We investigated the antioxidant activities of two methylated theaflavins, theaflavin 3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (TF3MeG) and theaflavin 3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate 3 -O-gallate (TF3MeG3 G), which were prepared from epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate(EGCG3 Me) in the presence of burdock root-polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Formation of the methylated theaflavins was maximum at 30∼60 min of enzymatic reaction time, and decreased thereafter. The results suggest that the formation rate of methylated theaflavins in tea leaves can be increased by adjusting the PPO reaction during the fermentation process. The radical scavenging activities of TF3MeG and TF3MeG3 G were lower than those of the corresponding non-methylated theaflavins for peroxyl or DPPH radicals. However, the activity of TF3MeG3 G was much higher than that of the starting material (EGCG3 Me). The lipid solubility, estimated by 1-octanol /water partition coefficient, was in the order of TF3MeG3 G>TF33 diG≥TF3 G≥TF3MeG >TF3G≥TF. The lipid solubility of TF3MeG3 G was much higher than those of the other theaflavins and catechins.

This study aimed to measure the thickness of the muscles located on the ventral side of the hip joint and to identify the muscles involved in exercise against the load that results in femoral head translation in the ventral direction, which can be used as an index of exercise performance for the prevention and improvement of hip joint disease caused by femoral head translation. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 10 healthy young males. During the measurement task, we asked them to hold a 10 kgf load in the ventral direction to the femoral head in the supine position. We measured the thickness of the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, tensor fascia latae, and iliopsoas both at rest and during exercise using ultrasonography. [Results] We compared muscle thicknesses at rest and during exercise and found that only the gluteus minimus had significantly lower values during exercise. We also compared the rate of change in muscle thickness and found that the gluteus minimus exhibited significantly higher values than those of the gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae. [Conclusion] Our study indicates that the gluteus minimus is more involved than the gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, and iliopsoas in the exercise for the ventral displacement of the femoral head.

To investigate the intra-and inter-rater reliabilities of measurements of the iliopsoas thickness, and the change in iliopsoas thickness due to hip flexion. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 13 healthy young males. Iliopsoas thickness was measured in hip flexion of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 degrees at the center of the groin area using sonography. The intra-and inter-rater reliabilities of measurements of iliopsoas thickness were calculated, and the iliopsoas thickness was compared among the hip flexion positions. [Results] When hip joint flexion was 45˚ or less, both the intra-and inter-rater reliabilities of measurements of the iliopsoas thickness were high. Systematic bias was not found at any of the hip flexion angles. The iliopsoas thickness increased with hip flexion. [Conclusion] Highly reproducible data can be obtained by measuring iliopsoas thickness at hip flexion of 45˚ or less. However, as the thickness of the iliopsoas thickness changes with hip flexion, making it necessary to consider the hip flexion angle when measuring it.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among the changes in iliopsoas muscle thickness, hip angle, and lower limb joint moment during squatting in different pelvic positions to help in performing hip-dominant squatting exercises. [Participants and Methods] The participants were seven healthy adult males. The measurement task consisted of squatting with 60 degrees of knee flexion in three positions: the anterior, neutral, and posterior pelvic tilt positions. The iliopsoas muscle thickness was measured in the center of the inguinal region using ultrasonography. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to measure the joint angles and joint moments. [Results] There were no significant differences in pelvic angles between the pelvic positions. The hip angle differences were significantly higher in the anterior and neutral pelvic tilt positions compared to those in the posterior tilt position. Only the anterior pelvic tilt position had a significantly positive correlation with iliopsoas muscle thickness and hip angle differences. [Conclusion] Squatting in the neutral or posterior pelvic tilt position was not associated with hip angle and iliopsoas muscle thickness changes, whereas squatting in an anterior pelvic tilt position was associated with changes in the iliopsoas muscle thickness and hip flexion angle. Our findings suggest that activation of the iliopsoas muscle might be necessary to promote hip-dominant squatting.