The powers of the upper and lower limbs were measured using bicycle ergometers, and the most appropriate brake load to evaluate force- and speed-type powers was investigated (Experiment 1). Next, the power values in the force and speed types were compared between weightlifters (WL) and badminton players (BD) at our university (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, the subjects were 12 male university students, and in Experiment 2, the subjects were 7 WL and 12 BD. Upper and lower limb powers were evaluated using bicycle ergometers, with the subjects pedaling at maximum speed for 5 seconds. The results showed that 1) the maximum power of the upper limbs was obtained at 3.5 kg (average) and showed the highest correlation with the power at 2.5 kg (r = 0.978). The maximum power of the lower limbs was obtained at 5.6 kg and showed the highest correlation with the power at 5 kg (r = 0.949). Thus, 2.5 and 5 kg were defined as the load intensities for the force-type power of the upper and lower limbs, respectively. The load intensities for velocity-type power were defined as 1 kg (upper) and 2 kg (lower), which were 40% of the former values. In addition, 2) upper limb power was significantly higher in WL than in BD, regardless of power type. Regarding lower limb power per body weight, no significant difference in force-type power was observed between the two groups, and velocity-type power was significantly higher in BD than in WL.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between students' comprehensive health literacy and eating behavior, constructing and validating a causal model of the influence of comprehensive health literacy on eating habits. Furthermore, it explores how gender can be used to encourage young men and women to apply comprehensive health literacy to support students' eating-related health.

Methods: Valid responses from 776 students from 6 colleges in 6 prefectures in Japan were analyzed. The causal model established associations between comprehensive health literacy, measured with the 27-item comprehensive health literacy scale for young adults, and dietary behaviors (intake of six food groups; intake of meals combining staple foods, main dishes, and side dishes, and checking nutritional labels when purchasing foods). The responses were statistically analyzed using path analysis.

Results: The goodness-of-fit index values for the final causal model indicated that the causal model fit the data well (goodness of fit index = .999, adjusted goodness of fit index = .992, comparative fit index = .999, and root mean square error of approximation = .015). A significant positive path was indicated for “checking nutritional labels when purchasing foods,” “intake of six food groups,” and “intake of meals combining staple foods, main dishes and side dishes” from “comprehensive health literacy” (β = .21, p < .001; β = .17, p < .001; and β = .15, p < .001, respectively). The coefficient of determination for “intake of food groups” was R ² = .24. A gender difference was noted, with the impact of “comprehensive health literacy” on “intake of a balanced diet including staple, main, and side dishes” found only among women.

Conclusion: These results indicate that increasing students' comprehensive health literacy can positively influence their dietary behavior, such as checking nutrition labels when purchasing foods and balancing their food group intake.

  Health behavior interventions targeting noncommunicable diseases, such as specific health guidance and tailored programs, have been implemented in Japanese workplaces. However, comprehensive evaluations of these interventions are limited. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of educational intervention programs for noncommunicable disease prevention in the workplace. A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar with keywords such as “workplace,” “noncommunicable diseases,” and “intervention program.” A total of 22 articles were reviewed, 19 were intervention study (pre-post comparison test), and 3 were randomized controlled trials. 20 of them focused on individuals at high risk for noncommunicable diseases, including metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. These reports indicated improvements in weight loss, blood test results, and health behaviors compared to pre-intervention levels. The intervention programs were customized to participants' needs and incorporated a combination of individual and group sessions as well as online approaches. However, most studies evaluated outcomes only within 1 year post-intervention, leaving the long-term sustainability of these improvements unclear. Future intervention programs should focus on promoting long-term health behavior changes through self-management, while addressing factors that influence sustained behavior modification. We recommend creating supportive workplace environments, enhancing communication through social support, and improving health literacy to encourage lasting behavior change.