目的：本研究の目的は、50％1RMで実施する筋発揮張力維持法（LST）と、80％1RMで限界まで行う通常レジスタンストレーニング（TRAD）における、神経筋活動および骨格筋形態に対する急性応答を比較することであった。

方法：健康な男子大学生14名が参加し、LSTおよびTRADをそれぞれ片脚へ無作為に割り当て、片脚レッグエクステンションを実施した。いずれも、疲労困憊になるまで合計3セット反復し、セット間に2分のインターバルを設定した。運動前後に、大腿直筋の最大等尺性筋力（MVC）、筋断面積（CSA）、筋厚、筋硬度（MS）、エコー輝度を測定した。また、運動中は表面筋電図を用いて、二乗平均平方根（RMS）および平均パワー周波数（MPF）を解析した。

結果：両群ともにMVCの低下およびCSAの増加が見られたが、群間に有意差は認められなかった。一方で、LSTにおける筋硬度の変化量はTRADよりも有意に高かった（p＝0.039）。また、RMSの増加およびMPFの低下は、いずれもLSTの方がTRADよりも顕著であった（p＜0.001）。

結論： LSTは、筋硬度および神経筋動員の増加をもたらし、結果として筋疲労を引き起こす可能性が示唆された。

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between workers’ overall physical activity level, combining leisure-time physical activity and daily step counts, and the prevalence of hypertension, through a large-scale survey of middle-aged and older workers across Japan.

Physical activity, which could potentially prevent hypertension, is in short supply and is a public health problem that should be addressed on a global scale. However, limited research has investigated the association between overall physical activity, which combines leisure-time physical activity and daily step count, and hypertension prevalence. The study participants were middle-aged and older workers at workplaces throughout Japan. The study participants were 5,812 individuals who agreed to use anonymized data and responded to a comprehensive version of the Health Advice Service Check Sheet.

When comparing the group with low leisure-time physical activity and low daily step counts, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for the high leisure-time physical activity and low daily step count group was 0.77 (0.61–0.98), the low leisure-time physical activity and high daily step count group was 0.95 (0.78–1.16), and the high leisure-time physical activity and high daily step count group was 0.72 (0.57–0.90). When leisure-time physical activity and daily step counts were analyzed together, the lowest prevalence of hypertension was observed in those with high leisure-time physical activity and high daily step counts. These results suggest the importance of increasing physical activity to prevent hypertension among Japanese workers.

Introduction: Coaches are required to need to be able to evaluate players’ performance on the field. Therefore, in order to evaluate pitching motion, regardless of the experience level of the coach, evaluation criteria is needed. The purpose of this study was to create evaluation criteria for pitching motion by focusing on the motion on the frontal plane, which is often observed on the field, and which can be used in actual sports coaching.

Methods: In this study, we created evaluation criteria for pitching motion by extracting common elements from medical science papers, literature, and players’ subjective opinions. To examine the validity of the evaluation criteria, we scored the motion of fifteen Japanese major leaguers namely Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers, based on the evaluation criteria and conducted a correlation analysis of the evaluation scores and ball velocity. To analyze the objectivity and reliability of the evaluation criteria, we calculated the inter- and intra-subject agreement of the evaluation scores given by six former Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers, coaches, and medical staff, who had a lot of experience working in the field of baseball.

Results:There was a significant positive correlation was observed between the evaluation scores for all phases of the pitch and the maximum and average ball velocity. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for both the inter and intra-rater scores were above 0.7 for all assessment scores, indicating a certain level of correlation.

Discussion: The results of this study suggest that the evaluation criteria we have developed have a certain degree of validity, objectivity and reliability. Therefore, the evaluation criteria created in this study suggest that they may be useful in actual coaching situations.

This study examined the role of the J3 League in the second careers of Japanese soccer players and staff members. The J3 League was established in 2013 as the third-tier division of the Japan Professional Football League. The objective of this study was to research the perception of the J3 League among players and staff. The study targets were two teams in Shizuoka Prefecture. Interviews with players and staff from these teams were used for discussion. In terms of the investigation, J3 players preferred the professional J-League rather than the amateur JFL. Also, the J-League has introduced a “hometown system.” From the viewpoint of this “hometown system”, we investigated the regional characteristics of two teams in Shizuoka Prefecture The study shows that the situation of the J3 League revealed that, despite Shizuoka Prefecture being one of Japan’s leading soccer powerhouses, it is difficult for a J3 team to perform well. Finally, it was shown that the current situation in J3 is that players have the ability to acquire a second career by playing while working.

In judokas, reaction time (RT) and rate of force development (RFD) are important muscular functions that contribute to performance. However, the characteristics of trunk muscle RT and RFD in judokas have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine differences in trunk muscle reaction time (RT) and rate of force development (RFD) in male collegiate judokas across weight classes.

RT and RFD during isometric trunk flexion and extension were assessed in male collegiate judokas, comprising of 21 lightweight, 18 middleweight, and 21 heavyweight judokas. Participants generated maximum force as quickly as possible upon a signal lighting of a lamp. RT was the time to reach 5 Nm after the signal. RFD was the strength values at 50, 100, and 150 msec after the RT divided by the participant’s body weight and the elapsed time. We compared each value between weight categories using a one-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni method as a post hoc test.

The results indicated that there was no significant difference in RT. Conversely, in RFD of extension, the lightweight judokas demonstrated significantly higher values at 100 and 150 msec than the heavyweight athletes (p < 0.05). In RFD of flexion, the lightweight group exhibited a significantly higher value at 50 msec than the middleweight group (p < 0.05). Additionally, when compared to the heavyweight group, the lightweight group showed significantly higher values at both 50 (p < 0.01) and 100 (p < 0.05) msec.

These findings indicate that while weight categories may not significantly influence RT, relative RFD tends to be higher in lightweight male collegiate judokas.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current state of health literacy among middle school students in China and Japan, and to clarify the relationship between health literacy and related factors from the perspective of health education. The study surveyed 219 Japanese students and 268 Chinese students in grades 1 to 3 of junior high school, examining their health literacy, attitudes towards health education, health knowledge, subjective health perception, and lifestyle habits. The results revealed that the health literacy of junior high school students in both China and Japan is still in the developmental stage. However, Chinese students showed significantly lower awareness of health education, health knowledge, and healthy lifestyle habits compared to their Japanese counterparts. Additionally, the results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the health literacy scores of Chinese students were significantly related to their awareness of health education and health knowledge scores. On the other hand, the health literacy scores of Japanese students were significantly related to their awareness of health education and the lifestyle habits of “nutritional balance and meal quantity”.

Thus, it was confirmed that the health literacy of junior high school students is related to their awareness of health education and health knowledge. It was also revealed that Chinese students have lower awareness of health education and health knowledge. The underlying cause of this may be the weakness of school health education in China, where the number of hours dedicated to health education and the content of health learning are insufficient. Therefore, to improve health literacy in China, it is necessary to improve the content of health education in school curricula and ensure that middle school students acquire health knowledge that can be applied in their daily lives.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a training program employing differential learning, based on biomechanical data from previous research. Seven male college rugby players (age: 19.9±1.3 years; height: 1.70±0.04 m; weight: 77.9±8.2 kg) participated. The training program consisted of 36 punt kicks targeting three distances (35 m, 50 m, and maximum distance) and incorporated variations in approach angle (straight, diagonal), approach velocity (fast, slow), and motion variations (smaller or larger last steps, Vertical jumping on the support foot). Pre and post training performance tests involved punt kicks to targets (tackle bag) set 35 m and 50 m from the try line, as well as maximum distance punts. Three-dimensional coordinates data were collected using a motion capture system (11 cameras, 250 Hz). Post-training, swing speed during maximum kicks slightly decreased (pre: 19.3±0.8 m/s; post: 19.0±0.6 m/s), while ball velocity increased (pre: 24.9±1.3 m/s; post: 26.0±2.2 m/s). A subset of participants (2 out of 7) showed a decrease in the distance between the ball landing point and the target for the 35 m and 50 m kicks. These findings indicate that differential learning-based training can improve punt kicking performance by increasing ball velocity and kicking accuracy. However, further investigation is needed to develop training programs that can also increase swing speed.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between physical fitness and game performance in Japanese college male ice hockey players based on the results of off-ice testing, on-ice testing, and game analysis. In addition to a general physical fitness test on land, the 30 m sprint skating time and shooting speed were measured on the ice. A correlation analysis was performed between the results of the physical fitness test and the results of the game analysis. Players with better upper body strength, such as grip and back strength, can shoot at higher speeds. Players who were able to shoot at a higher speed had more time in the game, shot more frequently, and were more involved in scoring goals. Players who performed well in the sidestep test were those who played longer in the match. Players with better vertical jump records and 30 m sprint times on land were able to skate at higher velocities, and those with better 30 m backward sprint skating times spent more time on high-intensity skating during the game. Within the teams in this study, players with superior 20-meter shuttle run records tended to be involved in relatively more points during the game. The results of this study suggest that players with superior off-ice test results are also superior in ice hockey-specific skills as assessed by on-ice testing, resulting in higher performance in games.

The Japan Sports Agency has underscored the pivotal role of sporting events in the revitalization of local economies. Specifically, the impact of Companion events, such as collegiate championships, is anticipated to be substantial, with ramifications for both the local economy and the tourism industry.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic impact of college championships, which are Companion events held in Japan, and to clarify the characteristics of consumers, the target of the study was the All-Japan Intercollege Canoe Championships.

The event had 396 spectators, 320 participants (290 players and 30 number of accompanying staff), and 21 participating universities over five days. The survey subjects were comprised of spectators, participants, and university representatives. The survey examined the cost of holding the event, as well as those incurred by the survey subjects. These expenditures included transportation, accommodation, food and drink, sightseeing and entertainment, and souvenirs and shopping. The survey data were then entered into the MICE Economic Ripple Effect Measurement Model to estimate the economic impact.

The resulting economic impact of the event was 18,564,000 yen in Tokyo, the host city.

The results showed that spending by hotel guests was a major factor in the total amount of consumption expenditure. Furthermore, the results suggest that the characteristics of spectators have a significant impact on the amount of consumption expenditure.

The findings of this study imply the potential of college championships to contribute to the formulation of regional tourism strategies and the advancement of the sports industry.

This study aimed to examine the physiological responses during exercise and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) under different exercise sequences after orders of upper-body and lower-body resistance exercises. EPOC refers to the body’s continued use of extra oxygen and energy after exercise to return to the pre-exercise state.

Seven male university students participated in this study. Two resistance exercise sequences were performed on separate days: a resistance exercise session in which upper body followed by lower body exercises (U-L), and another session in which lower body followed by upper body exercises (L-U). Expiratory gases and heart rate were monitored continuously throughout the exercise sessions and for 120 minutes of seated rest after the sessions had concluded. The upper body exercises consisted of bench presses and lat pulldowns, while the lower body exercises included deadlifts and squats. For each exercise, participants performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of their maximum lifting weight, with a 2-minute rest between sets.

Physiological responses during resistance exercise varied between sessions and exercises depending on the characteristics of the primary muscles involved. However, no significant differences were observed between the exercise sequence in terms of total oxygen consumption or energy expenditure during the sessions. The duration of EPOC was 115 minutes for the U-L condition and 110 minutes for the L-U condition, but no significant differences in the total amount of EPOC were found between the two exercise sequences,

In this study, it is considered that differences in exercise sequence have a minimal impact on energy expenditure during exercise and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), when combining several resistance exercises involving large muscle groups and multi-joint muscles at the same exercise intensity and volume.

This study aimed to identify effective coaching strategies for improving the performance of female discus throwers through kinematic analysis during competitions. A total of 22 athletes, ranging from top-level competitors to university-level throwers, were analyzed and classified into two groups: an upper group (49.99 m±2.65 m) and a lower group (42.55 m±3.79 m), each comprising 11 athletes. Additionally, release parameters of three elite Chinese athletes reported in previous studies and the top three finishers at the World Championships were compared with those of the upper group. The results indicated that athletes in the upper group exhibited significantly greater trunk (torso) rotation angles at the initiation of the throw compared to those in the lower group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the lower group was generally unable to raise their trunks from a forward-leaning posture during the release phase. The upper group also demonstrated a lower release angle relative to international elite throwers. These findings suggest that, for lower-level athletes, it is crucial to develop techniques that facilitate early acceleration of the discus and enable effective trunk raising during the release. Additionally, to further enhance the performance of higher-level athletes, training should focus on improving the generation of vertical velocity at release.

Physical inactivity among college/university (CU) students has recently become a global issue. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate CU students’ sports consciousness in China, using Y University in Jiangsu Province as a case study. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and 590 valid responses were collected. To clarify the differences by gender and academic year, as well as the influence of the components of sports consciousness, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS. The results showed significant main effects of gender and academic year, but no significant interaction effect between them. Specifically, it was found that males exhibited more positive attitudes and stronger beliefs in the psychological and social effects of sports compared to females. Additionally, the second-year students exhibited lower levels of unpleasant emotions towards sports compared to first-year students. Regarding the influence of the components of sports consciousness, the order of impact was psychological effects, unpleasant emotions, physical effects, pleasant emotions, and normative beliefs, while social effects were not detected. It indicates that CU students in Jiangsu, China place a greater emphasis on the psychological benefits of sports and exhibit reduced unpleasant emotions toward sports. Moreover, physical benefits are prioritized over the emotional satisfaction gained from sports. In addition, the fact that normative beliefs had the least influence suggests that students are more likely to engage in sports for personal health and psychological satisfaction rather than due to the expectations of others. In the case of CU students in Jiangsu, China, no direct impact of social effects on sports consciousness was observed in this study.