[Purpose] To examine the influence of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activation, ankle muscle activities, and coactivation on postural steadiness during dual-tasks. [Participants and Methods] A total of 14 participants (8 males, 6 females) were included. The participants stood straight on the force plate, and performed 3 different tasks: 1) a quiet standing (single-task), 2) a repetition of a number (dual-task 1: DT1), and 3) a serial subtraction (dual-task 2: DT2). We divided the participants into 2 groups (S and L group) according to whether their center of pressure paths in the dual-tasks were shorter or longer than those in the single-task. The EMG activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis and tibialis anterior were measured; the oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) level in the DLPFC were measured using fNIRS. [Results] The results revealed that oxy-Hb in the left DLPFC increased significantly in all participants during DT2 compared to a single-task. Further, we found that the S group exhibited a higher rate of tibialis anterior activity and ankle muscle coactivation than the L group during DT2. [Conclusion] We concluded that the increase of the DLPFC activation varied with the dual-tasks; moreover, younger individuals modulate their standing posture using different strategies for posture steadiness during posture-calculating task.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 3-week exercise-based intervention program for elderly fibromyalgia inpatients on pain, physical and attention abilities, quality of living (QOL) and cerebral blood flow. [Participants and Methods] Two elderly fibromyalgia (FM) patients participated. Pre-and post-evaluation of pain-related scales, physical ability, attention ability, QOL and cerebral blood flow in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were carried out and compared. [Results] Both patients exhibited great improvement in QOL, physical ability, and all pain-related scales except Numerical Rating Scale. Improvements in attention ability and cerebral blood flow in the DLPFC were observed in one patient but not in the other. [Conclusion] The execution of this program resulted in improvements in physical activity, pain and QOL of the elderly FM patients. On the other hand, the effects of this program on cerebral blood flow and higher nervous activities were obscure and need to be investigated in more detail in the future.

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This study aimed to investigate the physical and mental effects of a newly developed 3-week exercise-based intervention program for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and the appropriate involvement of physical therapists in this treatment. [Participants and Methods] Questionnaire surveys (JFIQ, BDI-II, and SF-8) and psychological interviews of 12 female patients with FM were conducted before and after the intervention. [Results] The majority of patients showed some improvement in their JFIQ, BDI-II, and SF-8 scores. The patients' narratives suggested the importance of physical therapists being aware of their pain and distress. [Conclusion] This study showed that the exercise-based program effectively improved both the physical and mental health of the FM patients, and also, that it is important for physical therapists to consider patients' pain and distress during treatment.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between muscle mass, measured using a household body composition meter, by region and center of pressure (COP) sway in stabilometry and Functional Reach Test (FRT). [Participants and Methods] Forty healthy adult males were enrolled. The COP sway index was measured using a stabilometer while the subjects were standing still. The FRT was performed as a dynamic balance evaluation. Using a household body composition meter, the muscle masses of the whole body, left and right upper limbs, trunk, and left and right lower limbs were measured. [Results] There was no significant correlation between any of the muscle masses and the COP sway index; however, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between trunk muscle mass and FRT. [Conclusion] A relationship between trunk muscle mass and FRT was found; therefore, the use of a household body composition meter may be clinically meaningful.