[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the most effective method of performing ankle pumping exercises. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 10 men. We measured time-averaged maximum flow velocity and peak systolic velocity in the common femoral vein using a pulse Doppler method with a diagnostic ultrasound system during nine ankle pumping exercises (three different ankle positions and three exercise intervals). Changes of blood flow velocity during ankle pumping exercises with different ankle positions and exercise intervals were compared. [Result] Peak systolic velocity of the leg-up position showed significantly lower values than those of the supine and head-up positions. For all exercise intervals, the increased amount of blood flow velocity in the leg-up position was significantly lower than that in the head-up and supine positions. [Conclusion] Ankle positions and exercise intervals must be considered when performing effective ankle pumping exercises.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the calf circumference as a tool for screening sarcopenia. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred sixteen community-dwelling elderly females were enrolled. Calf circumference of the dominant leg was measured using a plastic measuring tape. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on body mass index (BMI); subjects with the values for BMI <18.5 kg/m2; those with BMI 18.5 to 25.0; those with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of sarcopenia were calculated based on the obtained cut off values of calf circumference and the diagnosis of sarcopenia in each group. [Results] Prevalence rate of sarcopenia was 9.4% (n=10). Cut off value of the calf circumference was 32.8 cm (sensitivity: 73.0%, specificity: 80.0%, AUC: 0.792). Each BMI group showed high negative predictive value of sarcopenia based on the calf circumference cut off value of 32.8 cm. [Conclusion] These results suggested that to identify non-sarcopenia by larger calf circumference is more reasonable and useful than to identify sarcopenia due to the smaller calf circumference regardless of BMI.

Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of STHIP on motor function. These findings could help support development of more effective intervention methods in community-dwelling older adults.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify how to effectively use elastic stockings. [Subjects and Methods] Ten young healthy men participated in this study. Time-averaged maximum flow velocity in the common femoral vein was measured for 20 seconds using a pulse Doppler method with a diagnostic ultrasound system under six conditions (three different positions and with and without stockings). Changes of blood flow velocity were compared. [Results] Elastic stockings did not affect the blood flow velocity in the common femoral vein. For both the with stockings condition and without stockings condition, the time-averaged maximum flow velocity in the head-up position was significantly lower than that in the supine and leg-up positions. Time-averaged maximum flow velocity showed no significant difference between the supine position and leg-up position. [Conclusion] Elastic stockings did not affect the blood flow velocity in the common femoral vein, but ankle positions did affect it. Further studies of patients with venous insufficiency are needed.

[Purpose] This study aimed to develop a tablet app that emulates paper questionnaires used in clinical care, and to verify the difference between the utility of tablet survey methods and paper questionnaire methods with elderly people. [Subjects and Methods] A tablet app was developed in the Java language. A questionnaire was provided to 30 community-dwelling elderly people. The subjects were randomly allocated to the group responding on the tablet (tablet group) or that responding to a paper-based questionnaire (questionnaire group). Assessed items included response time to questions, whether or not they had queries regarding the survey, and data input time. For the tablet group, a questionnaire was conducted regarding the operability of the tablet. [Results] There was no difference in response time between the two groups. Significantly more people in the tablet group had queries regarding the survey. Data input time was 426 seconds for the tablet group and 1268 seconds for the questionnaire group. In the survey regarding tablet operability, there were no negative opinions about the visibility of the screen. [Conclusion] Tablets can be used with elderly people to shorten the data input time. The present findings suggested that tablet surveys could be effective for a large-scale investigation.