Purpose] We investigated the effect of foot-grip strength training through the time course changes of foot-grip strength.[Subjects] The subjects were 19 healthy adult females. [Method] We conducted foot-grip strength training (towel gathering) 4 days a week for 6 weeks, and compared the before training, and 3 and 6 weeks of training foot-grip strengths.[Results] Foot-grip strength showed a significant increase after 3 weeks training compared to before training; however, no significant difference was found between 3 and 6 weeks of training. [Conclusion] The results show the effect of foot-grip strength training on muscle strength increase was apparent by 3 weeks. Furthermore, we infer from the shape characteristics of the muscle group involved in foot-grip strength that muscle enlargement arising from 6 weeks training does not necessarily result in increased strength.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder covering the 13.56 MHz band was adapted to minimize its volume so that it could be placed in the pulp chamber of an endodontically treated human tooth. The minimized transponder had a maximum communication distance of 30 mm. In an animal experiment, the transponder was fixed in the cavity of a mandibular canine of a dog. An RFID reader positioned close to the dog's face could communicate with the transponder in the dog's tooth. In certain cases, the system is applicable for the personal identification procedures for hospitalized patients instead of an identification wristband.

The empty can (EC) and full can (FC) tests are used as diagnostic tools for patients with rotator cuff disease. However, recently concerns have been raised that these tests do not selectively activate the muscle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the rotator cuff muscle activation levels during the EC and FC tests in various positions using electromyography. Twelve healthy, right-handed men without shoulder complaints (mean age: 26.1 years, range: 23–35 years) were included. The tests were performed isometrically with the shoulder elevated at 45° and 90° in the sagittal, scapular, and coronal planes, either in the thumb-up (FC test) or thumb-down (EC test) positions. During these positions, the electromyographic signal was recorded simultaneously from the four shoulder muscles using a combination of surface and intramuscular fine-wire electrodes. The average activation of the supraspinatus and subscapularis was greater during the EC test than during the FC test and in the scapular and coronal planes than in the sagittal plane at 90°. For the infraspinatus, there were no significant differences in any positions between the two tests. Thus, the rotator cuff muscles are influenced by arm position and the elevation plane during the EC and FC tests.

In this study we measured body composition (skeletal muscle and fat volumes), upper and lower limb muscle strength and the circumferences of the extremities of 37 healthy adults, and investigated the relationships among them. For both men and women, a significant positive correlation was found between upper and lower limb strength and skeletal muscle volume. Also, a significant positive correlation was found between upper and lower limb muscle strengths and the circumferences of the extremities, though the correlation was lower than that of skeletal muscle volume. A significant positive correlation was found between body composition and the circumferences of the extremities as well, and within this relationship, the correlation with women's body fat volumes was extremely high. The present results suggest that skeletal muscle volume, which indicates body composition, reflects upper and lower limb strength. Also, we assume that the values of the circumferences of the extremities are greatly influenced by skeletal muscle and fat volumes in addition to muscle strength.

[Purpose] Early postoperative passive motion exercise after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains controversial. To better understand this issue, this study was aimed at evaluating scapular kinematics and muscle activities during passive arm elevation in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] The dominant shoulders of 27 healthy subjects were examined. Electromagnetic sensors attached to the scapula, thorax, and humerus were used to determine three-dimensional scapular kinematics during active arm elevation with or without external loads and passive arm elevation. Simultaneously, the activities of seven shoulder muscles were recorded with surface and intramuscular fine-wire electrodes. [Results] Compared with active arm elevation, passive elevation between 30° and 100° significantly decreased the scapular upward rotation and increased the glenohumeral elevation angle. However, no significant differences in scapular posterior tilt and external rotation were observed between active and passive arm elevation, and scapular plane kinematics were not affected by muscle activity. [Conclusion] Unlike active motion with or without an external load, passive arm elevation significantly decreased the scapular upward rotation and significantly increased the mid-range glenohumeral elevation. These data, which suggest that passive arm elevation should be avoided during the early postoperative period, may expand the understanding of rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.