Journal of Physical Therapy Science最新文献

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the optimal knee flexion angles and contraction intensities for isometric quadriceps exercises to enhance the hemoglobin concentration in the infrapatellar fat pad. [Participants and Methods] This observational, cross-sectional study included 13 healthy young adults. Oxygenated hemoglobin in the infrapatellar fat pad was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy, and the change was calculated by subtracting the value after isometric quadriceps exercise from the value during exercise. Infrapatellar fat pad hardness was measured using shear wave elastography with ultrasonography, and the change was calculated by subtracting the value at rest from that during isometric quadriceps exercises. The changes were assessed under six combinations of knee flexion angle and isometric quadriceps exercise intensity based on maximum voluntary contraction (5°-10%, 5°-50%, 5°-70%, 30°-10%, 30°-50%, and 30°-70%), and were analyzed using a linear mixed model for angles and contraction intensities. [Results] Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration and infrapatellar fat pad hardness at 50% and 70% intensities were significantly higher at 5° knee flexion than at 30°. At 5° of knee flexion, the change in infrapatellar fat pad hardness increased significantly with exercise intensity. [Conclusion] Isometric quadriceps exercise at 5° of knee flexion significantly increased the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the infrapatellar fat pad.

[Purpose] To quantitatively assess skin mechanical properties in a case of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and examine their clinical utility. [Participant and Methods] A 69-year-old female was diagnosed with BCRL of the left upper extremity. In this case, the patient was admitted to our institute for two weeks of intensive lymphedema drainage. Complex decongestive therapy (CDT), the standard treatment for lymphedema, was administered during hospitalization. Pre-intervention and at one- and two-weeks post-intervention, circumferential diameter, motor function, and quality of life of the affected extremity were measured, along with skin mechanical properties using a skin elasticity meter. [Results] Skin mechanical properties on the affected side before intervention were inferior to those of the unaffected side. During inpatient CDT, in addition to reductions in limb circumference and improvements in motor function and quality of life, all three parameters of skin mechanical properties also improved. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that measuring skin mechanical properties using a skin elasticity meter provides a useful quantitative assessment for longitudinal evaluation in BCRL.

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify the body composition characteristics that differentiate regular and non-regular players in amateur soccer teams, thereby providing objective metrics for player selection and enhancing team performance. [Participants and Methods] A total of 147 male amateur soccer players (mean age 17.2 ± 4.9 years) were included and categorized as regular (n=68) or non-regular (n=79) players. Parameters of body composition including muscle mass and phase angle were measured using an InBody S10 analyzer. Groups were compared using unpaired t-tests and analysis of covariance adjusted for age, height, and weight. [Results] The regular players demonstrated significantly higher lean body mass, muscle mass, and phase angle. The trunk muscle mass and phase angle emerged as the key distinguishing variables. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between phase angle and player regularity. [Conclusion] Trunk muscle mass and phase angle are effective indicators of regular player status. Phase angle, in particular, showed utility in objective player evaluations. These findings support the integration of trunk muscle mass and phase angle into the selection criteria and conditioning protocols for amateur soccer teams.

[Purpose] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive and fatal respiratory disease that affects older adults. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves symptoms and quality of life but faces barriers such as limited access. Telerehabilitation, enabled by technology, offers remote, personalized care and may overcome these barriers. Although its effectiveness is well-documented, it remains unclear whether telerehabilitation is superior or inferior to face-to-face rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment outcomes. This study aimed to systematically compare telerehabilitation and face-to-face rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [Methods] We searched five databases for randomized controlled trials on telerehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from 2003 to 2024. Studies were screened by pre-defined criteria, and quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. [Results] Eighteen randomized controlled trials (3,108 patients) were included. Telerehabilitation was less effective in improving lung function (six minute walk test) but slightly better in reducing dyspnea and symptoms (modified Medical Research Council score and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test). It was less effective for quality of life but significantly better at alleviating depression and anxiety. [Conclusion] Both methods effectively alleviated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Telerehabilitation may better reduce breathing difficulties and negative emotions, offering an alternative to face-to-face rehabilitation.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to validate the heart rate of the consumer-level wearable device Fitbit Inspire 3. [Participants and Methods] Participants were 22 healthy university students (20.9 ± 0.6 years, 11 males and 11 females). They performed 5-minute resting lying, sitting, walking (3.2 km/h, 4.2 km/h, 6.0 km/h and 3.2 km/h with 3 kg backpack) and running (8.4 km/h running) on a treadmill, and stair climbing, with Fitbit- and electrocardiogram-based heart rate (Fitbit-HR and ECG-HR). The relationship between Fitbit-HR and ECG-HR was evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model. Additionally, Brandt-Altman analysis and absolute percentage error were used to examine the measurement error. [Results] Fitbit-HR was strongly associated with ECG-HR and oxygen uptake. In the Brandt-Altman analysis with Fitbit-HR and reference ECG-HR, most plots were within the limit of agreement. Fitbit-HR showed significant fixed errors, which were, on average, three beats smaller than those of ECG-HR. No significant proportional errors are observed. The mean absolute percentage error for most of the tasks was less than 10%. [Conclusion] The Fitbit Inspire 3 showed a strong correlation and clinically acceptable agreement with ECG-HR in healthy young adults, despite a small, consistent underestimation. Its validity was supported by its association with oxygen uptake.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effectiveness of psychologically informed practice (PIP) combined with progressive exposure techniques in managing fear, pain, disability, depression, and anxiety among patients with chronic low back pain. It also examined the need for customized psychological interventions for these patients. [Participants and Methods] Nineteen patients with chronic low back pain participated in this study. The experimental group (n=9) received progressive exposure-based PIP combined with physical therapy, while the control group (n=10) received only physical therapy. The primary evaluation measures were fear (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), perceived harmfulness (Photo Series of Daily Activities), pain (visual analogue scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory). Changes in these measures before and after the intervention were compared. [Results] The experimental group exhibited significant decreases in fear, pain, disability, and depression, with significant between-group differences observed for pain and depression. No significant change in anxiety was noted. [Conclusion] PIP combined with progressive exposure effectively reduced fear, pain, disability, and depression in patients with chronic low back pain, underscoring the importance of integrating psychological factors into treatment. Multidisciplinary approaches may improve long-term treatment outcomes and quality of life.

[This corrects the article on p. 667 in vol. 36 PMC11441889.].

[Purpose] To investigate differences in knee and hip muscle strength between successful and unsuccessful single leg sit to stand tests from a 20-cm-high box (SLST 20) in healthy young adults. [Participants and Methods] Sixty-six lower limbs from 33 healthy adults (20 males, 13 females; mean age 25.4 ± 3.4 years) were classified into successful and unsuccessful groups. Isokinetic strength of the knee (flexion/extension at 60°/s) and hip (flexion/extension/abduction/adduction at 30°/s) was measured. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using sex as a covariate. Stratified analyses were also performed. [Results] The successful group had significantly greater strength in knee flexion/extension, hip flexion, and hip adduction. ANCOVA revealed that knee flexion and extension were significantly associated with SLST 20 performance, whereas hip strength was not, after adjusting for sex. Among females, hip adduction strength was significantly greater in the successful group, with no significant difference observed in males. [Conclusion] Knee strength is crucial for SLST 20 performance, and hip adduction strength may be important, particularly in females. Therefore, sex-specific assessments and training strategies should be considered in clinical practice.

[Purpose] We report here a new method for measuring unilateral thoracic expansion using stretchable strain sensors. In this study, we assessed the test-retest reliability of this method and compared left and right thoracic expansions in healthy males. [Participants and Methods] Thirty healthy males (mean age, 30.1 ± 7.4 years) participated in this study. Two strain sensors were placed on the lateral walls of the thorax at xiphoid process level. Participants were asked to take three deep breaths, and the change in sensor length from the position at maximal expiration to that at maximal inspiration was recorded. These measurements were simultaneously performed on left and right sides. Unilateral thoracic expansions were calculated to assess differences between the maximal expiratory and inspiratory positions for each deep breath. The test-retest reliability of the unilateral thoracic expansion was then examined. [Results] Test reliability was excellent for both first and second datasets. Retest reliability was also excellent. The minimum detectable change (MDC) in the retest was 3.31 mm. [Conclusion] This newly developed method for measuring thoracic expansion is sufficiently reliable. No differences in thoracic expansion were observed between left and right sides in healthy males.

[Purpose] Flatfoot is a risk factor for running-related injuries. Although short foot exercise (SFE) is commonly used in the treatment of flatfoot and mainly induces the intrinsic foot muscles, it has little effect on foot kinematics. The intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles are required for maintaining the foot arch; thus, we have developed the arch raise exercise (ARE). [Participants and Methods] Ten feet of 10 participants with flatfoot and 10 feet of 10 healthy participants were included. Muscle activity was measured during ARE, SFE, and heel raise (HR). The muscle activity levels of the abductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis, abductor digiti minimis, flexor digitorum longus, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, and the lateral and medial heads of the gastrocnemius were measured. [Results] In the flatfoot group, ARE generated greater intrinsic and extrinsic muscle activity compared to those generated by the SFE; however, these effects were not significant. In the flatfoot group, the activities of the abductor hallucis and peroneus brevis were greater during the ARE than during HR. [Conclusions] ARE and SFE can generate comparable activity of the intrinsic foot muscles. Compared with SFE, ARE can generate greater activity in the extrinsic muscles.