[Purpose] Lower limb kinematics and kinematic variables were compared with the aim of determining the differences in the loads experienced by the lower limb joints during Counter Movement Jump landing in normal- and pronated-foot groups. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen subjects were in the normal-foot group and 8 subjects were in the pronated-foot group. A 3-dimensional motion analysis system was used to measure Counter Movement Jump, and the data of the maximum jump height of three jumps was analyzed. The analysis items were the angle of the lower limb joint at landing, joint moment, power, and time until the joint moment reached its maximum value. [Results] The dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint was significantly higher in the pronated-foot group than in the normal-foot group. The angle of hip abduction and the moment of internal hip extension were significantly lower in the pronated-foot group than in the normal-foot group, while hip power was significantly higher in the pronated-foot group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the kinematic variables of the hip and ankle joints at landing may differ depending on foot type.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify students’ perceptions of the learning process and practice when they participated in online collaborative learning. [Participants and Methods] Eighteen second-year physical therapy students participated in this study. They participated in an online, case-based collaborative learning class designed for this study. Focus groups were conducted after the educational interventions, and qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. [Results] Six themes were extracted from the analysis. [Conclusion] Three themes were related to the learning that can be achieved in collaborative learning, while the other three themes presented considerations for effective online collaborative learning. Online collaborative learning is suggested to be an effective learning method with consideration and preparation according to the characteristics of the students.

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between the trailing limb angle (TLA) and muscle activity of the medial head of the gastrocnemius (medial gastrocnemius) at different walking speeds. [Participants and Methods] We instructed 28 healthy men to walk at their comfortable and maximum speeds, and measured TLA and medial gastrocnemius muscle activity (integrated electrogram: iEMG) during each walking. [Results] During comfortable walking, there was a significant positive correlation between walking speed and TLA, but not between walking speed and iEMG. During maximum speed walking, there was a significant positive correlation between walking speed and TLA and between walking speed and iEMG. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the relationships among the 3 factors, walking speed, medial gastrocnemius muscle activity, and TLA, vary between comfortable and maximum speed walking.

[Purpose] The effect of cognitive Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores on gains in FIM motor item scores was investigated in a recovery ward. [Participants and Methods] One hundred and ninety-seven convalescent patients were divided into two groups, those with FIM cognitive item scores of 24 or less and 25 or more, and the gains in FIM motor item scores were compared between the groups. [Results] Significant differences between the two groups were observed in the items of cleaning, changing upper and lower clothes, moving, and going up and down stairs. [Conclusion] When the score of FIM cognitive items at admission to the ward was less than 24 points, it was difficult to obtain FIM gains in self-care and mobility items. Therefore, we consider it important to actively encourage patients to change their clothes and pursue opportunities to move around the ward from the early stage of hospitalization, as well as to improve the surrounding environment, such as clothing management and the selection of mobility aids.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the static and dynamic characteristics of the hip abductor muscle strength of hemiplegic stroke patients. It also aimed to identify the relationships between the characteristics of muscle strength and walking ability and distance during a continuous weight shift (CWS). [Participants and Methods] Thirty patients with hemiplegia in a convalescent ward participated in this study. Their hip abductor muscle strength, walking ability, and distance during a CWS were measured and the correlations between muscle strength and performance were investigated. [Results] The results showed significantly decreased static and dynamic characteristics on the affected side. The CWS and muscle strength characteristics were positively correlated. Stride length was also correlated with the static characteristics of the affected-side muscle strength. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that CWS is possibly an option as an exercise for improving the dynamic characteristics of hip abductor muscle strength.

[Purpose] Physical therapy under regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂) monitoring was performed for two patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. [Participants and Methods] Acute phase physical therapy was performed for the two patients with rSO₂ monitoring until the 15th day of their stay in an ICU. [Results] In case A, rSO₂ remained above 50% on both sides until the 14th hospital day, and he was discharged to home without cerebral vasospasm. In case B, rSO₂ decreased to 48% on the right and 50% on the left on the 10th day of illness, and to 49% on the right and 42% on the left on the 11th day of illness. Case B had a cerebral vasospasm on the 12th day of illness, and extensive cerebral infarction on the 20th day of illness. [Conclusion] rSO₂ monitoring may be useful during acute phase physical therapy after subarachnoid hemorrhage for the prevention of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm.

In Japan, the qualification of physical therapist was established in 1966. This was followed by the establishment of professional and academic associations for physical therapists, and these associations have been actively contributing to the development of physical therapy. In this article, I discuss the evolution of physical therapy education and international activities. In addition, I briefly discuss the future of physical therapy and the importance of reflection, lifelong learning, global society, and innovation, all of which are necessary in a period of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty).