My name is Hiroshige Tateuchi, and as of April 1, 2025, I have been appointed as a Professor in the Clinical Biomechanics Laboratory, Advanced Rehabilitation Sciences, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University.

I graduated in 1998 from the predecessor of this department, the College of Medical Technology, Kyoto University. I then began my career as a physical therapist in the Department of Rehabilitation at Osaka Medical College Hospital (now Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital). After eight years of clinical experience, I returned to academia in 2006 as an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the School of Health Sciences, Kyoto University. I subsequently served as an assistant professor in the Human Health Sciences from 2007, an associate professor in the Preventive Physical Therapy (a collaborative research course between academia and industry) from 2018, and an associate professor in my current department from 2021. Now, I have been honored with the professorship, succeeding Professor Noriaki Ichihashi, who has led the Clinical Biomechanics Laboratory for many years.

My expertise lies in the field of musculoskeletal physical therapy, with a particular focus on rehabilitation for patients with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, and its associated pain and joint dysfunction significantly impair mobility and reduce quality of life. While extensive research worldwide has demonstrated the effectiveness of physical therapy in alleviating symptoms, there remains a lack of evidence regarding its ability to prevent or slow the progressive nature of osteoarthritis. Throughout my years working with patients, I have often questioned why effective physical therapy interventions were not provided at an earlier stage of the disease. This concern has been a driving force behind my research.

When I began my research on prevention of osteoarthritis, risk factors for disease progression—such as age, sex, bone deformities, and genetic predisposition—had already been identified, particularly in hip osteoarthritis. However, no modifiable risk factors that could be addressed through physical therapy had been clearly established. With the collaboration of faculty members from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Kyoto University and the support of my graduate students, I initiated a clinical cohort study to identify such risk factors. Thanks to the dedication of numerous patients and research collaborators, we successfully identified modifiable risk factors, including cumulative joint loading in daily activities, postural deterioration, and reduced spinal flexibility. Currently, we are developing clinical assessment tools to easily evaluate these risk factors in practice and are conducting further clinical studies in collaboration with other universities and industry partners to explore additional risk factors.

A significant turning point in my clinical and research journey was my experience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where I had the privilege of learning under Professors Shirley A. Sahrmann and Linda Van Dillen. Both are globally recognized authorities in musculoskeletal physical therapy, seamlessly integrating advanced clinical skills with rigorous scientific research. The insights and methodologies I gained from them have profoundly influenced my approach to both clinical practice and research.

In the Advanced Physical Therapy, while obtaining a national license as a physical therapist remains a fundamental goal, students’ career aspirations have become increasingly diverse. Whether they pursue clinical practice, research, or other professional paths, I believe undergraduate education should provide them with a deep appreciation for the complexity, challenges, and rewards of clinical work. Building on this foundation, I aim to guide students toward identifying current clinical issues and developing research-driven solutions, ultimately bridging undergraduate education with graduate-level academic inquiry. At the graduate level, I emphasize the importance of intellectual flexibility and creative problem-solving through extensive discussions. I encourage students to identify clinically significant issues and tackle them head-on. Furthermore, to nurture independent researchers, it is crucial for students to accumulate “wisdom” through hands-on academic activities. Opportunities for collaboration with other research labs, participation in academic societies, and engagement in joint research projects with both domestic and international institutions are also essential in broadening their perspectives and fostering innovative ideas.

Through the unique educational opportunities available at Kyoto University, I am committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders who possess not only advanced clinical and research competencies but also the personal qualities necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field of physical therapy.