[Purpose] This study examined the relationship between task performance and stress responses during clinical practice. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty-one subjects in their 4th year at two physical therapist training schools participated in this study. The extent of the stress responses during clinical training and training task performance were measured using the SRS18 (psychological stress reaction measurement scale), and the relationship between the two was examined by correlation analysis and regression analysis. [Results] A weak but significant negative correlation was found between the comprehensive training performance and “depressive reaction, anxiety”, “grumpiness, anger”, and “lethargy”, and a significant weak negative correlation with the overall stress response was also observed. Moreover, in relation to the degree of stress, a significant difference was seen between the standard regression coefficient of the extent of information collection and information use. [Conclusion] In training tasks, the extent of information collection and extent of information use appear to affect the degree of stress.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this paper was to ascertain perceptions of nursing-care insurance workplaces among students aiming to be physical therapists. The study aimed to clarify how the perceptions changed as the students progressed through the course. [Subjects] The subjects were 84 students enrolled in a physical therapy training facility program. [Methods] Exploratory factor analysis was performed on responses to 14 questions related to perceptions of nursing-care insurance workplaces, and the results of first and fourth grade students were compared. [Results] The three main factors identified for the workplace were ‘appealing’, ‘freedom’, and ‘scientific’. However, results for ‘scientific’ were significantly lower among fourth year students than among first grade students. [Conclusion] There is a need to reinforce perceptions among students that the workplace is a place of a scientific nature.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) with the age of elderly female city residents and to examine its effect on their participation in a care-prevention exercise program. [Subjects] Of the respondents, 542 were participants in a care-prevention exercise program, 365 were drop-outs from the program, and 1,784 never took part in the program (control group). [Methods] The participants in this study were all elderly female city residents aged 65 or over. They were asked to complete the Japanese SF-8^TM Health Survey. [Results] Compared to the control group, the participant group scored higher in all ten SF-8^TM items. The score of 8 SF-8^TM items fell with age only in the control group. [Conclusion] Among the participants in the exercise program, differences in SF-8^TM scores typically appeared among individuals aged 80 or older, and the group that completed the program scored significantly higher than the control group.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify whether hyperalgesia after a week of immobilization becomes chronic after the immobilization is removed. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 5 Wistar rats. The left hind limbs of all the rats were immobilized in plantar flexion. The right hind limbs were the controls and were only tested. Hyperalgesia was measured in all the rats’ hind limbs. A consistently increasing plantar stimulus was applied until a paw withdrawal response (PWR) was observed. [Results] The results show that on the immobilized side, where the plantar stimulus was applied from the day the immobilization was removed until the 13^th day after the immobilization was removed, there was a significant decrease in the PWR compared with that before the immobilization. The control side did not show any significant difference throughout the experiment. [Conclusion] A one-week immobilization caused hyperalgesia that didn’t become chronic after the immobilization was removed.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of a dual task (DT) on gait termination. [Subjects] The subjects were fifteen healthy adults. [Methods] Using a 3D motion capture system, the gait termination at the end of an 8-m walkway, after walking at a comfortable speed, was measured under a single task (ST) condition, and with the addition of a cognitive task, the DT condition. The stopping time and stopping distance of the deceleration period were measured. [Results] The stopping time was significantly prolonged in the DT condition, but the stopping distance was not different between the conditions. [Conclusion] The results suggest the need to evaluate and practice gait termination under a DT condition.

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[Purpose] The aims of this study were to investigate the pelvic rotation angles of stroke patients in the sitting and standing positions, and the difference between those angles. [Subjects] Thirty-eight patients with hemiparesis participated in this study. [Methods] Subjects’ pelvic rotation angles in the sitting and standing positions were measured. Multiple regression analysis of the difference between the pelvic rotation angles in the sitting and standing positions was conducted. [Results] The pelvis was rotated backward in the sitting and standing positions and the angles were 1.1 ± 3.6° and 3.8 ± 6.4°, respectively. The pelvic rotation angle in the standing position was significantly larger than in the sitting position. The Brunnstrom recovery stage of the lower limbs and walking ability were independent predictors of the difference between the pelvic rotation angle in the sitting and standing positions. [Conclusion] The pelvic rotation angle was affected by the severity of paralysis and walking ability of the stroke patients with hemiparesis.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal changes in anxiety with campus life using the College Life Anxiety Scale in order to propose countermeasures. [Subjects] Eighty-eight physical therapy freshmen. [Methods] Freshmen were surveyed in May, October, and the following February. [Results] Anxiety with daily living was lower in October than in May. However, maladjustment to college gradually became higher and was significantly higher in February than in May. There were no significant changes in anxiety in the assessment and total score. The freshmen seemed to have become accustomed to daily campus life during the first half of the academic year. [Conclusion] The results suggest anxiety over the possibility of exam failure tended to increase at the end of the academic year. Students with anxieties concerning their ability and aptness for physical therapy need to be identified early, and interviewed frequently to allay the examination anxiety.

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[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between subjective assessments and objective measurements of sedentary behavior and physical activity of full-time housewives. [Subjects] The subjects were 17 full-time housewives aged between 24 and 44. [Methods] The physical activity amounts obtained using the Japanese version of the IPAQ questionnaire and an activity meter were divided into high intensity activity, moderate intensity activity, and sedentary behavior, and were investigated and compared together with the total physical activity amount. [Results] In the comparison of the subjective assessments and the actual measures, the actual measures of total physical activity and sedentary behavior were significantly higher, but there was very little correlation among the four outcome measures. Even when high intensity activity was actually measured, it was perceived as not having taken place by 82% of the subjects. [Conclusion] Actual measures of the physical activity of full-time housewives were higher than their subjective assessments.

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[Purpose] To examine the usefulness of bridge exercise evaluations and obtain reference values. [Subjects] Fifty-six hemiplegia patients. [Methods] The subjects were grouped based on their abilities to perform standing-up and move within the wards. The load rates, crotch flexion angles, knee extensor strengths of both legs, the paretic leg, and the non-paretic leg when performing a bridge exercise, and Brunnstrom recovery stages, were compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed, using items with significant differences as independent variables and the abilities to stand-up and move as dependent variables, and the cut-off values were calculated using the ROC curve. [Results] The paralyzed side bridge angle that enabled standing-up was 34°, and a paralyzed side bridge load rate of 18% indicated when walking in the ward and movement was possible without aid. [Conclusion] The results suggest that paralyzed side bridge exercise evaluation is a useful evaluation method as it can quantitatively evaluate the hip extension and exercise ability of hemiparetic patients, which reflects their ability to stand and move.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and the reliability of trunk flexion and extension muscle strength measurements made by a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in the sitting position. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-four healthy adults were subjects. Measurements made by the HHD were compared with those made by isokinetic strength measurement equipment (ISME). The validity was investigated with Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient, inter-rater and intra-rater relative reliabilities were estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and the absolute reliability was determined using Bland-Altman analysis. [Results] HHD and ISME measurements showed a significant correlation, and ICC values were high. The trunk extension muscle strength showed a large bias in Bland-Altman analysis. [Conclusion] Clinical applications of HDD measurements is possible with due consideration of the measurement error.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of visual information on the strategy of the feet by measuring the center of pressure (COP) sway of the right and left feet during tandem standing. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy adult males. [Methods] COP sway was measured with the eyes open and closed in tandem standing with the right foot at the rear. Differences in COP sway variables and loading of the right and left feet were analyzed. [Results] Loading on the right (posterior) foot was significantly larger under both vision conditions. There were significantly high correlations between the COP variables of the posterior (right) foot and the composite values of both feet in both the eyes open and closed conditions, and between those of the anterior (left) foot and the composite values of both feet in the eyes closed condition. [Conclusion] The results suggest that in tandem standing, the influence of the posterior foot on postural maintenance is large, and that in the absence of visual information, not only the posterior foot, but also the anterior foot contribute to postural maintenance.

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[Purpose] To investigate the hemodynamic change after exercise load of stroke patients, focusing on overlaps of comorbidity. [Subjects] Nineteen stroke patients. [Methods] The subject performed a warm-up, and muscle strength and muscle power were measured by a recumbent type ergometer. Blood pressure was measured at rest before exercise and after each exercise, and was initially analyzed without consideration of comorbidities, followed by comparisons to determine whether or not there were overlaps of hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. [Results] The systolic blood pressure after each exercise showed no significant difference from at rest, but the average blood pressure after muscle power measurement was significantly higher than after the other exercises. In addition, in cases with overlap of hypertension and dyslipidemia, average blood pressure was significantly higher. [Conclusion] The results suggest it is important to evaluate the hemodynamic change after exercise with consideration of comorbidities.

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[Purpose] To clarify the foot position of care assistants (carers) which is effective at generating force for assisting persons who have difficulty with standing up due to limited hip flexion (care subjects). [Subjects] Sixteen male university students with experience of care transfers acted as carers, and one healthy adult male acted as the care subject. [Methods] Using a force plate and force shoes, the load on the lower limbs of the care subject at the time his buttocks left the seat was compared between carers with their feet positioned apart anteroposteriorly (APfeet), and mediolaterally (MLfeet). [Results] The load on the lower limbs when the care subject’s buttocks left the seat, was significantly greater in the APfeet position than in the MLfeet position. [Conclusion] The results suggest there is a possibility that placing carers’ feet in the APfeet position promotes an increase in the load on care subjects’ lower limbs when their buttocks leave the seat.

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[Purpose] To examine the effect of static stretching on neural reflex mechanisms through changes in the tendon reflex and body sway. [Subjects] Thirty subjects with no lower limb disorders or neuropathies. [Methods] The latency of the tendon reflex and body sway were measured before and after three times performance of static stretching for 30 seconds. The subjects were also divided and compared according to the presence or absence of a stretch effect. [Results] After stretching, the latency of the tendon reflex was prolonged and body sway increased, and these effects were especially marked in the group of subjects clearly showing a stretch effect. [Conclusion] There is a possibility that static stretching affects the neural reflex mechanisms; therefore, they should be carefully performed immediately before sports events.

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[Purpose] To verify the role of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in hemiplegic patients’ gait, by observing the hemiplegic side weight-bearing ratio (WBR). [Subjects] The subjects were 15 hemiplegic patients with bespoke AFOs who could walk without assistance from a carer. [Methods] The WBR was measured using a StepAid during barefoot gait and AFO gait over 10 m between parallel bars. WBR, the coefficient of variation (CV) of WBR, and the 10 m walking time were compared between the two conditions. [Results] Compared to barefoot gait, the WBR, CV, and 10 m walking time of AFO gait in parallel bar walking were significantly reduced. [Conclusion] The results make clear that an AFO for hemiplegic patients reduces WBR and its CV, and increases their walking speed during gait.

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[Purpose] The characteristics of brain pathological findings according to gestational weeks (GW) were clarified. [Subjects] Sixty-two preterm infants and 29 full-term infants were studied to analyze the brain pathological findings. [Methods] The specificity of the brain pathology was studied in the cases of each GW and Pearson’s moment correlation analysis of variance of was performed. [Results] Among cerebral white matter injuries, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) of spongy and diffuse types were frequently found in cases of less than 26 GW. Widespread-type PVL was found from 27 to 29 GW. Intermediate leukomalacia (IML) was found from 36 to 38 GW. Subcortical leukomalacia (SCL) was found from 39 to 41 GW. Pontosubicular necrosis widespread-type was found from 24 to 26 GW and from 39 to 41 GW. [Conclusion] The common sites of the softening in cerebral white matter injuries and other lesions were different and characteristic of gestational ages at birth. These findings are important for the start of early rehabilitation.

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[Purpose] To clarify the details of trunk flexor muscle activities and anterior pelvic tilt while keeping the legs raised in the supine position. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three healthy adult male subjects raised their legs while keeping both knee joints straight until the hip joint was flexed to 90°, and they then lowered their legs in 15° intervals, maintaining their legs at each angle. Trunk flexor muscle activities were measured by electromyography, and the angle of pelvic tilt was also measured. [Results] Changes in the muscle activity and forward inclination of the pelvis were found at an early stage. [Conclusion] The results suggest there is a need to examine the criteria of the double-leg lowering test.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to develop and test the reliability and validity of a Practice Ability Evaluation Scale (PAES) for physical therapists (PTs) engaged in the Integrated Community Care System. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were PTs working at 504 medical facilities or care service centers for the elderly in the north Kanto area. Questionnaires were distributed via mail. [Results] A total of 387 (45.7%) PTs responded, and 373 (44.0%) responses were valid. Item and factor analyses showed the PAES to consist of 5 factors and 17 items. Cronbach’s alpha for each of the 5 factors was 0.81 or greater, verifying the reliability. Structural equation modeling with factor analysis was performed using the observed variables and latent factors, and the model was shown to have a relatively high validity. [Conclusion] The results obtained verified the reliability and validity of a PAES containing 5 factors and 17 items.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to perform kinematic and kinetic analysis of the relationships of the lower limb joints during single-leg squatting. [Subjects] Ten healthy subjects participated in this research. [Methods] A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to capture kinetic and kinematic data of single-leg squatting. Subjects’ lower limb joint angles, joint moments, combined moments, and ground reaction forces were analyzed. The combined moment was defined as the sum of the ankle varus moment and hip abduction moment. Each of the items was analyzed using linear regression analysis. [Results] The R² values for the COG and hip moment, and COP and ankle moment were significant. The R² value of the combined moment and ground reaction force was significant and larger than that of only the ankle moment. [Conclusion] The results suggest postural control in the frontal plane is similar to that in the sagittal plane.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to verify the effect on a patient with intractable pain of auditory neuro-feedback training. [Subject] The subject was an 81-year-old female who complained of chronic lumbar pain. [Methods] The intervention consisted of control training for θ and α electroencephalograms (EEG). The psychological effect of the intervention was investigated using VAS, PCS and STAI assessments. In addition, for the neurophysiological assessment, the changes in the mean EEG potentials, calculated using EEG frequency analysis and used as an index of the neural activity of each wave band, were investigated. [Results] Post-intervention, the activity potential of β waves, and the scores of PCS and STAI were reduced compared to their values before the intervention. [Conclusion] The results suggest that in this case anxiety and the persistence of chronic pain were ameliorated by the implementation of auditory neuro-feedback training.

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[Purpose] Differences in the effects of verbal feedback used concurrently or terminally were investigated. [Subjects] Twenty-four young adults participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects were quasi-randomly assigned to one of two groups: the concurrent feedback group or the terminal feedback group. The learning task was moving the right toe forward to the target height. [Results] Performances in practice and the retention test were similar in both groups. In the concurrent feedback group, performances of trials provided with feedback in each block were more accurate than those of trials done before being provided with feedback. Meanwhile, in the terminal feedback group, performances were similar in the first and final trials in each block. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the effects of practice with concurrent feedback are as beneficial as that with terminal feedback, but that performances vary in a different way between groups.

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[Purpose] To determine the effects of 12 months performance of two kinds of exercise in the sitting position on a group of older adults. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were assigned to a resistance exercise group (REG, n=19) and a balance exercise group (BEG, n=17). Muscular strength (MS) and functional fitness were assessed at pre-intervention (T1) and after 3 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) of the intervention. [Results] No significant interaction was noted in any measured variable. Improvements in knee extension, and ankle dorsal extension strength were noted only in REG between T1 and T2, and the improvements were maintained at T3. No significant changes were noted in any other parameters in either group between T1 and T2. After 12 months, a significant decrease in the functional reach (FR) of both groups and the gait speed of BEG was noted. [Conclusion] The resistance and balance exercises had similar effects on the muscular strength of frail older adults. FR probably did not improve, because of the seated nature of the exercises.

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[Purpose] Many physical therapists and occupational therapists take part in clinical practice training in their education when young. However, the qualification for instructors of clinical practice training is “years of experience” only, and the necessity of learning “educational methods as well as educational terminology” is not stipulated. Accordingly, it is our opinion that there is a need to conduct a survey of the current situation concerning educational methods. [Subjects] Agreement to participation was obtained from 155 subjects attending various study groups. [Methods] A fact-finding quantitative study was conducted using a questionnaire including items about educational methods and terminology. [Results] Many instructors reported anxieties about educational methods used for educating students, but whether or not the methods were effective, had only been verified by a few of them. [Conclusion] The results suggest the necessity of looking at learning theory from the perspective of pedagogics.

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[Purpose] To investigate the correlations between lower limb injuries in baseball and soccer players and their ability to perform deep squatting and seiza sitting. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 soccer and baseball players with an average age of 18 years and a history of 12 years participation in sport. [Methods] After assessing the subjects ability to perform both actions, the incidence of non-contact lower limb injuries in the following 2 years was investigated. [Results] The correlation (φ coefficient) of injury incidence and the ability to perform deep squatting was 0.94 for baseball players, and 0.78 for soccer players, and for seiza sitting the values were 0.48 and 0.47, respectively. [Conclusion] The results suggest that for both soccer players and baseball players, the ability to perform deep squatting, rather than seiza sitting, is a simple and useful assessment method for predicting the level of risk of incidence of lower limb injury.

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[Purpose] To understand hemodynamics in the Supine Position during dynamic exercise to investigate changes that occurred in the body’s hemodynamics during dynamic exercise with two varying loads. [Subjects] The participants were 11 sedentary healthy men with a mean age of 26.0 years, mean body mass of 67.3 kg, mean height of 172.8 cm and a body mass index of 22.4 kg/m². [Methods] The body’s hemodynamics was measured in the supine position during 20-min bicycle ergometry at 20% and 40% of the maximum load reached for the target heart rate. [Results] The stroke volume increased significantly with the 40% load compared with pre-exercise during 1 to 5 minutes of a 20-min exercise period and at 2-minute post-exercise. However, compared with the 20% load a significant decrease was noted during the 8- to 20-min exercise period. Compared with pre-exercise the total peripheral resistance decreased significantly with the 40% load during 1 to 5 minutes of a 20-min exercise period. However, compared with the 20% load a significant increase was noted during the 10- to 20-min exercise period. Compared with pre-exercise the baroreflex sensitivity decreased significantly during 2- to 20-min of dynamic exercise with the 40% load. Compared with the 20% load the baroreflex sensitivity also decreased significantly during 15- to 17- and 20-min of exercise and at 2-min post-exercise. [Conclusion] It was suggested the stroke volume increased and the total peripheral resistance decreased in the Supine Position during dynamic exercise at 40% of the maximum load reached for the target heart rate.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia and related factors of skeletal muscle mass in community-dwelling frail elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 57 community-dwelling frail elderly: 41 females, 16 males. [Methods] The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria were adopted. The assessment tools used were: body composition, nutrition (MNA-SF), motor function, and the life space assessment (LSA). [Results] The prevalence of sarcopenia was 4.8% in females and 6.2% in males. Multiple regression analysis revealed BMI, LSA, hand-grip strength, and knee extension torque were significantly associated with the skeletal muscle index. [Conclusion] Sarcopenia was associated with low BMI and MNA-SF scores. Our results suggest that targeted intervention to improve BMI may be useful for preventing a decline in skeletal muscle mass.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on the walking ability of a school-age child with cerebral palsy (CP). [Subjects] The subject was a 10-year-old boy with spastic diplegia CP who could walk with crutches. [Methods] Muscle thickness and walking ability were evaluated at the base line, during the WBV intervention, and after the intervention using an ABA’ single-case design. Muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography (US), and the walking ability was measured as the 10-m walk time. [Results] The muscle thickness was increased, and the walking speed and stride were improved by WBV training. [Conclusion] Whole-body vibration training is effective at improving the strength of school-age children with cerebral palsy.

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