[Purpose] To identify factors affecting the performance index of trochanteric femoral fracture patients. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 117 patients with a trochanteric femoral fracture who underwent convalescent rehabilitation treatment. The relationships between the motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, length of a stay in the convalescent rehabilitation ward, and nine variables available at the time of admission to the convalescent rehabilitation ward were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis using the stepwise method. [Results] The motor FIM score, the cognitive FIM score at the time of admission to the convalescent rehabilitation ward and pre-injury walking ability influenced motor FIM gain. No significant correlation was found for length of a stay in the convalescent rehabilitation ward. [Conclusion] The higher the three variables described above as influencing motor FIM gains were, the higher the FIM gains were, especially those of bathtub transfers and movement on stairs.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the immediate effects of motor control training with visual feedback on lumbopelvic motion during an active hip abduction test in subjects with recurrent low back pain. [Participants and Methods] Thirty patients were divided into two groups: one group received visual feedback on pelvic motion and performed hip abduction exercise, and the other group performed hip abduction exercise without visual feedback. [Results] The visual feedback group showed an increase in contralateral oblique abdominal muscle activity and a decrease in pelvic elevation during hip abduction after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the motor control training with visual feedback immediately inhibited excessive pelvic movement.

[Purpose] This study aimed to learn about the current state of knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate physical therapy students toward patients with dementia to assist the education of students in dementia. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a longitudinal survey of 95 first- and 86 fourth-year undergraduate physical therapy students regarding knowledge (15 questions) and attitudes (14 questions) toward dementia. [Results] Knowledge of dementia significantly increased in the fourth year students; however, no significant difference was found in attitudes, even though a significant increase was noted in the scores of positive attitude questions. [Conclusion] Undergraduate physical therapy students' knowledge of dementia significantly improved from the first to fourth year; however, no significant change was noted in their attitudes.

[Purpose] To determine the gait kinematic factors, from the pre-swing phase to the swing phase, that influence the ability of hemiplegic stroke patients to perform outdoor activities. [Participants and Methods] Using the Functional Ambulation Classification of the Hospital at Sagunto, thirty-five hemiplegic stroke patients were included in this study. They were divided into groups according to their ability to perform outdoor activities. A motion analysis device with an inertial sensor was used to measure 10-m walking at a comfortable speed. Kinematic factors were calculated from the pre-swing to the swing phase, and the groups were compared by analysis of covariance using walking speed as the covariate. [Results] The angle of knee flexion and peak angular velocity of ankle plantar flexion during toe-off of the outdoor group were significantly higher those of the indoor group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that push-off with plantar flexion of the ankle joint and the associated knee flexion angle are important for enabling hemiplegic stroke patients to engage in outdoor activities.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of three types of iliopsoas stretching method on the spine and pelvis. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 18 healthy university students. Three sets of 20-second static stretching (SS), hold relax-proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (HR-PNF), and dynamic stretching (DS) exercises were performed on the iliopsoas muscle, and the T12, S1, lumbar lordosis angle, lumbar range of motion, and pelvic tilt angle were measured before, immediately after, and 30, 60, and 90 minutes after stretching. [Results] HR-PNF elicited an increase in T12 and a decrease in pelvic tilt angle. A decrease in T12 was observed after DS. It was found that the range of motion of the lumbar spine increased to some extent regardless of the stretching method. [Conclusion] HR-PNF was found to be the most effective stretching method of the three for reducing pelvic tilt in healthy young subjects.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of centrifugal acceleration as an indicator for screening early motor function decline using a simple movement measurement system we developed. [Participants and Methods] We measured the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) time using a simple movement measurement system, and investigated frailty in 25 independent healthy elderly people living in the community. [Results] A correlation was found between TUG times and the number of steps taken, and centrifugal accelerations in all subjects. There was no significant difference between the robust and frail groups’ TUG times, but there was a significant difference in centrifugal acceleration. [Conclusion] Centrifugal acceleration may be a more detailed indicator of motor function decline in the elderly.

[Purpose] To clarify the relationships among ball speed, muscle mass, and muscle strength when kicking soccer balls. [Participants and Methods] Ball speed, muscle mass (body composition components), and muscle strength (maximal isokinetic leg flexor/extensor strength) were measured in 26 male university students playing football or futsal on a regular basis when they kicked soccer balls with their dominant and non-dominant legs, and the relationships among these items were analyzed. [Results] Ball speed was correlated with muscle mass for the dominant leg, and with maximal isokinetic leg extensor strength for the non-dominant leg. [Conclusion] The relationships among ball speed, muscle mass, and muscle strength may vary between the dominant and non-dominant legs.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the body composition of stroke victims at the time of stroke onset and 2 weeks after stroke onset, and to examine the causes of differences. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-three patients with acute stroke were included. Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage, Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI), trunk muscle mass, paralytic upper limb muscle mass, paralytic lower limb muscle mass, non-paralytic upper limb muscle mass, and non-paralytic lower limb muscle mass were measured within 3 days of onset and at 2 weeks ± 2 days after onset, and the effect size calculated. [Results] Two weeks after onset, BMI had decreased significantly, but SMI, lower limb muscle mass, and body fat percentage showed no significant decrease. Significant muscle loss occurred in the trunk and both upper limbs, and the size was large and moderate to severe. [Conclusion] Acute stroke patients tend to lose muscle mass in both upper limbs and the trunk in the two weeks after stroke onset.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the prevalence of sarcopenia and the association between disease severity and motor function in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) with intermittent claudication. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-eight patients with LEAD participated in this study. Parameters such as the skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength, gait velocity, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), and knee extension strength were quantified. Sarcopenia was evaluated in accordance with the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The participants were divided into Fontaine stage IIa and IIb groups to examine variations in disease severity. [Results] The prevalence of sarcopenia in LEAD patients was found to be 40%. Grip strength, gait velocity, knee extension strength, and 6MWD were significantly lower in group IIb than in group IIa. [Conclusion] The prevalence of comorbid sarcopenia among patients with LEAD was found to be quite substantial, with a correlation observed between the severity of the disease and motor function.

[Purpose] This paper reports a case in which sensory discrimination tasks performed using the nonparalyzed and paralyzed upper limbs, in this order, effectively reduced pain in the latter. [Participant and Methods] The patient was a 40-year-old female with a complaint of pain at rest in her right upper limb 6 months after left cerebral hemorrhage. As various symptoms such as allodynia were present, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1 was determined to be the cause of the pain. The therapeutic approaches included: a tactile discrimination task using balls that varied in hardness, surface roughness, and size; and a hot-cold discrimination task using water of different temperatures. The patient performed these tasks for 30 minutes each day for a period of 1 week, with her non-paralyzed upper limb first, and then with her paralyzed upper limb. [Results] The patient’s correct answer rate was higher than when she used only her paralyzed upper limb. Within 1 week of intervention, her right upper limb pain at rest was reduced. [Conclusion] The results support the effectiveness of sensory discrimination tasks also using the non-paralyzed upper limb when it is difficult to perform these tasks with the paralyzed upper limb only.