[Purpose] This study examined the quality of life (QOL) of homebound elderly hemiparetic stroke patients and factors that affect it. [Subjects] The subjects of the study were 21 homebound elderly hemiparetic stroke patients who were 65 years old or over and required care for daily living (12 males and 9 females, average age: 79.3 ± 8.4 years old). Their physical and psychological conditions, QOL, and other characteristics were researched. [Methods] The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used for the activities of daily living (ADL) assessment, and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36, Japanese version 1.2) was used for the QOL assessment. [Results] No correlations were observed between the QOL of homebound elderly hemiparetic stroke patients and their age and gender. However, the results showed that their QOL was affected by their independence in ADL, bedridden degree, and care-need level. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in order to improve the QOL of homebound elderly hemiparetic stroke patients, ongoing rehabilitation to improve independence in ADL and lower the bedridden degree and care-need level is required.

We sought to clarify factors leading to the elimination of a fear of falling.[Subjects] Forty females with femoral bone fracture were the subjects of our study.[Methods] The fall efficacy and motor and psychological functions of the 40 patients following fracture of the proximal femur due to a fall were measured weekly from week 1 to week 4. These subjects were then divided into two groups.[Results] There were differences between the 2 groups of subjects in terms of MFES scores and state anxiety during week 2, 3, and 4. Comparison of the groups of subjects between week 1 and week 4 indicated that both groups of subjects had improved motor function and that subjects with no fear had improved MFES scores.[Conclusion] These findings reveal that improved motor function can be expected even if the individual has the fear, but the fear will not be lost through improvement of motor function alone. Additionally, subjects with no fear tended to have greater fall efficacy. The results suggest the need for steps to improve fall efficacy in order to eliminate the fear.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the severity and the persistence of low back pain (LBP) in care workers and its influence on their health-related quality of life (QOL).[Subjects] The subjects were one hundred and fifty eight female care workers who worked for three health care service facilities for the aged in Japan.[Methods] The investigation was carried out by questionnaire survey. Subjects were asked if they had LBP at the time of the survey. If they had LBP subjects were further asked to describe how long their LBP had lasted. We evaluated the degree of LBP and the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess health-related QOL.[Results] The participants were classified into two groups: a H-LBP group that reported a high degree of LBP and an L-LBP group that reported a low degree of LBP. In addition, the participants who had LBP at the time of survey were classified into two groups: an Acute group in which LBP had continued for less than 3 months and a Chronic group in which LBP had continued for more than 3 months. The scores for all dimensions of SF-36 in the L-LBP group were significantly lower than in the H-LBP group. The Chronic group had a significantly higher degree of LBP and lower "Bodily Pain" than the Acute group. [Conclusion] It is clear that the presence or the severity of workers' LBP influenced not only their pain and physical functions but also their social and psychological QOL .

Abstract. [Purpose] This study aimed to examine problematic behaviors of mentally handicapped children receiving pediatric physical therapy, through applying the Japanese version of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist(ABC-J) to persons receiving pediatric physical therapy.[Subjects] Subjects were 26 handicapped children who had received pediatric physical therapy (18 males and 8 females, aged from 1 year and 4 months to 19 years and 10 months). The raters were 5 physical therapists and 1 occupational therapist.[Methods] The subjects were rated using ABC-J.[Results] Twenty-four of 26 subjects showed "Irritability", 23 subjects showed "Lethargy", 13 subjects showed "Stereotypy", 23 subjects showed "Hyperactivity", 12 subjects showed "Inappropriate speech". [Conclusion] "Irritability" "Lethargy" and "Hyperactivity" showed comparatively a stronger tendencies. However, all items were graded high in comparison with reports for Down syndrome. The results of this study suggest that the subjects of pediatric physical therapy show problem in problematic behaviors.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of preoperative evaluation results of rotator cuff injuries. [Subjects and Methods] On the day of surgery, data were collected from 19 patients (12 males and 7 females; mean age 62.7 ± 6.6 years) diagnosed with rotator cuff injuries. The evaluation included assessment of range of motion, muscle strength, and rotator cuff function with regard to the postoperative period until active elevation of the shoulder joint, and the pain threshold. [Results] In patients who had a longer postoperative period until active elevation and in those complaining of severe pain, the preoperative evaluation results for muscle strength were more useful than the results for range of motion and examination tests of rotator cuff function. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that the preoperative evaluation of patients with rotator cuff injuries should include muscle strength measurements in order to predict postoperative function. To understand functional restoration of the shoulder joint after rotator cuff repair, we suggest preoperative evaluation of muscular function and kinematic assessments.