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Human musculoskeletal modelling involves extensive mathematical calculations to replicate physical and biological dynamics faithfully, making it difficult to arrive at an estimate of muscle activity. Real-time processes affect the real monitoring application and advanced analy- sis. This model aimed to achieve real-time muscle activity estimation using human musculoskeletal simulation with environmental integration. We focused on the upper ex- tremity of the human musculoskeletal model with 50 Hill- type muscles. We built the model in MuJoCo and included surrounding environments. The data input on human pos- ture was acquired from single RGBD sensors located at 32 three-dimensional node positions. We provided inverse kinematics calculations to convert this data to the joint angle level of the simulation model. We controlled the stretch reflex of each muscle to move the target joints. The target muscle stretch length was calculated from the mechanical integration between the bone and the muscle- tendon actuator anchored to it. In the model, an artificial force could be applied to represent an external load. To validate our model, we conducted the basic movement of the upper extremity and measured the resulting muscle activity with EMG sensors. We concluded that the proposed model can accurately estimate muscle activation, including the force exerted by each muscle. Further experiments showed that the proposed model can be integrated with dynamic environmental conditions for a seamless human physical monitoring system.

Background: No previous study has examined the effect of dual-task training using changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as an outcome. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of simultaneous dual-task training of exercise and cognitive tasks on rCBF using SPECT in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods: In this non-randomized control trial, 40 older adults with aMCI participated from May 2016 to April 2018. Outpatients in the intervention group (n = 22) underwent 24 sessions (12 months) of dual-task training twice a month for 60 mins per session. Participants in the control group (n = 18) continued to have regular outpatient visits. The primary outcome was rCBF at baseline and after 12 months, which was compared in each group using the two-sample t-test. The secondary outcomes were the rate of reversion and conversion from aMCI after 12 months. Results: Of the 22 participants in the intervention group, six dropped out; therefore, 16 were included in the analysis. The intervention group showed more significant increases in rCBF in multiple regions, including the bilateral frontal lobes, compared with the control group. However, the rates of reversion or conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were not significantly different. Conclusions: Dual-task training for older adults with aMCI increased rCBF in the frontal gyrus but did not promote reversion from MCI to normal cognition. Future intervention studies, such as follow-up examinations after the intervention, are warranted to consider long-term prognosis.

Accelerations, ground reaction force data, and other quantitative data obtained from kinematic analyses of gait initiation serve as measures of dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether a separate center of pressure information could reveal new characteristics of reduced anticipatory postural adjustments in patients with Parkinson's disease.Ten healthy elderly subjects and 10 patients with Parkinson's disease participated in this study. Motions at gait initiation in response to a light signal to begin the task were analyzed. Anticipatory postural adjustments were characterized using trunk acceleration data and center of pressure displacement data.The separated center of pressure in patients with Parkinson's disease showed longer peak latency (Patients with Parkinson's disease experience asymmetry between the stance leg and stepping leg at gait initiation. These findings may help clinicians understand the changes to motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease and suggest strategies for improved rehabilitation training.

Introduction: The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) distribution can affect brain functioning, leading to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and mild Alzheimer disease (AD). This study aimed to clarify the detailed characteristics of rCBF distribution in patients with mild AD and aMCI. Methods: This cross-sectional study from April 2015 to March 2018 included 103 older adults (mean age 78.9 years; 60% females), out of a total of 302 adults, and categorized them into 3 groups according to cognitive symptoms. The normal control (NC), aMCI, and mild AD groups included 20, 50, and 33 participants, respectively. The primary outcome was rCBF, which was compared among the 3 groups using a 2-sample t test without correction for multiple comparisons. Results: In the aMCI group, the rCBF decreased in the bilateral parietal and left frontal association cortex and the bilateral premotor cortex (p < 0.01) but increased in the bilateral cerebellum (p < 0.01). In the mild AD group, the rCBF decreased in the bilateral parietal and occipital association cortex, the bilateral premotor cortex, the left temporal and frontal association cortex, and the left limbic lobe (p < 0.01). Conversely, the rCBF increased in some parts of the cerebellum, the bilateral frontal and temporal association cortex, the left occipital association cortex, and the right premotor cortex (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the values obtained, it was inferred that the rCBF undergoes reduction and elevation in aMCI and AD patients.

Background This study was focused on the gait parameters of the knee extensor and hip abductor muscle groups, which are believed to contribute to knee joint function improvement in early postoperative TKA. The associations between patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) 6 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and the early postoperative internal knee extension moment, knee extension negative joint power, and internal hip abduction moment while walking were investigated. Methods Twenty-one patients who underwent primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis were included. Three weeks after TKA, gait at a comfortable speed was measured by three-dimensional motion analysis. The lower limb joint angle, internal joint moment, and joint power parameters on the operated side while standing were calculated. The PROMs 6 months after TKA were assessed using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM). The relationship between each gait biomechanical parameter and the JKOM was determined. Results The maximum internal knee extension moment and maximum knee extension negative joint power during the early stance showed moderate negative correlations with the JKOM scores. The maximum internal hip abduction moment was not correlated with the JKOM scores. The maximum internal hip extension moment during the early stance and internal hip flexion moment during the late stance showed moderate negative correlations with the total JKOM scores. Conclusion The early postoperative internal knee extension moment, maximum knee extension negative joint power, and internal hip extension and flexion moment are associated with patient PROMs 6 months after TKA.

Background Pusher behavior (PB) is a posture disorder due to a subjective bias in verticality perception. However, muscle activity characteristics in this disorder and the effective treatments are not known. Objective To investigate electromyographic (EMG) activity and the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) in PB. Methods Two PB patients were enrolled. The EMG activity was measured over the upper and lower limb muscles on the non-paretic side, and over the trunk muscles on both sides during sitting. We used a modified ABA single-case design consisting of consecutive baseline, intervention, and follow-up, each phase lasting 2 d. During the intervention, together with conventional treatment, the patient received ES for 5 min/d on the muscle antagonist to the muscle where excessive activity was observed. PB was assessed before and after each phase using the scale for contraversive pushing and the Burke lateropulsion scale. Truncal balance was evaluated using the trunk control test. Results In both patients, electromyography of the non-paretic triceps brachii muscle revealed excessive activity. To inhibit the excessive activity, ES was applied to the non-paretic biceps muscle. All scores improved after the intervention and follow-up phases. Conclusion ES based on EMG activity is therapeutic for PB.

Background The effects of task-specific and voluntary exercise in upright positions for pusher behavior remain unclear. In this report, we aimed to describe the effects of dynamic supported standing training using a modified standing frame to correct the alignment in a patient with severe pusher behavior. Case description A 76-year-old man with cardioembolic ischemic stroke demonstrated pusher behavior. The patient underwent 3 days of dynamic supported standing training using a modified standing frame. The Scale for Contraversive Pushing, the Burke Lateropulsion Scale, and the Trunk Control Test were used to assess changes. Outcomes Immediate improvements in sitting balance were observed after the intervention, and the effects persisted to 8 days later. Conclusion Dynamic supported standing training using a modified standing frame may improve pusher behavior with short-term training. The collapsed posture of the patient in the present case was corrected using the modified standing frame. This neutral standing position could have a positive effect on motor learning with respect to holding one's posture.

Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have recently been considered as indicating clinical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although various factors are reportedly associated with post-THA and PROMs, the relationship with gait parameters, which are objective assessment factors after THA, remains unclear. Research question What is the relationship between PROMs and gait biomechanical factors four weeks after THA? Methods Forty-five patients (six men and 39 women) who underwent THA were included. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed four weeks post-THA; joint angle, internal moment, and power of the lower extremity at the first and second peaks of the vertical component of the floor reaction force were assessed for the operated side. PROMs were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ). The relationship between the JHEQ score and extracted gait parameters was analyzed using gender and gait speed as control factors. Results For the JHEQ sub-domain, movement was positively correlated with the internal knee extension moment values at the first peak (r = 0.347). There was no significant correlation between JHEQ and the internal hip abduction moment value at the first peak. Mental status was negatively correlated with the hip flexion angle value at the second peak (r = −0.373), and positively correlated with the hip flexion moment value (r = 0.348). Total JHEQ scores and mental status were negatively correlated with the power of hip flexion value at the second peaks, respectively (r = −0.316, −0.444). Significance The results of this study may provide recovery guidelines to be used as an index for gait assessment in the early post-THA period. Further studies are needed to verify whether gait parameters can improve PROMs in the early post-THA period.

To investigate the intensity and effectiveness of rehabilitation in acute stroke patients according to the severity of functional impairments in them.This retrospective cohort study included 294 patients with acute hemispheric stroke admitted to three acute-care hospitals who subsequently underwent an inpatient rehabilitation program. Stroke severity was classified according to neurological deficits and trunk dysfunction. The following data were obtained from medical records: age, sex, stroke type, lesion side, hospitalization duration, initial functional status determined using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, rehabilitation start date, first day out of bed after admission, total treatment duration, total number of treatment sessions, rehabilitation implementation rate between start of rehabilitation and discharge, trunk control test and Barthel Index score on the first day out of bed after admission and discharge, and post-discharge outcomes. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed with clusters categorized using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and trunk control test scores. Variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Dunn's nonparametric comparison test was performed for post-hoc analysis to determine differences between clusters.The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and trunk control test showed a significant correlation (r = -0.816, p 0.01) using which cluster analysis identified three clusters. Rehabilitation showed a ceiling effect in patients with mild stroke and a floor effect in patients with severe stroke.These results may guide the determination of rehabilitation intensity with reference to the severity of neurological deficits and trunk dysfunction.

Background Ultrasonography (US) is a feasible and accessible method for the measurement of skeletal muscle mass. This technique presents acceptable intra-rater reliability; however, there are a few reports on its inter-rater reliability. Additionally, relative reliability should equally be inspected to determine the presence of systematic errors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities and absolute reliability of rectus femoris muscle thickness as measured using US. Methods The participants included in our study comprised 12 healthy young men (26.5 ± 3.9 years. Rectus femoris muscle thickness was measured from the right side of the thigh using US by two trained physical therapists. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (1, 1) and ICC (2, 1) methods, respectively. Absolute reliability was evaluated using Bland − Altman analysis. Additionally, we calculated the minimal detectable change at the 95% level of confidence (MDC95). Result According to the results of the Bland − Altman analysis, no fixed or proportional errors were present. The ICC (1, 1) was 0.95, and the ICC (2, 1) was 0.70. The MDC95 values of rectus femoris thickness for the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were 2.0 mm and 4.3 mm, respectively. Conclusions In our study, intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were measured at “excellent” and “moderate” levels in the healthy individuals based on a previously defined scale. Moreover, we determined the measurement error for quantifying rectus femoris thickness. Therefore, the measurement of rectus femoris thickness using US could be considered applicable in clinical research.

This cohort study aimed to i) clarify the relationship between abduction of the knee joint and trunk motion during running in the stance phase, and ii) clarify the relationship between abduction of the knee joint during running in the stance phase and the amount of trunk rotation measured in a static position. Twenty-nine female collegiate middle- and long-distance runners participated. The knee abduction angle and absolute angles to the floor were calculated using a three-dimensional motion analysis device. Static trunk rotation was calculated. Trunk rotation angle to the supporting side (r = 0.525), thigh posterior tilt angle (r = -0.510), thigh adduction angle (r = 0.417), lower leg anterior tilt angle (r = -0.483), and static trunk rotation to the supporting side (r = -0.429) were significantly correlated with knee abduction angle. Trunk rotation angle to the supporting side (s = 0. 465), thigh adduction angle (s = 0.374), lower leg anterior tilt angle (s = 0.228), and static trunk rotation to the supporting side (s = -0.256) (R 2 = .556) were significantly correlated with the knee abduction angle. The increase or decrease in the knee abduction angle should consider the mutual influence of the lower limb and trunk motion.

In this study, we aim to develop a measurement system for evaluating walking ability in daily life. Health promotion is one of the most important tasks to improve quality of life and quality of community for elderly people. Disabilities related to loss of independence in performing activities of daily living can lead to their social isolation and loneliness that can induce immobility and depression, producing the vicious cycle. Various methods have been proposed to measure lower limb joint angles and positions by using wearable systems and motion capture systems. However, such systems are too expensive and big for elderly’s daily self-monitoring. This paper presents a method of lower limb joint angle estimation using a Kinect sensor. The sensor has a built-in processor to detect joint positions. However, inverse kinematics problem is required to be addressed in order to derive the joint angles. We therefore propose a hybrid approach for lower limb joint angle estimation using genetic algorithm and feed forward neural network.

It is generally accepted that proper learning of the breakfall technique during early judo training is essential for attenuating the risk of judo-related head injury. Therefore, it is critical to understand the kinematics and head injury risks of breakfall motion to design a more safe and effective judo teaching paradigm that results in reduction of injury risk. We aimed to investigate the biomechanics of judo backward breakfalls by comparing osoto-gari and ouchi-gari in novice judokas. Twelve male novice judokas (age: 21.3 years, SD = 0.6 years; height: 1.74 m, SD = 0.04 m; body weight: 71.3, SD = 6.4 kg; body mass index: 23.5, SD = 2.3) volunteered to participate in this study. The kinematic data of the breakfall motion for both osoto-gari and ouchi-gari were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis technique (200 Hz). We observed significant differences between the movement patterns for the two techniques, especially in the lower extremity movements. In addition, a significantly greater peak extension momentum (osoto-gari: 1.29, SD = 0.23 kg m

[Purpose] The final purpose of the present study was to propose easy and quick mental rotation task. Since subjects can easily understand mental rotation task that they have to do, the task is considered to be available in particular children. However, existing mental rotation task using specific software asked subjects more than ten trials per one pictured stimulus, meaning that relatively long time is required to accurately measure. Thus, children have difficulty to keep their attention during the existing task and to demonstrate their ability accurately. To address the purpose of the present study, the performance of mental rotation task using paper was investigated whether the performance has similar characteristics to an existing mental rotation task using specific software, in order to verify the usability of the task using paper. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-three elementary school participants were asked to determine whether a rotating hand picture was left or right as quickly as possible and indicate it by writing a diagonal line on the paper. The total time required judgment of 16 pictures and the number of judgment errors were counted. [Results] The number of judgment errors increased with an increasing stimulus rotation angle. Also, the mental rotation time improved with age. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the performance of mental rotation using paper has the same characteristics as the existing method using specific software. Therefore, the mental rotation using paper would be practical method for subjects having difficulty to keep attention relatively long time, such as elementary school children.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation of the soleus muscle on spinal cord and peripheral motor nerve excitability. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve healthy adults (mean age 22 years) who provided written informed consent were administered repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation for 10 min. Pre-and post-stimulation latencies and amplitudes of H- and M-waves of the soleus muscle were measured using electromyography and compared using paired t-tests. [Results] Pre- and post-stimulation latencies (28.3 ± 3.3 vs. 29.1 ± 1.3 ms, respectively) and amplitudes (35.8 ± 1.3 vs. 35.8 ± 1.1 mV, respectively) of H-waves were similar. Pre-stimulation latencies of M-waves were significantly higher than post-stimulation latencies (6.1 ± 2.2 vs. 5.0 ± 0.9 ms, respectively), although pre- and post-stimulation amplitudes were similar (12.2 ± 1.4 vs. 12.2 ± 1.3 mV, respectively). Motor neuron excitability, based on the excitability of motor nerves and peripheral nerve action, was increased by M-waves following magnetic stimulation. [Conclusion] The lack of effect of magnetic stimulation on the amplitude and latency of the H-reflex suggests that magnetic stimulation did not activate sensory nerve synapses of α motor neurons in the spinal cord. However, because motor nerves were stimulated together with sensory nerves, the increased H-wave amplitude may have reflected changes in peripheral rather than in α motor nerves.

[Purpose] This study examined characteristics of dynamic standing balance, with an without an insole, in patients with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP). [Participants and Methods] This cross-sectional study used a crossover design. Eleven patients with spastic diplegia CP and gross motor levels between I and III with spastic diplegia CP (according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System expanded and revised version) were randomly allocated to either the barefoot or insole groups. The Index of postural stability (IPS) was evaluated while each patient was barefoot and while wearing insoles. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) was used to measure functional self-care and mobility domains. [Results] While wearing the insoles, the center movement distance between right and left positions was significantly higher. While barefoot, IPS and area of postural sway correlated with the PEDI subscales for mobility and self-care. [Conclusion] Insoles promote standing balance and dynamic balance to move the center of pressure within the base of support. Such improvements may enhance activities of daily living in patients with spastic diplegia CP.

Previous studies suggest that increasing the skill level of judokas will decrease the number of head injuries sustained during judo. However, the kinematics are poorly understood, making it difficult to establish an effective breakfall teaching programme. Therefore, we studied the kinematic parameters of breakfall for osoto-gari to identify the risk of judo-related head injuries by comparing experienced and novice judokas. This information will provide insight into developing a better prevention plan for judo-related head injuries. A total of 10 experienced and 12 novice judokas volunteered to participate in this study. The kinematic data of the breakfall motion for osoto-gari were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis technique (200 Hz). We observed a significantly higher peak neck extension momentum in the novice group than in the experienced group. This suggests that neck extension momentum during breakfall is associated with the risk of head injuries during judo. In addition, the novice judokas demonstrated a significantly greater flexed pattern in the trunk and hip movement than the experienced judokas (P 0.05). The results suggest that the trunk and lower extremity motion are important kinematic parameters that determine the skill level in performing the breakfall for osoto-gari.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to translate the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) tool from English to Japanese and to assess the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the SCALE (SCALE-J) tool in Japanese patients with spastic cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] The SCALE tool was translated into Japanese in accordance with the published guidelines. In total, 55 patients with spastic cerebral palsy were enrolled in the present study. Reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's α), intrarater reliability, inter-rater reliability, and convergent validity by comparing Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) scores were examined. [Results] The Cronbach's α value of the SCALE-J tool was 0.97-0.98, whereas that of the intrarater and inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.93 to 0.96. The Spearman correlation coefficient revealed a good relationship between the SCALE tool and the GMFCS. [Conclusion] The SCALE-J tool was found to be reliable and valid; therefore, the SCALE tool may be useful for evaluation in clinical practice.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate differences in selective voluntary motor control of the lower extremities by objective assessment and determine the relationship between selective voluntary motor control and knee extensor strength in children with spastic diplegia. [Subjects and Methods] Forty individuals who had spastic cerebral palsy, with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels ranging from I to III, were assessed using the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity and by testing the maximum knee extensor strength. The unaffected side was defined as the lower limb with the higher score, and the affected side was defined as the lower limb with the lower score. [Results] The Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity score on the affected side had a lower average than that on the unaffected side. The scores showed a significant inverse correlation with the maximum knee extensor strength. [Conclusion] There was bilateral difference in the selective voluntary motor control of the lower extremities in children with spastic diplegia, and the selective voluntary motor control of the lower extremity was related to maximum knee extensor strength.

Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is defined as failure to report, respond, or adjust to novel or meaningful stimuli presented to the side opposite a brain lesion. This symptom deteriorates the rehabilitation efficiency and hinders activities of daily living. USN is classified into 2 sub-categories: body-centered neglect and object-centered neglect. No optimal intervention has been proposed for treating object-centered neglect. Thus, we developed a visual cueing system using immersive virtual reality to improve object-centered neglect. A feasibility study showed 2 typical measurements for object-centered neglect tended to improve the symptom, these results provide preliminary evidence for designing successful rehabilitation programs using a visual cueing system in patients with object-centered neglect.

[Purpose] This study sought to ascertain whether, in hemiplegic patients, the effect of a wheelchair cushion to suppress pelvic posterior tilt when initiating wheelchair propulsion would continue in subsequent propulsions. [Subjects] Eighteen hemiplegic patients who were able to propel a wheelchair in a seated position participated in this study. [Methods] An adjustable wheelchair was fitted with a cushion that had an anchoring function, and a thigh pad on the propulsion side was removed. Propulsion movements from the seated position without moving through three propulsion cycles were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system, and electromyography was used to determine the angle of pelvic posterior tilt, muscle activity of the biceps femoris long head, and propulsion speed. [Results] Pelvic posterior tilt could be suppressed through the three propulsion cycles, which served to increase propulsion speed. Muscle activity of the biceps femoris long head was highest when initiating propulsion and decreased thereafter. [Conclusion] The effect of the wheelchair cushion on suppressing pelvic posterior tilt continued through three propulsion cycles.

This paper describes a diagnosis support system for Trail Making Test (TMT). The system imitates paper based TMT by using a tablet PC and smart pencil that can take writing pressure. Any line between two symbols is separated to finding phase and moving phase, and time, length and pressure of these phases are corrected to evaluate patient's higher brain dysfunctions level. In experiment, we corrected TMT data form 6 healthy volunteers and 10 patients. Results shows difference between healthy volunteers and patients.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used in a variety of disorders after stroke including upper limb motor dysfunctions, hemispatial neglect, aphasia, and apraxia, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated. Although gait ability is important for daily living, there were few reports of the use of tDCS to improve balance and gait ability. The supplementary motor area (SMA) was reported to play a potentially important role in balance recovery after stroke. We aimed to investigate the effect of combined therapy body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and tDCS on gait function recovery of stroke patients. Thirty stroke inpatients participated in this study. The two BWSTT periods of 1weeks each, with real tDCS (anode: front of Cz, cathode: inion, 1mA, 20min) on SMA and sham stimulation, were randomized in a double-blind crossover design. We measured the time required for the 10m Walk Test (10MWT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test before and after each period. We found that the real tDCS with BWSTT significantly improved gait speed (10MWT) and applicative walking ability (TUG), compared with BWSTT+sham stimulation periods (p

[Purpose] This study investigated lumbar muscle fatigue before and after maintaining a seated position for one hour, lumbar and pelvic inclination angle change, in subjects with and without active lumber support. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy subjects randomized into two groups sat on a floor chair, placed on an office chair, that cyclically changed its lumbar supporting shape to provide active lumbar support (ALS) or no ALS for one hour. Before and after, we measured the frequency of muscle waveforms of the trunk extensor muscles when the subjects lifted an object weighing 10% of their body weight, using both hands while seated. In addition, ROMt (Range of motion test) of trunk rotation, degree of fatigue and muscle stiffness were analyzed. [Results] Muscle frequency while lifting the weight decreased significantly without ALS compared to with ALS. Mean muscle stiffness increased, ROMt decreased in desk work task significantly without ALS compared to with ALS. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the lumbar muscles became fatigued, because low frequencies, increased muscle stiffness, and decreased ROMt without ALS. We suggest lumbar muscle fatigue was maintained low for subjects seated in a chair with ALS.

〔目的〕体位（背臥位，端座位，立位）が音による応答信号と口頭による声の応答運動を行う単純反応時間に与える影響について検討した．〔対象〕若年者34名，高齢者65名であった．〔方法〕反応時間の測定を背臥位，端座位，立位で行った．測定回数は，若年者は3回，高齢者は4回とした．その後年齢，性別に分け各体位での比較検討を行った．〔結果〕若年者，高齢者の男女別における体位間の比較では，高齢男性，若年男性，若年女性は反応時間に有意差を認めず，高齢女性は背臥位での場合に座位，立位での場合有意に延長した．男性，女性の各体位における若年者と高齢者の比較では，背臥位で若年者男性に比べ高齢男性では反応時間が有意に延長した．若年者，高齢者の各体位における性別間の比較では，3体位ともに若年女性が若年男性に比べ有意に反応時間が延長した．〔結語〕高齢者の女性では，背臥位が座位，立位に比べ延長し，覚醒の関与が推察された．今後は，活動性を含めた検討が必要と考えられた．

〔目的〕股関節外転筋疲労前後の片脚立位時の重心動揺と中殿筋・脊柱起立筋の活動との関係を明らかにすることを目的とした．〔対象〕神経学・整形外科学的な疾患の既往のない健常成人男性22名（平均年齢21.4歳）とした．〔方法〕股関節外転筋疲労前後で片脚静止立位時の重心動揺と筋活動量の変化を計測した．疲労前後の重心動揺と筋活動量を対応のあるt検定，重心動揺と筋活動の関係をpearsonの相関を用いて求めた．〔結果〕疲労後にX方向の重心動揺が有意に増加し，中殿筋の活動は減少，右脊柱起立筋の活動は有意に高まった．右脊柱起立筋の活動の増加と重心動揺に正の相関がみられた．〔結語〕筋疲労により筋の作用に関連する方向の重心動揺が増大し，代償のための筋活動が増加したと考えられる．

Use of transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) in rehabilitation has been reported, but few on the effects of tDCS on posture and balance. Our objective was to clarify the influence of tDCS of the supplementary motor area (SMA) on balance in healthy people. Eight healthy adults (4 males, 4 females, mean age 25 yrs) who gave informed consent were enrolled. For tDCS, the anode was attached by tape to the scalp above the SMA, likewise and the cathode was placed at the external occipital protuberance., and Stimulation at intensity of 1 mA was applied for 20 min. The same procedure without stimulation was followed for sham stimulation. Before and after stimulation subjects performed raising of upper limbs while standing, and maintaining a single leg standing position, on a stabilometer. Items evaluated were shortening of the total trajectory length of the center of gravity movement during and after raising the upper limbs before and after the stimulation, and shortening of the total trajectory length of the center of gravity movement during maintaining the single posture. It is thought that tDCS anodic stimulation of the SMA promoted the posture adjustment function of SMA and contributed to a decrease in center of gravity fluctuation.

〔目的〕腹部ベルトを使用し，腹部収縮時と姿勢の違いによる筋厚の変化を明らかにすることを目的とした。〔対象〕整形外科的な既往のない健常男性大学生15名（18-20歳）とした。〔方法〕腹部ベルトの有無と座位・立位姿勢で，腹部筋の収縮による腹部筋厚の変化について超音波測定装置で計測した。〔結果〕内腹斜筋・腹横筋の非収縮時と収縮時の筋厚はベルトの有無・姿勢に関係なく有意差があった。収縮圧変化を比較した結果，外腹斜筋ではベルト有りで有意に増加し，腹横筋はベルト有りで低下傾向があった。〔結語〕腹部ベルトは人工的に腹圧を向上させることで，外部腹部筋の活動に関して活動性を向上させるが，腹横筋に関しては抑制に働く傾向があると考えられる。

〔目的〕高齢者を対象とした介護予防のための体力測定に聴覚刺激－口頭による声応答運動による単純反応時間測定を用いた，測定回数について検討した。〔対象〕行政が主催した転倒予防のための体力測定と運動指導に参加した整形疾患，中枢性疾患の既往のない健常高齢者24名（男性5名，女性19名）〔方法〕端座位姿勢で課題に慣れるために1回の練習を実施し，その後端座位姿勢で測定を行い，測定回数は，10回とした。〔結果〕全10回の平均値と各測定回数間におけるICC（1,1）で4-7回目において係数が0.81以上となり，係数が0.81以上となる最小の測定回数は4回目であった。〔結語〕高齢者を対象とした体力測定においては1回の練習後に，4回目を代表値として採用することが有効であることが示唆された。