[Purpose] This study compared the upper and lower lumbar angles of normal body mass index and overweight young adults, and examined the relationships among body mass index, waist circumferences, and lumbar angles. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty participants aged 18–25 years were recruited and allocated to 2 groups (n=30 per group): normal body mass index (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and overweight group (body mass index, ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). During lumbar angle measurement, the participants stood in a relaxed position with bare feet. The upper and lower lumbar angles of each participant were measured using a flexible ruler, and the angle calculated by the tangent method. The waist circumference was also measured. [Results] The mean lower lumbar angle in the overweight group was significantly greater than that of the normal body weight group. Moreover, only the lower lumbar angle was associated with a significant increase in the body mass index (r=0.28). Waist circumference showed no association with the lumbar angles. [Conclusion] This is the first study to suggest that increased body weight could cause lower lumbar angle deviation in young adults. Further studies should investigate individuals with symptomatic back pain or back dysfunction and the impact of body weight on lumbar spinal angles.

The present study investigated the center of pressure (COP) and center of mass needed for gait initiation in children with typical development (TD), children with diplegia who independently walk (CP-GI), and children with diplegia who walk with a walker (CP-depGI). [Subjects] Three groups of 10 children (TD, CP-GI, & CP-DepGI), aged 7-10 years, were matched by age, weight, and height. [Methods] Each group was asked to independently initiate gait 3 times at a self-selected pace. The data were collected by a 3D motion analysis system (Vicon 612) and a force plate (AMTI-Advanced Mechanical Technology). The best trial of each participant was analyzed. The displacements and velocities of the COP and the COM were compared among the three groups. These parameters were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test. [Results] The COP-AP, COP-ML, COM-ML displacements and the COP-ML velocity before lift-off of the swing limb (phase 2) were similar among the three groups whereas they were somewhat different prior to movement (phase 1). Additionally, the COM-AP velocities in phase 2 were significantly different among the three groups. [Conclusion] This study provides basic data regarding the COP and the COM parameters that influence the achievement and efficiency of gait initiation in children. The data indicate the essential parameters for gait initiation and efficiency that should help physical therapists to appropriately treat children with spastic diplegia who cannot initiate gait or perform the task with a difficulty.

Objective:This study investigates the relationships between the Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT) and lower extremity strength in typical children.Methods:The MDRT including forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions was measured in 60 children aged between 7 and 12 years old with typical development. The lower extremity muscle groups were measured using a hand-held dynamometer.Results:The reaching score in each direction had positive relationships with the strengths of several lower extremity muscle groups (r=0.26 to 0.52,p<0.05). Only the strengths of the hip flexor and knee flexor muscles significantly correlated with the MDRT scores in all directions (r=0.26 to 0.50,p<0.05).Conclusion:This study highlights the strength of the hip and knee flexor muscle groups as being important domain to control balance in all directions. These findings may be used for therapists in planning a balance program to improve the limits of stability.

Objective: This study investigated the limits of stability (LOS) and the movement patterns during reaching by applying the Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT) in children with Down syndrome (DS) aged 7–12 years old. Methods: Thirty children with DS and 30 age and gender typical development (TD) matched children, aged 7–12 years old were recruited. Each child was asked to reach as far as possible during standing in four directions using a self-selected movement pattern. The movement patterns were classified by two experienced pediatric physical therapists. Results: The reach distance in children with DS aged 7–9 years old was significantly shorter than TD children aged 7–9 years old for the forward and backward directions. Also, the reach distance in DS children aged 7–9 years old was significantly smaller than that of TD children aged 10–12 years old for all directions. For children with DS aged 10–12 years old, the reach distance was significantly less than that of TD children only in the backward direction. All children with DS in this study adopt a hip and mixed strategy during forward and backward reaching. In contrast, TD children adopt an adult-like movement pattern. Conclusion: The boundary of stability in an anteroposterior (AP) direction of children with DS aged 7–12 years old was lesser than the matched TD children, especially for the backward direction. These findings may assist therapists in detecting postural control and balance problems in children with DS.