Effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation of the common fibular nerve on the soleus muscle Hoffmann reflex.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation of the common fibular nerve on the modification of neural circuit function as measured through the soleus muscle Hoffmann reflex. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-four healthy adult males were randomly and equally divided into the magnetic stimulation (experimental) and control groups. The Hoffmann reflex of the soleus muscle was analyzed before and after 10 min of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation for the experimental group and before and after 10 min of rest for the control group.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease features in patients visiting primary respiratory clinic and tertiary hospital in Japan.

Pulmonologists in primary care clinics are positioned between those in tertiary hospitals and general practitioners in clinics and are anticipated to promote hospital-clinic collaboration for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the clinical features of patients in primary respiratory clinics are unclear. This multicenter study cross-sectionally compared the characteristics of patients with COPD in a respiratory clinic (n = 69) with those in a university hospital (n = 124).

Effect of manipulation technique using ultrasound-guided cervical nerve root block on range of motion at the shoulder joint in frozen shoulder: a retrospective study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the range of motion (ROM) at the shoulder joint before and after silent manipulation.

Methods: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent silent manipulation at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017. In total, 1,665 shoulders in 1,610 patients (519 men, 1,146 women; mean age 55.

Investigation of absolute intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities during the muscle hardness estimation.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the absolute intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities during the measurement of muscle hardness, which is used to evaluate physical therapy. Moreover, we examined the effects of using different equipment types and their positioning on the intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities. [Participants and Methods] Participants of this study comprised 12 healthy adult male individuals.

Reliability of ultrasound to measure the distance between lumbar interspinous processes.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the reliability of ultrasound to measure the distance between interspinous processes of the lumbar spine at the segmental level (i.e., L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5).

Physique, range of motion, and gross muscle strength in hemiplegic para swimmers: a cross-sectional case series.

[Purpose] The physical functions related to swimming should be evaluated to enhance competitive performance and prevent sports injuries. This study aimed to determine the physique, range of motion, and gross muscle strength of the limbs among hemiplegic para swimmers. [Participants and Methods] Three male para swimmers with hemiplegia and five male para swimmers with impaired vision were included in the study.