[Purpose] This study analyzed the coordination of pelvic and thoracic rotational movements in older males during gait and examined how reduced mobility in the lower thoracic vertebrae affects their coordination with pelvic rotation. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen older male participants (70.9 ± 3.3 years) participated in this study. Their pelvic and thoracic rotations during gait were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Waveform correlation coefficients and rotational amplitudes were calculated and analyzed. [Results] T7 and T10 tended to rotate in the same direction as the pelvis, but their correlation coefficients were lower than those of young males. Rotational amplitudes of T7 and T10 were also significantly lower than that of the pelvis, and most participants with lower correlation coefficients also showed decreased amplitudes. [Conclusion] In older males, reduced rotational amplitudes of the lower thoracic vertebrae were associated with diminished coordination with pelvic rotation. These findings highlight the importance of considering pelvic–lower thoracic coordination in gait assessment.

[Purpose] We conducted a retrospective study of Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) of stroke patients receiving home-visit rehabilitation, and examined the effect of home-visit rehabilitation by gender. [Participants and Methods] In April and August 2023, the BADL and IADL of 40 stroke patients (21 women) who continuously received home-visit rehabilitation were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) respectively, and the changes were analyzed for the subjects as a whole and by gender. [Results] Between April and August, the FIM total scores did not change significantly for either sex; FAI total scores improved only for women. [Conclusion] IADL assessment is useful for the daily life assessment of post-stroke homebound patients who use home rehabilitation. In addition, it is important to consider gender differences in IADL.

[Purpose] To examine the effect of pre-orientation on the reliability of the Japanese version of the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS-J) for patients with subacute stroke. [Participants and Methods] Physical therapists A and B did not receive pre-orientation regarding the scoring method of the TIS-J, while physical therapists C and D did receive pre-orientation, and the inter-rater reliability was assessed. [Results] The subjects were 10 stroke patients (Brunnstrom stage of the lower limb was Stage II in five participants, and one participant was classified in each of the other stages). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.81 between physical therapists A and B and 0.98 between physical therapists C and D. [Conclusion] The TIS-J demonstrated good reliability as a trunk function evaluation scale for stroke patients. Additionally, the results suggest a higher reliability is possible if pre-orientation is provided for examiners.

[Purpose] This study investigated whether an intervention using Physibo Gait (PG) contributed to improvements in the gait speed, balance ability, and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with stroke. [Participants and Methods] A total of 505 patients admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward of our hospital were included in this study. Based on the presence or absence of PG intervention, the patients were divided into two groups: a control group (n=445) and a PG group (n=60). Propensity score matching was performed using baseline data at admission, resulting in matched groups of 60 patients each. Physical and ADL functions were then compared before and after the intervention period. [Results] After matching, there were 60 patients in each group. Both groups showed significant improvements in gait speed, Timed Up and Go Test, and the Functional Balance Scale after the intervention. The PG group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in these outcomes compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that intervention using PG contributes to improvements in the gait speed and balance ability of patients with stroke.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between standing balance function and sarcopenia in hospitalized older patients with stable heart failure. [Participants and Methods] Forty-five hospitalized older patients with stable heart failure were included in this study. Data on age, Body Mass Index, ambulatory ability, comorbidities, medication status, and left ventricular ejection fraction were collected. Standing balance was assessed using the Cross Test (effective base of support). Sarcopenia was evaluated using the skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, and five-times sit-to-stand test. [Results] Standing balance function declined with sarcopenia, and sarcopenia severity was a significant associated factor. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the standing balance function of hospitalized older patients with stable heart failure is associated with the severity of sarcopenia.

[Purpose] To elucidate the effects of sustained high-load inspiratory muscle training (SHL-IMT) on respiratory muscle function and the persistence of those effects. [Participants and Methods] Thirty healthy young adult males were randomly assigned to an SHL-IMT group, an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) group, and a sham group, with 10 participants in each group. Training was conducted three times per week for eight weeks, followed by an eight-week detraining period. Sustained maximal inspiratory pressure (SMIP), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and the thickness and echogenicity of the external intercostal muscles were measured every four weeks. [Results] Compared to the sham group, the SHL-IMT group showed a significant increase in MIP at 4 and 8 weeks of training and at 4 and 8 weeks detraining, and in SMIP at 4 and 8 weeks of training. [Conclusion] SHL-IMT improves both MIP and SMIP more effectively, and MIP improvements were maintained even after 8 weeks of detraining.