This study determined whether the results of the mobility assessment of pelvic and thoracic rotat... more This study determined whether the results of the mobility assessment of pelvic and thoracic rotation (static evaluation), which is often used in clinical settings, are related to step length asymmetry. Moreover, we identified the postural evaluation of rotation that may be related to gait asymmetry. [Participants and Methods] We hypothesize that a certain relationship exists between the static assessments of pelvic rotation and step length asymmetry. Fifteen healthy adult males participated in static posture and gait motion analyses using a motion-capture system. The static evaluation was analyzed using three parameters: pelvic rotation in standing, pelvic rotation with kneeling, and thorax rotation in sitting. [Results] The relationship between the asymmetric variables obtained from static evaluation and gait observations demonstrated a significant correlation. The asymmetric variables of step length and asymmetric variables of thorax rotation in sitting showed a significant relationship. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between asymmetric variables of pelvic rotation during gait and asymmetric variables of step length and between asymmetric variables of pelvic rotation during gait and asymmetric variables of thorax rotation in sitting. [Conclusion] This study revealed asymmetric relationships between thorax rotation in sitting test and step length asymmetry in the gait. Asymmetry in the thorax rotation in sitting may be caused by a gait with biased pelvic rotation.
We investigated the effect of upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment on cervical muscle hardnes... more We investigated the effect of upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment on cervical muscle hardness and range of motion. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 20 healthy adult males. The measurement posture was the sitting position, and the upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment measurements were performed under three conditions: loading of both upper limbs, no loading of both upper limbs, no loading of the left upper limb. A biological tissue hardness tester and an ultrasonic three-dimensional motion analysis system were used to measure the cervical muscle hardness and range of motion, respectively. [Results] The cervical muscle hardness of the left and right trapezius muscles significantly reduced when both upper limbs were loaded, and that of the left trapezius muscle significantly reduced when there was no load on left upper limb. The cervical range of motion significantly increased in extension, rotation, lateral flexion when both upper limbs were loaded, and left rotation and right flexion significantly increased when there was no load on the left upper limb. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment affects cervical muscle hardness and range of motion.
The purpose of this study was to clarify the direction that has the lowest risk of inversion ankl... more The purpose of this study was to clarify the direction that has the lowest risk of inversion ankle sprains by focusing on the relationship between ankle position, center of gravity and floor reaction force. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 18 healthy adults. They performed left single-leg landings in the front, back, left and right directions. We calculated the distance from the ankle joint center to the ground reaction force (DAG), the distance from the center of gravity to the ground reaction force (DGG), and the position of the center of pressure (COP) after each landing. [Results] In jumps to the rear, DAG was the biggest, while DGG was the smallest. In addition, the COP was anterolateral to the ankle joint center. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that jumps to the rear have the lowest risk of inversion ankle sprains.
Motion analysis is a core of physical therapy, and is of paramount importance for sports injury. ... more Motion analysis is a core of physical therapy, and is of paramount importance for sports injury. This is because most sports injuries result from inappropriate motions. Evaluation of muscle strength and muscle strengthening training are, though important, only parts of sports physical therapy. The injured joint should be considered as a part of whole body including monoarticular muscle, multiarticular muscle, antagonist and synergist. We should consider that total assessment and total training are required. In order to elucidate the cause of sports injury, "eyes" on sports movements are mandatory. We should not pay attention only to deterioration of muscle strength.
To clarify the factors related to the distance of the seated center of pressure path (D-COP) in t... more To clarify the factors related to the distance of the seated center of pressure path (D-COP) in the sitting lateral reach task. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 17 healthy adults. They performed a sitting right-side reach task with the right hand. Correlations of D-COP with the lateral reach distance (LR-D), the thorax and pelvic angles (Th-A, Pel-A), and the magnitude of the righting reaction converted into an angle were investigated. [Results] D-COP was found to correlate with LR-D, Pel-A of the frontal plane, and the horizontal planes of Th-A and Pel-A. Multiple regression analysis identified LR-D and Pel-A as significant correlations. [Conclusion] Factors related to D-COP in the sitting lateral reach task are LR-D, and Pel-A of the frontal plane.
This study investigated thoracic and abdominal skin movement during respiration. [Subject] Ten ma... more This study investigated thoracic and abdominal skin movement during respiration. [Subject] Ten male subjects volunteered to participate in this study. [Method] Motion of the subjects in the supine position was captured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Markers were attached to the thoracic and abdominal areas. The measured area was divided by horizontal lines into the upper thoracic, lower thoracic, upper abdominal, and lower abdominal subareas, and longitudinally into the center, lateral [L,R], and middle [L,R]. Data were analyzed at maximum deep inspiration and deep expiration relative to the average coordinates of respiration. [Result] Skin movement of the upper abdominal region showed maximal skin movement during deep breathing with subsequent movement of the lower thoracic region, the upper thoracic region, in order. Regarding the skin movement direction of each part, the upper thoracic movement was vertical, the lower thoracic movement was vertical and sagittal, and the upper abdominal movement was greater in all directions. [Conclusion] Our results indicate that the skin movement direction reflects the physiological movement of the thorax during respiration.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of foot angle on rotation of the lower extrem... more The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of foot angle on rotation of the lower extremity while descending stairs. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen subjects participated in this study. Subjects stepped down from a 20-cm platform under 5 foot angle conditions with contact of their right leg: neutral, toe-out of 5 and 10˚, and toe-in of 5 and 10˚. Rotation of the lower extremity was measured with triaxial accelerometers from the start of ankle dorsiflexion to maximum dorsiflexion. [Results] No significant differences were found among the conditions in knee angle. However, the external rotation angles of the thigh under the toe-in condition were significantly smaller than that of toe-out of 10˚, and internal rotation of the knee was also smaller. [Conclusion] In descent of stairs with toe-out, rotation of the thigh is restricted, and this becomes a factor affecting overloading of the knee, suggesting that not only the activity of the foot, but also thigh rotation and knee function are important.
We investigated methods for strengthening the transverse abdominis. [Subjects] Twelve healthy sub... more We investigated methods for strengthening the transverse abdominis. [Subjects] Twelve healthy subjects participated in this research. [Method] The thicknesses of the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominis were measured on both the right and left sides using ultrasonography. The position of the measurements were as follows: A) the supine position, B) lying on a stretch pole (with upper limb support), C) lying on a stretch pole (without upper limb support). [Results] The thicknesses of the transverse abdominis showed significant difference among the positions, but there was no significant difference in the external oblique and internal oblique muscles. The transverse abdominis showed a significant difference between A and B, and A and C. [Conclusion] A stretch pole was effective for exercising the transverse abdominis.
Support moment was defined as the sum of ankle plantar flexion, knee and hip extension moments. T... more Support moment was defined as the sum of ankle plantar flexion, knee and hip extension moments. There are some mechanical relationships among the 3 joints. If these relationships were understood, it might be possible to determine which joint should be strengthened to improve gait. The aims of this study were to examine the mutual relationship among kinetic variables of the 3 joints during different phases. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five healthy subjects volunteered for this study. They were asked to walk on a platform at a self-selected speed. Correlation coefficients between support moment and vertical ground reaction force were calculated for each subject. Pearson correlation analysis was performed among the 3 joint moments and between each joint moment and vertical ground reaction force. [Results] Knee and hip extension moments showed negative correlation throughout the stance. Ankle moment had a positive with hip but a negative correlation with knee moment except in the initial contact and pre-swing. Hip moment in the initial contact, knee moment in the loading response, and ankle moment from the terminal stance to pre-swing had a high correlation with vertical ground reaction force. [Conclusion] The results may indicate which joint should be strengthened to improve gait pattern.
Although there are several studies on the use of elastic tape to influence muscle strength, resul... more Although there are several studies on the use of elastic tape to influence muscle strength, results are contradictory and controversial. Our previous studies based on the sliding mechanism between superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue may help the muscle strength. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effects of new taping methods on muscle strength. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen healthy male participants took part in this study. Tape was applied on the right gluteus maximus and hip extension strength was determined by an isokinetic evaluation (30°/sec, concentric mode, four conditions). Condition 1: Tape was applied from the muscle insertion to origin; Condition 2: Tape was applied from the origin to insertion; Condition 3: Dummy tape with no direction; Condition 4: No tape was applied. [Results] The mean value of conditions 1-4 were 398.2 ± 24.3 Newton (N), 343.7 ± 25.9 N, 363.7 ± 26.4 N, and 371.3 ± 26.3 N, respectively (mean ± SE). The result of condition 1 was significantly greater compared with the other conditions. [Conclusion] This new method corresponded to a tape direction of insertion-rigin may help to increase the muscle strength.
This study determined whether the results of the mobility assessment of pelvic and thoracic rotat... more This study determined whether the results of the mobility assessment of pelvic and thoracic rotation (static evaluation), which is often used in clinical settings, are related to step length asymmetry. Moreover, we identified the postural evaluation of rotation that may be related to gait asymmetry. [Participants and Methods] We hypothesize that a certain relationship exists between the static assessments of pelvic rotation and step length asymmetry. Fifteen healthy adult males participated in static posture and gait motion analyses using a motion-capture system. The static evaluation was analyzed using three parameters: pelvic rotation in standing, pelvic rotation with kneeling, and thorax rotation in sitting. [Results] The relationship between the asymmetric variables obtained from static evaluation and gait observations demonstrated a significant correlation. The asymmetric variables of step length and asymmetric variables of thorax rotation in sitting showed a significant relationship. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between asymmetric variables of pelvic rotation during gait and asymmetric variables of step length and between asymmetric variables of pelvic rotation during gait and asymmetric variables of thorax rotation in sitting. [Conclusion] This study revealed asymmetric relationships between thorax rotation in sitting test and step length asymmetry in the gait. Asymmetry in the thorax rotation in sitting may be caused by a gait with biased pelvic rotation.
We investigated the effect of upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment on cervical muscle hardnes... more We investigated the effect of upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment on cervical muscle hardness and range of motion. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 20 healthy adult males. The measurement posture was the sitting position, and the upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment measurements were performed under three conditions: loading of both upper limbs, no loading of both upper limbs, no loading of the left upper limb. A biological tissue hardness tester and an ultrasonic three-dimensional motion analysis system were used to measure the cervical muscle hardness and range of motion, respectively. [Results] The cervical muscle hardness of the left and right trapezius muscles significantly reduced when both upper limbs were loaded, and that of the left trapezius muscle significantly reduced when there was no load on left upper limb. The cervical range of motion significantly increased in extension, rotation, lateral flexion when both upper limbs were loaded, and left rotation and right flexion significantly increased when there was no load on the left upper limb. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the upper limb and shoulder girdle alignment affects cervical muscle hardness and range of motion.
The purpose of this study was to clarify the direction that has the lowest risk of inversion ankl... more The purpose of this study was to clarify the direction that has the lowest risk of inversion ankle sprains by focusing on the relationship between ankle position, center of gravity and floor reaction force. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 18 healthy adults. They performed left single-leg landings in the front, back, left and right directions. We calculated the distance from the ankle joint center to the ground reaction force (DAG), the distance from the center of gravity to the ground reaction force (DGG), and the position of the center of pressure (COP) after each landing. [Results] In jumps to the rear, DAG was the biggest, while DGG was the smallest. In addition, the COP was anterolateral to the ankle joint center. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that jumps to the rear have the lowest risk of inversion ankle sprains.
Motion analysis is a core of physical therapy, and is of paramount importance for sports injury. ... more Motion analysis is a core of physical therapy, and is of paramount importance for sports injury. This is because most sports injuries result from inappropriate motions. Evaluation of muscle strength and muscle strengthening training are, though important, only parts of sports physical therapy. The injured joint should be considered as a part of whole body including monoarticular muscle, multiarticular muscle, antagonist and synergist. We should consider that total assessment and total training are required. In order to elucidate the cause of sports injury, "eyes" on sports movements are mandatory. We should not pay attention only to deterioration of muscle strength.
To clarify the factors related to the distance of the seated center of pressure path (D-COP) in t... more To clarify the factors related to the distance of the seated center of pressure path (D-COP) in the sitting lateral reach task. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 17 healthy adults. They performed a sitting right-side reach task with the right hand. Correlations of D-COP with the lateral reach distance (LR-D), the thorax and pelvic angles (Th-A, Pel-A), and the magnitude of the righting reaction converted into an angle were investigated. [Results] D-COP was found to correlate with LR-D, Pel-A of the frontal plane, and the horizontal planes of Th-A and Pel-A. Multiple regression analysis identified LR-D and Pel-A as significant correlations. [Conclusion] Factors related to D-COP in the sitting lateral reach task are LR-D, and Pel-A of the frontal plane.
This study investigated thoracic and abdominal skin movement during respiration. [Subject] Ten ma... more This study investigated thoracic and abdominal skin movement during respiration. [Subject] Ten male subjects volunteered to participate in this study. [Method] Motion of the subjects in the supine position was captured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Markers were attached to the thoracic and abdominal areas. The measured area was divided by horizontal lines into the upper thoracic, lower thoracic, upper abdominal, and lower abdominal subareas, and longitudinally into the center, lateral [L,R], and middle [L,R]. Data were analyzed at maximum deep inspiration and deep expiration relative to the average coordinates of respiration. [Result] Skin movement of the upper abdominal region showed maximal skin movement during deep breathing with subsequent movement of the lower thoracic region, the upper thoracic region, in order. Regarding the skin movement direction of each part, the upper thoracic movement was vertical, the lower thoracic movement was vertical and sagittal, and the upper abdominal movement was greater in all directions. [Conclusion] Our results indicate that the skin movement direction reflects the physiological movement of the thorax during respiration.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of foot angle on rotation of the lower extrem... more The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of foot angle on rotation of the lower extremity while descending stairs. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen subjects participated in this study. Subjects stepped down from a 20-cm platform under 5 foot angle conditions with contact of their right leg: neutral, toe-out of 5 and 10˚, and toe-in of 5 and 10˚. Rotation of the lower extremity was measured with triaxial accelerometers from the start of ankle dorsiflexion to maximum dorsiflexion. [Results] No significant differences were found among the conditions in knee angle. However, the external rotation angles of the thigh under the toe-in condition were significantly smaller than that of toe-out of 10˚, and internal rotation of the knee was also smaller. [Conclusion] In descent of stairs with toe-out, rotation of the thigh is restricted, and this becomes a factor affecting overloading of the knee, suggesting that not only the activity of the foot, but also thigh rotation and knee function are important.
We investigated methods for strengthening the transverse abdominis. [Subjects] Twelve healthy sub... more We investigated methods for strengthening the transverse abdominis. [Subjects] Twelve healthy subjects participated in this research. [Method] The thicknesses of the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominis were measured on both the right and left sides using ultrasonography. The position of the measurements were as follows: A) the supine position, B) lying on a stretch pole (with upper limb support), C) lying on a stretch pole (without upper limb support). [Results] The thicknesses of the transverse abdominis showed significant difference among the positions, but there was no significant difference in the external oblique and internal oblique muscles. The transverse abdominis showed a significant difference between A and B, and A and C. [Conclusion] A stretch pole was effective for exercising the transverse abdominis.
Support moment was defined as the sum of ankle plantar flexion, knee and hip extension moments. T... more Support moment was defined as the sum of ankle plantar flexion, knee and hip extension moments. There are some mechanical relationships among the 3 joints. If these relationships were understood, it might be possible to determine which joint should be strengthened to improve gait. The aims of this study were to examine the mutual relationship among kinetic variables of the 3 joints during different phases. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five healthy subjects volunteered for this study. They were asked to walk on a platform at a self-selected speed. Correlation coefficients between support moment and vertical ground reaction force were calculated for each subject. Pearson correlation analysis was performed among the 3 joint moments and between each joint moment and vertical ground reaction force. [Results] Knee and hip extension moments showed negative correlation throughout the stance. Ankle moment had a positive with hip but a negative correlation with knee moment except in the initial contact and pre-swing. Hip moment in the initial contact, knee moment in the loading response, and ankle moment from the terminal stance to pre-swing had a high correlation with vertical ground reaction force. [Conclusion] The results may indicate which joint should be strengthened to improve gait pattern.
Although there are several studies on the use of elastic tape to influence muscle strength, resul... more Although there are several studies on the use of elastic tape to influence muscle strength, results are contradictory and controversial. Our previous studies based on the sliding mechanism between superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue may help the muscle strength. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effects of new taping methods on muscle strength. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen healthy male participants took part in this study. Tape was applied on the right gluteus maximus and hip extension strength was determined by an isokinetic evaluation (30°/sec, concentric mode, four conditions). Condition 1: Tape was applied from the muscle insertion to origin; Condition 2: Tape was applied from the origin to insertion; Condition 3: Dummy tape with no direction; Condition 4: No tape was applied. [Results] The mean value of conditions 1-4 were 398.2 ± 24.3 Newton (N), 343.7 ± 25.9 N, 363.7 ± 26.4 N, and 371.3 ± 26.3 N, respectively (mean ± SE). The result of condition 1 was significantly greater compared with the other conditions. [Conclusion] This new method corresponded to a tape direction of insertion-rigin may help to increase the muscle strength.
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