[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate whether a prediction formula derived using head CT images could predict the activity prognosis after putaminal hemorrhage. [Participants and Methods] Seventy-two patients with putaminal hemorrhage who were admitted to a convalescent ward were randomly divided into 62 patients in the prediction formula group and 10 patients in the external validation group. Prediction equations for FIM motor and cognitive items at discharge were developed using six variables: age, sex, number of days from onset of hemorrhage to admission to the ward, and the maximum diameters of the hematoma in three dimensions measured on CT images. The external validity of the prediction equations was also examined. [Results] Age, anteroposterior maximum diameter, and lateral maximum diameter were used to create prediction equations for the motor items, and age and anteroposterior maximum diameter were used to create prediction equations for the cognitive items. The correlation coefficients of the predicted and measured values were calculated for both exercise and cognition. [Conclusion] The prediction equations which we developed may be used to predict the activity prognosis of putaminal hemorrhage.

[Purpose] To clarify the metabolic differences between normal walking and walking with interferential current stimulation. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-five healthy adults (mean age: 21.1 ± 0.7 years; 22 males and 13 females) participated in the study. Oxygen consumption during normal walking on a treadmill at a speed of 4 km/h was compared to walking with 10 mA and 20 mA interferential current stimulation applied to the abdomen. [Results] Oxygen consumption during walking with 20 mA interferential current stimulation was significantly higher than during the other conditions. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that 20 mA interferential current stimulation applied to the abdominal trunk muscles during walking significantly increases oxygen consumption.

[Purpose] This study examined the muscle activities of the plantar flexor muscles during the standing heel raise. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 18 healthy adults. Electromyograms (EMG) of the right soleus muscle (SOL) and the right medial head of gastrocnemius muscle (MG) were measured for 1,000 ms during heel raises from the standing posture initiated by a metronome. EMG integral values were collected at intervals of 200 ms from the metronome beat, and compared with the relative EMG integral values of the muscle activity in the standing posture. [Results] SOL showed an increase in muscle activity from the initial to the middle phase of the movement, and a decrease in muscle activity in the terminal phase of the movement. On the other hand, MG showed an increase in muscle activity over time. [Conclusion] Muscle activity of the SOL decreased toward the end of the movement during the standing heel raise movement.

[Purpose] This study compared the static and dynamic balance abilities of healthy adults wearing three different types of five-toed socks. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-three students were analyzed using a stabilometer (Balance Corder BW-6000, Anima Co., Ltd.), and static balance ability, locus length, rectangular area, anteroposterior speed, mediolateral speed, and dynamic balance ability were measured using the Index of Postural Stability (IPS). There were three types of socks: five-toed socks, five-toed socks with multiple rubber bits on the soles of the foot, and padded five-toed socks. [Results] Wearing padded five-toed socks resulted in a significantly higher IPS. [Conclusion] The subjects showed a better dynamic balance ability when wearing the padded five-toed socks compared to the other socks.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the coefficients of variation of joint angles and joint moments in the Single Drop Jump Test (SDJ), Single Hop Test (SHT), and Triple Hop Test (THT). [Participants and Methods] Twelve healthy male subjects who were members of high school or university athletic teams were included in the study. Their joint angles and joint moments of the trunk and lower limbs were measured, and the sagittal and coronal directions were calculated. The analysis was performed at 40 ms after landing. [Results] The coefficients of variation for the trunk, hip and knee joint angles, and ankle joint moment were significantly larger in SHT and THT than those in SDJ, while the coefficients of variation for the ankle joint angle and knee joint moment were significantly larger in SDJ. [Conclusion] It was clear that the coefficients of variation differed depending on the performance test.

[Purpose] The Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) and muscle brightness of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis muscle (FDS) was measured using ultrasound diagnostic equipment, and the reliability of these measurements was examined. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 10 adults with no history of elbow injury. Reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the 95% confidence interval of the minimum detectable change (MDC₉₅) was calculated. [Results] For measurements on the same day and on the different days, the inter-rater reliability ICC was 0.77 or higher. There were no systematic errors in any of the measurements. The MDC₉₅ of same-day intra-rater measurements of CSA and muscle brightness were 15.8 mm² and 7.5 at the humeral trochlea height, and 8.3 mm² and 9.9 at the coronoid process height, respectively. Those of different day, intra-rater measurements were 16.1 mm² and 17.2 at the humeral trochlea, and 16.9 mm² and 17.5 at the coronoid process height. The inter-rater measurements were 14.4 mm² and 13.3 at the humeral trochlea, and 12.5 mm² and 10.8 at the coronoid process. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that ultrasound can be used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the FDS.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical ability, body weight, and postural sway in preschool children performing the stand-up motion while carrying a school backpack. [Participants and Methods] Fifty healthy preschool children were assessed for their ability to stand without hand support while carrying a 5 kg backpack. Physical measurements included body weight, physical fitness tests, and postural sway (anteroposterior and lateral). Participants were divided into successful and unsuccessful groups. [Results] Children who could not stand had a significantly lower body weight and greater anteroposterior sway than those who could stand. No significant differences were observed in other physical abilities. [Conclusion] Lower body weight in preschool children was associated with difficulty in standing up while carrying backpacks. These findings suggest that backpack weight influences the balance, stability, and physical movement of young children.

[Purpose] This study examined the relationship between Y Balance Test (YBT) scores and the body composition of high school female athletes. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-one athletes were classified into two groups based on anterior reach asymmetry (>4 cm or ≤4 cm). YBT scores and body composition, including phase angle (PhA), were assessed and analyzed. [Results] The asymmetry group showed significantly higher BMI, fat mass index, lower-limb muscle mass, and PhA. PhA positively correlated with body weight and muscle mass but negatively with anterior reach distance. [Conclusion] These findings suggest the necessity of evaluating body composition parameters related to the balance ability and injury risk of female high school athletes.

[Purpose] Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation (VRBR) was carried out for a patient who showed a decrease in motivation to participate in rehabilitation. [Participant and Methods] We conducted VRBR for 2 weeks, 5 times a week, for 20 minutes each time, for one female patient in her 80s who had undergone artificial knee joint replacement surgery for left knee osteoarthritis and subsequently lost motivation to participate in rehabilitation. We evaluated Functional Balance Scale (FBS), the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale (PRPS), and other items. [Results] After VRBR, FBS scores went from 12 to 18 points, and PRPS scores from 2 to 4. [Conclusion] For cases where motivation to participate in rehabilitation has declined, the present results suggest that VRBR may help to improve physical function and motivation to participate.

[Purpose] We carried out physiotherapy for a patient with bilateral femoral neck fractures, focusing on the angle of forward tilt of the trunk, and considered the results. [Participant and Methods] A woman in her 80s who had fallen at home and was diagnosed with a fracture of the left and right femoral neck was admitted to hospital and underwent osteosynthesis and artificial hip replacement surgery. She was given exercises to stretch the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP), strengthen the gluteus maximus muscle and practice timing. [Results] The tenderness of the IFP and the Hoffa test were negative on both the right and left sides, and the forward trunk tilt angle was reduced on both the right and left sides, from 19° to 11° on the right and 13° to 7° on the left. Pain during walking decreased from 6 to 0 on the right knee front, and 4 to 0 on the left knee front as rated on a 10-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). [Conclusion] The trunk forward tilt angle was reduced and anterior knees pain disappeared by performing physical therapy for the IFP and gluteus maximus.