[Purpose] Changes in vasodilatory response after knee extension with different loads were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 17 healthy men with a mean age of 20.4 years, mean body mass of 63.9 kg, mean height of 172.7 cm, and a mean body mass index of 21.4 kg/m². In the sitting position they performed alternate knee extension 10 times each with loads of 20%, 50% and 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI) was calculated before and after knee extension as a measure of vasodilatory response. The changes in the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and cardiac output were also measured. [Results] RHI significantly increased after 20%1RM knee extension (before: 1.54 ± 0.36, after: 1.78 ± 0.48). Among the three loads, 50%1RM and 80%1RM produced significantly higher cardiac output during knee extension. [Conclusion] Low resistance exercise increases post-exercise vasodilatory response and may be beneficial for frail and/or hypertensive patients.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of target location on the hand trajectory and the displacements of trunk’s center of mass (COM) and the center of pressure (COP) during reaching tasks. [Subjects and Methods] 12 healthy young adult males participated. The reaching tasks were measured using the three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates. Subjects reached by the right hand to the targets in different three locations; straight ahead, 30° toward the right side, and 30° toward left side. Characteristics of the hand trajectory and the displacements of trunk’s COM and COP were calculated. [Results] In the straight ahead, the displacements of the COM and COP were longer than the left and right locations. There was not significant difference between the locations in the smoothness and straightness of the hand trajectory. In the straight ahead, the smoothness of the hand trajectory was significantly associated with the COM and COP. [Conclusion] These results suggested that it is possible to manipulate the reaching pattern specific effect by controlling movement time and the range of trunk movement.

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[Purpose] To clarify problems concerning health management and labor management of female therapists from pregnancy to child rearing. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire survey was mailed to 24 medical and nursing care facilities in the Kyushu area with departments of rehabilitation that were certified as parenting support companies. [Results] The return rate of the questionnaire was 62.5%, and problems in pregnancy occurred in about half of the facilities. Staff education was lacking on various problems such as minor troubles during pregnancy. [Conclusion] Improvement of the work system and staff education for coping with pregnancy-related mental and physical disorders will be important for establishing a base culture in which female therapy professionals can feel secure while going through pregnancy and child-raising.

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[Purpose] To clarify the differences in gait between leather shoes and sneakers in terms of kinematics and kinetics. [Subjects and Methods] Ten healthy male subjects participated in this study. The subjects were told to walk at a fast speed while wearing leather shoes and sneakers. Gait was measured by a 3D motion capture system, and joint angles, joint moments and joint power of the lower limbs were calculated. The changes in joint angles, and the maximum values of joint moment and joint power in the stance phase were analyzed. [Results] In gait with leather shoes, the maximum value of the ankle dorsiflexion moment and the maximum value of the ankle negative joint power increased in the early stance phase, compared to sneakers. [Conclusion] It was found that, compared to sneakers, gait in leather shoes showed an increase in the eccentric contraction of the ankle dorsiflexion muscles in the early stance phase.

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[Purpose] To clarify the factors affecting the ability of healthy young athletes to perform a single-leg sit-to-stand. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 78 dominant feet of 78 high school soccer players with no impairment at measurement. The measurement items were single-leg sit-to-stand from seat heights of 40, 30, 20, and 10 cm, single-leg triple-hop test distance, the inclination angle of the lower leg, and single-leg stance duration with closed eyes. [Results] Subjects who could stand up from 10-cm high seats had larger inclination angles of the lower leg, and could hold a single-leg stance with closed eyes longer than subjects who couldn’t. [Conclusion] It is important to consider not only the muscular strength of the legs, but also the ankle flexibility and postural control ability of subjects who can’t perform single-leg sit-to-stand.

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[Purpose] The impact of homework assignments during clinical training on psychological stress responses of students was studied. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 58 students in the fourth grade of two physical therapy training schools. The relations between the duration of time spent studying at home and the difficulty level during clinical training and psychological stress reactions determined using the Stress Response Scale-18 (SRS18) were investigated using multiple regression analysis. [Results] There were significant differences in “depression and anxiety” related to the time needed to prepare the daily note and the difficulty level of preparing a case report, in “grumpiness and anger” related to the time needed to prepare the daily note, and in “apathy” related to the difficulty level of preparing a case report and the time needed to prepare the daily note. For the overall stress reaction, there were significant differences related to the difficulty level of preparing a case report and the time needed to prepare the daily note. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the time needed to prepare the daily note and the difficulty level of preparing a case report were factors that increase or decrease psychological stress of students.

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[Purpose] To determine the appropriate time to provide learning support, and reduce students with poor academic achievements. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 88 graduates of a junior college of physical therapy to compare their academic achievements at the time of graduation, scholastic abilities before admission, and academic performance and motivation to learn during school days. [Results] Scholastic abilities before admission were suggested not to influence academic achievements at the time of graduation. After admission, it was possible to identify students with poor academic achievements by the end of April of the first year. There was also a tendency for students showing favorable performance in basic medical subjects to obtain favorable academic achievements at the time of graduation, while those showing poor results of the initial mini-test conducted in April of the first year tended to be poorly motivated to learn at the time of graduation. [Conclusion] From the early stages after admission, learning should aim to help students acquire ‘practical knowledge’ and obtain favorable results of mini-tests conducted daily, rather than focusing on simple memory works. Such an approach may enhance their sense of capability, as well as their motivation to learn.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the status of sports injuries, injury locations on the court and heatstroke in college badminton players. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted of 577 college students belonging to badminton clubs in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions of Japan. [Results] A total of 218 questionnaires were returned. Trauma frequently occurred in the ankle joints, and sprain was the most common trauma type. Overuse injuries of the shin were commonly seen, and 22.4% of overuse consisted of shin splints. On the badminton court, 27 trauma injuries occurred at the rear of the court on the non-racket side. Heatstroke occurrence increased rapidly in July. [Conclusion] Both trauma and overuse injuries frequently occurred in the lower extremities. Most trauma were caused on the players’ non-racket sides at the rear of the court. We should advise badminton players to pay attention to severe overheating.

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[Purpose] We compared abilities in wheelchair safety operation management (WCSOM) with the academic cognitive function test to examine its usefulness as a prediction factor of walking ability prognosis for stroke patients’ walking abilities. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 16 initial stroke patients. A clinical psychologist evaluated the academic cognitive function test, and a physical therapist evaluated the WCSOM at hospitalization and one month after hospitalization. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated using the ROC curve’s cutoff value for the relationship between each evaluation result and the walking independence level at discharge. [Results] For all items, the WCSOM evaluation was high at accurately predicting the walking independence level at discharge. [Conclusion] The results suggest that evaluation of WCSOM can predict the walking independence level at discharge even in comparison with the academic cognitive function test.

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[Purpose] To measure the load applied to wheelchairs due to spasticity, and the establishment of a methodology for revealing the load. [Subjects and Methods] The position of a strain gage for measuring the load applied to a wheelchair was determined in a structural analysis simulation, and the actual load on the head support imparted by a spastic-type cerebral palsy patient was measured. [Results] The maximum load applied to the head support of the wheelchair due to spasticity was 346 N (load - weight ratio 88.3%). In addition, it was revealed that the head support experienced both extension and flexion strains. [Conclusion] The load applied to the head support of the wheelchair was quantified using strain gages. It was revealed that 88.3% body weight is applied to the head support of the wheelchair due to spasticity. These results are potentially important data for new standards of wheelchair strength.

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[Purpose] In this research, we surveyed feelings of physical competence, self-rated health, self-rated fatigue, physical fitness, exercise habits, and athletic club activities experience of college students. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 848 college students. A questionnaire and single-answer response sheet were distributed to each subject. [Results] There were significantly higher proportions of both males and females who described themselves as “not healthy” in the low exercise group and had no experience of athletic club activity. In addition, in the high exercise group there were significantly higher proportions of physical fitness and exercise habits. [Conclusion] When exercise and sports experience were poor, subjects had low esteem regarding their physical competence, suggesting that it also affected their exercise habits.

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[Purpose] To analyze the kinematics of the foot and ankle, and muscle activities during single-leg lateral drop landing of individuals with histories of ankle sprain. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty individuals with histories of ankle sprain (past history group, 11 males, 9 females, mean age: 21.2) and another twenty individuals without any history of ankle sprain (no history group, 12 males, 8 females, mean age: 21.2) were enrolled in this study. Subjects landed on a single-leg, after dropping from a 30-cm high platform to the lateral side floor 30 cm from the platform. Plantar and dorsal flexion angles of the ankle joint, pronation and supination angles of the hindfoot, and muscle activities of the lower legs were measured. [Results] The plantar flexion angle before landing, the supination angle, and tibialis anterior activity after landing in the past history group were significantly higher than those in the no history group. [Conclusion] Higher activity of the tibialis anterior is considered to be related to excessive supination. These findings may indicate that excessive supination during side landing increases the risk of recurrence of ankle sprain.

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[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between the spinal alignment in the power position and whole-body reaction time (RT). [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen healthy male students belonging to a university athletic club were studied. Their RTs were measured during the task of detaching the feet from a mat as quickly as possible after the lighting of a lamp. The spinal alignment and trunk tilt angle were measured under 2 conditions: adopting an upright standing position and the power position, to calculate the thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, trunk tilt, and anterior pelvic tilt angles. [Results] The RT showed a significant positive correlation with the lumbar lordosis angle in the power position. There were no significant correlations among the other items. [Conclusion] The results revealed that the RT decreases with an increase in the lumbar lordosis angle in the power position.

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[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the assessment of fall risk based on clinical judgment differs with physical therapists’ experience by examination of video clips of the Timed “Up& Go” Test performance of elderly people. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were divided into five groups according to the duration of their clinical experience: 32 in the student group, 46 in the 1-2 years group, 34 in the 3-4 years group, 43 in the 5-9 years group, and 15 in the 10 years or more group. The participants were asked to watch videos and assess the fall risk on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The agreement rate with fall risk categories characterized for this study and the VAS scores of each group were compared. [Results] The agreement rates of the 1-2 years and 10 years or more groups of the high fall risk video clips were significantly higher than that of the student group. The 10 years or more group had the highest agreement rates of all the groups. [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that physical therapists with 10 years or more experience can accurately and clearly identify subjects with high fall risk from video clips.

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[Purpose] We examined the effect of muscle contraction induced by electrical stimulation of the long head of the triceps on scapular position. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty limbs of 10 healthy males were evaluated. The upper limb was set at horizontal flexion of 60° to the shoulder joint on a treatment table. Muscle contraction was induced by electrical stimulation of the long head of the triceps brachii, and radiographs were then obtained. The distances between rest and stimulation of the medial of the spina scapula and the spinal column, and the angulus inferior scapulae and the spinal column, and the change in the upper rotation angle of the scapula were measured on the radiographs. [Results] The distance between the angulus inferior scapulae and the spinal column, and the upper rotation angle of the scapula following electrical stimulation were significantly increased, compared to the measurements at rest. [Conclusion] Muscle contraction of the long head of the triceps may have induced abduction and upward rotation of the scapula.

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[Purpose] This study assessed the perceived barriers to and facilitators of patient participation in shared decision making through a focus group interview of physical and occupational therapists. [Subjects and Methods] Five clinical therapists participated in the focus group interview. The focus group interview was conducted using semi-structured interview protocols. The protocol questions were as follows: 1) What do you think of patients’ participation? 2) What are the barriers to patients’ participation? and 3) What are the facilitators of patients’ participation? A qualitative content analysis was used to summarize and label these questions. [Results] Facilitators included patients’ autonomy in decision making, patients’ literacy, patients’ knowledge, sharing of knowledge between patients and therapists, and taking evidence into practice. Barriers included patients’ delegating attitudes, lack of therapists’ accountability, and therapists’ paternalism. [Conclusion] Physical/occupational therapists thought patients’ literacy and knowledge facilitated their participation in decision making regarding their treatment.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the walking speed of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one DPN and 18 subjects without diabetes mellitus (non-DM) were recruited. Background factors including age, gender, height, and weight were adjusted. The speed, step length, and cadence in comfortable walking were examined. [Results] The walking speed, step length, and cadence of the DPN and non-DM subjects were 55.6 ± 14.4 m/min and 77.6 ± 13.1 m/min, 0.50 ± 0.10 m and 0.61 ± 0.86 m, and 118.1 ± 21.8 steps/min and 125.6 ± 8.7 steps/min, respectively. There were significant differences in the evaluation indexes other than cadence. [Conclusion] The walking speed of DPN subjects was slower due to a decrease in stride length.

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[Purpose] Scents have both positive and negative aspects, represented by aromatherapy and age-related body odors, respectively. This study examined students’ opinions (and reasons for them) of fragrance use by physical therapists as a countermeasure against unfavorable body odors, in addition to the association between such opinions and questionnaire items. [Subjects and Methods] Students simulating physical therapists executed movements for transfer assistance, with a fragrance mist smelling like soap applied. Subsequently, other male and female students simulating patients responded a questionnaire regarding such fragrance use and scents in the clinical setting to clarify the association between their opinions and the questionnaire items. [Results] Among males and females, 81.8% and 51.6%, respectively, showed positive attitudes toward fragrance use, and the most frequent reason for this was “It creates a clean feeling”. In contrast, the most frequent reason for negative opinions about it was “Medical professionals should be scentless”. There was no association between the students’ opinions regarding fragrance use and the questionnaire items. [Conclusion] Opinions varied among the students, as some affirmed fragrance use, while others unfavorably evaluated the scents of physical therapists, suggesting the necessity of discussing scents that are acceptable in the clinical setting as a challenge.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the activities of the trunk back muscles and movement of the spine at different angles of unilateral and bilateral arm anterior elevation in a seated position. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 healthy males. Electromyograms of the multifidus, longissimus lumborum, longissimus thoracis, and iliocostalis were recorded at unilateral and bilateral arm anterior elevation angles of 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150° in a seated position. [Results] The integrated electromyogram (iEMG) value for the multifidus was significantly higher at 90° than at 30°, and significantly lower at 150° than at 30°, 60°, 90°, or 120°. The iEMG value for the longissimus lumborum was significantly higher at 150° than at 90° with bilateral arm anterior elevation. The iEMG value for the multifidus on the elevation and non-elevation sides was significantly higher at 150° than at 60° or 90° during unilateral anterior elevation. The iEMG value for the longissimus thoracis on the elevated side was significantly higher at 90° than at 150° during unilateral anterior elevation. In bilateral arm anterior elevation of 90°, posterior trunk movement was greater, and in unilateral arm anterior elevation, it deviated laterally toward the non-elevated side as the lift angle increased. [Conclusion] During unilateral arm anterior elevation, the longissimus thoracis on the elevation side is dominant. Bilateral arm anterior elevation involved the multifidus at 90°.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether preventive rehabilitation improves the asymmetry between the involved side and the uninvolved side of single-leg landing, dynamic balance, and lower limb muscular strength of young female athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were twelve young females who returned to sports after preventive rehabilitation after ACLR. Two-dimensional analyses of single-leg landing and lower limb muscular strength (knee extension/flexion, hip abduction/external rotation), and the modified star excursion balance test (M-SEBT) were performed at the time of the return. The difference between the involved side and the uninvolved side of each measure was compared, and the limb symmetry index (LSI) was calculated. [Results] There were no differences in knee valgus and flexion angle in single-leg landing, and in the M-SEBT. LSI of lower limb muscular strength was over 90%. [Conclusion] The asymmetry between the involved side and the uninvolved side was improved by preventive rehabilitation.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the early symptoms of patients with brain tumors. We also assessed the duration of time between the symptom development and hospital visit. [Subjects and Methods] In this retrospective study, we assessed the medical histories of 70 patients diagnosed with malignant brain tumor. We investigated the early symptoms and the duration of time between noticing the early symptoms and visiting hospital, and compared the duration of times between symptom development and hospital visit of different early symptoms. [Results] The number of patients and delay until hospital visit for each symptom were: cognitive dysfunction, 18 patients (34.5 ± 25.9 days); motor paralysis, 11 patients (12.4 ± 10.2 days); headache or nausea, 15 patients (14.2 ± 9.6 days); seizure, 10 patients (0 days); and other symptoms, 16 patients. It was observed that the patients who displayed cognitive dysfunction as an early symptom took the longest time to visit hospital. [Conclusion] Our results show that cognitive dysfunction can be an important early symptom of patients with brain tumor. It is important to observe cognitive function carefully.

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[Purpose] Electromyography (EMG) was used to examine gluteus medius and maximus activities with the hip in sustained extension and abduction. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were 10 healthy male persons, mean age of 24.4 years. The gluteus medius and maximus overlap area was confirmed with ultrasonic imaging. EMG activity of each muscle was measured during a change in lower limb weight load on the measurement side with the hip in sustained extension and abduction. [Results] Activities of the gluteus medius posterior fibers, overlap area, and gluteus maximus upper fibers increased with hip extension, and activities of the gluteus medius and overlap area increased with hip abduction. [Conclusion] Gluteus medius posterior fibers were identified in the area extending from the ventral side of the angle between the lines that connect the vertex of the iliac crest and greater trochanter, and the posterior superior iliac spines and greater trochanter. The gluteus maximus upper fibers were not involved in hip abduction.

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[Purpose] To examine the role of the adductor magnus in terms of extension torque characteristics during squats with the hip joint in different positions. [Subjects and Methods] One healthy man performed a normal squat (NS), with the hips in the mid-position for both abduction and rotation, and a sumo squat (SS), with the hips abducted and externally rotated. Extension torques generated by the adductor magnus and hip extensors were compared between the two hip configurations through estimates made using a musculoskeletal model. [Results] The adductor magnus, gluteus maximus, and long head of the biceps femoris produced greater torques than the semimembranosus and semitendinosus during both NS and SS. [Conclusion] Regardless of hip position in the frontal and horizontal planes, the adductor magnus appears to have the role of an antigravity muscle for movements made in a crouching posture.

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[Purpose] A quantitative examination of the lower limb peripheral nervous system mobility (MON) was performed using the neurodynamic test. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 10 adult male subjects. The neural dynamics of the proximal and distal bifurcations of the tibial nerve in straight leg raises (SLR) of 0 and 45°, passive neck flexion (PNF), and ankle plantar flexion (PF) of 10° and dorsiflexion (DF) of 15° were examined using an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. MON was defined as the difference between PNF of PF and DF at maximal SLR, and the neurodynamics and proximal/distal ratio were investigated. [Results] In DF at SLR of 0°, the tibial nerve moved to the caudal side, and to the head side in the other conditions; and at SLR of 45°, there was a significant difference between the proximal and distal positions in PNF of DF. A strong negative correlation was found between the difference between PNF of PF and DF at maximal SLR and the proximal/distal ratio. [Conclusion] The nerve stretched after gliding against the increase in tension. The difference between PNF of PF and DF at maximal SLR suggested the possibility of quantitative evaluation of MON.

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[Purpose] Eye movements during single- and dual-task walking were compared. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy young participants walked with (single-) and without (dual-task walking) calculation to measure the angles of combined movements of both their eyes using an eye movement measurement system. [Results] On comparing single- and dual-task walking, the angles of combined movements of both eyes were significantly greater in the former. [Conclusion] Eye movements were promoted during dual-task walking, reflecting increased attention needed for calculation. The results suggest that attention to the frontal eye field is reduced when walking while calculating.

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[Purpose] This study developed a chart for predicting stroke patients' independence of gait during the convalescent period. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred fifty-one first-time stroke patients were enrolled in this study. Physical and cognitive functions, basic movement ability, balance ability and activities of daily living were evaluated on admission to a rehabilitation ward for the convalescent stage. Based on this information, a decision tree for predicting independence of gait three months later was developed using signal detection analysis. [Results] Independence in rising motion, balance ability, and cognitive function were extracted as significant predictors. A valid and reliable decision tree was developed. [Conclusion] A chart for predicting independence of gait was developed. This chart is appropriate for the convalescent period after stroke.

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[Purpose] To examine the clinical usability of various home body composition meters in comparison with conventional devices based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 108 and 83 healthy young males and females, respectively. Body composition measurement was initially performed using conventional body composition meters based on different BIA methods. Subsequently, body weight, BMI, body fat (%), and total, four-limb, and trunk muscle mass measurements were performed using each home body composition meter. On statistical analysis, measured and calculated values were compared, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated for males and females separately. [Results] Among males, the body weight, BMI, total muscle mass, left and right leg and trunk muscle mass, lean mass, SMI, and FFMI varied, and all items showed a markedly strong correlation. Among females, there were differences in the body weight, BMI, body fat rate, left and right leg and trunk muscle mass, fat level, and FMI. [Conclusion] Measured values slightly varied among the home body composition meters, but the results support their clinical usability.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence rate and healing process of lateral malleolus fracture in ankle sprains. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 37 patients who were diagnosed as having ankle sprain at our clinic from January 2015 to January 2017. The subjects were divided two groups: the lateral malleolus fracture (fracture) group (14) and the no-fracture group (23). Analysis parameters were the prevalence rate of lateral malleolus fracture, age, gender, rest span, healing span, and presence of sports injuries. [Results] The age, gender, rest period, healing period, and presence of sports injuries of the fracture group were 47.4 ± 22.5 years, 4 males and 10 females, 49.1 ± 30.6 days, 102.7 ± 39.9 days, and 3 cases, respectively. The age of the fracture group was significantly greater than that of the no-fracture group. The sports disorder of the fracture group was significantly low. [Conclusion] Lateral malleolus fractures occurred in approximately 4 out of 10 of the total number of ankle sprains. A rest period of 7 weeks was important for lateral malleolus fracture to heal.

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[Purpose] We investigated the factors that influence pre-frailty among young-old females. [Subjects and Methods]. The subjects were 78 young-old females. We excluded three participants who met the criteria for determining frailty and divided the remaining participants into two groups: the pre-frail group and healthy group. We then compared the two groups regarding the scores for each evaluation item. Then, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that influenced pre-frailty. [Results] The results indicate that the Body Mass Index (BMI), Fall Prevention Self-Efficacy Scale, health consciousness, and walking speed are significant independent variables for predicting pre-frailty. [Conclusion] In young-old females, a decline in mental and psychological capacities, as well as an increase in BMI and a decline in mobility, may be associated with pre-frailty.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationships between pronation and supination of the rearfoot and forefoot and internal hip, knee and ankle moments during gait. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were sixteen healthy young adults. The lower limb motion during gait was measured using a 3D motion analysis system and force plates. The rearfoot and forefoot motions were calculated based on the Oxford foot model, and were examined in relation to each joint angle and moment. [Results] During loading response, the rearfoot pronation positively correlated with the internal knee extension moment and ankle dorsiflexion and supination moments. During the latter half of the stance phase, forefoot pronation positively correlated with the knee joint varus angle and internal vastus moment. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that rearfoot pronation contributes to shock absorption at the knee and foot during the loading response, and that forefoot pronation contributes to outward movement of the knee joint during the latter half of the stance phase.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the trajectory of center of pressure (COP) during gait and mobility of the subtalar joint (STJ). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were ten healthy adults. The trajectory of the COP during gait was measured by a foot pressure distribution measuring system. The positions of COP in the rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot were calculated from the COP trajectory and examined to estimate the correlation with measured physical parameters of STJ. [Results] The COP traced a trajectory that passed from rearfoot to midfoot slightly on the outer side of the foot, and moved inward in the forefoot. In addition, the outward trajectory of COP in the rearfoot and forefoot might be related to the small pronation mobility of STJ. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that the habitual activities of supination muscles of STJ lead to a shift in the COP trajectory to the outside and a reduction of pronation mobility of STJ.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the kinematic characteristics of thorax displacement associated with trunk rotation. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 13 healthy young adults. The subjects performed left and right trunk rotation to the endpoint 4 times. The rotation angle of the thorax relative to the pelvis and the displacement of the thorax center relative to the pelvis center were measured using a 3D motion analysis system. [Results] During trunk rotation, the thorax mostly moved in the anterior and lateral directions relative to the pelvis. Specifically, the lateral movements were in the opposite direction to the rotation. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that the thorax moves forward and to the opposite side of trunk rotation in a complementary manner.

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[Purpose] This study compared body function and body composition of outpatients with or without diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 32 outpatients with type 2 diabetes. They were divided into a DPN group and a non-DPN group, and physical activity, body composition, exercise habits surveyed by questionnaire, and physical activity amount of the two groups were compared. [Results] Regarding physical function, the FRT of the DPN group was significantly lower (p<0.05); however, knee extension muscle strength, grip strength, single-leg standing time, 6 m normal and fastest walking speeds, 6 m normal and fastest walking strides showed no significant differences. Similarly body composition and exercise habits were not significantly different. [Conclusion] The DPN group had lower dynamic balance ability. The results suggest the importance of assessing DPN patients in outpatient diabetes classrooms, improving their balance ability, and giving daily living guidance including fall prevention.

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The purpose of this study was to reveal the relationship between toe-gripping exercises and lower limb muscular activity. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 8 healthy male students. Toe-grip strength of one foot was measured by a toe-grip strength meter three times in a chair-sitting posture. Muscular activities of the tibialis anterior (TA), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), abductor hallucis (AH) and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) were measured during maximum toe-gripping. [Results] Positive correlations were found between toe-grip strength and TA, AH and FDB muscular activities. [Conclusion] The relationships of the toe-grip strength with muscular activities were revealed. The results suggest that not only the hallux, but also all of the toes are important for toe-grip strength, implying that it is important to train all of the toes.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KiNvis) for dorsiflexion dysfunction caused by Guillain–Barre syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] This study had an ABA single-case design and was conducted in phases of 3 days each. In phase A, the patient underwent conventional physical therapy for 3 days. In phase B, the patient underwent KiNvis before physical therapy, which was the same physical therapy program as in phase A. The patient was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), self-portrait drawing, ankle dorsiflexion automatic movement angle (ADAMA), and the 10-meter walk test. [Results] In phase B, the VAS for kinesthetic illusion averaged 55 ± 5 mm, and self-portrait drawing, assessed by the patient completing a drawing of the affected ankle joint, changed to a more detailed picture following phase B. Both ADAMA and gait speed improved. [Conclusion] The addition of KiNvis to a conventional rehabilitation program enhanced improvements in dorsiflexion function.

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[Purpose] The learning effects of oncology case studies on students were examined. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 31 students taking the <Simulated Patient-based Physical Therapy Training I> course. At the end of every training program, the students filled out a questionnaire, consisting of questions regarding the necessity of physical therapy for patients with limited life expectancy and willingness to make commitments to such patients. [Results] After oncology case studies, the rate of regarding physical therapy for patients with limited life expectancy as highly necessary increased to 58.1%. Similarly, the rate of being willing to make some commitments to them increased to 48.4%. [Conclusion] The students’ awareness of the necessity of physical therapy for cancer patients may have been enhanced through oncology case studies. Such studies may also contribute to physical therapy for cancer patients in the clinical setting.

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