Overview

For deeper insight into the disorders of pathophysiology and pathokinesiology, we in the Field of Physical Therapy, conduct basic and clinical research on physical disorders of clients. We educate our students to become highly skilled professionals capable of expanding the scientific basis of physiotherapy and coordinating multiple resources available in order to maximize the level of activities of daily living (ADL) and the quality of life (QOL) of our clients.

Characteristics

Motion analysis

We use a combination of various measurement tools, including a three-dimensional movement analysis device with nine cameras and six force plates, EMG, stabilograph and BIODEX.

Cerebral function analysis

For the purpose of analyzing variations of cerebral activities during motor learning, we make full use of 48-channel near-infrared light spectroscopy imaging devices and a brain electromagnetic stimulation device.

Prevention of falls and arthralgia

We conduct field research pertaining to the prevention of falls of elderly people and preventive intervention against arthralgia.

Clinical studies based on evidence

We provide the knowledge and skills necessary to validate all the accumulated experiences effectively and scientifically and to address questions that arise from clinical activities in each area of physical therapy.

Master’s Degree

Master of Rehabilitation Science (M.Rehab.Sc.) in Physical Therapy

Examples of Research Topics

1. Mechanosensory responses of osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells to dynamic muscle loads; Muscle-bone interactions.
2. Neural regulation of bone metabolism mediated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
3. Oxygenation changes in sensorimotor cortex during exhaustive handgrip task ;A Near-infrared spectroscopy study.
4. Repeated practice of a Go/No Go visuomotor task induces neuroplastic change in the human posterior parietal cortex ; An MEG study.
5. Human motor cortex oxygenation during ergometer exercise; An NIRS study
6. Modulation of the cortical silent period elicited by single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation.
7. Heamodynamic changes during and after the transcranial direct current stimulation on primary motor cortex.
8. Effects of exercis eduration on premtor cortrex oxygenation.
9. Relationship between exercise duration on cognitive function improvement and prefrontal cortex oxygenation.
10. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of mechanical adaptation in the muscle.
11. Electromyographic study of shoulder joint muscles activity of difference in frequency and load in vibration machine.
12. The relationship between the angle of shoulder elevation and EMG activity of subscapularis muscle.
13. The chronic and acute effect of stretching and resistance training on muscle-tendon unit properties.
14. Molecular and neural mechanisms of delayed onset muscle soreness.
15. Pathological mechanisms of nociception and pain in fibromyalgia.
16. Peripheral and central mechanisms of pain in the muscle and the fascia.
17. Neural mechanisms of mechanical hyperalgesia/allodynia.
18. A study of physical factors that influence the chronic knee pain at home elderly at home.
19. Walking styles which prevent slipping on slippery floor surfaces．
20. A study of muscle activity by the type of walking style in Nordic-walking.
21. The pre-study trial of the antagonist muscle moment estimate in the walking.
22. Effects of locomotor-respiratory coupling on cortical oxygenation; A near-infrared spectroscopy study.
23. The pulmonary rehabilitation for the acute aggravation of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
24. Gender differences in cough peak flow and related frespuratory actors.
25. Influence of physica function on direllium in intensive care unit and coronary care unit.
26. Influence of physica activity on physical function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
27. The factors of influence for one-leg standing time in healthy young subjects.
28. A change of the Healthy-Related quality of life by the deep brain stimulation therapy intervention in Parkinson's disease.
29. The usefulness of the assessment of living space for people with cerebrovascular disorders living at home.
30. Prevention of falls in elderly people with nursing care in insured facilities
31. Paleopathological study of human remains from archaeological sites.
32. Bone histomorphological approach to clarify activity levels of ancient human populations.
33. Skeletal muscle microcirculation and oxygen dynamics
34. Primary prevention of fraility using smartphone and AI
35. Preoperative physical performance-related postoperative delirium in patients after cardiovascular surgery.
36. Acute moderate-intensity exercise improves 24-h sleep deprivation-induced cognitive decline and cerebral oxygenation: A near-infrared spectroscopy study
37. Comparison of the Effects of Continuous and Intermittent Exercise on Cerebral Oxygenation and Cognitive Function

Teaching Staff

Masayoshi Kubo / Professor / Sc. D. (Chair)
Motor learning, Kinesiology, Research methods, Understanding of human movement control / learning using biomechanical methods, Time series analysis of standing balance, Kinematic analysis of knee in motion using the point cluster method

Hideaki Onishi / Professor / Ph. D.
Sensorimotor integration in the human sensorimotor cortex -MEG and MRI study, Induction of plasticity in the human motor cortex -TMS and tDCS study

Toshio Soma / Professor / Ph. D.
Electromyographic and kinetic analysis of human movement, posture, Kinematic study of function in gait with Ankle Foot Orthosis

Toru Taguchi / Professor / DSc.
Pain physiology, pathology and therapy, Peripheral and spinal mechanisms of myofascial pain and fibromyalgia, Cellular and molecular mechanisms of mechanical hyperalgesia

Atsuhiro Tsubaki / Professor / Ph. D.
Cortical oxygenation during gross motor tasks, Exercise effects for cognitive function, Cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercise, Physical functions and physical activity in internal disorder, Age-related changes in physical functions

Mutsuaki Edama / Professor / Ph. D.
Gross anatomy, Functional anatomy, Twisted structure of the human Achilles tendon, Knee and ankle function of female athlete during the menstrual cycle

Naofumi Otsuru / Professor / Ph. D.
Pain processing in the human brain

Sumiya Shibata / Professor / M. D., Ph. D.
Non-invasive brain stimulation, Neuroplasticity, Clinical neurophysiology

Toshiharu Yasaka / Professor / Ph. D.
Spinal interneurons and their circuits involved in pain and itch transmission.

Yasuto Inukai / Professor / Ph. D.
Neuromodulation in human brain, Balance function, Stroke Rehabilitation

Hideaki Takahashi / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Mechanobiology, Bone hisotomorphometry with type 2 diabetes mellitus, Morphological analysis of articular cartilage in knee osteoarthritis, Morphological analysis of enthesis (tendon-bone insertion)

Kei Saito / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Somatosensory processing in human brain, Neuromodulation by transcranial and peripheral electrical stimulation, Perceptual learning

Keigo Tamakoshi / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Neural recovery mechanism of central nervous system diseases (stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia) by exercise therapy

Sho Kojima / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Neuromadulation in human by NIBS and somatosensory stimulation, somatosenosry processing in human brain

Tatsuro Inoue / Associate Professor / Ph. D.
Geriatric Medicine, Sarcopenia, Frailty, Clinical nutrition

Tomoya Takabayashi / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Foot biomecanics, Running injuries

Shota Miyaguchi / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Motor learning and neuromodulation in human brain, TMS and NIBS study

Ryo Hirabayashi / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Neural plasticity of spinal function, Oral physiology

Kazuaki Nagasaka / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Plasticity of central nerve system after stroke, Neural mechanisms of sensory hypersensitivity, Neuromodulation for chronic pain

Takanori Kikumoto / Assistant Professor / M.S.
Perspective of Preventing Anterior Cruciate Ligament of the Knee Injury
Influence of ascending kinetic chain caused by chronic ankle instability on the knee joint

Hirotake Yokota / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Autonomic nervous system, pain, and sensorimotor function in healthy subjects, athletes. Impacts of the menstrual cycle on autonomic nervous system in female athletes

Hiroki Ota / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Peripheral mechanisms of myofascial pain, Cellular and molecular mechanisms of mechanical hyperalgesia

Ryosuke Kitatani / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Neurophysiology of gait and postural control, Attentional function, Stroke rehabilitation

Tomonobu Ishigaki / Assistant Professor / Ph. D.
Tendon injuries, Overhead sports injuries, Tendon metabolism.