The purpose of this study was to characterize the body composition and physical fitness of junior high school males and females who engage in daily exercise. The participants were 223 junior high school students divided into two groups: Basketball group (BG) that regularly plays basketball and Non-exercise group (NEG) that does not engage in physical activity. Body composition was measured using a body composition analyzer to determine body fat percentage, from which fat-free mass and fat mass were calculated. Physical fitness tests were conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The results showed that BG had significantly higher fat-free mass and lower fat mass compared to NEG. In the physical fitness tests, among males, BG performed significantly better than NEG in all events except sit-and-reach and repeated side jumps. Among females, BG performed significantly better than NEG in all events except grip strength and sit-and-reach. In terms of the relationship between physical fitness test items and fat free mass index, it was demonstrated that skeletal muscle development through regular exercise significantly improved the repeated side jumps score. Additionally, the 50-meter dash and standing long jump in male and the sit-and-reach in female were improved. Grip strength was found to depend on fat free mass index regardless of regular exercise in both males and females. On the other hand, an association was observed between an increase in the fat mass index and a decline in the performance of the repeated side jump and 50-meter dash, particularly in NEG, in both males and females.

View full abstract

This study examined the effects of repeated drop jumps (DJs) on stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) performance, whole-body reaction time (RT), and anaerobic power (AP) output across different surface types. This study employed a cross-over design. The participants were 17 healthy male undergraduate and graduate students. All participants completed 5 sets of 10 DJs from a 30-cm platform on 2 surface types: rigid and soft elastic (soft surface). After repeated DJ exercises, participants rested for 10 minutes. Participants’ SSC performance (through DJ and rebound jump (RJ)), RT, and AP output were then evaluated using a bicycle ergometer. Results showed that repeated DJ exercises on a soft surface reduced SSC performance, as reflected in lower DJ and RJ indices. In particular, jump height decreased for DJ, but ground contact time was not affected for DJ and RJ. However, RT and AP output were not significantly affected by the soft surface. These results indicate that repeated landing on the soft surface disrupted SSC performance by altering pre-activation and stiffness regulation, likely due to mat deformation and lasting proprioceptive effects. Furthermore, the mismatch in SSC timing after exercise on the soft surface may result from modified proprioceptive feedback during landing. Thus, repeated DJs on a soft elastic surface impair SSC performance but do not influence RT or AP output.

View full abstract

This study elucidated the relationship between subjective occupational prestige, geriatric nursing, and workplace environment. A questionnaire survey was administered to the nursing staff. Consequently, nursing roles that support daily life functions, essential for gerontological nursing, have been influenced by “discharge support for older adults living alone,” a nursing domain that sustains everyday life functions. Power has been shown to influence ethical workplace climate, nurses’ experience, and nurses’ subjective professional prestige toward their nursing jobs. Among these, the ability to organize one’s life is located at the point of interaction between the latent variables, and this ability can be improved through learning and training. Cultivating this ability directly contributes to an increase in “subjective occupational prestige.” In-service education is also vital for enhancing the practice of gerontological nursing, and increasing the subjective professional prestige of the nursing profession. Practicing nursing that supports daily life functions can contribute to ensuring high-quality nursing care.

View full abstract