[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of a peer group-based exercise program on social networking among older adults. [Participants and Methods] Fifty-six older adults were divided into a peer group-based exercise program group (PG; n=26) and a control group (CG; n=30). Both groups participated in a 3-month exercise program (once per week). The peer group-based exercise program was held for the PG for 3 months continuously. During this period, social support networking was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS) at the baseline (T1), at the end of the exercise program (T2), and 3 months later (T3). Data were analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA. [Results] Interactions were significant only with LSNS friend sub-scores, and there was a decrease in the LSNS friend sub-score in PG (from T2 to T3). [Conclusion] These results indicate that a peer group-based exercise program is effective at improving social support networking.

[Purpose] The effect of a dual-task training device, Cognibike, used 3 times a week were investigated. [Participants and Methods] A total of 21 patients (8 males, 13 females, age: 76 ± 10.5) in a convalescent rehabilitation ward were included in the study. In addition to the usual rehabilitation exercises, the patients performed a 15-minute cognitive prevention exercise, 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and gait and cognitive function were assessed before and after the intervention. [Results] As well as an improvement in gait speed, there were improvements in gait speed and the Trail making test during the dual task. [Conclusion] Cognitive prevention exercise with Cognibike may improve physical function as well as dual task performance.

[Purposes] We examined changes in patient reported outcomes before and after one month of physical therapy for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). [Participants and Methods] Twenty-eight older females (mean age 78.7 years) with CLBP were interviewed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), Pain Disability Assessment Scale, and visual analog scale (maximum, minimum, and average Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]) before and after 1 month of general physical therapy. [Results] The TSK and maximum VAS scores showed moderate or greater effect sizes. The TSK and RDQ results showed a negative correlation, whereas the TSK and minimum VAS scores showed a positive correlation. [Conclusion] It is important to provide movement guidance and to adjust the amount of load for changes in RDQ associated with changes in TSK in conjunction with physical therapy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of standing posture on the physical function and incidence of multiple falls in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] This study included 219 older adults (mean age 71.6 ± 9.1 years) who were living in a community setting. The study population was divided into those who had sustained multiple falls and those who had sustained only a single fall and those who had never fallen. The history and number of falls, locomotive syndrome, gait speed, skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength, and bone mass were evaluated. Standing posture was assessed using the kyphotic index, trunk tilt angle, and spinal kyphosis angle (upper and lower tilt). [Results] A higher kyphosis upper tilt angle correlated significantly with aging, locomotive syndrome, slower walking speed, and lower bone mass. The kyphosis upper tilt angle in the standing position was significantly greater in the multiple-fall group than in the single-fall group. [Conclusion] The spinal kyphosis angle (upper tilt) was associated with poorer physical performance and greater incidence of multiple falls.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to verify the immediate effect of a Parkinson Dance class (PD dance), which is mainly performed in a sitting position, on the physical function of patients with Parkinson’s disease. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 24 Parkinson’s disease patients who participated in the PD dance. Changes in the Timed up & Go test (TUG) and walking speed pre- and post-PD dance were compared. [Results] The TUG time and walking speed significantly decreased after PD dance. Furthermore, when the walking speed was divided into two groups and the changes in walking speed were compared, a significant increase in walking speed was observed only in the low-speed walking group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the balance function of Parkinson’s disease patients can be improved by a sitting-based dance program, but its effect on walking speed is limited.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in spinal alignment due to the movements of the head and neck. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 28 young men and 24 elderly men. While in a sitting position, they made movements of the head and neck in the neutral, flexion, and extension positions, and the spinal alignment (thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral anteversion angle) was measured using a Spinal Mouse and compared among the three positions. [Results] There were significant differences in the thoracic kyphosis angle among the three conditions for both the young and elderly men. However, no significant differences were found in the lumbar lordosis and the sacral anteversion angles among the three conditions in both groups of men. [Conclusion] The results suggest that movements of the head and neck change the alignment of the thoracic spine, but not that of the lumbar or sacral spine.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of ego-resiliency (ER) on activities of health promotion and the frailty tendency in community-dwelling elderly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. [Participants and Methods] 1200 questionnaires developed by the researcher were sent to community-dwelling elderly persons. 477 adequate replies out of 680 returns were divided into high and low ER score groups. Collected data were basic attributes, the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, health promoting activities and the frailty tendency. [Results] The significant factors associated with ER scores were identified as e-mails, health promotion/maintenance activities. [Conclusion] The results suggest that a higher ER score indicates more engagement with health promoting activities such as hobbies and active exercises, and more interaction with friends by e-mail during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to conduct a questionnaire survey on brain training using a game machine for elderly people requiring nursing care. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 24 elderly people requiring nursing care. A Nintendo Switch was used as the game console. “Adult training for the brain” was used as the game software. The questionnaire surveyed educational background, the enjoyment and difficulty experienced when playing the games, operation of the game console, and whether the participants wanted to continue brain training in the future. [Results] A significant majority of the respondents reported that brain training was quite fun and expressed moderate interest in continuing it. However, there was a significant number of participants who could not operate the game machine without instruction. [Conclusion] The results suggest that brain training using a game device for elderly people requiring nursing care can be enjoyed if the operation of the device is properly taught.

[Purpose] This was a preliminary study to clarify the effect of walking exercise using an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) with electric assistance that assists ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion movements according to the walking cycle. [Participants and Methods] Twelve chronic hemiplegic stroke patients performed walking exercise using an AFO with electric assistance. The comfortable walking speed, Timed Up and Go test, and walking video analysis (step length, single leg support period time, walking rate, and leg joint angles) were evaluated before and after the intervention, and 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention, and compared. [Results] The comfortable walking speed was significantly different 4 weeks after the intervention, and the hip flexion angle of the terminal stance (TSt) on the paralyzed side was significantly different at 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results suggest that walking exercise using an AFO with electric assistance may affect the change in hip flexion angle on the paralyzed side of TSt, and further studies on how to use it are required.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the 2-minute step test (TMST) and physical function in elderly individuals living in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 33 elderly individuals (20 males and 13 females), aged 77.0 ± 7.7 years (mean ± standard deviation). The TMST, body composition, grip strength, and walking speed were measured, and correlations were determined. [Results] TMST was 108.2 ± 17.8 times/2 min for the healthy elderly participants, and 72.3 ± 21.5 times/2 min for the elderly participants requiring support or care. A negative correlation (r=–0.610) with age was observed in the healthy elderly participants, and a positive correlation (r=0.655) with walking speed was observed in the elderly participants requiring support or care. [Conclusion] TMST is strongly related to walking speed in elderly individuals.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors associated with sedentary behavior (SB) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in elderly adults with disabilities. [Participants and Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted of 68 elderly adults with disabilities (median age, 85.0 years; female, 48) who used a daycare service. [Results] The factor significantly related to SB was housing environment (p<0.001, 95% confidence interval 4.003–14.115). The factor significantly associated with MVPA was the 5-m walking speed (p<0.001, 95% confidence interval 1.657–6.407). [Conclusion] In this study, we found that the factors associated with SB and MVPA in elderly adults with disabilities were different, with the housing environment being associated with SB and the 5-m walking speed being associated with MVPA.

[Purpose] This study examined the reliability of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) for upper-grade elementary school children. [Participants and Methods] The participants were nine healthy upper-grade elementary school children. The participants performed mSEBT twice in a row. Bland-Altman analysis was performed on the results, and the intra-rater reliability and error range were calculated. [Results] The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (1,1) of the three directions were in the range of 0.797–0.875. Bland-Altman analysis found fixed errors in the measures of anterior and ipsilateral posterior reach. The maximum error was 16 cm. [Conclusion] The ICC of mSEBT was high for upper-grade elementary school children. However, the error was unacceptably high compared with the measured values. Therefore, the mSEBT results of upper-grade elementary school children should be used with caution.

[Purpose] We compared the physical function and clinical course of COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia patients. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 12 COVID-19 and 10 bacterial pneumonia patients who were independent in activities of daily living before hospital admission and received artificial ventilation during hospitalization. [Results] Although the time from hospital admission to the start of rehabilitation in the COVID-19 group was significantly delayed compared to the bacterial pneumonia group, their physical function and basic movement ability tended to improve, in a manner similar to that of the bacterial pneumonia group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that it is necessary to start rehabilitation early for COVID-19 patients.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationships between each domain of the Kihon Checklist and new certifications of long-term care and all-cause mortality in community-dwelling elderly. [Participants and Methods] Handwritten questionnaires, including the Kihon Checklist, were distributed in 2012 to community-dwelling elderly people. We analyzed the data of 20747 individuals in terms of the relationship between new certifications of long-term care in 2015–2017 and each domain of the Kihon Checklist, and that of 22021 individuals in terms of the relationship between all-cause mortality in 2015–2017 and each domain of the Kihon Checklist. [Results] Physical function, nutrition, cognitive function, and depressive mood were the Kihon Checklist items significantly associated with new certifications of long-term care; and physical function, homebound state, and cognitive function were the items significantly associated with all-cause mortality. [Conclusion] Early intervention to prevent decline in the physical function and cognitive function items of the Kihon Checklist is important.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the structural validity of the Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk (FACT) using Rasch analysis. [Participants and Methods] Sixty patients with acute stroke were included in this study. FACT was measured at admission and discharge, and a Rasch analysis was performed. [Results] Items 1 and 2 were excluded from the analysis. Item 9 had the highest level of difficulty, and item 10 with 3 points did not have a high level of difficulty. In addition, three items had a poor fit. [Conclusion] Rasch analysis showed that the FACT items are valid, except for the 5 items that were excluded or showed a misfit.

[Purpose] This study investigated the factors of standing instability in elderly people after standing up quickly. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 15 healthy elderly men. Using a three-dimensional motion analysis system, we measured the movement of rising from a chair as quickly as possible and the standing posture after standing up. The effective value of the center of gravity in the anterior and posterior directions was used as the index of standing instability after standing up. We examined the correlation between the effective value and items of the kinematic data in the standing up motion. [Results] A negative correlation was shown between the effective value and the timing of the left hip extension moment, and a positive correlation was shown with the maximum value of the left knee joint moment. [Conclusion] The results suggest that a factor of standing instability after standing up quickly is eccentric control of the hip joint in bending of the trunk after seat off, and that standing instability may be affected by the strength of the knee extensor muscles related to hip joint control.

[Purpose] The effects of physical inactivity due to bed rest on the two-point discrimination sense of the sole and the ankle joint position sense, which are indicators of somatosensory function, were investigated over time. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 8 patients with vertebral compression fractures who were instructed to rest in bed. The measurement items were two-point discrimination sense of the sole and ankle joint position sense, and the measurement times were bed rest start, bed rest end, and after a physical therapy intervention. [Results] The two-point discrimination sense of the sole was lower at the end of bed rest than at the start of bed rest and post-intervention compared with the start of bed rest. On the other hand, there was no change in the ankle joint position sense. [Conclusion] Physical inactivity due to bed rest increased the two-point discrimination threshold of the sole of the foot, suggesting that the two-point discrimination threshold decreased. Furthermore, the effect of decreased sensation of two-point discrimination persisted even after the start of physiotherapy intervention.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the impact of practical training using a 3D anatomy education system (3D anatomical system) with cadaveric images in the learning process of novice learners of anatomy and to reveal how it could be used effectively. [Participants and Methods] Focus Group Interviews were conducted with eight students who completed practical training using the 3D anatomical system. [Results] The practical training using the 3D anatomical system provided learning in the advanced cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. In addition, the problems of the 3D anatomical system as well as the methods and specific factors of the effective use of the 3D anatomical system were shown. [Conclusion] Studying the 3D structure of the human body is difficult for beginners, and sufficient basic knowledge of the structures is required to use 3D anatomical system effectively. Therefore, it will be necessary to use this system with other complementary methods.

[Purpose] To confirm the clinical usefulness of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for inpatients. [Participants and Methods] The FES-I scores of 84 patients with orthopedic diseases were measured when they regained the ability to walk 10 m, in order to examine the reliability and validity of the scale to predict their conditions when discharged, as well as its accuracy as a predictor of their fear of falling on discharge. [Results] The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (1,1) for the total FES-I score was as high as 0.83, and it showed weak negative correlations with life space and the health-related QOL. Furthermore, as a factor influencing the fear of falling on discharge, only the FES-I score when gaining the ability to walk 10 m was significantly correlated, and the cut-off to identify such fear was 41. [Conclusion] FES-I at the early stage of gait recovery may also be useful to some extent to predict patients’ conditions when discharged.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of shoulder joint external rotation and internal rotation muscle strength and range of motion of university student female softball players with a history of shoulder joint pain. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 23 college female softball players. Isometric muscle strength and range of motion of the external and internal rotations of the shoulder joint were compared between the the group with a history of shoulder joint pain and the healthy group. [Results] The range of motion of internal rotation of the shoulder joint of the dominant/non-dominant hand was significantly lower in the group with a history of shoulder joint pain than in the healthy group. [Conclusion] College female softball players with a history of shoulder pain were characterized by a low range of motion of internal rotation of the shoulder joint.

[Purpose] To measure the physical activity of the elderly requiring minimal assistance, focusing on activity intensity, and to examine its relationship with the 10-m walking time (10-mWT). [Participants and Methods] The daily step counts, and time spent in physical activity (light [LPA] and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA], 1.6–2.9 and ≥3.0 metabolic equivalents, respectively) of 28 elderly individuals (9 males, 19 females) requiring minimal assistance were measured. Their 10-mWT, grip strength, Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test, Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), and life space assessments were also evaluated. [Results] For the 20 participants with successful measurements of physical activity, the times spent in LPA and MVPA were 306 ± 114 minutes/day and 16.6 ± 20.8 minutes/day, respectively. Multiple-regression analysis demonstrated that TUG and GDS-15 scores, MVPA, and grip strength were associated with the 10-mWT. [Conclusion] MVPA of the elderly requiring minimal assistance was lower than previously reported and may be associated with the 10-mWT.

[Purpose] To clarify the rate of being able to perform deep squats and the relationships between body sway during a deep squat and the joint range of motion/muscle activity. [Participants and Methods] The deep squat test was conducted for 20 healthy university students. In those who were able to perform deep squats, the ankle dorsiflexion angle and lower limb/trunk muscle activity were measured to analyze the correlations between these values and body sway during a deep squat. [Results] The numbers of students who were able and unable to perform deep squats were 16 and 4, respectively. Through multiple regression analysis, the ankle dorsiflexion angle and activities of the tibialis anterior/rectus abdominis during a deep squat were identified as variables explaining body sway in this position. [Conclusion] It was shown that a certain rate of university students are unable to perform deep squats, supporting the results of previous studies. In addition to the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, the muscle functions of the tibialis anterior and rectus abdominis were suggested to determine postural balance during a deep squat.

[Purpose] To examine the relationship between Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), which is useful for determining the effects of therapy on lumbar spinal stenosis, and physical therapy evaluation. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 76 people who were diagnosed with stenosis and underwent surgery. Physical therapy evaluation was performed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), standing sagittal plane alignment, paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The results were examined using multiple regression analysis. [Results] Factors influencing JOABPEQ were standing sagittal plane alignment and PCS. There was no strong association between 6MWT and VAS. [Conclusion] The need for a multifaceted physiotherapy evaluation during postoperative physiotherapy intervention was suggested.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of life skills of undergraduate students in a school of physical therapy, and clarify the relationship between their life skills and the academic performance. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 70 sophomore students and 78 senior students. The scores of the Daily Living Skills Scale (college student version) were compared between the two grades. In addition, the scores of the sophomores were compared by gender and academic performance. [Results] The results show that the sophomores had lower scores for the interpersonal skill of Leadership, and the personal skills of Positive Thinking and Summarizing Information, and higher scores for the interpersonal skills of Sensibility and Interpersonal Manners compared to their seniors. The score of Planning correlated with academic performance. [Conclusion] Undergraduate physical therapy students are expected to develop personal skills which are not easily expressed in their behavior. Guidance that enhances Planning may improve academic performance.

[Purpose] This study assessed the influence of locomotive syndrome (LS) and history of falls on pre-frailty in elderly adults. [Participants and Methods] The participants were divided into groups A (LS with falls), B (LS without falls), C (non-LS with falls), and D (non-LS without falls). The groups were compared using logistic regression analysis, with presence of pre-frailty as the dependent variable and age, gender, and body mass index as the independent variables. [Results] Group A participants were more likely to exhibit pre-frailty than Group D participants (odds ratio: 3.669, 95% confidence interval: 2.008–6.702). Furthermore, Group A participants were more likely to exhibit pre-frailty than Group B participants (odds ratio: 1.839, 95% confidence interval: 1.089–3.104). [Conclusion] Elderly adults with LS had a higher risk of pre-frailty. Furthermore, the risk was higher when both a history of falls and LS were present.

[Purpose] We report a case of collagen 6 (COL6)-related myopathy for whom preoperative orthosis therapy improved the patient's ability to walk smoothly after Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL). [Participant and Methods] The patient was a 30-year-old male who was diagnosed with COL6−related myopathy. As he grew older, he experienced forefoot pain during weight-bearing, which made walking progressively more difficult. Initially, the patient did not want surgery. A conservative foot orthosis was made to promote plantar contact. Two years later, he had ATL to improve his walking ability. [Results] The patient’s post-operative walking ability exceeded his pre-operative walking ability for 6 months. [Conclusion] A combination of orthoses and ATL may be a good gait reconstruction method for severe equinus in adults with progressive myopathies.

[Purpose] The common treatment plan for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) is multi-week or -month therapeutic rest, including relieving the load on the lesion. This paper reports an OLT patient, who concomitantly performed sports activities from the beginning of physical therapy, with the aim of returning to competition. [Participant and Methods] The patient was a 17-year-old female senior high school table tennis athlete, who had had difficulty in taking a sufficient rest after experiencing an inversion ankle sprain. At 8 weeks after injury, damage to the cartilage surface in the posterolateral part of the talus was identified, and physical therapy was initiated. Physical therapy approaches and exercise intensity levels were adjusted, with mechanical stress taken into account based on the results of the leg-to-heel alignment test with squats, scaphoid malignment screening, and assessment using taping. [Results] Healing of the lesion was confirmed 12 weeks after the initiation of physical therapy. [Conclusion] Lesion healing was achieved within a period similar to that required in the common treatment plan by adjusting physical therapy approaches and exercise intensity levels while considering mechanical stress, and combining continuous sports activities.

[Purpose] The present paper reports the results of placing an Iritani-method plantar plate in the tabi of a dancer suffering prolonged hallux pain after surgery. [Participant and Methods] A female patient in her 50s had metatarsophalangeal joint pain in the right hallux when crouching for more than one and a half years after surgery for Lisfranc arthrodesis. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), crouching motion, Self-administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were evaluated before and after the plantar plate prescription. [Results] NRS, BPI, crouching behavior, and SAFE-Q improved while PCS and HADS improved slightly. [Conclusion] Placing an Iritani-method plantar plate in the dancer’s tabi was effective, and we consider it is useful for improving foot symptoms in activities that do not use shoes such as dance.

[Purpose] Although spasticity of the lower limbs in chronic stroke patients causes gait disturbance, there are few reports of useful interventions to improve their walking ability. The purpose of this paper is to report the course of an intervention for a chronic stroke patient who showed improvement in walking endurance after a physical therapy intervention with botulinum therapy and functional electrical stimulation (FES). [Participant and Methods] The case was a 39-year-old female who had right paraplegia and spasticity of the lower limbs due to left parietal lobe subcortical hemorrhage 9 years earlier. During the course of 24 months, botulinum therapy was administered 4 times for lower limb spasticity, and in addition to the usual interventions, gait practice with FES was performed in outpatient physical therapy. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was evaluated as an index of walking endurance. [Results] The mean intervention time was 10.3 hours/month. The 6MWT distances before and after the intervention were 162 m and 275 m, respectively. [Conclusion] The results suggest that physical therapy combined with botulinum therapy and FES may contribute to the improvement of walking ability of chronic stroke patients with lower limb spasticity.

[Purpose] To examine changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) in patients with chronic low back pain after long-term low-intensity aerobic exercise. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 8 patients with low back pain persisting for 12 months or longer. Their PPT values were measured in 7 body parts, including the low back and upper/lower limbs, and low back pain assessment using a visual analogue scale (VAS) was conducted at 3 times: before, after, and 8 weeks after intervention. During the intervention period, the participants performed bicycle ergometer exercise twice a week for 8 weeks, a total of 16 times. [Results] On comparing PPT values before and after intervention, significant improvements in all PPT values and low back VAS scores were observed. Measurement at 8 weeks after intervention revealed significant improvements in PPT values from 4 body parts, including the upper and lower limbs. [Conclusion] Regular low-intensity bicycle ergometer exercise effectively reduced low back pain by improving PPT.

The ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 threatens not only medical institutions but also the educational curriculum for health care professions. This study proposes a model responding to the pandemic for physical therapy departments in terms of business continuity management (BCM). We reviewed our response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Physical Therapy department along with the BCM process. An appropriate plan was developed utilizing the eight issues identified for each BCM process. As a result of examining all department work from a BCM perspective, it became possible to identify work priorities, the points needing framework reformation, and other issues requiring attention. Developing a BCM strategy is the key to Physical Therapy departments’ responses to any emergency.