Publications by authors named "Katsuhito Nagano"
[Purpose] Although the shapes observed in myofiber cross-sections have been subjectively identified as polygonal, precise methodologies to classify such shapes have not been elucidated previously. Therefore, we aimed to determine the approximate shapes found in myofiber cross-sections, and to elucidate their relationship with the myofiber cross-sectional area. [Materials and Methods] Soleus muscles of five 11-week-old male Wistar rats were collected as specimens.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF[Purpose] External focus (EF) instructions demonstrate a learning effect on motor performance enhancement. However, the effective EF distance during standing long jump performance of non-athletes has not been clarified. This study aimed to determine the effects of EF at different distances on jumping performance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Antagonistic stretching is used in rehabilitation, but if pain occurs, alternative methods may be needed; the study aimed to see if antagonistic muscle contraction exercises alone can increase joint range of motion.
- The research involved 50 healthy participants divided into four exercise groups and a control group, with all performing ankle dorsiflexion exercises, and their range of motion was measured.
- Results showed that only the isometric exercise group significantly increased ankle joint range of motion, likely due to mechanisms related to Golgi tendon organ inhibition or an improved stretch tolerance.
[Purpose] Medial longitudinal arch (MLA) height is associated with various injuries and diseases and gender differences, if any. This study aimed to examine factors affecting the MLA height associated with gender differences in healthy subjects with no orthopedic disorders. [Subjects and Methods] This study included 36 healthy adults (19 males, 17 females; mean age, 21.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to elucidate the cathepsin-D involvement in signaling pathways for the survival and apoptosis of myofibers in rats with hindlimb-unloading in a low-temperature environment. [Subjects and Methods] Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group and a group that underwent hindlimb unloading in a low-temperature environment to induce muscle apoptosis. Cathepsin-D localization in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles, along with the expression of cathepsin-D in apoptotic myofibers, was examined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study investigated the effects of limited mental practice on motor performance in poststroke individuals with hemiparesis, involving 23 participants aged 40-82.
- Four groups were formed: no practice, physical practice, mental practice, and a combination of mental and physical practice, with performance and mental imagery assessed.
- Findings indicated no significant improvements in motor performance from different practices, but greater concentration during mental practice correlated with better performance outcomes.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference in gait parameters of at-home walking and the 10-meter walking test results of individuals with hemiparesis. [Subjects] A total of 14 hemiparetic stroke recovery patients participated in this study. Inclusion criteria were: living at home, the ability to walk independently, and demonstrated low extremity on recovery stages III-V on the Brunnstrom Approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study examined the role of caspase-3 in apoptosis pathways and factors related to muscle atrophy in hindlimb unloading, focusing on male Wistar rats exposed to different temperature conditions.
- Active caspase-3 was found in muscle fibers of hindlimb-unloaded rats, indicating apoptosis, while control groups showed no such activation.
- The findings suggest that muscle atrophy related to hindlimb unloading primarily relies on the caspase cascade linked to lysosomal pathways, with no evidence that caspase-12 activates caspase-3 due to variations in muscle fiber types or apoptosis triggers.