The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of “Running over Flat Markers” (FMR) on increasing the stride frequency in the acceleration phase and to identify the difference between FMR and conventional sprinting. 10 male college student sprinters were used in the study. The subjects ran a 50m sprint three times and their performance analyzed. In the first, they ran conventionally for 50m. For the second, they did FMR, where ten flat markers were placed in the section between 20m and 40m from the starting point. They then ran again conventionally for the third. 　Our results showed that conventional sprinting immediately after FMR significantly improved the sprinters sprint velocity. A comparison of the movement associated with conventional sprinting and FMR showed that the motion range of the thigh area angle was significantly reduced, keeping the excessive posterior angular movement down.

View full abstract

　This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between relocation care for nurses’ and their intention to continue working in their subjective occupational prestige at hospitals for community-based care (Hs-C-BC). A questionnaire survey was administered to nurses at Hs-C-BC; 605 valid responses (30.25%) were obtained. Subjective occupational prestige was defined as pride in work and job satisfaction. Item analysis, difference test, and covariance structure analysis were performed to evaluate this relationship. Results: Regarding the goodness of fit (GFI) of the model in which the subjective occupational prestige of nurses at Hs-C-BC encourages nurses to practice relocation care, which strengthens their intentions to continue working, the GFI was .885, the adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) was .864, the comparative fit index was .907, and the root mean square error of approximation was .061 (GFI ≥ AGFI). Therefore, the criteria for adopting the model were satisfied. Conclusion: The subjective occupational prestige of nurses at Hs-C-BC is enhanced by the practice of relocation care, supported by favorable working conditions. The results show that maintaining a high level of subjective occupational prestige results in nurses’ intentions to continue working.

View full abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of moderation alcohol intake on the physiological index and physical fitness level of university athletes. Nine male track-and-field athletes in university performed exercise with two conditions: with 20 g of pure alcohol intake and no-alcohol intake on the day before the exercise. The physiological index (defecation and urination frequency, heart rate, blood pressure, and V・O2max), and exercise performance (physical tests) were measured in each condition. Results showed that the physiological index and exercise performance were not significantly different between the two conditions. In addition, the physiological index and exercise performance in the no-alcohol intake condition were higher than in the alcohol intake condition when examining individual data. Therefore, it is suggested that athletes should drink alcohol in moderation before the exercise day.

View full abstract

　The purpose of this study was to clarify the actual situation of exercise awareness among elementary school students whose physical activity has been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related infection control measures. The respondents were 2,341 students (1,154 boys and 1,187 girls) from grades 1 to 6 attending public elementary schools (21 in all). The data were collected using a three-item questionnaire: sense of being good and bad at exercise, sense of inactivity, and motivation to exercise. A cross-tabulation table and chi-square test were used to examine the relationship between grade and exercise awareness, as well as that between the sense of being good and bad at exercise and the sense of inactivity and motivation to exercise. The analysis showed a significant relationship between the grade and the three items. Regarding the sense of inactivity, the proportion of respondents feeling it increased with school year, with the sixth graders feeling it the most. In all grades, more than 80% of respondents felt motivated to exercise; this suggests that many children want to exercise more than they do now, but the ongoing pandemic has restricted their physical activity. It is important to create exercise opportunities for children even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

View full abstract