The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the squat training using a machine with only concentric contraction (C.C. squat machine) improves the lower extremity strength and postural control measures in the elderly. Twenty-five nursing home residents (78.4±4.2yrs) volunteered as subjects. The squat training group (SQT) completed squat training sessions, consisting of one set of exercise, 4 days per week for 6 weeks. The non-training group (CONT) was instructed not to train their lower extremity during 6-week control period. Maximal isometric knee extension strength in SQT increased 26.5% (p<0.01). In addition, a significant difference was observed between the % change of maximal knee extension strength in CONT and that in SQT at wk 6 of squat training (p<0.01). The percent limits of stability (%LOS) to the rear target in SQT increased 12.4% by squat training (p<0.05). The mean values of %LOS to 8 targets were also increased 6.1% (p<0.01). These findings show that squat training using a C.C. squat machine can improve the lower extremity strength and dynamic postural stability in the elderly.

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The effects of the characteristics of walking were compared among the three kinds of mule sandals (A : wide heel mule; B : pin heel mule; C : pin heel mule with straps), sports shoes (D) and bare feet (E). The changes in sole pressure distribution of the mule sandals (A, B & C) were not harmonized with normal walking cycle. The locus of load center founded from the sole pressure distribution was more skewed to the inside sole with mule sandals than with E. It is suggested that the characteristics of walking with mule sandals are abnormal and different from bare feet to compensate for the unsteadiness of walking.

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Even though it is experimentally known that playing video games causes fatigue, it is difficult to find such quantitative research. It is also known that video game scores improve by repeatedly playing the game. However, the skills acquired by video game players are not clear. This research aims to clarify the elements of fatigue and the skills acquired and improved by playing video games. Fatigue was measured by critical frequency of fusion (CFF). The skilled process associated with video games was measured by using video game scores. Two kinds of video game machines were used. This research confirmed that the CFF of game players decreased linearly after playing the games several times. The scores of video games also increased after playing the games several times. Moreover, game score improvements are described by professing equation in game scores.

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It is widely recognized that stress-management is an indispensable factor to stay healthy in modern life. When starting stress-management program, it is preferable to measure stress levels and the level of stress tolerance. However, there is no reliable inventory to measure psychosocial stress. In view of this, the inventories to measure psychosocial stress and stress tolerance (IMPS and IMST, respectively) have been developed. IMPS is a 40 item-questionnaire designed to self assess psychosocial stress by asking physical symptoms and psychological responses caused by psychosocial stress. IMST is a 20 item-questionnaire designed to self assess stress tolerance by asking social support, life style and attitudes toward life. The validity and reliability of the inventories evaluated with 827 Japanese college students indicate that IMPS and IMST can be used to measure psychosocial stress and stress tolerance.

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The physical activity, daily living pattern, and nutritional intakes were investigated in 32 elementary school pupils in a typical agricultural area of the Tohoku district during a 7-day period including 3 holydays in fall. The percentage of obese children was higher than the national average. After school, the pupils spent the longest time in watching TV, followed by playing outside. Most of them were driven to school and back home, and the mean time of walking to and back from school was 5 minutes. The mean number of steps of daily walking was 12,081 in the males and 11,370 in the females, but it decreased on holidays to about 60% of the number on weekdays. A significant correlation was observed between the activity index and the number of steps of walking, and the numbers of steps that correspond to a relatively low activity level (AI 1.5) and an appropriate activity level (AI 1.7) were estimated to be 13,178 and 21,359, respectively. Their diet was characterized by marked deficiency of iron and calcium, high intakes of meat and sweets, and low intakes of vegetables and fruits. A smaller percent of overweight children practiced sports than normal weight children. These results suggest that it is difficult even for pupils of an agricultural area to be active and eat adequately today. Repetition of surveys is considered to be needed to propose an appropriate activity level and a satisfactory diet for children.

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Because the electrogoniometer (Biometrics Ltd.) is light, flexible and easy to use, it has been widely used to measure human joint angles. However, there are some limitations with regard to the position where the goniometer can be placed and the possible range of joint motion. The purpose of this study is to propose a new approach for measurement of human joint angle by the goniometer. In the new method, a sliding mechanism is introduced at the interface between the body surface and the goniometer base. By using the goniometer with a sliding mechanism, the human joint angle can be measured with no limitation mentioned above.

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