[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the gait speed and Arms Crossed Seated Side Tapping test (AC-SST) in hemiplegic stroke patients. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-two hemiplegic patients, who could walk independently or with a cane, participated in this study. We measured their gait speed, AC-SST performance, basic characteristics (age, sex, height, weight), and clinical characteristics (duration after onset of stroke, Brunnstrom stage of lower extremity, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower extremity). [Results] Only the AC-SST was found to correlate significantly with gait speed; the other factors showed no correlation. [Conclusion] The significant correlation between gait speed and AC-SST indicates that the ability to move the trunk quickly is an important aspect of the gait function of hemiplegic stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of quick lateral trunk movement training on gait function. [Participants and Methods] The participants were patients hospitalized after stroke, who could walk alone, with or without a cane. They underwent two types of training: one required the patients to move their trunk laterally as quickly as possible with their arms crossed in a seated position (arms crossed seated side tapping: AC-SST); the other was posture maintenance with the trunk tilted laterally to the maximum extent. Gait speed, stride and cadence were measured before and after each task. [Results] AC-SST improved the gait speed, stride, and cadence. On the other hand, the training to maintain posture did not result in any significant changes. [Conclusion] The quick lateral trunk movement training immediately improved the gait function of patients with hemiplegia.

[Purpose] To compare vectors, representing the floor pressing force by different phalanges and metatarsals of the foot, based on the measurement site in the forefoot region and gait velocity. [Participants and Methods] Eight healthy males walked at 3 velocities (normal, high, and low). Vectors, representing the floor pressing force by the base of each distal phalanx (hallux, middle finger, and little finger) and head of each metatarsal (first and fifth) of the right foot, were measured. [Results] Independently of the velocity, the force peaked in the lateral and medial parts of the foot plantar, in this order. The heads of the metatarsals pressed to the right back direction, and the base of the distal phalanx of the hallux pressed to the right front direction. The load on the medial part increased when walking at a high velocity. [Conclusion] From the terminal stance to pre-swing phase, the floor pressing force by the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux and heads of the metatarsal bones mainly increased. It was suggested that the floor pressing force by these parts remain strong even when walking at a different velocity.

[Purpose] To examine the factors that determine the development of nursing care certification among those who had participated in an intervention-based care prevention project in the last 5 years. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 123 males and 11 females who had participated in health classes from 2011 to 2015. In a retrospective cohort study, data on age, the basic checklist, and start and final Ikigai-9 scores, were compared between those with or without nursing care certification. [Results] Twenty-two of the 134 subjects had been certified for nursing-care insurance. “Motor functions,” “living functions,” “closure,” and “cognitive function” on the basic checklist were related to insurance certification. [Conclusion] The results show that not only “motor function” but also “lifestyle function” is important for the prevention of mild care needs.

[Purpose] Nutritional status and sarcopenia were surveyed to verify relationships between these items and activities of daily living (ADL) among patients who were admitted to a psychiatric ward and prescribed physiotherapy. [Participants and Methods] The muscle mass of 43 patients was estimated using the formula developed by Sanada et al., and sarcopenia was judged using the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). Patients with a decreased/maintained or improved Barthel Index (BI) were compared before and after physiotherapy. [Results] Among the patients, 77% and 42% had malnutrition and sarcopenia, respectively. Albumin and MNA-SF significantly differed between patients with a decreased/maintained BI and an improved BI. [Conclusion] Rates of malnutrition were high among the patients admitted to a psychiatric ward, and nutritional status appeared to be associated with BI improvement during physical therapy intervention.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to extract factors that lead to the onset of sports injuries in elementary school badminton players. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 230 third to sixth graders who were members of elementary school badminton clubs and responded to a questionnaire survey. Their responses to questions about injuries and the training regimens of formal club training and self-training were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to extract factors that led to the onset of sports injuries. [Results] One week’s practice time, self-running, self-strength training, and awareness of injury prevention significantly influenced the presence or absence of sports injuries. [Conclusion] The results suggest that it is necessary to enlighten players on the appropriate amount of practice, contents of self-practice and injury prevention practices in order to prevent sports injuries among elementary school badminton players.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to perform simulation analysis to assess the gait modification required to reduce mechanical stress on the knee joint. [Participants and Methods] The gait of 9 women with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint was assessed using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system and 4 force plates. Simulation analysis was performed after 20% reduction in the lateral ground reaction force using musculoskeletal modeling software. Knee adduction moment (KAM) and lateral joint reaction force (LJRF) were compared before and after analysis, and the reduction rates of KAM and LJRF and other parameters were compared using the Spearman-Rho correlation coefficient. [Results] After simulation analysis, KAM was reduced by 6.3% and LJRF by 15.9%. The reduction rate for KAM negatively correlated with the knee joint varus angle during gait. [Conclusion] The results suggest that simulation analysis could be useful for elucidating the mechanisms associated with decreases in KAM and LJRF, and could be used for walking guidance in clinical practice for patients with knee OA.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the difference in elbow/wrist joint motion of the chest pass in wheelchair basketball between players with and without basketball experience to help coach the chest pass motion. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were healthy women consisting of 6 with experience and 6 without experience of basketball. The chest pass motion in wheelchair basketball was analyzed using a three-dimensional motion analysis device. [Results] Compared with the inexperienced group, the experienced group had 1) high initial ball velocity and accuracy values; 2) small elbow joint flexion and wrist dorsiflexion angles at ball release; and 3) earlier appearance of maximum angular velocities of elbow joint extension and wrist palmar flexion. [Conclusion] The elbow/wrist joint motion of the experienced basketball players with a high performance level in the wheelchair basketball chest pass will help coach the action of wheelchair basketball players.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the life-space of older adults after discharge can be predicted, and to clarify the factors associated with life-space prediction and actual life-space. [Participants and Methods] This prospective cohort study included 33 patients who were discharged to home. We evaluated the patients’ predicted life-space (LSA) of 2 months after discharge, as well as BBS, TUG, FES-I, and FIM at the time of discharge, and LSA was re-evaluated 2 months after discharge from hospital. We analyzed the relationship between predicted LSA and actual LSA, and factors associated to LSA. [Results] There was a strong correlation between predicted LSA and actual LSA. TUG was associated with both the predicted and actual LSA, whereas BBS was only associated with actual LSA. [Conclusion] It is possible to predict the life-space of older adults after discharge. In addition, the results suggest that mobility is associated with predicted and actual life space.

[Purpose] To clarify the associations between wall squat (WS) performance (normal: WSN; and abnormal: WSA) and the sex/history of orthopedic diseases. [Participants and Methods] The study involved 108 participants with a mean age of 21. Their WS performances were classified into WSN and WSA. The associations between WS performance and the sex/history of orthopedic diseases were analyzed using the chi-square test. [Results] On examining all participants and those with a history of orthopedic diseases, WSA was significantly more prevalent among females. In contrast, there was no close association in those without such a medical history. [Conclusion] WSA was more prevalent among females, revealing its association with the sex. It was also suggested to be associated with the history of lower-limb/trunk joint disorders. As a future perspective, WS may be applicable for evaluation to prevent disease-related disabilities.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of simple electroencephalograph neurofeedback (NF) on mental practice (MP). [Participants and Methods] Forty-five healthy students were divided into three groups: the NF group in which individuals used NF during MP; the MP group in which individuals performed normal MP; and a control group whose individuals were not required to engage in any task. The iron ball spinning task was administered before and after the intervention to measure any improvement, and the results were compared. [Results] We found a significant improvement after the intervention in both the NF and MP groups; however, there was no significant difference between these two groups. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that for young people, adding simple electroencephalograph neurofeedback doesn't improve MP performance.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to reveal the muscle activities of the muscles surrounding the ankle during toe-grip exercises. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 14 healthy students. The toe-grip strength of one foot was measured three times in a chair-sitting posture using a toe grip strength meter. The muscular activities of the tibialis anterior (TA), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), abductor hallucis (AH), and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) were measured during maximum toe-gripping and toe-grip exercises. [Results] Positive correlations were found between toe-grip strength and TA, AH and FDB muscular activities. In addition, the muscle activity during towel gathering was higher than in the other exercises. [Conclusion] We consider that exercise involving the muscles surrounding the ankle joint is effective for improving toe-grip strength.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of rising motion, by analyzing the center of pressure (COP). [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 29 healthy males and females. The peak torque of each body part, long-sitting flexibility (LSF), and the required time were extracted as factors influencing the COP trace length, the speed of motion expressed by r, and the movement pattern expressed by θ. [Results] Trunk flexion at 120°/s, and trunk extension at 60 and 120°/s were identified as factors influencing the COP length. LSF and θ were identified as factors affecting r, the required time. Elbow joint flexion and extension at 90°/s were identified as factors affecting θ. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that the characteristics of the rising motion can be quantitatively understood by analysis of the COP information.

[Purpose] To compare knee extensor activity patterns at various velocities and muscle tension levels. [Participants and Methods] We instructed 12 healthy adult males to perform maximal voluntary knee extension using an isokinetic exercise machine as a motor task, and measured their knee extensor activity using a surface electromyography device. The motor task was performed at 3 different velocities: 30, 60, and 120 °/s. [Results] Significant decreases in rectus femoris muscle activity were observed when performing the motor task at 120 °/s compared with 30 and 60 °/s, and at 60°/s compared with 30 °/s. In contrast, there was a significant increase in vastus intermedius muscle activity at 120 °/s compared with 30 and 60 °/s. There were no significant differences in vastus lateralis or medialis muscle activity. [Conclusion] The results suggest tendencies of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius to depend on the muscle tension level and movement velocity, respectively.

[Purpose] This study determined the effects of DTFM (Deep Transverse Friction Massage) on antagonist muscles in comparison with stretching. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-three healthy male participants were randomized into three groups: DTFM, Stretching, and Control. DTFM and Stretching were performed on the right hamstrings for a duration of 10 minutes. The active straight leg raise (ASLR), muscle hardness (MH), quadriceps peak torque (PT) at speeds of 60°/s and 120°/s, and the muscle reaction time, namely, the pre-motor time (PMT) and electromechanical delay (EMD) on the rectus, were the outcome measures. [Results] Although a main effect was observed before and after ASLR intervention, no main effects or interactions were found among the other measurement items. [Conclusion] The results indicate that DTFM affects the flexibility of agonist muscles, but doesn’t affect the muscle function of antagonist muscles.

[Purpose] To clarify the relationships between Trunk Righting Test (TRT) scores, which represent trunk support, and lower back muscle activity when standing on one leg and when sitting on the edge of the bed with maximum effort. [Participants and Methods] Nine healthy males performed 3 tasks: standing on one leg, sitting on the edge of the bed, and the TRT. Their rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques, and multifidus were bilaterally measured using surface electromyography. Additionally, their transversus abdominis was measured using wire electromyography. The measurement value obtained when sitting on the edge of the bed was used as a standard to calculate the rates of increase in muscle activity when standing on one leg and when performing the TRT. The activity of each lower back muscle when performing both tasks was examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. [Results] The internal obliques and transversus abdominis on both sides and the multifidus and external obliques on the swinging side showed positive correlations. [Conclusion] Some of the lower back muscles tended to similarly contribute to trunk support when standing on one leg and when performing the TRT.

[Purpose] To examine the effect of static stretching of the gluteus maximus and hip external rotators on squat performance. [Participants and Methods] A total of 26 healthy university students with difficulty in performing full-depth squat were divided into 2 groups: stretching the gluteus maximus (SGM, 13); and stretching the hip external rotators (SER, 13). Both groups previously performed self-stretching for 1 week. On measurement, their hip flexion angles when squatting and when resting, in addition to their finger-floor and interbody distances, were calculated. [Results] After intervention, 3 SGM and 9 SER group members became able to perform full-depth squat. The increase in the hip flexion angle when squatting was more marked in the SER compared with SGM group. [Conclusion] SER may be more effective than SGM to become able to perform full-depth squat.

[Purpose] To investigate and clarify the status of responses and multi-occupational collaboration concerning Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO). [Participants and Methods] A self-report questionnaire survey of basic attributes, difficulties with AFO support, and collaboration demands was sent to 61 Care Managers (CM), and 50 surveys were returned and analyzed. [Results] CMs had difficulties with the AFO checking method and the follow-up system in general, and there were many requests for knowledge concerning the basic system, procedures, and consultation services. [Conclusion] It became clear that physical therapists were actively involved in AFO responses, and the necessity of practicing multi-occupational collaboration involving CMs also became clear.

[Purpose] To clarify the association between gait performance and the trunk extension range of motion in post-stroke hemiplegia. [Participants and Methods] The study involved 12 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia during the maintenance phase. Their active/passive trunk extension ranges of motion were measured, adopting the Japanese Orthopaedic Association’s method. As for gait performance, the patients’ gait velocity, cadence, and stride length were calculated from their 10-m Test scores and examined using Pearson’s correlation analysis. [Results] The active trunk extension range of motion showed strong correlations with the gait velocity and stride length. [Conclusion] The trunk extension range of motion of the patients with post-stroke hemiplegia represented their gait performance. Based on this, the active trunk extension range of motion may be associated with gait in post-stroke hemiplegia.

[Purpose] To help the elderly with cerebrovascular disorders restore their ability to stand from a chair, we analyzed factors associated with their sit-to-stand movements. [Participants and Methods] We interviewed 70 elderly persons aged 65 or older with cerebrovascular disorders and using outpatient rehabilitation services to examine the following items: the name of the diagnosis, date of onset, paralyzed side, and mobility (indoor). We also examined their physiques and physical functions by measuring their ability to stand from a chair with a seat height of 30 or 40 cm, knee extensor strength, degree of motor paralysis on the paralyzed side, knee range of motion, and lower-limb muscle tone on the paralyzed side. [Results] The ability to stand from a chair with a seat height of 40 cm did not show a close association. In contrast, that to stand from a chair with a seat height of 30 cm was closely associated with the knee extensor strength/body weight ratio on the paralyzed side. [Conclusion] The results revealed that the knee extensor strength/body weight ratio on the paralyzed side markedly influences the ability of the elderly with cerebrovascular disorders to stand from a low chair with a seat height of 30 cm.

[Purpose] To show if the decubitus position in abducting the hip affects muscular strength, muscular activities and pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). [Participants and Methods] The participants were 20 patients undergoing THA. They were assessed preoperatively, on postoperative day 3, and on postoperative day 10. Subjects quiescently abducted the opposite sides of the hip with maximum effort in the supine and prone positions. [Results] Muscular activities of tensor fasciae latae in abducting the hip were lower in the prone position than in the supine position. An interaction was recognized at the start time of gluteus medius activity in walking. On postoperative day 3, this time was later in both the supine and prone positions than preoperatively. On postoperative day 10, this time was earlier in the prone position than in the supine position. [Conclusion] The start time of gluteus medius activity in walking was later after THA than preoperatively, but abducting the hip in the prone position shortened this time more than in the supine position.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of unweighting rat hind limbs on joint contractures caused by subsequent joint fixation. [Participants and Methods] Twelve Wistar male rats were divided into two groups: Group 1, in which unweighting of the hind limbs was performed for three and a half days, after which the hind limbs were fixed in full plantar flexion and unweighted for four and a half days; and Group 2, in which no unweighting of the hind limbs was performed for three and a half days, after which the hind limbs were fixed in full plantar flexion and unweighted for four and a half days. The experimental period was eight days. On the last day of this study, all of the rats’ ankle dorsiflexion angles were measured. [Results] There were no significant differences in ankle dorsiflexion angles between Group 1 and 2. [Conclusion] The results suggest that unweighting of the hind limbs does not affect joint contractures caused by subsequent fixation in full plantar flexion with unweighting of the hind limbs.

[Purpose] This study examined whether the physical findings of the baseball elbow examination are useful for detecting osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). [Participants and Methods] The subjects were elementary school 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, the age at which OCD is likely to develop. Junior high school first graders were also allowed to participate, if they desired. [Results] The number of athletes diagnosed as having OCD in this examination was 8 out of 297 subjects, about 2.7% of the total. Significant differences were found between the OCD group and the non-OCD group in terms of current findings, current pain, tenderness, flexion restriction of the elbow joint, and ultrasonic examination. [Conclusion] Repeated excessive stress on the humerus small foot appears to trigger structural change in the arm joint, inducing structural restriction of the elbow joint and pain. In addition, ultrasonic examination can only detect early lesions which cannot be detected by X-ray examination, and release of the cartilage layer, and the like.

[Purpose] We investigated items for improvement in classes about injury prevention given by physical therapists on a teacher’s certificate renewal course. [Participants and Methods] We reviewed the class contents given to 105 attendees, and identified items for improvement. [Results] The attendees expectation before the class was injury prevention that could be practiced on site. Classes which adopted a practical skills-based approach were highly regarded, and had satisfaction ratings of more than 80%. However, improvement was necessary concerning play for kindergarteners. Improvements regarding the class start time and handouts were also necessary. [Conclusion] Through this study, it was possible to identify attendees expectations and class items needing improvement. We also understood that, having clarified items for investigation, we could further refine the future class method.

[Purpose] Exercise habits are important for decreasing the mortality rate. We focused on exercise-related emotions to determine whether like or dislike of exercise could be used as a factor to promote exercise habits. In this study, we assessed the association between exercise-related emotions and exercise self-efficacy to predict exercise habit. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 16 male and female healthy adults. They performed high-intensity bicycle exercise after a mental stress task. Exercise-related emotions, exercise self-efficacy, exercise fitness and, fatigue were evaluated before and after the exercise task. [Results] Associations were observed among exercise-related emotions, exercise self-efficacy, and fatigue before the exercise task. [Conclusion] Our study results clarified the association between exercise-related emotions and exercise self-efficacy and suggest the utility of evaluating exercise-related emotions to promote exercise habits.

[Purpose] To develop a simple method to measure the lower-limb muscle strength, verify its intra-and inter-rater reliability, and analyze the correlation between values representing the hip abductor strength, obtained using this and conventional methods. [Participants and Methods] The hip abductor strengths of 13 healthy participants when sitting on the edge of the bed and when adopting a supine position were measured by 2 raters using a hand-held dynamometer, and correlation coefficients were calculated. The participants’ right hip flexor/abductor, knee extensor, and ankle dorsiflexor strengths when sitting on the edge of the bed were also measured, and intra- and inter-rater reliability coefficients were calculated. [Results] There was a correlation between the hip abductor strengths when sitting on the edge of the bed and when adopting a supine position. The values representing intra- and inter-rater reliability for each measurement item were sufficiently high. [Conclusion] Allowing different raters to similarly obtain reliable measurement values, the developed method to measure the lower-limb muscle strength may be clinically useful.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pre-frailty and static standing balance (Static balance). [Participants and Methods] A total of 187 outpatients enrolled in this study. They were divided into a healthy group (n=101), and a pre-frailty group (n=86). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The rectangle area (REC AREA), a stabilometric parameter, was measured with subjects’ eyes open and used as an estimate of static balance. [Results] SMI was significantly lower in the pre-frailty group than in the healthy group. REC AREA was significantly higher in the pre-frailty group than in the healthy group. REC AREA was a significant factor associated with pre-frailty according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. [Conclusion] The results suggest that static balance measured by REC AREA is a factor associated with pre-frailty.

[Purpose] The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of home exercise involving mild to moderate ratings of perceived exertion and outpatient rehabilitation on the physical performance of a patient with sub-acute dermatomyositis. [Participants and Methods] The subject was a female in her 50s (time since disease onset: 89 days) with a creatine phosphokinase value of 43 IU/L when outpatient rehabilitation began. The patient performed outpatient rehabilitation, 40–80 minutes per session, 1–2 times per week, and home exercise 5–6 times per week. The home exercise load had a modified Borg scale score of 2–4, corresponding to mild to moderate ratings of perceived exertion. [Results] Skeletal muscle mass index, muscle strength of the knee extensors, the five times sit-to-stand test, and maximum walking speed were all improved by the intervention. [Conclusion] Home exercise involving mild to moderate ratings of perceived exertion and outpatient rehabilitation may improve physical performance in sub-acute dermatomyositis.

[Purpose] To preliminarily examine the effectiveness and safety of iontophoresis (IP) using diclofenac sodium in 2 cases of frozen shoulder. [Participants and Methods] The duration of the disorder was 3 months in Case A and 1 month in Case B. There were no marked rotator cuff tears or calcinosis in either case. Intervention was provided using IP combined with exercise therapy 3 times a week for 2 weeks; thus, a total of 6 interventional sessions here held. IP was applied to the lateral part of the acromion with severe pain. Pain was assessed by measuring Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and pressure pain threshold values, and the presence/absence of adverse reactions, such as redness, at the site of IP application was confirmed. [Results] In both cases, VAS scores and pressure pain in the lateral part of the acromion generally improved, with no adverse reactions. [Conclusion] Appropriate IP combined with exercise therapy was suggested to improve pain without involving adverse reactions.

[Purpose] We compared quadriceps femoris muscle outputs when applying neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with different pulse durations for edema. [Participants and Methods] To 2 patients with lower-limb edema due to nephrotic syndrome, NMES was applied with all parameters fixed, except for the pulse duration, which was altered to 100, 300, 500, and 1,000 μs, in this order, and current intensity, which was set at a maximum tolerable level. In both patients, the maximum tolerable current intensity and quadriceps femoris muscle output were measured. Additionally, when the muscle output was immeasurable, the presence/absence of muscle contractions was confirmed by palpitation and visual examination. The measurement was repeated once after an interval of 30 seconds or longer to adopt the maximum value. [Results] In the presence of severe edema, the muscles contracted when applying NMES with a pulse duration of 100 μs. [Conclusion] In the early stage of intervention for edema, NMES with a pulse duration of 100 μs may be effective.

The term dual-task refers to the performance of two or more tasks simultaneously, which is often associated with a reduction in the performance of each task. This performance reduction is defined as dual-task interference, and it has the potential to negatively influence daily life (e.g., falls or traffic accidents). In this review, we focused on dual-task training as a method of preventing dual-task interference. We specifically examined effective methods of dual-task training to investigate the potential transfer effect of dual-task training. Additionally, for more effective use of dual-task training in clinical work, we highlighted issues that should be addressed in the future.