[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy, speed and subjective
ease of imitation of movement using three different imitation models. [Subjects]
Thirty-four right-handed healthy males participated in this study. [Methods] The imitation
task chosen for this study was an asymmetric combined motion of the upper and lower limbs.
Three kinds of imitation models were displayed on a screen as follows: a) third person
perspective mirror imitation (3PM), b) third person perspective anatomical imitation
(3PA), and c) first person perspective ipsilateral imitation (1PI). Subjects were
instructed to imitate the movement shown on a screen as quickly and as accurately as
possible. They executed four sets of the movement with each set consisting of one trial of
each of the three imitation models. [Results] 3PM was the most accurate, and 1PI was the
fastest in speed and subjective ease of imitation, compared with the other two imitation
models. [Conclusion] These results suggest that 1PI and 3PM, which do not require mental
rotation of the movement task as required by 3PA, should be considered more suitable
imitation models for teaching healthy subjects how to move.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the availability, usage, and factors
affecting usage of electrophysical agents by physical therapists in Nagano Prefecture,
Japan. [Subjects and Methods] Questionnaires were sent to all 1,571 physical therapists
working in 245 institutions within Nagano Prefecture. A total of 1,110 questionnaires were
returned, out of which 1,099 (70%) questionnaires containing valid responses were
analyzed. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for 22 modalities with regards to
availability, usage, rate of usage, and confidence level in usage. Factors affecting usage
and the relationship between rate of usage and confidence level (Spearman’s rho) were also
determined. [Results] The top three responses for the various outcome measures were as
follows: (1) hot packs (88%), low frequency stimulators (76%), and ultrasound (68%) for
availability; (2) hot packs (72%), ultrasound (61%), and cold packs (59%) for usage; (3)
hot packs (75%), cold spray (49%), and ultrasound (44%) for confidence in usage; and (4)
equipment availability (80%), past experience (79%), and research evidence (78%) for
factors affecting usage. There was a significant positive relationship between confidence
and usage for all modalities, except for ultraviolet radiation, iontophoresis, and
magnetic field. [Conclusion] Usage was strongly correlated with confidence, with the top
three used modalities also being the ones with the highest confidence in usage.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to quantify the resistance to passive movement by
measuring changes in muscle-tendon length and joint range of motion (ROM), before and
after applying a standardized 5-kilogram tension force, and to correlate and compare these
changes to muscle tone. [Subjects and Methods] Children with cerebral palsy (n=29) and
typically developed children (n=12) participated in this observational study. The modified
Ashworth scale (MAS) was used to assess tone in the right plantarflexor muscle. An
ultrasound-imaging device was used to measure Δmuscle-tendon length in the right medial
gastrocnemius muscle, and a goniometer was used to measure right ankle ΔROM. [Results]
Compared with the MAS, the results showed that ΔROM had the highest construct validity
(convergent and discriminant) followed by Δmuscle-tendon unit length. Therefore, these
parameters may be better alternatives to the MAS for the quantitative assessment of
resistance to passive movement in patients with increased tone. [Conclusion] This study
demonstrated that measuring the change in the passive properties of the muscle-tendon
unit, as well as the corresponding change in ROM, might provide better options for
assessing resistance to passive movement or muscle tone.
The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between range of motion/muscle strength of the spine and lower limbs with 1) radiographic sagittal alignment and 2) quality of life of participants with spinal deformities to adequately target the appropriate factors for effective treatment. [Participants and Methods] This study used an observational cross-sectional correlational design. Participants with spinal deformities and low back pain were recruited for the study. The dependent variables were range of motion/muscle strength of the spine and lower limbs, sagittal alignment, and quality of life. [Results] Regarding alignment, significant correlations were found between hip extension range of motion and sagittal vertebral axis; between occiput-to-wall distance and thoracolumbar kyphosis; and between back extensor endurance and pelvic tilt and pelvic incidencelumbar lordosis mismatch, also known as the calculated (pelvic incidence) minus (lumbar lordosis) value. With regards to quality of life, significant correlations were found between pain-related disorders and lumbar spine range of motion, and between gait disturbance and knee and hip extension ranges of motion. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that these factors should be targeted for assessment and treatment of adults with spinal deformities.
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