The characteristics of physiological anthropology in Japan were considered in a preceding report from the perspective of its academic history and organization. In this report, the key terms of physiological polytypism, functional potentiality and whole body coordination as constructs of the disciplinary framework of physiological anthropology were identified and examined if physiological polytypism is evidenced in the concrete physiological data regarding behavior-dependent environmental stresses in today's modern society. As a result, it was suggested that habitual diet and daily physical activity are associated with basal metabolic rate, which in turn might mold physiological polytypism through the adoption of a coordinated pattern for the body temperature regulation in cold environments. It was also observed that physical training improved orthostatic tolerance by changing functional coordination to enhance the capability for regulating blood pressure. The perspective of environmental adaptation research including phenotypic adjustment and its mechanisms was demonstrated by incorporating the concept of epigenetic programming into the formation of a specified functional phenotype in humans.

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This study examined risk factors of falls through gait patterns in 21 elderly (71.3±4.9 years) and 21 young (20.2±1.3 years) subjects. The steps were counted with using a pedometer (LIFECORDER EX) over 14 days. The gait pattern was designed utilizing a three-dimensional motion analysis (Dipp-Motion Pro). The "rolling index (RI)" was defined based on the subjects' motion during gait. RI-right was greater than RI-left on 10cm of step width in the elderly subjects (F_<(1,29)>=8.97, p&<0.01). The subjects of each group were further separated into 2 groups to compare their physical activity. The group with greater physical activity showed a significantly higher wrist and toe swing in the elderly subjects (F_<(6,54)>=4.25, p&<0.005; F_<(1,13)>=6.33, p&<0.05; F_<(1,13)>=5.31, p&<0.05) These results suggested that the elderly subjects need to swing their hands and feet.

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A high level of arterial stiffness (baPWV) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. We examined the effect of a health fitness programmer prepared 12 week exercise program on baPWV. 102 middle-aged people participated in this study. A health fitness programmer administered the program, which was rated 11 to 13 on the Borg scale in terms of intensity. Subjects exercised once a week for three month, and were divided into three groups, based on their participation rate. The group that had a 100% participation rate was designated H-group, 80-99% participation rate was designated M-group, and less than 80% was designated L-group. baPWV and blood pressure decreased significantly in H and M groups after completion of the exercise program. However, there were no significant changes in L group. Our results suggest that a health fitness programmer prepared and administered exercise program decreased baPWV.

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The physiological effects of walking in Shinjuku Gyoen were examined by investigating heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV). Subjective feelings of being "comfortable," "natural," and "calm" were also assessed by a questionnaire. The subjects included 18 male university students aged 20-23 years (mean±SD: 21.0±0.8 years). Physiological measurements were recorded while the subjects walked a predetermined course in Shinjuku Gyoen and around Shinjuku station (control) for 14min. The results were as follows: (1) the power of the In HF component of the HRV was significantly higher, (2) heart rate was significantly lower, and (3) "comfortable," "natural," and "calm" feelings were significantly higher in the subjects while walking through Shinjuku Gyoen than while walking around Shinjuku station.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of lower limb muscle size on anaerobic power generation capacity during pedaling exercises in male and female athletes. Subjects were 111 female and 128 male physical education college students. Muscle thickness in the anterior, lateral and posterior parts of the thigh and that of the anterior and posterior leg muscles were measured using the B-mode ultrasound method. Anaerobic power was measured during three trials involving pedaling exercises with different loads. The results suggest that, during pedaling exercises, the effects of lower limb muscle thickness on anaerobic power production capacity differ by gender and by part of the lower limb muscle.

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