[Purpose] This study evaluated a novel virtual 3D anatomy training system. [Subjects and Methods] Evaluation of this innovative pedagogical tool was performed by administering a questionnaire to 100 secondyear physical therapy students after using the training system to study anatomy. The questionnaire asked students to provide responses concerning anatomy practice, learning, and potential aversions to anatomy. Statistical comparisons of the data were carried out using the chi-squared test.[Results] The 3D anatomy training system raised students' interest in and motivation to study anatomy. The number of students who performed poorly in assessments for the anatomy module after being trained to use the virtual system was significantly smaller than that of the previous year when this training was not available. [Conclusion] This virtual anatomy training system has the potential to be a powerful tool in the teaching of anatomy to paramedical students.

The present study investigated the rejuvenation of physical function in terms of walking speed and grip strength. Specifically, it examined the rejuvenation of physical functions in community-dwelling older individuals between 2006 and 2019. The study is novel, because it analyzes this by focusing on gait balance. Methods: Data were collected from 339 participants (52 men, 287 women) in 2006, and 382 participants (83 men, 299 women) in 2019. They were categorized according to age: early-stage and late-stage groups for men, and early-stage, late-stage and latest-stage groups for women. These groups were analyzed by participants' walking speed, grip strength, Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach test and One-Leg Standing test. The results were compared based on two factors: time (2006 to 2019) and age group. Results:The scores for the Timed Up and Go and One-Leg Standing tests were better in 2019 than in 2006 for all age groups in both older men and women. However, improvement in walking speed was observed only in women. Additionally, the decline in physical function with age was slower for walking speed among men, and Functional Reach and One-Leg Standing tests among women. Conclusions:The changes over this 13-year period showed that the physical function of community-dwelling older individuals was rejuvenated in terms of improved standing and walking balance. These rejuvenations will aid in preventing falls among community-dwelling older individuals.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the physical and mental functions in older adults, resulting in “corona-frailty”. This 2-year prospective study characterized changes in quantitative measures and corona-frailty among a cohort of community-dwelling older women. Changes were evaluated using face-to-face interactions with 39 Japanese women (mean age: 76.1 ± 5.9) in 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline) and 2021 (follow-up during the pandemic). Quantitative measurements of handgrip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, body composition, and background factors were evaluated. Body weight and trunk muscle mass significantly decreased at follow-up. Multiple regression analysis, using change in trunk muscle mass as the dependent variable and background factors as independent variables, identified that decrease in trunk muscle mass was associated with “being robust at baseline” and answering “Yes” to the question of “Do you go out less frequently compared with last year”? The 2-year trunk muscle mass change for each baseline frailty stage showed a significant decrease only in the robust group (−8.0%). The decrease in trunk muscle mass might be related to pandemic-induced lifestyle restraint, suggesting that robust older adults who are healthy and active should take measures that focus on trunk muscles to avoid “corona-frailty”.

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Bone union in Jones fracture is difficult to attain. Thus, we aimed to clarify the longitudinal changes in body composition and circumference of the lower extremities from injury to return to training. [Participants and Methods] The subject was a 20-year-old male futsal player. He fell during a practice game of futsal and had a fracture injury. He underwent physical therapy exercise after a 7-week non-weight bearing period (NWBP) and returned to training. [Results] His body weight and whole muscle mass decreased during the NWBP after the operation. Although the muscle proportion of the right lower extremity declined and that of the other side showed an opposite trend, no left-right difference was found in the circumference of the lower extremities. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that changes in the circumferences of the lower extremities are less likely to occur during NWBP. However, with regard to body composition, a decreased muscle ratio was observed in this study.