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This study investigated the characteristics of physical activity according to sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit abilities in subacute stroke with walking difficulty. In this study, 29 participants with subacute stroke and walking difficulty were enrolled and classified into two groups: participants who successfully completed three items (i.e., sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit) of the Functional Balance Scale (independent group, n = 13) and those who showed incomplete scores on any of the three items (dependent group, n = 16). Light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using an accelerometer at three periods (i.e. daytime, therapy time, and non-therapy time) for a week. Two-way analysis of variance (groups × physical activity intensity) demonstrated a significant interaction in each period. Post-hoc tests showed significantly more LIPAs and MVPAs in the independent group in all periods, except for MVPA in the non-therapy time. Particularly, LIPA showed significant between-group differences in each period. Among individuals with subacute stroke and walking difficulty, those who could completely perform sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit could perform more LIPAs. Increasing sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit abilities could be an important factor in increasing the opportunity to perform LIPAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment-oriented group action (AGA) could be used to empower community-dwelling older adults to maintain their health by groups. AGA can be implemented with the support of a health professional to provide feedback to older adults on physical and cognitive function. To evaluate the effects of AGA. For this feasibility study, we enrolled 23 and 20 participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Thοse in the intervention group received feedback of their assessments and devised exercise plans with professional support. The participants performed their exercises over 12 weeks; the follow-up examination was conducted at 40 weeks. The control group only received feedback. The change in health-related consciousness and behavior was evaluated. Muscle strength and mass were measured and the timed up and go test, and the Brief-balance evaluation system test (BESTest) were performed. There were no significant differences in consciousness or behavior between the groups. The score was higher in the intervention than in the control group at 40 weeks in Section-I of the Brief-BESTest, indicating that the muscle strength contributed to balance function. AGA did not show positive changes in consciousness or behaviors but demonstrated significant improvements and lasting effects in balance function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foam rolling is a self-applied massage using a foam roller that has gained popularity for treatment of muscle soreness. However, its efficacy for improving hip pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis remains unclear. To investigate the effects of foam rolling on hip pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis. In this retrospective propensity-matched cohort study, medical records of outpatients between January 2017 and March 2019 were reviewed. Of these, 115 patients with hip osteoarthritis were divided into foam rolling or non-foam rolling groups based on home exercises. Both groups were propensity-score matched (1:1) for age, sex, body mass index, Kellgren and Lawrence grade, and visual analog scale (VAS) of hip pain at baseline. The primary outcome was the hip pain-VAS. Effects of interventions on the hip pain-VAS were examined using a split-plot design variance analysis. After matching, both groups comprised 37 patients each. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics and outcome measurements between the matched groups. A statistically significant interaction was seen between the effects of time and group for hip pain-VAS (F [1, 72] = 31.874, interaction: P <.001, η2 = 0.307). Hip pain-VAS was improved more effectively in the foam rolling group than those in the non-foam rolling group (P <.001). Thirty-four (92%) patients in the foam rolling group, compared to 15 (41%) in the non-foam rolling group, showed a ≥ 32% (minimal clinically important difference) improvement in hip pain-VAS. These results suggested that foam rolling was an effective intervention for improving hip pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the psychometric properties of the Test d'Evaluation des Membres Suprieurs de Personnes Agres (TEMPA) for the affected upper extremity in a population of Japanese patients with stroke. A prospective, cross-sectional, single-center study involving 30 patients with stroke was conducted. The inter-rater reliability, the validity, and the internal consistency were assessed. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Motor Activity Log, and the Box-and-Block Test were employed for assessing the validity. The English TEMPA instructions were successfully translated in accordance with the accepted principles of translation. The weighted Kappa coefficients for the functional rating scores were 0.87, 0.93, and 0.91 for combined total score, unilateral total score, and bilateral total scores. No statistically significant systematic disagreement was seen in the combined scores. The Spearman's rho values were higher than 0.70 regarding the gold standard tools (the FMA-UE motor domain and the ARAT). The Cronbach's alpha was 0.940 in the functional rating scale and 0.998 in the task analysis scale. The most aspects of the Japanese TEMPA showed acceptable levels of inter-rater reliability and validity in patients with affected upper extremities after stroke. The TEMPA is reliable and valid in measuring activity capacity of upper extremity in patients with stroke. The functional rating score of the TEMPA is recommended to assess activities related to daily living, especially when users need to focus on bimanual activities. The TEMPA may help guide intervention that improve bimanual activity as well as the affected arm activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of the Comprehensive Violence Prevention and Protection Program (CVPPP) training for managing patient aggression in 95 participants who attended the FY 2019 program using a single-group pretest–posttest design. The comparison of findings before and 1 month after the training showed a significant improvement in staff anger (p < 0.01) and their negative (p < 0.01) and positive attitudes (p < 0.01) toward psychiatric inpatient aggression and confidence (p < 0.01). Staff with controlling and self-affirming traits provided more effective care and demonstrated a positive attitude toward inpatient aggression (p < 0.05). Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2021.1999542. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A recent study revealed that whole-body vibration (WBV) tends to decrease spasticity in stroke-related hemiplegic legs. However, acute changes in cortical activation after WBV are unclear. Objective: To examine whether WBV induces acute changes in sensorimotor cortical activation in patients with stroke-related hemiplegic legs. Methods: Eleven stroke patients (mean age 52.6 [SD 15.4] years; median time after stroke 3 [25th and 75th percentiles; 3 and 10.5, respectively] months) participated in a comparative before-and-after intervention trial. Six healthy adults were also studied. WBV at 30 Hz was applied for 5 min to the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles. Spasticity was assessed according to the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Active and passive range of motion (A-ROM and P-ROM, respectively) were also measured. Change in Oxy-Hb concentration in bilateral sensorimotor cortex associated with voluntary ankle dorsiflexion of the affected limb was assessed via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before and immediately after WBV. Results: MAS score, A-ROM, and P-ROM improved immediately after WBV. In the patients, while there was no significant interaction between effects of region (ipsilesional and contralesional sensorimotor cortex) and the WBV intervention (before and immediately after WBV) (F1,10 = 0.702, p =.422), there was a significant main effect of the WBV intervention (F1,10 = 6.971, p =.025). In the healthy participants, there was no association with the WBV intervention or region. Conclusions: In patients with stroke-related spastic-hemiplegic legs, WBV might result not only in clinical improvement but also in acute increase in sensorimotor cortical activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extract, eritadenine, has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, and its hypocholesterolemic actions are involved in the metabolism of methionine. However, the mechanisms by which eritadenine affects cholesterol metabolism in animals fed a high-fat diet containing different sources of lipids have not yet been elucidated in detail. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of shiitake supplementation on serum lipid concentrations in rats fed a diet including a high amount of a plant oil (HO [high oil] and HOS [high oil with shiitake] groups), animal fat (HF [high fat] and HFS [high fat with shiitake] groups), or MCT- (medium-chain triglyceride-) rich plant oil (HM [high MCT] and HMS [high MCT with shiitake] groups). Rats in the HOS, HFS, and HMS groups were fed shiitake. When rats were fed a diet containing shiitake, serum triglyceride, cholesterol levels, and LCAT (lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase) activities were lower in rats given MCT-rich plant oil than in those that consumed lard. The lipid type in the diet with shiitake also affected serum cholesterol levels and LCAT activities. The diet containing MCT-rich plant oil showed the greatest rates of decrease in all serum lipid profiles and LCAT activities. These results suggest that shiitake and MCT-rich plant oil work together to reduce lipid profiles and LCAT activity in serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare muscle and tendon stiffness under active conditions in sprinters and untrained participants. In total, 14 sprinters and 24 untrained men participated in this study. Active muscle stiffness in the medial gastrocnemius muscle was calculated based on changes in estimated muscle force and fascicle length during fast stretching after submaximal isometric contractions. Tendon stiffness was determined during isometric plantar flexion using ultrasonography. No significant differences were observed in active muscle stiffness between sprinters and untrained men at any torque levels. Furthermore, no significant difference was noted in tendon stiffness between the two groups. These results suggest that muscle and tendon mechanical properties in the plantar flexors under active conditions are similar in sprinters and untrained participants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives:In this study, we examined the level of psychological distress of Japanese caregivers according to various combinations of the gender of care recipients and the kinship of caregivers (spouse, son, daughter, or daughter-in-law). Furthermore, we explored the associated factors that could exacerbate or alleviate psychological distress. Methods:We utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design and implemented a self-administered questionnaire survey with a two-stage stratified sample of community-dwelling caregivers of frail elderly persons throughout Japan. We surveyed 1279 caregiving families, and 1020 questionnaires were completed by primary caregivers (response rate: 79.8%), with 945 respondents providing data on the Japanese version of the Kessler 6 psychological distress scale (K6). Results:Caregivers' K6 scores varied significantly by care recipients' gender and their relationship with the caregiver. K6 scores were significantly higher among daughters-in-law caring for fathers-in-law than among daughters-in-law caring for mothers-in-law, wives caring for husbands, or daughters or sons caring for mothers. ‘Negative influence of caregiving’ and ‘anxious about continuing caregiving’ were factors that commonly exacerbated caregivers' psychological distress. Further analyses involving interactions indicated that the effects of ‘anxious about continuing caregiving’ and ‘personal growth through caregiving’ on the psychological distress of daughters-in-law varied by care recipients' gender as did the effects of an alleviating factor, ‘keeping their own pace’, on daughters. Conclusions:Psychological distress levels among family caregivers, as well as exacerbating and alleviating factors, varied depending on the gender and kinship of care recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background/Study Context: Older adults tend to be affected by task-irrelevant distracters. However, whether or not this aging effect is evident when task-irrelevant and relevant stimuli are presented across different sensory modalities is still a subject of debate. The purpose of the present study was to clarify age-related differences in the effects of auditory distraction on visual information processing. Methods: Participants included 20 young individuals, 20 younger-old individuals in their 60s, and 20 older-old individuals in their 70s. Visual n-back (1-back, 2-back) working memory (WM) tasks using Japanese words were examined with and without auditory distracter conditions. Participants' performances were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance: 3 (age group) × 2 (distraction) × 2 (working memory load). Results: The effects of auditory distractions were influenced by aging and WM load. Auditory distractions disturbed WM performances preferentially in older adults. Further, participants in the older-old group were more affected by auditory distractions than those in the younger-old group, especially during the 2-back task. Conclusion: These results suggested that the WM performances for visual n-back tasks were largely disturbed by auditory distractions in older adults but not in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on age-related changes in visual short-term memory using visual stimuli that did not allow verbal encoding. Experiment 1 examined the effects of age and the length of the stimulus presentation period on visual short-term memory function. Experiment 2 examined the effects of age, gender, and the length of the stimulus presentation period on visual short-term memory function. The worst memory performance and the largest performance difference between the age groups were observed in the shortest stimulus presentation period conditions. The performance difference between the age groups became smaller as the stimulus presentation period became longer; however, it did not completely disappear. Although gender did not have a significant effect ond’regardless of the presentation period in the young group, a significant gender-based difference was observed for stimulus presentation periods of 500 ms and 1,000 ms in the older group. This study indicates that the decline in visual short-term memory observed in the older group is due to the interaction of several factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor exercise often proceeds in rainy conditions. However, the cooling effects of rain on human physiological responses have not been systematically studied in hot conditions. The present study determined physiological and metabolic responses using a climatic chamber that can precisely simulate hot, rainy conditions. Eleven healthy men ran on a treadmill at an intensity of 70% VO2maxfor 30 min in the climatic chamber at an ambient temperature of 33°C in the presence (RAIN) or absence (CON) of 30 mm · h−1of precipitation and a headwind equal to the running velocity of 3.15 ± 0.19 m · s−1. Oesophageal temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, blood parameters, volume of expired air and sweat loss were measured. Oesophageal and mean skin temperatures were significantly lower from 5 to 30 min, and heart rate was significantly lower from 20 to 30 min in RAIN than in CON (P < 0.05 for all). Plasma lactate and epinephrine concentrations (30 min) and sweat loss were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in RAIN compared with CON. Rain appears to influence physiological and metabolic responses to exercise in heat such that heat-induced strain might be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare metabolic costs, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and stride frequency during backward walking in water and on land. The walking speeds in water were set to be half of those on land. There was no significant difference in metabolic costs and RPE between backward walking in water with a current and on land, at slow and moderate speeds (P > 0.05). However, at the fast speed (i.e., 3.0 and 6.0 km · h–1 for water and land, respectively), the metabolic costs and RPE during backward walking on land were significantly higher than when walking backward in water with a current (P < 0.05). With regard to backward walking at faster speeds, if the walking speed in water with a current is set at half the speed on land, then the speed will be inadequate for inducing metabolic costs and RPE that are similar to those produced on land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: To examine active inhibition of irrelevant stimuli and evaluate its neural basis using functional near infrared spectroscopy in patients with attention deficits after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research design: Case control study. Methods and procedures: Ten patients with TBI and 10 healthy control subjects participated in this study. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) was performed with (distracting PASAT) and without (PASAT) distracting Japanese kana phonetic characters presented between each number. A block design was used. Subjects alternately performed each task three times. Main outcomes and results: Healthy controls performed better than patients with TBI on both the tasks. When performing the PASAT, healthy controls showed significant activity in every region of interest except the right lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), but patients with TBI showed significant activity only in the left anterior PFC and left lateral PFC. When performing the distracting PASAT, the right lateral PFC was active in healthy controls, but not in patients with TBI. Conclusion: These results confirm that patients with moderate-to-severe TBI were affected by distractors that influenced order processing. It is suggested that the working memory of patients with TBI was affected by distracting stimuli, whereas that of healthy individuals was not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and subjective responses of the European, Japanese (JPN) and US firefighters' helmet, gloves and boots for international standardisation. Three experimental conditions were evaluated (clothing mass: 9.4, 8.2 and 10.1 kg for the three conditions, respectively) at the air temperature of 32°C and 60% relative humidity. The results showed that there was no significant difference among the three conditions in oxygen consumption, heart rate, total sweat rate, rectal temperature and mean skin temperature, whereas peripheral temperatures and subjective perceptions were lower in the JPN condition than in the other conditions (P < 0.05). These results indicate that a 0.5-kg reduction in helmet mass and a 1.1-kg reduction in boot mass during exercise resulted in a significant decrease in head and leg temperatures and subjective perceptions, while a 1.9-kg reduction in total clothing mass had insignificant influences on the metabolic burden and overall body temperature. Practitioner Summary:International, European or American standards on firefighters' helmet, boots or gloves stipulate minimum requirements for the protection of firefighters, whereas comfort functions are relatively neglected. The structural differences in the officially approved helmets, gloves and boots can reduce regional thermoregulatory burdens and improve subjective perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interprofessional education (IPE) program at Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan, uses a lecture style for first-year students and a training style for third-year students. To investigate the comprehensive implications of IPE, the change pattern of attitudes toward health care teams was examined longitudinally in pre-qualified students. The modified Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams Scale (mATHCTS) was used. The overall mean score of the mATHCTS improved significantly after the training-style IPE in their third year. Two individual items in the factor 'quality of care delivery' decreased significantly during the first year. In contrast, two individual items in the factor 'patient-centered care' increased significantly during the third year. These changes over time were confirmed by analyses using regression factor scores. There are at least two independent attitudes toward collaborative practice (CP) or IPE in response to IPE interventions: the attitude toward 'value of IPE for health care providers' may response negatively to IPE in the early stages, and the attitude toward 'value of IPE for health care receivers' positively in the later stages. These findings suggest that the continuation of mandatory IPE, which must be designed on the basis of students' high expectations for IPE and CP on entry, may result in profound changes in attitudes amongst participating students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) is a bioactive ingredient of wasabi (Wasabia japonica), which is a popular spice in Japan. 6-MSITC has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer and melanoma cell lines. We inoculated 30 female Balb-nu/nu mice with MDA-MB-231 or -453 cells, and orally administered varying concentrations of 6-MSITC for 12 days following tumor growth. The tumor volumes and tumor weights from mice inoculated with MDA-MB-231 cells, and the tumor volumes of MDA-MB-453 cells were significantly inhibited by 6-MSITC on Days 9 and 11 after drug administration. DNA fragmentation, DNA ladder, and caspase 3/7 activity performed in vitro revealed that 6-MSITC induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in the nuclei and phosphorylation of inhibitor κBα (IκBα) was downregulated by 6-MSITC in a concentration-dependent manner; however, this activity was not observed in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, this downregulation of phosphorylated IκBα by 6-MSITC in MDA-MB-231 and -453 cells supports its inhibitory effects on NF-κB activity. The expression of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) reduced by 6-MSITC was confirmed in MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, we conclude that 6-MITC promotes apoptosis of breast cancer cells by inhibiting NF-kB and therefore releasing its control of the PI3K/AKT pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationships between thumb muscle activity and thumb operating tasks on a smartphone touch screen with one-hand posture. Six muscles in the right thumb and forearm were targeted in this study, namely adductor pollicis, flexor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis brevis (APB), abductor pollicis longus, first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and extensor digitorum. The performance measures showed that the thumb developed fatigue rapidly when tapping on smaller buttons (diameter: 9 mm compared with 3 mm), and moved more slowly in flexion–extension than in adduction–abduction orientation. Meanwhile, the electromyography and perceived exertion values of FDI significantly increased in small button and flexion–extension tasks, while those of APB were greater in the adduction–abduction task. This study reveals that muscle effort among thumb muscles on a touch screen smartphone varies according to the task, and suggests that the use of small touch buttons should be minimised for better thumb performance. Practitioner Summary:Through measurements of electromyography, thumb performance and perceived exertion, this study reveals that demand on FDI increases when the thumb taps small buttons and in flexion–extension orientation, but that demand on APB increases in adduction–abduction orientation. The decreased thumb performance with small buttons is attributed to a combination of smaller targets and increased demand on FDI. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Physical Educators’ Judgments about Inclusion (PEJI) survey for analysing the judgments of Japanese (361 male, 170 female) physical education teacher education majors. A secondary purpose was to examine group differences in judgments as a function of gender and past experiences. Data were collected and psychometrical properties of the PEJI were assessed using a maximum-likelihood extraction method. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in salient loadings for all items on three hypothesised dimensions, resulting in 47% explained variance for measuring judgments about:Inclusion versus Exclusion,Acceptance of Students with Disabilities, andPerceived Training Needs. Supported by the three interpretable factors that emerged, construct validity evidence is presented. Although most of the physical education teacher education majors sampled had yet to teach students with disabilities, they had formed preliminary judgments about doing so. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study investigated the effects of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) on the determination of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) while using two different treadmill protocols: a progressive incline protocol (PIP) and a progressive speed protocol (PSP), with three clothing conditions (Light-light clothing; Boots-PPE with rubber boots; Shoes-PPE with running shoes). Bruce protocol with Light was performed for a reference test. Results showed there was no difference in VO2maxbetween Bruce Light, PIP Light, and PSP Light. However, VO2maxwas reduced in Boots and Shoes with shortened maximal performance time (7 and 6 min reduced for PIP Boots and Shoes, respectively; 11 and 9 min reduced for PSP Boots and Shoes, respectively), whereas the increasing rate of VO2in Boots and Shoes during submaximal exercise was greater compared with Light. Wearing firefighter boots compared with wearing running shoes also significantly affected submaximal VO2but not VO2max. These results suggest that firefighters’ maximal performance determined from a typical VO2maxtest without wearing PPE may overestimate the actual performance capability of firefighters wearing PPE. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Studies of physician-nurse relationships have focused mainly on nurses' perceptions. Few studies have explored physicians' perceptions and related factors. This study had two aims: to describe physicians' perceptions of physician-nurse collaboration in Japan by focusing on attitudes toward collaboration and collaborative practice and to examine the effect of physicians' experiences related to collaboration on their perceptions of collaboration. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Of the 520 physicians from four hospitals, 248 completed the survey. The survey included the Jefferson Scale of attitudes toward physician-nurse collaboration, the collaborative practice scales, learning experiences related to collaboration with nurses and experiences of joint activities with nurses. Multiple regression analysis revealed that learning experiences in undergraduate and out-of-hospital education and experiences of joint committee work were significantly associated with higher collaborative practice scores. Although participants' attitude scores had a strong association with practice scores, there were no variables significantly associated with the attitude score. This study supported the importance of education in undergraduate courses and suggested that it should be ongoing after qualification. Joint activities other than daily practice, such as continuous quality improvement, might also be effective. Factors that improve physicians' attitudes toward collaboration should be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We present the initial steps for 320-detector-row computed tomography arteriography using CO2 gas (320-MDCT CO2 arteriography) to detect the vascular area of malignant liver tumors. Material and methods: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our institution. Written prior informed consent was obtained from all patients. We studied six patients with primary and metastatic liver tumors (n = 26) and allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media or a tendency for renal failure. CO2 was injected at 1 ml/sec (volume 8 ml) into the common hepatic artery and a CT scan was acquired 12 seconds after the start of injection. The detection of the vascular area of the tumor or of intratumor air was evaluated with respect to the relationship between the size and location of the tumors. Cramer's V statistic was performed to explore the relationship (p < 0.05). Results: The vascular area was detected in 17 of the 26 tumors (65.4%). There was a correlation between the detection of the adjacent vascular area on CTA images acquired with the use of CO2 and the tumor site observed on previously-acquired MRI or CT images. Conclusion: 320-MDCT CO2 arteriography with microcatheters may be useful for the detection of the vascular area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a fragment-completion questionnaire and a self-paced reading experiment investigating relative clauses in Japanese that contain two extraction sites in the same clause. The results indicate that in such double-gap relative clauses there is a preference to fill the object position before the subject position. Previous factors, especially those related to working memory resources, which have often been implicated in extraction preferences, do not predict the patterns observed. The results support the proposal that the accessibility of extraction sites in relative clauses is inversely correlated to the order in which semantic roles are preferentially assigned. We discuss ways of incorporating such a constraint in previous proposals such as expectation-based models. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Our study aimed to investigate the physical performance and quality of life (QOL) as associated factors with self-rated health (SRH). Japanese community-dwelling women aged 65 years or more ( n = 51; mean age = 75.3 ± 6.0) answered a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic information, SRH, QOL by the Short Form-8, and performed the physical tests, such as Timed Up and Go, Functional Reach (FR), One Leg Stand (OLS), Five Chair Stands (CS), and hand grip strength (HGS). Smoking ( p = 0.04), more medical consultations ( p = 0.03), and more number of medications ( p = 0.001) were significantly associated with poor self-assessment of their health. Moreover, those who assessed their health condition as not so good to bad condition had lower performance in FR ( p = 0.02), HGS ( p = 0.04), OLS ( p = 0.05), and CS ( p = 0.02), and poorer QOL condition in general health ( p < 0.01), bodily pain ( p = 0.02), and vitality ( p = 0.03) in comparison with the other SRH groups (good and/or normal). Therefore, we encouraged the use of the SRH assessment and the interpretation of its results based on the present findings such as associating the SRH of older women with their physical performance and QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Punishment serves a wide variety of functions, including retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation and behavioural shaping to comply with cultural norms. These uses, and the appropriateness of various forms of punishment, have been widely debated from practical, legal and ethical standpoints. Research demonstrates cross-cultural differences in the prevalence of types of punishment and societal attitudes towards punitive behaviour; these are known to exist in home, educational, work and sports environments. The present study used a 2 × 2 × 2 design in which Japanese and English football (soccer) players and coaches read a vignette describing a coach who used either physical or verbal punishment in response to a troublesome player. Participants then rated the coach on items measuring acceptance of the coach's behaviour and perceptions of his popularity. The results showed that the English and Japanese coaches and players viewed the coach similarly when he used verbal punishment. However, statistical interactions revealed that the English groups saw the coach as significantly more popular and acceptable when he used verbal rather than physical punishment, whereas the Japanese participants did not distinguish between the two forms of punishment. The Japanese group also scored higher on scales measuring Sensitivity to Punishment (SP) and Attitudes towards Punishment. The results are interpreted in terms of cross-cultural differences in these characteristics as well as to related variations in concepts of individualism versus collectivism, shame and guilt, and attitudes towards leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: Our previous work proposed a rehabilitation robot to support bimanual-coordinated training not only in active-assisted and passive-driven modes but also in active-resisted mode. However, assessment of training effect was only focused on the improvements of subjects' motion-tracking precisions. This paper presents an evaluation strategy based on variations in both cerebral activation level (CAL) and motion-tracking precision. Method:Fourteen healthy subjects participated in motion-tracking training in bimanual active-assisted and active-resisted modes, and in single right-limb and left-limb modes, with haemoglobin concentration and motion-tracking errors being measured simultaneously. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) of the CAL and motion-tracking errors were performed to investigate bimanual training effect and the difference between bimanual and single-limb trainings in activating the brain. Results: In the bimanual modes, both the CAL and motion-tracking precision significantly increased after training. And the CAL induced in the bimanual trainings were significantly greater than in the single-limb trainings. Conclusions:Significant enhancement of the CAL and motion-tracking precision confirmed a positive training effect on enhancing the bimanual-coordination capability of healthy subjects. Compared to the single-limb modes, the higher CAL in the bimanual modes demonstrated the potential of the proposed bimanual training for improving the functional integrity of the two hemispheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: Inferior vestibular neuritis (IVN) is a relatively minor subtype of vestibular neuritis (VN) and its clinical characteristics are unique. Objectives: To clarify clinical characteristics of IVN in comparison with conventional VN. Methods: This was a retrospective case series review. Caloric responses and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) responses were measured in 71 patients with VN. The patients were classified into three groups: (1) IVN group, who showed only asymmetrical cVEMP responses; (2) superior VN (SVN) group, who showed only asymmetrical caloric responses; (3) total VN (TVN) group, who showed asymmetrical responses in both tests. The clinical records of time course of subjective symptoms (duration of attack, duration of hospitalization, and time to remission) were reviewed and other profiles (age, sex, affected side, acute symptoms, and sequelae) were evaluated. Results: Of the 71 patients with VN, 13 (18%) were classified as having IVN. The mean age and time to remission of patients with IVN (44.2 ± 4.8 years, 0.9 ± 0.5 months) were significantly lower and shorter, respectively, than those of patients with TVN (57.3 ± 2.5 years, 4.9 ± 4.7 months). There were no significant differences in other symptoms and profiles among the three groups. No patients with IVN showed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as a sequela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of both anterior–posterior position and inclination of a back plate positioned on a starting platform on swimming start performance. Ten male college swimmers performed eight starts with varying combinations of take-off angle (normal and lower), inclination angle (10°, 25°, 45°, and 65°) and position (0.29, 0.44, and 0.59 m from the front edge of the starting block). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA; take-off angle × back plate) for four conditions with take-off angles (normal and lower) and inclinations (10° and 45°), and one-way ANOVA for comparisons between four inclinations and three positions were carried out. Multiple comparisons were made using Bonferroni's method. The main effects of the take-off angle were on the vertical and resultant take-off velocities [F(1,18) = 36.72, p < 0.001 and F(1,18) = 9.58, p = 0.013, respectively]. Comparisons between the plate positions showed that the 5 m time of the 0.29 m condition was significantly longer, the take-off angle and vertical take-off velocity of the 0.59 m condition were significantly lower, and horizontal and resultant take-off velocities of the 0.29 m condition were significantly less. Rear foot take-off times were significantly longer in the ascending order: 0.29, 0.44, and 0.59 m. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Previous research has indicated that informal caregivers’ personal activities are disrupted by their caregiving role, leading to psychological stress and lower life satisfaction. However, the extent to which engagement in personal activities affects caregivers’ psychological health remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between different types and frequencies of activities and both positive and negative parameters of the psychological health of caregivers. Methods: A mail survey was conducted with 727 family caregivers of older persons using adult day-care services in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Perceived caregiver burden, care satisfaction, life satisfaction, and depression were used as psychological health outcomes. Engagement in home, outside leisure, social, and peer activities, as well as caregiver and care-recipient characteristics and caregiving situations, were assessed using a multivariate regression analysis. Results: Engagement in home activities was related to lower scores on burden and depression and greater care satisfaction after controlling for care needs and caregiver characteristics, and social and peer activities were associated with greater life satisfaction. More frequent engagement was also associated with better psychological health, but a moderate involvement in home activities was most strongly associated with better care satisfaction. The amount of outside leisure activity was not significantly related to any of the outcomes. Conclusion: This study shows that activity type and frequency are associated with caregivers’ psychological health, extending previous findings and providing practical implications for the support of family caregivers through programs to improve their participation in specific types of activities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We investigated whether the elevated muscle temperature induced by the first bout influenced the response during a second-bout of heavy exercise. The control conditions were two consecutive 6-min leg cycling bouts (work rate: Δ50% between LT and max) separated by a 6-min baseline at 20 W (L1-ex to L2-ex). In the experimental conditions prior to the main bout (H2-ex), the diathermic warming to the front thigh was substituted for the first-bout. The response for the second bout was significantly accelerated compared with the first bout (mean ± SD of the τ by monoexponential fitting: L1-ex: 53.8 ± 11.6, L2-ex: 38.7 ± 7.9 s, P < 0.05). The diathermic warm-up, however, could not accelerate response for subsequent supra-LT leg exercise (τ for H2-ex: 52.3 ± 7.7 s). It was concluded that the facilitation of response during supra-LT exercise after prior heavy exercise does not seem to be caused by increased muscle temperature per se and its related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusion. Imaging of the endolymphatic space was possible in most cases after administering a standard dose of gadolinium (Gd) by using heavily T2-weighted 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (hT(2)W-3D-FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Objectives. The aim of this study was to characterize the contrast enhancement in the inner ear after intravenous injection of Gd and to compare the signal intensity after a double dose or standard dose of Gd. Methods: We injected a standard dose of gadodiamide hydrate (DTPA-BMA) or a double dose of gadoteridol (HP-DO3A) intravenously in patients affected by Meniere's disease and performed hT(2)W-3D-FLAIR 3 T MRI. Contrast enhancement of the basal turn of the cochlea was evaluated semiquantitatively. Results: Endolymphatic hydrops was observed in the cochlea and vestibule of the affected ears of patients with Meniere's disease in both the double-dose group and the standard-dose group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: This study investigated the longitudinal changes in brain activation balance in motor-related areas after Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT). Methods and procedures: The subjects included seven ischemic stroke patients with mild right hemiparesis. Eight normal subjects were also included. The patients underwent functional MRI and motor function tests (Fugl-Meyer Assessment; FMA, modified Wolf Motor Function Test; mWMFT) both before and immediately after CIMT and also after a 3-month follow-up. Results: The motor function test scores improved immediately after CIMT; moreover, these scores were either maintained or improved even at the 3-month follow-up. In a comparison of the chronological data of the contralaterality index of the affected hand movement, the cerebellar activity changed significantly to ipsilateral activation immediately after CIMT and thereafter the cerebellar activity further changed to ipsilateral activation at the 3-month follow-up. A correlation was observed among the contralateral activation, FMA and mWMFT scores in SM1 and the ipsilateral activation and in the mWMFT scores in the cerebellum at the 3-month follow-up examinations. Conclusion: The participation of the contralateral SM1 and the ipsilateral cerebellum is thus considered to play an important role in the satisfactory recovery of the motor function after CIMT intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined age-group corresponding relationships of the controlled force exertion based on sinusoidal and quasi-random waveforms in 175 right-handed male adults aged 20 to 86 years. The subjects were divided into 3 groups based on age-level: 53 young (mean age 24.6, SD = 3.3 years), 71 middle aged (mean age 44.3, SD = 8.7 years), and 51 elderly (mean age 69.3, SD = 6.4 years). The participants matched their submaximal grip strength by the dominant hand to changing demand values displayed as either a sinusoidal or a quasi-random waveform appearing on the display of a personal computer. The quasi-random waveform was changed in π with amplitude and in π/2 with frequency (peak and mean frequency were 0.1 Hz in both waveforms). The participants performed the controlled force exertion test three times with a 1-min interval (one trial was 40 sec) after one practice trial using the dominant hand. The measurement order was randomly assigned. The total of the differences between the demand value and grip exertion value for 25 sec were used as an evaluation parameter. The coefficient of variance was almost the same range in all age groups in both waveforms (CVSW  = 30.8–35.6, CVRW  = 26.3–37.7), but the elderly group showed the highest value in the quasi-random waveform. Significant correlations were found among the sinusoidal and quasi-random waveforms in the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups, but significant differences were not found in the correlations among each age group. The controlled force exertion evaluation based on the sinusoidal and quasi-random waveform displays has a moderate relationship, and this relationship does not show age-level differences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this feasibility study was to assess effects of a group reminiscence program using odor stimulation for older adults on depression and subjective well-being. The subjects were 22 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. The group reminiscence therapy was performed eight times, and the assessment was made at three occasions, i.e., 1 month before the intervention, immediately before the intervention, and immediately after completion of the intervention using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and Life Satisfaction Index K. Significant changes were discovered in the GDS-15 in the repeated measure analysis of variance. When multiple comparisons were made, significant differences were found between 1 month before the intervention and immediately after completion of the intervention, as well as immediately before the intervention and immediately after completion of the intervention. The results suggested that this group reminiscence therapy might be effective for maintaining the mental health of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Bipolar scissors tonsillectomy followed by cooling down the pharyngeal mucosa has advantages in terms of postoperative pain and intraoperative blood loss compared with cold dissection. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative pain between bipolar scissors tonsillectomy followed by cooling the pharyngeal mucosa and a traditional cold dissection. Methods: A total of 189 patients aged more than 16 years were operated due to habitual tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and IgA nephropathy. Of these, 79 patients were operated using bipolar scissors followed by cooling the pharyngeal mucosa with 4°°C saline for 10 min just after the removal of tonsils. The other 110 patients underwent cold dissection tonsillectomy. Outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, operative time, postoperative pain evaluated on a visual analog scale, and postoperative secondary hemorrhage. Results: Significantly lower levels of intraoperative blood loss and less postoperative pain were obtained in bipolar scissors tonsillectomy followed by cooling the pharyngeal mucosa compared with cold dissection. Postoperative hemorrhage needing hemostatic surgery occurred in 2 of 79 patients who underwent bipolar scissors tonsillectomy with cooling, while it occurred in 1 of 110 patients after cold dissection. However, the difference was not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Japanese bereaved family members using a questionnaire. Participants were bereaved as a result of suicide and homicide (n = 51 and 49, respectively), with natural death (n = 56) as a control; and their relationships to the deceased were parent-child (n = 79), conjugal (n = 42), and others (n = 35). With regard to the 3 main PTSD-related criteria, (a) re-experiencing symptoms were not dependent on the manner of death or the relationship to the deceased; (b) avoidance behaviors were more highly related to homicide than natural death for relatives other than parent-child and conjugal relationships; and (c) hyperarousal and maladaptation symptoms were more serious for conjugal loss. These findings suggest that avoidance behaviors in homicidal cases are more closely associated with a distant family relationship, whereas conjugal loss is traumatic, irrespective of the manner of death, often causing hyperarousal and maladaptation symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Pure tone auditory thresholds can change according to duration of interrupted tones in patients with mild to severe psychogenic hearing loss (PHL). Objectives: To examine how the duration of stimulus tones affects the hearing thresholds of patients with PHL. Methods: Twelve patients with PHL (21 ears) were enrolled in this study. We initially measured their hearing thresholds using interrupted tones with a duration of 2 s and equal length of on-time and off-time, 225 ±± 35 ms, respectively. After a 10 min interval, we measured their hearing thresholds using the same interrupted tones conditions lasting 5 s. The average threshold gains (2 s thresholds minus 5 s thresholds) were compared to those of 15 control subjects with normal hearing (25 ears), 15 patients with cochlear hearing loss (23 ears), and 4 patients with retrocochlear lesions (4 ears). Patients with profound PHL (4 patients, 6 ears) were analyzed separately. Results: The average threshold gain of PHL patients (excluding profound PHL patients) at all frequencies was 18.3 dB, which was significantly larger than that of other groups: 0.3 dB (profound PHL patients), 3.8 dB (controls with normal hearing), 3.0 dB (patients with cochlear hearing loss), and 3.2 dB (patients with retrocochlear lesions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with occupational therapy (OT) on the spasticity of the hemiparetic upper limb after stroke. Subjects and methods: The study subjects were 39 post-stroke patients with spastic upper limb hemiparesis (age: 56.5 ±± 16.0 years, time after onset: 50.3 ±± 37.8 months). At admission, the severity of hemiparesis was categorized as Brunnstrom stage 3--5 for hand--fingers. During 15-day hospitalization, each patient received 22 sessions of low-frequency rTMS applied to the non-lesional hemisphere and OT (one-to-one training and self-training). The spasticity of finger and wrist flexors of the affected upper limb was evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) on the day of admission and discharge and 4 weeks after discharge. Each subject underwent Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Results: The low-frequency rTMS/OT protocol significantly decreased the MAS scores for both finger and wrist flexors at discharge and at 4 weeks after discharge. In addition, the low-frequency rTMS/OT protocol significantly increased the FMA score and shortened the WMFT performance time. Conclusions: The 15-day in-patient protocol of low-frequency rTMS/OT is potentially suitable for reducing spasticity as well as improving motor function on the affected upper limb after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The Meniett device is a minimally invasive and safe treatment that may be used to provide longer-term reduction of vestibular symptoms in patients with delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) as well as those with Meniere's disease (MD). Objective: The effects of the Meniett device were evaluated in patients with a diagnosis of definite MD or DEH according to the 1995 AAO-HNS criteria. Methods: Twenty-nine ears of 28 patients with MD and 5 ears of 5 patients with DEH (ipsilateral type 4, contralateral type 1) were treated with the Meniett device by the Middle Ear Pressure Treatment Research Group of Japan. All of the patients had failed to respond to medical treatment including diuretics before the pressure treatment. Results: Sixteen (57%) patients with MD and all five (100%) patients with DEH remained entirely free from vertigo spells; nine (32%) patients with MD responded with a significant decrease in the frequency of vertigo spells. In regard to hearing, 25 ears (74%: MD, n == 21; ipsilateral DEH, n == 4) had stable hearing levels; only 4 ears (12%: MD, n == 3; contralateral DEH, n == 1) showed a significant hearing improvement. No complications were attributable to the Meniett device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sex education should include social skills, such as those that allow individuals to relate, socialise, and communicate with others, to assist people with intellectual disability ((ID)) to live life fully in the community. Objectives We administered and investigated the effects of a program involving 8 interactive sex education sessions that were aimed at improving the social skills of people with ID. Methods Participants were 17 people with ID and 17 control group participants in Japan. The evaluation was conducted with a questionnaire based on KiSS-18 ((Kikuchi's Scale of Social Skills: 18 items; Kikuchi, 2007)). Results The score of KiSS-18 in the experimental group was 55.4  ±±  12.9 before the administration of the program, as compared to a mean of 61.8  ±±  13.2 after the program. A significant increase was identified. There was no significant difference between the first and second average score in the control group. Conclusion The sex education program involving social skills training for people with ID had significant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the recruitment patterns in hamstring muscles during hip extension exercise by electromyography (EMG) and muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging (mfMRI). Six male volunteers performed 5 sets of 10 repetitions of the hip extension exercise. Electromyography (EMG) activity during the exercise was recorded for the biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) muscles; mfMRI T2 values and cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the same muscles were measured at rest, immediately after, 2 and 7 days after the exercise. The study found that EMG of the BFlh and SM were significantly higher than that of the ST. Immediately after the exercise, the T2 value and CSA changes in the SM showed a significant increase. It was concluded that the BFlh and SM were selectively recruited during the hip extension exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we review the clinical characteristics and computed tomography (CT) findings in children with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza viral pneumonia. The medical charts of 88 children with pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection, admitted to our hospital in Japan from 10 August to 28 December 2009, were reviewed; we compared the clinical features of these children with those of 61 children admitted with seasonal influenza A during the previous 3 seasons. Of 88 patients, 53 (60%) had radiographic findings consistent with pneumonia and 34 patients underwent a chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Pneumonia was a more frequent complication in children with pandemic H1N1 influenza compared with those with seasonal influenza (60% vs 11%; p < 0.001). The predominant CT findings were unilateral or bilateral multifocal consolidation (15/34; 44%) associated with ground-glass opacities in the peribronchovascular region. The second most common CT finding was unilateral diffuse consolidation or atelectasis in 1 or more lung zones (12/34; 35%). The chest CT findings of unilateral or bilateral multifocal consolidation often associated with ground-glass opacities were commonly seen in children with pandemic H1N1 influenza viral pneumonia. Atelectasis was seen in patients who required oxygen administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine elbow joint extension power-load characteristics with and without a countermovement. Eight male participants performed maximal elbow extensions with and without a countermovement against different loads (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 kg). Electromyographic activity of the lateral and long heads of the triceps brachii and the biceps brachii muscles was recorded. The average joint power in the concentric phase was significantly enhanced in the countermovement condition at all loads except for 0 kg. The optimal load for the maximal joint power was greater in the countermovement (7.5 kg) than in the no countermovement condition (5.0 kg). Electromyographic activity was unchanged over the intensities and conditions. Our results suggest that the optimal load for the maximal joint power depends on the type of action (i.e. with or without a counter-movement), and that the enhanced joint power in the countermovement condition is due primarily to the storage and utilization of elastic energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis via chronic stress. Psychosocial stress-induced activation of salivary α-amylase (sAA) represents sympathoadrenal medullary system (SAM) activity, and sAA has become an emerging biomarker for sympathetic nervous system activity. In contrast to salivary cortisol, sAA has been less extensively studied in depressed patients. The present study sought to address this problem by measuring sAA and salivary cortisol levels in patients with major depressive disorder. Methods. The authors recorded Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores along with, levels of sAA and salivary cortisol in 28 patients with unremitted major depressive disorder, 43 remitted patients and 103 healthy volunteers. Results. STAI (State or Trait) measurements in unremitted patients with MDD were significantly increased compared with healthy controls and remitted patients. SAA and cortisol levels in unremitted patients were also significantly elevated compared to controls and remitted patients. Finally, sAA levels were significantly correlated with HRSD in unremitted patients with MDD. Conclusion. These preliminary results suggest that sAA may be a state-dependent marker of major depressive disorder in addition to salivary cortisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we wished to determine whether 30 min of moderate-intensity exercise, corresponding to minimal recommended guidelines, attenuates post-prandial capillary triacylglycerol concentrations in obese men. Ten middle-aged, centrally obese men (age 46 ± 2 years, body mass index 31.6 ± 1.0 kg · m-2, waist circumference 104.6 ± 2.2 cm) completed two 2-day trials (exercise and control) at least one week apart in a randomized, repeated-measures design. On day 1, participants either cycled for 30 min at approximately 60% of maximal heart rate in the afternoon or rested (no exercise). On day 2 of both trials, after a 10-h overnight fast, participants consumed a test meal of moderate fat content (35%) for breakfast. Capillary blood samples were collected in the fasted state (0 h) and at 2, 4, and 6 h post-prandially on day 2. Total area under the capillary triacylglycerol concentration versus time curve was significantly lower on the exercise than control trial (P = 0.023). One 30-min session of moderate-intensity cycling is effective in lowering post-prandial capillary triacylglycerol concentration in obese middle-aged men. These findings may have important implications for exercise recommendations as a means to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease if such exercise is performed for an extended period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: GJB2 mutations are responsible not only for deafness but also for the occurrence of vestibular dysfunction. However, vestibular dysfunction tends to be unilateral and less severe in comparison with that of bilateral deafness. Objectives: The correlation between the cochlear and vestibular end-organs suggests that some children with congenital deafness may have vestibular impairments. On the other hand, GJB2 gene mutations are the most common cause of nonsyndromic deafness. The vestibular function of patients with congenital deafness (CD), which is related to GJB2 gene mutation, remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between GJB2 gene mutation and vestibular dysfunction in adults with CD. Methods: A total of 31 subjects, including 10 healthy volunteers and 21 patients with CD, were enrolled in the study. A hearing test and genetic analysis were performed. The vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) were measured and a caloric test was performed to assess the vestibular function. The percentage of vestibular dysfunction was then statistically analyzed. Results: The hearing level of all CD patients demonstrated a severe to profound impairment. In seven CD patients, their hearing impairment was related to GJB2 mutation. Five of the seven patients with CD related to GJB2 mutation demonstrated abnormalities in one or both of the two tests. The percentage of vestibular dysfunction of the patients with CD related to GJB2 mutation was statistically higher than in patients with CD unrelated to GJB2 mutation and in healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we determined the effects of different cooling treatments on exercised muscles. Seven adults underwent four post-exercise treatments (20-min ice-bag application, 60-min gel-pack application at 10°C and 17°C, and non-cooling treatment) with at least 1 week between treatments. Magnetic resonance diffusion- and T2-weighted images were obtained to calculate the apparent diffusion coefficients (apparent diffusion coefficient 1, which reflects intramuscular water diffusion and microcirculation, and apparent diffusion coefficient 2, which is approximately equal to the true diffusion coefficient that excludes as much of the effect of intramuscular microcirculation as possible) and the T2 values (intramuscular water content level) of the ankle dorsiflexors, respectively, before and after ankle dorsiflexion exercise and after post-exercise treatment. The T2 values increased significantly after exercise and returned to pre-exercise values after each treatment; no significant differences were observed among the four post-exercise treatments. Both apparent diffusion coefficients also increased significantly after exercise and decreased significantly after the three cooling treatments; no significant difference was detected among the three cooling treatments. Local cooling suppresses both water diffusion and microcirculation within exercised muscles. Moreover, although the treatment time was longer, adequate cooling effects could be achieved using the gel-pack applications at relatively mild cooling temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effects on the hemiplegic upper limb of repetitive facilitation exercises (RFEs) using a novel facilitation technique, in which the patient's intention to move the hemiplegic upper limb or finger was followed by realization of the movement using multiple sensory stimulations. Methods: Twenty-three stroke patients were enrolled in a cross-over study in which 2-week RFE sessions (100 repetitions each of five-to-eight types of facilitation exercise per day) were alternated with 2-week conventional rehabilitation (CR) sessions, for a total of four sessions. Treatments were begun with the 2-week RFE session in one group and the 2-week CR session in the second group. Results: After the first 2-week RFE session, both groups showed improvements in the Brunnstrom stages of the upper limb and the hand, in contrast to the small improvements observed during the first CR session. The Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF) score, which evaluates the ability of manipulating objects, in both groups improved during both sessions. After the second 2-week RFE and CR sessions, both groups showed little further improvement except in the STEF score. Conclusion: The novel RFEs promoted the functional recovery of the hemiplegic upper limb and hand to a greater extent than the CR sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined hamstring muscle activation at different running speeds to help better understand the functional characteristics of each hamstring muscle. Eight healthy male track and field athletes (20.1 ± 1.1 years) performed treadmill running at 50%, 75%, 85%, and 95% of their maximum velocity. Lower extremity kinematics of the hip and knee joint were calculated. The surface electromyographic activities of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles were also recorded. Increasing the running speed from 85% to 95% significantly increased the activation of the hamstring muscles during the late swing phase, while lower extremity kinematics did not change significantly. During the middle swing phase, the activity of the semitendinosus muscle was significantly greater than that of the biceps femoris muscle at 75%, 85%, and 95% of running speed. Statistically significant differences in peak activation time were observed between the biceps femoris and semitendinosus during 95%max running (P < 0.05 for stance phase, P < 0.01 for late swing phase). Significant differences in the activation patterns between the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles were observed as running speed was increased, indicating that complex neuromuscular coordination patterns occurred during the running cycle at near maximum sprinting speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]