抄録
The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of Japanese middle-aged and elderly walkers compared with sports participants. The characteristics of walkers or sports participants were defined as differences between walkers or sports participants and non-participants. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire mailed to 1,535 Japanese adults. A total of 1,047 persons replied to questionnaires, and 649 persons (222 walkers, 147 sports participants, and 280 nonparticipants) were used in analyses. Analyses were based on several factors including attitude toward physical education, sports participation in the past, and health-related items. A logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the characteristics of walkers and sports participants. Moreover, the differences between the characteristics of walkers and sports participants were examined through a comparison of characteristics. Japanese walkers tended to have a negative attitude toward physical education, be inactive during adulthood, elderly, and female. Walking will become more important in an aging society as a physical activity for people who have been alienated from such activity but are health-oriented.
