ABSTRACT:The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the length of the hamstring influences the improvement of finger-floor distance. We investigated straight leg-raising before physical therapy and the change in the value of finger-floor-distance after physical therapy. Among the subjects indicating a finger-floor distance of less than 0 cm, we created a PNF group (41 people, average age, 21) and a non-PNF group (24 people, average age, 20). We performed the hold-relax technique for PNF back pelvic lift pattern in the PNF group. From the result, the PNF group showed a significant increase in finger-floor distance (p<0.05), but there was no correlation between straight leg-raising before performance of the hold-relax technique and the changed value of finger-floor distance after performing the technique (p<0.05). The result shows that hold-relax on PNF back pelvic lift pattern improved finger-floor distance, and suggests it is not influenced by the initial length of the hamstring. Key words: finger-floor distance, hold relax, length of hamstring

As basic research on the analysis of the effect of use of a stick during standing, we investigated the changes of center of gravity (COG) sway of an apparatus simulating the physical experience of an elderly person. [Subjects] The subjects were 15 healthy persons: 10 males, 5 females, average age 40.4  5.9 (ranging from 31 to 51 years of age). [Methods] The measurement of COG sway was performed with an Active Balancer (Sakai Medical Co.) under 3 conditions: with no stick and no apparatus, with the apparatus only, and with the apparatus and the stick. [Results] It was found that with use of the apparatus the total COG sway path length, COG sway speed (path length/sec), the area of the envelope of COG sway and the rectangular area increased, as well as the displacement of the antero-posterior sway center average and the lateral and antero-posterior sway standard deviations. Furthermore, when the stick was used, the locus of COG sway was anteriorly maintained resulting in a reduction in sway.[Conclusion] From these results, the COG sway, reflecting the knee, hip and trunk flexion, of elderly persons in the standing position, is shifted more forward than that of healthy non-elderly persons, and the sway is larger and more rapid. However when a stick is used, the results suggest the sway is reduced to the same level as that of healthy nonelderly persons.

The muscle enlargement and strengthening effects of repeated stretching of skeletal muscle of human subjects were investigated. [Subjects] The subjects were 20 healthy males. [Methods] An isokinetic dynamometer was used for repeated stretching of the triceps surae muscle. The intervention group which received repeated stretching through passive dorsiflexion movement of the ankle joint was compared with a control group. The muscle architectural index (gastrocnemius muscle thickness and pennation angle), the triceps surae muscle strength, and the range of motion of active dorsiflexion at the ankle joint as the dependent variable were measured, were weasured. [Results] The intervention group showed significantly increased gastrocnemius muscle thickness and pennation angle. No significant difference was seen between the groups in the muscle strength or the range of motion. [Conclusion] Repeated stretching has beneficial effects on the muscle enlargement of the triceps surae muscle in healthy males. This suggests that muscle strengthening involves mechanisms other than those causing muscle enlargement.

The influence on respiratory function of the pressure exerted by a pillow placed behind the back for position change was examined. [Subjects] The subjects were 22 normal healthy males with no history of respiratory or cardiovascular disease. [Method] The tidal volume (TV) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) were calculated from the respiratory function under two conditions: with the pillow placed at the back in side-lying (P1), and with the pillow placed between the scapular arch and the pelvic girdle in side-lying (P2). At the same time, the distance moved by the diaphragm (DD) was measured by an ultrasound diagnostic imaging device. [Results] In P1, a significantly lower value for TV, a significantly higher value for ERV, and a significantly shorter value of DD were shown. [Conclusion] Ventilation was decreased in P1, and the results suggest that the decrease in diaphragm movement resulted from increased residual air in the lungs putting them in an expanded state.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the prognosis of independent walking and the actual rate of independent walking among patients transferred from a general hospital to a psychiatric hospital due to difficulties with their rehabilitation. We also investigated the effectiveness of placement of physical therapists in psychiatric hospitals. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 87 patients who received post-operative rehabilitation for femoral neck fracture at Hirakawa Hospital in a period covering seven years and three months. Walking ability was investigated using multiple regression analysis with basic information such as patients' ages and diagnoses. The walking ability predicted on the basis of the multiple regression analysis in combination with that based on the initial FIM was also investigated.[Results] Among patients who could walk before fracture, 45.5% were able to walk again. When the predictions of multiple regression and FIM were in agreement, the correct prediction rate was 87.5%.[Conclusion] Since the percentage of correct predictions was relatively high, we consider this method to be useful.