[Purpose] To examine the influence each item on the Kihon checklist has on the frequency of participation in physical fitness tests that can prevent long-term care. [Participants and Methods] A total of 155 participants, comprising 91 in the continuous participation group who attended four or more of the six physical fitness tests and 64 in the one-time participation group who attended the test only once, were recruited. To examine the influence each item on the Kihon checklist has on the frequency of participation in the physical fitness test, a binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted with continuous and one-time participation groups as dependent variables. [Results] “Have you lost ≥2 kg in the past 6 months?” was determined as the item on the Kihon checklist factor that affects the frequency of participation in the physical fitness test. [Conclusion] The frequency of participation in the physical fitness test was found to be influenced by weight loss. This result suggests that continued participation in the physical fitness test requires attention to nutritional status to avoid weight loss.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in effects of virtual reality (VR) and two-dimensional (2D) motion images on the immediate learning effect and surface cerebral blood hemodynamics. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-two subjects were randomly divided into two groups: a group that viewed a first-person motion image of the catching motion in VR (VR group) and a group that viewed the motion image in 2D (2D group). First, the catching motions of 10 balls of both groups were evaluated. Two weeks later, each group viewed motor images for 60 seconds, and their catching motions were evaluated again after 90 seconds. We evaluated the surface cerebral hemodynamics using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy system. [Results] The number of successful catches improved after viewing the motor imagery in both groups, and there was no significant difference between the groups. Surface cerebral blood flow activity showed in the right prefrontal cortex, left and right premotor cortex, and supplementary motor cortex in the VR group. [Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility of using VR motor imagery.

[Purpose] We investigated the relationship between the lower limb muscle strength of the dominant and non-dominant legs and static balance and the Functional Reach Test (FRT) in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 15 older adults. Static balance was assessed by measuring the foot center sway index and the time to hold a one-leg standing posture. The FRT was used to evaluate dynamic balance. The quadriceps muscle strength and toe grip strength of the dominant and non-dominant legs were measured to evaluate lower limb muscle strength. [Results] A significant positive correlation was found between the toe grip strength of the dominant leg and FRT, but no significant correlation was found between the toe grip strength of the non-dominant leg and FRT. There was no significant correlation between quadriceps strength of the dominant leg and FRT, but there was a significant correlation between quadriceps strength of the non-dominant leg and FRT. [Conclusion] The results suggest that it is important to pay attention to the toe grip strength of the dominant leg and the quadriceps strength of the non-dominant leg as physical functions related to FRT of community-dwelling older adults.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of pressure stimulation by air cells on the gluteus maximus muscle on flexibility and posture. The range of motion of hip flexion and pelvic alignment were compared and verified in a compression group using a compression device and a control group. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy male subjects participated in this study. Subjects in the compression group received intermittent compression stimulation of the gluteus maximus muscle for 3 minutes in a sitting position. The axillary-knee distance was used as an index of the flexibility of the gluteus maximus muscle, and the angle of anterior pelvic tilt was used as an index of posture. [Results] Interaction and group differences were observed in axilla-to-knee distance after the intervention, but not in the pelvic anteversion angle. [Conclusion] Compression stimulation of the gluteus maximus muscle using a compression device improved flexibility. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate location and intensity of the stimulation.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of turnout on the standing and plier postures in the introductory stage of classical ballet instruction. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen female ballet dancers and thirteen females with no dance experience participated in this study. The standing and plier postures in parallel and turnout position were photographed in the sagittal plane, and the posture angle, ear-neck angle, pelvic angle, and horizontal distance from the vertical line to the anatomical measurement point were measured. [Results] Ballet dancers had more posterior tilt, cervical extension, and anterior aspect of the xiphoid process in the plier posture than non-dancers. [Conclusion] The results suggest that ballet dancers maintain vertical posture by segmental movement of the spine during turnout; therefore, we consider it effective to teach ballet dance beginners to improve spinal mobility and pelvic tilt movement.

[Purpose] This study aimed to find an effective method of providing visual feedback for chest compression skill practice. [Participants and Methods] The task was consecutive chest compressions of a depth of 50 mm for 20s. Thirty-six healthy adult volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: one group was provided depth feedback in real-time, and the other group was provided feedback immediately after the trials. Both groups performed the task in a practice phase (five trials) and a retention phase (five mins and one day later). The constant error (CE) and variable error (VE) of compression depth were calculated, and the accuracy was compared between the groups and trials. [Results] There was no significant difference in errors between the two groups, but a sig-nificant increase in CE and decrease in VE were observed with the progress of practice in both groups. [Conclusion] The decrease in VE supports the performance improvement based on the depth feedback, while the increase in CE suggests that the feedback presentation method should be improved.

[Purpose] The Square Touch Exercise, an upper extremity exercise program incorporating cognitive tasks that can be performed in a seated position, was designed to maintain, and improve the cognitive function of older people. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Square Touch Exercise on cerebral hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex of older females. [Participants and Methods] Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure cerebral hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex of 15 older females. The Square Touch Exercise tasks consisted of a control and two Square Touch tasks. Cerebral hemodynamic indices at rest and during each task were compared. [Results] Oxyhemoglobin was significantly higher in the right prefrontal cortex during the high-difficulty task than during the control task, and total hemoglobin was significantly higher during the resting, control, and low-difficulty tasks. [Conclusion] These results indicate that the brain is activated during the Square Touch Exercise program, which may positively affect cognitive function.

[Purpose] To quantitatively evaluate the Achilles tendon collagen fiber orientation of elderly people by measuring the luminance variation coefficient in ultrasound images of active and passive motion tasks of the ankle joints. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 20 healthy adults aged 60 years or older. Two exercise tasks, one passive movement of the ankle joint and the other active movement of the ankle joint, were performed and measured by ultrasound echo. The luminance average value and the luminance variation coefficient were calculated from the luminance histogram. [Results] The luminance average value increased, and the luminance variation coefficient decreased. The change rate of the luminance variation coefficient was large in the final dorsiflexion position in the passive movement task and in the 0–30% maximal voluntary contraction interval in the active movement task. [Conclusion] The results suggest that collagen fibers in the Achilles tendon of elderly people may be reoriented during active and passive ankle joint movements.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of individual physical therapy (individual therapy) with individual and group combination physical therapy (combination therapy) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). [Participants and Methods] This study included 67 patients treated individually (40 minutes, 2 times/day) from April 2015 to March 2018 and 52 patients who received combination therapy (15 minutes of individual therapy + 60 minutes of group therapy, 2 times/day) from April 2018 to March 2020. The study design was a retrospective cohort study. [Results] The number of days to acquire mobility with a single-tip cane and the number of inpatient days were significantly shorter in the combination therapy group than in the individual group. Knee flexion range of motion was significantly greater in the combination therapy group than in the individual therapy group at 3 and 4 weeks after surgery. The knee extensor muscle strength-to-weight ratio was significantly higher in the combination therapy group than in the individual therapy group. [Conclusion] Combination therapy after TKA better elicited improvements in knee joint range of motion and knee extension muscle strength than individual therapy, and also reduced the number of days to acquire cane-assisted walking and hospital stay suggesting it had a positive effect.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercises using a robotic ankle foot orthosis (R-AFO) for recovering hemiplegia patients. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 24 cerebrovascular hemiplegia patients. The intervention period was 10 days. Evaluation was performed before and after the intervention. The R-AFO group performed 60 minutes of regular physical therapy practice and 20 minutes of practice using the R-AFO, a total of 80 minutes, and the control group performed 80 minutes of regular physical therapy practice. [Results] The items showing significant differences between the groups were walking speed, unilateral support time on the paralyzed side, left-right symmetry rate of unilateral support time, and the Functional Independence Measure. [Conclusion] The results of repeated gait training while wearing the R-AFO suggest the possibility of improving symmetry of gait by increasing the proportion of time spent supporting one leg on the paralyzed side.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the baseline values of knee joint extension muscle strength required for walking independence by patients with acute incomplete cervical cord injury. [Participants and Methods] Fifty-nine patients with cervical spinal cord injury with ASIA Impairment Scale C and D who were admitted to an acute care hospital were included this study. The patients were classified into two groups, walking independence and non-independence, and their basic information and physical functions were compared. [Results] Logistic regression analysis revealed that the most significant factor between the two groups was knee joint extension muscle strength with a cutoff value of 0.37 kgf/kg. [Conclusion] Specific indicators were identified that are useful in treatments aimed at regaining the ambulation of patients with acute incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between oral and mental/physical functions of community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a mail questionnaire survey of 1,940 community-dwelling persons aged 65 years or older. Using a basic checklist, we investigated oral function, motor function, low nutrition, depressive tendencies, cognitive function, and confinement, and compared the results between the groups with and without impaired oral function. [Results] We found that motor function, low nutrition, and cognitive function were associated with oral function. [Conclusion] We found a relationship between oral function and psychosomatic function in the elderly. The results suggest that a decline in psychosomatic function may be caused by a decline in oral function.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with shoulder stiffness among healthcare workers and to examine the relationship between shoulder stiffness and muscle hardness. [Participants and Methods] A total of 138 nurses and therapists were included in the analysis. They were asked to self-report their age, years of work experience, height, weight, Body Mass Index, presence/absence of shoulder stiffness, location and severity of pain (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), and presence/absence of self-efficacy (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire), catastrophic thinking (Pain Catastrophizing Scale: PCS), and stress in a questionnaire. In addition, the hardness of the upper trapezius muscle was measured using an ultrasound machine. The subjects were divided into two groups, with and without stiff shoulders, and the group with stiff shoulders group was further divided into two subgroups: high VAS and low VAS. [Results] The stiff shoulders group had significantly higher stress values than the without stiff shoulders group, and the high VAS subgroup had higher PCS values than the low VAS subgroup, but there was no significant differences in muscle hardness between the two subgroups. [Conclusion] The presence of stiff shoulders and degree of pain among nurses and therapists may have more to do with psychogenic factors, such as stress and catastrophic thinking, than muscle hardness.

[Purpose] This study compared the results of chest expansion, respiratory function, and respiratory muscle strength before and after an intervention using a spine mat. [Participants and Methods] We enrolled 30 healthy adult men (age 20.2 ± 1.6 years). For the intervention, participants lay in a supine position on a spine mat so that it adhered to the thoracic spine. The primary outcome variables were spinal alignment, thoracic expansion, and respiratory function. [Results] Following the intervention, a significant decrease was observed in the thoracic kyphosis angle. The intervention significantly increased chest expansion. Respiratory function tests revealed a significant increase in the inspiratory capacity (IC), and respiratory muscle strength showed a significant increase in the maximum inspiratory mouth pressure (PI max). [Conclusion] The results suggest that the use of a spine mat can improve chest expansion, the IC and the PI max value.

[Purpose] To measure the effects of medial thigh tactile pressure stimulation on a case of obturator nerve injury. [Participant and Methods] The patient was a 65-year-old man with an obturator nerve injury after prostatectomy who was referred to us 3 months after onset. His left adductor magnus was atrophied. He complained of gait instability, but this symptom improved when he pressed the medial thigh with his hand. To confirm this phenomenon, the left hip adductor muscle strength and the Timed Up & Go Test were measured and compared under three conditions: no stimulation, Kinesio^® taping of the medial thigh (KT), and a thigh pressure orthotic device (POD). [Results] In both measurements, KT and POD showed immediate improvement in measured values compared to the no stimulus condition. [Conclusion] KT and POD applied to the medial thigh were shown to have compensated for motor function in a case of obturator nerve injury.