Division of Physical Therapy: Research | Nagasaki University School of HEALTH SCIENCES

Introduction to the Research Units

Today, the importance of evidence based medicine is increasing ever more in the world of medicine, and physical therapy is no exception. We are expected to provide evidence based physical therapy, and in order to answer to this call, we also place heavy emphasis on research. By maximizing the expertise of our staff, we have established two research units – the Basic Physical Therapy Unit and the Clinical Physical Therapy Unit.

Basic Physical Therapy Units
At the Basic Physical Therapy Unit, we conduct researches on the various functions of the human body, by using the basic medical methodologies of anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. Because of the nature of the research, we actively conduct animal experiments in accordance with the relevant guidelines. In a research in anatomy, we utilize a sample of a monkey to study and discuss the anatomy and functions of the nervous and muscular system. We are also participating in a skeletal research of mummies from the ancient Andean civilization. In a research in biochemistry, we have been focusing on cytokines, which are known to cause diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and explore how cytokines contribute to the onset of diseases. By conducting animal experiments and collecting clinical data, we are seeking to identify neutralizing antibodies to cytokines. In a research on muscles, we explore the potential causes of atrophia and contracture, and investigate the effects of thermal stimulus, ultrasound and passive motion as possible options of treatment, mainly via animal experiments. We have also recently begun a research to explore the causes of chronic pain and treatment options.

Basic Physical Therapy Units

At the Basic Physical Therapy Unit, we conduct researches on the various functions of the human body, by using the basic medical methodologies of anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. Because of the nature of the research, we actively conduct animal experiments in accordance with the relevant guidelines.
In a research in anatomy, we utilize a sample of a monkey to study and discuss the anatomy and functions of the nervous and muscular system. We are also participating in a skeletal research of mummies from the ancient Andean civilization.
In a research in biochemistry, we have been focusing on cytokines, which are known to cause diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and explore how cytokines contribute to the onset of diseases. By conducting animal experiments and collecting clinical data, we are seeking to identify neutralizing antibodies to cytokines.
In a research on muscles, we explore the potential causes of atrophia and contracture, and investigate the effects of thermal stimulus, ultrasound and passive motion as possible options of treatment, mainly via animal experiments.
We have also recently begun a research to explore the causes of chronic pain and treatment options.

Clinical Physical Therapy Unit
At the Clinical Physical Therapy Unit, we conduct researches on disorder-specific treatment options and prevention. As we mostly deal with human subjects, we extend our research activities beyond our classroom to conduct fieldwork in external medical facilities and communities. One group, concerned with the elderly and those with physical disabilities, conducts researches from the perspective of preventing long-term care and promoting self-reliance - to explore, for example, what kinds of social support are necessary, to assist those with disabilities (either resulting from aging or disease) continue leading an active life in their community, or how much and how often do they need to exercise to maintain their remaining functions. In doing so, the group closely works with the local administration. Another group, concerned with respiratory disorders, focuses on chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD), which has been increasing over the recent years. The group collaborates with the local administration to conduct epidemiological studies and studies on early diagnosis of COPD and effective treatment．

Clinical Physical Therapy Unit

At the Clinical Physical Therapy Unit, we conduct researches on disorder-specific treatment options and prevention. As we mostly deal with human subjects, we extend our research activities beyond our classroom to conduct fieldwork in external medical facilities and communities.
One group, concerned with the elderly and those with physical disabilities, conducts researches from the perspective of preventing long-term care and promoting self-reliance - to explore, for example, what kinds of social support are necessary, to assist those with disabilities (either resulting from aging or disease) continue leading an active life in their community, or how much and how often do they need to exercise to maintain their remaining functions. In doing so, the group closely works with the local administration.
Another group, concerned with respiratory disorders, focuses on chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD), which has been increasing over the recent years. The group collaborates with the local administration to conduct epidemiological studies and studies on early diagnosis of COPD and effective treatment．