Showing papers in "Journal of Physical Therapy Science in 2008"

Effect of Exercise Using a Horse-Riding Simulator on Physical Ability of Frail Seniors

Abstract: [Purpose] In this study, we investigated the effect of exercise using a horse-riding simulator on the physical ability of frail seniors [Subjects] The subjects consisted of 21 frail seniors living in the vicinity of a day care facility, which they used more than twice each week [Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, an exercise group and a control group The exercise group, in addition to their normal exercise routine at the day care facility, participated in exercise using a horse-riding simulator The control group continued their normal exercise regime at the facility with no additional exercise The duration of our research was 12 weeks [Results] The levels of physical ability of the exercise group were significantly increased after the implementation period relative to the pre-study levels On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the pre- and post-study levels of the physical ability of the control group In addition, even in the exercise group, no significant difference in the levels of more complicated movement abilities relative to those of pre-study abilities was observed [Conclusion] Although the level of physical ability of some frail seniors was increased by exercise using the horse-riding simulator, the exercise did not realize a sufficient increase in the levels of all movement abilities

The Reliability and Validity of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale in Japan

Abstract: [Purpose] To investigate the reliability and validity of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) in Japan, and to determine whether the AIMS score obtained by pediatric physical therapists with different levels of experience differed. [Subjects] The subjects who were assessed were 40 healthy infants (23 males, 17 females) whose parents gave their written consent to participation in this study. [Methods] 40 healthy children were videotaped and evaluated using the AIMS by three physical therapists who were providing physical therapy for the children on weekdays and three physical therapists who were providing physical therapy for the children once per week. The AIMS and the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) were administered to confirm criterion-related validity. [Results] Reliability of the AIMS was good to high (ICC = .86∼.99), and the correlation between the AIMS and the KSPD was high (r = .97∼.98). Physical therapists with little experience in pediatric physical therapy could perform an assessment. [Conclusion] Both the reliability and the validity of the AIMS were high. Level of pediatric expertise did not affect a rater's reliability.

Differences in Biomechanical Characteristics of Sit-to-Walk Motion between Younger and Elderly Males Dwelling in the Community

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference in sit-to-walk (STW) motion between young adults (YG) and an elderly persons (EG). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-seven subjects (9 in YG and 18 in EG) were instructed to perform STW and to walk 3 m at a comfortable speed and at maximal speed. Data were obtained using a 3D motion capture system for kinematic data, and two force plates for kinetic data. [Results] The time required for STW was similar for both groups at both comfortable and maximal speeds, but the forward velocity of the center of gravity of the whole body (COG-WB) was higher for YG, and upward COG-WB at the time of the first heel contact was faster for YG. Ground reaction force analyses showed many differences between the groups. For YG, COG-WB moved forward and the first swing side was longer than for EG. [Conclusion] Forward and lateral COG-WB movements before the toe-off generate a progressive force. We suggest that YG subjects may have sufficient muscle power in their lower extremity to bear the progressive force, or that EG subjects may have learned anticipatory postural control which has shorter forward movement due to aging and declining physical function.

Comparison of Smoothness during Gait between Community Dwelling Elderly Fallers and Non-Fallers Using Power Spectrum Entropy of Acceleration Time-Series

Abstract: [Purpose] We have proposed in a previous paper a novel indicator of smoothness using the power spectrum entropy of acceleration time-series during movement. In this paper, we describe this indicator's ability to distinguish between fallers' and non-fallers' gait in community dwelling elderly. This novel indicator is simple to use and can directly evaluate gait. [Subjects] Two hundred and fifty-one subjects (age = 71.0 7.7) were categorized fallers (39) and non-fallers (191) based on their histories (21 were unknown). [Methods] Grip strength, walking speed and the functional reach test, were used as convenient indicators, and the entropy of spectrum of acceleration during gait were measured and compared between fallers and non-fallers. [Results] Significant differences were found in the entropy of the fastest gait as well as in the other indices (p<.05). We also examined the correlation between entropy and grip strength (Spearman's ρ = -.35, p<.01). Correlations of entropy with the other indices were also low. [Conclusion] These results imply that entropy provides useful information, not found in the other indices, on body function in relation to falling.

Motor Adaptation during Slip-Perturbed Gait in Older Adults

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate adaptations to slip perturbations using a customized separated-belt treadmill in older adults. [Subjects] Forty-five healthy older subjects participated in this study. [Methods] Participants were requested to continue to walk against 20 slip perturbations during a 5-minute period. The magnitudes of the reactive responses were evaluated with the use of a tri-axial accelerometer attached to the subject's pelvis. Also, the latency to the onset of EMG activity and the magnitude of EMG activity were measured using surface electrodes placed on both sides of the erector spinae, rectus abdominis, biceps femoris, vastus medialis (VM), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and tibialis anterior muscles. [Results] The magnitude of the reactive response in the second half of the perturbed walk was significantly more decreased than during the first half (p < 0.01). Decreases in the magnitude of EMG were also observed from VM and GM muscles (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively), but the latency of each of the muscles was unchanged. [Conclusion] In conclusion, adaptations that may have contributed to the prevention of falls occurred in older adults. These adaptations might have been accomplished by a change in magnitude of muscle activity rather than by a change in timing.

Relative Therapeutic Efficacy of Some Vertebral Mobilization Techniques in the Management of Unilateral Cervical Spondylosis: A Comparative Study

Abstract: [Purpose] This study compared the relative efficacy of Posterior-Anterior Unilateral Pressure (PAUP), Anterior-Posterior Unilateral Pressure (APUP), Cervical Oscillatory Rotation (COR) and Transverse Oscillatory Pressure (TOP) techniques of manual therapy in the management of unilateral cervical spondylosis. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four male subjects in each of four groups (96 patients; age range 40-50 years, mean 44 ± 5.3 years) received treatment 3 times per week for four weeks. Mean treatment time, pain recovery pattern (pain-free, residual pain, fair improvement, no change or worse) and relapse after 3 months were outcome measures. [Results] Significantly (P<0.001) less time was spent applying APUP (130 min) and PAUP (156 min) than COR (192 min) and TOP (219 min) with significantly (P<0.001) more pain-free patients in APUP (63%) and PAUP (46%) groups than in COR (17%) and TOP (25%) groups. Relapse rates after 3 months were 8% (TOP) and 12% (COR) and these treatments had no effect on symptoms of 4% and 8% of patients, respectively. [Conclusion] APUP and PAUP achieve faster pain relief in more patients with unilateral cervical spondylosis than rotation and transverse pressure. Unilateral pressures should be preferred techniques of manual therapy for patients with unilateral neck pain and APUP promise a better outcome.

A Clinical Trial on the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Continuous Ultrasound

Abstract: [Purpose] Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common and long-term disease for which no definitive treatment has been established. The purpose of this trial was to examine the effects of continuous ultrasound on the treatment of patients with chronic maxillary and frontal sinusitis. [Subjects] Thirty adults with chronic rhinosinusitis (24 men, 6 women; age range, 18-65 yrs; mean, 35.8 yrs) participated in the study. [Methods] An interventional trial, pretest posttest study design was used. Subjects underwent treatment for 10 sessions, three days per week. Patients were examined before and after treatment. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to participants to assess changes in symptoms at 1 month posttreatment. Therapeutic continuous ultrasound was applied through the cheeks and the forehead for the maxillary and frontal sinuses, respectively. The primary outcome was the `percent improvement'. [Results] The patients had a significant improvement post-treatment (mean, 74.37%). Following treatment, the severity of all symptoms showed significant improvement (p<0.05). The beneficial effects of treatment were reported up to one month after treatment ended, in terms of recurrence of the disease (72% of patients). [Conclusion] This study showed that continuous ultrasound may be used as an effective modality for physiotherapy of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Effects of Variation in Cushion Thickness on the Sit-to-Stand Motion of Elderly People

Abstract: This study was done to investigate whether cushion thickness affected elderly people during the sit-to-stand motion (STS motion). Fourteen elderly subjects aged 79 or over were recruited from the out-patients at a rehabilitation clinic. Their STS motions were evaluated and analyzed using a digital video camera and analyzing software. As the thickness of the cushion increased, it was difficult to identify the pelvic movement during STS motion, although the trunk was inclined more anteriorily and the load to the knee extensors was greater. Furthermore, three of the fourteen subjects had difficulties performing STS motion when the pelvis was contoured by a thick cushion. These results suggests that if an older person has a knee extensor strength below an appropriate level and/or the cushion thickness is enough large to contour the subject's pelvis, the risk of falling during STS motion is higher.

Effects of Magnetic Infrared Laser on Xylene-induced Acute Inflammation in Mice

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of magnetic infrared laser (MIL) radiation on the xylene-induced acute inflammation. [Subjects] The subject animals were male ICR mice. [Methods] Mice were once irradiated (60s) by MIL at 1.33, 2.66 or 6.65 J/cm2 of MIL, or treated with indomethacin or dexamethasone. Then xylene (0.03 ml) was topically applied to the anterior surface of the right ear to induced inflammation 1 h after irradiation with MIL. The changes in ear weights, histological profiles and histomorphometrical measurements of the ear were conducted upon sacrifice. All animals were sacrificed 2 h after xylene application. Results of MIL irradiation were compared to those of indomethacin and dexamethasone (15 mg/kg injected once intraperitoneally). [Results] Xylene application resulted in marked increases in xylene-insulted ear weights compared to that of the intact control. Thus, the differences between intact and insulted ears were also significantly increased. The histological characteristics of acute inflammation, such as severe vasodilation and edematous changes of skin, were detected in xylene-treated control ears with marked increase in the thickness of the ear tissues. However, these xylene-induced acute inflammatory changes were significantly and dose-dependently decreased by MIL irradiation. [Conclusion] We conclude that MIL therapy has a favorable effect in the reduction of the acute inflammatory responses induced by xylene application in mice.

Sensorimotor cortex activation during mirror therapy in healthy right-handed subjects: A study with near-infrared spectroscopy

Abstract: Clinical studies have shown that functional motor recovery after stroke may be facilitated by mirror therapy (MT). However, its underlying mechanism is uncertain. In this study, we examined brain activation during unilateral hand movement in 5 right-handed healthy subjects (1 male and 4 females) with or without viewing a mirror reflection of the moving hand (MT). We measured the changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC) using near-infrared spectroscopy. We calculated the laterality index (LI) using the extent of activation in the right and left SMCs. The LIs (± standard error of mean) during right hand grasping without and with MT were 0.17 ± 0.11 (left SMC predominance) and -0.42 ± 0.24 (right SMC predominance), respectively (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in LIs during left hand grasping without and with MT (0.02 ± 0.05 and 0.08 ± 0.05, respectively). The findings suggest that MT is more effective when it is used for dominant right hand movement, and this phenomenon may be the related to the different manipulability between the dominant and non-dominant hands.

The Characteristic of a Simple Exercise Program under the Instruction of Physiotherapists : For General Elderly People and Frail Elderly People

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to validate the characteristic of an exercise program consisting of simple exercise methods under the instruction of physiotherapists for general elderly people living in a community (general elderly group) and a frail elderly group. [Subjects] The general elderly group consisted of 44 persons (74.2 ± 4.38 years old: 6 men, 38 women) and the frail elderly group, 30 persons (80.6 ± 6.12 years old: 10 men, 20 women). [Methods] The measurement items were weight, body fat percentage, grip strength, knee extensor strength, sitting trunk flexion, one leg standing, functional reach test, timed "up and go" test, 10-m walking time, TMIG Index of Competence, MOS Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey, and the Life-Space Assessment. In each group, group and individual exercises were provided by physiotherapists. All the exercises were easy to perform. [Results] Knee extensor strength of the frail elderly group improved to almost the same level of the general elderly group. There were significant improvements in balance, gait ability, social and psychological attitudes in both groups. [Conclusion] We think that muscle strengthening exercises without exercise tools as resistance under the instruction of physiotherapists would be effective for improving the muscle strength of frail elderly persons.

The Effects of Heel Elevation on Postural Adjustment and Activity of Lower-Extremity Muscles during Deep Squatting-to-Standing Movement in Normal Subjects

Abstract: The effects of various heel elevations on postural adjustment and lower-extremity muscle activity during the squat-to-stand (SQ-ST) movement were investigated. Eight healthy male subjects participated in the experiment, which involved rising from a deep squat with three different heel elevations: a full squat (FS), in which the plantar aspects of the feet were in full contact with the floor (0 degree), slope squat (SS), in which a 15-degree wedge was applied underneath the foot, and tiptoe squat (TS), in which subjects lifted their heels to their preferred height by extending the metatarsophalangeal joint. Electromyograms were taken of the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB), tibialis anterior (TA), rectus femoris (RF), and gastrocnemius (G) muscles. The results showed that heel elevation significantly affected the postural adjustment: TS caused significantly smaller anterior displacement in the knee and the hip during ankle dorsiflexion and minimized the duration of the forward movement required to stand. On the other hand, EDB activity strongly increased in TS. However, use of foot slope appeared to decrease activities of RF, TA, and EDB. These findings suggest that the use of a foot slope to achieve a squat-to-stand movement may be appropriate to assist patients with weak lower-extremity muscles.

Present-Day Autonomy and Professional Role of Japanese Physiotherapists

Abstract: [Purpose and Methods] A postal survey was conducted to investigate professional role and autonomy of 500 Japanese physiotherapists in conjunction with their implications concerning identity and work as a professional. The questionnaire's content centred on role expectation and role conflict of the physiotherapist. [Results] The respondents considered physiotherapy practice to be specific in its objectives and varied rather than monotonous, but ill defined in its role. Half of the respondents believed that the physician primarily expected them to be an active member of the healthcare team, and one third of them expected to receive their referrals from the physician. The majority of physiotherapists were independent in their treatment methods and regarded their work as being important to others, but felt restricted in their selection of clients; little conflict arose in working relationships with medical practitioners and other healthcare workers, and they experienced a certain degree of autonomy. Only a small number of respondents carried out any systematic self-evaluation of treatment, so little objective feedback was acquired on the outcome of their work, a professional procedure that is essential to treatment quality, a physiotherapist's motivation, job satisfaction, and autonomy. [Conclusion] Physiotherapy still lacks definition as a discipline and requires autonomy if it is to be recognised as a profession.

Influence of Quadriceps Femoris Fatigue on Low Back Load during Lifting of Loads at Different Distances from the Toes

Abstract: [Purpose] In this study, the effects of muscle fatigue involving only the quadriceps femoris on low back load during lifting were dynamically and mechanically investigated in relation to the degree of muscle fatigue and distance from a heavy object. [Methods] We measured the joint angle, electromyography and ground reaction force of 18 healthy male students during lifting at 3 fatigue levels of loads placed at 3 distances from the toes. [Results] At 25% fatigue of the quadriceps femoris, at the intermediate point of lifting, the knees were mostly extended and the body trunk was leaning forward, thus altering the mode of lifting. Myoelectrical activity of the quadriceps femoris was also decreased, and myoelectrical activity of the lumbar muscle decreased during the phase from the start of muscle activity to when the object was lifted off the floor. At 50% fatigue of the quadriceps femoris, no change in joint angles was seen during lifting, and as myoelectrical activity of the quadriceps femoris decreased, myoelectrical activity of the lumbar muscle increased during the phase from the start of muscle activity to when the object was lifted off the floor. In terms of ground reaction force, greater distance was associated with greater anterior load. [Conclusion] These results suggest that when the level of quadriceps femoris fatigue is relatively low, altering the mode of lifting somewhat lessens low back load, but when the level of quadriceps femoris fatigue is relatively high, compensatory changes cannot be made and an increase in low back load can increase the risk of lumbar injury.

The Relation of Walking Velocity with Motor Ability and Functional Capacity in the Community Dwelling Elderly

Abstract: The present study examined the relation between walking velocity and motor ability, motor fitness scale and functional capacity. The subjects were 35 males and females aged from 65 to 89 years. The participants walked on 5 m walkway at their preferred and maximum velocity. Walking velocity, step length, step rate, and walk ratio were calculated. We obtained the following findings. 1) Walking speeds exhibited a significant correlation with the Motor Fitness Scale (MFS) and balance ability. 2) The determinant of preferred walking velocity was MFS. The results suggest that preferred walking velocity could be used mesuring for physical fitness in community-dwelling elderly; preferred walking velocity was a better measure of physical fitness in the elderly than maximum walking velocity.

Frontal Lobe Activity during the Performance of Spatial Tasks: fNIRS Study

Abstract: [Purpose] The aim of this study was to verify frontal lobe activity in healthy individuals during the performance of spatial tasks as part of a cognitive therapeutic exercise. [Subjects] Twelve healthy young adults participated in the experiment. [Methods] The spatial tasks were to differentiate the sizes of circles with different diameters. In actual practice, a therapist held the upper limbs of an experiment participant and passively traced 5 randomly appearing circles of differing sizes by moving only the participant's shoulder joint and then had the participant determine the order of the circles. Under control conditions, the participant was not asked to make this determination. Under both experimental and control conditions, the experiment participant was asked to close his or her eyes during the tasks. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used for measurement, and relative changes in blood flow in the frontal lobe were measured. [Results] Blood flow in the premotor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increased significantly (p<0.05) under spatial task conditions in comparison to control conditions. [Conclusion] This result suggests that the premotor cortex, which is responsible for motor learning, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for working memory function, are activated during the performance of spatial tasks as part of cognitive therapeutic exercise.

Physical Activity of Adults Aged 55 to 75 Years in Japan

Abstract: [Purpose] This study investigated physical activity by gender and age groups among Japanese adults aged 55 to 75 years. [Subjects] A total of 575 eligible participants (355 men and 220 women) aged 55 to 75 years were recruited from 10 prefectures in 2006. [Methods] Information on physical activity was obtained by face-to-face interviews using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. [Results] Overall, 80% of subjects participated in weekly physical activities, and the mean total physical activity was similar (p = 0.836) between men (1805 metabolic equivalent tasks (MET) min/week) and women (1695 MET min/week). However, physical activity levels were found to be different between age groups 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70-75 years (p = 0.007), with those aged 55-59 years (1131 MET min/week) below the government recommended level of 60 minutes of physical activity per day or 1380 MET min/week. [Conclusion] Adults aged 55-59 years should be targeted for physical activity promotion. Moreover, physical activity guidelines should be developed for older adults in order to maintain their health and well being.

The Recovery of the Walking Ability of Patients at Early Stages after Total Hip Arthroplasty from the Perspective of the Displacement of the Center of Gravity

Abstract: [Purpose] We investigated the change of the movement of the Center of the Gravity (COG) while walking in the recovery process after surgery. [Subjects] The subjects were 9 women who had undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 11 healthy women as controls. [Methods] Kinetic analyses were conducted using force platforms and a three-dimensional motion analyzer. [Results] At 4 weeks postsurgery, gait velocity was slow, and showed an asymmetric and large COG displacement with dynamic properties requiring inefficient heavy work mainly undertaken by the non-operated lower extremity. The COG displacement width and the work done were significantly reduced during one gait cycle with increased gait velocity at postoperative 6 months, and bilateral symmetry for the work in the push-off period was enhanced. Although significant differences were no longer found in many parameters when compared with the control group, elongated time in double-limb support persisted, and the lateral displacement width of COG, displacement volume, and the total internal work done during one gait cycle showed somewhat low values. [Conclusion] These findings can be interpreted as a strategy to gain overall stability while compensating for the functional disturbance such as limited hip motion and decreased muscle strength around the hip joint by restraining the COG displacement.

Preventive Effect of Isometric Contraction Exercise on Disuse Muscle Atrophy Using Tail Suspension Mice

Abstract: In the present study, we demonstrated the preventive effect of isometric contraction exercise on disuse muscle atrophy with tail suspension immobilization model mice. Mice were divided into three groups: tail suspension alone (group TS), addition of exercise to tail suspension (group EX), and control (group C). Muscle mass (muscle weight divided by body weight) of soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius (GAS) muscles were lower in group TS than in group C. In group EX, muscle mass of SOL increased compared to group TS at 2 weeks. Histological examination indicated that group TS mice developed muscle atrophy in both SOL and GAS, while group EX mice did not develop atrophy in SOL. Moreover, this study first demonstrated that muscle mass recovered from atrophy in group EX at 2 weeks. Myosin heavy chain expression was significantly higher in group EX than in group TS at 2 weeks. Our results suggest that isometric contraction exercise prevented disuse muscle atrophy in the soleus muscle.

Relationship between Expiratory Activity of the Lateral Abdominal Muscle and Exercise Tolerance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the expiratory activity of the lateral abdominal muscle during quiet breathing and exercise tolerance in COPD patients. [Subjects] The participants were 15 moderate and severe male COPD patients (FEV1 = 42.5 ± 15.9% predicted) and 15 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. [Methods] The expiratory activity of the lateral abdominal muscle and exercise tolerance were measured. The expiratory activity was estimated from the thickness difference (Tdif) of the lateral abdominal muscle during quiet breathing using ultrasonography. Exercise tolerance was assessed by the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to study the correlation between Tdif and the distance walked in ISWT, and FEV1. [Results] Tdif was higher in COPD patients than in healthy subjects, and a moderate significant negative correlation was found between Tdif and the distance walked. However, there was no significant correlation between Tdif and FEV1. [Conclusion] The results indicate that exercise intolerance may be more important factors than airflow limitation in expiratory muscle activity during quiet breathing in advanced COPD patients.

How Many Measurement Times for Probe Reaction Time could be Yielded Optimum and Reliability

Abstract: [Purpose] This study examined the reliability of measurement of the probe reaction time (P-RT) in different types of repetitive movement. Also the study tried to determine the optimal number of times P-RT should be taken to yield reliable measurements. [Subjects] Ten subjects (7 males, 3 females) measured on two consecutive days. [Methods] Six different types of movements were tested including rest sitting position, marking time on sitting, marking time on standing, walking, tapping with the non-dominant hand at 1 Hz and 4 Hz. Simple reaction time (SRT) and P-RT movements were measured 10 times. [Results] The results show that the P-RT of marking time on sitting position, marking time on standing, walking, tapping with the non-dominant hand at 1 Hz and tapping 4 Hz had high interclass correlation coefficients. Further analysis showed that there were significant correlations among the six different kinds of movements, and that the 3rd time measurement could yield the optimal results. [Conclusion] In the clinical field, especially for the patients who are not able to walk or stand and weak people, the number of times of testing for P-RT could be reduced for each the six movements.

Neuromagnetic Investigation of Somatosensory Cortical Reorganization in Hemiplegic Patients after Thalamic Hemorrhage

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate somatosensory cortical reorganization in terms of source locations of somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) in hemiplegic patients after thalamic hemorrhage. [Subjects] Nine hemiplegic patients after thalamic hemorrhage participated in this study. [Methods] SEFs in the affected and healthy hemispheres were obtained with alternative current stimulation of the left and right median nerves at the wrist within 72 hours (acute stage) and at three months (chronic stage) after the onset of thalamic hemorrhage. After source estimation using a single equivalent current dipole model was performed to two median nerve SEF components, the source location changes of corresponding components between the acute and chronic stages were investigated. [Results] In the affected hemisphere, no patients showed significant SEF source location changes between the acute and chronic stages. In the healthy hemisphere, three patients showed significant SEF source location changes between the acute and chronic stages. [Conclusion] The significant SEF source location changes in the healthy hemisphere between the acute and chronic stages might reflect somatosensory cortical reorganization based on dependence on the non-affected upper extremity (UE) due to affected UE dysfunction in activities of daily living (i.e. use-dependent plasticity).

Effects of the Shoulder Horn and Lightweight Dumbbell Training on Shoulder External Rotators

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a strength training program using a shoulder horn and lightweight dumbbells on the shoulder external rotators. [Subjects] Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned either to an experimental group (shoulder horn and dumbbell training) or a control group (dumbbell training). [Methods] Subjects were pre- and post-tested in maximal external rotation torque of the shoulder at 60°/sec and 180°/sec using an isokinetic dynamometer. The experimental group lifted dumbbells with the shoulder at 90° abduction and the elbow at 90° flexion using the shoulder horn. The control group lifted dumbbells with the shoulder at 90°abduction and the elbow at 90° flexion. Both groups received training three times per week for three weeks. Performance was assessed by recording the mean peak torque value. [Results] The experimental group exhibited a significant gain on the right side at 60°/sec (p<0.05). The overall gain of mean peak torque in the experimental group was 148% greater than that of the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the combined use of a shoulder horn and dumbbells in strength training is more effective than the use of dumbbells alone.

Trunk Muscle Activity in Two-Leg Standing to One-Leg Standing in Healthy Elderly Adults

Abstract: [Purpose] Postural control has been shown to decline with age. The purpose of this study was to clarify the muscular activities of the trunk and hip joint while moving from two-leg standing to one-leg standing in healthy elderly adults and compare them with healthy young subjects. [Subjects and Methods] For 5 elderly and 8 young men subjects, electromyography activities of the left obliquus internus abdominis, left multifidus, left gluteus medius, and right ilio-psoas muscles were recorded using a surface electromyograph. EMG data were analyzed from 500 ms before lift-off to lift-off (0 ms). [Results] In the results, the muscular activities were not statistically significant between elderly and young people. [Conclusion] The presence of a qualitative change in muscle activities of elderly people was not demonstrated.

The Criterion-Related Validity of the Ten Step Test Compared with Motor Reaction Time

Abstract: [Purpose] Agility includes three factors: rapidity of reaction, rapidity of directional change, and velocity of muscle contraction. We proposed the Ten-Step Test (TST) as a new performance test for agility. In our previous study, the criterion-related validity of TST was evaluated by comparing TST with a timed supine-to-stand test which reflects motion speed. However, timed supine-to-stand doesn't include rapidity of reaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the criterion-related validity of TST using motor reaction time (MRT). [Subjects] One hundred fifty-two community-dwelling adults were recruited. [Methods] TST requires the subjects to place one foot at a time, ten times on a block 10 cm in height while standing. TST was conducted twice, and the quickest time of the two trials was used for analysis. MRT was measured as the time between a touch on the malleous and the response of the ankle dorsi-flexion in a sitting position. For evaluating the relationship between TST and MRT, the conformity of the regression formulae of aging changes and correlation coefficients were analyzed. TST was also compared with the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and muscle strength of the knee. [Results] Both TST and MRT showed a quadratic rather than a linear relationship with age. The single correlation coefficient between TST and MRT was 0.59. [Conclusion] Age-related changes of TST and MRT showed a similar curve. These curves showed a significant increase after the age of 50, and the correlation coefficient between TST and MRT was high. The findings suggest that TST includes a factor related to motor reaction.

Risk Management in Acute Care Hospital Physical Therapy Departments

Abstract: [Purpose] A purpose of this study is investigation of risk management organization of a physical therapy section of an acute care hospital. [Subjects] One hundred sixty-nine facilities were selected from among those hospitals registered with the welfare health medical information network (9,019 facilities). [Methods] The study method was a questionnaire survey by mail. The numbers of returned questionnaires was 112, a response rate of 66.3%. [Results] Hospitals sizes ranged from 200~1,500 beds, and the average number of physical therapists was 10.5. The main equipment provided in the physical therapy departments were electrocardiogram monitors, transdermal oxygen saturation level measuring instruments, oxygen tanks, and suction units. In 37.5% of hospitals, nurses did not work in the physical therapy department. [Conclusion] In the near future, physical therapists should be allowed to perform suction technique. Safety in physical therapy was provision of the equipment and the tool of the risk management. The complete procedures are necessary in the case of emergencies.

Effects of a Dual-Task on Crossing an Obstacle Versus Initiating Gait

Abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the manner in which young adults step over an obstacle or initiate gait while performing a secondary Stroop task, which requires direct attention. [Subjects] Ten healthy young adults (5 male and 5 female) participated in the study. [Methods] Subjects first completed a Stroop task while standing (baseline) and then initiated gait or stepped over an obstacle as fast as possible with or without a secondary Stroop task. Response times to the secondary task and the gait parameters were measured. [Results] The response time to the secondary Stroop task in the stepping task was longest followed by gait initiation (GI) and standing (p<0.01). The values of bilateral step time and left stance time for stepping with the secondary task were significantly longer than stepping and GI without the secondary task (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between tasks in bilateral step and stride length. [Conclusion] This study suggests that even healthy and physically fit young adults have to modify gait parameters in situations where they are engaged in concurrent tasks because of their reduced ability to attend to multiple tasks simultaneously.

Cortical Neurophysiological Modification after Peripheral Neuronal Sensitization

Abstract: [Purpose] It is known that peripheral noxious events provoke sensitization of the peripheral and spinal nervous systems and influence neural transmissions to the brain. In this study, we aimed to examine how brain activation is affected when provoked by electrical stimulation and by prior sensitization with peripheral application of a painful agent (capsaicin). [Subjects] Six normal adult volunteers were enrolled in this study. [Methods] Pain intensity of participants was reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Utilizing magnetoencephalography (MEG), changes in the brain's areas and levels of activation were observed by measuring magnetic field alterations. [Results] Locations of equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) changed depending on changes of VAS. The moment (Q) value of the ECDs before the capsaicin cream application was 12.2 ± 6.5 nAm. After applying the capsaicin cream to the left forearm, the Q value increased. The present results suggest that an underlying hyper-responsive condition (neural sensitization) provoked by peripheral capsaicin may cause such changes. Importantly, this study revealed that cortical responses altered in the absence of participant perception of altered pain sensation. [Conclusions] Our findings suggest that alteration of cortical activity may occur when therapeutic electrical stimulations are used after prior pain sensitization.

Age-Associated Changes in Atrophy of the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle in Hindlimb-Suspended Rats

Abstract: [Purpose] An experiment was carried out to investigate possible age-associated changes in the cross-sectional area of the type II fibers of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of male rats during hindlimb unweighting. [Subjects] Nine 3-month-old and seven 8-month-old rats were divided into three groups each. [Methods] One group was reared under hindlimb suspension for one week, another group for two weeks and a control group under normal rearing conditions for three weeks. The cross-sectional area of 200 to 230 muscle fibers of the right EDL from each rat was measured, followed by random sampling of 15 type II fibers from each of the six groups that were used for a comparison of their mean values. In addition, 50 type II fibers were selected for a comparison of their frequency distribution patterns. [Results] Significant atrophic changes were demonstrated in EDL of the 3-month-old rats in hindlimb suspension for one week in comparison to the control group, but the 8-month-old rats showed no significant atrophic changes in any of the groups. [Conclusion] The atrophying process of the rat EDL may differ depending on its age, and this process in aged skeletal muscle fibers may be delayed for a short period of time during unweighting.