Journal of Physical Therapy Science最新文献

[Purpose] This study investigated whether pre-season HAGOS (Japanese Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Scores) and eccentric muscle strength of the hip muscles predict in-season groin pain incidences in high school soccer players. [Participants and Methods] This study had a cohort design. The participants were male high school players under 18 years playing in the Japan Soccer League, which is an elite-level soccer league of that age category in Japan. The HAGOS and the strength of hip abductor and adductor muscles in eccentric contraction were measured before the season, and hip and groin pain incidences were recorded during the season. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors derived from the pre-season HAGOS and hip muscle strength tests, presumably pertaining to the development of in-season groin pain. [Results] The eccentric adductor muscle strength of the dominant leg and the HAGOS were selected as factors associated with groin pain during the season. [Conclusion] Low pre-season HAGOS and weak dominant-leg eccentric adductor muscle strength were suggested as factors to predict in-season groin pain occurrence in male high school soccer players.

[Purpose] Virtual reality has been increasingly used to improve the balance performance of older adults; however, the effect remains inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the effects of virtual reality on the balance performance of older adults through a systematic review and meta-analysis. [Methods] The PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PEDro electronic databases were searched. Only randomized clinical trials published in English from January 1st, 1980, to September 30, 2022, were included and reviewed. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test and Activity-specific Balance Confidence scale. [Results] The results showed that virtual reality training for older adults led to significant improvements in Berg Balance Scale scores and Timed Up and Go Test times compared with non-virtual reality training. However, such an outcome was not observed with regard to the Activity-specific Balance Confidence scale. [Conclusion] Virtual reality training is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance among older adults. However, its effect on their self-confidence regarding balance is not significant.

[Purpose] We investigated the utility of wearable inertial and magnetic sensing modules for analyzing neck and trunk movements during the rolling over movement. [Participants and Methods] The participants were instructed to roll over from the supine to the side-lying position with three sensor units attached to their forehead, xiphoid process of the sternum, and abdomen. Experiments were conducted on two prescribed patterns: one emphasizing hip joint flexion and adduction, and the other focusing on scapular protraction and horizontal shoulder joint adduction in two healthy participants (one male and one female). The flexion and rotation angles of the neck and trunk were calculated using conventional spreadsheet software with data obtained from the sensors. The obtained values were compared for agreement with those derived from a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis device. [Results] The cross-correlation coefficient for the flexion and rotation angles of the neck and trunk between the two measurement methods was approximately 0.85, and the root mean square (RMS) angle difference was approximately 5.0°. [Conclusion] Wearable inertial and magnetic sensors can be used to quantitatively evaluate neck and trunk movements during the rolling over movement.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effect of the location of electrode attachment in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain relief in patients with lumbar vertebral body fractures. [Participants and Methods] This study included 59 patients with lumbar vertebral body fractures, who were randomly assigned to receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the lumbar region, lower limbs, or upper limbs, or no treatment, over a 4-week period. Pain, activities of daily living, and pain catastrophizing were assessed. [Results] Compared with the control group, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the lumbar region or lower limbs significantly reduced pain levels in the first 2 weeks. Although, activities of daily living and pain catastrophizing improved over time, no significant differences were observed between the groups. [Conclusion] Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation provides pain relief to patients during the early stages of lumbar vertebral body fractures. However, it had no effect on the activities of daily living, pain catastrophizing, or long-term pain-relief. For lumbar vertebral body fracture pain relief, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation electrodes should be attached to the lumbar region or lower limbs.

[Purpose] To determine the intra-rater and inter-devices reliability of isometric knee-extensor muscle-strength-measurement. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 77 university students (50 males; 27 females) who underwent isometric knee-extension muscle-strength measurement twice with a belt-stabilized handheld dynamometer and isokinetic dynamometer. The intra-rater and inter-devices reliability was ascertained from measurements that were performed with the participant seated on the edge of the bed, the toes of the contralateral nonexamined side off the floor, and the trunk supported by the upper limb. [Results] In the overall, male, and female cohorts, the 95% confidence intervals of intra-rater reliabilities (1,1) in the belt-stabilized handheld and isokinetic dynamometers were 0.96-0.98, 0.92-0.97, and 0.81-0.96, 0.82-0.92, 0.73-0.90, and 0.78-0.95, respectively, and the inter-device 95% confidence intervals were 0.52-0.77, 0.28-0.69, and -0.03 to 0.63, respectively. Compared to the belt-stabilized handheld dynamometer group, the isokinetic dynamometer group had higher knee-extension muscle strength. [Conclusion] The intra-rater reliability was rated good-to-excellent and moderate-to-excellent for the belt-stabilized handheld and isokinetic dynamometers, respectively. The inter-devices reliability was poor, and isometric knee-extension muscle strength in the isokinetic dynamometer group was higher than that in the belt-stabilized handheld dynamometer group.

[Purpose] The present study investigated whether (1) "standing up while bowing" is effective for promoting the sit-to-stand (STS) motion and (2) whether this coaching promotes internal focus. [Participants and Methods] The participants included 17 healthy adults who performed the 30-s chair stand test with two sets of verbal instructions. The verbal instructions were as follows: "Please stand up as many times as possible for 30 s" (control condition) and "Please stand up while bowing as many times as possible for 30 s" (bowing condition). The participants performed the tests successively under the two conditions. In the 30-s chair stand test, a three-axis accelerometer was attached to the participants and the sagittal STS motion was filmed using a video camera. After the 30-s chair stand test, we used the modified Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale (MSRS) to evaluate attentional focus. Differences in the measurements were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test or paired t-test for each condition. [Results] Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the CS-30 count, time from sitting to standing, time from sitting to lift-off, time from lift-off to standing, and the trunk tilt angle on lift-off. Regarding the questionnaire, Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the MSRS and "conscious motor processing". [Conclusion] These results suggest that "standing up while bowing" has limited effectiveness in promoting the STS motion because the coaching promotes internal focus.

[Purpose] When fabricating metal strut ankle-foot orthoses, previous studies have reported that shape acquisition is more efficient with a plastic cast than with a plaster of Paris bandage; however, this has not been quantitatively evaluated. This study aimed to clarify the usefulness of plastic casts by quantitatively evaluating the time spent and body shape accuracy among different methods of shape acquisition. [Participants and Methods] We compared the time spent and acquired shapes among the plaster of Paris bandage, plastic cast, and trace methods in 30 limbs of 15 healthy participants. Three-dimensional scans of the lower legs of participants were used as references to compare the three methods. [Results] The plastic cast method required less time than the plaster of Paris bandage method and provided a more accurate shape than the trace method did. However, the plastic cast method resulted in an increased overall width and circumferential diameter owing to the thickness of the stockinette and plastic cast. [Conclusion] The plastic cast method may be useful in reducing the time and burden of fabricating metal strut ankle-foot orthoses. The use of slightly narrow dimensions during the metal strut bending process can account for the increased width and diameter.

[Purpose] Owing to rapid population aging, prevention of frailty in older adults and minimizing the burden on the long-term care insurance system are priorities for the Japanese government. However, limited data are available regarding the prevalence and characteristics of frailty among older adults requiring support in Japan. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of frailty in older adults requiring support in Japan. [Participants and Methods] The study included 695 new users of preventive long-term care services certified as "requiring support" between 2011 and 2019. In this cross-sectional investigation, we used data obtained from a community comprehensive support center. Frailty prevalence was assessed using the Kihon Checklist, followed by a χ² test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the characteristics (basic information and service type) associated with frailty. [Results] A significantly large percentage of robust/pre-frail participants (72.7%) belonged to urban areas, although we observed no significant difference in robust participants with regard to residence. Furthermore, we observed significant intergroup differences in age and orthopedic conditions. [Conclusion] It is important to encourage older adults to access the long-term care insurance system and seek support at an early stage.

[Purpose] Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by decreased transmitter secretion from neuromuscular junctions and nerve terminals. Such cases require physical therapy for independently performing daily activities; however, care must be taken to avoid overwork weakness. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise-based physical therapy in patients with LEMS. [Participants and Methods] We report a case of LEMS with decreased muscle endurance due to inactivity. The participant was subjected to physical therapy with an exercise modality-improved muscle endurance with low-intensity repetitions, while monitoring subjective exercise intensity over time. [Results] The participant achieved independence activities of daily living without developing overwork weakness. [Conclusion] Appropriate physical therapy is an important aspect in treating LEMS.

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of expiratory muscle training on fatigue in individual respiratory muscles. [Participants and Methods] Healthy adult males (n=31) were randomly assigned to two groups: expiratory muscle training (n=15) and normal controls (n=16). In the expiratory muscle training group, training was performed once for 15 min at 50% load of the maximum expiratory mouth pressure twice daily for 4 weeks. Respiratory muscle fatigue indicators were measured using surface electromyography as the median power frequency of each respiratory muscle at the time of measuring the maximum inspiratory mouth pressure during 20 min of inspiratory muscle loading and maximum expiratory mouth pressure. [Results] In the expiratory muscle training group, the median power frequency values of the sternocleidomastoid, rectus abdominis, and internal oblique/external oblique before expiratory muscle training significantly decreased during inspiratory muscle loading. However, no difference was observed in the median power frequency values measured before and during inspiratory muscle loading after the expiratory muscle training. In the normal controls, the median power frequency values of the sternocleidomastoid and rectus abdominis significantly decreased during inspiratory muscle loading. [Conclusion] Expiratory muscle training increased fatigue tolerance of the sternocleidomastoid, rectus abdominis, and internal and external oblique muscles in healthy individuals.