Association of Japanese Dietary Patterns and Food Groups with Quality of Life （QOL） in Middle-Aged and Older Men with Exercise Habits: A Pilot Study

Abstract

【Aim】 The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life （QOL） in middle-aged and older men with exercise habits, and to clarify the relationship between the QOL and the Japanese dietary pattern. 【methods】 This study was a cross-sectional study. Fourteen male participants aged 50 years or older （mean age 60.5±9.5 years） who participated in masters track and field competitions were evaluated QOL （WHOQOL-OLD） and handgrip strength, and were conducted dietary survey. Japanese diet scores（JDI12, rJDI12） were calculated from the dietary survey results. Participants were divided into two groups based on median QOL. We compared 6-facets of the QOL, Japanese diet scores, nutrient intakes, and food group intakes between the two groups. 【Results】 Overall QOL scores （median （interquartile range）） were 3.7（3.4；3.8，n=7） for the low QOL group and 4.0（4.0；4.3，n=7） for the high QOL group. The low QOL group had lower DAD （dying and dying） scores p=0.017, effect size 0.60） and lower grip strength （p=0. 038，effect size 0. 51） than the high QOL group. There were no significant differences in either JDI12 or rJDI12 between the QOL groups, but fruits intake was significantly lower in low QOL group than high QOL group （p=0. 007，effect size 0. 66）. 【Conclusions】 There were differences in facets between the QOL groups. Maintaining muscle strength, and higher intake of fruits among the food groups that comprise the Japanese diet may contribute to maintain good QOL of middle-aged and older men with exercise habits.