Ultrasound Assessment of Abdominal Muscle Thickness With and Without Lumbopelvic Pain in Pregnant Women.

OBJECTIVES: Lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is a very common cause of discomfort during pregnancy, but its etiology remains unclear. The association between abdominal muscle thickness and LPP in pregnant women has not been studied extensively, despite the significant abdominal changes that occur during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between abdominal muscle thickness and LPP in pregnant women. METHODS: In this study, 49 pregnant women in their second trimester participated. The intensity of LPP was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the thickness of abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles. Participants were classified into two groups, the LPP group and non-LPP group, and the abdominal muscle thickness was compared between the two groups. The statistical significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: There were 24 and 25 participants in the LPP and non-LPP groups, respectively. Internal oblique (IO) thickness was significantly thinner in the LPP group than in the non-LPP group (5.4 ± 0.2 mm versus 6.1 ± 0.2 mm; P = .042). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IO thickness was significantly associated with LPP (odds ratio, 0.516; 95% confidence interval, 0.284-0.935; P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that LPP in second trimester pregnancy might be related to IO thickness. Further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the role of this muscle as an LPP risk factor for pregnant women.

The Relationship Between Information Sources, Health Literacy, and COVID-19 Knowledge in the COVID-19 Infodemic: Cross-sectional Online Study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused not only a disease epidemic but also an infodemic. Due to the increased use of the internet and social media, along with the development of communication technology, information has spread faster and farther during the COVID-19 infodemic. Moreover, the increased choice of information sources has made it more difficult to make sound decisions regarding information. Although social media is the most common source of misinformation, other forms of media can also spread misinformation. However, the media sources used by people with high health literacy and COVID-19 knowledge to obtain information are unclear. Furthermore, the association between the use of multiple information sources and health literacy or COVID-19 knowledge is ill-defined. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the following 3 aspects regarding the COVID-19 infodemic: (1) the relationship between health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, and the number of information sources used; (2) the impact of media use on health literacy; and (3) the impact of media use on COVID-19 knowledge. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2021. Participants were 477 individuals aged 20-69 years. After obtaining consent to participate in the study, participants were asked about sociodemographic indicators, sources of health-related information, health literacy, and COVID-19 knowledge. Sources of health-related information were categorized into 4 types: mass media, digital media, social media, and face-to-face communication. The Spearman rank correlation test was conducted to determine the relationship between health literacy, the number of correct answers to COVID-19 knowledge, and the number of information sources used. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with health literacy and the number of correct answers as dependent variables, the 4 media types as independent variables, and age and sex as adjustment variables. RESULTS: Mass media was the most frequently used source of information, followed by digital media, face-to-face communication, and social media. Social media use was significantly higher among individuals aged 20-29 years than among other age groups. Significant positive correlations were found between health literacy, the number of positive responses to COVID-19 knowledge, and the number of information sources used. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that health literacy is associated with access to information from digital media and face-to-face communication. Additionally, COVID-19 knowledge was associated with access to information from mass media, digital media, and face-to-face communication. CONCLUSIONS: Health literacy and COVID-19 knowledge could be improved using diverse information sources, especially by providing opportunities to use digital media and face-to-face communication. Furthermore, it may be important to improve health literacy and provide accurate knowledge about COVID-19 to young adults.

The effect of Liquid ice after high-intensity exercise on muscle function compared to Block ice.

Cryotherapy is used to recover muscle damage after exercise and to treat acute sports injuries. Liquid ice (LI) can keep cold for a long time, and is assumed more effective than block ice (BI). From this, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LI on the change of passive stiffness (PS) as muscle function and to validate the effectiveness of LI compared to BI. We performed the experiment as part of a case series of verification of the effects of cryotherapy. 22 healthy men (target area: right leg) were randomized to two groups: LI group and BI group. PS was measured three times during experiment protocol, pre: before exercise; post; after treating each cryotherapy after exercise; 48h: 48 hours after pre. Statistical analysis compared the PS, the amount of change in PS, and the rate of change in PS between the two groups. The rate of change between pre and 48h in LI was significantly lower compared to that in BI (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference regarding other results between groups. It revealed that the difference of effect between LI and BI for PS of muscles after high-intensity exercises. These results could be helpful for the choice of intervention for reducing muscle stiffness after exercise and at sports field.

Association between hip extensor muscle weakness and disability of activities of daily living in patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the association between hip extensor muscle weakness and performance of activities of daily living (ADL) including stair ambulation, sit-to-stand (STS), and walking in patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Community-dwelling older individuals (age ≥ 65 years and Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-2) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The ability to perform stair ambulation, STS, and walking was measured using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure. The maximum isometric knee extensor and hip extensor muscle strengths were evaluated. To investigate the association between hip extensor muscle strength and performance on ADL, a multivariate logistic analysis was conducted, adjusting for age, sex, and knee extensor muscle strength. RESULTS: A total of 161 participants were included in this study. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed a significant association between lower hip extensor muscle strength and higher presence of difficulty in stair ambulation [odds ratio (OR), 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11. 0.98; p < 0.05] and STS (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11. 0.92; p < 0.05). No significant association between hip extensor muscle strength and difficulty in walking was observed (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.14. 1.62; p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Hip extensor muscle weakness was associated with difficulty during stair ambulation and STS in patients with early-stage knee OA, after adjusting for knee extensor muscle strength. The results suggest that hip extensor muscle strength may be important to improve or maintain ADL in patients with early-stage knee OA.

Immediate effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the abductor hallucis muscle: A randomized controlled trial.

Hallux valgus (HV) is a foot deformity with deviation of the greater toe and the first metatarsal. There is little evidence on training the abductor hallucis muscle (AbdH) to treat HV because of the difficulty in implementing the necessary interventions. Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used to induce voluntary exercise, there is currently no study on NMES for AbdH. We aimed to verify the immediate effect of NMES on the AbdH muscle function. For the NMES group (n = 15), electrical stimulation was applied for 20 min. In the sham group (n = 15), the stimulating device was set but not turned on. Electromyogram, HV angle (HVA) at rest and during abduction of the big toe, and strength of the AbdH were evaluated. Analysis of covariance was used to investigate differences within groups using the baseline as the covariate. NMES significantly improved the maximal voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC), HVA at exercise, and muscle strength (%MVIC: p = .00, HVA exercise: p = .00, AbdH strength: p = .00). HVA at rest showed no change (p = .12). Application of NMES on the AbdH muscle immediately improved its activity output, muscle strength, and HVA during exercise.

Effects of deep thermotherapy on chest wall mobility of healthy elderly women.

Chest wall mobility decreases with age in community-dwelling women aged 65 years or older. Thermotherapy is used to improve soft-tissue extensibility. However, its effects on chest wall mobility are unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of thermotherapy on chest wall mobility in healthy elderly women. Twenty-eight elderly women participated in this study. Chest wall mobility at three levels (axillary, xiphoid, and tenth rib), respiratory function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume), and tissue temperature (skin temperature (ST)) and deep temperature (DT) with 10 mm and 20 mm depth from the skin (10 mm DT and 20 mm DT)) were measured before and after 15 minutes of thermotherapy. The subjects randomly received one of the three interventions (capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet), hot pack (HP), and sham CRet (sham)). Chest wall mobility at all levels significantly increased after CRet intervention. Hot pack significantly increased tenth rib excursion; it also significantly increased ST, 10 mm DT, and 20 mm DT, whereas CRet significantly increased 10 mm DT and 20 mm DT. There were significant differences between CRet, HP, and sham in ST, 10 mm DT, and 20 mm DT. Furthermore, 20 mm DT had increased more in CRet than in HP. CRet improved chest wall mobility at all levels and HP improved at the tenth rib level. This implies that CRet can be one of the approaches to improve chest wall mobility.

Association Between Functional Movement Screen Scores and Injuries in Male College Basketball Players.

CONTEXT: The functional movement screen (FMS) is an assessment tool for movement dysfunction, which is used to reduce the risk of injury. Although the relationship between the FMS composite score and injuries has been extensively studied, the association between FMS scores and injuries in only college basketball players remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the FMS score and injuries in basketball players. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one male college basketball players (average age 20.1 [1.3] y) participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The FMS composite score was calculated from 7 movement tests. The incidence of injuries over a 1-year period prior to the test day was determined based on a questionnaire. Individuals were categorized into 2 groups: injury (with a serious basketball-related injury resulting in the loss of practice and game time for at least 4 wk) and noninjury groups. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used to evaluate group differences in the composite FMS and 7 movement scores, respectively. Furthermore, the scores significant on univariate analyses were submitted to a multivariate logistic analysis, adjusting for participant characteristics. RESULTS: The composite FMS scores of the 2 groups were not significantly different (P = .38). Among the 7 tasks, only the deep squat and hurdle step showed significant group differences (P = .03 and P = .001, respectively). The multivariate logistic analysis revealed that deep squat (odds ratio, 6.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-34.01; P = .03) and hurdle step scores (odds ratio, 25.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-368.73; P = .02) were significantly associated with injuries, even after adjustment for participant characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Deep squat and hurdle step scores may be associated with injuries in basketball players. Further research should be conducted to confirm that these 2 scores can predict the incidence of injuries in basketball players.

Immediate Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Physical Performance in Individuals With Preradiographic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on knee pain and comprehensive physical function in preradiographic knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A single, participant-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre-post design. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with knee pain belonging to Kellgren-Lawrence grade 0 or 1 (N=50; aged 50-69y) were randomly assigned to the TENS (n=25) and sham-TENS groups (n=25). INTERVENTIONS: All participants wore the TENS device under the patella of the symptomatic knee. After measurement, the TENS devices in the TENS group were turned on, and those in the sham-TENS group were not connected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures included the stair climb test, timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and knee pain evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for stair climb test, TUG test, and 6MWT. Secondary outcomes included knee extensor strengths and the 2-step test and stand-up test from the locomotive syndrome risk test. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis revealed that TENS intervention significantly improved the walk distance and VAS score of the 6MWT, after adjusting for premeasurement data (distance; P=.015, VAS; P=.030). CONCLUSIONS: Use of TENS improved the VAS score for pain and the distance walked in the 6MWT for individuals with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 0 or 1 of the knee. Thus, TENS may be effective for long-distance walking in patients with preradiographic knee osteoarthritis.

Risk factors of low back pain and the relationship with sagittal vertebral alignment in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: LBP is a common and serious problem affecting vast populations of the world. However, only few studies on LBP in sub-Saharan Africa have been conducted. Studies report that LBP and pelvic angle are interrelated, and African residents have a high pelvic tilt. The strategy to prevent LBP should focus on activities that promote holistic health. For that purpose, it is important to grasp the state of LBP and how it affects people's lifestyle in Tanzania to clarify the direction of implementation of physiotherapy treatment and reduce the incidences of LBP among adults. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and presentation of low back pain (LBP) and the relationship between anthropometric measurements and LBP among people in Moshi city, Kilimanjaro region Tanzania. METHODS: Following signing consent forms, participants were given questionnaires regarding LBP and then grouped accordingly into either asymptomatic or symptomatic cohorts. Anthropometric measurements of participants' height, weight, curvature of the spine, and pelvic angle were obtained. RESULTS: A Mann-Whitney U test analysis showed a significant difference in pelvic angle, body mass index (BMI), and thoracic kyphosis angle between the asymptomatic group and the symptomatic group. No significant differences in lumbar lordosis angle or abdominal muscle strength were found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A person with symptomatic LBP in Tanzania has a large anteversion of the pelvic tilt and a thoracic kyphotic posture. This study shows a relationship between sagittal spinal alignment and LBP in Tanzania, which could allow for prospective identification of subjects prone to developing LBP in the future.

Acute effects of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) on the Achilles tendon.

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) on Achilles tendon elongation during muscle contraction, as well as the circulation in the peritendinous region. Sixteen healthy men participated in this study. All 16 participants underwent 2 interventions: (1) CRet trial and (2) CRet without power (sham trial). Tendon elongation was measured four times. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the blood circulation (volume of total-hemoglobin (Hb), oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb), and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb)) was measured for 5 min before the intervention and for 30 min after the intervention. The differences between the measurements obtained before and after intervention were compared between the two interventions. The changes in tendon elongation and deoxy-Hb were not significantly different between the interventions. Total- and oxy-Hb were significantly increased in the CRet trial compared with the sham trial. In addition, the increases in total-Hb and oxy-Hb lasted for 30 min after the CRet intervention (CRet vs. sham: oxy-Hb: F = 8.063, p = 0.001, total-Hb: F = 4.564, p = 0.011). In conclusion, CRet significantly improved blood circulation in the peritendinous region.

Relationship between forefoot structure, including the transverse arch, and forefoot pain in patients with hallux valgus.

[Purpose] Hallux valgus occurs in the forefoot where the transverse arch is located and may be a factor involved in forefoot pain. The relationship between forefoot pain and forefoot structure is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between forefoot pain and the transverse arch in patients with hallux valgus. [Participants and Methods] In this study, 122 (197 feet) adult females (46 to 86 years old) with hallux valgus were studied. By using questionnaires, the females were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they had forefoot pain (a group with forefoot pain [P group] and a group without forefoot pain [NP group]). The hallux valgus angle was measured using a goniometer, and the transverse arch was measured using a weight-bearing plantar ultrasonography imaging device. The transverse arch measurements included the transverse arch height and length. [Results] Only the transverse arch length, even after adjustment, was significantly greater in the P group. No significant difference was found between the hallux valgus angle and the transverse arch height. [Conclusion] The greater transverse arch length in the P group was possibly due to the collapsing transverse arch support muscles. Increased width probably caused inadequate impact absorption which in turn led to forefoot pain.

Relationship between agility and lower limb muscle strength, targeting university badminton players.

[Purpose] Targeting university badminton players, this study investigated the relationship between agility, which is associated with performance in badminton, and lower limb muscle strength, and examined which muscles influence agility. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 23 male university badminton players were evaluated for side-shuffle test scores and lower limb strength. The relationships between agility, lower limb strength, and duration of experience playing badminton were evaluated using a correlation analysis. Moreover, the relationship between agility and lower limb strength was evaluated by partial correlation analysis, adjusting for the effects of experience of each badminton player. [Results] The agility score correlated with hip extension and ankle plantar flexion strength, with adjustment for badminton experience. [Conclusion] This study suggests that hip extension training and improvement in ankle plantar flexion strength may improve agility.

Effect of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer on changes in muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effects of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer (CRet) on changes in muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two healthy males were assigned into either the CRet (n=11) or control (n=11) group. Fatiguing exercise and CRet intervention were applied at the quadriceps muscle of the participants' dominant legs. The Ely test, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, and superficial temperature were measured before and after exercise and for 30 minutes after intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, with Tukey's post-hoc multiple comparison test to clarify within-group changes and Student's t-test to clarify between-group differences. [Results] The Ely test and pelvic tilt were significantly different in both groups after exercise, but there was no difference in the CRet group after intervention. Superficial temperature significantly increased in the CRet group for 30 minutes after intervention, in contrast to after the exercise and intervention in the control group. There was no significant between-group difference at any timepoint, except in superficial temperature. [Conclusion] CRet could effectively improve muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise.

Relationship between transverse arch height and foot muscles evaluated by ultrasound imaging device.

[Purpose] Few studies on the transverse arch (TA) in the forefoot have been conducted. The forefoot is where pains occur most frequently and is related to walking and balance; hence, paying attention to TA is vital. However, the relationship between TA and foot muscles has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate muscles related to TA. [Subjects and Methods] Nineteen healthy young males were included. Measurements of their feet, excluding one foot with recent foot pain (n=37), were obtained. The height of TA (TAH) was measured in two ways: during 10% and 90% loading of body weight. The cross-sectional area and thickness of five muscles were measured: flexor digitorum longus, peroneus longus and brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and abductor hallucis (ABH). All measurements were performed with an ultrasound device. [Results] FDB and ABH were correlated with TAH during 10% and 90% loading after removing the effect of body mass index and age. The greater FDB and ABH, the higher TAH. [Conclusion] As FDB becomes larger, the second, third and fourth metatarsal heads are raised more. Furthermore, the height of the first metatarsal head is lowered by a larger ABH. These mechanisms may increase TAH.

The Relationship Between Health Literacy, Knowledge, Fear, and COVID-19 Prevention Behavior in Different Age Groups: Cross-sectional Web-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 prevention behaviors have become part of our lives, and they have been reported to be associated with health literacy, knowledge, and fear. However, the COVID-19 pandemic may be characterized by different situations in each age group. Since the severity of the infection and the means of accessing information differ by age group, the relationship between health literacy, knowledge, and fear may differ. Thus, factors that promote preventive behavior may differ by age group. Clarifying the factors related to prevention behaviors by age may help us consider age-appropriate promotion. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the association between COVID-19 prevention behaviors and health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, and fear of COVID-19 by age group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 512 participants aged 20-69 years, recruited from a web-based sample from November 1 to November 5, 2021. A web-based self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the participants' characteristics, COVID-19 prevention behaviors, health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, and fear of COVID-19. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used to compare the scores of each item for each age group. The relationships among COVID-19 prevention behaviors, health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, and fear of COVID-19 were analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation analysis. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was conducted with COVID-19 prevention behaviors as dependent variables; health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, and fear of COVID-19 as independent variables; and sex and age as adjustment variables. RESULTS: For all participants, correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed that prevention behaviors were significantly related to health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, and fear of COVID-19 (P<.001). Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that fear of COVID-19 was significantly negatively correlated with COVID-19 knowledge (P<.001). There was also a significant positive correlation between health literacy and COVID-19 knowledge (P<.001). Furthermore, analysis by age revealed that the factors associated with prevention behaviors differed by age group. In the age groups 20-29, 30-39, and 40-49 years, multiple factors, including health literacy, influenced COVID-19 prevention behaviors, whereas in the age groups 50-59 and 60-69 years, only fear of COVID-19 had an impact. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed that the factors associated with prevention behaviors differ by age. Age-specific approaches should be considered to prevent infection.

Comparison of Psychological Quality of Life Between Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer and Their Families.

Purpose: Although treatment outcomes for childhood cancer have improved in recent years, some patients continue to experience physical symptoms and psychological stress several years after the end of treatment. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the quality-of-life (QOL) scores of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) aged 18-39 and (1) their families and (2) the time since the end of treatment. Methods: Measuring the QOL of CCSs attending the long-term follow-up (LTFU) and those of their families. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used for CCSs and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) for their families. Spearman's rank correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between the CCSs' and their families' QOL and the time since the end of treatment. Results: Twenty-nine CCSs (mean age, 24.2 years; mean the time since the end of treatment, 13.9 years), each paired with one family member, were included. Time since the end of treatment was positively correlated with the CCSs' QOL on the physical component score (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.03) and negatively correlated with mental health (MH) (ρ = -0.50, p = 0.01), a subscale of the mental component score (MCS). Furthermore, the CCSs' QOL on the MCS was positively correlated with their families' QOL scores (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Psychological stress may persist in CCSs long after treatment, even when physical symptoms improve. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive support system for the LTFU of CCSs, including MH care and QOL monitoring for patients and their families.

Functional manifestations of early knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Early detection of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can improve treatment outcomes and prevent its progression. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the functional changes in early KOA. Electronic journal databases and platforms, including PubMed, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus were searched. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies comparing patients with early KOA with an age-matched control group and (2) studies with objectively measured functional changes as outcomes. Studies that included individuals with Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L) grades > 2- were excluded. A random-effects model was constructed to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs). A total of nine articles were included in this systematic review. Seven studies used classification criteria to define early KOA, including knee pain; a K/L grade of 0, 1, or 2- (osteophytes only) for the medial compartment; and the presence of two out of four MRI criteria. The remaining two studies included K/L grade 1 confirmed by radiography. Early KOA participants had a significantly longer timed up-and-go test (TUG) time (pooled SMD: 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.98). The two groups had similar knee extension muscle strength at 90° knee flexion. The quality of evidence for each measured outcome was "very low." In this review, longer TUG was identified as a functional manifestation of early KOA. Further studies involving functional assessments are needed to develop a screening method to detect early KOA. Key Points • There is a need for diagnostic criteria that include functional changes in patients with early knee osteoarthritis, since radiographic facilities are not available everywhere. • In this review, a long timed up-and-go test time was identified as a functional manifestation of early knee osteoarthritis. • If the findings of this study can be replicated, measurement of TUG may allow for earlier detection of knee osteoarthritis outside the hospital and in routine clinical practice without the use of MRI or X-rays.

Change in Daily Steps and Self-efficacy of Online Interactive Exercise Classes for Community-dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Preliminary Study.

Aims: This study aimed to (1) examine the feasibility of an online interactive exercise class for community-dwelling older adults and (2) preliminarily examine changes in physical activity and self-efficacy. Methods: Participants were 25 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older, but due to 5 dropouts, the final number of participants for analysis was 20 (mean age 76.9 ± 5.7 years). The intervention program was conducted for 40 minutes each session, twice a week for four consecutive weeks, using the LINE group call (LINE Corporation, Japan). An online questionnaire was used to assess participant characteristics, modified Fall Efficacy Scale score, modified Gait Efficacy Scale (m-GES) score, self-rated health, and daily steps, which were compared pre- and post-intervention using the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum and chi-square tests. Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test showed significant improvement in the m-GES score and daily steps. The chi-square test showed that self-rated health was significantly greater in the maintenance/increase group. Conclusions: Online interactive exercise classes are feasible for community-dwelling older individuals. These results also suggest the possibility of using telehealth to improve physical activity and self-efficacy.

Validity and reliability of a smartphone application for self-measurement of active shoulder range of motion in a standing position among healthy adults.

Background: Shoulder range of motion (ROM) is one of the most important indicators of shoulder disease severity, function, and physical assessment. A universal goniometer (UG) was used as a gold standard for ROM measurement. Recently, smartphone applications for ROM measurement have attracted attention as alternatives to UG. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of active ROM measurements using a smartphone application goniometer that can be used by patients in a standing position. Methods: The dominant shoulders of 19 healthy participants were included in the study. The 2 observers who were physical therapists used the UG, whereas the participants used a smartphone application goniometer to measure the shoulder ROM. A recorder, who is a physical therapist independent of the observer and participant, read and recorded the shoulder ROM measurements. The order of the measurement movements and devices used was randomized. Results: Agreement between the smartphone application goniometer and UG (percentage of participants for whom the difference between the UG and application measurements was within ±20% of the mean of the goniometer and application measurements) ranged between 42% and 100%. The intraclass correlation coefficient values (3, 1) for the agreement between the smartphone application goniometer and UG was between 0.72 and 0.97, showing significant and approximately perfect correlations. Conclusion: High agreement with the UG showed excellent validity, indicating that the smartphone application goniometer used by the participants in the standing position is an excellent method and instrument. The results suggest a simpler, more reliable, practical, and inexpensive method for measuring ROM required for telerehabilitation.

The relationship between high physical activity and premenstrual syndrome in Japanese female college students.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, moderate physical activity has attracted the attention of experts and women as a way to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies investigated the effects of exercise on PMS, but only a few reports focused on the relationship between physical activity, which included not only exercise but also routine bodily movements, and PMS. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between the amount of physical activity and PMS symptoms among sexually mature female students. METHODS: A total of 381 female university students in Japan were surveyed using a paper or web-based questionnaire with the same content. The questionnaire consisted of basic information, PMS symptoms, and physical activity based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participants were divided into two groups (≥ 3000 The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-minutes/week and < 3000 MET-minutes/week) based on their total physical activity as calculated using the IPAQ guidelines. The two groups were then compared in terms of the severity of their PMS physical and psychological symptoms as calculated based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' PMS diagnostic criteria. The Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used for statistical analyses. We then divided the participants based on the presence or absence of each symptom and used the chi-square test to compare the intergroup differences in ratios. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Those with total physical activity of ≥ 3000 MET-minutes/week had lower total PMS symptom scores (p < 0.01), physical symptom scores (p = 0.01), and psychological symptom scores (p = 0.01) compared with those with total physical activity of < 3000 MET-minutes/week. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that young women with high physical activity (≥ 3000 MET-minutes/week) have milder symptoms of PMS.