[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the relationship between baseball player position and foot grip strength. [Participants and Methods] We selected 59 university baseball players. Foot grip strength was measured twice on each side in the sitting position, and the respective maximum values were considered representative values. [Results] The foot grip strength of the pivot foot in the pitching and batting motions was significantly higher in the pitcher group than in the fielder group. No significant difference was found in the foot grip strength of the stepping foot in the pitching and batting motions between the pitcher and fielder groups. [Conclusion] On the basis of these results, we suggest that the foot grip strength of the pivot foot during the pitching motion of the pitcher is more developed than the toe muscle strength of the fielder.

[Purpose] This study examined factors contributing to the early recovery of Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) performance after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). [Participants and Methods] Measurement was performed in 77 patients, who had undergone TKA, to examine their Trunk Righting Test (TRT) scores, knee extensor strength, Step Test (ST) scores, 5X Sit-to-Stand Test (5STS) scores, and TUG scores. The recovery rate for each item was calculated by comparing measurement values before and after TKA. Multiple regression analysis was performed with the recovery rate for the TUG score as a dependent variable, and those for the other items, in addition to the age, body weight, and BMI value, as explanatory variables. [Results] The 5STS score and TRT score on the surgical side were selected. [Conclusion] The 5STS score and TRT score on the surgical side may contribute to TUG performance recovery at 4 weeks after TKA.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the influence of light fingertip contact in a one-leg standing position on an unstable surface on the postural sway and electromyographic (EMG) activity in the lower extremity muscles. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen healthy male volunteers participated in this study. Participants stood on one leg on an unstable surface, and their postural sway and EMG activity were measured. Experimental trials included the following three contact conditions: (1) one-leg standing without touching, NT; (2) one-leg standing with the right fingertip lightly touching (<1 N), LT; (3) one-leg standing with the right fingertip forcefully touching (>5 N), FT. [Results] The postural sway of the LT condition was significantly lower than that of the NT condition. The EMG activity in the lower extremity muscles showed no difference between the NT and LT conditions. [Conclusion] These results indicate that light fingertip contact while standing on an unstable surface decreased postural sway and maintained EMG activity in the lower extremity muscles.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the position of the center of gravity and the abdominal muscle thickness, and to provide data to guide center-of-gravity conditions. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 52 healthy individuals (25 males and 27 females; mean age: 20.9 ± 1.3 years). Changes in muscle thicknesses of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominal muscles were compared in the resting position and center-of-gravity front-back and left-right conditions. [Results] The main effect was on the rates of change in muscle thicknesses of the external oblique and internal oblique muscles. The rates of change in muscle thicknesses of all muscles was highest in the center-of-gravity right condition. [Conclusion] Changes in the center of gravity affect abdominal muscle thickness.

[Purpose] To study the anti-spastic effects of Repetitive Facilitative Exercise (RFE) on the hemiplegic limbs of stroke patients. [Participants and Methods] Thirty chronic stroke survivors with hemiplegia participated in a 100-minute RFE program consisting of 3 times of 50 repetitions of 9 exercise patterns, 7 times a week for 4 weeks. Subjects were evaluated on spasticity of 15 joint motions using the Modified Ashworth Scale at (1) before and (2) after first treatment, (3) before treatment on the next day, and (4) before final treatment on the last day. The anti-spastic effects of RFE were classified as acute (1 to 2), one-day carryover (1 to 3), and four-week (1 to 4). [Results] The anti-spastic effects of RFE at the acute, one-day and four-week (1 to 4) stages were statistically significant for all selected motions. [Conclusion] RFE had anti-spastic effects on all the selected joint motions of the hemiplegic limbs of the chronic stroke patients.

[Purpose] An anatomical study was performed in order to investigate the effects of the activity of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) in elderly frail people with hammer toe deformity. [Participants and Methods] Nine feet from five cadavers were used in this study. All the third toes were disarticulated at the tarsometatarsal joint. The tendons of FDB and FDL, and the joint capsule were left intact, but other soft tissues were removed. The tendons of FDB and FDL were pulled separately under two conditions: (1) Contact condition: the bottom of the phalanx was contacting the floor; (2) Non-contact condition: the bottom of the phalanx was not contacting the floor. [Results] When the FDB was pulled, because the proximal interphalangeal joint was flexed, the distal interphalangeal joint extended to show hammer toe. [Conclusion] The actions of the FDB and FDL were different under the two conditions. It was considered that over-activation of the FDB was an important factor of hammer toe in elderly frail people.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to consider the potential of a pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise method using vibration stimulation. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen healthy men participated in this study. PFM exercise was conducted under two conditions, namely with and without local vibration. The measurement item was maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFM, which we measured using surface electromyography pre- and post-exercise. Exercise was performed in the sitting position on a cushion with a vibration function. The participants performed 6 sets of 10-second contraction of the PFM. [Results] The value of post-exercise with local vibration was significantly higher than pre-exercise (p<0.05). The MVC value (post/pre) of the exercise with local vibration was significantly greater than the muscle activity of only exercise (p<0.05). [Conclusion] PFM exercise with local vibration might improve muscle activity of PFM more than PFM exercise alone.

[Purpose] To clarify the process of lower limb muscle strength recovery in 2 weeks after total hip arthroplasty adopting the direct anterior approach. [Participants and Methods] Measurement was performed using a hand-held dynamometer in 17 participants to examine their lower limb muscle strength on the surgical side at the following points: before surgery, at 5, 7, 9, and 14 days after surgery, and on discharge. The measurement items were hip flexion, hip abduction in flexion, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion. [Results] There were no significant differences in values representing the hip flexor strength on the surgical side between before and the period from 5 days after surgery to discharge. In contrast, values representing the hip abductor strength in flexion on the surgical side were significantly lower at 5, 7, and 9 days after surgery than those before it. On comparing the values representing the hip abductor strength in flexion and hip flexor strength on the surgical side, the postoperative decrease was more marked in the former at 14 days after surgery and on discharge. [Conclusion] No recovery of the hip abductor strength in flexion on the surgical side was achieved even at 1 week after surgery, and the recovery rate was low immediately before discharge, indicating the necessity of physical therapy programs focusing on the hip abductor strength in flexion.

[Purpose] Wearing high-heeled shoes often alters the gait pattern, induces foot and ankle pain, or causes injuries such as ankle sprain. The objective of this study was to determine how an insole designed to prevent the foot from sliding in high-heeled shoes affects balance during standing activities. [Participants and Methods] The participants were twenty, healthy young females. The subjects’ balance while wearing high-heeled shoes with and without the insole was measured using a commercial stabilometer during three motion tasks: single-legged standing with eyes open, single-legged squat with eyes open, and stepping activity with eyes open. Total trajectory length, trajectory length per unit of time, area of center-of-mass movement, anteroposterior position vector, and mediolateral position vector were compared between with and without the insole. [Results] Body movement during single-legged squat and stepping activity was significantly decreased. [Conclusion] Wearing an insole for high-heeled shoes may improve balance while descending stairs and during gait.

[Purpose] To develop sufficiently reliable and valid OJT goals for visiting therapists to become able to make home visits independently. [Participants and Methods] Professionals with experience of supervising visiting therapists were interviewed by content analysis of their statements. [Results] A total of 756 recording units were obtained, which were classified into 50 sub-categories (goals) and 15 categories. A high rate of agreement with a third person, confirming sufficient reliability, was achieved. Compared with that for hospital therapists and visiting nurses, OJT in the present study covered all categories, and maintained sufficient content validity. [Conclusion] The results clarified OJT goals with sufficient reliability and validity for visiting therapists, and supported their applicability for the evaluation of these therapists. Among the OJT goals, environmental arrangements, participation in activities, and multi-professional collaboration were shown to be preferentially achieved.

[Purpose] We developed a variable-speed treadmill that could be controlled at any speed. The influence of walking tasks which involved continuously changing the walking speed using this equipment on the walking stability of the participants was evaluated using the maximum Lyapunov exponent of chaos analysis on the walking stability factor. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 22 healthy adults. They were divided into a variable-speed walking task group (n=11) and a constant-speed walking task group (n=11). Time course acceleration data of the trunk was measured and compared using the maximum Lyapunov exponent. [Results] The maximum Lyapunov exponent in the vertical direction showed a larger value during the changing walking speed task than the during constant speed task. [Conclusion] It was observed that walking instability was maintained in the 30 minutes in the changing walking speed task. It suggests that performance of this walking exercise helps acquisition of diversity in walking speed.

[Purpose] To assess the balance function of patients with vertebral compression fractures and clinical symptoms, focusing on their responses to backward perturbations. [Participants and Methods] The study involved 22 and 22 elderly participants with vertebral compression fractures having and not having clinical symptoms, respectively. Their responses to backward perturbations were assessed using the Postural Stress Test (PST). Additionally, their Functional Reach Test (FRT) scores, body sway when standing, 30-second Sit-to-Stand Test scores, and kyphosis index values were measured. The results regarding each item were compared between the 2 groups. [Results] PST, FRT, and 30-second Sit-to-Stand Test scores and kyphosis index values significantly varied between the 2 groups. [Conclusion] The responsiveness of patients with vertebral compression fractures and clinical symptoms to perturbations may be reduced.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between aspects of the alteration of Physiological Cost Index (PCI) and surface electromyography and the walking speed. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 35 healthy persons. They walked at five different walking speeds relative to their most comfortable walking, the free walking speed (FWS): –50%FWS, –25%FWS, FWS, 25%FWS and 50%FWS. Surface electromyography and the heart rate were measured, and the integrated value (IEMG), the median power frequency (MdPF), the mean power frequency (MPF) and the PCI were calculated. [Results] PCI at –50%FWS and 50%FWS was significantly increased compared with that of FWS. Although the IEMG increased with increase in walking speed, MdPF and MPF showed activity in the low and medium frequency bands. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that the PCI increased faster or slower than FWS, and IEMG increased with the increase in the walking speed.

[Purpose] To clarify differences in physical therapy students’ tendency to participate in volunteer activities for the Tokyo Olympic/Paralympic Games, such as attitudes toward and reasons for participating, between Tokyo and a rural area. [Participants and Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted, involving students in their first to third year at the Department of Physical Therapy, belonging to 2 different campuses of the study university as of FY2018: Narita (Tokyo): 116 males and 101 females, a total of 217; and Otawara (rural area): 142 males and 108 females, a total of 250. [Results] In Tokyo and the rural area, the rates of answering “Participating” in volunteer activities were 14.3 and 11.3%, respectively. The results also revealed differences between the 2 areas in students’ tendency regarding achievements obtained by participating in volunteer activities. [Conclusion] The rate of participating in volunteer activities was similarly around 10% in Tokyo and the rural area, but the primary anxiety factor varied between them, as it was <sudden changes in the class schedule at university during this period> in the former and <language> in the latter. Furthermore, there were significant differences in expected achievements between the 2 areas.

[Purpose] Differences in cardiovascular response due to the method of muscle strengthening training were examined. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 24 normal healthy young adults. They performed leg extensions with normal/concentric, normal/eccentric, slow/concentric, slow/eccentric patterns, and blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after each exercise. [Results] After exercise, systolic blood pressure showed significant differences between normal/concentric and normal/eccentric, normal/concentric and slow/concentric, normal/concentric and slow/eccentric. The heart rate was significantly different between normal/concentric and normal/eccentric, normal/eccentric and slow/concentric, slow/concentric and slow/eccentric. [Conclusion] The results suggest cardiovascular load was high in normal/concentric exercise and low in the combination of normal/concentric and slow/concentric exercises.

[Purpose] The aim was to report the activities of daily living (ADL) of inpatients hospitalized in a ward with an exclusive working physical therapist and to analyze the causes of ADL decline among the inpatients. [Participants and Methods] A total of 2460 inpatients were included in the study. Age, treatment department, length of stay, and Barthel Index (BI) at the times of admission and discharge were investigated as part of a prospective cohort study. We analyzed the causes of ADL decline by investigating inpatients' medical records as part of a retrospective cohort study. [Results] Average BI at admission was 67.0, and 84.8 at discharge. ADL decline during hospitalization was observed in 49 inpatients (2.0%). Inpatients with ADL decline had significantly higher age and longer duration of stay compared to inpatients without ADL decline. The most common causes of ADL decline were pain, new-onset cerebral stroke, low postoperative physical fitness, malignant neoplasm, and aggravation of respiration. [Conclusion] To prevent ADL decline among inpatients, it is important to assess age, pain, and low postoperative physical fitness without disease persistence.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the short-term physical and psychological effects on elderly instructors participating in preventive care activities for the community-dwelling elderly. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were elderly women who participated in the “Silver Rehab Exercise Instructor^®” training course. Changes from baseline to after 4 weeks and 4 months of the subjects were measured for physical functions and psychological assessments. After the “Silver Rehab Exercise Instructor^®” course was completed, the instructors were divided into two groups based on their participation or non-participation in volunteer preventive care activities. [Results] Significant improvements were found in grip strength, one-leg standing time, and K6 and K-1 questionnaires for the participation group after 4 weeks and 4 months. Significant improvements were found in grip strength for the non-participation group after 4 weeks. [Conclusion] These results suggest that participation in volunteer preventive care activities even in the short term is effective for the improvement of the physical and psychological conditions of elderly instructors.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physical function, and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients who had been discharged from acute care in a hospital. [Participants and Methods] This cohort study included 29 stroke patients (67.9 ± 13.8 years) who were hospitalized in an acute-care ward and were discharged to home directly. We evaluated the patients’ HRQOL, physical function, and ADL at their times of admission and discharge, and the change in score was calculated as well. Further, correlation coefficients between these parameters were determined. [Results] At hospitalization, HRQOL and physical function had a significantly weak to moderate correlation (r=–0.55~0.56). For the change score, HRQOL and ADL had a significantly moderate correlation (r=0.53). [Conclusion] The results suggest that HRQOL of acute stroke patients is correlated with physical function at the time of hospital admission, and that ADL is related to the recovery of patients.

[Purpose] This study examined the influence of the step height on the shoulder and pelvic girdles when ascending a step. [Participants and Methods] Seventeen healthy males initially stood still, and then ascended a step as a task. The step height was set at 10 or 20 cm. For measurement, a 3-dimensional motion analysis device and ground reaction force meter were used. The vertical component of the ground reaction force showed a bimodal curve. Based on this, the total measurement time was divided into various periods to calculate the amounts of change in the shoulder and pelvic girdle angles in the horizontal and frontal planes. [Results] Within the period from placing the leading leg on the step and moving the body forward and upward to taking the following leg off the ground, the pelvic girdle rotated in the horizontal plane toward the following leg when the step height was 10 cm, and toward the leading leg when it was 20 cm. [Conclusion] When ascending a higher step, the pelvic girdle rotates toward the leading leg, possibly to compensate for the increased vertical distance.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of stress of physical therapy students before and after the national examination using the burnout scale. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 23 physical therapy students (9 males and 14 females, mean age, 22.0 ± 0.4 years). We examined their degree of stress on the burnout scale using Google Forms 20 days before the national examination and the day after the national examination. [Results] The sense of personal achievement of the burnout scale increased significantly before and after the national examination (p<0.05). Before the national examination, stress was centered on the national examination, but after the national examination, stress decreased significantly. [Conclusion] The stress of the students was emphasized before and after the national examination, so we need to change their response to content and the degree of stress.

[Purpose] To determine the use of outcome measures and the reasons for selecting them in community-based physical therapy (CBPT). [Participants and Methods] Physical therapist managers were surveyed using open-ended questions regarding the use and reasons for selecting outcome measures. [Results] Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (76%), Manual Muscle Testing (62%) and the Barthel Index (54%) measures were used the most. Content analysis divided the reasons for selecting outcome measures into nine main categories and 40 subcategories. The nine main categories comprised “have certain evidence”, “easy to use”, “basic and medical information about patients”, “monitor change”, “evaluate in accordance with purpose”, “legal requirement”, “easy for physical therapist to understand”, “easy for other healthcare providers to understand” and “easy for patient and family to understand”. [Conclusion] We would like to clarify standardized outcome measures in CBPT based on these findings.

[Purpose] This study examined the influences of supine and prone positions and sitting with the trunk tilted forward on the nervous system activity of people with cerebral palsy. [Participants and Methods] Eleven healthy young adults as a control group and 22 with cerebral palsy, classified into 5 groups based on their GMFCS grades (I–IV: 9; and V: 13), adopted supine and prone positions, and sat with the trunk tilted forward for 15 minutes in each case to record their heart rates and calculate the following autonomic parameters: parasympathetic activity: logHF; and sympathetic activity: LF/HF. [Results] On comparing measurement values among the postures, the control group’s LF/HF values were lower when adopting a prone position than when sitting with the trunk tilted forward, while the V group’s autonomic parameter values did not vary according to the posture. In comparison among the GMFCS grades, logHF values were lower and LF/HF values were higher in the V compared with control group when adopting a supine position. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the autonomic parameter values of people with severer motor disorders do not vary according to the posture, but the tendency for their sympathetic activity as an autonomic parameter to be promoted in a supine position is more marked, compared with the case of healthy people.

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the coxal-femoral rhythm during unilateral hip flexion exercises in the standing position and to verify the difference between left and right coxal posterior tilt movements. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 30 healthy female university students (mean age 20.5 ± 0.6 years). We measured the angle formed by the line connecting the anterior and superior iliac crests and the horizontal in the sagittal plane on the left and right sides: that is, the coxal posterior tilt angle, with hip flexion on the right side in the standing position. [Results] Flexion of the hip joint was accompanied by a significant angle of coxal posterior tilt. Moreover, there was no significant lateral difference in any hip flexion angle. [Conclusion] In healthy young females, we found no difference between the left and right coxal posterior tilt movements during flexion of the hip joint in the standing position. Furthermore, the coxal posterior tilt movement on the supporting leg side is predominant.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle activity of the trunk and lower limbs during change of shoulder flexion angle in plank exercises with cranial-caudal movements. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 13 healthy males. Muscle activity during plank exercises with cranial-caudal movements and static plank exercises (without movement) were recorded using surface electromyography. [Results] Plank exercises with cranial-caudal movements significantly increased the activity of the rectus abdominis muscle. Moreover, the activity of the rectus abdominis muscle significantly increased and decreased in response to the movement. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that the activity of the rectus abdominis muscle increases in plank exercise with cranial-caudal movements, and that muscle activity changes in response to the movement.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the pelvic tilt angle before and after an exercise that used a pelvic restriction rope designed to permit forward bending of the trunk in the sitting position. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 50 healthy males, who were equally assigned to a rope group (n=25) and a non-rope group (n=25). The rope group performed forward bending of the trunk in the sitting position using a rope. [Results] In the rope group, the pelvic tilt angle after exercise had deviated by about 3.7° of anteversion compared to before exercise, a significant difference. The non-rope group showed significant differences from before start of exercise after sets 2 and 3, but there was no significant difference after finishing exercise. [Conclusion] The results suggest that using a rope during forward bending of the trunk in the sitting position can improve posterior pelvic tilt.

[Purpose] Internal rotation limitations (tightness) and posterior laxity of the shoulder, factors affecting throwers’ shoulder disorders, are seemingly contradictory phenomena. However, it is unclear whether they coexist in the pitchers’ shoulders. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between these two phenomena. [Participants and Methods] Forty-seven semi-professional pitchers were included in the study. Bilateral internal and external rotation range of motion and posterior laxity were measured. Subjects with ≥20° differences in the internal rotation range of motion between the right and left shoulders were included in the GIRD (glenohumeral internal rotation deficit) group (24 subjects) and those with differences <20° were included in the healthy group (23 subjects). Differences in the range of motion between the two groups and those in the positive rate of posterior laxity were tested. [Results] The internal rotation range of motion was significantly different between the GIRD (26.0 ± 12.6°) and healthy groups (50.0 ± 14.3°). There were no significant differences in the posterior laxity of the two groups. [Conclusion] Although the pitchers' shoulders were shown to have limited internal rotation range of motion, the results suggest that posterior laxity can coexist with it.

[Purpose] To investigate relationships between body composition and body image in young females. [Participants and Methods] Forty young females were recruited for this study. Their body weights, Body Mass Index (BMI), Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), and Fat Mass Index (FMI) were measured or calculated, and their present and ideal body images were assessed by questionnaire. The measured and calculated values were statistically compared, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated. A single regression analysis was performed on items showing correlations. [Results] Present body image had highly significant positive relationships with body weight, BMI, percent body fat, body fat mass, SMI, and FMI, whereas it had a weakly significant positive relationship with soft lean mass and FFMI. [Conclusion] The results suggest that body weight, BMI, percent body fat, body fat mass, soft lean mass, SMI, FFMI and FMI may be indexes of present body image.

[Purpose] To clarify the differences in application reasons according to route of college entry. [Participants and Methods] One hundred and ninety-nine students who entered the International University of Health and Welfare in 2018 and 2019 participated in this study. The application reasons were evaluated by a 19-item questionnaire using a four-point scale. Then, the most important application reasons were abstracted and compared between exclusive and concurrent entry students. [Results] There were many significant differences. The exclusive entry students showed more positive reactions. The top 3 items and ranking of the most important application reasons were consistent for both entry groups. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the reasons and significance of the application differed between the two entry groups.

[Purpose] In our previous study, functional decline in the cortex-basal nucleus system was assumed to be behind the freezing of gait during walking of a Parkinson’s disease patient, and an intervention to enhance internal rhythm formation, which is one of the functions of the cortex-basal nucleus system, improved the freezing of gait. Here, the treatment progress of the case is reported with newly added considerations. [Participants and Methods] The subject was a patient with advanced stage Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait while walking. As in our previous study, the patient performed an internal rhythm formation task while walking. For the evaluation, we recorded changes in the continuous hand-tapping task and walking ability. [Results] We confirmed improvements in the continuous hand-tapping task, walking ability, and daily living activities. [Conclusion] The results suggest that decreased internal rhythm adjustment ability is behind the freezing of gait during walking, and that an intervention to improve this ability is expected to reduce freezing of gait while walking.