Naoto Kamide

Relationship with dynamic balance function during standing and walking.

Shimada H, Obuchi S, Kamide N, Shiba Y, Okamoto M, Kakurai S: Relationship with dynamic balance function during standing and walking. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2003;82:511-516. ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between dynamic balance functions in young adults and elderly adults while standing and walking. DesignIn standing balance tests, the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) of six combinations of three visual and two support-surface conditions was used to measure standing balance, and the Motor Coordination Test (MCT) was used to provoke automatic postural reactions through a series of sudden translations of support surface. The gait test measured maximum anterior acceleration (MAA) and maximum posterior acceleration (MPA) of the trunk during perturbed walking using a bilaterally separated treadmill, and calculated latency until MAA and latency until MPA. ResultsThe elderly adults showed more significant functional decline than young adults in SOT1, SOT4, SOT6, medium intensity MCT, large intensity MCT, and MPA. In the correlation analysis of the outcome from the standing examinations, close correlations among SOT4, SOT5, and SOT6 conditions were observed in both groups of young adults and elderly adults. In the MCT, there was very close correlation between varied translation intensity in two groups. On the other hand, the only weak correlation between SOT and MCT findings was between SOT4 and large intensity MCT in elderly adults (r = −0.471, P = 0.049). In the gait test, although correlation was not significant in young adults, the significant correlations between MAA and latency until MAA (r = 0.705, P = 0.001) and latency until MAA and latency until MPA (r = 0.497, P = 0.036) were recognized in elderly adults. In the balance function findings of the standing examinations and the gait examinations, there was significant correlation between medium intensity MCT and latency until MAA (r = −0.552, P = 0.018) in young adults, and SOT6 and latency until MPA (r = −0.473, P = 0.047) in elderly adults. However, no relationship was observed in most of other factors. ConclusionsMost falls experienced by elderly people are caused by tripping or slipping during walking. The fact that walking balance function did not correlate with standing balance function indicates that multifaceted evaluation is important to comprehend dynamic balance function while standing and walking.

Reference values for the Timed Up and Go test in healthy Japanese elderly people: Determination using the methodology of meta‐analysis

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to determine the reference value for the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) in healthy Japanese elderly people using the methodology of meta‐analysis, and to determine the value for different measurement protocols.

Sniff Nasal Inspiratory Pressure in Healthy Japanese Subjects: Mean Values and Lower Limits of Normal

Background: When assessing respiratory muscle strength using sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), it is important to consider ethnic differences. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the mean values and lower limits of normal for SNIP in the Japanese population. Objective: To determine the mean values and lower limits of normal for SNIP, which is used as an assessment of inspiratory muscle strength, in healthy Japanese subjects. Methods: A total of 223 healthy Japanese volunteers (112 men, 111 women), aged 18–69 years, were studied; none had a history of pulmonary disease, heart disease, neuromuscular disease or sinusitis. To measure SNIP, a nasal plug was inserted into one nostril and the mouth was kept closed. Each subject was asked to take short, sharp sniffs with maximal effort from functional residual volume. Results: Based on the intraclass correlation coefficient, SNIP measurements showed good reproducibility in both men and women. The mean SNIP values were 76.8 ± 28.9 cm H2O in men and 60.0 ± 20.0 cm H2O in women; the values were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.01). On stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the SNIP values were negatively related to age in men and positively related to body mass index (BMI) in women. The lower limits of normal for SNIP were 32.9 cm H2O in men and 28.8 cm H2O in women. Conclusions: In healthy Japanese subjects, the mean SNIP value was higher in men than in women. In Japanese subjects, SNIP values appear to be related to age in men and BMI in women.

The Reference Values for the Chair Stand Test in Healthy Japanese Older People: Determination by Meta-analysis

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the reference values for the chair stand test (CST) in healthy older Japanese people. [Methods] Relevant research articles for the 5-repetition chair stand test (CS-5) and the 30-second chair stand test (CS-30) were identified by electronic database and manual searching. Research articles involving healthy Japanese people aged 60 years and older were included in a meta-analysis. Weighted means of the CS-5 and CS-30 were estimated by the random effect model as the reference values for the CST. Further, the effects of age and sex on the reference values were analyzed by a meta-regression analysis. [Results] Seven articles (21 data) and three articles (14 data) were included in the meta-analyses for the CS-5 and CS-30, respectively. The reference value for the CS-5 was estimated as 8.50 sec [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.93–9.07]; age and sex were not associated with this reference value. The reference value for the CS-30 was estimated as 17.26 times [95%CI: 15.98–18.55], and age was significantly associated with this value. [Conclusion] When the CS-5 and CS-30 are used to evaluate elderly Japanese people, the reference values for the CS-5 and CS-30 determined in this study would be useful indices.

Quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease: the relevance of social relationships and communication.

[Purpose] Maintaining high quality of life is crucial for the rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson’s disease. The quality of life scales currently in use do not assess all quality of life domains or their importance for each individual. Therefore, a new quality of life measure, the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting, was used to investigate quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disaese (average age = 80.0 years, standard deviation = 10.3 years, Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–4) were interviewed using the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting. Its quality of life constructs were tested by comparing them against disease-specific quality of life (39-items Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire), motor functioning (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III), and activities of daily living (Barthel Index). [Results] Social connections such as “family” and “friends” were revealed as important constructs of life satisfaction. The Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting was not significantly correlated with the 39-items Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III, or Barthel Index but was significantly correlated with the “communication” dimension of the 39-items Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire. [Conclusion] The Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting detected various domains of quality of life, especially social relationships with family and friends. “Being heard” was also revealed as an essential component of life satisfaction, as it provides patients with a feeling of acceptance and assurance, possibly resulting in better quality of life.

Assessment of grip strength in older people needs standardization by age and sex: Methodology for assessment of grip strength

This research was presented at the 5th International Society of Advance Care Planning and End of Life Care Conference Sep 9–12, 2015, Munich, Germany, and received the 3rd poster prize. This research was supported by Grants-in-Aid for Health, Labor, Scientific Research (H25-special-designation-036), and by Research Funding for Longevity Sciences from the National Center for Geriatrics & Gerontology (25-9). We greatly appreciate the assistance of the healthcare professionals in the Chita area of Aichi who contributed to the present study.

Evaluation of bone, nutrition, and physical function in Shorinji Kempo athletes

The objectives of this study were to reveal the proportion of Shorinji Kempo athletes who had suffered fractures related to sports activities, and to evaluate bone mass, bone turnover, nutritional status, and physical function in these athletes. A medical examination was carried out for 16 Shorinji Kempo collegiate athletes. Seven athletes (43.8%) had experienced a sports-related traumatic fracture during Shorinji Kempo practice. Four athletes (25.0%) had a lower speed of sound (% young adult mean < 100%), and five athletes (31.3%) had higher levels of urinary cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (a bone turnover marker) than the age-adjusted standard values. All the athletes had a lower daily calcium intake than the adequate intake, 12 (75.0%) had a lower daily vitamin D intake, and 15 (93.8%) had a lower daily vitamin K intake. Significant positive correlations were found between the vertical jump height, and the daily energy, and protein intakes. Results suggest that fractures are a common injury in Shorinji Kempo athletes, and that some Shorinji Kempo athletes need to improve their bone mass, bone metabolism, and nutritional status in order to strengthen bone and improve physical function.

Japanese elderly persons walk faster than non-Asian elderly persons: a meta-regression analysis

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify ethnic differences in walking speed by comparing walking speed in both Japanese and non-Asian elderly individuals and to investigate the necessity of consideration of ethnic differences in walking speed. [Subjects and Methods] Articles that reported comfortable walking speeds for community-dwelling elderly individuals were identified from electronic databases. Articles that involved community-dwelling individuals who were 60 years old or older and well functioning were included in the study. Articles that involved Asians were excluded. Weighted means for 5-m walking times were calculated as walking speeds from the Japanese and non-Asian sample data. The effects of age, gender, and ethnicity on 5-m walking times were then investigated using meta-regression analysis. [Results] Twenty studies (34 groups) were included for Japanese, and 16 studies (28 groups) were included for non-Asians. The weighted mean 5-m walking time was estimated to be 4.15 sec (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.87–4.44) for Japanese and 4.24 sec (95% CI: 4.09–4.40) for non-Asians. Furthermore, using meta-regression analysis adjusted for age and gender, the 5-m walking time was 0.40 sec faster (95% CI: 0.03–0.77) for Japanese than for non-Asian elderly individuals. [Conclusion] Walking speed appeared faster for Japanese community-dwelling elderly individuals than for non-Asian elderly individuals.

Identification of the type of exercise therapy that affects functioning in patients with early-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A multicenter, collaborative study

The types of exercise therapy that have an effect on functioning in early‐stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are not well‐known.

Knee extensor strength assessed using a vertical squat and a simple geometric model to calculate joint torque: An evaluation of validity and clinical utility: Squat model for measuring knee strength

We propose a simple method to measure knee extensor muscle strength using a single‐legged vertical squat. The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of this method in comparison with standard methods of measurement.