[Purpose] To clarify the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on lower-limb muscle strength and gait. [Participants and Methods] Sixteen healthy young males performed the same motor task under two conditions: sham tDCS and anodal tDCS. For both conditions, measurement of maximal isometric strength during closed kinetic chain (CKC) extension of the right lower limb and gait analysis were subsequently conducted. [Results] The isometric strength during CKC extension of the right lower limb was significantly greater after anodal tDCS compared to sham tDCS. Gait analysis revealed no significant differences in any of the analyzed parameters. [Conclusion] tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex may promote cortical excitability more effectively when combined with voluntary motor tasks.

[Purpose] This study investigated and examined the relationship between physical function and abdominal muscle groups in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) using an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 19 patients who had been diagnosed with LSS and were scheduled to undergo surgery. After checking with the orthopedic surgeons, the right and left sides of the trunk and lower limbs were classified as the disabled side and healthy side. The Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) was used to evaluate physical function, and the thickness and brightness of the abdominal muscle groups were measured to calculate the difference between the disabled side and the healthy side. [Results] The ZCQ score was 12.2 ± 3.4 points for physical function. Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated factors related to physical function and muscle thickness and luminosity was the difference in the right and left luminosities of the internal oblique muscles. [Conclusion] We suggest that exercise therapy aimed at improving physical function in LSS should focus on the difference in the right and left luminance of the internal abdominal oblique muscles.

[Purpose] We have developed an orthosis that focuses on wearing pressure. We investigated the effect of this orthosis on sit-to-stand-motion in comparison with an existing orthosis. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 10 patients (1 male and 9 females) with knee osteoarthritis. Measurements were made of joint angles, muscle activity, and foot pressure distribution during sit-to-stand-motion, and comparisons were made between the existing orthosis and our developmental orthosis. [Results] There was a significant difference in the anterior trunk inclination angle between wearing the existing orthosis and wearing the developmental orthosis. Significant differences were also observed between wearing the existing orthosis and wearing the developmental orthosis group on the ball of the lesser foot and the lateral side of the heel on the healthy side. [Conclusion] The effect of the developmental orthosis on the standing up movement of knee osteoarthritis patients was confirmed, suggesting that it is useful.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between locomotive syndrome (LS) among university students and their commuting methods, commuting time, and sports club participation during junior high school and high school. [Participants and Methods] The study included 206 students (80 males, 126 females) from a medical university. The locomotive syndrome risk test, grip strength, and a questionnaire on commuting methods and time during junior high and high schools were administered. Participants were divided into the LS group and the non-LS group, and intergroup comparisons and binomial logistic regression analyses were conducted. [Results] Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that a one-way commuting time of over one hour during high school and a history of orthodontic treatment were associated with LS among the students. [Conclusion] The findings suggest that commuting time and other lifestyle habits during high school may be associated with LS in university students. This study highlights the importance of early intervention to prevent LS, considering lifestyle habits during adolescence.

[Purpose] To identify the factors affecting the 3-day postoperative Cumulated Ambulation Score (3-day CAS) in older adult patients with proximal femur fractures. [Participants and Methods] This study included 299 patients with proximal femur fractures. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the associations between various factors and the 3-day CAS. [Results] Blood transfusion during the first 3 postoperative days, surgery type, and the pre-admission Functional Independence Measure motor item score were associated with the 3-day CAS. [Conclusion] The 3-day CAS scores reflected the pre-injury physical function and perioperative general condition of older adults with proximal hip fractures.

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of using a Yorisoi Robot^® on maximum displacement of the center of gravity and subjective stability. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 15 in- and out-patients. The maximum displacement of the center of gravity, index of postural stability (IPS), and lower limb loading rate were measured. Subjective stability was measured using the subjective stability rating scale. Measurements were taken twice, when the device was not used and once when it was used. The maximum value of each was used in the comparison. [Results] The maximum displacement of the center of gravity (right and backward), IPS, and lower limb loading rate significantly improved when the device was used. The subjective stability was not significantly different. [Conclusion] This device was considered to be useful for imposing a balance load near to the stability limit range.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between time and power indicators of the 10-repetition sit-to-stand test and the muscle function of the knee extensor muscles in healthy adults. [Participants and Methods] The study subjects were 105 healthy adults (53 males, 52 females). The time and power indexes were calculated from the results of the 10-repetition sit-to-stand test and were compared with the maximum torque and average power during isokinetic exercise measured using a Biodex as a measure of knee extensor muscle strength. [Results] The power index was significantly highly correlated with the maximum torque and average power at all angular velocities for all subjects. [Conclusion] We believe that the power index can be used to evaluate muscle function in knee extensors regardless of age, and that it has the potential to be a useful evaluation index for reflecting declines in muscle function and ADL due to aging.

[Purpose] We investigated the relationship between motor-cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] We divided 159 community-dwelling older adults into MCR-positive (17 people) and MCR-negative groups (139 people), and in addition to assessing their basic physical condition, we evaluated them using the MOS8-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8). [Results] The results of the two-group comparison of the SF-8 show that the MCR-positive group had significantly lower scores in Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning and the physical summary score. [Conclusion] We believe that the HRQOL is low in the MCR-positive group of community-dwelling older adults.