[Purpose] To clarify the correlation between the lumbar cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle (LM) at each vertebral level on the left and right sides and body composition. [Participants and Methods] A total of 48 healthy young males were studied. Their LM at each level on both sides were measured using an ultrasonic diagnostic system. Similarly, their body weight, BMI, FMI, FFMI, SMI, and skeletal, left and right upper limb, trunk, and left and right lower limb muscle masses were measured using InBody to calculate their body composition. Their height was also measured using a height meter. [Results] The body weight, height, and right leg muscle mass were positively correlated with LM at all levels on both sides. The BMI was positively correlated with LM at L4–5 and L3–5 on the left and right sides, respectively. The FFMI was positively correlated with LM at L4 on the left side. The SMI and left leg muscle mass were positively correlated with LM at all levels and L2–5 on the left and right sides, respectively. The left and right arm and trunk muscle masses were positively correlated with LM at all levels and L3–5 on the left and right sides, respectively. Such a correlation was also observed between the skeletal muscle mass and LM at all levels on the left and at L1 and L3–5 on the right side. [Conclusion] The relationship between the LM on the left/right side and body composition may vary among different vertebral levels.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of trunk rotation and side bending, as well as abduction of the scapula in the scapulothoracic joint, on unilateral and bilateral functional reach (FR) tests; and to elucidate the relationship between reach distance and center of pressure (COP) trajectory in front-back and right-left excursion. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 21 healthy adult males and females, who performed two types of reach tasks, a typical FR and a bilateral FR with restricted trunk movement. We measured the maximum reach distance, trunk rotation and side bending, scapula abduction distance, and COP trajectory at maximum reach. Each of the variables were compared and their correlations verified. [Results] In a comparison of the two tasks, we found significant differences in the following 4 items: reach distance, right-left x-axis COP trajectory length, degree of trunk rotation, and scapular abduction distance. Significant differences were not observed in the front-back y-axis COP trajectory length and degree of trunk lateral flexion. Trunk rotation led to scapular abduction in FR; the scapula appears to rotate upward in bilateral FR. The degree of correlation between the y-axis COP trajectory length and reach distance was similar in both measurements, and a negative correlation was found between trunk rotation and lateral flexion in FR. [Conclusion] The movement factors in FR involve trunk rotation, abduction of the scapula in the scapulothoracic joint, and lateral movement of the COP on the side of the arm measured. On the other hand, for movement factors in bilateral FR, trunk rotation and lateral flexion, as well as lateral movement of the COP, were minimal. Thus, the scapula appears to rotate upward. The results of this study imply that unilateral and bilateral FR reach tests are dynamic balance tests that exert posture control, including the aforementioned movement strategies, and reflect equivalent stability limits.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of chest wall restriction on cough peak flow and forced vital capacity. [Participants and Methods] Cough peak flow and forced vital capacity of 24 healthy male subjects were measured under the following conditions: no restriction, upper chest wall restriction, lower chest wall restriction, and upper and lower chest wall restriction. [Results] The cough peak flow significantly decreased with decrease of the forced vital capacity by chest wall restrictions, and was significantly decreased under the condition of upper chest wall restriction compared to lower chest wall restriction. [Conclusion] The results suggest that cough peak flow of healthy young males is affected by a decrease in lung volume related to chest wall restriction and is also influenced by the region of chest wall restriction.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of loading the ball of the foot on choice movement time (CMT). [Participants and Methods] Twelve healthy males were the subjects of this study. CMT was defined as the time that both feet left the center mat when the subjects stepped on a lateral mat after light stimulation. CMT was measured under the following three conditions: upright posture, no conscious loading of the ball of the foot (NP), and loading of the ball of the foot (LP). The onset of muscle activities of the vastus medialis, gastrocnemius, and peroneal longus of the right leg were also measured at the same time. [Results] CMT and the onset of the muscle activities of the vastus medialis and peroneal longus were shorter in LP than in NP. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that loading the ball of the foot shortens CMT.

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[Purpose] This was a pilot study to verify the Functional Independence and Difficulty Scale Hospital Version (FIDS-H) for patients with head and neck cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. [Participants and Methods] We enrolled 14 head and neck cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. FIDS-H, functional independence measure (FIM), Karnofsky Performance Status, Performance Status, Short Physical Performance Battery, grip strength, and serum albumin level were measured before and 5 weeks following the treatment. [Results] FIDS-H had a stronger correlation with physical function than FIM. [Conclusion] The results suggest that FIDS-H better reflects the related physical functions of head and neck cancer patients than FIM.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine how differences in the surgical site of gastrointestinal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery affect fatigue, physique and exercise tolerance. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 42 patients with gastrointestinal cancer (23 males, 19 females, average age 62.4 ± 11.4 years). Body Mass Index (BMI), Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) were evaluated three times: before surgery, after surgery, and after discharge. Each evaluation was compared between the two groups of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer patients. [Results] Each evaluation showed interaction between the two groups. The gastric cancer group had lower BMI than the colorectal cancer group, and CFS was higher, and 6MWD after discharge was lower than before surgery. [Conclusion] The results suggest that patients with gastric cancer had lower BMI, exercise tolerance and experienced more fatigue than patients with colorectal cancer.

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[Purpose] To clarify whether hot pack stimulation has utility as a movement training pretreatment. [Participants and Methods] The knee extension strength of 20 healthy males was measured at angular velocities of 60 and 180°/s with and without a thermal stimulus comprising wet heat treatment. [Results] At an angular velocity of 60°/s, total strength and the integrated muscle strength value significantly increased after 15 min of heat stimulation. When heat stimulation was provided at an angular velocity of 180°/s, these values significantly increased after 9 min compared to those of the initial evaluation time. [Conclusion] Hot pack stimulation is thought to be useful as a movement training pretreatment, by promoting muscle contraction through heat stimulus.

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[Purpose] Bone union in Jones fracture is difficult to attain. Thus, we aimed to clarify the longitudinal changes in body composition and circumference of the lower extremities from injury to return to training. [Participants and Methods] The subject was a 20-year-old male futsal player. He fell during a practice game of futsal and had a fracture injury. He underwent physical therapy exercise after a 7-week non-weight bearing period (NWBP) and returned to training. [Results] His body weight and whole muscle mass decreased during the NWBP after the operation. Although the muscle proportion of the right lower extremity declined and that of the other side showed an opposite trend, no left-right difference was found in the circumference of the lower extremities. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that changes in the circumferences of the lower extremities are less likely to occur during NWBP. However, with regard to body composition, a decreased muscle ratio was observed in this study.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify whether fall is associated with daily activity or health-related quality of life of community-dwelling elderly orthopedic outpatients. [Participants and Methods] The subjects of the study were 30 elderly persons. Fall history, LSA, FES, and SF-36 were investigated using a paper questionnaire. The subjects were divided into two groups on the basis of the presence or absence of fall history, and their results were compared. [Results] LSA, FES, and SF-36 were significantly lower in the fall group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that loss of confidence to perform activities through fear of fall, among those with fall history, limited their activities leading to a decline in their daily activities.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate a method assessing muscle fiber type using frequency analysis of surface electromyograms of the gastrocnemius muscle. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-four healthy adults participated in this study. Voluntary contraction (VC) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured using surface electromyograms, and analyzed using power spectrum analysis in the 0 to 260 Hz frequency range. The results were compared with the muscle fiber composition of the gastrocnemius muscle. [Results] No significant difference in frequency distribution between VC and MVC was found. The fiber composition of the gastrocnemius muscle obtained by frequency analysis was Type I, 47.12%, and Type II, 52.87%. [Conclusion] The frequency analysis method of this study showed that the gastrocnemius muscle has a constant frequency pattern regardless of the contraction strength.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the difference in the walking speeds of healthy elderly people and healthy young people by comparing their treadmill walking speeds with their normal walking speeds. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 30 healthy elderly and 41 young adults. For treadmill walking, a treadmill with foot pressure distribution measurement was used. Walking speed, stride distance, and optimal walking speed for 30 seconds and 10-m walking speed were measured. [Results] For both the elderly and young people, treadmill walking speed was significantly lower than normal walking speed. Compared to young adults, the walking speed, stride length, and pace of the elderly was significantly less. [Conclusion] The elderly people could not appropriately adapt to treadmill walking, and a large change in their walking pattern occurred, suggesting an increase in their risk of falling.

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[Purpose] Music has been reported to improve the cognitive processing speed and influence exercise performance. We compared response times (RTs) when listening to different types of background music. [Participants and Methods] We instructed 20 healthy adults to listen to the following types of background music in a seated resting position to measure their RTs: Western music, classical music, anime songs, and music box sounds. For comparison, their RT without music listening was also measured. [Results] The RT was significantly shorter when listening to Western music compared with music box sounds and classical music. It also tended to be shorter when listening to anime songs compared with classical music and music box sounds. [Conclusion] The RT may shorten when listening to up-tempo compared with slow tempo music.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to verify the impact of a coastal environment on psychological factors, with a focus on the relaxation effect. [Participants and Methods] The subjects of this study were 27 healthy adult males and females (mean age: 36.7 ± 15.4 years) who gave their written consent to participation. The Short Form Profile of Mood States (POMS-SF) was used to compare subjects’ feelings and moods when engaging in activities such as stretching and walking on sand, against their regular daily activities. [Results] Compared with subjects’ daily activities, significant decreases in negative mood states, such as “Tension-Anxiety,” “Depression-Dejection,” “Anger-Hostility,” “Fatigue,” and “Confusion,” were observed when activities were performed in a coastal environment, while “Vigor,” a positive mood state, significantly increased. [Conclusion] Our conclusion is that stimulating the five senses by experiencing nature can be helpful for achieving a relaxation effect.

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[Purpose] The aim of this study was to elucidate factors related to the gait velocity of patients with severe bilateral knee osteoarthritis. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen female patients were examined. Gait velocity, stride, swing phase time, stance phase time, floor reaction forces, knee joint angles and angular velocities were measured or calculated using a three-dimensional-motion analysis system. Based on knee joint ROM, each lower limb was classified as the less ROM side or the more ROM side, and these groups were compared. A step-wise multiple regression analysis was performed with gait velocity as the dependent variable. [Results] Factors related to gait velocity were determined as the anterior-posterior ground reaction force's propulsive mean amplitude of the more ROM side, and the swing phase maximum knee flexion angle of the less ROM side. [Conclusion] The results suggest that gait velocity is related to the more ROM side propulsive force from mid-stance to pre-swing and the less ROM side maximum knee joint flexion angle in mid-swing.

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[Purpose] To clarify the degree of menstrual symptoms and lifestyle of female students enrolled in the Department of Physical Therapy at our university, and the actual status and students' awareness of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 115 female college students (age: 20.7 ± 1.31 years old). We examined menstrual symptoms and lifestyle using the PMDD evaluation scale and a custom-made questionnaire. [Results] Eighty-four percent of the subjects reported premenstrual symptoms, 22.5% menstrual cycle abnormality, and 53.2% taking analgesics during menstruation. Regarding dysmenorrhea, PMS and PMDD, over 60% of students answered “I do not know”. [Conclusion] It is necessary to understand and cope with the disease condition from an early stage.

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[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effects of intercostal muscle stretch on the kinematic characteristics of thorax transposition associated with trunk rotation. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 18 healthy young adults. The subjects performed trunk rotation, and the rotation angles of the thorax and pelvis and the transpositional distance of the thorax center in relation to the pelvis center were measured using a 3D motion analysis system. The kinematic characteristics of the trunk rotation were compared before and after stretching of the right intercostal muscle by left side bending of the trunk. [Results] With trunk rotation, the thorax moved forward and in the opposite direction to the rotation. Furthermore, right intercostal muscle stretching decreased the leftward translation of the thorax in rightward rotation of the trunk. [Conclusion] The thorax transposition of forward and in the opposite direction to rotation in rotation of the trunk can be controlled by intercostal muscle stretching. Intercostal muscle stretching of mainly the right side chest suppresses the leftward translation of the thorax accompanying rightward rotation of the trunk.

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[Purpose] The present study aimed to clarify differences in anticipatory postural adjustments during gait initiation (GI) and stepping. [Participants and Methods] GI and stepping at the comfortable and maximum speeds of 13 healthy adults were measured using a sheet-type loading-force sensor. Backward displacement, lateral displacement, and the velocity of the center of pressure (COP) of both motions were calculated. [Results] Motion comparisons showed that backward COP displacement was significantly lower during stepping than during GI. Speed comparisons showed that backward displacement, lateral displacement, and the velocity of the COP significantly increased with increasing motion velocity. [Conclusion] Backward displacement of the COP increased more during GI than during stepping, and the results suggest that postural control in the anteroposterior direction is different between the two motions.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this literature review was to clarify whether reduction of sedentary behavior is effective at reducing risk factors of cerebral cardiovascular disease. [Participants and Method] The authors searched PubMed for articles published before January 1st 2018. A systematic review was conducted using the search term “Sit Less” OR “Breaking Sitting” AND “Intervention”. [Results] Ten trials were selected, and 9 out of 10 showed improvements in outcomes related to at least one risk factor of cerebral cardiovascular disease. Improvement of outcomes related to glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism were confirmed in several trials, but the effects were only short-term. [Conclusion] The results suggest that a decrease in sedentary behavior is highly likely to improve glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in the short term.

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[Purpose] The objective of this study was to validate an accelerator-based measurement method of lateral knee excursion during three standing activities. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were nineteen healthy young women. For visual analysis of video images, the presence of varus thrust was identified during three motion tasks: free stepping, stepping with the knee fully extended, and squat. Accelerator-based measurement was also performed to determine lateral knee excursion during the same three tasks. An accelerometer was attached to the head of the fibula and a cut-off value was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. [Results] During stepping with the knee fully extended, 9 of 19 knees demonstrated varus thrust in visual observation, and 11 of 19 knees demonstrated varus thrust in accelerometer-based measurements. Judgment of varus thrust agreed in 13 of 19 knees. [Conclusion] Determination of varus thrust in healthy young women differed slightly between the accelerometer-based and visual observation methods.

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[Purpose] The present study examined the effects of care prevention for frail elderly females, who were classified into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, in winter in a snowy and depopulated area. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 44 frail elderly females. They were selected using a basic health check list. They were asked to complete a basic health check list for care prevention to assess their physical function. The intervention was a 90-minute weekly program conducted in winter. [Results] Physical function showed no significant difference in either group after the intervention. A significantly larger number of elderly females in the sarcopenia group were socially withdrawn prior to intervention, but after the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups. [Conclusion] Although decrease of activity and decline of physical function is predicted in winter, there is a possibility that the intervention improved the subjects’ social interaction and maintained their physical functions.

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[Purpose] We examined perinatal changes in the spinal curvature angle and trunk muscle thickness of a primipara with postpartum low back pain. [Participants and Methods] A 29-year-old female (primipara). Her sacral tilt, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and trunk tilt angles were measured using a spinal mouse. Additionally, her external oblique, internal oblique, and abdominal transverse muscle thicknesses were measured using an ultrasonic diagnostic system. The measurements were performed at 14 weeks of pregnancy, immediately before (39 weeks of pregnancy), immediately after, 8 weeks after, and 18 weeks after delivery. [Results] The thoracic kyphosis angle decreased from the middle stage of pregnancy to immediately before delivery. There were no differences in the spinal curvature angle between immediately before and after delivery. The lumbar lordosis increased after delivery, with low back pain deteriorating. The trunk muscle during pregnancy was thinner than that after delivery. [Conclusion] The results suggest that postural changes occur during pregnancy, and although such changes are not marked immediately before or immediately after delivery, they continue to be observed during the postnatal period. Changes in trunk muscle thickness during the perinatal period were also suggested.

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[Purpose] We confirmed the effect to combining task-oriented training (TOT) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of abdominal muscles to improve trunk function and basic ADL performance (rolling in and rising from bed). [Participants and Methods] A patient with bilateral hemiplegia due to 2 cerebrovascular events admitted to a post-acute rehabilitation ward. Her physical function and FIM score improved until 2 months after admission. However, as such improvements were not observed in the subsequent month, the patient was treated with TOT focusing on basic ADL performance and simultaneous NMES of abdominal muscles for 1 month. [Results] The patient’s basic ADL performance improved, with a promoted trunk function. [Conclusion] Combining TOT and NMES of abdominal muscles may be effective to improve basic ADL performance and trunk function.

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[Purpose] To investigate the effects of realignment of both scapulas on the postural and walking stability and walking efficiency of a patient with upper limb paralysis. [Participants and Methods] A patient showed postural and walking instability due to left upper limb paralysis after brain tumorectomy. For the realignment of his scapulas, stabilization training of the scapulothoracic joint was performed for 40 minutes per day for 5 days. The postural and walking stability, and walking efficiency were assessed pre- and post-training. [Results] After the training, the alignment of the scapulas was corrected, and the postural and walking stability and walking efficiency had improved compared to pre-training. [Conclusion] This result suggests that realignment of the scapulas improves the postural and walking stability and walking efficiency of patients with paralysis.

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