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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the recovery period of joint contractures differ between treatments with joint fixation with unweighting of the hind limbs and joint fixation alone. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve 10-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into a group with joint fixation of the right ankle joints in full plantar flexion for 1 week (F) and a group with joint fixation and hind limb suspension (FS). Thereafter, the rats were removed from the joint fixation and hind limb suspension for 2 weeks. The ankle dorsiflexion angles during the recovery process of the joint contractures were measured. [Results] The ankle dorsiflexion angles of the F group from the day joint fixation was removed to the seventh recovery day were significantly lower than the pre-experiment values. The ankle dorsiflexion angles of the FS group from the day joint fixation and hind limb suspension were removed to the 10th recovery day were significantly lower than the pre-experiment values. [Conclusion] We found that the period required for the recovery of joint contractures treated with joint fixation with unweighting of the hind limbs was longer than that with joint fixation alone.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in soleus extensibility from a joint contracture caused by a reduction in joint movement with unweighted lower limbs and to interpret the results to aid in the treatment of human joint contractures. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were twenty-one 10-weeks-old male Wistar rats. Twenty-one rats were divided into one control (C) and two experimental groups. The first experimental group included fixed right ankle joints in full plantar flexion (F). The second experimental group’s hind limbs were suspended and the right ankle joints were fixed in full plantar flexion (FS). The period of this study was one week. On the first and last day of this study, all of the rats’ ankle dorsiflexion angles were measured. On the last day of this study, all of the rats’ soleus extensibilities were measured. [Results] On the last day of this study, the ankle dorsiflexion angles and the soleus extensibility in the FS group were significantly more decreased than those of the F group. [Conclusion] It was shown that the skeletal muscle extensibility from joint contracture caused by reduction of joint movement with unweighted lower limbs was more markedly decreased than that from joint contracture caused by reduction of joint movement.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of changes in pain and gait after ischemia reperfusion was induced by tourniquet in rats. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were six ten-week-old male Wistar rats. Ischemia was induced in the left lower limbs of the experimental rats at a pressure of 300 mmHg for 90 minutes. Pain behavior evaluations were measured using the von Frey test in all the rats’ hind limbs. A consistently increasing plantar stimulus was applied until the rats exhibited an escape behavior. For the evaluation of gait, a two-dimensional motion analysis system was used to measure the distance from the calcaneus to the floor (DCF) and toe extension angle (TEA) during gait. The evaluations were performed in the normal state, 3 hours after ischemia-reperfusion, and daily until 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion. [Results] Compared with the normal state, the means of the pain threshold showed a significant decrease until 4 days after ischemia. In addition, both TEA and DCF continued to show a significant decrease at 7 days after ischemia as compared with the normal state. [Conclusion] This study revealed that hyperalgesia occurs after ischemia-reperfusion, and recovery of hyperalgesia occurred earlier than gait dysfunction recovery.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether an aerobic interval exercise using an eccentric contraction would result in skeletal muscular hypertrophy and augmentation of muscular strength in rats. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one female Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group performed no exercise. The aerobic endurance exercise group ran for 90 min. The aerobic interval exercise group ran for a total of 90 minutes in 5 minute bouts separated by 2 minute rest periods. The exercise groups ran on a downhill treadmill incline, once every three days, for a total of twenty sessions. [Results] The muscle wet weights, the muscle fiber cross-section minor axes, and the tetanus tension results of the aerobic endurance and aerobic interval exercise groups were significantly larger than those of the control group. [Conclusion] These results indicate that aerobic interval exercise may be an effective method of inducing hypertrophy and augmenting muscular strength in skeletal muscle.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether skin extensibility decreases when a contracture develops as a result of joint immobilization. [Subjects] This study was conducted on six female Wistar rats. [Methods] The rats were divided into two experimental groups. In the immobilized group, the right ankle joints were immobilized in complete plantar flexion by plaster casts for two weeks. In the control group, the left ankle joints had no intervention. On the final day, skin extensibility was determined from a length-tension curve by collecting skin from the posterior aspect of the ankle joint and using a tensile strength tester. [Results] Compared with the control group, the immobilized group showed a significant decrease in skin extensibility. [Conclusion] The results demonstrated that the extensibility of the skin itself decreases when joint contracture develops.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate how a stretching torque affects muscular contractures. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 48 male Wistar rats. [Methods] Subjects were divided into 4 groups as follows: Group 1 was the control; Group 2 had muscles in continuous fixation; Group 3 had muscles stretched in the direction of dorsiflexion by a spring balancer set at a torque of 0.3N for a period of 30 minutes after continuous fixation; and Group 4 had muscles stretched in the direction of dorsiflexion by a spring balancer set at a torque of 3.0N for a period of 30 minutes after continuous fixation. Joint fixation periods were for 2 and 4-weeks. Ankle joint range of motion and soleus flexibility were analyzed. [Results] For the 2-week joint fixation, soleus flexibility in Group 4 showed an increase compared with that of Group 3. For both fixation periods, range of motion in Group 4 showed an increase compared with that of Group 3. [Conclusion] For both fixation periods, stretching improved joint range of motion. In the 2-week joint fixation, soleus flexibility improved. However, soleus flexibility did not improve in the 4-week joint fixation.

Objectives We examined the factors considered to change body composition and blood biochemistry indicators in menopausal middle-aged and elderly women. These changes result from exercise by walking as part of their daily activities and lemon consumption by women who live on the small islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan's largest citrus fruit (lemon)-producing region. Methods Between September 2011 and March 2012, we recorded the daily lemon consumption and the number of steps taken by 101 middle-aged and elderly female lemon farmers. We also measured their body dimensions, body compositions, and blood pressure pulse wave velocity and conducted blood tests before and after the survey period. The results before and after the survey period were compared by the t-test and associations were determined on the basis of Pearson's correlation coefficient. Covariance structural analysis was carried out to determine causal associations. Results From the results of covariance structure analysis, lemon intake did not have a direct impact on each item examined. The third item, i.e., "the factors related to arteriosclerosis," was affected indirectly via citric acid and fatigue, and anticoagulation was shown. The fourth item, i.e., "the factors related to maintenance of muscle mass," which is affected by menopausal years and the change in walking speed, was shown to be associated with the second item, i.e., "the factors related to lipid metabolism." Menopausal years affected the first, third and fourth items. Conclusions Lemon intake did not have a direct impact on each item. Lemon has been shown to indirectly affect the third item through citric acid. Walking affected the second item, the level of total cholesterol, such as HDL cholesterol, through the fourth item. The importance of providing services that lead to sustained physical activity and a well-balanced metabolism between lipids and carbohydrates has been shown.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether collagen fibers cause a difference in a contracture resulting from a combination of joint fixation and hindlimb unloading as compared to joint fixation only. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 21 female Wistar rats divided into 4 groups as follows: Control Group (CON, n=7); Joint Fixation Group (JF, n=7), Hindlimb Unloading Group (HU, n=7), Joint Fixation Plus Hindlimb Unloading Group (JF+HU, n=7). This study was conducted for 1-week. Ankle joint range of motion and positive areas of collagen using fluorescent stain were analyzed. [Results] Ankle joint range of motion in JF + HU showed an increase compared to that of JF. Positive areas of Type I collagen in JF+HU showed an increase as compared with that of JF. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggested that the difference in a contracture caused by only joint immobilization and by a combination of joint immobilization and hindlimb unloading were significantly associated with Type I collagen.

〔目的〕駆血と固定が筋萎縮に与える影響を検討すること．〔対象〕8週齢のWistar系雌ラット21固体を無作為に「固定群」，「駆血後固定群」，「駆血群」に振り分けた．「固定群」の対側肢を「正常群」とした．〔方法〕右大腿にギプス固定や駆血の処置を行った．筋萎縮評価にはヒラメ筋相対体重比とヒラメ筋線維横断面短径を用いた．〔結果〕多重比較検定の結果，ヒラメ筋相対体重比，ヒラメ筋線維横断面短径ともに「「正常群」と比較すると「駆血後固定群」「固定群」で有意に減少していた．二元配置分散分析の結果，駆血と固定での交互作用は認められなかった．〔結語〕固定により生じる廃用性筋萎縮と，駆血により引き起こされる筋萎縮はそれぞれ独立して生じることが示唆された．

〔目的〕駆血再灌流後の運動負荷による骨格筋の状態を確認すること．〔対象〕8週齢のWistar系雌ラット25個体を駆血の有無，運動の有無により無作為に5群に振り分けた．〔方法〕右大腿に駆血の処置を行った．運動負荷は駆血の翌日より行った．筋萎縮評価にはヒラメ筋相対体重比とヒラメ筋線維横断面短径を用い，統計処理にはKruskal-Wallis検定，多重比較検定にはScheffeの方法を適用した．また，ヒラメ筋筋組織の横断切片にて形態学的観察を行った．〔結果〕ヒラメ筋線維横断面短径の平均値は「正常群」に比較し「3日群」では有意に減少していた．〔結語〕駆血再灌流後の運動負荷は骨格筋の浮腫を減少させることが示唆された．

〔目的〕一日当たり12時間の関節固定がラット足関節拘縮発生に与える影響を検討することである．〔対象・方法〕8週齢のWistar系雌ラット14匹を，各7匹の2つに分けた．7匹は，左後肢の処置を施さない「正常肢群」とし，また右後肢を実験初日から最終日まで足関節最大底屈位で固定する「24時間固定肢群」とした．残り7匹は，右後肢を実験初日から最終日まで一日当たり12時間の足関節固定を行う「12時間固定肢群」とした．実験期間は1週間である．〔結果〕一日当たり12時間の関節固定は関節拘縮を発生させた．〔結語〕今後は，一日当たり12時間よりも短い関節固定で関節拘縮が発生するか調べる必要がある．

〔目的〕脳卒中片麻痺患者の屋内車いす駆動の可否に影響を及ぼす要因を検討した．〔対象〕脳卒中片麻痺患者59名（男性35名，女性24名）とした．〔方法〕候補となる要因をBrunnstrom stage，立位バランス，座位バランス，握力，腹筋力，非麻痺側・麻痺側の下肢筋力，および認知機能とし，これらの要因と車いす駆動能力を評価した．車いす駆動能力に影響する要因をロジステック回帰により分析した．〔結果〕車いす駆動の可否に影響を及ぼす要因は，立位バランスと腹筋力が選択された．〔結語〕脳卒中片麻痺患者が屋内での車いす駆動能力を獲得するには，立位バランスと腹筋力が重要であることが示された．

The effect of skin resection on joint contracture was determined by comparing the first measurement of range of motion after cast removal and the second measurement after the skin resection. This study aimed to verify that both the joint movement during the measurement and skin affect range of motion. [Subjects] Twelve female Wistar rats were used. [Methods] The right hind limb ankle of each rat was immobilized in complete plantar flexion in a cast. In the resection group (n = 6), the skin of the right hind limb ankle was removed surgically, but not in the non-resection group (n = 6). In the resection group, the first measurement of the dorsiflexion angle was obtained after the cast was removed, and the second measurement was obtained after skin resection. In the non-resection group, both measurements of the dorsiflexion angle were obtained soon after the cast was removed. [Results] Compared with the non-resection group, the resection group showed a significant increase between the first and second measurements of range of motion. [Conclusion] These results show that range of motion is substantially affected by skin, in addition to joint movement, during measurement.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is an effect of ROM exercise on rats with denervation and joint contracture. [Methods] Fifteen female 8-week old Wistar rats were used. For seven out of the fifteen rats, the left hind limbs were used as control limbs (group 1), and the right hind limbs (group 2) were fixed continuously with white tape in full plantar flexion for one week. The remaining eight rats received bilateral sciatic neurectomies. The left hind limbs (group 3) were fixed continuously with white tape in full plantar flexion for one week. The right hind limbs (group 4) were fixed in full plantar flexion with white tape that was removed daily from the second through the seventh experimental days. After the tape was removed the foot was held in dorsiflexion by a spring balancer for 30 minutes. After the ROM exercise session was completed, the white tape was reapplied, again with the ankle fixed in full plantar flexion. [Results] Before the experiment, there were no significant differences among the groups. After the experiment: compared to group 1, ROM in group 2 and group 3 was significantly increased; compared to group 2, ROM in group 3 and group 4 was significantly decreased; and compared to group 3, ROM in group 4 was significantly decreased. [Conclusion] ROM exercise was effective for preventing ROM limitation. These results suggest that ROM exercise is effective for preventing joint limitation in rats with denervation and joint contracture.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether a low intensity exercise using an eccentric contraction would result in skeletal muscle hypertrophy in rats. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen female Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group performed no exercise. The level group ran on a treadmill on a 0° incline. The downhill group ran on a treadmill on a -16° incline. The two exercise groups ran on a treadmill at 16 m/min for 90 minutes, once every three days for a total of twenty sessions. [Results] The muscle wet weights, the relative weight ratios, and the muscle fiber cross-section minor axes of the downhill group were significantly larger than those of the control and level groups. There were no differences in the muscle wet weights, the relative weight ratios, and the muscle fiber cross-section minor axes between the control group and the level group. [Conclusion] The stimulation from the low intensity eccentric contraction may have produced enough mechanical stress to induce muscle hypertrophy without the over-stressing that might have produced muscle fiber damage. These results indicate that this technique may be an effective method of inducing hypertrophy in skeletal muscle.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether muscle atrophy induced by ischemic reperfusion injury in rats can be prevented by the administration of antioxidants. [Subjects] Rats were randomly divided into three groups: the non-treated group, vitamin C group, and vitamin E group. [Methods] Ischemia was induced in the right lower limb a pressure of 300 mmHg for 90 minutes.Vitamin injections were administered six times from just prior to the induction of ischemia until 60 hours after the reperfusion. The relative weight ratio of the soleus muscle and the length of the soleus muscle fiber cross-section minor axes were used for the evaluation of muscle atrophy, and biochemical analyses of the creatine phosphokinase and total glutathione levels were also performed. [Results] The relative weight ratios of the soleus muscle and the lengths of the soleus muscle fiber cross-section minor axis in the vitamin C group and the vitamin E group were significantly greater than those in the non-treated group. In comparison with the non-treated group, the total glutathione level showed a tendency to be higher in the vitamin C group and was significantly higher in the vitamin E group. [Conclusion] In this study, using an experimental rat model, we confirmed that antioxidants prevent the muscle atrophy induced by ischemic reperfusion.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether muscle atrophy induced by ischemic reperfusion injury in rats can be prevented by the administration of antioxidants and exercise. [Subjects] Rats were randomly divided into five groups: non-treated, ischemic, exercise, ascorbic acid and exercise, and tocopherol and exercise. [Methods] The relative weight ratio of the soleus muscle and the length of the soleus muscle fiber cross-section minor axis were used for the evaluation of muscle atrophy. Pain was assessed as the weight-bearing ratio of the ischemic side. A multiple comparison test and the paired t-test were used for the statistical analyses. [Results] Compared with the non-treated group, the relative weight ratios of the soleus muscle and the lengths of the soleus muscle fiber cross-section minor axis significantly decreased in the other groups. Excluding the non-treated group, the relative weight ratios of the soleus muscle were heaviest in the tocopherol and exercise group. Excluding the non-treated group, the lengths of the soleus muscle fiber cross-section minor axis were longest in the tocopherol and exercise group, followed by the ischemic, exercise, and ascorbic acid and exercise groups. The amount of antioxidant substances did not decrease on the weight-bearing ratio of the ischemic side. [Conclusion] In this study, using an experimental rat model, we confirmed that antioxidants and exercise effect muscle atrophy induced by ischemic reperfusion. The results show that muscle regeneration was facilitated by phagocytosis in the tocopherol and exercise group.

〔目的〕本研究の目的は，関節の動きを維持するために30分／日の持続伸張がラット足関節拘縮の発生予防に与える影響を検討することである。〔対象・方法〕対象は8週齢，Wister系雌ラット20匹である。実験期間は7日間である。ラットを無作為に各10匹の2つにわけた。10匹は，右足関節を最大底屈位でギプスを用いて7日間固定する固定肢とし左足関節は介入を加えない無介入肢とした。残り10匹は，右足関節を最大底屈位で固定し，実験2日目から6日目まで毎日ギプスを外し背屈方向へ伸張を加える伸張肢とした。効果判定の関節可動域テストは，無介入肢，固定肢，伸張肢ともに実験最終日の7日目に行った。なお，伸張肢の7日目の持続伸張は実施していない。〔結果〕実験開始前の背屈角度は3肢間に有意差を認めなかった。実験最終日には固定肢と伸張肢はともに無介入肢との間に有意差が見られ，また，固定肢と伸張肢との間には有意差が見られなかった。〔結語〕これまで関節拘縮の発生予防に有効であるといわれた30分／日の持続伸張時間では関節拘縮の発生が予防できないことが示された。

〔目的〕本研究の目的はターニケットによる駆血時間の違いがラットヒラメ筋の萎縮に与える影響を明らかにすることである。〔対象・方法〕8週齢のWistar系雌ラットを，30分駆血群，60分駆血群，90分駆血群に分けた。実験期間は2週間とした。3群とも実験初日に右後肢の駆血を行った後，2週間ギプス固定した。〔結果〕その結果，駆血によるヒラメ筋線維径の減少は60・90分の駆血で発生することが明らかとなった。一方，ヒラメ筋相対体重比は，駆血時間の違いによる影響が認められなかった。〔結語〕駆血時間の違いは筋萎縮に影響を与えること，また60分の駆血は筋萎縮を惹起することを明らかにした。

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of pain intensity and fear of pain with executive function in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain. Methods: The community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain (pain duration≥ 3 months) were recruited. People whose Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was less than 24 point were excluded. Executive functionwas assessed by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Subjective pain intensity was assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Fear of pain was assessed by Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). Depression was measured using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Pearson correlation test, Spearman rank correlation test and multiple regression analysis were used. In multiple regression analysis, DSST was taken as the main explanatory variable, whereas NRS/TSK was the outcome variable. Age, sex, years of education, the number of medication use, analgesic medication, MMSE, GDS and TSK/NRS were included as confounding factors. Results:Participantswere 105 community-dwelling older adults (78 women, mean age: 74.0± 6.6 years). In univariate analysis, DSST was associated with NRS and TSK significantly (NRS;ρ =−0.27, p< 0.001, TSK; r=−0.24, p< 0.05). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment, NRS and TSK was still associated with DSST (NRS; adjusted β =−0.30, p< 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.16, TSK; adjusted β =−0.25, p< 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.26). Conclusion(s): Pain intensity and fear of pain was associated with executive function in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain. Implications: In order to reduce pain intensity or to improve fear of pain in community dwelling older adults with chronic pain, it would be efficacious to approach to executive function.

Methods: Twenty acute stroke patients were randomized into rTMS group or sham group. Patients received 5 daily sessions of 1Hz rTMS or sham rTMS over the intact motor cortex. For recording MRCP, patients performed self-paced wrist dorsiflexion of affected limb before and after rTMS sessions. Electrodes were placed at Fz, FC3, FCz, FC4, C3, Cz, C4 and Pz according to the international 10–20 system. MRCPwas divided into 3 components of Bereitschaft potential (BP), negative slope (NS’) and motor potential (MP). For behavioral testing, patients performed the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), pegboard test, and grip strength before and after rTMS sessions. TheMRCP data and behavioral data were subjected to repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) using time (pre-rTMS and post-rTMS) as within-subject factors and group (rTMS group and sham group) as a between-subject factor. Pearson correlation coefficient or Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to assess associations between MRCP and motor function data. Results: MRCP showed a significant increase of MP amplitude at C and FC sites in affected hemisphere after rTMS to the contralesional motor cortex for five days (Ps < 0.05). At the same time, there were increases of NS’ amplitude at C and FC sites in affected hemisphere and at Cz site (Ps < 0.05). The behavioral data showed significant improvement of FMA and PPT in the rTMS group compared to the sham group (Ps < 0.02). The improvement of FMA for upper limbmotor functionwas correlatedwith the increase of MRCPamplitude recorded over the ipsilesionalmotor cortex. Conclusion(s): Low-frequency rTMS to contralesional motor cortex promoted motor functional recovery of upper extremity for acute stroke patients, and this improvement was associated with enhanced movement-related electrophysiological activity of affected motor cortex possibly through suppression of transcallosal inhibition. Implications: Low-frequency rTMS to non-affected hemisphere may be promising intervention for motor recovery even in acute stroke patients with hemiparesis.

Background. Recent studies suggest that the daily intake of lemon (Citrus limon) has a good effect on health, but this has not been confirmed in humans. In our previous studies, it was observed that people who are conscious of their health performed more lemon intake and exercise. An analysis that took this into account was required.Methodology. For 101 middle-aged women in an island area in Hiroshima, Japan, a record of lemon ingestion efforts and the number of steps walked was carried out for five months. The change rates (Δ%) of the physical measurements, blood test, blood pressure, and pulse wave measured value during the observation period were calculated, and correlations with lemon intake and the number of steps walked were considered. As a result, it was suggested that daily lemon intake and walking are effective for high blood pressure because both showed significant negative correlation to systolic blood pressure Δ%.Conclusions. As a result of multiple linear regression analysis, it was possible that lemon ingestion is involved more greatly with the blood citric acid concentration Δ% and the number of steps with blood pressure Δ%, and it was surmised that the number of steps and lemon ingestion are related to blood pressure improvement by different action mechanisms.

[Purpose] It has been shown that an eight-hour joint fixation daily (i.e. for the remaining 16 hours, rats were set free in the cage without joint fixation) for one week induces a joint contracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between an 8 hours continuous joint fixation and an 8 hours intermittent joint fixation per day (two 4 hours joint fixations) in the development of joint contractures in rats. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 34 Wistar rats. On the first day, all of the rats’ right ankle dorsiflexion angles were measured. The right hind limbs of all the rats were fixed in plantar flexion, and then the rats were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 was in continuous fixation for 24 hours a day; Group 2 was in continuous fixation for 8 hours a day; Group 3 was in intermittent fixation for 8 hours a day. The fixation was performed daily for seven consecutive days. On the last day, ankle dorsiflexion angles of all the rats were measured after the casts had been removed. [Results] The development of joint contractures was statistically significant for Groups 1 and 2. [Conclusion] Our results indicate that 8 hours a day of continuous fixation induces a joint contracture, but 8 hours a day of intermittent fixation does not.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate if lactate thresholds in rats could be accurately determined during downhill running in rats. [Subjects] Twenty-four female Wistar rats were used in this study. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: the level running group and downhill running group. [Methods] Catheters were inserted into the right external jugular veins of the rats. Two days after the operation, the rats performed incremental exercise tests. The level running group ran on a treadmill at a 0° incline; the downhill running group ran on a treadmill at a −16° incline. The lactate threshold was determined using the 2-line combination that minimizes the total sum of squares for fitting all data. [Results] Maximal running speeds and running speeds at the lactate threshold for the downhill running group were significantly higher than those for the level running group. [Conclusion] In this study, it was possible to accurately determine the lactate threshold during downhill running. These findings suggest that when the treadmill speed is the same, downhill running can be done at lower metabolic intensity than level running.