Differences in the total hip rotation range of motion between sides in healthy young Japanese adults.

[Purpose] To investigate the difference by degrees in total hip rotation range of motion (ROM) between sides and with regard to gender in healthy young Japanese adults. [Participants and Methods] Data from previously published studies were used. We utilized the left and right hip rotation ROM of 205 Japanese participants aged 18 to 25 years, who satisfied the inclusion criteria and were randomly measured three times in the prone position by the double-blind method. The average value of the three measurements was used to calculate the left-right difference of the hip total rotation ROM in the hip joints, which is the sum of the hip internal and external rotation ROM. We investigated the distribution of the total hip rotation considering the flexibility factor and its relationship with gender. [Results] We confirmed that there were seven participants with 2 SD or more and two with 3 SD or more. No significant difference was found in the left-right difference in the total hip rotation ROM, regardless of gender. [Conclusion] The distribution of left-right differences in the total hip rotation ROM in healthy young adults showed the existence of a significant left-right difference of 2 SD or more.

Association between computer-based testing and national examination results among physical therapy students.

[Purpose] This study examines the relationship between the results of computer-based testing (CBT) and level of satisfaction with learning, school life, graduation research, and national examination results among freshman and sophomore undergraduate physical therapy students. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this survey were 56 male and 42 female physical therapy students who graduated from the International University of Health and Welfare, Ohtawara, in March 2017. The students were ranked according to four 25th-percentile groups based on the results of CBT, which was conducted at the end of freshman and sophomore years. A visual analog scale was used to assess satisfaction levels at the end of sophomore, junior, and senior years. The results of the national examination were scored independently. [Results] Compared with the freshman-year CBT results, we found a significant difference in learning satisfaction during the senior year and in the national examination. In addition, compared with the sophomore-year CBT results, there was a significant difference in learning satisfaction for sophomore, junior, and senior years, as well as in the national examination. [Conclusion] We found a link between the CBT results from freshman and sophomore years and those from the national examination. The results suggest that CBT has an educational effect.

Relationship between the change in one-leg standing time due to visual information interception and hip joint internal rotation pattern.

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between the laterality of one-leg standing time (OLST) due to blocking of visual information and the laterality of hip internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM). [Subjects and Methods] The study included 101 young healthy male and female students. Hip IR ROM was classified into three patterns using left and right differences. Regarding OLST, differences between the left and right measured values with eyes open and closed were classified into three patterns. The matching rate between hip IR ROM laterality pattern and OLST laterality pattern was examined with eyes open and closed. The matching rate of the OLST laterality pattern with hip IR ROM laterality pattern in an imbalanced group was examined. [Results] A significant difference was observed between eyes open and closed conditions in the matching rates of OLST and Hip IR ROM laterality patterns in the imbalanced group. In the imbalanced group, the pattern on the side where the Hip IR is greater changes to coincide with the pattern on the side where the OLST is longer, under the eyes closed condition. [Conclusion] OLST on the side of greater Hip IR ROM tends to be longer due to visual information interception.

Responses of Korean physical therapy students after practice with a virtual anatomical system in Japan.

[Purpose] To investigate responses of Korean physical therapy students, receiving medical terminology education in physical therapy both in Korean and English, after practice with a virtual anatomical system. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 25 physical therapy students from Konyang University in South Korea visiting the International University of Health and Welfare for training purposes. The virtual anatomy practice was conducted in English using 3 dimensional virtual anatomy software constructed using real cadaver photographs. A questionnaire about this practice and anatomy was completed after the practice. [Results] The results of the questionnaire showed a trend toward high scores for virtual anatomy practice. [Conclusion] The present virtual anatomy system was created using multi-directional photographs from a real cadaver; therefore, it can be used as an auxiliary means of education using cadavers.

Comparison of immediate effects between two medical stretching techniques on Hamstrings flexibility.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare immediate effects between new medical stretching (NMS) and conventional medical stretching (CMS) techniques on Hamstrings flexibility. [Subjects and Methods] Thirteen healthy adult males, with finger floor distance (FFD) less than zero centimeter, without known musculoskeletal and neurological impairment in spine or lower extremities, were included. The subjects were randomly allocated to two groups. The subjects were instructed to perform NMS and CMS (hold for 30 seconds once, twice for each side of lower extremity) for both sides (total two minutes, only one session for one day). The interval between the two techniques was one week. FFD was measured with digital standing trunk flexion meter at the pre-intervention and post-intervention of both techniques. [Results] The mean values of FFD improved at the post-interventions of both techniques. The tests of within subject effects indicated that the main effect of treatment was not significant but the main effect of time was significant and the interaction of treatment and time was also significant. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that both medical stretching techniques were effective on Hamstrings flexibility immediately after the intervention and NMS technique was more effective on improving flexibility.

Hip rotation range of motion in sitting and prone positions in healthy Japanese adults.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to elucidate the difference in hip external and internal rotation ranges of motion (ROM) between the prone and sitting positions. [Subjects] The subjects included 151 students. [Methods] Hip rotational ROM was measured with the subjects in the prone and sitting positions. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze ipsilateral hip rotation ROM in the prone and sitting positions in males and females. The total ipsilateral hip rotation ROM was calculated by adding the measured values for external and internal rotations. [Results] Ipsilateral hip rotation ROM revealed significant differences between two positions for both left and right internal and external rotations. Hip rotation ROM was significantly higher in the prone position than in the sitting position. Hip rotation ROM significantly differed between the men and women. Hip external rotation ROM was significantly higher in both positions in men; conversely, hip internal rotation ROM was significantly higher in both positions in women. [Conclusion] Hip rotation ROM significantly differed between the sexes and between the sitting and prone positions. Total ipsilateral hip rotation ROM, total angle of external rotation, and total angle of internal rotation of the left and right hips greatly varied, suggesting that hip joint rotational ROM is widely distributed.