[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the correlations between the kinematics of the pre-landing flight phase and ground reaction force during single-leg anterior jump-landing. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen healthy adults were included in the study. The sagittal angles of the trunk, pelvis, and lower extremities were measured 50 msec before initial contact and during landing using a movie camera. The ground reaction force parameters were measured using a force plate. [Results] The median angle (quartile deviation) was 11.5° (2.5°) for the anterior trunk tilt, 28.9° (6.4°) for the hip flexion, 5.9° (5.1°) for the anterior pelvic tilt, and 22.5° (3.9°) for the knee flexion at 50 msec before initial contact. The median value for the peak posterior ground reaction force was 60.3%BW (7.3%BW). Some sagittal angles at the 50 msec before initial contact were related to the peak posterior ground reaction force. [Conclusion] In single-leg anterior jump-landing, increasing anterior trunk tilt, hip flexion, and anterior pelvic tilt before landing might diminish the posterior ground reaction force.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the hospitalization factors that affect the cut-down period in knee-ankle foot orthosis prescription. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 43 patients with stroke hemiplegia who were hospitalized in our convalescence rehabilitation ward and had a cut-down to only ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) after knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) had been prescribed. A correlation analysis was conducted between the cut-down period and age, disease type, type of unilateral spatial neglect (USN), lower limb Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS), USN severity, motor Functional Independence Measure (mFIM), and cognitive FIM (cFIM) to determine the factors that affect the cut-down period. In addition, items related to the cut-down period were subjected to a binomial logistic regression analysis to determine the degree of independent influence of each factor. [Results] The items that were associated with the cut-down period were USN severity, lower limb BRS, mFIM, and cFIM. The binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that USN severity is an independent regulatory factor of the cut-down period. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that USN severity is the hospitalization factor that has the greatest effect on prolongation of the cut-down period.

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[Purpose] To clarify factors associated with falls in the elderly who are regarded as individuals with a lower risk of falls (low-risk elderly) based on their TUG test results, and consider effective fall prevention approaches. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-nine elderly females with a TUG time of 13.5 seconds or shorter were divided into fall and non-fall groups based on the history of falls to compare the following items between them: the numbers of steps needed to walk normally during walk and sit-to-walk tasks; velocity of a forward shift in the center of gravity when standing during the sit-to-walk task; motor functions; and the level of fear of falling. [Results] Compared with the non-fall group (19), the fall group (10) needed 1 more step to walk normally during the sit-to-walk task, and their velocity of a forward shift in the center of gravity was significantly lower. Their markedly higher level of fear of falling was also noted. [Conclusion] A higher level of fear of falling was the most important factor associated with falls in the low-risk elderly with a history of falls, suggesting the necessity of improving their movement patterns as a fall prevention approach.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to better clarify the features of campus life anxiety among first-year physical therapy students, which was previously revealed as one of causes of retirement from university soon after admission, by comparing them with those of students of a non-medical department. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 88 students of physical therapy and 109 students of a non-medical department who entered college in 2015. The College Life Anxiety Scale (CLAS) was performed 2 months after admission and and each item was compared using χ² analysis. [Results] Regarding the three factors of CLAS (anxiety about daily living, anxiety about assessment, and feelings of maladjustment to college), the students of physical therapy significantly often answered “no” concerning feelings of maladjustment to college. [Conclusion] This study revealed that students of physical therapy did not have feelings of maladjustment to university early after admission, and we presume this is because they have a distinct purpose in life after graduation.

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[Purpose] To obtain basic data for rehabilitation to help patients return to sports activities or with other goals by examining changes in the side-stepping movement velocity, representing trunk muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy adult males executed side-stepping movements at 5 different velocities to measure the activities of the following muscles during the movements using surface electromyography: the rectus abdominis, ex- and internal oblique, and lumbar multifidus muscles. [Results] With increases in the side-stepping movement velocity, the activities of all muscles were promoted. [Conclusion] The trunk muscle activity level increased when executing side-stepping movements at a higher velocity, suggesting that the muscles of the trunk are involved in such performance.

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[Purpose] The present study assessed the effect of a triple task program (resistance movement added to dual task training: combined task program) on the motor function of elderly people. [Subjects and Methods] The study sample included 41 elderly individuals aged from 65 to 85 years old who volunteered to participate in response to a public recruitment call. Nineteen volunteers practiced the dual task program once a week (the dual task group). Twenty-two volunteers practiced the combined task program once a week (the combined task group). [Results] After the intervention, the two groups showed significant differences in walking speed, balance, knee extension strength and executive function. In the comparison of variance, differences in walking speed, muscular strength, and balance were found between the two groups [Conclusion] Compared to the dual task program, the combined task program tended to have a more pronounced effect on the improvement or maintenance of balance and walking ability.

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[Purpose] To analyze the influences of the stepping direction and cognitive loading on the simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction times. [Subjects and Methods] Measurement was performed, involving 16 healthy young adults to perform the following tasks: single tasks (STs): SRT: responding to a visual stimulus by stepping in a given direction using a given leg; 2CRT: choosing the stepping leg (left/right); and 6CRT: choosing the stepping leg (left/right) and direction; and dual-tasks (DTs): subtraction was added to each ST. Thus, there were a total of 6 tasks, and the reaction time (RT) and rate of change during each task were analyzed. [Results] Among the STs, SRT prolonged the RT the most significantly, followed by 2CRT and 6CRT in this order. The prolongation was particularly marked during the DTs. On analyzing the rate of ST-DT change when side-stepping, there was a significant difference between SRT and 6CRT. [Conclusion] The RT was suggested to be prolonged by the complication of the information processing process.

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[Purpose] The sitting reaction time of community-dwelling elderly was investigated, and its relationships with other motor functions were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 258 elderly people aged 65 or over (86 males, 172 females). Sitting reaction time, 5 times sit to stand test (SS-5), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), and 2-step test were measured and compared among age groups, and motor function correlations were investigated. [Results] The sitting reaction time was significantly slower in the oldest-old group compared to the young-old and old-old groups. Significant differences were found between the SS-5, TUG and 2-step values of each of the age groups, and significant correlations were found between sitting reaction time and SS-5, TUG, and 2-step values of each age group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that sitting reaction time could be used as an index of the reaction time of the elderly.

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[Purpose] To examine the immediate effect of low-intensity expiratory muscle training (EMT) on the cough peak flow (CPF) as an index of voluntary cough intensity. [Subjects and Methods] EMT was performed in the supine position by 21 healthy males without a history of a respiratory or circulatory disorder or smoking, and their CPF was measured immediately after it. When performing EMT, the maximum expiratory pressure was set at 15% for loading, and the procedure was repeated 10, 20, and 30 times as 3 different conditions. [Results] Regardless of the number of repetitions, EMT improved the CPF immediately after it. The sense of fatigue was more marked when repeating the procedure 20 and 30 compared with 10 times. [Conclusion] It may be possible to increase the CPF while avoiding marked fatigue by repeating EMT 10 times with a maximum expiratory pressure of 15% for loading.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the direction that has the lowest risk of inversion ankle sprains by focusing on the relationship between ankle position, center of gravity and floor reaction force. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 18 healthy adults. They performed left single-leg landings in the front, back, left and right directions. We calculated the distance from the ankle joint center to the ground reaction force (DAG), the distance from the center of gravity to the ground reaction force (DGG), and the position of the center of pressure (COP) after each landing. [Results] In jumps to the rear, DAG was the biggest, while DGG was the smallest. In addition, the COP was anterolateral to the ankle joint center. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that jumps to the rear have the lowest risk of inversion ankle sprains.

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[Purpose] We examined the aggregate of guidance opportunities in newcomer employee education conducted by a trans-disciplinary team from a team building perspective. [Subjects and Methods] For 13 newcomer employee staff and 97 leaders, we collected data on the amount of guidance given in the first three months. [Results] The amount of guidance varied widely at the stage of independence of work. In the guidance of newcomer employees who were quick to step up, there was a tendency for leaders of various years of experience to be involved in a balanced manner. On the other hand, newcomer employees who held back tended to receive guidance from a limited number of leaders, and the reliability and fulfillment of human relationships within the team tended to be low. [Conclusion] It is considered that team building was effectively constructed in the teams in which step up occurred. The results suggest that incorporating team education into job training for newcomer employee staff could develop team building.

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[Purpose] The principal aim of the present study was to conduct a kinematic analysis to elucidate anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) during step initiation by stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were assigned to one of three groups (20 stroke patients, 9 healthy elderly persons, and 5 healthy adults), and step movements were measured using surface electromyograms of the bilateral tibialis anterior, soleus, and gluteus medius muscles, and center of gravity sway. [Results] In comparison with healthy adults, a delay in muscle latency was noted in stroke patients. Furthermore, control disorder was noted in the paretic soleus muscle during steps made by the paretic side, and in the paretic gluteus medius muscle during steps made on the non-paretic side. Center of pressure (COP) movement was found to be decreased in stroke patients, especially in the lateral direction. [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that delay in muscle latency, control disorder of the paretic side and decreased COP movement, especially in the lateral direction, occur in stroke patients.

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[Purpose] Backward walking is often used as a means of gait acquisition and fall prevention. It is said that the brain activity in areas associated with motion increases as the speed increases with forward walking. We hypothesized that backward walking also increases brain activity as walking speed increases. We therefore examined changes in cerebral cortex activity resulting from different backward walking speeds. [Subjects and Methods] 10 healthy adults were measured for backward walking on a treadmill using functional near infrared spectroscopy. The speed was set at 66%, 50%, and 33% of comfortable backward walking speed. [Results] Increases in brain activity in areas associated with motion were seen at all speeds, but increased more at 66% and 33% compared with 50%. [Conclusion] Backward walking also causes brain activity to increase in areas associated with motion in the same way as forward walking. In addition, because the degree of brain activity varies depending on the difference in backward walking speed, it was thought that it was necessary to consider it when deciding the treatment program.

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[Purpose] This study investigated differences in respiratory function between exercise and non-exercise in a supine position maintained with a foam roller. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 45 healthy students (22 males; mean age, 21 years; body mass index, 21.4 kg/m²). They were randomly divided into three groups: those who exercised in the supine position on a foam roller (EX group), those who maintained the supine position on a foam roller (non-EX group), and the controls. Forced vital capacity (FVC), transversus abdominis muscle thickness, and chest and abdominal wall mobilities were measured. The measurements were conducted before and after the intervention period. [Results] FVC in the non-EX group, and abdominal wall mobility in the EX group significantly increased after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results suggest the supine position on a foam roller increases the respiratory function.

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[Purpose] To investigate the effect of sleep deprivation (SD) on the ambulatory activity (AA) of rats. [Subjects and Methods] Six male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were used. The animals were housed and acclimated for two weeks under a twelve-hour light/dark cycle in experimental cages equipped with a running wheel before applying the SD. The SD was started from the light on for six hours. Temperature and humidity conditions were properly controlled and food and water were given ad libitum throughout the experiment. Several AA parameters were measured and compared between before and after SD. [Results] The number of times of activity, average activity duration and total ambulatory distance were significantly reduced on the day of applying SD, compared to their values before SD, and average rest duration significantly increased. Additionally, a tendency of reduction of total activity and fragmentation of activity was also observed for a few days. [Conclusion] Acute SD showed a significant impact on activity and it may persist for a few days in the rat.

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[Purpose] We aimed to clarify the main part where shock absorption is carried out by using an acceleration sensor. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were eleven healthy male subjects, average age, 20.8 ± 2.44 years old. Acceleration was measured with sensors attached to the calcaneus, fibula and lateral part of the thigh, and the statistical significance of differences was examined using the Friedman test (Tukey’s method). [Results] Acceleration (deg/sec/BW/WS) at the calcaneus, femoral head and thigh were 4.2 ± 1.2, 0.2 ± 0.03, 0.1 ± 0.06, respectively. RMS (m/s² rms/WS²) of the same sites were 68.7 ± 20.9, 5.4 ± 0.8, and 3.7 ± 1.6, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.01) between the accelerations at the calcaneus and the fibula portion, and between the accelerations at the calcaneus and the femoral region. There was no significant difference between the accelerations at the fibula and the thigh. There were significant differences between the RMS values at the calcaneus and the fibular head (p<0.05), and between the RMS values at the calcaneus and the thigh (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the RMS values at the fibula head and the thigh. [Conclusion] The results show that the impact during normal gait is mainly absorbed by the ankle joint.

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[Purpose] We examined the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the unilateral forearm on blood oxygenation, perspiration, and skin temperature of the bilateral forearms. [Subjects and Methods] Eight healthy male volunteers (age 20.3 ± 1.2 years) participated in this study. The autonomic responses of the right forearm to ipsilateral TENS for 15 minutes were recorded. After more than 1 week, the responses on the opposite side of the stimulus were recorded. [Results] Ipsilateral perspiration and skin temperature showed a significant increase during and after TENS. Oxygenated hemoglobin of both forearms significantly increased after TENS, however, deoxygenated hemoglobin of the contralateral forearm showed a significant decrease after TENS. [Conclusion] TENS elicits not only an effect in the locality near the stimulation point but also a systemic effect, suggesting it may also have an effect on parts where it is difficult to directly attach an electrode.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the changes in physical functions of subjects who participated in an exercise training program, between before and after the program and at a six-month follow-up. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of the study were 17 elderly people. They participated in a three-month training protocol, and their physical functions were assessed at pre- and post-training, and at a six-month follow-up. Moreover, we also investigated their exercise habits after the training. [Results] All the participants carried out some kind of exercise more than once a week. Some physical functions exceeded the base-line level at the six-month follow-up. However, knee extension strength had significantly decreased at the follow-up. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the exercise load might not have been great enough to maintain the subjects’ muscle strength.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the knee load of patients with deficiency of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by analyses of the effect of movement speed on the knee extension moment during stair descent. [Subjects and Methods] Eight normal subjects and ten patients with ACL deficiency participated in this study. Movements of stair descent at 60, 90, and 120 steps per minute were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system composed of infrared cameras and force plates. The knee extension moments, knee flexion angles, and ground reaction forces were compared. [Results] The knee extension moment and flexion angle significantly increased in proportion to increase of movement speed in the early stance phase. However, no significant difference was observed between the knee extension moments of the patients and controls. [Conclusions] The results of this study show that knee load increased with movement speed of stair descent.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of femoral anteversion on hip flexion angle under pelvic fixation. [Subjects and Methods] Informed consent to participation in this study was obtained from 62 young adults: 31 males and 31 females. Femoral anteversion was measured using Craig’s test, and male and female subjects were each classified separately into normal, anteversion, or retroversion groups. In addition, range of motion of hip flexion, hip internal rotation, and external rotation in the supine posture, and range of motion of hip internal rotation and external rotation in the prone posture were measured under pelvic fixation. [Results] Significant differences in hip flexion angle were observed between the anteversion group and the retroversion group in both male and female subjects, and the greater femoral anteversion was, the greater the hip flexion angle was. [Conclusion] This study revealed that femoral anteversion influences the hip flexion angle under pelvic fixation.

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[Purpose] The objective of this study was to examine how 60 minutes of patient education before exercise classes affected promotion of physical activity (PA) among patients with knee pain. [Subjects and Methods] The study design was a single-blind, quasi-randomized controlled trial. The participants were 81 patients (age: >50 years) with knee pain. They were randomly classified into two groups: Ex + Edu (exercise and patient education) and Ex (exercise). Each participant took part in exercise classes and physical therapy for 12 weeks. Those in the Ex + Edu group additionally received 60 minutes of initial patient education before the class. This consisted of a lecture delivered by a physical therapist using a booklet. [Results] Subjective PA showed a relation between the groups, though its effect was small. However, physical function, pain, self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life showed no relation between the groups. [Conclusion] Patient education for 60 minutes before an exercise class was shown to promote PA, but the effect was small.

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[Purpose] To analyze differences in action between fibers of the gluteus medius. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were healthy males aged 22–34 years. The motor task was 30% maximum voluntary isometric hip abduction contraction in different directions (1, abduction; 2, abduction + flexion; 3, abduction + extension). Muscle thickness and distance of the muscle–tendon junction were measured using ultrasonography, and their rates of change were calculated. [Results] The rate of change in muscle thickness of the anterior and posterior gluteus medius was significantly higher in tasks 2 and 3, respectively. The rate of change in the distance of the muscle–tendon junction was the same as the rate of change in muscle thickness. [Conclusion] Anterior gluteus medius fibers participate in flexion in addition to abduction, and posterior gluteus medius fibers participate in extension in addition to abduction.

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[Purpose] To examine the effects of treatment using press tack needles compared with placebo press tack needles applied at Shenmen, an acupuncture point on the ear, on the psychological conditions of university students playing rugby during the summer training camp period. [Subjects and Methods] Male players belonging to the rugby club of University-A were divided into 3 groups: press tack needle: 33; placebo: 38; and control: 32, to compare changes in their scores from the subscales of the Japanese-version Short-form POMS on Camp Days 1 and 3. [Results] Main effects were observed for T-A and F scores during the study period, but there were neither main effects nor interactions related to the intervention method. Furthermore, there were no significant main effects or interactions for other scores. [Conclusion] The treatment with press tack needles or placebo press tack needles applied at Shenmen did not show effects on the players’ psychological conditions.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of ground reaction force (GRF) parameters in a modified chair-rising method for the elderly using long-term care insurance services (LTCI) and its relationship with lower limb strength and activities of daily living (ADL). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two subjects (13 males and 19 females) using the LTCI were recruited. GRF parameters, lower limb strength, and functional independence measures–motor domain (FIM-M) and each of its component items were evaluated to examine the relationships among the items. [Results] Among males, the maximal rate of force development parameters showed significant relationships with lower limb strength, and the time parameters showed significant relationships with self-care and locomotion. Among females, peak reaction force showed a significant relationship with self-care. [Conclusion] The results suggest that measurement of GRF parameters is a simple and useful assessment method for lower limb function that can be used for elderly males using the LTCI.

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[Purpose] To clarify whether the focuses of goal-setting for individual clients in physical therapy vary depending on therapists’ clinical experience, this study compared such focuses between students of a physical therapist training school (student PTs) and professional physical therapists (professional PTs). [Subjects and Methods] A total of 50 professional PTs (mean length of clinical experience: 3.7 ± 2.1 years), who worked in facilities belonging to the study university, and 54 student PTs in their third or fourth year at the Department of Physical Therapy of the same university, who consented to cooperate with the study, were involved. [Results] The professional and student PTs tended to attach importance to the ‘previous lives’ and ‘activities’ of patients, respectively, when setting goals for them. [Conclusion] The focuses of goal-setting varied between the professional and student PTs. There were no differences related to the school year, suggesting that such a variation was associated with clinical experience as a PT.

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[Purpose] An examination that evaluates students’ clinical skills in a situation similar to clinical practice (i.e. evaluation of patients) is held prior to clinical practice. To improve the validity of the scores of this examination, the differences in the scores of inside and outside examiners were analyzed. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 49, 3rd-year physical therapy students of Hokkaido University of Science (21.0 ± 1.7 years old). The students were split into two groups one of which and took a test of the musculoskeletal system and the other of the central nervous system. Each student was evaluated by an inside and outside examiner, and the differences in the examiners’ scores were analyzed. A questionnaire survey of the inside examiners was conducted about the results. [Results] There were significant differences between inside and outside examiners’ scores for history taking, anthropometric measurement of the musculoskeletal system, and deep tendon reflex of the central nervous system. Regarding the factors of the differences, there were survey answers indicating disagreements over the evaluation standard among examiners. [Conclusion] To raise the validity of the examination scores, improvement of the questions and standards will be required.

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[Purpose] To investigate the effects of pelvic tilt on trunk function and on change in sitting pressure during a side reach test performed by healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Trunk range of motion, muscle strength and sitting pressure of 19 right-handed healthy subjects (mean age: 20.2 years) sitting upright were measured during left and right side reach tests with the pelvis in the neutral and posterior positions. The relationship of trunk function and sitting pressure in the different pelvic tilt positions was analyzed. [Results] Side reach distance was significantly shorter with posterior pelvic tilt than in the neutral position. Particularly during the right side reach test, the left trunk muscle strength correlated with shift in the center of gravity in the frontal plane. [Conclusion] Pelvic position may affect side reach distance. The distance is related to trunk side flexion muscle strength, which is a factor in sideward shift in the center of gravity.

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[Purpose] With the aim of obtaining basic data as a support measure to promote inexperienced physical therapists’ career development, this study examined the status of their career adaptability, as well as the relationship between such adaptability and mentors. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted, involving 149 physical therapists with clinical experience of 1 to 5 years, to examine their basic attributes, scores from a career adaptability scale, and the presence/absence of mentors for them. [Results] On comparing therapists with and without mentors, the former showed significantly higher career adaptability scores related to interest, control, and self-confidence. [Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility of mentors influencing physical therapists’ career development.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the relationships of the times of “before turning”, “during turning” and “after turning” in the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) when stroke patients performed turns to the paretic and non-paretic sides with their lower limb function. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 14 stroke patients. The following items were evaluated: lower limb muscle strength, Brunnstrom Stage, Composite Spasticity Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment sensory items, and TUG. [Results] TUG times of turning to the paretic and non-paretic sides negatively correlated with the strengths of the paretic side hip flexor, knee extensor, and ankle dorsiflexor muscles, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment sensory items. The time of “during turning” when turning to the non-paretic side correlated with the paretic side hip flexion muscle strength and Fugl-Meyer Assessment sensory items. [Conclusion] These results indicate that the TUG time may be related to muscle strength and sensory disorders in the lower limb on the paretic side.

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[Purpose] To investigate the effects of cognitive task difficulty and task prioritization on dual task (DT) strategy in healthy young adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one healthy young adults. Subjects performed the Timed Up & Go test (TUG) and continuous subtraction task from arbitrary numbers as single tasks (ST), and then performed them simultaneously as a dual task. DT performance was evaluated under four conditions: two levels of difficulty, subtracting 3 and 7, in conjunction with two prioritizing tasks, paying equal attention to both the walking and subtraction tasks (no priority: NP), and paying attention mainly to the subtraction task (cognitive priority: CP). [Results] TUG walking time increased significantly in the DT compared to the ST, and increased significantly more with CP than with NP. [Conclusion] TUG walking time is more susceptible to task prioritization than cognitive task difficulty in healthy young adults.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the validity of postural sway measurements in the static standing position made by accelerometers placed on different body segments. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 21 healthy adult males. Center of pressure (COP) on a force plate and acceleration measurements were made under four conditions: with the subjects' eyes open and closed, and on hard and soft surfaces. The root mean square (RMS) value of the acceleration of the head, the 4th thoracic vertebra and the 5th lumbar vertebra were calculated and the differences between each condition were analyzed. [Results] On the soft surface, the acceleration of each body segment showed differences between the conditions similar to COP. [Conclusion] The measurement of the acceleration RMS of each body segment on a soft surface may be a useful new evaluation index, in place of the conventional COP path length measurement.

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[Purpose] We investigated students’ comprehension of orthosis in different years of a physical therapy department. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 92 students of a physical therapy department of a three-year vocational school. A questionnaire survey was conducted of age, sex, school year, recognition of orthosis before admission, present recognition of orthosis, accurate recognition of orthosis, experience of handling orthosis, purpose of orthosis, diseases suitable for orthosis, understanding of parts and function, etc., and the results were compared among the school years. [Results] Comprehension of the first grade was lower than those of the other grades. The second grade understood the nomenclature and had experience of handling orthoses, but they had limited comprehension of the parts of orthoses, and the purpose and diseases suitable for orthosis. The third grade had almost full comprehension of orthosis. [Conclusion] It is necessary to practice education based on difference of the school years.

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[Purpose] To clarify the factors behind a case who had strong anxiety about returning home despite being largely independent in daily living behavior. [Subjects and Methods] A patient with Wallenberg syndrome due to medullary infarction of the pons, in addition to general physical therapy evaluations was evaluated weekly over about 150 days from hospital admission to discharge with the 10m walk test (1), and for feelings of self-efficacy (2), anxiety and depression (3), and condition-characteristic anxiety (4). [Results] Negative correlations were found between the 10m walk test and anxiety/state anxiety, and between feelings of self-efficacy and items 3 and 4, and a positive correlation was found between the 10m walk test and self-efficacy. In addition, the activities of daily living that the subject could perform increased with prolongation of the single leg standing time. [Conclusion] The results suggest that when cases don’t show enough improvement in physical and psychological abilities for discharge from hospital, it may be necessary to devise interventions focusing on psychological aspects and vestibular function.

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