We wanted to know how the present orthopaedic training system was working in the Kenpoku area, or the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture. For this purpose, investigations were made into the orthopaedic training facilities authorized by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association in the area and the others areas within the prefecture for comparison. As of December 2008, such facilities totaled 45, of which five were in the Kenpoku area. The rest were composed of 10 for Ken-ou (the central area of the prefecture), eight for Ken-nan (the southern area), 10 for the Tsukuba area, five for the Rokko area, and seven for Ken-sei (the western area). The number of facilities per 100,000 residents was 0.76 in the Kenpoku area, which was compared with Ken-ou's 2.15, Ken-nan's 1.80, Tsukuba's 1.80, Rokko's 1.43 and Ken-sei's 1.79. the average working out at 1.52. The two areas, Kenpoku and Rokko, were far behind the other areas in the number of facilities and ratio to the population. The number of facilities in Kenpoku corresponded to two-thirds of the prefectural average and one half of the largest number registered by Ken-ou and Tsukuba, respectively. The ratio of the number of facilities to the population for Kenpoku was half the prefectural average and about one-third of the highest value. From these findings, we concluded that the northern area of Ibaraki Prefecture was far behind the other areas in the orthopaedic training system and that there is a pressing need of improvement.

To determine the effect of taurine on blood glucose concentration during prolonged exercise, fifteen male university students cycled for 120 min at 50%VO₂max after 7 days with or without taurine supplementation. Exercise tended to reduce the blood glucose concentration, whereas taurine significantly prevented this decline. Exercise significantly increased plasma glucagon concentrations in both groups to a similar degree. Serum insulin concentrations did not differ during exercise under both conditions. Taurine supplementation respectively significantly inhibited and tended to inhibit the plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations increased by exercise. These results suggest that taurine supplementation can maintain the blood glucose concentration during prolonged exercise through enhanced catecholamine sensitivity.

 The effects of hot springs have been described in many studies. However, few studies have reported the use of hot springs by patients. This study aimed to elucidate the use of hot springs by ambulatory orthopaedic patients. We prepared paper questionnaires on the use of hot springs by patients; these questionnaires were administered to ambulatory orthopaedic patients in our general hospital. The questions were as follows: (Q1) Is (Are) there any hot spring(s) near your residence? (Q2) Do you think hot springs are effective for improving your health? (Q3) Have you ever visited a hot spring in the past 1 year? If yes, what was the reason for visiting the hot spring? (Q4) If you did not visit any hot spring, what was the reason for not going? When you are unable to visit hot springs, do you use any alternative methods? (Q5) Do you want hot springs near your residence? The results were as follows: (Q1) Yes, 33 (61%); No, 20 (37%); and No answer, 1 (2%) (Q2) Yes, 15 (28%); Yes (a little), 29 (54%); Neutral, 7 (13%); and No, 3 (6%) (Q3) 1-2 times per year, 18 (33%); 3-4 times per year, 6 (11%); More than 5 times per year, 13 (24%); and No, 17 (31%) (Q4) Bear, 13 (24 %); Alternative, 23 (43%); Use spa, 8 (15%); and Others, 10 (19%) (Q5) Yes, 30 (56%); Yes (a little), 14 (26%); Neutral, 7 (13%); No, 1 (2%); and No answer, 2 (4%). The results of this study suggest that ambulatory orthopaedic patients have a good opinion about the effects of hot springs. Further, these patients visited hot springs. Orthopaedic surgeons must be well informed about the therapeutic use of hot springs.