Robot-assisted gait training for improved gait independence in individuals with acute hemiparetic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Background: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has proven effective in addressing gait disorders in patients with stroke. However, its efficacy in patients with acute stroke has not yet been demonstrated. This pilot study is designed to evaluate the following: (1) feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial on RAGT for enhancing gait postacute stroke and (2) to obtain preliminary estimates regarding the potential efficacy of RAGT for achieving gait independence during the acute phase.

Multicentre retrospective observational study for development and validation of MAC prognostic score model.

The global incidence and mortality rates of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) are increasing. We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study across 18 hospitals to develop a scoring system for predicting respiratory infection-related mortality in patients with MAC-PD. A total of 1,165 patients newly diagnosed with MAC-PD between 2010 and 2017 were enrolled and randomly allocated to a 4:1 ratio to derivation (n = 932) and validation (n = 233) groups.

Risk Factors and Long-Term Prognosis for Coinfection of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Multicentre Observational Study in Japan.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a chronic respiratory infection with increasing prevalence and mortality worldwide. Coinfection with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a significant complication of NTM-PD, often complicating treatment and resulting in poor prognosis.

Objective: In this multicentre, retrospective cohort study, we examined the epidemiology, comorbidities, risk factors for CPA coinfection and long-term prognosis of patients with NTM-PD infected with CPA in Japan.

A cross-sectional study of self-esteem, psychological factors, and academic performance among occupational therapy students in Japan.

Objectives: With the recent progression of a super-aging society in Japan, demand for medical and welfare professionals has increased, and occupational therapists are in great demand. Academic performance is important for occupational therapy and rehabilitation students. The current study aimed to determine the influence of self-esteem and psychological factors on academic performance in Japanese occupational therapy students.

Effects of robot-assisted gait training within 1 week after stroke onset on degree of gait independence in individuals with hemiparesis: a propensity score-matched analysis in a single-center cohort study.

Background: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is an effective method for treating gait disorders in individuals with stroke. However, no previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of RAGT in individuals with acute stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RAGT initiation within 1 week after onset on degree of gait independence in individuals with hemiparetic stroke.