P.T., Ph.D. Professor NORIAKI ICHIHASHI
In the Development and Rehabilitation of Motor Function Laboratory, we aim to contribute to the development of rehabilitation and physical therapy through research. Human motion, from young to old, patients and athletes, are measured and analyzed using non-invasive equipment such as optical and magnetic motion capture systems, force plates, electromyography, and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. Especially, by focusing on the mechanical properties of muscles and joints, and their relation with motor function, which is the most important part of physical therapy, we aim to develop effective methods of treatment and prevention.
Research and Education
We aim to develop an academic framework of physical therapy through education, research, and practice, and to restore patient function in multiple clinical situations. Physical therapists that have both the clinical ability to treat and the ability to investigate the effectiveness of their treatment are needed. Physical therapists and students who are interested in motor system rehabilitation are welcome to join us and work to develop new physical therapy strategies. The ongoing studies are as follows;
- Research on the effects of stretching.
- Development of effective therapeutic interventions for hip and knee OA.
- Simulation study on muscle function and joint stress using musculoskeletal modeling
- Development of neuromuscular-training program.
- Longitudinal study of relationship between disease progression and kinematics in patients with hip and knee OA.
- Electromyographic analysis of strength training.
- Evaluation of muscle stiffness using ultrasonic elastography
- Morphological study in muscles and joints using ultrasonography
- Development of posture / motion evaluation system by algorithm using deep learning.
- Research of age-related changes on physical fitness and muscle function
- Research and development of physical function assessment and training program for elderly people
- Elucidation of the relationship between body shape metrics and motor functions or muscle characteristics.
- Inverse and forward dynamics analysis of gait
- EMG analysis of neuromuscular coordination
- Change of muscle stiffness during stretching
- Measurement of 3-dimensional scapular movement during arm elevation
Recent Publications
- Ichihashi N, Ikezoe T, Sato S, Ibuki S. Gait asymmetry assessment for older adults by measuring circular gait speed. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2019 Aug;19(8):736-739. doi: 10.1111/ggi.13691.
- Tateuchi H, Yagi M, Akiyama H, Goto K, So K, Kuroda Y, Ichihashi N. Identifying muscle function-based phenotypes associated with radiographic progression of secondary hip osteoarthritis: A prospective cohort study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023 In Press. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.04.024
- Pataky TC, Robinson MA, Vanrenterghem J, Donnelly CJW. Simultaneously assessing amplitude and temporal effects in biomechanical trajectories using nonlinear registration and statistical nonparametric mapping. J Biomech. 2022 May;136:111049. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111049.
- Taniguchi M, Fukumoto Y, Yagi M, Hirono T, Yamagata M, Asayama A, Okada S, Nakai R, Kobayashi M, Ichihashi N. A higher intramuscular fat in vastus medialis is associated with functional disabilities and symptoms in early stage of knee osteoarthritis: a case-control study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2023 Apr 14;25(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13075-023-03048-0.
- Yagi M, Taniguchi M, Tateuchi H, Yamagata M, Hirono T, Asayama A, Umehara J, Nojiri S, Kobayashi M, Ichihashi N. Properties of the iliotibial band and their relationships with gait parameters among patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Res. 2023 Jun;41(6):1177-1185. doi: 10.1002/jor.25466.
Laboratory
Professor: Noriaki Ichihashi
Associate Professor: Hiroshige Tateuchi
Associate Professor: Todd Pataky
Assistant Professor: Masashi Taniguchi
Assistant Professor: Masahide Yagi
Assistant Professor: Tetsuya Hirono
TEL：+81-75-751-3951
FAX：+81-75-751-3951
e-mail：ichihashi.noriaki.5z@kyoto-u.ac.jp