survey was conducted in order to study the present condition of the differences in the forms of clinical practice at physical therapy schools throughout Japan. [Subjects] The 94 out of the 241 physical therapy schools that responded to the questionnaire. [Methods] The questionnaire was mailed to physical therapy schools. It inquired about school type, the numbers of students and teachers, the clinical practice training period, the participation method before and after the practice, school assignments, and the usage of the assignments. [Results] There was little difference in the school type, and the collection rate was 39.2%. With regard to participation before clinical training practice, implementation of classroom participation was 48.6% at four-year universities, whereas it was higher in three-year vocational schools, 59.3%, and in four-year vocational schools, 63%. The same trend was seen for practical skills. For school assignments, case reports were used in 68.4% of four-year universities compared to 81.5% of three-year vocational schools. Conversely, resumés were used more in four-year universities, 84.2%, than in three-year vocational schools, 70.4%. [Conclusion] The results was shown various intervention for a clinical practice training at physical therapy schools in Japan, and the difference by the school type was also recognized.
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Kensaku KASHIMA, Hiroshi YAMASAKI, Mitsugu KAWAMURA, Yasumichi TSUDA, ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
509-512
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate the relationships between independent walking, and the weight-bearing ratio (WBR) and one-leg standing time (1LST). [Subjects] The subjects were 241 in-patients aged over 65 years old. [Methods] Patients were divided into 4 WBR groups and 5 1LST groups based on their results. For each of the groups the percentage of independent walking cases was calculated. [Results] In the groups with high WBRs and long 1LSTs there were large numbers of independent walking cases. In the WBR >90% group, all the subjects could walk independently, but there were none in the WBR <70% group. On the other hand, some of the subjects showing difficulty with standing on one leg could walk independently, and these subjects’ WBRs were significantly higher than those of the subjects who could not. [Conclusion] WBR more accurately discriminates walking ability than 1LST.
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Kazuaki SUYAMA, Masaharu ASAI, Takako TANAKA, Kenichirou TANAKA, Naomi ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
513-518
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To examine whether the physical activity of healthy elderly people can be evaluated using step counts. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 102 healthy elderly persons. Daily physical activity (step counts and physical activity-related energy expenditure “PAEE”) were assessed using a uniaxial accelerometer. We also evaluated factors associated with physical activity, such as body mass index, quadriceps force hand-grip force respiratory function, depressive symptoms, regional environment, and wearing rate. [Results] A high correlation was observed between the step count and PAEE. Furthermore, age, hand-grip force quadriceps force and wearing rate affected the number of steps and PAEE, according to multiple regression analysis. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that a step count is sufficient to evaluate the PAEE of healthy elderly people.
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Kenji YAMADA, Akiharu SUDO
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
519-521
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to reveal the relationship between the 50-m sprint time and toe-grip strength. [Subjects] The subjects were 101 healthy male students. [Methods] Toe-grip strength of one foot was measured by a toe-grip strength meter three times in a chair-sitting posture. 50-m sprint time was measured twice in bare foot and shoes. [Results] Sprint velocity was faster barefoot than in shoes. Under both conditions, a positive correlation with the toe-grip strength was found, but there was no difference in the correlation coefficient. [Conclusion] Toe-grip strength is important for sprint velocity, suggesting it is one of the basic physical fitness.
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Nobuhiro OKAMOTO, Shin MASUMI, Masatoshi MIZUTANI, Keisuke SAITOH, Kaz ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
523-527
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To clarify achievable targets and the changes in the walking ability of femoral neck fracture patients from the perspective of their nutritional status. [Subjects and Methods] At the time of their admission patients were divided into 3 groups based on their nutritional status. The changes in the walking ability of each group were investigated using Friedman’s test followed by multiple comparison analysis, and the time taken to achieve independent walking was investigated. [Results] Subjects in the normal nutritional status (NNS) group showed increases in walking ability up to the 4th week post-admission; those in the “risk of low nutritional status” (RLNS) group showed increases up to the 8th week post-admission; and those in the low nutritional status (LNS) group showed increases up to the 6th week post-admission. Furthermore, the time of achieving independent walking ability was the 4th week for the NNS group, and the 8th week for the RLNS group; however, subjects in the LNS group did not achieve walking independence. [Conclusion] Irrespective of nutritional status, walking ability recovers; however, independent walking is delayed in patients with LNS at admission.
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Seiji KAWATO, Haruka EGUCHI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
529-532
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] Physical therapists involved in the care of end-of-life of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) patients have to consider the role of physical therapy intervention and the timing of its termination. [Subjects] Twelve cases who died as a result of IIP acute exacerbation. [Methods] The contents and course of the subjects’ physical therapy, the wishes of the patients and their families, the medical treatment and its course, whether or not it complied with the decisions of the patients, and the presence or absence of a description of palliative care were investigated. [Results] PT intervention was canceled on relapse in 4 cases and was canceled after repeated relapse in 8 cases. The contents of physical therapy reflected the wishes of the patient and family in 3 cases. [Conclusion] In the terminal care of IIP patients, the physical therapist’s role is to understand the mental state of the patient and the family in a short period of time, and to appropriately change ADL aiming at symptom relief up to the end stage.
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Tadashi ITO, Yoshihito SAKAI, Kazunori YAMAZAKI, Eishi NAKAMURA, Ayaka ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
533-537
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate gender differences in the relative proprioceptive weighting ratio (RPW) during application of vibration to the triceps surae and lumbar muscles of elderly persons. [Subjects] The subjects were 54 elderly inpatients (30 men, 24 women; average age, 74.7 ± 4.8 years) being treated for lumbar spondylosis. [Methods] A 60 Hz vibration was applied alternately to subjects’ triceps surae and lumbar spine muscles while they stood with their eyes closed. Subjects were divided by gender, and the results of age, height, weight, BMI, duration of disease, RPW, cross-sectional area of the lumbar muscles, lumbar lordosis angle, spinal muscle strength, and pain measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared. [Results] The elderly women’s RPW showed a predominantly lower leg reaction. [Conclusion] At the same time as providing pain control, a functional improvement program for both trunk muscle function and proprioception is also needed for elderly women.
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Chika KANEKO, Shigeru HIRABAYASHI, Kazuo SUGANUMA, Hiroshi OHINATA, Hi ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
539-543
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical therapy students’ anxiety with campus life and the style of their admission. [Subjects] The subjects were 86 freshmen physical therapy students. The recruits were divided into three groups based on their style of admission: the admission’s office (AO), designated recommendation (DR), and written examination (WE) groups. [Methods] The subjects’ anxiety with campus life was assessed using the College Life Anxiety Scale. [Results] The AO group subjects were admitted based on an oral presentation and questioning for 15 minutes, and reports of their high school record. Anxiety with assessments and the results of an examination were higher in the AO group than in the WE group, despite there being no significant differences in their actual examination results. There were no differences in anxiety with the daily living or maladjustment to college among the three groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, it is likely the AO group tended to have more anxiety with assessments and less confidence in scholarship because they had no experience of written examination.
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Kaoru KOBAYASHI, Yukinobu HIIRAGI, Hitoshi MARUYAMA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
545-548
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] A hitherto rarely used agility index was added to traditional fall assessments, and factors related to falls were investigated in community-dwelling elderly persons. [Subjects] Seventy-eight community-dwelling persons (21 men, 57 women; average age, 76.5 years). [Methods] The history of falls in the previous 1 year, and the results of motor function assessments were recorded, and the falls and no-fall groups were compared using the unpaired t-test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with falls as the dependent variable, and the cut-off value was calculated. [Results] In the comparison of the falls and no-fall groups, only a significant difference for stepping was found. From the input variables, stepping was identified as significant with an odds ratio of 0.714, and the cut-off value was judged to be 14 times, with a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 61.5%. [Conclusion] The results clearly show that falls by community-dwelling elderly persons are influenced by agility.
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Takeshi KERA, Hisashi KAWAI, Hideyo YOSHIDA, Hirohiko HIRANO, Motonaga ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
549-555
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate the factors contributing to decline to mentally and physically “frail” status after one year among the urban community-dwelling elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 384 urban community-dwelling elderly in a sample of 913, from which 121 subjects who were already “frail” were excluded, who could be followed for one year. [Methods] Based on the results of mental and physical examinations, multiple logistic regression analysis using the forced entry method was performed with “frail” status after one-year as the dependent variable, and each of the baseline mental and physical examination items as independent variables, with age and gender as covariates. [Results] After one-year, 42 subjects (11%) newly presented as “frail.” Gender, grip strength, the fall-risk index score, and gonalgia at baseline were identified as the independent factors predicting “frail” status. [Conclusion] The results suggest that, in addition to muscle strength, the fall-risk index score and gonalgia are important predictors of decline to “frail” status.
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Ryoma NAKAGOSHI, Suiichi TAKEMASA, Hiroyuki NAKAYAMA, Yusuke MORI
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
557-561
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify whether locomotive syndrome is associated with daily activity and health-related quality of life of the community-dwelling elderly. [Subjects] The subjects of the study were 30 elderly persons. [Methods] Locomotive syndrome, grip strength, instrumental activities of daily living, daily activity amounts, fear of falling, degree of depression, and health-related quality of life were investigated using a paper questionnaire. The subjects were divided into two groups on the basis of the presence or absence of locomotive syndrome, and their results were compared. [Results] Handgrip strength, instrumental activities of daily living, daily activity amounts, fear of falling, depression, and health related quality of life were significantly lower in the locomotive syndrome group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in order to achieve improvements in the health related quality of life of elderly people with locomotive syndrome, it is important to use approaches not only addressing motor function and activities of daily living but also psychological support.
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Yoshitake HIRANO, Takeshi HAYASHI, Osamu NITTA, Daisuke NISHIO, Tomoya ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
563-567
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The objective of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to predict the activities of daily living (ADL) at discharge from the background factors and physical functions at admission of stroke patients with severe hemiplegia to a rehabilitation hospital. [Subjects and Methods] Among stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital, 62 first-time stroke patients with severe hemiplegia of the lower extremity (Brunnstrom Recovery Stage II or lower) at admission were included in this study. They were divided using the Barthel Index (BI) at discharge into two groups: the assisted independency group (n=45) and the dependency group (n=17). In a univariate analysis, background factors (age, sex, duration from onset to admission, paretic side, disease), and impairment factors (Modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Mini-Mental State examination, Trunk Control Test [TCT], muscle strength of the non-hemiplegic side leg) were compared between the two groups. In addition, for the variables showing significant differences, a discriminant analysis was conducted using ADL function at discharge as the dependent variable. [Results] Univariate analysis detected significant differences in age, time from stroke onset, trunk function, and knee extensor muscle strength on the non-hemiplegic side. Furthermore, discriminant analysis identified age, time from stroke onset, and knee extensor muscle strength on the non-hemiplegic side as significant factors. [Conclusion] The results of the present study indicate that the ADL function at discharge of stroke patients with severe hemiplegia admitted to a rehabilitation hospital may be predicted using the age, time from stroke onset, and knee extensor muscle strength on the non-hemiplegic side at admission.
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Yasuyuki HIRANO, Kazuhiro P. IZAWA, Katuyoshi TATARA, Kennosuke KAWAMA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
569-576
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the importance of the assessment visiting rehabilitation workers make to understand the medical condition of elderly patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 335 visiting rehabilitation workers across the whole of Japan. [Methods] A questionnaire was mailed to 540 visiting rehabilitation facilities, and replies were considered according to subjects’ job category and years of experience. [Results] Knowledge of the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rates, and temperature, as well as history of falls, and level of consciousness were important for visiting rehabilitation workers. However, findings of abdominal auscultation, cardiac apex beat palpation, and electrocardiogram changes were not considered important. Moreover, subjects’ job categories and years of experience influenced the results. [Conclusion] Although visiting rehabilitation workers regularly meet patients with internal diseases, it was clear that they had little knowledge or experience in assessing the internal diseases of their patients.
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Yuki TAKEDA, Hiroaki ARAI, Yosuke ISHINO, Keita ISHIKAWA, Mitsuru KUGI ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
577-582
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of the use of the robot suit, HAL, in physical therapy for the acute phase of stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Acute stage stroke patients admitted to our hospital who met the selection criteria for HAL use were divided into two groups by volunteering to join a HAL group, which received conventional physical therapy and HAL training for both legs twice a week, or a CON group, which received only conventional physical therapy, and the performances of the two groups on the initial and final days of therapy were compared. [Results] On the final day of therapy the 10m self-selected walking speed of the HAL group was significantly faster than that of the CON group. [Conclusion] In the acute stage of stroke, physical therapy utilizing HAL effectively improved patients’ gait performance. It is our opinion that the special features provided by HAL, e.g. movement assistance functions, worked effectively to this end.
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Takumi KOBAYASHI, Masanori YAMANAKA, Toru KANNARI, Hideto HORIUCHI, Na ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
583-587
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the walking speed of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). [Subjects] The subjects were 54 patients with knee OA. [Methods] The subjects were divided into three groups by walking speed. The high speed and low speed groups were compared using following factors: age, sex, physical characteristics, and physical functions. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors significantly associated with the walking speed. [Results] There were significant differences in age, height, knee extensor and flexor strength between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed knee flexor strength (cut-off point: 0.31 Nm/kg) to be significantly associated with walking speed. [Conclusion] This results suggest that knee flexor strength is important for the improvement of the walking ability of patients with knee OA.
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Sayo MIURA, Toshiaki SEKO, Tsuneo KUMAMOTO, Yui TAKAHASHI, Ryousuke KA ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
589-593
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To investigate the usefulness of measurements of cervical muscle strength in the sitting position made with a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and manual fixation. [Subjects] The subjects were 20 healthy men and women. [Methods] The strength of subjects’ cervical flexors and extensors were measured with manual and belt fixation while they were seated, as well as in the supine position, using a HHD; muscle activities of the trunk and neck were also measured. The reliability of each measurement method and the differences in muscle strengths between the methods were compared, and correlations among the measurements were investigated. [Results] Intra-rater reliabilities showed good values for all of the measurements. Cervical flexor and extensor strengths measured by manual and belt fixation were higher than MMT measures, and in manual fixation, muscle strength showed significant correlations with those of MMT and belt fixation. In the measurements of muscle activity, the activity of the rectus abdominis in cervical flexion showed a high value in MMT. [Conclusion] The results of the manual fixation method were not affected by trunk muscle activities and it appears to be a simple, convenient and highly reliable measurement method.
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Chika KANEKO, Shigeru HIRABAYASHI, Kazuo SUGANUMA, Hiroshi OHINATA, Hi ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
595-598
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the image of campus life before admission on the will to become a professional. [Subjects] Eighty-eight freshmen physical therapy students. [Methods] This research used the college life anxiety scale and a questionnaire in a central location test. [Results] The incompatible group had a mental incompatibility between the image of campus life before admission and actual campus life. Among the three elements of anxiety, subjects in the incompatible group had a significantly higher rate of maladjustment to college, resulting in them having more anxiety. [Conclusion] This study revealed that immediately after admission there were students who lacked the will to become a physical therapist, and the image of campus life before admission greatly influenced students’ anxiety after admission.
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Keita HONDA, Shigehito MATSUBARA
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
599-603
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a concurrent cognitive task on the adaptive process of reactive motor control during disturbed gait. [Subjects] Twenty healthy university students participated in this study, and they were separated into a single task group (n=10) and a dual task group (n=10). [Methods] All the subjects performed disturbed gait five times repeatedly and their data was recorded and analyzed by a motion capture system and force platforms. The negative work of each joint of the disturbed leg and the impulse of ground reaction force (GRF) were calculated and compared between the groups. [Results] There were no significant differences in the adaptive process to the impulse of GRF and negative work of the ankle joint. However, the adaptive process of negative work of the knee joint in the dual-task group was later than that in the single-task group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the dual-task condition partially delays the adaptive process of reactive control in the lower extremity joints.
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Haruki KOGO, Hiroya MIYABARA, Hiroyuki OKAWA, Katsuhiko MIZOTA, Hirosh ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
605-608
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between stiffness of the lumbar muscles and body flexibility for care prevention. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 28 healthy elderly adults (4 men, 24 women) aged ≥65 years. The stiffness of the lumbar muscles was measured in the longissimus thoracis section. Body flexibility was measured as the distance between the tips of the middle fingers of both hands with the hands held diagonally opposite behind the back (middle finger-middle finger distance [MMD]) and forward reach in the long sitting position, and the values were compared. The relationships of lumbar muscle stiffness with body flexibility and among the body flexibility measurements were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. [Results] The MMD did not differ significantly between the positions of the right and left hands uppermost. However, there was a significant correlation between MMD with the right hand uppermost and forward reach in the long sitting position. Significant relationships were not found for the other measurements. [Conclusion] The results suggest there is no relationship between the stiffness of the lumbar muscles and body flexibility.
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Masashi TANAKA, Takumi KOBAYASHI, Takumi KOBAYASHI, Toshiaki SEKO, Mas ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
609-614
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in muscle fatigue caused by different throwing heights in repetitive snow-shoveling movements. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 8 healthy male adults, and the muscles examined were the upper trapezius, lumbar erector spinae (LES), and rectus femoris (RF). A weight was placed on the shovel, and shoveling action to clear a bar set at 50, 75 and 100% of subjects’ height was repeated for 10 minutes. The values of mean power frequency (MPF) were calculated during the movements. [Results] The MPF of RF of both sides decreased at all shoveling heights. The activity of the non-throwing side LES at rest increased simultaneously or immediately after MPF showed a decrease in RF. [Conclusion] The fatigue of RF causes activity increase in LES. Because lower back pain may be caused, the increase of the activity of LES needs periodical rest.
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Kazuki KIMURA, Akira KUBO, Masahiro ISHIZAKA, Akihiro ITO, Makoto SHIO ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
615-618
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] Plantar sense was measured quantitatively using a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM), and its changes with age were investigated. [Subjects] The subjects were 62 men and 174 women, a total of 236 persons, in three age groups: 20-29 years of age, 55-74 years of age, and 75-94 years of age. [Methods] A SWM was used to assess plantar sense at a total of eight locations, and the effect of aging was investigated at each site. [Results] Plantar sense after the age of 55 declined, and the decline at the heel was significant compared to the other sites. [Conclusion] The results suggest that plantar sense declines with age, and that the decline at the heel is greater than in the other regions.
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Takashi SAITO, Kazuhiro P. IZAWA, Yutaka OMORI, Shuichiro WATANABE
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
619-625
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] To evaluate the relationship between the timed 2.4 meter walk result (2.4T) and physical function and ability to perform basic activities of daily living (BADL) in elderly persons covered by Japanese long-term care insurance. [Subjects and Methods] Physical functions and BADL of 51 elderly people were investigated. We evaluated the 2.4T and physical functions such as knee extensor muscle strength (KEMS) and the Modified Functional Reach Test (M-FRT). The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was also used to assess BADL. Spearman's correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine relations between 2.4T and physical function and FIM scores. [Results] There were significant negative correlations between 2.4T and the KEMS, M-FRT, and FIM. Multiple regression analysis showed that KEMS and M-FRT were significant and independent predictors of 2.4T. [Conclusion] 2.4T is associated with physical functions and BADL, confirming the test’s usefulness as a measure of home-based rehabilitation covered by Japanese long-term care insurance.
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Makoto NARITA, Soichi OKADA, Daisuke KOIZUMI, Yukiko KITABAYASHI, Yosh ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
627-633
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The objective of the present study was to determine whether there is an age-associated decline in static (SB) and/or dynamic (DB) balance between middle-aged and elderly women. [Subjects and Methods] Volunteer middle-aged (MG) and elderly (OG) women were divided into two groups (OG, n= 53; MG, n= 49). Indexes of balance were used to measure SB and DB using a platform system. Reaction time (RT) and movement velocity (MVL) were derived for the DB index. [Results] All SB and DB parameters of the OG group were significantly inferior to those of the MG group, and the declines of RT and MVL in DB were remarkable. [Conclusion] Although large individual variations were found in balance ability, it was found that DB and SB declined with aging. The declines in RT and MVL in DB were particularly remarkable, indicating the need for a balance exercise program for the maintenance of neuromuscular and nerve functions.
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Akiyo TSUDA, Tomoyuki MOCHIDUKI, Tomoya KONISHI, Tatsuya IZUMI, Hiroki ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
635-640
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on maximum displacements of center of pressure (COP) and the characteristics of foot pressure distributions induced by external rotations of the affected lower limb during standing and reaching movements performed by patients with stroke. [Subjects] Nine patients and ten age-matched healthy subjects participated in this study. [Methods] The displacements of COP and foot pressure distributions were measured during multi-directional reaching movements with foot rotation. The ranges of foot rotation were set at 10, 30 and 45°. [Results] The range of COP displacements did not increase, even though the base of support was increased by the foot rotation of the stroke patients. In addition, the front foot pressures of the affected lower limb decreased and the heel pressures of the unaffected one were increased in the stroke patients compared to the healthy subjects. [Conclusion] Our conclusion is that external rotations of the affected lower limb did not contribute to postural stability of the stroke patients, because of the decrease in weight shifts onto the front of the foot.
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Takaya MAEDA, Hideki YOSHIDA, Shigeki SAITO, Nanako SATO, Yui SATO, Ki ...
2015 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages
641-645
Published: 2015
Released on J-STAGE: September 03, 2015
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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify whether transcutaneous xenon light irradiation around the stellate ganglion increases skeletal muscle blood flow in the upper extremity. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in this study. They received 10 minutes transcutaneous xenon light irradiation around the bilateral stellate ganglions in a comfortable supine position (Xe-LISG), and 10 minutes supine rest without Xe-LISG (control) on two different days. Concentrations of oxyhemoglobin (HbO
2) in the bilateral biceps and triceps brachii muscles were continuously measured during the experiments using near-infrared spectroscopy. [Result] The concentrations of HbO
2 in both the biceps and triceps brachii muscles continued to increase during Xe-LISG. In contrast, they remained almost constant during the control. Moreover, the concentrations of HbO
2 in both the biceps and triceps brachii muscles during Xe-LISG were always higher than those during the control. [Conclusion] These results strongly suggest that Xe-LISG increases skeletal muscle blood flow in the upper extremity.
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