[Objective] This study investigated the applicability of a 3-m zigzag walk test for the prediction of falls and examined the relationships among fall history, the 3-m zigzag walk test, 10-m walk, and age. [Subjects] A total of 50 elderly individuals (23 males and 27 females) aged 65 and over, who were able to walk independently, were studied. [Methods] Four poles made of PET bottles were placed on a 3-m walkway in a straight line to create a zigzag course, and the time needed to walk it was measured. The best results on days 1 and 2 were adopted for the fall and no-fall groups, and intra-rater reproducibility was evaluated by calculating the intra-class correlation coefficient and performing the paired t-test. For comparison of the time needed to walk the zigzag between the 2 groups, the unpaired t-test was performed. The relationships between the times needed to walk the 3-m zigzag and 10 m and age were analyzed by calculating the correlation coefficient with fall history as the dependent variable, in multiple logistic regression analysis with the times needed to walk the 3-m zigzag and 10 m and age as independent variables. For the optimal classification of the fall and no-fall groups, cutoffs were calculated based on the ROC curve. [Results] The paired t-test results did not show differences between measurements, and the ICC was 0.97 in the fall, and 0.94 in the no-fall groups. The fall group needed significantly more time than the no-fall group to walk the 3-m zigzag. Further, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient revealed a significant correlation between the times needed to walk the 3-m zigzag and 10 m, while no correlation was observed between the time needed to walk the 3-m zigzag and age (r=0.225). The time needed to walk the 3-m zigzag was extracted as a factor associated with fall history in multiple logistic regression analysis, with an odds ratio of 0.377. Its significance as a variable was p<0.01. In the Hosmer-Lemeshow test of the study model, the rate of discrimination between the predicted and actual values was 82.0%. [Conclusion] The cutoff time to walk the 3-m zigzag was estimated to be 10.5 seconds, suggesting that this model may be a valid index for the prediction of falls.

The physical and mental symptoms complained of by students showing a tendency toward neurosis were examined. [Participants and Methods] A collective survey was conducted in February 2015, involving 88 first-year students belonging to the Department of Physical Therapy of a 4-year university and using the Cornell Medical Index. [Results] On comparing healthy students and those showing a tendency toward neurosis, there were differences between them in subscales other than past diseases and habits, as the latter showed significantly higher values. [Conclusion] As mental symptoms in students showing a tendency toward neurosis, they were characterized by being temperamental, such as getting angry and taking offence on the slightest provocation, while frequently becoming depressed. As for their physical symptoms, they complained of various conditions, such as reduced vision, feeling suffocated, headaches, and fatigue. Students with a complaint of these conditions may have a tendency toward neurosis, and need special consideration.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the swing phase differences in ankle joint angles of young and elderly subjects. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 young persons and 14 elderly persons (no-fall group, n=10; falls group, n=4). [Method] Using a video camera we recorded the lower leg during walking and determined the maximum ankle joint angle using Dartfish software. [Results] In the young persons' group we found differences between the early and middle swing phases, and between the early and late swing phases. In the no-fall group, we found differences between the early and middle swing phases, and between the middle and late swing phases. No differences were found among the phases in the falls group. In the early swing phase, differences were found between the young and no-fall groups, and between the young and falls groups. In the middle swing phase, differences were found between the young and no-fall groups, and between the young and falls groups. In the late swing phase, no differences were found among the groups. [Conclusion] The results reveal the elderly group had reduced ankle dorsiand plantar-flexion.

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Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal changes in anxiety with campus life using the College Life Anxiety Scale in order to propose countermeasures. [Subjects] Eighty-eight physical therapy freshmen.[Methods] Freshmen were surveyed in May, October, and the following February.[Results] Anxiety with daily living was lower in October than in May. However, maladjustment to college gradually became higher and was significantly higher in February than in May. There were no significant changes in anxiety in the assessment and total score. The freshmen seemed to have become accustomed to daily campus life during the first half of the academic year.[Conclusion] The results suggest anxiety over the possibility of exam failure tended to increase at the end of the academic year. Students with anxieties concerning their ability and aptness for physical therapy need to be identified early, and interviewed frequently to allay the examination anxiety.