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[Purpose] To examine the effects of a perceptual stimulus insole (PSI) to provide positional information at initial contact on foot dynamics during gait. [Subjects and Methods] The lower limbs of 15 healthy adults without a history of orthopedic disorders were examined. The participants walked under 4 different conditions to compare the dorsiflexion angle at initial and the height of the toes during the swing phase: a spherical seal as a simulated PSI was attached to the inner (Condition-1), outer (-2), or rear (-3) part of the back of the heel, or it was not attached (-4).[Results] The dorsiflexion angle was greater, and the position of the toes was higher under Conditions-2 and -3 compared with -4. [Conclusion] Active gait control according to the position of the PSI was observed, indicating that users planned and executed movements suitable for the task while distinguishing plantar sensations. The results support the applicability of this method as a new training approach for dynamic postural control.

The purpose of this study was to clarify and compare exercise intensity and mood between the newly developed Tachibana Towel Taiso and Iki-Iki Hyakusai Taiso which were aimed at the prevention of frailty. A total of 13 healthy adult male subjects were assessed for exercise intensity during each exercise, and changes in the mood before and after each exercise were measured. The results showed that the mean METs, time over two METs, time over three METs, exercise volume, maximum METs, minute ventilation rate, mean heart rate, maximum heart rate, and heart rate 3 minutes after the end of exercises were significantly higher in Tachibana Towel Taiso than those in Iki-Iki Hyakusai Taiso. The arousal and activation levels, as determined using the mood scale, were significantly higher after Tachibana Towel Taiso than before the exercise. Tachibana Towel Taiso showed higher exercise intensity than Iki-Iki Hyakusai Taiso. Positive emotions changed after Tachibana Towel Taiso, indicating that this exercise could be applied to prevent frailty in elderly people.

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The physical characteristics were compared among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with different 6-minute walking distances (6MWD). The subjects were 76 patients with stable COPD. The 6MWD, body mass index (BMI), respiratory function test, lower limb muscle strength, grip strength, respiratory muscle strength, balance function, walking ability, Nagasaki University Respiratory ADL Questionnaire (NRADL), and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were evaluated. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the 6MWD, and each measurement item was investigated. Significant differences were noted in the %forced vital capacity (%FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV), knee extension muscle strength, grip strength, respiratory muscle strength, single leg standing time, TUG, CS-30, time required to walk a specific distance at the maximum walking speed, NRADL, and SGRQ. The 6MWD reflected the respiratory function, muscle strength, physical ability, ADL, and health-related QOL.