Torii Group (Torii & Tsutsui) Lifestyle in childhood, such as physical activity and nutritional intake, are involved in lifelong musculoskeletal health. From this perspective, this group accurately measures the patterns of musculoskeletal growth and development in contemporary children and works on creating standard values. Additionally, by conducting similar measurements on children participating in representative Japanese sports such as soccer and baseball, they aim to clarify the effects of sports participation on the musculoskeletal system and the risks of musculoskeletal injuries caused by sports, thereby building evidence that can directly contribute to extending healthy life expectancy in the longevity era. Shoes, bedding, and other items used in children’s daily lives and physical activities help ensure safe physical activity and improve sleep quality. Therefore, developing these items is important for growth, and new development and effect verification are conducted based on research findings.
Oka Group (Oka & Ishii) This research applies the results obtained so far from the research conducted at the Institute of Growth and Development and promotes implementation research to return these results to society. Specifically, based on the findings that transient, short-term, low-intensity exercise affects executive function, the study examines its long-term impacts and conducts research aimed at disseminating this knowledge in schools and the community. Therefore, in addition to verifying the effects of school interventions, the impact on society will also be examined.
Taguchi Group This research aims to track changes in body composition, including bone mass, during the growth period and to establish a nutritional intervention
foundation to support the healthy development of young athletes. In particular, it examines the relationship between nutrient intake, such as calcium and vitamin D, which are important during the growth period. Through this research, it aims to present nutritional assessment methods and practical guidelines for proper growth and development in young athletes and to facilitate their social implementation in educational and competitive settings.
Hirose Group This research aims to clarify the developmental processes of various children’s minds and bodies and to build practical methods to support this development. In particular, the research progresses with a focus on children with neurodevelopmental disorders and other diverse children, examining physical function, motor coordination, and interactions among children. Specifically, using various assessment methods developed so far, this group evaluates the physical functions and behavioral characteristics of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and builds exercise-based educational programs based on these evaluationresults, verifying their effects. Additionally, interactions among children in activity settings such as free play are quantitatively analyzed, with particular attention to Triads (connections among three children) to identify environments and activity structures that promote cooperative interaction. Through these studies, the group aims to present assessment methods and practical models to support the physical and mental development of diverse children and implement them socially in education, childcare, and therapeutic settings.
By comprehensively integrating the results of each group’s activities, the aim is to achieve the social implementation of both hardware and software that better supports the growth and development of contemporary Japanese children.
