In this study, we compared the effects of action observation therapy (AOT) on the walking ability of stroke patients between videos with limited visual attention (body part videos) and a video with the whole body (whole body video). We employed a crossover design and conducted 3 AOT sessions (body part videos, whole body video and a scenery video) for 11 stroke patients. The evaluation items were the 10-m walking time and number of steps, cadence, trunk and knee joint angles during walking, and the timed up and go test (TUGT). After body part videos, the 10-m walking time, trunk and knee joint angles and TUGT significantly improved, suggesting them to be an efficient AOT method.

Visual-motor illusion (VMI) is an intervention to induce kinesthetic sensation from visual stimuli. We aimed to compare the effects of VMI of different visual stimuli on the paralyzed side ankle joint of stroke hemiplegic patients (hemiplegic patients) and to clarify their indication. We applied two types of VMI images of ankle dorsiflexion: ankle dorsiflexion without resistance (standard VMI (S-VMI)) and maximum effort dorsiflexion with resistance (power VMI (P-VMI)). Twenty-two hemiplegic patients were divided into two groups: Group A, which received S-VMI first and P-VMI one week later (n = 11), and Group B, which received P-VMI first and S-VMI one week later (n = 11). Immediate effects were evaluated. Outcomes were the dorsiflexion angle and angular velocity, degree of sense of agency (SoA), and sense of ownership. Patient’s characteristics of cognitive flexibility were assessed using the Trail making test-B (TMT-B). Fugl-Meyer assessment and the Composite-Spasticity-Scale were also assessed. P-VMI was significantly higher than S-VMI in SoA and dorsiflexion angular velocity. Additionally, the degree of improvement in dorsiflexion function with P-VMI was related to TMT-B and degree of muscle tone. Therefore, P-VMI improves ankle function in hemiplegic patients more than S-VMI but should be performed with cognitive flexibility and degree of muscle tone in mind.

Aim: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has profoundly impacted people with dementia (PWD) residing in care facilities, where stringent infection prevention measures are implemented. While these measures aim to reduce virus transmission, they may inadvertently exacerbate cognitive and physical decline in PWD. This study examines the relationship between the types and the number of COVID‐19 infection prevention measures and their adverse effects on PWD in Special Elderly Nursing Homes (SENHs) and Group Homes (GHs) in Japan. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between January and February 2023 among representatives of elderly care facilities. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire, which gathered information on COVID‐19 infection prevention measures, facility characteristics, and adverse effects experienced by PWD. Statistical analyses, including χ ² tests and multivariate logistic regression models, were performed to assess associations between these measures and unfavorable outcomes. Results: Among the 567 valid responses, 73% of facilities reported adverse effects on PWD. In SENHs, restrictions on outings, reduced rehabilitation, and cluster outbreaks were significantly associated with negative impacts. In GHs, environmental modifications and cluster outbreaks emerged as significant factors. Additionally, a greater number of infection prevention measures correlated with increased adverse effects in both facility types. Conclusions: COVID‐19 infection prevention measures may negatively impact PWD, particularly in facilities with extensive restrictions and limited opportunities for social interaction. These findings highlight the importance of balancing infection control strategies with interventions that support residents' cognitive and physical well‐being, especially during public health emergencies.