[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 objective of this study was to examine whether or not the repeated plantar-dorsiflexion test in the sitting position can be used as a predictor of falls. [Subjects] The subjects were 50 elderly persons over the age of 60. [Methods] We divided the subjects into falls and no falls groups and conducted the repeated plantardorsiflexion test, the timed up and go test, the functional reach test, the five-meter maximum walking speed test, and the standing on tiptoe test. [Results] We found differences between the two groups for all of the motor functions, and in the results of logistic regression analysis, the repeated plantar-dorsiflexion test and the standing on tiptoe test were identified as the variables associated with fall history. [Conclusion] We consider the repeated plantar-dorsiflexion test, which can be performed in a sitting position, and is safe, and can be conducted by personnel other than physical therapists, will be very useful as a predictor of falls.

[Purpose] We conducted a care prevention course for potentially dependent elderly and investigated its effect on their health-related QOL and motor function.[Subjects] The subjects were 45 potentially dependent elderly persons (11 men, 34 women) who enrolled for the care prevention course.[Methods] The care prevention course lasted 3 months and was conducted once a week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted 2 hours and consisted of a lecture, stretching, muscle strength training and whole body exercise. The assessments used were motor function and the SF-36 questionnaire.[Results] At pre-intervention, no significant differences were found in motor function or the SF-36 score between those with and without a history of falls. Significant improvements in motor function of both groups were found post-intervention, and a significant improvement in the SF-36 score was found post-intervention for the group without a history of falls, but not for the group with a history of falls. [Conclusion] We consider that the lack of improvement in health-related QOL in the group with a history of falls was due to the psychological impact of the falls. Thus, we consider that care prevention interventions for the elderly with a history of falls need to address not only motor function, but also psychological aspects.

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.