Research Theme
Advanced scientific research on physical activity and sedentary behavior that contributes to the healthy development of children and adolescents, the promotion of physical/mental health and physical fitness among young adults, and the extension of healthy life expectancy among the middle-aged and elderly (including patients).
Research Director
OKA, Koichiro
Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
Project Members
- HIGUCHI, Mitsuru
- MURAOKA, Isao
- SAKAMOTO, Shizuo
- ISHII, Kaori Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- MAEDA, Seiji Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- MIYACHI, Motohiko Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- MIYASHITA, Masashi Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- NISHIDA, Masaki Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- OKA, Koichiro Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- SAWADA, Susumu Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- TANISAWA, Kumpei Associate Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
- TORII, Suguru Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, School of Sport and Sciences
Research Keywords
Physical activity, sedentary behavior, exercise, sports, physical fitness, social participation, sleep, diet, academic performance, lifestyle-related diseases, frailty, healthcare management, mental health, well-being, health literacy
Research Summary
Physical inactivity and prolonged sitting are serious problems in Japan and many other countries. These issues affect multiple generations, from children, adolescents, young adults, middle-aged individuals, older adults and those with medical conditions.
In order to establish a robust foundation for accumulating cutting-edge research achievements aimed at finding solutions to these challenges, we will conduct advanced scientific research focusing on four key areas: (1) identifying the health impacts and determinants of physical inactivity and prolonged sitting, (2) elucidating the underlying mechanisms that link health issues to physical inactivity and prolonged sitting, (3) developing and implementing innovative tools to address physical inactivity and prolonged sitting, and (4) creating and disseminating effective programs and strategies to eliminate physical inactivity and prolonged sitting.
The Institute’s members specialize in a diverse range of fields, such as exercise and sports physiology, applied physiology, exercise and sports biochemistry, exercise metabolism, sports medicine, sports orthopedics, sports psychoneurology, sports epidemiology, public health, preventive medicine, sports genetics, health education, growth and development, health and behavioral sciences, and behavioral epidemiology, bringing together members leading advanced research in each field and promoting research through complementary integration according to each other’s research aspects.
Additionally, through collaboration and co-creation with leading domestic and international research institutes and companies, we aim to generate new knowledge and industries that can address the global social issue of physical inactivity and prolonged sitting and establish ourselves as a world-class research center for physical activity and sedentary behavior sciences. By effectively applying our research findings to policies, guidelines, and related industries, we seek to maximize the impact of our research on the public. This includes promoting the healthy development of children and adolescents, enhancing well-being and physical fitness among young adults, and extending healthy life expectancy for middle-aged and elderly individuals, including patients. These urgent issues are crucial to address in Japan’s aging society with a super low birthrate.
