Immediate effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the abductor hallucis muscle: A randomized controlled trial.

Hallux valgus (HV) is a foot deformity with deviation of the greater toe and the first metatarsal. There is little evidence on training the abductor hallucis muscle (AbdH) to treat HV because of the difficulty in implementing the necessary interventions. Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used to induce voluntary exercise, there is currently no study on NMES for AbdH.

Relationship between forefoot structure, including the transverse arch, and forefoot pain in patients with hallux valgus.

[Purpose] Hallux valgus occurs in the forefoot where the transverse arch is located and may be a factor involved in forefoot pain. The relationship between forefoot pain and forefoot structure is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between forefoot pain and the transverse arch in patients with hallux valgus.

Acute effects of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) on the Achilles tendon.

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) on Achilles tendon elongation during muscle contraction, as well as the circulation in the peritendinous region. Sixteen healthy men participated in this study. All 16 participants underwent 2 interventions: (1) CRet trial and (2) CRet without power (sham trial).

Menstrual cycle variation and gender difference in muscle stiffness of triceps surae.

Background: We aimed to investigate the menstrual cycle variation and the gender difference of the triceps surae muscle stiffness and passive stiffness of the ankle joint.

Methods: The subjects of the study included 12 healthy young women and 12 healthy young men. Shear elastic moduli of the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles were measured as an index of muscle stiffness using shear wave elastography.

Home exercise therapy to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility effectively treats pre-radiographic knee OA in community-dwelling elderly: a randomized controlled trial.

To compare the efficacy and adherence rates of two parallel home exercise therapy programs-multiple exercise (training and stretching the knee and hip muscles) and control (training the quadriceps muscles)-on knee pain, physical function, and knee extension strength in community-dwelling elderly individuals with pre-radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA). One hundred patients with medial knee pain were randomly allocated to one of two 4-week home exercise programs. Individuals with a Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade 0 or 1 OA (pre-radiographic knee OA) in the medial compartment were enrolled.

Development of a questionnaire survey to evaluate lower limb function of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

This study aimed to develop a self-questionnaire index relevant to lower limb functional assessment reflecting clinical symptoms and activity restrictions associated with activities of daily living (ADL) for patients with knee osteoarthritis. This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren/Lawrence grade ≥ 1). Participants evaluated clinical symptoms and activity restrictions using self-reported questionnaires.

Effect of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer on changes in muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effects of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer (CRet) on changes in muscle flexibility and lumbopelvic alignment after fatiguing exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two healthy males were assigned into either the CRet (n=11) or control (n=11) group. Fatiguing exercise and CRet intervention were applied at the quadriceps muscle of the participants' dominant legs.

Relationship between transverse arch height and foot muscles evaluated by ultrasound imaging device.

[Purpose] Few studies on the transverse arch (TA) in the forefoot have been conducted. The forefoot is where pains occur most frequently and is related to walking and balance; hence, paying attention to TA is vital. However, the relationship between TA and foot muscles has not been investigated.

Relationship between agility and lower limb muscle strength, targeting university badminton players.

[Purpose] Targeting university badminton players, this study investigated the relationship between agility, which is associated with performance in badminton, and lower limb muscle strength, and examined which muscles influence agility. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 23 male university badminton players were evaluated for side-shuffle test scores and lower limb strength. The relationships between agility, lower limb strength, and duration of experience playing badminton were evaluated using a correlation analysis.