Comparison of visual outcomes between medical treatment alone and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate visual outcomes between medical treatment alone (MED) and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). PROCEDURES: Records of 65 Shiba dogs (104 eyes) with PACG were retrospectively reviewed. Vision was assessed qualitatively using both the menace response and maze testing. The significance of age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP), and duration of clinical signs (≤72 h or >72 h) at first presentation (V1) was assessed. Eyes with vision at V1 were divided into groups according to subsequent treatment method (MED versus AGVI), and vision as a survival outcome was compared between group by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: At V1, 65 eyes (62.5%) of 54 dogs had vision. There was no statistically significant difference in age or sex on the presence of vision at V1. Median IOP was higher in blind (52 mmHg) compared to sighted eyes (28 mmHg) (p < .001). Eyes presenting in ≤72 h of the onset of clinical signs were more likely to have vision (86.7%) compared to those presenting after 72 h (44.1%) (p < .001). By the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative visual retention rate was significantly higher with AGVI than with MED (69.2% vs. 7.7%; p < .01) at 12 months. The median time to visual loss was 39.9 months with AGVI vs. 1.7 months with MED. CONCLUSIONS: AGVI resulted in better visual outcomes than MED and should be considered in Shiba dogs with PACG that are visual at the time of presentation and suitable for surgery.

Association between regional phase angle and level of locomotion among older females requiring long-term care in a health facility.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the characteristics of regional phase angles based on locomotion level among older Japanese females requiring long-term care in a health facility. [Participants and Methods] This was a cross-sectional observational study. The participants included 91 residents (mean age ± standard deviation: 90.2 ± 5.6 years) admitted to an older health facility. Based on their indoor locomotion status, the participants were divided into three groups: group I, able to walk with or without walking aids; group II, able to move in a wheelchair without assistance; and group III, able to move in a wheelchair with assistance. The regional phase angle was measured using a bioimpedance device. [Results] Significant differences were observed in the regional phase angle of the upper limbs between groups I and III and between groups II and III; in that of the lower limbs among all groups; and in that of the trunk between groups I and II and between groups I and III. [Conclusion] The level of locomotion may be explained by the regional phase angles of the lower limbs.

Age and period of ventilator use are related to walking independence at the time of discharge in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a single-center retrospective observational study.

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify the factors and cutoffs associated with walking independence in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. [Participants and Methods] In total, 112 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (98 males and 14 females) who were hospitalized between March 2020 and August 2021 and underwent physiotherapy during mechanical ventilation were included in the study. Attributes, respiratory function, physical function, and bed-withdrawal status were compared between two groups of patients, who were classified according to their ability to walk independently at discharge. The independent variables were reduced to four components by principal component analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed with walking independence at discharge as the dependent variable. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the extracted factors were drawn, and cutoff values were calculated. [Results] At discharge, 76 patients were able to walk independently, while 36 were not. The logistic regression analysis was adjusted according to age and mechanical ventilation time. Cutoffs were an age of 56 years and a ventilation period of 7.5 days. [Conclusion] In cases of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who required ventilators, age and mechanical ventilation time were associated with ambulatory independence at discharge, indicating the importance of reducing the ventilation period by providing respiratory physiotherapy, including expectoration, positioning, and weaning.

Effectiveness of comparing calf circumference with neck circumference regarding their association with skeletal muscle indices in Japanese nursing home residents.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the association between calf and neck circumferences and skeletal muscle indices, including phase angle, among Japanese nursing home residents. [Participants and Methods] A cross-sectional study of a single nursing home was conducted, in which 72 nursing home residents (aged 85.9 ± 8.4 years, mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were enrolled. Calf and neck circumferences were measured using a measuring tape, and body composition assessment was measured using a bioimpedance device. [Results] The age- and sex-adjusted partial correlation coefficient showed that calf circumference exhibited a significantly high correlation with all body composition parameters; however, neck circumference exhibited a significantly low correlation with body fat percentage only. The calf circumference had a higher correlation coefficient than the neck circumference with all body composition items, except for body fat percentage. [Conclusion] This study showed that phase angle and muscle mass were associated with calf circumference, but not with neck circumference, in Japanese nursing home residents. Therefore, calf circumference is important in clinical evaluations as a potential screening tool for nursing home residents with various diseases.

Effects of simultaneous short-term neuromuscular electrical stimulation and static stretching on calf muscles.

[Purpose] The simultaneous application of static stretching and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to calf muscles may enhance physiological parameters in young and healthy individuals; however, the efficacy of this intervention and potential sex variation remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate these aspects. [Participants and Methods] Thirty healthy university students (15 males and 15 females) participated in this study. All participants simultaneously underwent static stretching and NMES of the calf muscles for 4 min while lying on an upright and tilted table. The mean differences in the dorsiflexion angle (DFA), finger-floor distance (FFD), and straight leg raising (SLR) angle before and after the intervention were calculated. Sex variations were assessed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). [Results] The DFA, FFD, and SLR angle exhibited significant effects on time. No significant sex variations were observed between the groups. [Conclusion] Simultaneous static stretching and NMES of the calf muscles potentially enhanced the DFA, FFD, and SLR angle in healthy university students, irrespective of sex.

Association between phase angle and level of independence in daily living among institutionalized super older females requiring nursing care.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the association between phase angle (PhA) and the level of independence in daily living among institutionalized super older females requiring nursing care. [Participants and Methods] This three-facility cross-sectional study enrolled 173 nursing home residents (mean age 91.0 years, standard deviation 4.9 years) divided into five groups, from 80+ to 100+ years of age, in 5-year increments. PhA, skeletal muscle mass index, body fat percentage, body mass index, and Barthel Index were measured in the five groups. We measured the relationship between age and PhA and analyzed partial correlation coefficients using these items. The adjusted variables differed significantly among the five groups. [Results] The overall PhA was 2.91 degrees, with a 2.36-degree PhA in patients aged >100 years. Age differences were found between the PhA and the Barthel Index. A significant correlation (0.66) was identified between the PhA and the Barthel Index. The age-adjusted partial correlation coefficient between the PhA and the Barthel Index was 0.56, indicating a moderately significant positive correlation. [Conclusion] This study identified an association between PhA and independence in daily living among female nursing home residents aged 80-107 years, indicating that the PhA is an excellent indicator of physical condition.

Effects of simultaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation and static stretching on flexibility and strength: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of simultaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and static stretching on flexibility and muscle strength. [Participants and Methods] A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 96 healthy university students equally assigned to either a simultaneous NMES and static stretching group (Group S) or an NMES-only group (Group C). The gastrocnemius muscle was the target of both NMES and static stretching. Ankle dorsiflexion angle (DFA), forward flexion distance (FFD), and ankle plantar flexor strength (PFS) were measured before and directly following intervention. Outcomes in the two groups were evaluated using two-way analysis of variance. [Results] A significant time effect was observed for both DFA and FFD, whereas a significant interaction effect was observed for FFD only. Improvements in DFA were similar between the groups; however, improvements in FFD were significantly greater in Group S. PFS showed no significant interaction between the group and the time factor. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that simultaneous intervention enhances flexibility. Despite targeting the gastrocnemius muscle, the observed improvement in hamstring flexibility may have been because of fascial connections. These findings support the efficacy and safety of NMES combined with static stretching for increasing flexibility.

Sarcopenia with Depression Presents a More Severe Disability Than Only Sarcopenia among Japanese Older Adults in Need of Long-Term Care.

Background and objectives: The combination of depression and sarcopenia, a condition prevalent worldwide, may cause dis-tinct problems that should not be underestimated. However, to the best of our knowledge, no reports have investigated the combined effects of depression and sarcopenia. In this study, we compared physical function, nutritional status, and daily functioning among older adults with only depression (OD), those with only sarcopenia (OS), and those with sarcopenia with depression (SD) to examine the effects of the combination of depression and sarcopenia. Materials and Methods: The participants were 186 communi-ty-dwelling older individuals who required support or care. The participants were classified into four groups based on the presence or absence of sarcopenia and depression: Control, OD, OS, and SD. The following parameters were evaluated in the four groups: grip strength, walking speed, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-sf), and long-term care certification level. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses of the survey results were performed to identify risk factors leading from OS to SD. Results: We found that 31.2% of older participants who needed support or nursing care had SD, which had more pronounced adverse effects on grip strength, walking speed, SMI, MNA-sf, and level of nursing care than OD or OS. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of SD vs. OS showed that decreased grip strength and worsening MNA-sf were independent risk factors. Conclusions: SD is common among older individuals living in the community. Patients with SD require support and care, and the condition has a greater impact on physical function, nutritional status, and decline in life function compared to OD and OS. Therefore, it is desirable to elucidate the process leading to SD and investigate the risk factors and prognosis. It is expected that sarcopenia with depression will be investigated worldwide in the future.

Body composition and physical activity of university students during COVID-19 lockdowns.

[Purpose] Behavioral restrictions during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected the physical activity levels of college students. We aimed to characterize the body composition and physical activity of college students during these behavioral restrictions. [Participants and Methods] The body composition (height, weight, body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, total body muscle mass, free-fat muscle index [FFMI], and fat mass index [FMI]), physical activity, amount the of walking, amount of daily activity, and the number of steps were measured in 52 university students. [Results] For both male and females, the number of steps taken was lower than the average steps reported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. In males, FFMI had a strong positive correlation with physical activity, amount of walking, and the number of steps taken. In females, FFMI had a strong positive correlation with physical activity and the amount of walking, as well as a moderate positive correlation with the amount of daily activity. [Conclusion] Since physical activity and walking of university students during COVID-19 affect FFMI, it is necessary to develop an exercise program that considers behavioral patterns.

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.

Addition of the nutrition factor enhances the cancer prehabilitation program design for colorectal cancer patients: a multi-center cohort study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between different baseline functional capacity items, and their relationship with postoperative course in colorectal cancer patients. [Participants and Methods] This was a three-institution cohort study that included 127 patients scheduled for elective colorectal cancer surgery. Baseline functional capacity was evaluated using skeletal muscle index (SMI), six-minute walk test (6MWT), serum-albumin (Alb), vitality, and mental health before surgery. Postoperative findings, including C-reactive protein (CRP) levels 3 days post-operation, frequency of postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay (LOS), were evaluated based on the medical records. [Results] CRP was positively related to SMI, but negatively related to Alb level. LOS was negatively related to vitality. The 6MWT results and mental health-related findings were not significantly related to the postoperative course, but were directly and indirectly related to vitality, respectively. Alb level was also indirectly related to vitality through the 6MWT and mental health-related findings. The final constructed model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data (goodness-of-fit index=0.958, adjusted goodness-of-fit index=0.930, comparative fit index=1.000, root mean square error of approximation=0.000). [Conclusion] Nutrition status, as measured by Alb level before surgery, may positively affect both the postoperative course and other functional capacity parameters.

Students' level of satisfaction with graduation research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Purpose] We investigated the effects of the state of emergency declared following the spread of coronavirus disease on the level of satisfaction with graduation research. [Participants and Methods] The study included 320 students who graduated from a university in northern Tochigi Prefecture between March 2019 and 2022. Participants were categorized into the non-coronavirus group (graduation in 2019 and 2020) and the coronavirus group (graduation in 2021 and 2022). Levels of satisfaction with the content and rewards of graduation research were assessed using a visual analog scale. [Results] Levels of satisfaction with the content and rewards of graduation research were >70 mm in both groups and were significantly higher in females in the coronavirus group than in the non-coronavirus group. [Conclusion] The study highlights that despite the pandemic, educational engagement can improve students' satisfaction with graduation research.

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.

Phase angle as a prognostic factor for one-year mortality in geriatric health service facility residents.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to investigate the association of phase angle with the continuing activities of residents in a geriatric health service facility for one year. We compared the phase angle among current residents in a geriatric health service facility with those who died within one year. [Participants and Methods] This one-year prospective observational study included 149 residents who entered a geriatric health service facility. We divided participants into two groups: an over one-year survival group and a death within one year group. The receiver operating characteristic curves were created to determine the sensitivity and specificity for predicting one-year mortality based on the phase angle. [Results] The phase angle was significantly higher in the one-year survival group than in the death within one year group and was independently and significantly associated with one-year mortality using binomial logistic regression analysis. The phase angle was shown to have predictive power (based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve). Based on the calculation for identifying one-year survival, the optimal cut-off value for the phase angle was 2.95° (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.76, sensitivity 55.6%, specificity 83.3%). [Conclusion] The phase angle may contribute to the prognosis of one-year mortality for residents of geriatric health service facilities.

Immediate effects of elastic tape application on the foot sole: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of elastic tape in increasing the dorsiflexion angle and plantar flexor strength in healthy individuals. [Participants and Methods] This randomized controlled trial included 24 healthy university students who were categorized into the following groups (12 participants in each group): the intervention group (elastic tape was applied to the dominant foot) and the control group (no intervention was performed). We performed intergroup comparison of the pre- and post-intervention dorsiflexion angles and plantar flexor strength. Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses based on a straight-leg raise angle of 70°. [Results] We observed no significant intergroup differences in the dorsiflexion angle or plantar flexor strength. However, the post-intervention dorsiflexion angle was significantly greater than the pre-intervention angle in the subgroup with a straight-leg raise angle of <70° among participants in the elastic tape group. [Conclusion] Elastic tape application may effectively increase the dorsiflexion angle in individuals without hamstring extensibility.

Minimal clinically important difference in postoperative recovery among patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

PURPOSE: The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) based on patient-reported outcomes is the smallest outcome change sufficiently significant to influence management and is crucial to the design and interpretation of comparative effectiveness trials. The purpose of this study was to estimate the MCID for postoperative recovery metrics in gastrointestinal cancer patients. METHODS: This was a three-institutional cohort study. Participants were 219 patients scheduled for gastrointestinal cancer elective surgery. Body mass index (BMI), isometric knee extension torque (IKET), 6-min walk test (6 MWT), and Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) version 2 were evaluated 1-2 days prior to surgery (baseline) and 4 weeks after surgery. Patients received postoperative rehabilitative care from a physical therapist during hospitalization. The MCID used anchor-based methods. The anchor was a score on the SF-36 physical functioning subscale greater or lower than the average score of the general Japanese population. RESULTS: The receiver operating curve indicated a cutoff value on the 6 MWT of -7.8 m for clinically relevant decline (area under curve [AUC] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.599-0.741) or a 1.5% change. The cutoff value on the SF-36 role-physical subscale was -34.4 for clinically relevant decline (AUC = 0.691, 95% CI = 0.621-0.761) or a 36.6% decrease. No significant correlation was found between changes in BMI, IKET, and anchor. CONCLUSION: Plausible MCIDs are present in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. These values can assist the interpretation of clinical trials and observation of the postoperative clinical course of gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Association between age and phase angle in "old" and "super-old" nursing home residents.

[Purpose] We aimed to clarify the characteristics of age-related changes based on the body composition data of old and super-old nursing home residents. [Participants and Methods] This cross-sectional study included 53 female nursing home residents aged 75 years and above (mean age: 89.4 years; standard deviation: 5.6 years). They were divided into the old and super-old groups. The old group consisted of 24 participants aged between 75 and 89 years (mean age: 84.4 years; standard deviation: 3.7 years). The super-old group consisted of 29 participants aged 90 years and above (mean age: 93.5 years; standard deviation: 2.7 years). The parameters such as phase angle, skeletal muscle mass index, skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, body mass index, and Barthel index were examined in the two groups. The relationship between age and phase angle was determined, and the partial correlation coefficient was analyzed using the items for which a significant difference was found between the two groups as adjustment variables. [Results] The overall phase angle was 3.2 degrees, and that of the super-old group alone was 2.6 degrees. Age-related difference was observed in the phase angle and Barthel index. A significant correlation of -0.53 was observed between age and phase angle. The Barthel index-adjusted partial correlation coefficient between age and phase angle was -0.35. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that phase angle is an indicator of physical condition associated with aging in female nursing home residents aged 75 to 100 years.

Effect of interferential current on deep abdominal muscle thickness.

[Purpose] We aimed to investigate the effects of various modulated interferential currents on deep abdominal muscle thicknesses of healthy participants using ultrasound imaging. [Participants and Methods] We recruited twenty-two healthy male participants for this study. We compared the rate of change in muscle thickness of the abdominal muscles under different stimulation interferential current conditions. [Results] The change in interclass correlation coefficient of muscle thickness for each electrical stimulation by attached electrode altering was 0.738-0.998, indicating normal to good reliability. The rate of change for all muscle thicknesses under interferential current at 2.5 kHz and 20 Hz was significantly greater than that under the other conditions. [Conclusion] An interferential current at 2.5 kHz and 20 Hz is a feasible and reproducible way to train the abdominal muscles.

Effects of truncal taping on center of gravity sway: comparison of different trunk muscle masses.

[Purpose] Taping is a therapeutic technique used to prevent and treat sporting injuries and other conditions. This study aimed to clarify how kinesio taping versus non-elastic taping of the trunk affects postural control. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-three healthy male participants were included in this study. Participants were assigned to low or high trunk skeletal muscle mass groups. Main outcomes of path length and area representing the center of gravity sway were measured using a Zebris FDM-S system in three conditions: control, kinesio taping, and non-elastic taping. Tapes were applied to the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae muscles. The measured limb position was seated on a balance cushion. [Results] The area of the low trunk mass group differed significantly between kinesio and non-elastic taping. However, the path length of the low trunk mass group and path length and area of participants with high trunk mass did not differ significantly between groups. [Conclusion] This study's findings indicated that two types of taping methods affected the area of gravitational sway in healthy adult males with a low trunk muscle mass.

Immediate effects of stretching on trunk functions using a stretch pole half-cut.

[Purpose] To analyze the immediate effects of stretching on respiratory and trunk functions using a stretch pole half-cut in healthy male participants. [Participants and Methods] Thirty healthy male participants with a mean age of 21.1 ± 0.8 years were recruited in this study. The participant had to lay on his back on the convex surface of the pole with the semicircle of the pole touching the surface of the platform mat. The convex of the pole was placed at the level from seventh to 10th thoracic vertebra for 4 min and was applied perpendicular (anatomically horizontal) to the body axis. Respiratory function and muscle strength using a spirometer with attached units, maximum-minimum chest wall expansion difference using a tape measure, and body alignment, such as angles obtained from the spinal mouse, were measured before and immediately after the intervention in random order. [Results] The total inclination angle was found to decrease significantly, while the thoracic kyphosis angle and maximum inspiratory pressure showed a significant increase. [Conclusion] This intervention was suggested to be easy for incorporating into day life and useful in situations where the subjects want to increase the maximum inspiratory pressure, such as in sports.