Showing papers in "Journal of Physical Therapy Science in 2006"

Isokinetic Strength and Functional Status in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract: Muscle function and functional performance are affected in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the concentric torque of knee muscles (quadriceps and hamstring) and functional status in two matched groups: one group of patients with low grade of tibiofemoral OA, and one group of matched healthy subjects. Concentric peak torques of quadriceps and hamstring were measured in both groups at an angular velocity of 90 and 150 degree/second. In addition, selected functional tests, selected lower extremity range of motion (ROM) and thigh girth were assessed in both groups. The independent t-test revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to isokinetic concentric peak torque at different angular velocities and for the timed walking test, as a measure of functional status. However, no significant difference in lower extremity joints' ROM and thigh girth were seen. In conclusion, patients with knee OA, even in low grades and with minimum symptoms and signs, had muscle weakness and functional limitation in comparison with the matched healthy subjects. This weakness may result from a variety of factors, leading to muscle strength loss and functional limitation.

Sit-to-Walk versus Sit-to-Stand or Gait Initiation: Biomechanical Analysis of Young Men

Abstract: There are few papers about the biomechanical characteristics of sit-to-walk motion, although many researchers have written about the biomechanical analyses of sit-to-stand motion or gait initiation. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of sit-to-walk motion with sit-to-stand motion or gait initiation. The subjects were 9 healthy young men, who were instructed to perform sit-to-walk motion, sit-to-stand motion, and gait initiation. Kinematics and kinetics data were obtained using a 3D motion capture system and two force plates. The coordinates of reflective markers (RM)s, the coordinates and velocity of the center of gravity of the whole body (COG), the coordinates and velocity of the center of gravity of the head, arm and trunk (COG of HAT), each joint angle, and the ground reaction forces (GRFs) were calculated from the data. We found that the maximal horizontal velocity of HAT occurred later in a sit-to-walk motion than in sit-to-stand (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference of timing between sit-to-walk motion and gait initiation. At the highest point of COG, it moved forward farther in sit-to-walk and moved upward higher in sit-to-stand. Maximal horizontal velocity of COG of HAT before seat-off was significantly higher in the sit-to-walk motion than in the sit-to-stand motion. The peak value of anterior-posterior GRF (Fy) at the heel strike was significantly greater in the sit-to-walk motion than in gait initiation (p<0.05). The COG moved forward over the base of support in the sit-to-walk motion, and then the COG moved forward with one-leg support. These results suggest that sit-to-walk motion is an unstable motion, and requires balance ability to perform. To create an impulsive force, it is important that horizontal velocity of COG of HAT is higher at seat-off in the sit-to-walk motion. Horizontal impulsive force created by HAT movement is suppressed at the first heel strike.

Influence of Lower-extremity Muscle Force, Muscle Mass and Asymmetry in Knee Extension Force on Gait Ability in Community-dwelling Elderly Women

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of muscle mass/power of the lower-extremities, including asymmetry in knee extension force, on gait ability of Japanese community-dwelling elderly women. The study population comprised 30 women aged 65-89 years. The parameters examined were activities of daily living, physical performance, functional capacity, isometric muscle forces of knee extension and flexion measured by a dynamometer, and muscle mass measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Asymmetry in knee extension force was calculated from rate of difference between the right and the left knee extension forces. One leg balance with eyes open, 6-minute walking distance (6MD) and knee extension force decreased, while 10-m obstacle walking time and asymmetry in knee extension force increased with age. Gait ability including 6MD and 10-m obstacle walking time correlated with asymmetry in knee extension force, which also exhibited correlations with one leg balance with eyes open and knee extension force. The results of the present study indicate that on increase in asymmetry in knee extension force as well as a decrease in lower-extremity muscle force might accelerate the loss of gait ability, while the improvement of asymmetry in knee extension force might be beneficial to self-supporting life in elderly individuals.

Current Trends in Exercise Management for Chronic Low Back Pain: Comparison between Strengthening Exercise and Spinal Segmental Stabilization Exercise

Abstract: Exercise is recognized as one of the optimal managements for chronic low back pain. Among the numerous therapeutic exercises, the approaches of traditional strengthening exercise and segmental stabilization exercise are considerably different. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the two different exercise approaches, on chronic low back pain through evaluating previous randomized control trial (RCT) studies. Pain, functional ability and physical improvement were analyzed to evaluate the recovery from chronic low back pain. While both exercises demonstrated positive effects on pain relief, functional ability and physical improvement, the evidence level of the strengthening exercise studies was not strong enough because of some methodological flaws. On the other hand, the methodological superiority of the segmental stabilization exercise studies provided high quality evidence. Another positive aspect of the segmental stabilization exercise studies was the significant long-term effect on low back pain and its low recurrence rate. Considering the overall evidence level, the segmental stabilization exercise seems to be more effective than the traditional strengthening exercise on chronic low back pain. However, the number of studies related to the segmental stabilization exercise is currently limited, therefore more direct comparative RCT studies including many other exercise approaches are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of the segmental stabilization exercise.

Job Satisfaction among Physiotherapists in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Abstract: This study analysed the responses of 183 clinicians in Ishikawa Prefecture to a Japanese version of the Speakman's scale on job satisfaction in the form of a self-administered questionnaire. Specifically, the questionnaire sought the clinicians' responses to 10-item statements related to their jobs concerning paperwork, challenge, physical demand, professional autonomy, fulfillment, and stress. The degree of agreement with the scale was moderate, though the respondents considered themselves to be engaged in rewarding work. The causes of their job dissatisfaction were excessive paperwork and physical/mental stress. Despite these negative feelings, the clinicians were able to find the positive aspects of their job. The degree of importance for the scale as a measure of job satisfaction was also moderate, as opposed to that of their American colleagues who rated it high when Speakman et al. conducted their study in 1996. This finding suggests that clinicians from Ishikawa Prefecture may find the `hygiene' factors (ie. salary and fringe benefits) to be of more importance for their daily job satisfaction. The results should be interpreted in terms of culture and mores, differences in healthcare systems and the time period in which the studies were carried out.

An Overview of Muscle Regeneration Following Acute Injury

Abstract: The focus of this research was to investigate the efects of acute blunt trauma, on the ultrastructural and protein content of skeletal muscles. A simple device for producing a humane and reproducible experimental model of blunt trauma to rat muscle was used. Ultrastructural events in the traumatized muscle were observed over 14 days. From 0 to 2 days after trauma there was a marked loss of muscle protein content, associated with an acute inflammatory response. From day 3 to 14 days, the muscle underwent regeneration with a rapid proliferation of sarcolemmal nuclei, activation of satellite cells, and the restoration of sarcomeres. By three days post trauma, muscle protein content decreased (35-47%) compared to muscle of control rats (p>0.05).

Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Mouse Soleus Muscle Increases with Reloading after Unloading

Abstract: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been suggested as a mitogen for skeletal muscle satellite cells and participates in skeletal muscle hypertrophy. The present study assessed HGF levels in mouse soleus and plantaris muscles during 14 days of tail suspension and 3 days of reloading using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical analyses were used to determine the locations of HGF, its receptor (c-Met) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. In normal mice, HGF contents were 4.4 ± 0.5 ng/g tissue in the soleus muscle and 5.9 ± 1.2 ng/g tissue in the plantaris muscle, significantly higher than in the soleus muscle. HGF level in the soleus muscle was increased 314% from normal by reloading. HGF and c-Met were expressed in small cells contiguous to muscle fibers. Cells in similar positions displayed reactivity for PCNA, suggesting that these represent activated satellite cells. Thus, production of HGF protein appears to stimulated in satellite cells during recovery from disuse atrophy.

Evaluation of Lateral Abdominal Muscle Activity during Expiratory Threshold Loading by Ultrasonography

Abstract: We have examined whether the lateral abdominal muscle activity during expiratory loading can be noninvasively evaluated using ultrasonography. This study included 12 healthy adult men, and measured the thicknesses of their lateral abdominal muscles at the end of inspiration and the end of expiration, and the thickness differences when 5%, 10%, and 15% of the maximal expiratory pressure were loaded as expiratory threshold loads. Tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume were also measured at the same time. Obtained data were compared by expiratory threshold load, and correlation between muscle thickness and the thickness difference was assessed. Muscle thickness at the end of expiration and thickness difference significantly increased in proportion to the expiratory threshold load, and were accompanied by increase of tidal volume. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between muscle thickness and the thickness difference. The results of this study indicate that expiration activities of the lateral abdominal muscles can be evaluated by ultrasonography, and that the thickness difference reflects expiration activities.

The Frequency of Family Visits Influences the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) of Aged People with Dementia in a Nursing Home

Abstract: The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) change the lifestyles of demented people and their caregivers. While various interventions in dementia have been reported, the relationship between family visits and suppression of BPSD in a nursing home has rarely been addressed. This study investigated whether the frequency of family visits was associated with a reduction in BPSD in aging people in a nursing home. Sixty-seven aged people (average age: 87.3 years), who were diagnosed as having dementia according to the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised (HDS-R) score, in a nursing home were selected. They were divided into 3 groups as follows: HDS-R score of 0-9 (group A), 10-14 (group B), 15-19 (group C). The subjects were further divided into 2 groups by their average monthly frequency of family visits: 0-10 (group X) and >10 (group Y). The rates of change in the HDS-R and dementia behavior disturbance (DBD) Scale scores were calculated. The rate of change in the DBD Scale score was influenced by the frequency of family visits, and the effect was significantly greater in group X than in group Y. Among the groups, only group B showed significant differences in the rates of change in the HDS-R and DBD Scale scores, and both of these were lower in group Y than in group X. This investigation demonstrated that the frequency of family visits was associated with suppression of BPSD, and was particularly effective for subjects with moderate dementia.

Effect of Age and Gender on Muscle Function : Analysis by Muscle Fiber Conduction Velocity

Abstract: The effect of age and gender on muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) was examined. Subjects were 216 healthy persons (369 limbs), of which 102 were males (180 limbs) and 114 were females (189 limbs). The method of evoked potential was used for measuring MFCV. The muscles measured were the vastus medialis of the right and / or left limbs. The measurement was taken in a sitting position with the hip and knee joints flexed at 90°. On the effect of aging, a significant correlation between MFCV and age was observed in males (r=0.63, p<0.01) and in females (r=0.52, p<0.01). There was a tendency of delay in MFCV due to aging. On the gender difference, male MFCV showed a faster rate, compared with that of females in the age group from 20's to 40's. However, no gender difference was observed in the age group of more than 50 years. Based on these results, age and gender differences must therefore be considered when determining standard values of MFCV.

Postural Control for Initiation of Lateral Step and Step-up Motions in Young Adults

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to clarify the postural control of the initiation of lateral step and step-up motions in healthy young adults (243 ± 18 years: mean ± SD) The tasks involved the lateral step (step lengths, 10 cm and 20 cm) and lateral step-up motions (10-cm high stool; step lengths, 10 cm and 20 cm) The variables for analysis included motion duration (weight-shift phase and swing phase), shifts of the center of pressure (CoP) and the center of gravity (CoG), displacement and inclination of the shoulder and the pelvis, and root mean square electromyographic amplitude of the erector spinae, gluteus medius (GM) and adductor longus (AL) bilaterally The CoP shift toward the stepping side was larger in the step-up task than in the step task, and it was smaller when both tasks were performed in the long lengths The CoG shift toward the supporting side and the displacements of the shoulder and pelvis were larger in the step-up task than in the step task However, the magnitude of GM activity of the supporting leg was larger in the step task than in the step-up task, and increased when both tasks were performed in the long lengths In the stepping leg, the magnitude of AL activity was larger in the step-up task than in the step task, and decreased when both tasks were performed in the long lengths These results suggest that GM activity of the supporting leg and AL activity of the stepping leg control the shift of CoG in the frontal plane Our results indicate that the increase in GM activity does not depend on the height of stepping but on the length of stepping in lateral step and step-up motions

Relationship between Balance Performance and Leg Muscle Strength in Elite and Non-Elite Junior Speed Skaters

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between balance performance during one-leg and two-leg standing and leg muscular strength in junior speed skaters, and to formulate one indicator for on-land training. There were a total of 48 subjects comprising 22 junior elite and 26 junior non-elite speed skaters. The method involved analyzing the unit trajectory length (LNG/TIME), the peak value for center of gravity fluctuations (RMS) and the area where fluctuations in the center of gravity are concentrated (SD-A) in keeping one-leg and two-leg standing; and measuring the maximum isometric muscular strength for knee extension with a leg muscular strength measurement device, and thereby calculating a weight-bearing index (WBI). As far as the characteristics for the center of gravity were concerned, significantly lower values in the elite group compared with the non-elite group were exhibited for the peak center of gravity fluctuations (RMS) and the area in which fluctuations in the center of gravity were concentrated (SD-A). However, no significant differences were observed in the unit trajectory length (LNG/TIME). In addition, no significant differences between the groups were observed when the right leg was kept standing. The elite group exhibited significantly higher values in the weight-bearing index (WBI) compared with the non-elite group for both legs. With regards to the differences between the left and right leg WBI, the elite group exhibited significantly higher values for the left leg than the right leg, but no significant difference was observed between left and right in the non-elite group. Based on this, it is suggested that there is a need to carry out qualitative training for improving the ability to keep the left leg standing in a posture simulating skating, and to carry out quantitative training for increasing the muscle strength of knee extensors, in order to improve the competitiveness of junior speed skaters.

The Effectiveness of a Simple Approach to the Assessment of the Risk of Falls in the Elderly

Abstract: This paper discusses the relationship of the probe reaction time (P-RT), the number of steps, and the step rhythm to the risk of falls. These three factors were measured while subjects marked time at a self-determined rate. The subjects were divided into three groups including 18 young subjects (Young group; 15 males, 3 females), 11 elderly subjects who had not experienced falls (Old no-fall group; 1 male, 10 females) and 8 elderly subjects who had experienced falls (Old fall group; 3 males, 5 females). Using a digital audio player (for sonic stimulation) and sound recording equipment, the probe reaction time and the sound of the foot touching the ground was measured. One-way analysis of the variance of the probe reaction time showed a significant effect in all groups, and post-hoc comparison of the means confirmed that the probe reaction time scores were significantly longer in the Old fall group than in the Young group or the Old no-fall group. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the time for a single step was calculated once for the right foot and once for the left foot, and revealed that the effect was significant for all groups. Two-way analysis of the variance was significant, and a post-hoc comparison of the means confirmed the differences between the groups. It was thus found that the probe reaction time and the coefficient of variation of the time for a single step are reliable and useful for evaluation of the risk of falls.

Development of Simple Motion Measurement and Analysis System

Abstract: In rural areas of developing countries, ankle foot orthoses that can be manufactured at low cost are required. Also, systems that can be set up with readily available, low-cost materials which can easily measure their effectiveness are also required. In this paper, I report on, a low cost motion analysis system that can easily measure the effectiveness of orthoses was developed in China. In this system, a home digital video camera was used for video recording for analysis, aluminum foil for a foot switch, and freeware for analysis software. Gait analysis was performed on a healthy person and a hemiplegic patient using this system. Then a comparison was performed between the results of this simple system and those of a 3D motion analysis system. Knee joint angles obtained by both systems were essentialy the same.

Effectiveness of Cough Exercise and Expiratory Muscle Training: A Meta-analysis

Abstract: Coughing is a defensive reflex action of the airway that removes foreign objects and mucus. Here, meta-analysis was performed to review the results of previous studies regarding the effects of coughing exercise and expiratory muscle training (EMT), and to examine the effectiveness of EMT in enhancing cough functions. A systematic literature search was performed using the EBMR, CINAHL, PEDro, MEDLINE, and Ichushi Web (NPO Japan Medical Abstracts Society) databases. Based on a methodological framework, a critical review was performed and summary effect sizes were calculated by applying the random effects model. Both the forced expiration technique (FET) and coughing alone significantly increased mucus clearance. EMT significantly increased expiratory muscle strength, suggesting that it is possible to improve cough effectiveness by EMT. Further studies with larger and more diverse sample groups are necessary to determine the effects of enhancing expiratory muscle strength on cough effectiveness.

Relationship between Muscle Fiber Conduction Velocity and Muscle Strength in Patients with Joint Disorder of the Lower Limb

Abstract: The relationship between muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) of the vastus medialis and muscle strength of knee extensors was observed in patients with joint disorder of the lower limb, and the feasibility of MFCV as an index for evaluating the condition of muscular disuse was examined. MFCV was significantly slower in patients with joint disorder (2.91 ± 0.27 m·s-1) than in healthy subjects (3.22 ± 0.22 m·s-1; p<0.01). Muscle strength of knee extensors was significantly lower in patients (198.1 ± 72.2 N) than in healthy subjects (311.2 ± 79.6 N; p<0.01). Muscle strength displayed a significant positive correlation with MFCV in patients with joint disorder (r=0.63, p<0.01). In patients after joint surgery of the lower limb, MFCV increased with muscle strength recovery. Reduced MFCV in patients with joint disorder appears to primarily reflect muscle atrophy of type II fibers. MFCV of patients with joint disorder of the lower limb may thus reflect changes in muscle fiber type and diameter.

Effects of Taijiquan on the Physical Fitness of Elderly Chinese People

Abstract: We evaluated the efficacy of an 1-hour Taijiquan daily exercise for maintaining and improving the physical fitness of elderly Chinese people in an urban area of China. They had practiced Taijiquan in the park every morning for many years. Thirty subjects (male: n=10, average age 74.4 ± 3.2 years; female: n=20, average age 73.4 ± 4.4 years) participated in the study. Measures of physical fitness were taken immediately before and after the Taijiquan exercise. In both male and female groups, the results for tests consisting of standing on one leg with eyes open, grip strength, functional reach, 10-m walking speed, finger-floor distance, and standing on one leg while swinging the other leg were significantly improved. Results for standing on one leg with eyes closed, did not show a significant change. These results suggest that a 1-hour Taijiquan session can improve physical fitness in terms of static and dynamic balance, muscular strength, coordination, walking ability and flexibility in elderly individuals who have practiced Taijiquan over a long period of time. Thus, Taijiquan could help elderly individuals to maintain and improve their health and their ability to perform daily activities.

Knee Joint Angle at the Time of Adjustment to Submaximal Jumping in Healthy Men

Abstract: We examined the correlation between jump distance and the maximum flexion angle of the knee joint during jumping to evaluate whether healthy men adjust to jump distance by changing the angle of the knee joint. Fourteen subjects jumped 3 times with their eyes closed to each of what they thought was 25%, 50%, and 75% of their maximum jump distance, a total of 9 jumps for both the vertical and standing broad jump. We measured the knee joint flexion angle at the time of the motion and examined the correlation between jump distance and knee joint flexion angle. The results show a relationship between jump distance and knee joint flexion angle for both the vertical and standing broad jump. We determined that jump distance is controlled by knee joint flexion angle in healthy men. Thus, a factor of jump control was clarified in this study.

The Effect of a Toe-Heel Pedal Exercise Machine

Abstract: Muscle strengthening exercise in Open Kinetic Chain (OKC) and muscle strengthening exercise in Closed Kinetic Chain (CKC) with a Toe-Heel Pedal Exercise Machine were performed, and were compared the results of knee proprioception tests (threshold test / position sense test). The subjects were 17 patients who had received total knee arthroplasty. They were assigned to either group A (OKC exercise group, n = 9) or group B (CKC exercise group, n = 8). The effect of 3-week exercise therapy was evaluated as the outcome of the knee proprioception tests. In group A, improvement rates were 3.8 ± 6.9% in the threshold test and 7.6 ± 10.7% in the position sense test. In group B, improvement rates were 25.2 ± 4.9% in the threshold test and 27.6 ± 8.2% in the position sense test. Thus, the group of muscle strengthening exercises in CKC with the Toe-Heel Pedal Exercise Machine showed higher improvement rates both in the threshold test and the position sense test.

Sagittal Kinematics and Muscular Activities of Torso and Hip during Trunk Flexion and Extension

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the kinematical movements and electromyographic activities of the trunk and hip during trunk flexion and extension at different velocities. Thirteen male subjects performed trunk flexion and extension movements for 5 times at three different velocities of 1 s, 3 s, and 5 s in the standing position. Sagittal angular displacements of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip as well as the surface electromyogram of the trunk and hip muscles were recorded. The kinematic characteristic was normalized, and the electromyogram was integrated and normalized separately in cycles of flexion and extension. During flexion, the lumbar spine range was significantly larger during 5 s than during 3 s and 1 s, whereas the hip range was significantly larger during 1 s than during 5 s (p<0.01). During extension, the normalized electromyogram values of the iliocostalis and longissimus were significantly greater during 1 s than during 5 s (p<0.05). Increase in the movement velocity during extension produced greater activity in the trunk extensors, while the activities of the flexors showed minimal change. The results suggest that there is a kinematic and kinetic strategy among the lumbar, pelvis and hips in order to accomplish task-oriented movements.

The Effects of Exercise Conditioning on Protein Production in Rat Muscle Trauma

Abstract: The effect of prior exercise conditioning, on the collagenous and non-collagenous protein contents of skeletal muscle of the lower limb during recovery from acute blunt trauma were investigated. One hundred and twelve, Sprague-Dawley rats were trained following a common eight week endurance training program, producing a significant (p<0.05) increase in citrate synthase activity of the skeletal muscle1). The training protocol was implemented to duplicate the reaction to injury and to follow-up recovery on muscle which had been pre-conditioned by exercise. Rats of the same weight were then randomly assigned to one of five experimental groups following the eight weeks of training. Muscle trauma was produced utilizing a humane and reproducible experimental device. After the different treatments for ten days, results indicated that animals in the exercise trauma, produced more collagen in traumatized lower limb muscles than rats in the exercise no trauma (ENT), exercise trauma, untreated (ET), and exercise trauma groups (p<0.05). The amount of non-collagenous contractile protein was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the ENT group compared to the ET. The results suggest that the exercise has a protective effect on muscle and on the production of collagen in traumatized skeletal muscle. Finally, prior experience conditioning protected against injury and improved muscle recovery.

The Influence of Thermotherapy on Muscle Elasticity: Measurement of Pennation Angle with the Use of Ultrasound Images

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to visualize the changes of muscle architecture by measuring pennation angle on ultrasound (US) images, and to examine the influence of thermotherapy on the elasticity of muscles which were stretched passively. Ten healthy male subjects positioned with the ankle joint planterflexed or dorsiflexed were continuously stretched in the dorsiflexion direction for 3 minutes in both positions, and the pennation angle and muscle extensibility were measured. Each subject received the following thermotherapy interventions randomly: Group 1 received continuous US wave (1 MHz, 1.5 W/cm2, 5 minutes); Group 2 underwent the same intervention as Group 1 but with no ultrasound output. Subjects of Group 3 were given 20 minutes of moist hot pack; Group 4 stayed still for 20 minutes. All interventions were practiced on the medial gastrocnemius muscle belly. Stretching was given after each intervention. Our study results showed that muscle extensibility did not differ significantly in any group, except for neutral positioning in groups 1 and 4. However, while groups 2 and 4 showed reduction in the pennation angle, it did not change in groups 1 and 3. These results support the hypothesis that thermotherapy is one of the factors which contributes to muscle relaxation. In other words, the measurements of pennation angle enables us to see in vivo effects of thermotherapy on muscle elasticity.

Easy Motion Analysis Using Compact Sensors

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to verify the utility of a simple motion analysis system which we made by partially observing actual movement in a clinical setting and demonstrating the objectivity of the data thus obtained. In this system, angular velocity sensors were put on the right and left acromion of the subjects to measure the movement of each during free walking. The gait cycle was determined using plantar pressure sensors. The subjects of the measurement were healthy persons and hemiplegic cases, and the characteristics of their gait were comparatively analyzed. As a result, we could objectively obtain gait data from healthy subjects which showed few differences between the right and left sides and from hemiplegic cases which showed individual characteristic acromial movements. Consequently, this gait analysis method was considered to be clinically applicable as an objective gait analysis method.

Analysis of Muscle Activity Patterns between Two Different Walking Exercise Programs

Abstract: While many studies have investigated muscle activity in amputated legs while walking, in physical therapy and other fields, few studies have examined muscle activity in the healthy legs of amputees. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no previous investigations have examined the motor learning processes in leg amputees or efficient exercise programs for walking with a leg prosthesis. Our previous study clarified the function of the non-amputated legs of amputees while walking with a prosthetic leg by measuring muscle activity patterns using surface electromyography and ground reaction force plates. In the present study, healthy volunteers were asked to wear a pseudo-prosthetic leg and participate in either a basic or applied exercise program using clearly different exercises. Differences in muscle activity patterns between the programs were then analyzed. After 2 weeks of exercises, the exercise program allowing legs without a pseudo-prosthesis to function more like the non-amputated legs of amputees who were skilled at walking with their prosthesis was ascertained. Muscle activity patterns of volunteers on the applied exercise program tended to more closely resemble those of amputees.

Factor Analysis of Motion in Wringing Out a Towel

Abstract: The skills of various kinds of motion must be maintained so that activities of daily living (ADL) can be performed fluently. An important objective of Occupational Therapy is to improve a patient's ability to perform ADL. However, there are very few studies that have tried to scientifically analyze skill contributing to the quality of ADL. Therefore, we focused on the motion in wringing out of Towel, which is done frequently in ADL, and analyzed the factors that contribute to this motion. We hypothesized that the factors that contribute to this motion include the subject's age, gender, grip strength and motion pattern. These factors were analyzed. The results show that the female elderly group, although weak in hand grip strength, was able to squeeze the maximum amount of water from the towel. We speculate that this group of elderly females were most efficient at wringing the towel because this was a common household chore for them and because of this, their level of skill was the highest among all the groups.