Comparison of body composition and muscle mass by age in amateur soccer players.

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the changes in body composition components associated with aging in amateur male soccer players. Specifically, we investigated the alterations in the phase angle and regional muscle mass distribution. [Participants and Methods] The study included a cohort of 163 male participants categorized into three age groups: U15 (12-15 years), U18 (16-18 years), and O19 (≥19 years). Precise body composition assessments were performed, employing the InBodyS10 body composition scale. [Results] The findings revealed substantial age-related disparities in various body composition parameters. Data revealed a consistent trend of increasing basic body composition metrics with age. Notably, the body fat percentage progressively increased with age. Muscle mass and phase angle exhibited age-related increases with nuanced variations in different anatomical regions. [Conclusion] In the general Japanese population, muscle mass tends to decrease with age after 18 years. However, in this study on amateur soccer players, we observed a plateau in the height and lower limb phase angle around the age of 18 years, whereas muscle mass exhibited an increasing trend.

Factors associated with gait efficiency in children with cerebral palsy: association between gait abnormality and balance ability.

[Purpose] Children with cerebral palsy require more gait energy than healthy children. The association between gait abnormalities and gait efficiency remains unclear. We investigated the association between gait abnormalities, balance, and maximum step length to determine contributors to gait efficiency in children with cerebral palsy. [Participants and Methods] The study included 33 patients with cerebral palsy, who could walk without the use of walking aids. All participants were instructed to walk for 6 min, and the Total Heart Beat Index was calculated as a measure of walking efficiency. The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score was used to assess gait abnormalities. Additionally, the maximum step length was recorded, and all participants performed the Berg Balance Scale. Correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to confirm the association between the aforementioned parameters and the Total Heart Beat Index. [Results] The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score was correlated with the heel lift during the stance, knee position during the terminal swing of gait as factors associated with the Total Heartbeat Index. The Berg Balance Scale was correlated with turning 360°, standing with feet together. [Conclusion] Our findings emphasize the need for treatment strategies focused on gait abnormalities and balance.

Improvement of frailty prevalence: difference in factors affecting frailty prevalence among 75 year-old individuals between 2006 and 2019.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine and compare the prevalence of frailty in 75 year-old people sampled in two remote years, namely 2006 and 2019. [Participants and Methods] A total of 910 participants aged 75 years were included (502 people in 2006 and 408 people in 2019). We compared the total score of the Kihon checklist and each question for males and females between the two years. [Results] The prevalence of frailty decreased from 24.3% in 2006 to 15.2% in 2019. The comparison of the 2006 and 2019 Kihon checklists revealed significant differences in activities of daily living, physical function, oral function, outdoor activities, and cognitive function. [Conclusion] Frailty among 75 year-old individuals improved in 2019 compared to that in 2006. Improved activities of daily living, physical function, outdoor activities, and cognitive function were major causes of improved frailty in 2019.

Association between the phase angle and muscle-tendon complex function in Japanese athletes: a comparative study.

[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the association between the phase angle and the muscle-tendon complex in Japanese athletes and the effects of aging on this association. [Participants and Methods] The study included 61 adult male high school soccer players. Body composition was evaluated using an analyzer, and grip strength and rebound jump index were measured to evaluate muscle-tendon complex function. Study participants were categorized into two groups, and statistical analyses were performed for intergroup comparison of outcomes and to determine the correlation between the phase angle and muscle-tendon complex function. [Results] We observed significant intergroup differences in the phase angle, total body muscle mass, grip strength, and rebound jump index. Additionally, we observed a significant positive correlation between the phase angle and grip strength in adult soccer players. [Conclusion] Our results showed a correlation between the phase angle and muscle-tendon complex function in mature adult athletes but not in high school athletes. These findings suggest that the phase angle may serve as an indicator of muscle quality and overall physical condition in adult athletes. Further research is warranted to investigate the association between the phase angle and other performance measures to gain a better understanding of soccer players' athletic abilities.

Female athlete triad cross-sectional study of soccer players by level of competition.

[Purpose] To determine the actual status of the Female Athlete Triad (low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and bone mineral density loss) in soccer players. [Participants and Methods] The survey was conducted between February 1 and March 1, 2022. It included 115 females between the ages of 12 and 28 registered with the Japan Football Association, from teams at different levels. [Results] Players in the top league did not differ in height and weight but were older and had a better understanding of caloric intake. There were no differences in amenorrhea or history of bone fractures based on league. [Conclusion] Of the female soccer players in the four different levels of competition, only the players in the top league had a better understanding of available energy and took preventive measures against the Female Athlete Triad.

Effects of lower leg muscle quality on gait variability in community-dwelling older and healthy young adults.

[Purpose] We aimed to determine whether lower leg muscle echo intensity, an indicator of muscle quality, is a useful predictor of gait variability after examining the relationship between physical activity and gait variability in community-dwelling older and healthy young adults. [Participants and Methods] This study comprised two tasks. In the first task, 18 older and 25 young adults were included as participants. We examined the relationship between the amount of physical activity and gait variability in both groups. In the second task, muscle echo intensity related to gait variability in each group was measured using ultrasound echoes after identifying common factors related to gait variability in 19 older and 19 younger adults, and trends were compared. [Results] In the first task, gait variability was significantly higher in the younger group than in the older group. A significant negative correlation was found between the amount of physical activity and gait variability in both groups. In the second task, multiple regression analysis was performed for gait variability, and lower leg muscle echo intensity was identified as a significant factor. There was no difference in the correlation coefficient between gait variability and lower leg muscle echo intensity between the two groups. [Conclusion] Lower leg muscle quality was one of the causes of gait variability, suggesting that it is a useful predictor of gait sway status.

Relationship between Eye Frailty and Physical, Social, and Psychological/Cognitive Weaknesses among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan.

This study investigated the relationship between eye frailty and physical, social, and psychological/cognitive weaknesses among older adults in Japan. The participants were 192 community-dwelling older adult women. We measured handgrip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass; additionally, their physical, social, and psychological/cognitive frailties were surveyed using questionnaires. Eye frailty self-checks were used to assess eye frailty. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to verify the validity of the eye frailty self-checks. Eye frailty prevalence and related factors were investigated by conducting a binomial logistic regression analysis, with eye frailty as the dependent variable. The factor analysis results showed that a model could be constructed with the two factors of visual acuity or contrast and visual field. The model's goodness of fit was acceptable, supporting the validity of the self-checking construct. The Kihon checklist was the only variable with a significant relationship to eye frailty. Regarding the relationship between eye frailty and subordinate items of the Kihon checklist, social withdrawal [odds ratio (OR) 2.437, 95% confidence interval 1.145-5.188], cognitive function (OR 2.047, 95%CI 1.051-3.984), and depressed mood (OR 1.820, 95%CI 1.163-2.848) were significant. Eye frailty can be considered a factor reflecting the existence of social and psychological/cognitive frailties.

Characteristics of Japanese Older Adults Whose Trunk Muscle Mass Decreased during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the physical and mental functions in older adults, resulting in "corona-frailty". This 2-year prospective study characterized changes in quantitative measures and corona-frailty among a cohort of community-dwelling older women. Changes were evaluated using face-to-face interactions with 39 Japanese women (mean age: 76.1 ± 5.9) in 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline) and 2021 (follow-up during the pandemic). Quantitative measurements of handgrip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, body composition, and background factors were evaluated. Body weight and trunk muscle mass significantly decreased at follow-up. Multiple regression analysis, using change in trunk muscle mass as the dependent variable and background factors as independent variables, identified that decrease in trunk muscle mass was associated with "being robust at baseline" and answering "Yes" to the question of "Do you go out less frequently compared with last year"? The 2-year trunk muscle mass change for each baseline frailty stage showed a significant decrease only in the robust group (-8.0%). The decrease in trunk muscle mass might be related to pandemic-induced lifestyle restraint, suggesting that robust older adults who are healthy and active should take measures that focus on trunk muscles to avoid "corona-frailty".

Changes in physical function in older females over a 5†year period.

[Purpose] The quality of physical functions was evaluated prospectively in older females over a 5 year period to identify the physical functions that are more likely to consistently decline or be maintained in females aged 65‒74 years and more than 75 years. [Participants and Methods] Physical functions, including grip strength, walking speed, and balance, were measured for older females aged 65-74 years group and more than 75 years group from 2015 to 2019. T-scores of the physical performances were calculated to analyze the changes in the physical functions over 5 years. [Results] Based on the T-scores, physical functions in terms of the 5-m walking speed, timed up-and-go test, and functional reach test, improved from 2015 to 2019 in the 65-74 group, whereas all physical functions consistently deteriorated in the older than 75 group. [Conclusion] There was no significant decline of the physical functions in both groups; however, the T-score variations for physical functions during the 5 year observation period differed in each group.

Rejuvenation of standing and gait balance in community-dwelling older individuals: A comparative study between 2006 and 2019.

AIM: The present study investigated the rejuvenation of physical function in terms of walking speed and grip strength. Specifically, it examined the rejuvenation of physical functions in community-dwelling older individuals between 2006 and 2019. The study is novel, because it analyzes this by focusing on gait balance. METHODS: Data were collected from 339 participants (52 men, 287 women) in 2006, and 382 participants (83 men, 299 women) in 2019. They were categorized according to age: early-stage and late-stage groups for men, and early-stage, late-stage and latest-stage groups for women. These groups were analyzed by participants' walking speed, grip strength, Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach test and One-Leg Standing test. The results were compared based on two factors: time (2006 to 2019) and age group. RESULTS: The scores for the Timed Up and Go and One-Leg Standing tests were better in 2019 than in 2006 for all age groups in both older men and women. However, improvement in walking speed was observed only in women. Additionally, the decline in physical function with age was slower for walking speed among men, and Functional Reach and One-Leg Standing tests among women. CONCLUSIONS: The changes over this 13-year period showed that the physical function of community-dwelling older individuals was rejuvenated in terms of improved standing and walking balance. These rejuvenations will aid in preventing falls among community-dwelling older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 975-980.

Characteristics of the joint position sense in children with developmental dyslexia.

[Purpose] Developmental dyslexia is a disorder in which reading and writing of characters is difficult. The present study investigated age-dependent joint position sense of the forearm and wrist and whether children with developmental dyslexia have less joint position sense than typically developing children. [Participants and Methods] The participants were comprised of 84 typically developing elementary school students, 12 university students, and 2 children with developmental dyslexia. Joint position sense was evaluated using the reproduction method based on four tasks. The participants were divided into three age groups. The children with developmental dyslexia were compared with the typically developing children in the same age group. [Results] Significant negative correlations were found between the reproduction error of the typically developing children and that of the university students in most tasks. The children with developmental dyslexia showed increased reproduction error relative to the reproduction error of the typically developing children in the same age group in 4 of the 8 tasks. [Conclusion] The accuracy of the joint position sense improved with development. However, the joint position sense of the children with developmental dyslexia was lower than that of the typically developing children in the same age group. The difficulty in writing experienced by children with developmental dyslexia may be related to joint position sensing impairment due to impaired joint position sense.

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis with a built-in spring on muscle activity during the sit-to-stand movement in healthy individuals.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a newly developed ankle-foot orthosis with a built-in spring on the activity of lower limb muscles during the sit-to-stand movement. [Participants and Methods] This cross-sectional study recruited 20 male volunteers. The sit-to-stand movement (rising from a chair) was performed under three conditions: no ankle-foot orthosis (NA), ankle-foot orthosis with no spring (NS), and ankle-foot orthosis with a built-in spring (SP). Muscle activity during the sit-to-stand movement was measured using surface electrodes placed on the vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles. Root mean square and integral value were calculated from the raw data, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0. [Results] The electromyography data of the vastus medialis, medial gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles showed a significant decrease in muscle activity in the SP condition, whereas the activity of the tibialis anterior muscle increased significantly in the SP condition compared to that in the NA and NS conditions. [Conclusion] Our data showed that the use of an ankle-foot orthosis with a built-in spring affected not only the muscle activity at the ankle joint but also the activity of the knee joint extensor muscle. It is possible that the control of the ankle joint motion affects movement above the knee joint; this finding may help development new physical therapy techniques. Further research is warranted in this regard.

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.