[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the movement of the shoulder girdle and scapula on the rib cage and trunk in lateral tilt sitting. [Subjects and Methods] The angle of the upper and lower trunk, tilt angle of the shoulder girdle, and the angle of scapula rotation on the rib cage in sitting, and sitting with right and left lateral tilt of 15 healthy adults were measured. The measured angles were compared among 3 positions. [Results] In bilateral tilt sitting, contralateral bending of the upper and lower trunk toward the tilted side, and lower rotation of the scapula on the rib cage of the tilted side were observed, but there was no significant difference in the angle of the shoulder girdle. [Conclusion] The angle of the shoulder girdle did not change in lateral tilt sitting because of lateral bending of the upper and lower trunk, and lower rotation of the scapula on the rib cage.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cervical spine joint mobilization on sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and thickness and longus colli muscle thickness at the time of craniocervical flexion exercise using surface electromyography and ultrasonography. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 42 healthy men (mean age: 26.5 years). They were randomly divided into cervical spine distraction mobilization, cervical spine flexion mobilization, cervical spine distraction and flexion mobilization, and sitting rest groups. [Results] After cervical spine distraction and flexion mobilization, the sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and thickness rate of change decreased significantly, and the longus colli muscle thickness rate of change increased significantly. [Conclusion] These results suggest that cervical spine mobilization in the distraction and flexion directions influences cervical flexor muscle activity and the rate of change of muscle thickness at the time of craniocervical flexion exercise.

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[Purpose] To investigate the effects of quadriceps setting in different positions on quadriceps femoris muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] Ten healthy males performed single-leg quadriceps setting in the supine and prone positions. Single-leg quadriceps setting in the prone position was performed with the hip on the non-supported side either extended at 0° or maximally extended. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis on the supported side during single-leg quadriceps setting. [Results] The activity of the rectus femoris muscle was significantly increased by single-leg quadriceps setting in the prone position with the hip maximally extended on the non-supported side. [Conclusion] The results suggest that performing single-leg quadriceps setting in the prone position with the hip maximally extended on the non-supported side increases the activity of the rectus femoris muscle on the supported side.

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[Purpose] To determine the most accurate and efficient method for foot and ankle volume measurement by comparing measurement reliability, the association with the water volumetry, and the time needed for measurement when using 3 different circumference measurement methods. [Subjects and Methods] Foot and ankle volume measurement was performed in the 20 feet of 10 healthy adults, using the following 3 circumference measurement methods, in addition to the water volumetry: figure-of-eight (FOE) method, a modified version of the FOE method (Modified method), and a combination of the FOE and Modified methods (Combi method). [Results] The FOE method showed the highest inter-rater reliability, followed by the Combi and Modified methods, in this order. All of the 3 methods showed a strong, positive correlation with the water volumetry. The time needed for measurement was longer when using the Combi compared with FOE and Modified methods. [Conclusion] Reducing measurement errors and the duration of measurement, the FOE method may be the most clinically useful method for volume measurement.

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[Purpose] Factors related to gait independence at discharge were extracted from stroke patients’ information on admission to a rehabilitation ward in the recovery period. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 143 patients with initial stroke (82 males, 61 females, age 69 ± 12 years old). Basic attributes, medical information, social information, functional impairment, and movement ability were retrieved from patients’ medical records. In addition, to evaluate the performance ability, we used continuous variables with BBS plus scores of living behavior. The patients were divided into two groups based on gait independence at the time of discharge and associated factors were examined. [Results] The behavior movement score of the BBS was identified as a factor associated with walking independence at discharge. [Conclusion] In the prediction of walking ability in stroke convalescence, the results suggest the importance of the evaluation of the ability of movements such as roll-over and getting up.

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[Purpose] A Diamond Steps Test (DST) was devised, and the reliability of the measured values and the number of measurements were examined. [Subjects and Methods] DST entails walking a rhombus (height × 0.5) with constant side lengths and vertices of 60 and 120 degrees. Three measurement methods were examined: number of DS walked in 30 seconds (30DS), time required to walk DS five times (5×DS), and time required for DS walking once on the dominant foot and non-dominant foot sides (LRDS). The subjects were 16 young people. Two examiners A and B were selected. [Results] In all three measurement methods, the ICCs of the two measurements were 0.77 or higher, a significant value. [Conclusion] The three measurement methods have high reliability, but the results suggest the reliabilities of the 5×DS and LRDS are higher.

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[Purpose] To clarify the relationships among the direction of rotation, severity of paralysis, and gait stability when turning in hemiplegic patients, using a 3-axis accelerometer. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 19 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, who were able to walk under observation or independently. With a 3-axis accelerometer attached, the patients walked along a 5-m straight course, and turned (on the paretic and non-paretic legs as axes) to compare gait regularity during normal gait and at immediately before and the beginning of turning based on the severity of paralysis using the BRS. [Results] The decrease in gait regularity when turning was more marked among patients with milder paralysis. [Conclusion] Patients with milder paralysis were able to turn, even with decreased gait regularity, while those with severer paralysis needed to maintain such regularity when turning.

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[Purpose] To determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for motor-FIM gain in post-acute rehabilitation ward patients with motor disorders. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 102 post-acute rehabilitation ward patients were studied. Motor-FIM gain was calculated by deducing the admission score from that at 30 days after it. As an external index for FIM-based evaluation, the Global Rating of Change (GRC) Scale, in which patients report the levels of changes in their conditions, was used. Patients with GRC scores from –1 to 1 were classified as the Small Change Group (based on changes in their ADL), and their mean score was adopted as the MCID. [Results] The mean motor-FIM gain in the Small Change Group was 14.6. [Conclusion] Post-acute rehabilitation ward patients with motor disorders may begin to realize improvements in their ADL when they gain a motor-FIM score of 14.6.

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[Purpose] To clarify the current status of female university baseball players by examining the prevalences of sports injuries and anemic symptoms among them through a questionnaire survey. [Subjects and Methods] An online questionnaire survey was conducted, involving 142 female baseball players belonging to 5 universities. [Results] Responses were obtained from 47 (33.1%) players, 24 of whom had a history of sports injuries (traumatic: 29; and overuse/repetitive stress: 18) after university admission. Fourteen players suffered from anemic symptoms, and 24 did not consider nutritional balance when taking meals. There was no association between the presence/absence of anemic symptoms and the consideration of nutritional balance. [Conclusion] More than half of the players had a history of sports injuries occurring after university admission. The prevalence of anemic symptoms among them was also as high as 29.8%, possibly due to various causes, such as excessive exercise loads, in addition to a poor nutritional status.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of the lower limb joint moment in the sagittal plane during single-leg landing on the peak value of the vertical ground reaction force. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 30 players belonging to a University Women’s Basketball team. Using a three-dimensional motion analysis system, each lower limb joint moment in the sagittal plane at the time of single-leg landing was calculated, and the correlation with the peak value of the vertical ground reaction force was examined. [Results] A strong negative correlation was found between the ankle moment and the peak value of the vertical ground reaction force. In addition, a positive correlation was found between the knee joint moment, and a weak positive correlation with the hip joint moment. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that by generating a high ankle joint moment at the time of single-leg landing, it is possible to efficiently absorb the shock, suppressing the peak value of the vertical ground reaction force.

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[Purpose] To identify the appropriate evaluation scale for the prediction of the discharge destination of acute stroke patients with ataxia. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 34 vertebrobasilar artery region stroke patients with ataxia. The patients were divided by discharge destination into two groups: discharge to home, and transfer to rehabilitation hospital/institutions. Logistic regression analysis was performed on the two groups using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), FIM, BBS, and Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk (FACT) score as independent variables at the time of admission. In addition, the cutoff values and areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each of these scales. [Results] Logistic regression analysis showed all scales had associations with discharge destination, and SARA had the highest AUC. [Conclusion] These results suggest that SARA is the most appropriate evaluation scale for the prediction of the discharge destination of acute stroke patients with ataxia.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wearing elastic stockings on cardiorespiratory responses during exercise. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were seven healthy males. The subjects were asked at random either to wear or not wear elastic stockings. Then after a 30-minute rest, a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed. [Results] There were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory responses between the two conditions. [Conclusion] The use of elastic stockings had no effect on cardiorespiratory responses during short-duration cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify that daily activity is associated with instrumental activities of daily living and health-related quality of life among community-dwelling elderly female orthopedic outpatients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of the study were 27 elderly females. LSA, FAI, FES and SF-36 were surveyed by paper questionnaire. [Results] Significant correlations with LSA were found for FAI, FES and SF-36. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in order to maintain daily activity of elderly females, it is necessary to treat psychological health issues such as depression and maintain health-related QOL by encouraging participation in local activities.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the injuries of Japanese female collegiate soccer players over three seasons. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-four players were the subjects of this study. We investigated the injury rate, injury situation, type of injury, location, severity, and days until return to play. [Results] The overall injury rate was 5.7/1000 player-hours. Most injuries were located in the lower extremities, and the most frequent injury was ankle sprain. In game situations injuries occurred more often and were more severe than in practice. [Conclusion] The results suggest the need to establish independent programs for pre-practice and pre-game in order to prevent injuries among female collegiate football players.

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[Purpose] To evaluate whether improvements can be achieved by moving multiple shoulder joints independently in cases where range of motion exercise of the shoulder joints is made difficult by pain. [Subjects and Methods] Pain occurs in the axillary nerve region. Separate exercise of shoulder joints was performed by 32 patients with shoulder joint disease who were not able to improve their range of motion. [Results] Significant differences were found after exercise in the injury side flexion angle/healthy side flexion and the injury side external rotation angle/healthy side external rotation ratios. A significant positive correlation was found between the variables of injury side flexion and external rotation rate. [Conclusion] It is considered that improvements in difficult shoulder joint disorders can be made by separating the movements of multiple shoulder joints.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KiNvis) on ankle dorsiflexion dysfunction of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 7 hemiplegic stroke patients. An image of ankle dorsiflexion on the non-paralytic side filmed in the first-person perspective was flipped horizontally and then shown on a computer screen placed over the paralytic foot. Subjects observed a recording of the ankle dorsiflexion motion that caused KiNvis. Outcome measures were pre- and post-KiNvis, visual analog scale (VAS), ankle dorsiflexion automatic movement angle (ADAMA), lower limb Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA-LE), and 10 m maximum walking speed (10MWS). [Results] VAS was 68.8 ± 20.6 mm. There were significant improvements in ADAMA, FMA-LE, and 10MWS. [Conclusion] The results suggest that ankle dorsiflexion dysfunction of stroke patients can be improved by inducing kinesthetic illusion.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of cane use on the accuracy of step length adjustment during walking. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy young subjects adjusted their step lengths while walking under 6 conditions: 3 target step lengths (normal, small, large) with and without cane use. The accuracy of the adjustment of the target step length and the consistency of the step length of the 10 steps were calculated. [Results] The inconsistency of the step length of the 10 steps under the cane use condition was significantly larger than that under the no cane condition. The accuracy of the adjustment of the target step length in the cane use condition did not differ from that of the no cane condition. [Conclusion] Cane use during walking might cause inconsistency of step length, and inconsistency of step length would elicit an unstable gait rhythm.

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[Purpose] Physical activity is an important parameter of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it has not been studied in detail in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This study aimed to evaluate the physical activity of patients with NTM. [Subjects and Methods] The numbers of steps of 13 stable female NTM patients and 10 stable male COPD patients were monitored using an accelerometer for 2 weeks, and the results of both groups were compared with the number of steps of healthy subjects of the same age. [Results] The average number of steps of the NTM patients was 6632 ± 2202 steps/day, with 9 (69%) patients exceeding the reference value. On the other hand, the average number of steps of the COPD patients was 3643 ± 1770 steps/day, and only one (10%) exceeded the reference value. [Conclusion] It was revealed that the amount of physical activity of the NTM patients was significantly higher than that of the COPD patients.

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[Purpose] To examine the effects of training using a stretch pole (‘Himetore’) on the lateral abdominal muscle thickness and hip adductor strength. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-two healthy university students were divided into 3 groups: 1) training using ‘Himetore’; 2) training without using it; and 3) not training at all. During the 3-week study period, Groups-1) and 2) trained 3 times a week. At the beginning and end of this period, the students’ lateral abdominal muscle thickness and hip adductor strength were measured to calculate the rate of change. [Results] There was a significant increase in the hip adductor strength of Group-1), and such an increase was particularly marked among females, while there was no change in the lateral abdominal muscle thickness. [Conclusion] The results support the effectiveness of 3-week training using ‘Himetore’ to enhance the hip adductor strength, although the lateral abdominal muscle thickness remained unchanged.

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[Purpose] To examine the relationship between the pattern of contralateral lower-limb muscle activity and postural changes during lateral weight shift on the lower limb. [Subjects and Methods] Ten limbs of 10 healthy males were involved. During lateral weight shift in a standing position, movements were filmed using a video-recorder, contralateral lower limb muscle activity was evaluated using electromyography, and the center of foot pressure was measured. [Results] On the initiation of lateral weight shift, the leg-heel angle of the contralateral lower limb remained unchanged in 7 participants, and movements in the direction of inversion were observed among 3 participants. The muscle activity levels of peroneal, triceps surae, and foot inverter increased in the former, while those of peroneal and triceps surae increased after a rise in that of foot inverter in the latter. In all cases, the activity of the middle fibers of the gluteus medius was promoted. [Conclusion] Different foot movements and muscle activity patterns were also observed among healthy participants immediately after the initiation of lateral weight shift in a standing position, emphasizing the necessity of carefully assessing contralateral lower limbs during lateral weight shift in clinical environments.

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[Purpose] To verify the effects of the use of an end effector gait assistance robot on the gait of chronic stroke patients with gait disorders. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven patients who were able to walk 6 months after stroke with and without the use of the end effector gait assistance robot were compared. The evaluation items were walking speed (m/min), step rate (steps/min), stride length (m), Physical Cost Index (beats/m), Borg Scale and heart rate variation (beats/min). [Results] Patients who used the gait assistance robot had a lower Physical Cost Index and a longer stride length. [Conclusion] Ambulatory exercise was done at a lower load when the end effector gait assistance robot was used, suggesting gait ability would improve through long-term use.

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[Purpose] The effectiveness of training to control standing postures at gradually adjusted difficulty levels for acute post-stroke hemiplegic patients with Pusher syndrome symptoms was compared. [Subjects and Methods] Ten post-stroke hemiplegic patients with Pusher syndrome symptoms admitted to an acute care ward were studied. Higher brain dysfunction was present in all cases. All patients were provided with training to control standing postures at 10 gradually adjusted difficulty levels. These levels, the contents of support (assistance, verbal instructions + tapping, observation), and 3 options (triangular bandage, ankle foot orthosis, knee immobilizer) were quantified as scores from 0 to 148. [Results] Improvements were observed in all cases from the initial training day. In 6 to 26 days, the patients advanced to Levels 4 to 8. During this period, there was no change in their physical functions, such as motor function. [Conclusion] This method of training to control standing postures may be effective for acute post-stroke hemiplegic patients with Pusher syndrome symptoms.

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[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between motor imagery ability evaluated using 3 different methods and performance changes representing the effect of mental practice (MP). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy students performed a motor task before and after MP to examine changes in their performance as an outcome of such practice, using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised Japanese Version (JMIQ-R), mental chronometry, and mental rotation for the evaluation of motor imagery ability. Subsequently, the relationship between performance changes and the effect of MP was examined. [Results] The students’ levels of performance markedly improved after MP, revealing a moderate correlation between mental chronometry results and the amount of change in performance. [Conclusion] Mental chronometry-based motor imagery ability may be associated with the effect of MP.

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[Purpose] The spinal column alignment in sit-to-stand from the sitting posture to anterior tilt of the trunk was compared between males and females. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 47 (15 males, 32 females) community-dwelling elderly. Measurements were made in the upright and slump positions in chair sitting, and trunk forward inclination during sit-to-stand. The spinal alignment of each condition was measured using a spinal mouse. [Results] In all the positions, the sacral tilt angle was significantly more inclined forward in women than in men. In the upright sitting position and just before lift-off, the lumbar angle showed significantly more lordosis in women than in men. There was no significant difference in the amount of change between the conditions. [Conclusion] The results suggest that women always have greater anterior tilt of the pelvis than men.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the most appropriate pre-discharge physical parameters and its cut-off value for predicting post-discharge outdoor activities in stroke patients receiving rehabilitation. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 31 stroke patients hospitalized rehabilitation who could walk independently and discharged home. The Life Space Assessment (LSA) was used to differentiate between indoor and outdoor groups. Among the pre-discharge physical parameters showing significant relationships with LSA values at 3 months after discharge, the most closely correlated one was determined and its cut-off value was calculated. [Results] Six-minute walking distance (6MWD) had the highest ability to predict post-discharge outdoor activities and its cut-off value was 358.5 m. [Conclusion] The results suggest that stroke patients’ rehabilitation should target a 6MWD of 350 m or longer in order to enable comfortable outdoor activities after discharge.

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[Purpose] To compare the gait characteristics of individuals with different inner longitudinal arches of the foot using a treadmill with a plantar pressure distribution measurement system. [Subjects and Methods] The arch height rates of 26 healthy adults were measured to divide them into low (LA) and normal (NA) arch groups, and compare their gait analysis results. [Results] Compared with the NA group, the LA groups showed significantly higher values representing the step length, stride length, gait velocity, and center-of-foot-pressure trajectory length during the single-support phase. Furthermore, their values were markedly lower during the double-support phase. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the presence of flatfoot or a reduced inner longitudinal arch of the foot does not interfere with propulsive force production during gait.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the internal consistency and factor structure of the therapist achievement evaluation scale based on the attainment of the target of providing physical therapy based on the advice of a tutor. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 48 therapists. Using the therapist achievement evaluation scale, tutors evaluated the subjects. The score ratios were analyzed to investigate the internal consistency, and exploratory factor analysis was performed. [Results] Cronbach’s alpha was 0.86. In the exploratory factor analysis, the following four factors were identified: 1) the explanation, making of clinical documents, document management, and understanding organization; 2) the basic manner, reception, and common sense; the collection of medical information, and safety management; 4) the assessment, and intervention. [Conclusion] The internal consistency of the therapist achievement evaluation scale that we developed was excellent. The results of this study suggest that the therapist achievement evaluation scale is structured on four factors, and perspectives of education after graduation.

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[Purpose] To clarify elderly community residents’ respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function, as well as the relationships among these items, motor function, and body composition. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 29 elderly females living in communities, who required care, but were able to walk independently. For each evaluation, the following items were measured: respiratory muscle strength: maximum inspiratory/mouth pressure; pulmonary function: vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak expiratory flow rate; motor skills: hand grip strength, isometric knee extensor strength, frequency of standing within 30 seconds, time needed to walk 5 m, TUG test score, duration of standing on one leg, FR, and gait distance within 6 minutes; and body composition: total lower limb muscle mass, total muscle mass, and total muscle rate. [Results] The total muscle mass and muscle strength were similar to standard values for each age group and those expected, but the respiratory muscle strength and exercise tolerance level were markedly reduced. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the inspiratory muscle mass and exercise tolerance level. [Conclusion] There may be an association between the elderly’s exercise tolerance and respiratory muscle strength.

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[Purpose] To examine the effects of a perceptual stimulus insole (PSI) to provide positional information at initial contact on foot dynamics during gait. [Subjects and Methods] The lower limbs of 15 healthy adults without a history of orthopedic disorders were examined. The participants walked under 4 different conditions to compare the dorsiflexion angle at initial and the height of the toes during the swing phase: a spherical seal as a simulated PSI was attached to the inner (Condition-1), outer (-2), or rear (-3) part of the back of the heel, or it was not attached (-4). [Results] The dorsiflexion angle was greater, and the position of the toes was higher under Conditions-2 and -3 compared with -4. [Conclusion] Active gait control according to the position of the PSI was observed, indicating that users planned and executed movements suitable for the task while distinguishing plantar sensations. The results support the applicability of this method as a new training approach for dynamic postural control.

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[Purpose] To examine the contents of clinical guidance influencing training goal achievement based on the results of self-evaluation and supervisor evaluation by students. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted, involving 44 second-year students of the Faculty of Physical Therapy after clinical training. The questionnaire was designed for students to evaluate their own levels of training goal achievement and clinical supervisors. [Results] Through multiple regression analysis, with the level of training goal achievement as a dependent variable and supervisor evaluation items correlated with it as independent variables, <sufficient time frames>, <role models>, <understanding/respect>, and <information providers> were selected as explanatory variables. [Conclusion] This study examined the contents of clinical guidance influencing training goal achievement. As a future challenge, it may be necessary to clarify the causal and inter-relationships among the variables through factor and covariance structure analyses.

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[Purpose] To examine optimal parts of the body to attach activity meters to measure hemiplegic patients’ numbers of steps. [Subjects and Methods] A 3-axis accelerometer-incorporated activity meter was attached to the bilateral upper and lower limbs and trunk of 23 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia and 20 healthy individuals to compare relative errors between their measured and actual numbers of steps. [Results] On comparing the hemiplegic and healthy groups, relative errors were higher among the former in the non-paretic upper limb, trunk, and non-paretic lower limb. In the healthy group, relative errors were higher in the upper limb compared with trunk and lower limb. In the hemiplegic group, relative errors were higher in the non-paretic upper limb compared with paretic upper limb, paretic lower limb, and non-paretic lower limb. [Conclusion] Leading to higher relative errors, non-paretic upper limbs may be inappropriate to attach activity meters. In contrast, paretic lower limbs may minimize errors, as the values obtained when attaching the meter to them were as low as those in the case of healthy lower limbs.

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[Purpose] We investigated the effects on standing postural control of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the right parietal cortex. [Subjects and Methods] Ten right-handed healthy young adults participated in this study. The cathode was placed on the right parietal cortex (P4; International 10-20 system) and tha anode was placed on the left orbit. tDCS or sham stimulation was applied to each subject for 15 min at 1.5 mA intensity. The center of pressure (COP) was measured in the standing posture and head-shake standing with the eyes open and closed. [Results] In the eyes open standing posture, the total COP locus length and the Y directional root mean square significantly increased. In head-shake standing with the eyes open and closed, there were no significant differences. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the right parietal cortex contributes to standing postural control through visuospatial information processing.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationships between lumbar movement and pelvis, thorax and shoulder range of motion during forward arm elevation by patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 19 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. The pelvic, thoracic, and lumbar movements during forward arm elevation, and shoulder range of motion were measured. The relationships between lumbar movement and the other parameters, and between shoulder range of motion and the pelvic and thoracic angles were analyzed. [Results] There were significant relationships between lumbar movement and pelvis angle, thorax angle, shoulder flexion angle, 1st internal rotation and 2nd external rotation, and between thoracic movement and shoulder flexion angle, 1st internal rotation and 2nd external rotation. [Conclusion] These results suggest that improvement of shoulder flexion angle, 1st internal rotation and 2nd external rotation in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis would reduce lumbar and thoracic movement during forward arm elevation.

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[Purpose] To create a clinical training achievement evaluation form, adopting a rubric scoring system, and clarify its characteristics through comparison with a conventional evaluation form. [Subjects and Methods] We asked clinical supervisors of 25 facilities to use both the new and conventional evaluation forms for comparison, and respond to a related questionnaire. The results of evaluation by the supervisors on a 4-point basis: <Excellent>, <Good>, <Fair>, and <Poor> were scored 3, 2, 1, and 0, respectively, to compare total scores for the 3 domains of evaluation: <adequacy/attitudes>, <knowledge>, and <skills>. [Results] Responses were obtained from 21 supervisors. Although coefficients-α for some items were low, there were significant correlations among scores for the domains. In the questionnaire survey, the respondents’ opinions about the new evaluation form were generally affirmative, as it facilitated scoring. [Conclusion] The scores did not markedly vary between the new rubric scoring-based and conventional evaluation forms, and the supervisors tended to support the former’s usability for scoring. Based on this, the new evaluation form may be applicable, although each item has yet to be carefully examined.

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