[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the limb position at which the maximum toe-grip strength could be exerted as well as measurement reproducibility. [Subjects] Twenty healthy young women were selected. [Methods] We measured toe-grip strength under three conditions: 90° hip and knee flexion while sitting, 90° hip flexion and knee extension while sitting, and a standing position. [Results] We found that toe-grip strength was significantly lower in the 90° hip flexion and knee extension sitting position than in the 90° hip and knee flexion sitting position and standing position. Moreover, the 90° hip and knee flexion sitting position produced the best intraclass correlation coefficient (r = 0.813). [Conclusion] The results suggest that 90° hip and knee flexion while sitting is the most suitable limb position for measuring toe-grip strength, as this position allows maximum strength to be exerted and allows measurements to be repeated.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of guidance in home exercise on physical function and the amount of activity in home care patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). [Subjects and Methods] A 2-month home exercise intervention consisting of self-administered exercise by patients (self-exercise) and home visit exercise therapy guided by a physical therapist (home visit exercise) was conducted in 10 home care patients with PD to compare changes in physical function, activities of daily living, and postural status between before and after the intervention. [Results] A decreased number of chief complaints and alleviation of fear of falling were observed after the intervention. In terms of physical function, a significant increase in flexibility and muscle strength were observed, although no significant changes were found in activities of daily living, gait, and balance. Although there was no significant change in the total amount of daily physical activity, the analysis of daily posture changes revealed a significant reduction in the percentage of time spent lying down and a significant increase in the percentage of time spent sitting after the intervention. [Conclusion] Guidance in home exercise in home care patients with PD can be effective in making self-exercise a habit, improving range of motion and muscle strength, and reducing the time spent in a supine position.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the activities of the muscles around the ankle joint during foot gripping. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 17 healthy females. [Methods] We measured the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) activities of the soleus muscle, the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, and the tibialis anterior muscle, and calculated %IEMG during foot gripping in 3 different ankle joint positions: 10° of plantar flexion, 0°, and 10° of dorsiflexion. [Results] The maximal force of foot gripping achived by the crural muscles in any ankle position was 30–50% IMEG of the MVC. Repeated analysis of variance showed that the %IEMG was significantly lower in 10°of dorsiflexion than in the other 2 positions for all muscles. [Conclusion] These results suggested that the crural muscles help the ankle joint by co-contracting during foot gripping.

[Purposes] To investigate angular changes in the ankle joint and leg muscle activities during toe-gripping, and to examine the relationship between these changes and toe-gripping strength. [Subjects] Eleven healthy young women were selected. [Methods] We measured the toe-gripping strength, angular changes in the ankle joint, and leg muscle activities of all patients during toe-gripping. [Results] The mean change in the ankle angle in dorsiflexion from a neutral position was 3°, and a positive correlation was observed between this angle and toe-gripping strength (r = 0.61). Thus, toe-gripping strength increased with the angle of dorsiflexion. Regarding the leg muscle activities, activities of the tibialis anterior muscle and medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle demonstrated positive correlations with toe-gripping strength (r = 0.75 and r = 0.72, respectively). [Conclusion] These findings suggest that the ankle dorsiflexes in order to exert great toe-gripping strength, and the crural muscles contract simultaneously because of ankle fixation.

Abstract.[Purpose] The present study aimed to quantitatively evaluate and characterize the physical activities of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) receiving nursing care at home, as well as to clarify the factors that affect the amount of physical activity and the ability of people with PD to perform activities.[Subjects] Nine PD patients participated in this study.[Methods] The physical activities of subjects were measured over a 24-h period using an accelerometer and an activity meter simultaneously.[Results] The average total impulse value of PD patients was approximately equal to that of elderly people, and was lower than that of young adults reported in other studies. Over the 24-h study period, PD patients spent 43.6% of the time in a sitting position. Patients with milder PD were more physically active, had higher activities of daily living, had better balance ability in a standing position, were able to stand for longer periods, and showed more frequent posture changes; however, their frequency of falls tended to increase. [Conclusion] To increase physical activities and prevent falls among home-bound PD patients, it is important to practice standing balance and walking exercises.