{"id":37050,"date":"2016-01-29T17:22:50","date_gmt":"2016-01-29T08:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/?p=37050"},"modified":"2016-03-18T12:00:08","modified_gmt":"2016-03-18T03:00:08","slug":"waseda-frontline-research-vol-7-part-4-can-science-win-medals-using-science-at-the-2020-tokyo-olympics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/news\/37050","title":{"rendered":"Waseda Frontline Research Vol. 7, Part 4 – Can science win medals? Using science at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exercise physiology and biomechanics researcher
\nP<\/b>rofessor Yasuo Kawakami,\u00a0<\/b>Faculty of Sport Sciences<\/b><\/h3>\n

Creating a healthy society with biomechanics research<\/b><\/b><\/h2>\n

\"1\u5dee\u3057\u66ff\u3048\"<\/p>\n

Learning about the mechanisms of physical exercise may help not only top athletes but also average people live more fulfilling lives. In the final part of this volume, we discuss the social influence and potential of Professor Yasuo Kawakami\u2019s biomechanics research as he attempts to accomplish his goal of winning medals with science.<\/p>\n

Using \u201cshaki-shaki exercise\u201d to change society by asking \u201cwhy?\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n

The most important question to me as a researcher is \u201cwhy?\u201d Even when faced with a physiological or mechanical issue that we cannot solve immediately, the ability to ask \u201cwhy?\u201d helps us see the light.<\/p>\n

Take \u201cshaki-shaki exercise<\/a>\u201d for example, something \u00a0we developed in my lab for the elderly to improve muscle power in their legs, increase overall flexibility, and improve balance. We developed the system using our accumulated scientific knowledge. As part of the Healthy City Declaration in 2011, \u201cshaki-shaki exercise\u201d is offered as an alternative to radio gymnastic exercises for the middle-aged and elderly in Nishi-Tokyo city, which has a population of around 200 thousand people. It was introduced alongside the catch phrase \u201cGet healthy with a smile.\u201d We are now working on a version for children that will allow people of all ages to get \u201chealthy with a smile.\u201d<\/p>\n

We started developing this exercise system by asking, \u201cWhy does muscle strength deteriorate so quickly in the elderly?\u201d To find out which muscles deteriorate in strength the most, we took various measurements and conducted research. We found that the femur area, or the thigh area, loses the most strength. Next, we investigated why the femur area in particular loses strength. We discovered that people rarely use the femur area for significant activity in everyday life. \u00a0Based on this finding, we developed an optimum training method for getting the femur area into shape.<\/p>\n

We can secure the range of motion for specified areas in order to prevent muscle deterioration in the elderly. Using this program, we can preserve and improve the balance required to prevent falls. \u201cHow\u201d will reveal itself once we understand \u201cwhy.\u201d<\/p>\n

I am currently subhead of Nishi-Tokyo City\u2019s Health Support Party. In Nishi-Tokyo City, slogans such as “Know your own health” and “Enjoy life with exercise and sports” emphasize the importance of leading healthy lifestyles so that citizens can embrace a lifetime of healthy living. I believe we can work towards the development of healthy local governments by analyzing the results of \u201cshaki-shaki\u201d exercise to determine to what extent it helps reduces medical costs.<\/p>\n

I am conducting joint research with Professor Shigenobu Shibata, who teaches in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience at Waseda University’s School of Advanced Science and Engineering, along with Professor Mitsuru Higuchi and others from Waseda University’s Faculty of Sport Sciences. Our research focuses on the “development of next-generation food and exercise recipes that take into consideration the best time for nutrition and exercise for the elderly.\u201d This is an initiative project, and part of the Cabinet Office’s “Strategic Innovation Creation Program (SIP)<\/a>.”<\/p>\n

Our research project investigates the workings of the human body clock based on DNA testing. Through our research, we hope to contribute to human health by determining the ideal time for nutrition and exercise for various individuals. Eventually, we plan to have sports clubs and other organizations throughout Japan utilize and distribute these exercise plans and food recipes. We hope a wide range of people from average families to hospital patients and those in elderly care facilities throughout the community will utilize our proposals and help extend the \u201chealthy life expectance\u201d of the Japanese people.<\/p>\n

Improving your research with inspiration found in scientific exchange<\/b><\/h3>\n

To become successful, I believe researchers need to ask \u201cwhy\u201d at all times<\/p>\n

The human body is still full of mysteries, and at times our research resembles a jigsaw puzzle. We fit pieces together one by one, but we still cannot see the whole picture. Even if we think we see it, we often realize we made a mistake somewhere along the way. In spite of that, we continue to plug away at fitting pieces together, one at a time, while imagining what the whole picture looks like. This is the essence of a true researcher. A researcher often patiently deals with a great deal of small, seemingly menial tasks. I suppose researchers find great enjoyment in these tasks as they constantly asking \u201cwhy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"2\u5dee\u3057\u66ff\u3048\"

Professor Kawakami standing in front of research equipment at his lab in Tokorozawa Campus<\/p><\/div>\n

Working from that perspective, I find that Waseda University offers an environment that makes it easy to cross over into different fields of research. This has allowed me to find new things to enjoy. I have been carrying out joint research with a robot researcher to develop a running robot. By utilizing the running data I have compiled from people, I make suggestions on how to get the robot running like a human, and the robot researcher can actually develop a robot based on that. Through this collaboration, we can observe the robot to find a way to make humans run faster.<\/p>\n

As part of the 2014 Top Global University Project<\/a>\u00a0(Type A (SGU)), Waseda University has experienced a significant increase in international exchange. In March of this year, I invited a joint researcher from South Korea. I also went to the University of Calgary and Ottawa University in Canada to explore partnerships. Each time I meet with researchers from various places overseas, it is a testament to the high standards held by Waseda University for the field of Sports Sciences. We are currently considering establishing a research network with Australia.<\/p>\n

I believe more Professors at the Faculty of Sport Sciences should be conducting classes in English, and that more emphasis be placed on overseas activities. However, if too much effort is put into overseas activities, we will lose sight of what we have going at home. It is important to build on my own place in this world. I think that by refining my research methods in biometrics, namely by studying physique and functionality in the human body, I can help strengthen collaboration with overseas researchers.<\/p>\n

I have been inspired by the ideas I exchange within the community and with researchers in various fields from Japan and abroad. I have received a spark of inspiration that motivates me to continue expanding the possibilities of my own research. I hope to continue making good use of my environment to accomplish this.<\/p>\n

Part 1<\/a>
\n<\/b>Part 2<\/a>
\n<\/b>Part 3<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Profile<\/h5>\n

\"\u30d7\u30ed\u30d5\u30a3\u30fc\u30eb\"<\/p>\n

Yasuo Kawakami graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree from the Faculty of Education\u2019s Division of Physical and Health Education (Physical Education Course) in 1988. In 1990, he acquired a Master’s Degree from the University of Tokyo\u2019s Graduate School of Education and withdrew from the doctoral program in 1991. In 1991, he worked as an assistant at the University of Tokyo\u2019s College of Arts and Sciences, in the Department of Health and Physical Education. In 1996, he worked as an assistant at the University of Tokyo\u2019s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in Multi-Disciplinary Sciences, and was promoted to assistant professor in 1999. In 2003, he became an assistant professor at Waseda University\u2019s School of Sport Sciences. He became a professor at Waseda University\u2019s Faculty of Sport Sciences in 2005.<\/p>\n

Accomplishments and research<\/b><\/h5>\n