Abstract. [Purpose] We tested the efficacy of an intervention training acute stroke patients to walk backwards on a treadmill. Subjects were randomly allocated to three groups of Partial Body Weight Support treadmill backward walking group, Partial Body Weight Support treadmill forward walking group and Control in order to compare the efficacy of the interventions among the groups.[Subjects] The subjects were 36 acute stroke patients.[Methods] They were randomly allocated to the three groups using an envelope method. After 3 weeks of intervention. We investigated by multiple comparisons among the three groups using change scores for each of the outcome measures.[Results] The Berg Balance Scale showed no significant differences. The Rivermead Mobility Index showed a significant difference between the backward walking group and the forward walking group, and between the backward walking group and the Control. Walking speed was significantly different between the backward walking group and the Control. No differences were seen for other itemes.[Conclusions] As a result of 3-week intervention, a significant improvement was observed in walking speed and the Rivermead Mobility Index, suggesting that Partial Body Weight Support treadmill backward walking training for patients in the early phase of acute stroke is effective at improving mobility.

[Purpose] Physical therapists must often determine whether hemiparetic patients can walk independently. However, there are no criteria, so decisions are often left to individual physical therapists. The purpose of this study was to explore how physical therapists determine whether a patient with hemiplegia can walk independently in a ward. [Methods] The subjects were 15 physical therapists with experience of stroke patients’ rehabilitation. We interviewed them using semi-structured interviews related to the criteria of the states of walking in the ward of hemiparetic patients. The interviews were transcribed in full, and the texts were analyzed by coding and grouping. [Results] From the results of the interviews, PTs determined patients’ independence of walking in hospital by observation of behavior during walking or treatment. The majority of PTs focused on the patients’ state during walking, higher brain function, and their ability to balance. In addition, they often asked ward staff about patients’ daily life, and self-determination. [Conclusions] We identified the items examined by physical therapists when determining the in-hospital walking independence of stroke patients. Further investigation is required to examine which of these items are truly necessary.

Abstract. [Purpose] This study investigated whether instability during standing occurs just after transcutaneous xenon light irradiation around the stellate ganglion.[Subjects] Thirty healthy volunteers were the subjects.[Methods] The subjects underwent two experimental sessions: 1) 10-minute xenon light irradiation around the bilateral stellate ganglions in a comfortable supine position (Xe-LISG); and 2) 10-minute rest in the same position as Xe-LISG (control). After Xe-LISG and the control, they stood up immediately and maintained quiet standing for 1 minute. The low frequency power (LF) and ratio of LF to the high frequency power (LF/HF) based on R-R intervals, and the total length (LNG) and rectangular area (REC) of the excursion of the center of foot pressure during quiet standing were examined. [Results] Although no significant changes of HF and LF/HF were observed before and after the control, HF after Xe-LISG was significantly greater than that before Xe-LISG, and LF/HF after Xe-LISG was significantly lower than that before Xe-LISG. Additionally, although no significant difference was observed between REC after Xe-LISG and that after the control, LNG after Xe-LISG was significantly longer than that after the control.[Conclusion] These results suggest that Xe-LISG causes not only parasympathetic predominance and sympathetic suppression but also instability during standing just after Xe-LISG.

Abstract. [Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the age-related changes in the attentional demand of walking in healthy elderly people by assessing auditory reaction time during walking in several age groups.[Subjects] The participants were 59 healthy elderly people with no history of falls in the previous 12 months, who were divided into 4 age groups (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80-84).[Methods] In the dual-task condition, participants were asked to perform an auditory reaction time task while walking indoors; the Timed Up-and-Go Test, 10-meter walk time and Trail Making Test Part A were also measured. We compared the reaction times and the stride-to-stride time coefficients of variation between the single-and dual-task conditions. [Results] We found that mean reaction time and stride time coefficient of variation increased significantly in the dual task. However, in both task conditions, neither the reaction time nor strideto-stride time coefficient of variation differed significantly among the age groups.[Conclusion] These findings indicate that an auditory reaction time task can affect walking as a second task in the healthy elderly, and that aging has minimal effects on the attentional demand of walking in this population.

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