[Purpose] To investigate the effects of the light touch (LT) contact method on postural sway and its related factors. [Participants and Methods] Thirty patients with spinal cord disease participated in this study. Postural sway was measured under three LT contact method conditions (Normal light touch, Horizontal light touch (HLT), and Vertical light touch). In the LT-capable group, we examined the association between postural sway and sensory disturbance of each condition. Physical function and feasibility were compared between the LT-capable and LT-unable groups. [Results] In the LT-capable group, the rectangular area of postural sway under the LT condition of the horizontal plane at 90° of elbow flexion (HLT) was the smallest of the three conditions, and was associated with fingertip tactile pressure sensation. In the LT-unable group, fingertip tactile pressure was significantly lower and anterior–posterior postural sway was significantly larger than in the LT-capable group. In the LT-unable group, more participants showed the feasibility of the HLT condition than the other two conditions. [Conclusion] HLT was the most feasible condition, and postural sway was lower under the HLT condition than the other conditions. Fingertip tactile pressure sensation and anterior–posterior sway are involved in the availability of LT.
[Purpose] This study investigated the similarity of gait parameters between a body weight-supported (BWS) walker and normal walking by healthy adults and examined whether gait training using the BWS walker could be transferred to normal walking. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-two healthy adults walked normally and with a BWS walker for 10 m each and measurements were taken with an accelerometer. Gait speed, cadence, stride length, step time symmetry, stride time variability, and stride time regularity were calculated from the accelerometer waveform. [Results] There was a significant decrease in speed, cadence, stride length, and stride regularity (anterior–posterior component) when using the BWS walker. [Conclusion] Although the gait parameters of healthy adults decreased when using the BWS walker, there was no difference in step time symmetry and stride time variability. Therefore, it may be possible to walk with a normal gait even when using a BWS walker.
[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of interactive and collaborative learning record activities using learning record forms on students’ requests for academic help. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-seven students at a rehabilitation college were asked to write down their daily learning contents on a learning record form, and the contents were shared and discussed in groups of three to four students. Before, four months after, and eight months after the learning record activity, the students were surveyed about their forms of academic help requests, and the scores of avoidant, dependent, and adaptive types were calculated. [Results] The avoidant type showed significant improvement after four months, while the dependent and adaptive types showed significant improvement after eight months. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the continuous practice of learning record activities, which are interactive, relatively easy, and quick to implement, may promote students’ acquisition of assistance request skills.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the learning effects of distance learning in a physical therapist training school and information and communication technology (ICT) literacy and course environment. [Participants and Methods] Sixty-two students among the third year students of the Department of Physical Therapy at a four-year university who took the distance learning course were analyzed. A questionnaire survey was conducted of the upper and lower Grade Point Average (GPA) groups to investigate ICT literacy and the environment for taking remote classes. [Results] The upper GPA group showed significantly higher values for expression and collection skills in ICT literacy. There was no significant difference in the course environment. [Conclusion] It was clarified that ICT literacy has an impact on the learning effect of distance learning. In particular, collection and expression skills are deeply involved. It is thought that the acquisition of these skills may improve the learning effect of distance learning.
[Purpose] In this study, we aimed to clarify the nutritional indices related to returning home from a convalescent rehabilitation ward (hereinafter referred to as a convalescent ward). [Participants and Methods] At the time of discharge from a convalescent ward, we assessed 79 patients using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, Body Mass Index, and the perimeter of the lower leg, as nutritional indices. We also evaluated the exercise and cognitive scores of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the presence/absence of a caregiver, age, illness, and gender of the participants. We performed a multiple regression analysis on items derived from a comparison of the returning home and the not returning home groups. [Results] Multiple regression analysis identified the total FIM exercise score, and the presence/absence of a caregiver, as relevant factors. [Conclusion] Although no nutritional indicators were related to returning home, the total FIM exercise score, as well as the presence/absence of a caregiver, significantly correlated with returning home.
[Purpose] This study investigated the relationships among the lateral deviation of the thorax, cross-sectional area of the psoas major muscle, and left-right asymmetry of the pelvic rotation angle. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 17 healthy males. The cross-sectional area of the psoas major muscle and change in pelvic rotation angle during isometric hip flexion were measured. [Results] The cross-sectional area of the psoas major muscle was significantly larger on the right and the change in the pelvic rotation angle to the ipsilateral side was significantly larger on the left. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation of the amount of lateral deviation of the thorax with the ratio of the left and right psoas major muscle cross-sectional areas, and a significant positive correlation with the ratio of the left and right pelvic rotation angles. [Conclusion] The results suggest that it is important to assess lateral deviation of the thorax in the upright position to evaluate changes in the cross-sectional area of the psoas major muscle during isometric hip flexion.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the competency factors of physical therapists involved in management work and to verify the reliability and validity of the Clinical Management Competencies Scale for physical therapists (CMCS-PT). [Participants and Methods] The participants were 200 physical therapists engaged in clinical work and management work. The method was a web questionnaire with voluntary participation. The contents were basic attributes and “Skills and behavioral characteristics necessary to demonstrate nursing management ability”, 68 items. [Results] Competency showed six factors: “organizational development ability”, “personality as a manager”, “critical perspective”, “department management ability”, “professional view” and “situational ability”. The reliability and validity of these factors were confirmed. [Conclusion] In this study, the competency factors necessary for the management of physical therapists were demonstrated using the Clinical Management Competencies Scale, and their reliability and validity were verified.
[Purpose] To compare the effects of different durations of static stretching (SS) on muscle functions/characteristics, and to clarify the relationships among these. [Participants and Methods] SS was applied to the rectus femoris of 31 healthy male adults for 2 short times (15 and 60 seconds), and the functions (passive knee flexion range of motion: ROM, peak torque for knee extension, electromechanical delay, and rate of force development) and characteristics (tone, stiffness, and elasticity) of the muscle were compared among the 15-second, 60-second, and control conditions. [Results] The ROM increased under the 15- and 60-second conditions, but no changes were observed in other muscle functions or characteristics. [Conclusion] Although the ROM increased after SS, the relationship between them remained unclear, as there were no changes in muscle characteristics, suggesting that the ROM increase resulted from alterations in the sense of extension and pain perception (tolerance), rather than structural changes in the muscle.
[Purpose] To clarify whether the measurements using the angle value measurement application equipped in iPhone as a standard feature showed the random and systematic error or not, this study compared between the measurements of shoulder joint rotation range of motion by iPhone and those by goniometer. [Participants and Methods] At the shoulder joint, the range of motion of external rotation and that of internal rotation were measured using iPhone and goniometer for 10 healthy male university students. [Results] The measurement by iPhone showed no systematic error. At the shoulder joint external rotation, measurement of range of motion using the iPhone showed that the value of MDC95 was 4.5 degree, while at the shoulder joint internal rotation, the MDC95 was 7.0 degree. [Conclusion] It was suggested that the iPhone application of tilt angle measurement is a tool that can measure the motion range of shoulder joint rotation.
[Purpose] To identify preoperative factors influencing Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores after opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). [Participants and Methods] Seventy-seven knees of 68 patients, who had undergone OWHTO at Nagano Matsushiro General Hospital, were included to examine the following items: diagnosis, sex, age, Body Mass Index, femorotibial angle (FTA), range of motion (ROM), and knee isokinetic strength before surgery, and JOA scores before and 1 year after it. The knees were divided into full- and non-full-JOA-score groups to compare the preoperative factors between them. [Results] The full-JOA-score group’s rate of knee osteonecrosis (ON) as a diagnosis was significantly higher, preoperative FTA was significantly smaller, and preoperative knee flexion ROM was significantly greater. [Conclusion] The postoperative JOA scores of patients, in whom a diagnosis of knee ON led to surgery, and the degrees of varus deformity and loss of flexion were mild before it, were favorable.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the preoperative predictors of subjective quality of life (QOL) at 1 month after surgery for patients undergoing initial unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). [Participants and Methods] The participants were 51 women (30 in the elderly group aged 65 years or older and 21 in the non-elderly group aged less than 65 years) who underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Assessment Questionnaire was used to assess subjective postoperative QOL, and preoperative predictors were examined. [Results] The Japanese version of the Central Sensitization Inventory was identified as a predictor of quality of life at 1 month after THA surgery in both the elderly and non-elderly groups. [Conclusion] The results suggest the severity of preoperative central sensitivity syndrome is a predictor of subjective quality of life in the early postoperative period after THA.
[Purpose] The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection control measures that have been in place for a long time constantly impose a mental burden on rehabilitation professionals who spend a substantial amount of time with patients. Anxiety among patients and its effect on their mental health persists because the stringent adherence to these measures is a determinant of the spread of infection. [Participants and Methods] We conducted an online questionnaire survey of 248 rehabilitation professionals employed in Tokyo. The questionnaire comprised a stress assessment instrument for medical professionals and additional stress-related questions. [Results] Anxiety tended to be greater in COVID-positive patients, and the non-intervention and general staff groups. In particular, the general staff group was found to have various concerns regarding COVID-19 infection. [Conclusion] The long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic can cause physical and mental changes among medical professionals, and managers are thus required to monitor the physical and mental conditions of on-duty staff.
[Purpose] To determine the association of muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass, and physical function of healthy adults with their size at birth. [Participants and Methods] The study participants were 117 medical university students aged ≥20 years (71 men and 46 women). Grip strength, skeletal muscle mass index and the five-repetition sit-to-stand test were evaluated and associations with the participants’ sizes at birth and at the end of 1 month, as recorded in the Maternal and Child Health handbook, were investigated using partial correlation and multiple regression analysis. [Results] Partial correlation analysis elucidated that grip strength is significantly positively associated with the weight, length, and chest circumference of newborns and of 1-month-old infants. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that grip strength is correlated with the length of 1-month-old infants. [Conclusion] The effect of body size at birth and at the end of 1 month appears to be maintained in healthy adults.
[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between the Grit and Self-esteem Scale Scores of physical therapy students. [Participants and Methods] The scores of 388 physical therapy students aged 20.2 ± 5.6 (mean ± standard deviation) from the Japanese-version Short Grit Scale and Self-esteem Scale were calculated, and the level of the correlation between Grit and Self-esteem Scale scores and school year-related differences in each item were examined. [Results] There was a significant, positive correlation between Grit and Self-esteem Scale scores, whereas there were no school year-related differences in any item. [Conclusion] The physical therapy students’ Grit and self-esteem Scale scores were significantly correlated, but the tendency was similar to that of general university students. The results suggest the necessity of assessing students’ emotional status, adopting longitudinal approaches, such as comparing it before and after the Objective Structured Clinical Examination or clinical training, both of which are incorporated into physical therapy education.
[Purpose] We report a case of severe pneumonia who acquired early mobilization and self-care while on mechanical ventilation (MV), and improved exercise tolerance with positive airway pressure therapy (EzPAP) after MV withdrawal. [Participant and Methods] The subject was an 82-year-old male who was on MV in an intensive care unit for X days due to severe pneumonia and septic shock. From day X+5, the case was weaned at an early stage with walking under MV, and self-care instruction, such as oral care and grooming, was started in cooperation with nursing staff. After MV withdrawal, positive airway pressure therapy (EzPAP) was started on day X+16 to relieve atelectasis. [Results] The subject became independent in self-care on day X+9 and was able to walk under supervision. The 6-minute walking distance improved from 100 m (X+18 days, nasal cannula 4 L/min) to 355 m (X+35 days, no oxygen). [Conclusion] Self-care assistance, such as in this case, should be a multidisciplinary effort, and combined use of EzPAP should be considered to eliminate atelectasis and improve exercise tolerance.
[Purpose] This paper reports a case in which intervention successfully improved symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome suspected to have been caused by a worsening of interstitial pneumonia. [Participant and Methods] An 80-year-old female, who had been receiving continuous home oxygen therapy at 0.5 L/minute for interstitial pneumonia, but was admitted to hospital due to respiratory distress, pain and sensory disorder of the left upper limb, and a decreased percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation level resulting from a worsening of interstitial pneumonia, was treated mainly with pulmonary rehabilitation, including stretching of the left scalene muscles, relaxation, and thoracic strengthening. [Results] The pain and sensory disorder were removed. [Conclusion] The intervention focusing on respiratory function successfully improved the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome suspected to have been caused by a worsening of interstitial pneumonia, suggesting that a respiratory disease was responsible for the development of the syndrome.