[Questionnaire survey of municipalities on policies to promote physical activity among residents: An examination by administrative sector and population size].

Objectives　National policies to promote physical activity and exercise have been formulated by several ministries and agencies in Japan. This study aimed to examine the formulation and implementation of such policies in municipalities by administrative sector and population size.Methods　After stratifying all municipalities in Japan at the population level, we randomly selected 272 municipalities.

[Treatment indications for sarcopenia: a systematic review of exercise intervention effect].

Objective: To evaluate exercise intervention efficacy for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in the elderly.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials in the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report (before 2007), Pubmed, the Cochrane database, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi (January 2006 to August 2009).

Data Extraction: Two authors independently extracted relevant data.

Effects of wind and rain on thermal responses of humans in a mildly cold environment.

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the effects of wind and rain on peripheral heat loss by non-exercising minimally clothed humans in a mildly cold environment. Seven healthy young male subjects wearing only shorts rested in a standing position for 20 min at an ambient temperature of 15 degrees C under three conditions: without exposure to wind or rain (CON), with exposure to wind (3 m/s) (WIND) and with exposure to wind (3 m/s) and rain (40 mm/h) (WIND + RAIN). Mean heat loss measured using a heat flux transducer was significantly greater in the subjects exposed to WIND + RAIN compared to those exposed to CON and WIND conditions (p < 0.

[Effectiveness of a community health service program using exercise intervention for elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knees: a randomized controlled trial].

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program conducted as part of community health services to improve pain and physical function in elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA). METHODS; The subjects were 88 (12 males aged 77.8 +/- 5.

[Efficacy of a community-based weight reduction program to improve exercise and diet behavior in overweight adults].

Objective: The study was a non-randomized, parallel-group comparison to evaluate the efficacy of a community-based weight reduction program with exercise and diet modification for overweight adults using existing community health services.

Methods: The study population consisted of 1,115 community-dwelling people who underwent annual health checkups in 2002 and were screened by exclusion criteria (age> 65, body mass index (BMI) < 24.2).

Impact of lifestyle intervention on physical activity and diet of Japanese workers.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Life Style Modification Program for Physical Activity and Diet (LiSM-PAN) in comparison to a conventional healthcare program.

Method: Subjects with risk factor(s) for chronic disease were allocated as a cluster to the LiSM group (n=92) or the Control group (n=85). The LiSM-PAN program consisted of counseling plus social and environment support, and the Control program consisted of written feedback for changing physical activity and dietary practice.

Effects of a 5-year exercise-centered health-promoting programme on mortality and ADL impairment in the elderly.

Objective: the effects of regular exercise over 5 years on mortality and ADL impairment were evaluated in elderly people.

Design: intervention study.

Setting: Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.

A 6-year cohort study on relationship between functional fitness and impairment of ADL in community-dwelling older persons.

We measured functional fitness in older subjects and performed a follow-up survey for 6 years to clarify whether the level of functional fitness at a given point contributes to prediction of the subsequent occurrence of impairment of functions necessary for independent living. The longitudinal data were obtained for 391 persons aged 60 years or over, who were independently living in the community. Four items of functional fitness, i.