Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of wheel chair tilt systems on lower limb hemodynamic states and their relationship to mechanical factors using near-infrared spectroscopy and a pressure distribution measuring system. [Subjects] Twelve healthy adult volunteers participated in this study. [Methods] We measured the lower limb hemodynamic states and pressure distribution experienced in a wheelchair in four tilt-conditions: reclining by five degrees, ten degrees, twenty degrees and full tilt-reclining.[Results] The results show a significant decrease in Deoxy-Hb was induced in the full-tilt reclining position. Furthermore, in comparison with the other sitting positions, fulltilt reclining produced a decrease in contact area, especially in the posterior femoral region. [Conclusion] These results suggest wheelchairs that combine tilt and reclining capabilities can, by altering the sitting position and thus improving lower limb hemodynamic states, prevent venous edema in wheelchair users who cannot perform active muscular pumping.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of structural components on walking ability by conducting tests using subjects who used combined rollator-wheelchairs and walking aids in their daily lives.[Subjects] Ten residents living in a health care facility for the elderly who required walking aids participated in this study.[Methods] We measured maximum walking speed (MWS), step length, cadence and conducted the shuttle stamina walk test (SSTw), and the timed up-and-go test (TUG) under three conditions (rollator with forearm support, rollator with handgrip and cart).[Results] There were significant differences among the conditions with forearm support providing the best results in terms of MWS, step length, cadence, SSTw and TUG, showing in improved walking abilities of walking speed, endurance and dynamic balance. [Conclusion] These results show that therapists should advocate using rollators with forearm support as a safe method of expanding the range of walking activities for elderly who use walking aids or rollator-wheelchairs in their daily lives.

The purpose of this paper was to ascertain perceptions of nursing-care insurance workplaces among students aiming to be physical therapists. The study aimed to clarify how the perceptions changed as the students progressed through the course. [Subjects] The subjects were 84 students enrolled in a physical therapy training facility program. [Methods] Exploratory factor analysis was performed on responses to 14 questions related to perceptions of nursing-care insurance workplaces, and the results of first and fourth grade students were compared. [Results] The three main factors identified for the workplace were 'appealing', 'freedom', and 'scientific'. However, results for 'scientific' were significantly lower among fourth year students than among first grade students. [Conclusion] There is a need to reinforce perceptions among students that the workplace is a place of a scientific nature.