Journal of Physical Therapy Science最新文献

[Purpose] To identify kinematic indices by performing acceleration/deceleration adjustment tasks and clarify the mechanism of walking speed adjustment. [Participants and Methods] Healthy adults with no history of orthopedic or central nervous system disease that could interfere with walking were included. Kinematic data with changes in walking speed were analyzed using a three-axis accelerometer, foot switches, and OptoJump Next. Two adjustment task experiments were conducted at different speeds: acceleration (Experiment 1) and deceleration (Experiment 2). The walking task constituted two conditions: walking at a comfortable speed and then shifting to the minimum speed as quickly as possible on a cue (minimum condition), and walking at a comfortable speed and then shifting to the intermediate speed as quickly as possible on a cue (intermediate condition). [Results] In Experiment 1, the step time and center-of-gravity acceleration in the front-back and left-right directions increased under the maximum condition for a longer period of time. In Experiment 2, the step length decreased earlier under the minimum condition; however, step time increased under the intermediate condition. [Conclusion] Kinematic control differs with adjustment to various target speeds. This study suggests that walking at a gait speed appropriate for a specific movement and environment can be improved through rehabilitation.

[Purpose] This case study explored the potential of Spontaneous Movement Therapy (SMT)-an active-modified form of Vojta therapy-in improving spinal alignment parameters in a young adult with a history of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). [Participant and Methods] A 21-year-old female with a prior diagnosis of AIS was assessed using full-spine radiographs, which revealed thoracic dextroscoliosis (35.6°) and lumbar levoscoliosis (28.8°). She reported no spinal pain or leg length discrepancy. The patient subsequently underwent an 8-week SMT intervention targeting both coronal and sagittal spinal alignment. [Results] Following the SMT intervention, the thoracic Cobb angle decreased by 4.6° (from 35.6° to 31°), and the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) decreased by 4.0° in the thoracic spine and 3.33° in the lumbar spine. The lumbar Cobb angle remained largely unchanged (28.8° to 29.1°). Although the Cobb angle and ATR were reduced, these changes did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). [Conclusion] Although this case report presents promising preliminary observations, the reductions in spinal curvature parameters did not exceed the MCID, suggesting the need for cautious interpretation. Further studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are warranted to validate the clinical effectiveness of SMT in AIS management.

[Purpose] We examined the relationships between learning motivation, study time, and regular test scores of first-year, first-semester students. [Participants and Methods] This study included 78 first-year students undergoing physiotherapy training at a four-year college. Research participants were given an online questionnaire after being informed that information was sought on their current learning motivation and study time. We used the students' grade point average (GPA) calculated from their first semester's specialized basic courses as a surrogate for their regular test scores. [Results] Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between all subscales of learning motivation. Introjected and Intrinsic Regulations were identified as subscales of learning motivation that impact students' study time and regular test scores, respectively. [Conclusion] Teachers need to be aware of relationships that can enhance students' learning motivation.

[Purpose] In this study, we aimed to evaluate marking errors made by candidates who took trial National Physical Therapy Examination and examine their association with the national examination results. [Participants and Methods] We analyzed transcripts and mark sheets of 76 students who took three trial examinations conducted by Company M in the Department of Physical Therapy at International University of Health and Welfare. After each trial, the students submitted their marked answers using Google Forms. The total trial examination scores, the number of marking errors, and the number of incorrect answers were analyzed. Students were categorized into two groups: those who made no marking error in all three trials and those who made one or more marking errors. The total, practical question, and general question scores of the national examination were compared between the two groups. [Results] Some students made marking errors during the trial examinations, with the number of errors increasing over the three successive trial examinations. Furthermore, in the national examination, students who made no marking error in the trials scored significantly higher on practical questions than those who made errors. [Conclusion] The study findings highlight the importance of providing guidance to prevent marking errors during the national examination.

[Purpose] We characterized the range of rotational motion around the three most used positions in elderly adults and developed an objective index for shoulder joint evaluation. [Participants and Methods] We investigated the range of rotational motion in the first, second, third, and transitional positions in 60 healthy young adults (60 shoulders) and 30 elderly adults (30 shoulders). We also examined changes in rotational range with variations in limb position. [Results] In older adults, the internal rotation range of motion was significantly lower at 30° abduction, 60° abduction, second position, 30° horizontal flexion, and third position. External rotational range of motion in elderly adults was also significantly lower in the first, second, 30° horizontal flexion, 60° horizontal flexion, third, 60° flexion, and 30° flexion positions. [Conclusion] The findings of this study provide objective measures of changes in rotational range of motion associated with different limb positions that may serve as an index for understanding age-related changes in shoulder mobility over time.

[Purpose] To prospectively examine the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and proximal and distal arm muscle strength on the unaffected side in patients with sub-acute stroke during rehabilitation. [Participants and Methods] Twenty patients with hemiplegic stroke admitted to a post-acute rehabilitation unit were included. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), shoulder flexion strength (index of the proximal portion), and handgrip strength (index of the distal portion) were measured bilaterally on admission and at one month and two months post-admission. [Results] MIP and MEP were significantly increased two months post-admission, particularly MEP. Bilateral arm muscle strength significantly increased in the proximal and distal portions during intensive rehabilitation. On the unaffected side, the strength of the proximal portion was lower than that of the distal portion. Positive correlations were observed between MIP and MEP, and arm muscle strength on the unaffected side, at each time point. Notably, the correlation coefficient tended to be higher with MEP than with MIP. [Conclusion] MIP and MEP correlated with arm muscle strength on the unaffected side during sub-acute rehabilitation.

[Purpose] We report the case of an 81-year-old woman with a femoral neck fracture whose gait function improved with in-hospital physical therapy prior to surgery. [Participants and Methods] The patient's planned bipolar hip arthroplasty was postponed due to suspected metal allergy, and she commenced rehabilitation on hospital day 4. [Results] On day 7, the patient stood and was transferred with assistance. Subsequently, owing to pain, she only left her bed during rehabilitation. On day 10, the fracture was externally fixed using a soft-conforming lumbar immobilization orthosis, which relieved the pain. The patient was allowed to stand and was transferred under supervision. On day 22, surgery was scheduled after obtaining a negative metal patch test result. On day 23, the patient was able to walk 25 m using a walker. Bipolar hip arthroplasty was performed on day 28. On day 30, she walked 10 m using a walker with light assistance. On day 52, the patient walked independently using a cane. The patient was discharged on day 63. [Conclusion] External lumbar immobilization bandages effectively reduced motion-related fracture pain. The high frequency of rehabilitation while waiting for surgery effectively prevented perioperative complications and promoted early postoperative walking recovery.

[This corrects the article on p. 274 in vol. 37 PMC12153240.].

[Purpose] To test the effect of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) inhibitor, YC-1, on the upregulation of HIF-1α that leads to immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis underlying muscle contracture. [Materials and Methods] Rats were divided into control, immobilization (immobilization only), and YC-1 (immobilization and YC-1 injection) groups. The soleus muscles were the specimens. [Results] The HIF-1α protein expression in the control, immobilization, and YC-1 groups was 0.26 ± 0.11, 0.94 ± 0.28, and 0.66 ± 0.15, respectively. The expression of HIF-1α protein in the immobilization and YC-1 groups was significantly higher than in the control group and it was lower in the YC-1 group than in the immobilization group. There were strong positive correlations between HIF-1α protein expression and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 mRNA expression, TGF-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) mRNA expressions, and between α-SMA mRNA expression and hydroxyproline content. A strong negative correlation was found between hydroxyproline content and range of motion on dorsiflexion at four-weeks. [Conclusion] Inhibition of HIF-1α may contribute to suppressing the overexpression of fibrosis-related molecules triggered by upregulation of HIF-1α, which may mitigate immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis related to muscle contracture.

[Purpose] We previously reported that a combination of stepping and functional electrical stimulation on a dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement improved walking speed in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a single bilateral lower limb exercise session using a dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement without functional electrical stimulation on walking speed in patients with chronic stroke. [Participants and Methods] Ten patients with chronic stroke who were capable of walking independently (73 ± 44 months post stroke onset) were included. The participants performed passive lower extremity walking for 10 minutes in a standing position on the dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement. The effects of the intervention on walking speed, cadence, and Modified Ashworth Scale score for the quadriceps muscle on the paralyzed side were assessed using the 10-meter walking test. [Results] The 10-minute intervention significantly increased the walking speed (baseline: 0.49 ± 0.17 m/sec, after: 0.56 ± 0.23 m/sec) and cadence (baseline: 96 ± 22 steps/min, after: 99 ± 24 steps/min); however, it had no effect on the Modified Ashworth Scale score for the paralyzed quadriceps muscle. [Conclusion] This study highlights the potential of the dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement without functional electrical stimulation in rehabilitation therapy for patients with chronic stroke.