Although neighborhood environmental factors have been found to be associated with cognitive decline, few longitudinal studies have focused on their effect on older adults living in rural areas. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the role of neighborhood environmental factors in cognitive decline among rural older adults. The data of 485 older adults aged ≥60 years who were living in Unnan City in Japan and had participated in two surveys conducted between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Assessment for Dementia, iPad version 2. Elevation, hilliness, residential density, and proximity to a community center were determined using geographic information system. We applied a generalized estimating equation with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cognitive decline in the quartiles of neighborhood environmental factors. A total of 56 (11.6%) participants demonstrated a decrease in cognitive function at follow up. Elevation (adjusted OR 2.58, 95% CI (1.39, 4.77) for Q4 vs. Q1) and hilliness (adjusted OR 1.93, 95% CI (1.03, 3.63) for Q4 vs. Q1) were associated with a higher likelihood of cognitive decline. The second quartiles of residential density showed significantly lower likelihoods of cognitive decline compared with the first quartiles (adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI (0.19, 0.71) for Q2 vs. Q1). Thus, an elevated hilly environment and residential density predicted cognitive decline among rural older adults.

[Purpose] To confirm the necessity of considering students' Grit scores when determining their stages of vocational identity development. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted, involving 85 students of the Department of Physical Therapy of a health care college, to examine their scores from a vocational identity scale for health care students (vocational identity scale) and the Japanese-version Short Grit Scale (Grit-S), in addition to basic attributes. The relationship between scores from the 2 scales and their subscales was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.[Results] There was a significant positive correlation between the students' scores from the Grit-S and vocational identity scale, including their subscales.

[Purpose] With the aim of obtaining basic data as a support measure to promote inexperienced physical therapists' career development, this study examined the status of their career adaptability, as well as the relationship between such adaptability and mentors. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted, involving 149 physical therapists with clinical experience of 1 to 5 years, to examine their basic attributes, scores from a career adaptability scale, and the presence/absence of mentors for them.[Results] On comparing therapists with and without mentors, the former showed significantly higher career adaptability scores related to interest, control, and self-confidence.[Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility of mentors influencing physical therapists' career development.

[Purpose] To obtain basic data for rehabilitation to help patients return to sports activities or with other goals by examining changes in the side-stepping movement velocity, representing trunk muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy adult males executed side-stepping movements at 5 different velocities to measure the activities of the following muscles during the movements using surface electromyography: the rectus abdominis, ex-and internal oblique, and lumbar multifidus muscles. [Results] With increases in the side-stepping movement velocity, the activities of all muscles were promoted.[Conclusion] The trunk muscle activity level increased when executing side-stepping movements at a higher velocity, suggesting that the muscles of the trunk are involved in such performance.