[Purpose] To clarify the reliability and validity of the measurement method and the number of measurements needed for reaction time measurement during walking. [Subjects and Methods] Three healthy adults were recruited for this study. During comfortable walking, verbal response time measurements after sound stimulation were performed 30 times using a PowerLab and IC recorder. [Results] In most cases, the intraclass correlation coefficient based on the values measured by the PowerLab and IC recorder were 0.90 or more, and the validity of the value measured using the IC recorder was high. Reliability coefficients for 30 measurements were 0.984 for the PowerLab and 0.980 for the IC recorder. In addition, the reliability coefficient of the 1st to 5th blocks was low. [Conclusion] The results suggest that it is appropriate to carry out 5 measurements after 5 practice trials.

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[Purpose] To clarify the influence of toe-heel loading on postural control when standing. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-four healthy adults were divided into intervention (27) and control (27) groups. The former performed the motor task of standing with toe-heel loading 3 times weekly for 3 consecutive weeks. [Results] Interactions were observed after intervention in the effective area, center-of-pressure (CoP) displacement in the y-coordinate plane, postural stability index value, CoP displacement in the y-coordinate plane when the center of gravity was displaced forward, the toe grip strength of the non-dominant leg, and functional reach. [Conclusion] Standing with toe-heel loading may improve postural control in the anterior direction.

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[Purpose] Recently, the importance of proprioceptive function has been indicated for prevention of trauma. For the intrinsic sensory function, the function of the intrinsic sensory receptors existing in the periphery plays an important role, but it is important that the afferent information from the intrinsic sensory receptors is transmitted to the cerebral cortex. Focusing on the vibration stimulus that can induce brain movement illusion, the purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of vibration stimulation on knee joint inherent sensation. [Subjects and Methods] The knee joint position sense of 26 healthy knees was measured before and after rest, vibration stimulation, and isometric muscle contraction. To measure joint position sense, the knee was flexed at an angular velocity of 0.25°/sec from knee flexion of 90° and the error was measured at the target angle of 105°. The vibration stimulation site was the distal composite tendonus of the quadriceps muscle, and the frequency was 90 Hz. Comparisons were made before and after each intervention and between the conditions. [Results] After the vibration stimulation and muscle contraction interventions, the measurement error angle became small (p<0.05), and intrinsic sense improved. [Conclusion] The results show that illusory kinesthesia induced by local vibration stimulation improved the proprioceptive function of the knee joint.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate whether discharge to home can be predicted by the FIM of patients with fractures when they enter a comprehensive community-based care ward. [Subjects and Methods] Seventy-nine patients were assigned to either the discharged to home group or the change of hospital group. We retrospectively studied the factors recorded in medical records and compared the two groups. Next, we analyzed the factors with significant differences using multiple logistic regression analysis. [Results] The factors with significant differences associated with discharge to home were age, the degree of need of nursing care before hospitalization, hospitalization period in an acute ward, type of fracture, mFIM and cFIM on entering a comprehensive community-based care ward. Multiple logistic regression analysis using these 6 factors identified age, period in an acute ward, and mFIM as being associated with the discharge destination. From the results of ROC curves, the cut off value for determining the discharge destination was 58.5 mFIM. [Conclusion] The mFIM when entering a comprehensive community-based care ward might be a factor predicting discharge to home of patients with fractures in a comprehensive community-based care ward.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of stability and tilt directions of balance boards on lower leg muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen healthy adults were tested. Each subject stood on a balance board with their non-dominant leg. Balance boards with two different degrees of instability were used. Data on activities of the tibialis anterior and the peroneus longus were recorded under three different exercise conditions: quiet stance, balance board tilting in the dorsiflexion/plantarflexion direction and in the adduction/abduction direction. [Results] Muscle activity was significantly higher on the less stable balance board. A significantly higher peroneus longus activity relative to that of the tibialis anterior was observed when the board was tilted in the plantarflexion and abduction directions. [Conclusion] Tilting a balance board in the plantarflexion and abduction directions may generate a muscle activity pattern that may help correct excessive inversion movement of the ankle.

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[Purpose] The effect of animal-assisted therapy was verified using psychological and physiological methods. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 30 Saga University students (15 males, 15 females), aged 20.6 ± 0.7 years old (mean ± SD). The subjects interacted with a goat, the intervention animal, and POMS and salivary amylase activity were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] POMS and salivary amylase activity decreased significantly after the intervention compared to prior to the intervention. [Conclusion] The results show the psychological and physiological effects of animal-assisted therapy. The study methods can be applied to the rehabilitation of elderly people with disabilities, and to determine the therapeutic effect.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of improvement of knee joint and general body function on patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-seven subjects who underwent TKA and had follow-up at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were recruited for this study. Patient satisfaction, knee extension strength, maximum knee flexion and extension angles, the Timed Up and Go test, and the Sit-to-Stand-5 test were evaluated, and the changes in scores between 1 and 2 years postoperatively were calculated. We divided subjects into a group with a decrease in satisfaction between 1 and 2 years postoperatively and a group with an increase in satisfaction. We examined the associations of the rate of change in knee and general body functions between the groups. [Results] The results show that the increased satisfaction group had a significantly higher value for the rate of change in knee extension strength. [Conclusion] The change in satisfaction between 1 and 2 years postoperatively was associated with a change in knee extension strength.

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[Purpose] The purpose of study was to consider the validity of energy expenditure measured by an accelerometer of community-dwelling elderly. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 33 community-dwelling older adults. We measured oxygen uptake using a portable expired gas analyzer and energy expenditure using a portable accelerometer during walking. The Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationships between oxygen uptake and energy expenditure. [Results] Energy expenditure measured by the portable accelerometer moderately correlated with oxygen uptake measured by the portable expired gas analyzer. [Conclusion] This result suggests that energy expenditure measured by a portable accelerometer is a useful method for evaluating the physical activity of community-dwelling elderly.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the postoperative changes and relationships between scapular-retractor and shoulder rotator strengths, and pain around the scapula in laminoplasty patients. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen patients participated in the study. Strengths of the scapular retractor and shoulder rotator, and pain were evaluated at three time points: before, and at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. [Results] Although shoulder rotator strength significantly decreased, retractor strength showed no significant change at 1 week after surgery. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between changes in pain and shoulder external rotator strength between pre- and post-surgery. [Conclusion] The results suggest that monitoring shoulder external rotator strength is useful for understanding the relationship between muscle strength and pain after laminoplasty. Moreover, muscle strengthening exercises focused on shoulder external rotator strength may reduce postoperative pain and facilitate early mobilization.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of postural control function and cognitive function according to care levels. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 107 elderly people who used day care services were classified into three care-level groups. Postural control function and cognitive function were assessed, and multiple regression analysis and inter-group comparisons were performed. [Results] The results suggest that care level is related to both postural control function and cognitive function, and that postural control function is a factor related more strongly with care level than is cognitive function. There was a significant difference in postural control function between the requiring-help group and the mild long-term group, and between the requiring-help group and the moderate long-term group. There was also a significant difference in cognitive function between the requiring-help group and the mild long-term group, and between the mild long-term group and the moderate long-term group. [Conclusion] Both postural control function and cognitive function influenced the care level. Additionally, the relationships with care level suggest that postural control function declines ahead of cognitive function.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and Activities of Daily Living of patients with proximal femoral fractures. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 41 post-operative patients with proximal femoral fractures. The patients were divided into good nutrition, at risk of malnutrition (at-risk) and malnutrition groups based on their nutritional status evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form (MNA-SF) on admission. Quadriceps muscle thickness, skeletal muscle mass index on admission, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) on admission and at discharge, and length of stay were compared among the groups. [Results] Only one patient belonged to the good nutrition group; whereas, there were 25 in the at-risk group, and 15 in the malnutrition group. The malnutrition group subjects had significantly thinner quadriceps muscles, lower FIM on admission and at discharge, and longer length of stay than subjects of the at-risk group. [Conclusion] Simultaneous management of exercise and nutrition is necessary for patients with proximal femoral fractures with malnutrition.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the time spent in finger imitation by limb-kinetic apraxia (LKA) patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 8 healthy persons and 4 stroke patients with LKA. First, customary and uncustomary finger imitation tasks were prepared. Each task consisted of single and consecutive imitation. The times required to carry out these tasks were measured. [Results] The results show that the patients with LKA required more time to perform both tasks than healthy persons. [Conclusion] Customary tasks are associated with “kinesthetic motor engrams,” and uncustomary tasks are primarily associated with “motor program.” Thus, it has been suggested that the all patients are affected by “disorder of the kinesthetic motor engrams.” The presence or absence of “disorder of the motor program” could not be identified in the present research. Carrying out the present method of finger imitation tasks may allow analysis of the symptoms caused by LKA.

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[Purpose] We investigated the effect of motor imagery of the non-trained hand on the excitability of spinal neural function. [Subjects and Methods] We enrolled 14 healthy subjects. First, we recorded the F-wave at rest with participants in the relaxed position. Next, they practiced correct left-hand thenar muscle activity at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction. Three minutes later, motor imagery of the left hand movement was performed, following which the F-wave was recorded again in the relaxed position. On a different day, the participants practiced left-hand thenar muscle activity again. Motor imagery of the right hand was performed in a similar manner to during left hand practice, and the F-wave was simultaneously recorded in the right-hand (non-trained hand) thenar muscle. [Results] Persistence was significantly increased by motor imagery. However, relative F-wave values did not differ between the trained and non-trained hands. [Conclusion] Motor imagery of the non-trained hand is effective as well as motor imagery of the trained hand.

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[Purpose] We investigated the intra-operator reliability of ultrasound measurements of the multifidus muscle echo intensity and differences in bilateral multifidus muscle intensities. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 12 healthy adults who did not have chronic lumbar pain. Multifidus muscle echo intensity was measured with a diagnostic ultrasound scanner in the B mode. To investigate intra-operator reliability, measurements were made twice on the same day and on different days, and the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. The paired t-test was used to investigate the differences in bilateral multifidus muscle echo intensities. [Results] For measurements on the same day, the ICC was 0.981 on the right and 0.981 on the left. For measurements on different days, the ICC was 0.898 on the right and 0.775 on the left. There were no differences in bilateral multifidus muscle echo intensity measurements made either on the same day or on different days. [Conclusion] Multifidus muscle echo intensity can be measured with high intra-operator reliability. Our results suggest that there is no difference in bilateral multifidus muscle echo intensities in healthy individuals.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between walking ability and factors related to the cycle of frailty of stroke patients in the sub-acute phase. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one patients hospitalized in a convalescence rehabilitation ward were classified into three groups according to the change in their walking ability between hospital admission and discharge. The degree of individual improvement in factors related to the cycle of frailty from the time of hospitalization to discharge was analyzed. [Results] In the group showing a change in walking ability at discharge, there was an insufficient improvement in some factors. In the group where gait was not independent until discharge and in the group where walking was independent on admission, there were no significant improvements in any factor. [Conclusion] It is necessary to implement physical therapy in accordance with the change in walking ability.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of light-touch support (under loads of 100 g) with stable and unstable objects on postural stability during standing. [Subjects and Methods] Eight healthy participants maintained tandem standing for 30 s under 3 light-touch conditions: no touch, light-touch with a stable object (table), light-touch with an unstable object (single cane), and 2 visual conditions: open and closed eyes. [Results] Postural sway decreased in the following order: stable object, unstable object, no touch condition. The variability of the load of light-touch support for the unstable object condition was smaller than that of the stable object condition, whereas the load of light-touch support did not differ between the two conditions. [Conclusion] Light-touch support with the stable object contributed to postural stability. The result of the variability of the load of light-touch indicates that light-touch support changes with slight load, which may be useful in postural control.

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[Purpose] To obtain findings for the clinical application of virtual reality (VR) images reflected by head-mounted displays (HMDs), this basic study compared center-of-gravity (CoG) sway when standing while watching images displayed on HMDs and conventional monitors. [Subjects and Methods] The SPL, WoE, and HoE were measured in 22 healthy young participants using a sway meter under 3 conditions: watching VR images (VR); watching images displayed on a monitor (MT); and maintaining a static standing position (SS). Under conditions VR and MT, the same images (filmed using a 360° camera while walking at a speed of 80 m/min) were presented. [Results] The values representing the SPL and WoE were the lowest under condition SS, followed by MT and VR, in this order. Those representing the HoE were higher under conditions VR and MT, without a difference between these, compared with SS. [Conclusion] Both conditions VR and MT may influence CoG sway when standing, and the influence of the former may be more marked.

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[Purpose] Although the effect of slackline training based on slacklining or tightrope walking to improve balance is drawing attention, associated factors have not been fully examined. This study examined the influence of such training on body balance function. [Subjects and Methods] Nine healthy males performed slackline training, and center-of-gravity sway, represented by the total locus length, outer peripheral area, rectangle area, effective area, and locus length per unit area, was measured before and after it for comparison. [Results] The areas decreased. There was also a decrease in the total locus length after the initiation of training, but it did not markedly change after the middle period. The locus length per unit area tended to increase. [Conclusion] As the locus length per unit area is an index thought to be associated with proprioceptors, slackline training may influence body balance function.

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[Purpose] Osgood–Schlatter disease (OSD) onset was investigated in high school soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] A survey was performed of 201 subjects. Quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) strength, rectus femoris muscle (RF)/vastus intermedius muscle thickness, QF/hamstrings muscle extensibility, and six factors of forward reach in the long-sitting position were also measured. Physical factors were compared between two groups of subjects: those with a history of OSD, and those without a history of OSD. Comparisons were also made within the OSD history group among students in different grades. [Results] There were 41 players with a history of OSD, a rate of disease onset of 20.4%. Compared with the group without a history of OSD, QF muscle strength (axis leg side) was significantly lower in those with a history of OSD; no significant difference was found in any of the other parameters. In the OSD history group, RF thickness (axis leg side) of first year students was significantly lower than that of second year students; no significant difference was observed in any of the other parameters. [Conclusion] OSD had a high tendency to occur in the axial leg, and QF muscle strength in the axial leg was low. First year students also had lower thigh muscle thickness in the axial leg than second year students.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship with general practitioners and the framework for rehabilitation education and training based on attitude surveys of therapists toward rehabilitation education and training for general practitioners. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-five therapists in hospitals conducting doctorate programs for family doctors and general practitioners were the subjects of the questionnaire survey and five were subjects of the focus-group interviews. Qualitative research using SCAT was applied as the method of interview analysis. [Results] “Conferences” and “case study meetings” were selected as significant methods for rehabilitation education and training for general practitioners. The two concepts of “clinical abilities required of general practitioners” and “the relationship between communication from therapists to general practitioners and education and training” were extracted from the results. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the need for involvement of therapists in rehabilitation education and training for general practitioners.

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[Purpose] To clarify the relationships among the height of unilateral lower-limb elevation, body movements represented by spinal and pelvic postures, and the location of center of pressure (COP) when sitting. [Subjects and Methods] Nine healthy males unilaterally elevated their lower limbs to heights of 10, 20 and 30 cm while sitting to analyze their location of COP and spinal/pelvic postures. [Results] The lateral pelvic tilt angle did not clearly change through 10-cm elevation, but it increased in a downward direction toward the non-elevation side through 20- and 30-cm elevation. A lateral trunk tilt toward the elevation side was also observed under the latter conditions. With an increase in the height of lower-limb elevation, the posterior pelvic tilt angle increased on both sides; the increase was more marked on the elevation side. Furthermore, on examining the location of COP in the horizontal direction, it was displaced toward the elevation side through 10-cm elevation and toward the non-elevation side through 20- and 30-cm elevation, compared with its location when sitting without elevation. In the anteroposterior direction, the COP was displaced backwards with an increase in the height of elevation, compared with its location when sitting without elevation. [Conclusion] It may be necessary to consider differences in the characteristics of postural maintenance, according to the height of unilateral lower-limb elevation.

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[Purpose] The purpose of study was the characteristics of the knee joint position sense of adults with cerebral palsy during passive movements. [Subjects and Methods] 8 adults with cerebral palsy (40.5 ± 13.9 years) and 34 healthy young individuals (21.0 ± 0.9 years). The joint position of sense was measured by the angle difference with the opposite side. The angle was calculated by processing images filmed on both sides using image processing software. [Results] In the CP group, the errors on the less and more affected sides were 8.0 ± 5.1° and 9.4 ± 4.4°, respectively, showing a significant difference. In the healthy group, those on the dominant and non-dominant sides were 6.0 ± 3.1° and 8.5 ± 0.8°, respectively, showing a significant difference. [Conclusion] The knee joint position sense of adults with cerebral palsy may not markedly differ from that of healthy young individuals. It was also clarified that the perception was difference between the less and more affected sides.

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[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between the anterior trunk tilt angle when bending forward while sitting and trunk movements during gait in hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] In 20 elderly persons and 14 hemiplegic patients, anterior trunk tilt angles when bending forward while sitting and when walking were measured using a 3-dimensional motion analyzer. Markers were attached to 2 segments and a line, the pelvis and middle/upper trunk, to compare the anterior tilt angle between the 2 groups and examine its relationship with gait. [Results] There were no differences in the angle between the groups in a static sitting position. In contrast, when bending forward while sitting, the anterior pelvic and middle trunk tilt angles were significantly smaller among the hemiplegic patients. There was also a positive correlation between the anterior middle trunk-to-pelvis tilt angles (relative angles) when bending forward while sitting and when walking. [Conclusion] The relative angle when bending forward while sitting may influence trunk movements during gait in hemiplegic patients.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations of bilateral symmetry in the cross-sectional area of quadratus lumborum muscles with frontal posture and respiratory function. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 healthy males. Measurement items comprised the cross-sectional area of the quadratus lumborum muscles, frontal posture, thoracic extension rate, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function. [Results] Bilateral asymmetry was observed in the cross-sectional area of quadratus lumborum muscles; the mass of the right quadratus lumborum muscle was larger than that of the left quadratus lumborum muscle. Significant positive correlations were found between bilateral symmetry of the cross-sectional area of the quadratus lumborum muscles and frontal posture, thoracic extension rate, and expiratory muscle strength; and there was a significant negative correlation with the pulmonary function index of residual volume. [Conclusion] The present study revealed relationships between bilateral symmetry in the cross-sectional area of the quadratus lumborum muscles and frontal posture and respiratory function.

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[Purpose] To investigate the actual use of the evaluation index of the quality of report used in randomized controlled trial (RCT) papers in the field of rehabilitation and to evaluate the quality of these papers. [Subjects and Methods] MEDLINE, Medical Center Magazine, and other databases were used to search for target papers. We excluded interventions outside the field of rehabilitation. Selected target dissertations were evaluated as to whether the text stated that report quality guidelines were used, and whether the evaluation items of the guidelines were actually used. [Results] In the 374 target papers, 50 (13.3%) indicated the guidelines for the quality of the report. The compliance rates of the items with the guidelines, type of randomization and important harms/unintended effects were 22% (11/50) and 26% (13/50), respectively. [Conclusion] In RCT papers in the rehabilitation field, the results suggest the need for authors to publish papers with evaluation items that meet the guidelines.

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[Purpose] A three-dimensional image analysis device was used to measure thoracic shape in the horizontal plane to investigate how left/right asymmetry affects thoracic mobility and respiratory function. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 healthy adult men. A three-dimensional image analysis device was used to create horizontal, cross-sectional views of the upper and lower thorax expiratory levels. The left and right cross-sectional areas were compared. Relationships between left/right ratios of thoracic shape and mobility and respiratory function were investigated. [Results] Comparisons of left/right thorax cross-sectional area ratios revealed left/right asymmetry, with larger left upper and right lower thoraces. Correlations were found between left/right thoracic cross-sectional area ratios, rates of chest expansion, and respiratory function. [Conclusion] Resting expiratory-level thoracic shapes showed left/right asymmetry, with larger left upper and right lower thoraces. The extent of left/right asymmetry in thoracic shape may affect functional activity during respiration and may be reflected in thoracic mobility and respiratory function.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationships between upper limbs, lower limbs, trunk muscle mass and insulin resistance in female patients with type 2 diabetes. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 100 female patients with type 2 diabetes. The upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk muscle mass were divided by the square of the height or body weight and their relationships with the homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were investigated. [Results] HOMA-IR showed significant negative correlations with the lower limbs and trunk muscle mass divided by body weight. [Conclusion] This finding suggests that lower limbs or trunk muscle mass adjusted by body weight are indicators of insulin resistance in female patients with type 2 diabetes.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aging on the stopping motion. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-nine healthy young adults and twenty-six healthy elderly adults participated in this study. A rapid stop task was performed in the standing posture using a visually-guided tracking task with a visual target, and the stopping motion was monitored utilizing center of pressure (COP). All signals from one force plate were recorded and the COP velocity was calculated offline; then, the reaction time, total movement time, propulsive time, and braking time were calculated. [Results] The reaction and total movement times of the elderly group were significantly longer than those of the young group. The anterior propulsion time of the elderly group was significantly shorter than that of the young group; and the anterior and posterior braking times of the elderly group were significantly longer than those of the young group. [Conclusion] These results show that the prolonged movement times of the elderly comprised not only prolonged propulsion times but also prolonged braking times, suggesting that braking ability in the standing posture declines with age.

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[Purpose] To examine the level of acute postoperative pain and lower-limb muscle strength as predictors of gait recovery in patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing artificial femoral head replacement. [Subjects and Methods] Among 48 patients who had suffered femoral neck fracture due to injury and undergone artificial femoral head replacement, 31 were studied, excluding those meeting the exclusion criteria. Acute postoperative pain was measured on the lesional side with maximal loading using the Verbal Rating Scale on Day 7 after surgery. On the same day, the lower-limb muscle strength was also evaluated by measuring the isometric knee extension muscle strength-body weight ratio. [Results] In both <early gait independence> and <gait independence> groups, moderate pain when loading and an isometric knee extensor strength-body weight ratio of 16.8% showed high prediction accuracy. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the number of days needed to achieve gait independence is influenced by the level of acute postoperative pain and knee extensor strength.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to measure the muscle stiffness of the quadriceps muscle during quadriceps setting using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE), and to clarify individual quadriceps muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 14 healthy young men. The subjects sat in a long sitting position with their hips flexed at 55 degrees, and their knees flexed at 0 degrees. For the measurement of muscle stiffness, the quadriceps muscles were measured randomly using the SWE mode of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. The index of muscle activity was defined as the rate of muscle stiffness between muscle relaxation and contraction. [Results] The stiffness of the vastus intermedius (VI) was significantly higher than that of the other muscles. There were no significant differences in stiffness between the other muscles. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that quadriceps setting needs to primarily consider the muscle activity of VI.

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[Purpose] To clarify the influence of motor tasks using a stretch pole on lateral abdominal muscle thickness. [Subjects and Methods] The thicknesses of the lateral abdominal muscles (transverse, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles) were measured using an ultrasound diagnostic imaging device in 44 healthy young individuals without motor disorders. During the measurement, the participants performed 4 motor tasks: resting expiration, maximal expiration, the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, and bracing in the supine position on a stretch pole. [Results] On examining the thicknesses of the lateral abdominal muscles, interactions between pole use and trunk movements were observed in the transverse and internal oblique muscles. The muscle thickness increased through the motor tasks on a stretch pole, and the increase was the most marked when performing the abdominal drawing-in maneuver and bracing. [Conclusion] Motor tasks involving the trunk on a stretch pole may increase lateral abdominal muscle thickness.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of belt electrode skeletal muscle stimulation (B-SES) as a physiotherapy intervention after surgical treatment for Fontaine class IV peripheral arterial disease patients (PAD). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 6 Fontaine class IV patients with PAD. Three subjects received B-SES (B-SES group), the other three subjects did not (non B-SES group). All subjects were assessed using the Barthel index, length of hospital stay, discharge destination and ankle blood pressure ratio at hospitalization and discharge. [Results] The B-SES group patients were discharged to home, and their hospitalization period was about one third the time of the non B-SES group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that combining B-SES with exercise therapy for PAD patients after surgical treatment is useful for early improvement of ADL and as a multidisciplinary treatment for rescuing limbs.

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