[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride time in an exercise intervention for the elderly without falling history. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 42 elderly women who had participated in a care prevention program for 12 weeks. Stride time CV, motor function, movement ability, balance, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) score, and Life-space Assessment (LSA) score before and after the intervention were examined for significant differences using the paired t-test. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that changed in the stride time CV. [Results] There were significant differences in muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time (eyes open), the maximum walking speed, local stability of trunk acceleration, The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG-T), the MFES score, and the LSA score between the pre-intervention and post-intervention. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that improvement of quadriceps muscle strength, sit-and-reach flexibility, the one-leg standing time, TUG-T, local stability of trunk acceleration (vertical direction) and MFES score were independent variables explaining the reduction in stride time CV. [Conclusion] The results was suggested that it might be possible to reduce the stride time CV by improving strength, flexibility and dynamic balance, and reducing fear of falls through interventions.
The relative attention demanded by standing and walking at five velocities on a treadmill were examined by the measurement of probe reaction time (probe-RT). Subjects were 13 healthy men, who were from 21 to 42 years of age (M = 28.3 yr., SD = 7.4). The mean RT value was shortest at the velocity of 4 km/hr. and became longer at treadmill walking speeds above and below 4 km/hr. The mean preferred velocity of subjects obtained from 10-m free walking was 4.85 km/hr. (3.1 to 6.2 km/hr.), which is reasonably close to the optimal velocity of 4.0 km/hr. during treadmill walking. Walking at the optimum velocity calls for extremely low demands for attention, and walking at velocities higher or lower than this requires more attention.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to elucidate the difference in hip external and internal rotation ranges of motion (ROM) between the prone and sitting positions. [Subjects] The subjects included 151 students. [Methods] Hip rotational ROM was measured with the subjects in the prone and sitting positions. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze ipsilateral hip rotation ROM in the prone and sitting positions in males and females. The total ipsilateral hip rotation ROM was calculated by adding the measured values for external and internal rotations. [Results] Ipsilateral hip rotation ROM revealed significant differences between two positions for both left and right internal and external rotations. Hip rotation ROM was significantly higher in the prone position than in the sitting position. Hip rotation ROM significantly differed between the men and women. Hip external rotation ROM was significantly higher in both positions in men; conversely, hip internal rotation ROM was significantly higher in both positions in women. [Conclusion] Hip rotation ROM significantly differed between the sexes and between the sitting and prone positions. Total ipsilateral hip rotation ROM, total angle of external rotation, and total angle of internal rotation of the left and right hips greatly varied, suggesting that hip joint rotational ROM is widely distributed.
Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify which manual therapy technique was effective against muscle tenderness and stiffness of myofascial pain syndrome and then, based on the result, to determine the cause of myofascial pain syndrome.[Subjects] The subjects were 23 men and 67 women who had an average age of 65.5 ± 19.0 years. All subjects had normal results in imaging and neurological examinations but complained of chronic pain along with muscle tenderness and stiffness.[Methods] Using a muscle hardness meter, the muscle hardness of the tender, stiff muscles was measured before, immediately after, and 1 week after manual therapy. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the therapy given myotherapy/massage, to provide direct stimulus to the muscle, or joint facilitation/joint mobilization, to improve functional joint disorders. Statistical analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were performed.[Results] A significant difference in muscle hardness was seen between pre-treatment and post-treatment. A significant difference in muscle hardness was seen between before and 1 week after manual therapy, but not between post-treatment and 1 week after. A significant difference was seen between the direct stimulus to muscle technique and the functional joint disorder technique. Post-treatment muscle hardness decreased more with direct muscle stimulus than with the functional joint disorder technique, and muscle stiffness was decreased even 1 week after treatment.[Conclusion] Manual therapy for muscle tenderness and stiffness of myofascial pain syndrome was effective at reducing muscle stiffness. Moreover, techniques that provide direct stimulus to the muscle are better at reducing voluntary muscle stiffness than techniques that improve functional joint disorders.
The purposes of this study were to examine the roles of toe in dynamic postural control during horizontal and vertical movements, and to elucidate the relationship between dynamic postural control and toe grasp power in healthy young subjects. Three kinds of non-weight bearing insoles, that without weight on a great toe, that without weight on the second to fifth toes, and that without weight on all toes, and an insole of weight bearing were prepared. Center of foot pressure was measured during forward functional reach, and body sway was measured during crouching and standing motions as an index of dynamic postural control during vertical movement. Both in horizontal and vertical movements, a great toe exerted the function of supporting the shifted center of gravity, and the second to fifth toes had the function of re-centering the shifted center of gravity. These suggest a possible role of a great toe and the second to fifth toes in dynamic postural control during horizontal and vertical movements. Toe grasp power of a great toe and the second to fifth toes were measured separately by the hand-held dynamometer improved for toes. Analysis of the relationship between dynamic postural control and toe grasp power suggests that toe grasp power may reduce the body sway area. It is also suggested that toe grasp power may have an effect on dynamic postural control during vertical movement, and that strengthening of the toe grasp power may potentially decrease the risk of falling.
The relative attention demanded by standing and walking at five velocities on a treadmill were examined by the measurement of probe reaction time (probe-RT). Subjects were 13 healthy men, who were from 21 to 42 years of age (M = 28.3 yr., SD = 7.4). The mean RT value was shortest at the velocity of 4 km/hr. and became longer at treadmill walking speeds above and below 4 km/hr. The mean preferred velocity of subjects obtained from 10-m free walking was 4.85 km/hr. (3.1 to 6.2 km/hr.), which is reasonably close to the optimal velocity of 4.0 km/hr. during treadmill walking. Walking at the optimum velocity calls for extremely low demands for attention, and walking at velocities higher or lower than this requires more attention.
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