Gait asymmetry characteristics: relationship between lateral deviation of the thorax in the standing position and asymmetry indices during gait.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether a common left-right asymmetry exists in frontal plane movement during gait and to explore its relationship with resting standing posture. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-five healthy adult male participants with no history of surgery were assessed during standing and gait using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The maximum lateral movement of the trunk and center of mass, peak of the vertical ground reaction force, and lateral position of the center of pressure were compared between the left and right stance phases.

Trajectory and asymmetry of lower limb joint moments during normal and blindfolded gait.

[Purpose] This study examined gait asymmetry through analyzing gait trajectories and asymmetry of the lower limb moment of the frontal plane in normal and blindfolded gaits. [Participants and Methods] A three-dimensional motion analyzer and force plates were used to determine the thoracic lateral deviation and asymmetrical ratios of the upper and lower thoracic shapes in the standing position of 20 healthy adult men. The progression angle pelvic and thoracic rotation angles; and asymmetry of the hip, knee, and ankle moments in the frontal plane in full- and no-vision gaits were measured.

Effect of forearm positions on scapular movements and trunk rotation angles.

[Purpose] The study investigated the impact of distinct forearm positions on scapular movement and trunk rotation angles. [Participants and Methods] We enrolled 23 healthy young males. Measurements of trunk rotation and relative scapular segment angles were acquired under three conditions employing three-dimensional motion analysis, each executed in a seated posture: (1) both forearms in a neutral position, (2) the forearm on the rotational side adopted supination while the opposite forearm utilized pronation, and (3) the forearm on the rotational side employed pronation while the opposite forearm assumed supination.

Relationship between scapular elevation exercises with different alignments and activity of the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine whether scapular elevation exercises in sitting positions with different alignments lead to contractions of the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 25 males, measured in four sitting positions with different alignments. Spine alignment was assessed by measuring the head protrusion, upper thoracic spine tilt, and pelvic tilt angles.

Relationship between the bilateral ratios of the thoracic shape and electromyographic activity of the thoracic and lumbar iliocostalis muscles during thoracic lateral translation.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the relationship between thoracic lateral deviation, the bilateral ratio of the thoracic shape, and the bilateral ratio of the thoracic and lumbar iliocostalis muscles during resting sitting and thoracic lateral translation. [Participants and Methods] We included 23 healthy adult males in the study. The measurement tasks were resting sitting and thoracic lateral translation relative to the pelvis.

Examination of body static rotation related to step length asymmetry: biomechanics of the thorax and pelvis.

[Purpose] This study determined whether the results of the mobility assessment of pelvic and thoracic rotation (static evaluation), which is often used in clinical settings, are related to step length asymmetry. Moreover, we identified the postural evaluation of rotation that may be related to gait asymmetry. [Participants and Methods] We hypothesize that a certain relationship exists between the static assessments of pelvic rotation and step length asymmetry.

Relationship between the thoracic asymmetry in standing position and the asymmetry of ankle moment in the frontal plane during gait.

[Purpose] We aimed to investigate the relationship of thoracic asymmetry in standing position with asymmetry of the internal ankle moment in the frontal plane during gait. [Participants and Methods] The following measurements were recorded in 22 healthy adult males using a 3D motion analyzer and force plates: thoracic lateral deviation, asymmetrical ratios of the upper and lower thoracic shape, internal ankle moment in the frontal plane, mediolateral deviations of the center of mass and center of pressure. [Results] In the standing position, the thorax was deviated to the left relative to the pelvis, and the upper and lower thoracic shapes were asymmetrical.

Effects of resistance training on baroreflex sensitivity function in healthy males.

[Purpose] This experimental study examined the effects of resistance exercises with three intensities on baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in healthy males. [Participants and Methods] This study enrolled 27 sedentary healthy males with the following demographic characteristics: mean age, 19.9 years; body mass, 63.

Effects of the posterior pelvic tilt sitting posture on thoracic morphology and respiratory function.

[Purpose] We investigated how differences in pelvic angle in the posterior pelvic tilt sitting posture simultaneously affect the thoracic morphology and the respiratory function. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 18 healthy young males. We positioned the pelvis at 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° of posterior tilt, following which the thoracic expansion volume ratio, thoracic spine tilt angle, and respiratory function were measured.

Age-related changes in postural control for wearing shoes using different process of leg-raising processes in the sitting position: a pilot study.

[Purpose] Wearing shoes can be difficult for people who experience movement difficulties. This study aimed to compare young adults and senior adults while wearing shoes in order to quantify kinematic, physiological, and ergonomic points of variance. [Participants and Methods] Nine young adults (mean age, 21 years) and nine senior adults (mean age, 70 years) were included in the study.

Factors that determine kinematic coupling behavior of calcaneal pronation/supination and shank rotation during weight bearing: ananalysis based on foot bone alignment using radiographic images.

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify factors that determine the kinematic coupling behavior of calcaneal pronation/supination and shank rotation in a standing position. [Participants and Methods] Study participants included 15 healthy adults (30 legs). Kinematic coupling behavior was quantified as the linear regression coefficient (kinetic chain ratio [KCR]) of the angle of shank rotation against the angle of calcaneal pronation-to-supination measured using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system during pronation and supination of both feet while standing.