JPTS Award

2023 JPTS Award

Good Paper Award 2023

Validity of functional assessment for control of trunk in patients with subacute stroke: a multicenter, cross-sectional study

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 35: 520–527, 2023

Yutaka Okuda, RPT, MSc1, 2), Go Owari, RPT, PhD3), Shinichi Harada, RPT4), Masayoshi Uchiyama, RPT3), Masaki Fukunaga, RPT3), Masatake Ikegami, RPT5), Shinya Oteki, RPT6), Daiki Yamada, RPT6), Miho Yamada, RPT6), Shigeru Usuda, RPT, PhD2)

  1. Department of Tokyo Physical Therapy, Teikyo University of Science: 2-2-1 Senjusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0045, Japan
  2. Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
  3. Inzai General Hospital, Japan
  4. Rehabilitation Amakusa Hospital, Japan
  5. KASHIWA no HA CAMPUS Orthopaedics, Japan
  6. Harajuku Rehabilitation Hospital, Japan

Good Paper Award 2023

Predictive factors for walking in acute stroke patients: a multicenter study using classification and regression tree analysis

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 35: 217–222, 2023

Kohei Shida, RPT, MSc1, 2), Kazuhiro Fukata, RPT, PhD1), Yuji Fujino, RPT, PhD3), Masahide Inoue, RPT, MSc1, 2), Mamiko Inoue, RPT1), Daisuke Sekine, RPT, MSc1), Hiroshi Miki, RPT, MSc4), Hirofumi Sato, RPT, MSc5), Yohei Kobayashi, RPT6), Koki Hasegawa, RPT7), Kazu Amimoto, RPT, PhD2), Shigeru Makita, MD, PhD8), Hidetoshi Takahashi, MD, PhD8)

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Center, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center: 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka-shi, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
  2. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
  3. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Juntendo University, Japan
  4. Department of Rehabilitation, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Japan
  5. Department of Rehabilitation, Saitama Citizens Medical Center, Japan
  6. Department of Rehabilitation, Saitama Sekishinkai Hospital, Japan
  7. Department of Rehabilitation, Sainokuni Higashiomiya Medical Center, Japan
  8. Department of Rehabilitation, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan

Good Paper Award 2023

Effectiveness of an educational approach between adolescents and adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a scoping review with meta-analysis

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 35: 659–666, 2023

Takahiro Otsudo, RPT, PhD1), Hiroshi Hattori, RPT, PhD2), Yuki Hasebe, RPT, PhD3), Yu Okubo, RPT, PhD2), Yutaka Sawada, RPT, MS2), Kiyokazu Akasaka, RPT, PhD2)

  1. Major of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Tokyo University of Technology: 5-23-22 Nishikamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-8535, Japan
  2. School of Physical Therapy, Department of Health and Medical Care, Saitama Medical University, Japan
  3. Department of Rehabilitation, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Japan

2022 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2022

Tailored patient self-management and supervised, home-based, pulmonary rehabilitation for mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 34: 49-59, 2022

Teresa Paolucci1), Letizia Pezzi2), Rosa Grazia Bellomo3), Antonella Spacone4), Niki Giannandrea4), Andrea Di Matteo1), Pierpaolo Prosperi4), Andrea Bernetti5), Massimiliano Mangone5), Francesco Agostini5), Raoul Saggini1)

  1. Unit of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Oral Medical Science and Biotechnology (DSMOB), Gabriele d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara: Viale Abruzzo 322, 66100 CH, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
  2. U.O. Specialistic Rehabilitation, Hospital Cremona, Italy
  3. Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Study of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy
  4. U.O.C. Pneumology and Respiratory Physiopathology, Hospital “S. Spirito” Pescara, Italy
  5. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Honorable Mention Award 2022

Effects of assigning physical therapists exclusively to the acute-phase stroke patient ward

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 34: 225-229, 2022

Yuichi Nishikawa, RPT, PhD1), Kazuhiko Hirata, RPT, MSc2), Yoshihiro Ito, RPT, MSc2), Kazuyuki Ueda, RPT, BSc2), Hiroaki Kimura, MD, PhD3)

  1. Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Institute of Science & Engineering, Kanazawa University: Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
  2. Division of Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Practice and Support, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
  3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan

Honorable Mention Award 2022

Effect of trim line on stiffness in dorsi- and plantarflexion of posterior leaf spring ankle-foot orthoses

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 34: 284-289, 2022

Takahiro Go, MS1), Yukio Agarie, MS1), Hironori Suda, PhD1), Yu Maeda, PhD1), Junji Katsuhira, PhD2), Yoshihiro Ehara, PhD1)

  1. Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive Technology, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Niigata University of Health and Welfare: 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
  2. Department of Human Environment Design, Faculty of Human Life Design, Toyo University, Japan

Honorable Mention Award 2022

Differences in gait kinetics and kinematics between patients with rotating hinge knee and cruciate-retaining prostheses: a cross-sectional study

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 34: 635-641, 2022

Takehiro Ohmi, PT, MS1), Takumi Yamada, PT, PhD2), Sadaya Misaki, PT, MS3), Tomohiro Tazawa, PT, MS4), Ryota Shimamura, PT, MS5), Junpei Kato, PT, MS6), Kazutaka Sugimoto, MD4)

  1. Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Sports Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University: 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
  2. Faculty of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
  3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sonoda Daiichi Hospital, Japan
  4. Sonodakai Joint Replacement Center Hospital, Japan
  5. Tokyo Metropolitan Rehabilitation Hospital, Japan
  6. NEC Livex, Ltd, Japan

2021 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2021

Correlates of improvement in the care need levels of older adults with disabilities: a two-year follow-up study

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 33: 466-471, 2021

Yuta Hayashi1), Shinnosuke Hato1), Hiroyuki Shimada2)

  1. Tsukui Corporation: 1-6-1 Kamioooka-nishi, Konan, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 233-0002, Japan
  2. Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan

Excellent Paper Award 2021

Sagittal spine shape literacy in the general adult population, assessed by a novel, simple graphical tool

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 33: 554-559, 2021

Larry Cohen, PT, PhD1), Evangelos Pappas, PT, PhD1, 2), Milena Simic, PT, PhD1), Kathryn Refshauge, PT, PhD1), Sarah Dennis, PT, PhD1, 3)

  1. Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney: Susan Wakil Building, Western Avenue, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
  2. The University of Wollongong, Australia
  3. Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Australia

Encouragement Paper Award 2021

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on pulmonary alveola and cytokines in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and skeletal muscle atrophy model mice

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 33: 1-8, 2021

Hiroshi Maruoka, RPT, PhD1), Ken-ichi Tanaka, PhD1), Masaaki Takayanagi, PhD1), Masashi Zenda, RPT, MS1, 2)

  1. School of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University: 820 Sannomiya, Koshigaya city, Saitama 343-8540, Japan
  2. Division of Rehabilitation, International University of Health and Welfare Ichikawa Hospital, Japan

Encouragement Paper Award 2021

Effects of isometric contraction of the quadriceps on the hardness and blood flow in the infrapatellar fat pad

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 33: 722-727, 2021

Naoya Katayama, PT, MSc1, 2), Issei Noda, PT, MSc1), Yusuke Fukumoto, PT1), Kengo Kawanishi, PT, MSc1), Shintarou Kudo, PT, PhD1, 3)

  1. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences: 1-26-16, Nankoukita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka-shi, Osaka 559-8611, Japan
  2. Osaka Gyoumeikan Hospital, Japan
  3. Inclusive Medical Science Research Institute, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Japan

2020 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2020

Comparison of foot kinematics and the morphology of intrinsic musculature of the foot using a foot-type classification based on function

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 32; 238-242.2020

Shintarou Kudo, RPT, PhD1, 2), Kodai Sakamoto, RPT2), Takeshi Shirakawa, RPT3)

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences: 1-26-16 Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 559-8611, Japan
  2. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Japan
  3. Department of Rehabilitation, AR-Ex Medical Group Toritudai Orthopedics Clinic, Japan

Excellent Paper Award 2020

Diversity and regularity in infant crawling with typical development

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 32: 483-488,2020

Shimpei Yamamoto, RPT1), Lee Yonghi, MSc, RPT1), Umi Matsumura, MSc, RPT1), Toshiya Tsurusaki, PhD, RPT2)

  1. Health Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences: 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan
  2. Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Japan

2019 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2019

Effects of sudden unexpected mechanical perturbation training aimed at the primary prevention of inversion ankle sprain on reactiveness of ankle movement and cortical activity in normal young adults

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 31: 242-249, 2019

Kaori Ohta, RPT, MS1, 2), Teiji Kimura, RPT, PhD3)

  1. Graduate School of Medicine, Shinshu University: 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto City, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
  2. Omachi Municipal General Hospital, Japan
  3. School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shinshu University, Japan

Excellent Paper Award 2019

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder in patients with diabetes: randomized control trial

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 31: 493-497, 2019

Ramprasad Muthukrishnan, MSPT, PhD1), Ayesha Abdul Rashid, BPT1), Fatma Al-Alkharji, BPT2)

  1. Physiotherapy Division, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University: Ajman, Ajman, UAE
  2. Department of Physiotherapy, Umm Al Quwain Hospital, UAE

Excellent Paper Award 2019

Factors affecting the performance of activities of daily living in patients with advanced cancer undergoing inpatient rehabilitation: results from a retrospective observational study

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 31: 795-801, 2019

Kaori Shimoda, OTR, PhD1), Hisao Imai, MD, PhD2), Tetsuya Tsuji, MD, PhD3), Kenji Tsuchiya, OTR, PhD1), Hiroshi Tajima, RPT4), Hatsumi Kanemaki, RPT4), Fusae Tozato, OTR, PhD5)

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences: 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan
  2. Division of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma Prefectural Cancer Center, Japan
  3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
  4. Division of Rehabilitation, Gunma Prefectural Cancer Center, Japan
  5. Nagano University of Health and Medicine, Japan

Excellent Paper Award 2019

Differences in skill level influence the effects of visual feedback on motor learning

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 31: 939-945, 2019

Ryohei Yamamoto, RPT, PhD1), Kazunori Akizuki, RPT, PhD2), Yoshihide Kanai, RPT, PhD3), Wataru Nakano, RPT, PhD4), Yasuto Kobayashi, PhD5), Yukari Ohashi, RPT, PhD3)

  1. Department of Rehabilitation, Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare: 888 Tomio, Tamana, Kumamoto 865-0062, Japan
  2. Department of Physical Therapy, Kobe International University, Japan
  3. Department of Physical Therapy, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Japan
  4. Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Tokoha University, Japan
  5. Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Tokoha University, Japan

Encouragement Paper Award 2019

Use of a multilayer perceptron to create a prediction model for dressing independence in a small sample at a single facility

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 31: 69-74, 2019

Takaaki Fujita, OTR, PhD1), Atsushi Sato, RPT, MS2), Akira Narita, PhD3), Toshimasa Sone, OTR, PhD1), Kazuaki Iokawa, OTR, PhD4), Kenji Tsuchiya, OTR, PhD5), Kazuhiro Yamane, OTR6), Yuichi Yamamoto, RPT6), Yoko Ohira, MD, PhD6), Koji Otsuki, MD, PhD6)

  1. Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tohoku Fukushi University: 1-8-1 Kunimi, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 981-8522, Japan
  2. Department of Rehabilitation, Care Center Moriyama, Japan
  3. Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Japan
  4. Preparing Section for New Faculty of Medical Science, Fukushima Medical University, Japan
  5. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
  6. Department of Rehabilitation, Kita-Fukushima Medical Center, Japan

Encouragement Paper Award 2019

Characteristics of plantar pressure distribution in elite male soccer players with or without history of proximal fifth metatarsal fracture: a case-control study

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 31: 530-535, 2019

Motoki Kuzuyama, RPT, MSc PT1, 2), John Perrier, RPT1), Yuji Kusaki, RPT3), Kenji Sato, RPT3), Ichiro Yamaura, MD4), Akihiro Tsuchiya, MD4)

  1. Department of Physiotherapy, PhysioWorks Bulimba: Mansfield 3/175 Riding Rd, Bulimba QLD 4171, Australia
  2. University of Canberra Master of Physiotherapy, Australia
  3. Department of Physiotherapy, Funabashi Orthopaedic Hospital, Japan
  4. Department of Sports and Joint Centre, Funabashi Orthopaedic Hospital, Japan

2018 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2018

Relationship between advanced glycation end-product accumulation in the skin and pulmonary function

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 30: 413-418, 2018

Kubo A1, 2), Kato M2), Sugioka Y3), Mitsui R3), Fukuhara N3), Nihei F1), Takeda Y4)

  1. Anti-Aging Center, Ginza Hospital, Japan
  2. Department of Shizuoka Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Tokoha University:
    1-30 Mizuochi-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka 420-0831, Japan
  3. Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ginza Hospital, Japan
  4. Department of Internal Medicine, Ginza Hospital, Japan

According to recent studies, the level of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) increases with age and is higher in smokers and COPD patients. AGEs increase inflammation by binding to receptors for AGE (RAGE), which are present on cell surfaces in tissues. Therefore, AGE accumulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD by increasing inflammation. Recently, AGEs assessed by skin autofluorescence (SAF) could help in the rapid evaluation of AGE accumulation in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between SAF and pulmonary function in younger and elderly people with normal spirometry results. This study revealed that FEV/FVC was greatly influenced by SAF than aging factor. SAF could measure without any efforts for subjects so that SAF might be one of the useful methods to assess pulmonary function in case of mental disorder, unconsciousness patient or dementia. It is unique idea to apply SAF to assess pulmonary function without effort. Besides, this study was well-designed that inclusion and exclusion criteria were strict in order not to be affected by disease factor such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension. Although pulmonary function was affected by other confounders such as air pollution or genetic disposition, this study could be expected to develop relevance of SAF by next longitudinal study. Hence, we recommend this study as an excellent article.

Excellent Paper Award 2018

The effect of a short term conservative physiotherapy versus occlusive splinting on pain and range of motion in cases of myogenic temporomandibular joint dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 30: 1156-1160, 2018

Tamer mohamed ShouSha, PhD, PT1, 2), elSadaT Saad Soliman, PhD, PT2), mohamed ahmed Behiry, PhD, PT3)

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, UAE
  2. Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
  3. Faculty of Physical Therapy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Egypt

This well-designed randomized controlled trial revealed that conservative physiotherapy could improve pain and range of motion compared to occlusive splints for patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Required sample size was adequately calculated by a power analysis. Based on the calculation, sufficient number of patients participated in this study and clinically meaningful results were obtained.  Also details of conservative physiotherapy programs were described so that readers can apply the program for the patients. However, outcome measures were only intensity of pain and temporomandibular joint opening index. If there is further study, more comprehensive assessment, such as questionnaire for temporomandibular joint disorders, should be employed to sophisticate the study. Overall, clinically meaningful results were shown in this well-designed RCT.

Excellent Paper Award 2018

Structural validity of balance evaluation systems test assessed using factor and Rasch analysis in patients with stroke

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 30: 1446-1454, 2018

Kazuhiro Miyata, PT, MS1, 2), Satoshi Hasegawa, PT, MS2, 3), Hiroki Iwamoto, PT, MS4), Tomohiro Otani, PT, MS5), Yoichi Kaizu, PT, MS5), Tomoyuki Shinohara, PT, PhD6), Shigeru Usuda, PT, PhD2)

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Science: 4669-2, Ami-Machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, 300-0394 Japan
  2. Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
  3. Public Nanokaichi Hospital, Japan
  4. Hidaka Rehabilitation Hospital, Japan
  5. Hidaka Hospital, Japan
  6. Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Japan

This study examined validity of comprehensive assessment tool for balance ability called as balance evaluation systems test. (BESTest) It is worthy that this study involved a large number of stroke patients, and analyzed detail of each parameter using Rasch analysis. This study showed that four-factor model comprising 25 items were valid and reliable for the BESTest. Even though it is difficult to assess balance and locomotive ability comprehensively, we consider that this article provides precious knowledge for clinical application in the future.

Encouragement Paper Award 2018

Age-dependent changes in dynamic standing-balance ability evaluated quantitatively using a stabilometer

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 30: 86-91, 2018

Yasuhiro Suzuki, RPT, MS1), Shigeru Yatoh, MD, PhD1), Hiroaki Suzuki, MD, PhD1), Yuuki Tanabe, RPT1), Yukiyo Shimizu, MD, PhD1), Yasushi Hada, MD, PhD1), Hitoshi Shimano, MD1), PhD1)

  1. Department of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology and Metabolism), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba: 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0031, Japan
  2. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Japan
  3. International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Japan
  4. Life Science Center of Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Japan
  5. Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan

In this study, 583 healthy subjects were measured IPS(index of postural stability) under two conditions (open eyes/hard surface OE/HS ; closed eyes/soft surface CE/SS) . IPS (OE/HS) began to decrease at middle-age (40–60 years old), and then decreased more rapidly during elderly ages (>60 years old). IPS (CE/SS) decreased linearly with increasing age. It was concluded that IPS (OE/HS) indicates comprehensive balance ability, while IPS (CE/SS) reveals balance ability. In this way, it is a very interesting study from the viewpoint of novelty and development. It is a paper that can be a criterion for evaluating the balance.

Encouragement Paper Award 2018

Immediate effects of exercise intervention on cancer-related fatigue

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 30: 262-265, 2018

Ryutaro Matsugaki, RPT, MOH1, 2), Toru Akebi, RPT, PhD1), Hideo Shitama, RPT1), Futoshi Wada, MD, PhD3), Satoru Saeki, MD, PhD4)

  1. Rehabilitation Center of University Hospital, University of Occupational and Environmental Health: 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 807-0804, Japan
  2. Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
  3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Japan
  4. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

In this paper, the authors study the immediately effects of exercise therapy on cancer-related fatigue in the cancer patient. Eighteen patients with cancer took part in standing-sitting and walking training which intensity was set using the Borg category-ratio scale (CR-10). They were assessed their fatigue after exercise by Cancer Fatigue Scale. The results showed that exercise therapy targeting a rating of 4 (somewhat strong) on the CR-10 can immediately reduce CRF in cancer patients. Many studies have reported that exercise therapy decreased cancer-related fatigue. However, this research shows the immediately effects of exercise therapy, setting the exercise intensity by subjective fatigue, and the effect of somewhat strong intensity exercise in patients with severe fatigue or older. This is significant for physical therapy since such way of exercise provide patients with fatigue to carry out it continuously. In these reasons, we recommend this article to a prize for encouragement article.

Encouragement Paper Award 2018

Quantitative evaluation of handwriting: factors that affect pen operating skills

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 30: 971-975, 2018

Sho Horie, OTR, MS1, 2), Katsuyuki Shibata, OTR, PhD3)

  1. Section of Rehabilitation, Kanazawa University Hospital: 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa 920-8641, Japan
  2. Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Japan
  3. Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan

This study compared pen operating skills using pressure plate between different conditions writing pressure and writing speed. It seems to be valuable that the authors quantitatively assessed skill activity such as handwriting. The study showed interesting results that a factor relating to pen operating skill was only pen pressure. The results seem to provide useful knowledge for rehabilitation to enhance finger function when a therapist instructs handwriting. We expect to compare the pen operating skills between healthy subjects and Parkinson’s disease patients with micrography in the future. Therefore, we consider this article should be included as one of the encouragement paper awards.

2017 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2017

Klapp method effect on idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents: blind randomized controlled clinical trial

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 29: 1-7, 2017

Diego De Sousa Dantas, PT, PhD1), Sanderson José Costa De Assis, PT2), Marina Pegoraro Baroni, PT3), Johnnatas Mikael Lopes, PT4), Enio Walker Azevedo Cacho, PT, PhD1), Roberta De Oliveira Cacho, PT, PhD1), Silvana Alves Pereira, PT, PhD1)

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte: Trairi Street, s/n, zip code: 59.200-000, Santa Cruz, RN, Brazil
  2. Department of Public Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil
  3. Department of Physical Therapy, State University of Centro-Oeste (Unicentro), Brazil
  4. Department of Public Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

There are a recent study reporting the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents is about 22%. This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial that tries to clarify the effect of Klapp method on idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Intervention was consisted of 50 min of Klapp method 20 times. There are no significant differences between two groups after intervention but both group showed the increase of muscle strength. Even though there are some limitations, but this study may consider promising on therapeutic exercises for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents in near future.

Excellent Paper Award 2017

Proprioceptive change impairs balance control in older patients with low back pain

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 29: 1788–1792, 2017

Tadashi Ito, PT, PhD1–3), Yoshihito Sakai, MD, PhD2), Kazunori Yamazaki, PhD4), Kazuma Igarashi, BSc5), Noritaka Sato, PhD5), Kiyoko Yokoyama, PhD3), Yoshifumi Morita, PhD5)

  1. Three-dimensional Motion Analysis Room, Aichi Prefecture Mikawa Aoitori Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities: 9-3 Koyaba, Kouryuji-cho, Okazaki-shi, Aichi 444-0002, Japan
  2. National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan
  3. Nagoya City University School of Design & Architecture, Japan
  4. Faculty of Clinical Engineering, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Japan
  5. Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan

In this study, 47 subjects with low back pain and 47 control subjects were recruited to clarify the influence of vibration stimulation on posture control. Different two type of vibration gave to gastrocnemius muscle and multifidus muscle and the cross-sectional area of these muscles were properly evaluated using MRI. However, it is necessary to reconsideration about fixation of the vibration equipment and selection of equipment to evaluate the postural control. In this way, it is a very interesting study from the viewpoint of novelty and development.

Excellent Paper Award 2017

Change in hand dexterity and habitual gait speed reflects cognitive decline over time in healthy older adults: a longitudinal study

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 29: 1737-1741, 2017

Takumi Abe, MS1, 2), Yuki Soma, PhD3), Naruki Kitano, PhD4), Takashi Jindo, PhD4), Ayane Sato, MS1), Kenji Tsunoda, PhD5), Taishi Tsuji, PhD6), Tomohiro Okura, PhD7)

  1. Doctoral Program in Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba: 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
  2. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
  3. Department of Social Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
  4. Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Japan
  5. Faculty of Social Welfare, Yamaguchi Prefectural University, Japan
  6. Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan
  7. Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

This longitudinal study, in a large sample of community-dwelling elderly Japanese, examined the relationship between physical and cognitive changes. It was remarkable that this study demonstrated particular changes in habitual walking speed and hand dexterity were significantly associated with decline in cognitive function. Very few studies have shown changes in physical function and cognitive function in such detail. We believe that this paper contributes knowledge that will inform future preventive physical therapy. Hence, we recommend this study as an excellent article.

Excellent Paper Award 2017

Effect of aquatic versus land based exercise programs on physical performance in severely burned patients: a randomized controlled trial

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 29: 2201-2205, 2017

Ibrahim M. Zoheiry, PhD1), Haidy N. Ashem, PhD2), Hamada Ahmed Hamada Ahmed, PhD3), Rami Abbas, PhD4)

  1. Department of Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, October 6 University, Egypt
  2. Department of Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
  3. Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University: 7 Ahmed Elziat Street, Bean Elsariat, El Dokki, Giza, Egypt
  4. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Lebanon

This study revealed that an aquatic-based exercise improved physical performance compared to a land-based exercise for severely burned patients in well-designed randomized controlled trial. Although this study was single blinding design, quality of the study was high as a RCT assessed by PEDro scale. Also, power analysis was performed to assure appropriate sample size. In addition, because details of exercise programs were described, readers can directly apply those exercises in clinical settings. Thus, clinical relevance is high. However, discussing specific effects on severely burned patients makes the paper better since discussion mainly described general effects of an aquatic-based exercise. Overall, this paper was high quality RCT and results were clinically relevant.

2016 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2016

Deep abdominal muscle thickness measured under sitting conditions during different stability tasks

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 28: 900– 905, 2016

Hideyuki Nagai, PT, MS1), Kiyokazu Akasaka, PT, PhD2, 3), Takahiro Otsudo, PT, PhD2, 3), Yutaka Sawada, PT, MS2), Yu Okubo, PT, PhD2, 3)

  1. Saitama Medical Welfare College, Japan
  2. School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Care, Saitama Medical University: 981 Kawakado, Moroyama, Iruma, Saitama 350-0496, Japan
  3. Master and Doctoral Program of Medical Sciences in Physical Therapy, Saitama Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan

Excellent Paper Award 2016

Impact of pregnancy on back pain and body posture in women

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 28: 1199– 1207, 2016

Schröder G1), Kundt G2), Otte M1), Wendig D1), Schober HC1).

  1. Division of Internal Medicine I, Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Südstadt Rostock: Südring 81, 18059 Rostock, Germany
  2. Institute of Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, University of Rostock, Germany

Excellent Paper Award 2016

Effect of exercise therapy on cytokine secretion in the saliva of bedridden patients

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 28: 2871– 2876, 2016

Hidemasa Iki1), Shunji Sawa1), Toshio Teranishi1), Masao Tomita1), Kazuhiro Nishii1), Kouji Yamada1)

  1. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University: 1-98 Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan

Excellent Paper Award 2016

Effect of a simple and adherent home exercise program on the physical function of community dwelling adults sixty years of age and older with pre-sarcopenia or sarcopenia

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 28: 3183– 3188, 2016

Kohei Maruya1,2), Yasuyoshi Asakawa3), Hideaki Ishibashi4), Hiroaki Fujita1), Tomoyuki Arai1), Haruyasu Yamaguchi2)

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Care, Saitama Medical University: 981 Kawakado, Irumagun, Saitama 350-0496, Japan
  2. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Japan
  3. Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
  4. Orthopedic Surgery, Ina Hospital, Japan

Excellent Paper Award 2016

Relationship between atherosclerosis and knee osteoarthritis as graded by radiography and ultrasonography in females

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 28: 2991– 2998, 2016

Ayş e Aydemir Ekim1) , Esra Erkol İ nal2), Dilek Serin Kaya1), Ş ebnem Yı lmazer1) ,Selen Kuzgun1), Gamze Mumcu1), Alper Yurdasiper3), Ahmet Musmul4)

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Zübeyde Hanı m Campus, Eskiş ehir State Hospital: Eskiş ehir, Turkey
  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey
  3. Department of Radiology, Eskiş ehir State Hospital, Turkey
  4. Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Turkey

2015 JPTS Award

Excellent Paper Award 2015

Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol.27 (2015), No. 6, p1855-1859

Effect of in-hospital physical activity on cardiovascular prognosis in lower extremity bypass for claudication

Tomohiro Matsuo, PT1), Taichi Sakaguchi, MD, PhD2), Atsuhisa Ishida, MD, PhD2), Satoshi Yuguchi, PT, PhD1), Kazuya Saito, PT, MSc1), Masaharu Nakajima, PT1), Takuya Ujikawa, PT1), Tomoyuki Morisawa, PT, MSc3), Genta Chikazawa, MD, PhD2), Tetsuya Takahashi, PT, PhD4)

  1. Department of Rehabilitation, The Sakakibara Heart Institute of Okayama: 2-5-1 Nakaicho, Kitaku, Okayamashi, Okayama 700-0804, Japan

This study points out the necessity of improving walking ability in addition to increasing physical activity level for in-hospital activity after lower extremity bypass surgery for peripheral artery disease. For the lack of investigation about the association between perioperative physical activity level and long-term prognosis, this study compared the incidence of change in walking ability and cardiovascular events within 2 years in active and inactive subject groups. The results showed that the activity group had significantly higher METs, more steps, and higher walking impairment questionnaire scores than the non-activity group at discharge and significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular events within 2 years (16.7% vs. 71.4%) than the non-activity group. The results suggest that higher in-hospital physical activity level was associated with better long-term prognosis and improvement in walking ability. Despite its small sample size of 13 cases, this study shows that walking ability and physical activity are appropriate indexes for cardiovascular disease. It strengthens the reliability of the analysis to measure data frequently over time before and after operation. In addition, it suggests that data obtained by classifying physical activity according to postoperative change and 2-year long-term prognosis are useful.

Excellent Paper Award 2015

Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol.27 (2015), No. 7, p2133-2137

The effect of parity on pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in women with urinary incontinence: a cross-sectional study

Özlem Çınar Özdemır, PT, PhD1), Yesim Bakar, PT, PhD1), Nuriye Özengın, PT, PhD1), Bülent Duran, MD2) 1) School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Abant Izzet Baysal University: 14280 Bolu, Turkey

This study is excellent and unique in that it verified the relationships among obstetric history, pelvic floor muscles, and quality of life (QOL). In Japan, women who give birth to more than two children are few, contributing to the decrease in the number of newborns in the country. Therefore, this study is important for people in developing countries. In addition, while conducting the experiment, the reliability of the measurement method was also considered; thus, the reliability of the results is likely to be high. The results show that the decreased muscular strength of the pelvic floor muscles with the increase in the number of births leads to problems such as incontinence. For the future, we would like to expect to clarify the most effective exercise for pelvic floor muscles and QOL by performing an intervention study.

Excellent Paper Award 2015

Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol.27 (2015), No. 9, p2797-2801

Scoliosis screening results of primary school students (11–15 years old group) in the west side of Istanbul

Tuğba Kuru Çolak, PT, PhD1), Adnan Apti, PT, MSc2), E.Elçin Dereli, PT, PhD3), Arzu Razak Özdinçler, PT, PhD2), İlker Çolak, MD4)
Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University: Istanbul, Turkey

Early detection of adolescent diopathic scoliosis (AIS) is important. This study helped to promote early detection of AIS by using a simple and easy assessment method with the Adams Forward Bendings Test and a scoliometer. Furthermore, an article with the following points deserves an award of excellence: a total of 2,207 children were screened; screening for scoliosis in the study was performed by a team that included 3 physiotherapists experienced in scoliosis and 8 final-year physiotherapy students, examiners who had medical knowledge were in charge of the examination, and posture types were classified based in screening test results. Finally, this study revealed that the authors extracted 11 scoliosis cases from 2,207 children, with careful staging, including several screening tests and examinations conducted at the hospital. For all these reasons, we consider this original article as excellent.

Excellent Paper Award 2015

Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol.27 (2015), No. 11, p3481-3485

Japanese elderly persons walk faster than non-Asian elderly persons: a meta-regression analysis

Masataka Ando, RPT1), Naoto Kamide, RPT, PhD2, 3)

  1. Department of Rehabilitation, Ushioda General Hospital, Japan

This study was reported by performing a meta-analysis of the difference in walking speed between community-dwelling Japanese and non-Asian elderly individuals. The authors investigated and analyzed 2753 systematic reviews that were extensively referenced. Interesting results were obtained about the difference in walking speed between the Japanese and non-Asian individuals. The overseas article cited as study background was instructive, and the important results were reported. In addition, new important information about walking speed of community-dwelling elderly people was presented. Hence, we recommend this study as an excellent article.

2014 JPTS Award

Best Paper Award 2014

Investigation and Macroscopic Anatomical Study of Referred Pain in Patients with Hip Disease
Junya Sakamoto, PhD, PT, Yosuke Morimoto, PT, Shun Ishii, PT, Jiro Nakano, PhD, PT, Yoshitaka Manabe, PhD, MD, Minoru Okita, PhD, PT, Toshiyuki Tsurumoto, PhD, MD
Journal of Physical Therapy Science 26(2): 203-208, 2014

Excelent Paper Award 2014

Improvement of Vergence Movements by Vision Therapy Decreases K-ARS Scores of Symptomatic ADHD Children

Sun Haeng Lee, Byeong-Yeon Moon, Hyun Gug Cho
Journal of Physical Therapy Science 26(2): 223-227, 2014

Excellent Paper Award 2014

Relationships between the Occlusal Force and Physical/Cognitive Function of Elderly Females Living in the Community

Aya Hirao, Shin Murata, Jun Murata, Atsuko Kubo, Mizuki Hachiya, Toyoko Asami
Journal of Physical Therapy Science 26(8): 1279–1282, 2014

Excellent Paper Award 2014

A Three-dimensional Gait Analysis of People with Flat Arched Feet on an Ascending Slope

Myoung-Kwon Kim, PT, PhD, Yun-Seop Lee, PT, PhD
Journal of Physical Therapy Science 26(9): 1437–1440, 2014

Excellent Paper Award 2014

A Systematic Review of the Assessment Tools Used to Measure Metamemory in Patients with Brain Injury

Sumin Cha, Yeongae Yang
Journal of Physical Therapy Science 26(10): 1649–1655, 2014

2013 JPTS Award

2012 JPTS Award

2011 JPTS Award

2010 JPTS Award

Best Paper Award

Effects of Partial Body Weight Support while Training Acute Stroke Patients to Walk Backwards on a Treadmill -A Controlled Clinical Trial Using Randomized Allocation-

Akiyoshi Takami: Department of Strokology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Brain and Blood Vessels-Akita
22(2): 177-187

Excellent Paper Award

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