Relationships between Changes in Oxygenation during Exercise and Recovery in Trained Athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of rate of deoxygenation determined using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during isometric contraction exercise (Rate_deoxy) with maximal muscle strength, muscle thickness and muscle oxidative capacity of knee extensors in eight well-trained male athletes. The subjects performed sustained isometric extension at 30% and 50% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) load for 10s and 30 repetitive maximal isokinetic knee extensions. Rate_deoxy in the final 5s of 30% MVC was negatively correlated with maximal muscle strength, muscle thickness of knee extensors and the half-time of deoxygenation recovery (T1/2) determined by NIRS after 30 repetitive maximal isokinetic contractions, defined as muscle oxidative capacity. The results suggest that Rate_deoxy during submaximai isometric contraction reflects muscle aerobic capacity.     

Changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) eigenvalues of skeletal muscle due to hybrid exercise training

Several studies have proposed the cell membrane as the main water diffusion restricting factor in the skeletal muscle cell. We sought to establish whether a particular form of exercise training (which is likely to affect only intracellular components) could affect water diffusion. The purpose of this study is to characterise prospectively the changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) eigenvalues of thigh muscle resulting from hybrid training (HYBT) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Twenty-one NAFLD patients underwent HYBT for 30 minutes per day, twice a week for 6 months. Patients were scanned using DTI of the thigh pre- and post-HYBT. Fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the three eigenvalues lambda 1 (λ1), λ2, λ3, and the maximal cross sectional area (CSA) were measured in bilateral thigh muscles: knee flexors (biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), semimembranous (SM)) and knee extensors (medial vastus (MV), intermediate vastus (IV), lateral vastus (LV), and rectus femoris (RF)), and compared pre- and post-HYBT by paired t-test. Muscle strength of extensors (P < 0.01), but not flexors, increased significantly post-HYBT. For FA, ADC and eigenvalues, the overall picture was of increase. Some (P < 0.05 in λ2 and P < 0.01 in λ1) eigenvalues of flexors and all (λ1-λ3) eigenvalues of extensors increased significantly (P < 0.01) post-HYBT. HYBT increased all 3 eigenvalues. We suggest this might be caused by enlargement of muscle intracellular space.     

Changes in Hip and Knee Muscle Strength in Patients Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Objective: To investigate changes in hip and knee muscle strength in patients before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in comparison with that in healthy adults. Methods: The study included 21 women who underwent unilateral THA (THA group) and 21 age-matched healthy women (healthy group). Maximal isometric strengths of hip flexors, extensors, and abductors, and knee extensors and flexors were measured before surgery and at 4 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Results: Before surgery, muscle strength on both sides, except for hip flexors on the uninvolved side, was significantly lower in the THA group than the corresponding muscle strength in the healthy group. Up to 6 months after THA, strength of all muscle groups on both sides was significantly improved compared with their preoperative status, although the knee extensor strength on the involved side temporarily worsened at 4 weeks. However, the strength of hip extensors and knee extensors on the involved side, and hip abductors on both sides in the THA group remained below that in the healthy group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that rehabilitation specialists should consider increasing the focus on the uninvolved side and encourage patients to continue strength training beyond 6 months after surgery.     

Initiation gait variability is higher in the morning in elderly inpatients

Objective: Although elderly inpatients are known to experience decreased physical activity in the morning, falls occur frequently during this time. Gait variability is an evaluation of gait instability and a risk factor for falls. Gait initiation requires complex processes, and it is important to evaluate gait variability not only during steady-state gait but also during gait initiation. However, the effect of the diurnal pattern on variability in gait characteristics is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the diurnal pattern on initiation and steady-state gait variability in elderly inpatients. Method: Thirty-seven elderly inpatients (28 women; mean age, 79.7 ± 9.5 years) who could walk without support were sampled in this study. The quantitative measure of gait variability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV) based on four consecutive stride durations determined using triaxial accelerometers. Gait characteristics were evaluated during initiation and steady-state gait and defined as initiation CV and steady-state CV, respectively. This measurement was performed at two time points, morning and daytime. Results: There was no significant difference between initiation and steady-state gait characteristics in the daytime condition. However, in the morning condition, the initiation CV was higher than the steady-state CV. Furthermore, the initiation CV was higher in the morning than during daytime (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the variability of initiation gait is higher in the morning. It may be important to assess the risk of falls, including initiation gait, in the morning.     

Importance of knee flexion range of motion during the acute phase after total knee arthroplasty

Background: We investigate the association with knee flexion range of motion (ROM) during the acute phases and that at 12 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also clarified the cut-off ROM during the acute phases in predicting the goal of knee flexion ROM at 12 months. Methods: In this retrospective study, 193 patients with knee osteoarthritis (female:144 patients, age:73.2 ± 7.7 years) who underwent unilateral TKA at an orthopedic clinic were recruited. They underwent assessments of knee flexion ROM at 5 days, 1 month, and 12 months after TKA. The goal of knee flexion ROM at 12 months after TKA was set at 120°. Single and logistic-regression analyses were performed with the dependent variables including the outcome of the goal of knee flexion ROM at 12 months, and the independent variables included knee flexion ROM at 5 days and 1 month, separately. We calculated the cut-off ROM at 5 days and 1 month for predicting the goal of knee flexion ROM at 12 months with receiver operating curve analysis. Results: Knee flexion ROM at 5 days and 1 month were significantly associated with the goal of that at 12 months (p < 0.01). The cut-off ROM were 85° at 5 days and 105° at 1 month separately. Conclusions: Our results suggest the importance of early improvement in knee flexion ROM after TKA, and that at 1 month postoperatively indicates the likelihood of achievement of the goal of knee flexion ROM at 12 months after TKA.     

Risks of Muscle Atrophy in Patients with Malignant Lymphoma after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Objective: Muscle atrophy is associated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)-related outcomes in patients with malignant lymphoma (ML). However, the impact of ASCT on muscle mass remains unclear in patients with ML. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in muscle mass and risk profiles for muscle atrophy after ASCT. Method: We enrolled 40 patients with refractory ML (age 58 [20-74] years, female/male 16/24, body mass index (BMI) 21.1 kg/m² [17.1-29.6]). Psoas muscle mass was assessed using the psoas muscle index (PMI) before and after ASCT. Statistical analysis used: Independent factors associated with a severe decrease rate of change in PMI were evaluated by decision-tree analysis, respectively. Results: PMI was significantly decreased after ASCT (4.61 vs. 4.55 cm²/m²; P=0.0425). According to the decision-tree analysis, the regimen was selected as the initial split. The rates of change in PMI were −5.57% and −3.97% for patients administered MCEC and LEED, respectively. In patients who were administered LEED, the second branching factor was BMI. In patients with BMI < 20.3 kg/m², the rate of change in PMI was −7.16%. On the other hand, the rate of change in PMI was 4.05% for patients with BMI ≥ 20.3 kg/m². Conclusion: We demonstrated that muscle mass decreased after ASCT in patients with ML. Patients who received MCEC and patients with low BMI were at risk for a decrease in muscle mass.     

Functional Changes in the Care-needing Elderly after Surface Electrical Stimulation to the Abdomen

Background: Strength of the trunk muscles is a key component of motor control, but it declines easily with the process of aging and/or disuse. Objectives: To investigate the effects of surface electrical stimulation (ES) to the abdominal muscles and the motor performance for care-needing elderly. Design: Controlled trial. Participants: Twenty-one elderly people (60–90 years) with care-needing, who were admitted to a nursing home or hospital for daily care and their score of Barthel Index had been stable from 55.3 ± 19.4 to 55.3 ± 19.8 during 3 months before intervention. Intervention: Common physical/occupational therapy was performed for all of the subjects during the study period. ES was applied to the abdomen of 15 subjects (ES group) twice a day for 8 weeks. Measurements: Functional measurements were performed before and after beginning of the study with some parameters as follows: grip strength; movement time for sitting up (MSU); maximum walking speed (WS). Results: No significant differences between two groups were noted for characteristics at baseline. In the ES group, MSU (from 21.1 ± 21.4 to 10.4 ± 8.3 sec) significantly improved (p < 0.05) after 8weeks. WS (from 17.7 ± 12.1 to 24.3 ± 15.3 m/min) were also improved (p < 0.05) after 8 weeks. Limitations: A limitation of this study was the small sample size. Conclusions: ES to the abdominal area has the potential to improve motor function in the care-needing elderly through reinforcement of the abdominal muscles.     

Measurement of excitation-contraction coupling time in lower extremities

Objective: The aim of this study was to apply a novel method to measure excitation-contraction coupling time (ECCT) in normal soleus muscles. Methods: We performed simultaneous recordings of soleus compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and foot movement-related potential (MRP), and measured ankle plantar flexion torque in 36 healthy subjects. We calculated ECCT and examined the relations between CMAP, MRP, ECCT and ankle plantar flexion torque. Results: Statistical analyses established reference ranges (mean ± SE) for CMAP (13.4 ± 0.9 mV), MRP (5.3 ± 0.4 m/s²), ECCT (5.2 ± 0.1 ms), torque (85.9 ± 6.4 Nm) and torque/body weight (1.4 ± 0.1 Nm/kg). The torque showed a positive linear correlation with CMAP (p = 0.041) and a negative linear correlation with ECCT (p = 0.045). Conclusion: Soleus ECCT can be recorded easily, and is useful to assess the impairment of E-C coupling in muscles of the lower extremities.     

The Progress of the Gait Impairment and Brain Activation in a Patient with Post-stroke Hemidystonia

Objective: We explore the effects of body weight-supported (BWS) treadmill training, including the change of cortical activation, on a patient with post-stroke hemidystonia. Patient: The patient was a 71-year-old man with left thalamus hemorrhage. His motor symptoms indicated slight impairment. There was no overactive muscle contraction in the supine, sitting, or standing positions. During his gait, the right initial contact was the forefoot, and his right knee showed an extension thrust pattern. These symptoms suggested that he had post-stroke hemidystonia. Methods: The patient performed BWS treadmill training 14 times over 3 weeks. The effects of the BWS training were assessed by a step-length analysis, electromyography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results: The patient''s nonparetic step length was extended significantly in the Inter-BWS (p<0.001) and Post-BWS (p=0.025) periods compared to the Pre-BWS session. The excessive muscle activity of the right gastrocnemius medialis in the swing phase was decreased at the Inter-BWS, Post-BWS, and follow-up compared to the Pre-BWS session. The peak timing difference of the bilateral tibialis anterior muscle became significant (p<0.05) on the first day of the intervention. The fMRI revealed that the cortical areas activated by the motor task converged through the intervention (p<0.05, family-wise error corrected). Conclusion: These results suggest that there was improvement of the patient''s symptoms of post-stroke hemidystonia due to changes in the brain activity during voluntary movement after BWS intervention. Body weight-supported treadmill training may thus be an effective treatment for patients with poststroke hemidystonia.     

Estimation of minimal clinically important difference for quadriceps and inspiratory muscle strength in older outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective cohort study

Objective: To estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of quadriceps and inspiratory muscle strength after a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Method: Eighty-five COPD patients were included. Quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (QMVC) was measured. We measured maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax), the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), the chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ) and the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score (mMRC). All measurements were conducted at baseline and at the end of the PRP. The MCID was calculated using anchor-based (using 6MWD, CRQ, and mMRC as possible anchor variables) and distribution-based (half standard deviation and 1.96 standard error of measurement) approaches. Changes in the five variables were compared in patients with and without changes in QMVC or PImax >MCID for each variable. Results: Sixty-nine COPD patients (age 75±6 years) were analysed. QMVC improved by 2.4 (95%CI 1.1-3.7) kgf, PImax by 5.8 (2.7-8.8) cmH₂O, 6MWD by 21 (11-32) meters and CRQ by 3.9 (1.6-6.3) points. The MCID of QMVC and PImax was 3.3-7.5 kgf and 17.2-17.6 cmH₂O, respectively. The MCID of QMVC (3.3 kgf) could differentiate individuals with significant improvement in 6MWD and PImax from those without. Conclusion: The MCID of QMVC (3.3 kgf) can identify a meaningful change in quadriceps muscle strength after a PRP. The MCID of PImax (17.2 cmH₂O) should be used with careful consideration, because the value is estimated using distributionbased method.     

Efficacy of physical exercise using the balance board game on physical and psychological function in patients with hematological malignancies confined to a bioclean room

Objective: This study aimed to define the efficacy and features of physical therapy (PT) using the Nintendo Wii Fit U (Nintendo Inc., Kyoto, Japan) in patients with hematological malignancies confined to a bioclean room. Method: A total of 33 patients with hematological malignancies confined to a bioclean room were enrolled in this study. This study was designed as a randomized crossover test between two weeklong interventions: PT program (Therapist PT) and Wii Fit U program (Wii PT). We compared the efficacy of Wii PT and Therapist PT with regard to physical and psychological function test scores. Results: Of the 33 patients, 22 were analyzed. The validity of the crossover design was demonstrated, as there were no significant differences in period and carryover effects between the two groups. Therapist PT resulted in significantly better improvements in fatigue scores and total mood disturbance (TMD) scores in the Profile of Mood States short-form Japanese version compared to Wii PT (fatigue score, -5.2±8.3 vs 2.7±8.2; TMD score, -22.5±32.8 vs -2.6±20.5; p<0.05). Physical function improved post-Wii PT and post-Therapist PT interventions (p<0.05), and there was no difference in treatment effect. Conclusion: Improvements in physical function were clearly observed following the use of Wii PT in patients confined to a bioclean room. However, compared to Therapist PT, Wii PT was less effective in improving the psychological function of patients.     

Preoperative Physical Inactivity Affects the Postoperative Course of Surgical Patients with Lung Cancer

Objective: Preoperative performance status is an important factor in thoracic surgery, but little is known about the effect of preoperative physical activity (PA) on the postoperative course. This study investigated the associations between preoperative PA and postoperative complications and clinical outcomes of lung cancer surgery. Methods: This prospective observational study included patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer at a single institution. PA was measured before hospitalization for 5 consecutive days and then after surgery until hospital discharge. The daily step count and time spent performing moderate intensity activity (> 3 metabolic equivalents) were measured with an accelerometer. We examined the correlations between PA and preoperative pulmonary function and physical fitness, and examined the relationship between postoperative complication and PA. Finally, a multivariate analysis was performed with pre-hospital PA as the dependent variable. Results: Forty-two patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis found no correlation between pre-hospital PA and preoperative pulmonary function, but found significant positive correlations between pre-hospital PA and time spent performing moderate intensity activity, in-hospital PA, preoperative 6-minute walk distance, and maximum gait speed (r > 0.5, p < 0.01). The nine patients who developed postoperative complications had significantly lower pre-hospital and postoperative step count than the patients with no complication (p = 0.04). Multiple regression analysis showed that pre-hospital PA was significantly associated with time spent performing moderate intensity activity, maximum gait speed, and postoperative complication. Conclusions: Evaluation of pre-hospital PA is useful in predicting the postoperative course after lung cancer surgery.     

A Narrative Review of Alternate Gait Training Using Knee-ankle-foot Orthosis in Stroke Patients with Severe Hemiparesis

Impairments resulting from stroke lead to persistent difficulties with walking. Subsequently, an improved walking ability is one of the highest priorities for people living with stroke. The degree to which gait can be restored after a stroke is related to both the initial impairment in walking ability and the severity of paresis of the lower extremities. However, there are some patients with severe motor paralysis and a markedly disrupted corticospinal tract who regain their gait function. Recently, several case reports have described the recovery of gait function in stroke patients with severe hemiplegia by providing alternate gait training. Multiple studies have demonstrated that gait training can induce “locomotor-like” coordinated muscle activity of paralyzed lower limbs in people with spinal cord injury. In the present review, we discuss the neural mechanisms of gait, and then we review case reports on the restoration of gait function in stroke patients with severe hemiplegia.     

Relationship between first mobilization following the onset of stroke and clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke in the general ward of a hospital: A cohort study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of first mobilization following a stroke with independently performing the activities of daily living at discharge in acute phase ischemic stroke patients in a general ward of a hospital. Methods: A total of 158 patients with ischemic strokes were admitted to a general ward from June 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. Of the 158 patients, 53 met the study''s eligibility criteria. First mobilization was defined as the transfer of a patient from the bed to a wheelchair by a rehabilitation therapist. A favorable primary outcome at discharge was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of < 3. The outcome was analyzed using the proportional hazards analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: The age of the participants was 78.2 ± 11.7 years, stroke severity evaluated by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores on admission was 14.3 ± 10.6 points, and first mobilization of this population was 6.4 ± 5.2 days. Thirteen [25%] patients had a favorable outcome. Hazards analysis showed a favorable outcome due to first mobilization (adjusted hazards ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.65-0.98; p < 0.05). The cutoff point for first mobilization to produce a favorable outcome was 6.5 days after the stroke onset (area under the curve 0.729; p < 0.05). Conclusion: As seen in stroke units, early first mobilization is associated with improved clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients admitted to a general ward.     

Clinical studies on rising and re-rising neurological diseases in Japan – A personal contribution –

Throughout my research life, I experienced to discover the causes of some neurological diseases in Japan.

1. SMON (subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy). Since the early 1960s, a peculiar neurological disease became prevalent throughout Japan. Through the chemical analysis of the green urine, characteristic of this disease, it was found that this disease was caused by intoxication of the administered clioquinol, an anti-diarrheal drug. This discovery is a big topic in the history of Japanese medicine.
2. In early 1970s, I experienced many young patients with oedema and polyneuropathy in Kagoshima. Finally it was found that the disease was the long-forgotten beriberi, which had disappeared several decades ago. We must always be aware of beriberi even now, as far as we eat well-polished rice.
3. In 1972, we noticed a group of sporadic paraparesis in Kagoshima, which was 20 years later confirmed to be induced by human T lymphotropic virus type-I (HTLV-I). We named this disease as “HTLV-I associated myelopathy” (HAM). It gave a strong impact that the causative virus of adult T cell leukemia (ATL) can induce entirely different diseases, in terms of both the clinical course and the pathological features. It was also proven that HAM was identical with tropical spastic paraparesis, (TSP), which had been prevalent in many areas of tropical zones.

These experiences are good examples of our slogan “to keep in mind to send message of scientific progress from the local area to the international stage”.     

Limb dominance changes in walking evolution explored by asymmetric correlations in gait dynamics

Fluctuations in the stride interval time series of unconstrained walking are not random but seem to exhibit long-range correlations that decay as a power law (Hausdorff et al. (1995) [35]). Here, we examine whether asymmetries are present in the long-range correlations of different gait parameters (stride, swing and stance intervals) for the left and right limbs. Gait dynamics corresponding to 16 healthy subjects were obtained from the Physionet database, which contains stride, stance and swing intervals for both left and right limbs. Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) revealed the presence of asymmetric long-range correlations in all gait cycle variables investigated. A rich variety of scaling exponent dynamics was found, with the presence of synchronicity, decreased correlations and dominant correlations. The results are discussed in terms of the hypothesis that reduced strength of long-range correlations reflect both enhanced stability and adaptability.     

Incidence of postoperative complications and non- periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty: A more than 10-year follow-up retrospective cohort study

Objective: Postoperative complications and non-periprosthetic fractures (NPPFs), which was defined as a fracture existing non- periprosthetic implant, after total hip arthroplasty (THA) have a negative effect on the patients'' ability to perform activities of daily living. Thus, investigating these incidences of patients after THA will be valuable as it lead to a more strategic physical therapy interventions and advanced research to prevent these problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of postoperative complications related to implants and NPPFs in patients after THA, a more than 10-year follow-up. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. A total 892 patients with hip osteoarthritis who underwent primary THA were analyzed (age at surgery was 45-79 years; 805 women; the average follow-up period was 12.4-year). The postoperative complications related to implants and NPPFs were calculated using data from their medical records. Results: The postoperative complications occurred in 37 patients, and NPPFs occurred in 72 patients, who were significantly older, and hip and knee OA diagnosis, compared to patients without NPPFs ( p <.05). The most common cause of NPPFs was minor trauma. In patients aged ≧ 65 years, significantly more NPPFs occurred during the first year after surgery( p <.05). Conclusion: More than 10-year after THA, the incidence of NPPFs was higher than that of postoperative complications related to implants. Older patients who had hip and knee OA were a significantly higher risk of developing NPPFs due to falls within the first year after surgery.     

Psoas Muscle Volume and Attenuation are Better Predictors than Muscle Area for Hospital Readmission in Older Patients after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the psoas muscle volume (PMV) and its muscle attenuation (MA) are associated with hospital readmission after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Method: We included 113 older patients with aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI at Sakakibara Heart Institute (mean age 85 ± 5 years, 69% women). We measured PMV and psoas muscle area (PMA) as well as total muscle area (TMA) at the third lumbar vertebra using preoperative computed tomography (CT) images. The crude values of the PMV, PMA, and TMA were normalized by dividing by height squared. Results: The median follow-up period was 724 days (interquartile range: 528-730 days), and there were 25 all-cause readmissions during the follow-up period (22% of all patients). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and EuroSCORE II, the PMV and its MA and crude PMA were significantly associated with all-cause readmission [HR: 0.957 (0.930-0.985), p = 0.003, HR: 0.927 (0.862-0.997), p = 0.040], whereas the PMA and TMA and each MA were not (all p > 0.05). The groups with low PMV and MA had significantly higher incidences of all-cause readmission than that with high PMV and MA (log-rank test: p = 0.011). Conclusion: PMV and its MA measured from preoperative CT images were independent predictors of all-cause readmission in TAVI patients.     

Clinical prediction rule for early recovery of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study

Objective: To derive a clinical prediction rule for early recovery of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty. Methods: This prospective cohort study evaluated the data of 273 individuals undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty. The individual factors, the physical and motor function data were assessed preoperatively upon admission as a baseline survey. The knee joint extension angle and knee joint flexion angle were re-evaluated on postoperative day 14 as a follow-up. The recovery group comprised individuals with a knee joint extension angle of more than -5 degrees and knee joint flexion angle of more than 110 degrees on postoperative day 14. The other patients constituted the non-recovery group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for deriving a clinical prediction rule. Results: The results indicated that the use of a cane, knee joint extension and flexion angles, and Timed Up and Go test time were significant factors for predicting early recovery of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty. Furthermore, a clinical prediction rule was derived and included the use of a cane, knee joint extension angle ≥ -15 degrees, knee joint flexion angle ≥ 125 degrees, and a Timed Up and Go test time < 11.2 s. A total clinical prediction rule score ≥ 8 indicated a positive likelihood ratio of more than 10 for a successful outcome and the post-test probability was approximately 95%. Conclusions: The derived clinical prediction rule might be a useful screening tool for proper postoperative goal setting and the establishment of individualized physical therapy programs.     

Statistical Inference for Ergodic Algorithmic Model (EAM), Applied to Hydrophobic Hydration Processes

The thermodynamic properties of hydrophobic hydration processes can be represented in probability space by a Dual-Structure Partition Function {DS-PF} = {M-PF} · {T-PF}, which is the product of a Motive Partition Function {M-PF} multiplied by a Thermal Partition Function {T-PF}. By development of {DS-PF}, parabolic binding potential functions α) RlnK_dual = (−ΔG°_dual/T) ={f(1/T)*g(T)} and β) RTlnK_dual = (−ΔG°_dual) = {f(T)*g(lnT)} have been calculated. The resulting binding functions are “convoluted” functions dependent on the reciprocal interactions between the primary function f(1/T) or f(T) with the secondary function g(T) or g(lnT), respectively. The binding potential functions carry the essential thermodynamic information elements of each system. The analysis of the binding potential functions experimentally determined at different temperatures by means of the Thermal Equivalent Dilution (TED) principle has made possible the evaluation, for each compound, of the pseudo-stoichiometric coefficient ±ξ_w, from the curvature of the binding potential functions. The positive value indicates convex binding functions (Class A), whereas the negative value indicates concave binding function (Class B). All the information elements concern sets of compounds that are very different from one set to another, in molecular dimension, in chemical function, and in aggregation state. Notwithstanding the differences between, surprising equal unitary values of niche (cavity) formation in Class A <Δh_for>_A = −22.7 ± 0.7 kJ·mol⁻¹ ·ξ_w⁻¹ sets with standard deviation σ = ±3.1% and <Δs_for>_A = −445 ± 3J·K⁻¹·mol⁻¹·ξ_w⁻¹J·K⁻¹·mol⁻¹·ξ_w⁻¹ with standard deviation σ = ±0.7%. Other surprising similarities have been found, demonstrating that all the data analyzed belong to the same normal statistical population. The Ergodic Algorithmic Model (EAM) has been applied to the analysis of important classes of reactions, such as thermal and chemical denaturation, denaturation of proteins, iceberg formation or reduction, hydrophobic bonding, and null thermal free energy. The statistical analysis of errors has shown that EAM has a general validity, well beyond the limits of our experiments. Specifically, the properties of hydrophobic hydration processes as biphasic systems generating convoluted binding potential functions, with water as the implicit solvent, hold for all biochemical and biological solutions, on the ground that they also are necessarily diluted solutions, statistically validated.