The aims of this study were to analyze 1) whether there was the relationship between the neonatal behavioral characteristics and amount of crying in premature infants at term age, and 2) what kind of difference between infants with high levels of crying and cry less on neonatal behavioral characteristics using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). The study participants consisted of 69 healthy low birth-weight infants who were admitted to the NICU at the Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan. This study analyzed the relationship between NBAS scores measured neonatal behavioral performance and crying at term age. This study results indicate that there was significant statistical negative correlation between the amount of total daily crying and Habituation, Range of state, Regulation of state, and Autonomic stability cluster scores and some individual items scores (Response decrement to light, Response decrement to tactile of foot, Alert responsiveness, Examiner persistence, Motor maturity, Irritability, General irritability, Cuddliness, Consolability, Self-quieting activity, and State regulation). The high levels crying group also showed higher responsivity than less crying group in the items of Peak of excitement, Rapidity of build-up, Irritability and General irritability. In conclusion, neonatal behavioral characteristics such as poor inhibit discrete stimuli while asleep, hyper-responsivity and poor state regulation abilities were risk factors of high levels of crying.

Abstract. Early intervention planning for infants with disabilities has conventionally been centered on the infants' disabilities, rather than the family's adjustment. This study investigates the effectiveness of an Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)-based intervention for infants with disabilities, in enhancing infant neurobehavioral organization, maternal self-efficacy, and mother-infant interaction. A time series design was used, with the intervention trial consisting of a two-week observation at baseline and intervention periods. Subjects were 15 infants with disabilities and their mothers. The NBAS, Lack of Confidence in Caregiving (LCC) items of the Mother and Baby Scale, and the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS), were used to assess neonatal neurobehaviors, maternal self-efficacy, and the quality of mother-infant interaction respectively, at 3 time points: at intake, pre-intervention, and postintervention. Intervention sessions were performed 6-8 times, 30 minutes per session, during the intervention period. The NBAS, LCC, and NCAST scores were significantly improved post-intervention. The NBAS-based intervention has beneficial effects on neonatal neurobehavioral organization and the quality of mother-infant interaction skills and maternal self-efficacy, in infants with developmental disabilities. Attunement of mothers to their infants' behaviors early on in life may promote a positive cycle of interaction between parents and infants.

We investigated the concerns of physical therapists involved in the preventive approach to long-term care adopting the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set. Physical therapists concerns were, in order: body function, activity and participation, and environmental factors. Moreover, the concern of the physical therapist for each of factors these was 50% or less. In addition, the values of the categories were seen to be strongly biased. These values show that even though physical therapists appreciate the idea of ICF they are not applying it. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the relationship between body function, activity and participation, and environmental factors in the planning and execution of the preventive approach to long-term care.

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ABSTRACT:In this research, we analyzed the differences in the motor abilities of those who attended ambulatory rehabilitation, those living in health care facilities for the elderly and other elderly people participating in fall prevention classes in the community, and studied home care support for the elderly with care needs. The motor abilities were evaluated from 7 tests: 10-m walking time at full speed, maximum step width, frequency of footstep elevation, frequency of sit-to-stand, one leg standing time, upright standing ability on a balance board and forward reach in long sitting. The results show that the motor abilities of those who use ambulatory rehabilitation and live in health care facilities for the elderly were significantly lower in value (p<0.01 respectively) in 6 tests, excluding all but the forward reach in long sitting test, compared to the other elderly people. Furthermore, in multiple logistic regression analysis, 10-m walking time at full speed showed a significant value (p<0.01). In conclusion, we consider the maintenance and improvement of motor ability are important for supporting living at home. Key words: elderly persons with care needs, elderly persons in the community, motor ability evaluation