[Purpose] To clarify the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in values on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and the Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest) for outpatients with lower extremity fractures. [Participants and Methods] Thirty outpatients participated in this study. MCID values of the FES-I and Brief-BESTest were estimated using the anchor-based method and the distribution-based method. [Results] For the FES-I, the MCID value was 5.5 points according to the distribution-based method. For the Brief-BESTest, the MCID value was 2.5 points according to the anchor-based method and 2.0 points according to the distribution-based method. [Conclusion] These results suggest that an improvement of ≥6 points on the FES-I and an improvement of ≥3 points in the Brief-BESTest are good indicators of substantial improvement in status.

[Purpose] This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Modified Prone Press Up Test (MPPUT), which was devised to easily assess thoracic spine extension mobility. [Participants and Methods] The MPPUT, Ott’s Test (OTT), and Modified-Modified Schober Test (MMST) values of healthy adults from two different facilities were measured. [Results] MPPUT showed high intra- and inter-rater reliability. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between MPPUT and OTT, but no significant correlation was found between MPPUT and MMST. [Conclusion] The results suggest thoracic spine extension mobility can be evaluated using MPPUT.

[Purpose] To investigate changes in shoulder range of motion (ROM) and scapular motion over time after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), and to identify preoperative factors that influence them. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-four shoulders were observed for at least 24 months after RTSA. The scapular rotational angles of scapular supination were calculated as 45° abduction (SI45) and supination (SI0) on the scapular plane, and the difference (ΔSI) between the two. The changes in ROM and SI over time and the influence of preoperative factors on SI45 at 6 and 24 months postoperatively were investigated. [Results] Flexion and abduction improved at all postoperative time points. The only independent variable for SI45 at 6 and 24 months postoperatively was preoperative SI45. [Conclusion] Scapular motion decreased postoperatively, but preoperative scapular motion continued to be an influence at 6 and 24 months postoperatively.

[Purpose] We examined factors related to pre- to early post-operative changes in the mobility of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. [Participants and Methods] We included 79 patients who had undergone unilateral total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis to analyze the correlations between the amount of change in the Timed Up & Go test (TUG) score during the period from before to 14 days after surgery and the following preoperative parameters: knee pain, muscle strength of the knee joint, knee joint range of motion, blood chemistry findings, and blood pressure. [Results] The amount of change in the TUG score was significantly negatively correlated with preoperative knee extensor strength on the operative side, as the higher the latter, the poorer postoperative mobility improvement. Patients with higher knee extensor strength on the operative side before surgery experienced a greater reduction in such strength during the period from before to 14 days after surgery, which likely contributed to the decline in mobility. [Conclusion] Even if patients’ preoperative knee extensor strength on the operative side is high, the possibility of these patients experiencing a significant early postoperative reduction in knee extensor strength and mobility should be taken into consideration when providing support.

[Purpose] To verify the validity of muscle mass and muscle quality assessment by a home body composition analyzer. [Participants and Methods] Eighty-eight older adults who needed support or nursing care participated in this study. Skeletal muscle mass, the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and phase angle (PhA) of the left side of the body and limbs were measured using a professional body composition analyzer. Skeletal muscle mass, SMI, and muscle quality scores of the whole body and limbs were measured using a home body composition analyzer. The relationship between muscle mass and muscle quality indices between the two body composition analyzers was analyzed. [Results] Skeletal muscle mass showed high agreement (r=0.9). Correlation analysis of muscle quality indices showed significant low to moderate correlations for all indices. [Conclusion] Skeletal muscle mass measured by home body composition analyzers may be highly reliable.

[Purpose] To examine the impact of team-based learning (TBL) on physical therapy students’ self-directed learning readiness (SDLR). [Participants and Methods] Seventy-one third-year physical therapy school students participated in this study. A course consisted of four lectures: regular lectures in the first course, and TBL lectures in the second course. The SDLR scale (SDLRS) was measured before the first lecture, and after the ends of the first and second lecture courses. [Results] Mean scores on the SDLRS improved for both lecture courses: 183.9 ± 21.7 before the courses, 190.8 ± 24.9 after the regular lecture course, and 194.4 ± 25.6 after the TBL lecture course. Improvements in subscale scores differed after the TBL and regular lecture courses. [Conclusion] These results suggest that TBL improves students’ SDLR. On the other hand, some subscales improved more after regular lectures, suggesting that TBL does not improve overall SDLR.

[Purpose] The current study investigated the influence of backpack carrying on the dorsal and ventral sides on the sway of standing center of pressure (COP) and trunk muscle activities. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 25 young adult men. The muscle activities of the upper and lower rectus abdominis muscles, obliquus externus abdominis muscles, lumber paraspinals muscles and COP sway were evaluated under five conditions: not carrying a backpack, carrying a backpack weighing 5% and 10% of body weight on the ventral side, and carrying a backpack weighing 5% and 10% of body weight on the dorsal side. [Results] The muscle activity of the lumber paraspinals muscles was significantly higher when carrying a backpack weighing 5% and 10% of body weight on the ventral side compared to not carrying a backpack and carrying a backpack weighing 5% and 10% of body weight on the dorsal side. [Conclusion] The results suggest that carrying a backpack on the ventral side may lead to an increase in the burden on the lower back due to the generation of lumbar back muscle tension.

[Purpose] To clarify how peak joint forces are transmitted during a drop vertical jump (DVJ) in healthy adults and volleyball players. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 10 male healthy adults and 8 male volleyball players. The task was performing a DVJ from a 30-cm platform. The equipment used were a three-dimensional motion analyzer and a floor reaction force meter. The analysis focused on the peak values and peak times of jump height and lower limb joint moments/forces. [Results] At the peak time of lower limb joint force, no significant differences were observed in the hip or knee joint among healthy adults, whereas volleyball players showed a significant delay in the hip, knee, and ankle joints, in this order. [Conclusion] The results revealed that in volleyball players performing a DVJ, the transmission of peak joint forces occurs sequentially from the hip to knee joint, and from the knee to ankle joint.

[Purpose] We report the case of a patient with heart failure who was managed at home with physical therapy and disease management, and was able to continue to live safely at home. [Participant and Methods] The patient was a woman in her 70s. She had been in and out of hospital repeatedly due to heart failure. After discharge from hospital, home-visit nursing care and home-visit rehabilitation were started to prevent worsening of heart failure. [Results] At the start of the intervention, the patient was not compliant with salt restriction, fluid restriction, and exercise restriction, and her heart failure had worsened. Patient education was conducted thoroughly again. The patient was able to continue to live at home without being readmitted to hospital. [Conclusion] The results suggest that home-visit rehabilitation can prevent exacerbation of heart failure and re-hospitalization, and may enable patients to continue to live safely at home.