Home Fitness Research Articles

日本人成人の身体活動に影響を及ぼす心理的，社会的，環境的要因の共分散構造分析

Background Psychological, social, and environmental factors are important determinants for physical activity promotion. There are numerous studies of the direct effects of these factors on physical activity. However, only a few studies have been examined the direct and mediated effects of these factors on physical activity.Purpose The purpose of the present study was to examine the direct and indirect influences of psychological, social, and environmental factors on physical activity among Japanese adults.Methods An internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to 2,000 Japanese adults aged 20-79 years. Seven sociodemographic attributes (e. g., gender, age, and marital status), self-efficacy, pros and cons, social support for exercise and environmental variables (home fitness equipment, access to facilities, neighborhood safety, aesthetics, seeing others exercising) were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. The physical activity was estimated from the Japanese version of the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling by gender.Results The respondents' mean (SD) age was 43.6(13.0). Environmental factors had indirect effects on physical activity through self-efficacy, social support and pros and cons. On both gender, the strongest indirect effects was the path of environmental factors on physical activity through pros to self-efficacy. The total effects of environmental factors on physical activity were 0.06 of males and 0.04 of females.Conclusion The results indicate that environmental factors had indirect effects on physical activity through psychological and social factors among Japanese adults. These results could contribute to the development of physical activity promotion strategies in Japan.

An approach to define formal requirements into product development according to Gestalt principles

The definition of form requirements has a close relation with customer psychological behavior with respect to what image is associated with the product. The present work investigates on the subject of form requirements definition of new products. The purpose of this study is to determine a preliminary model that can be used to help define form requirements based on the principles from the Gestalt school. This association is not addressed by any design methodology - the main reason for realizing this study. The model was tested in preliminary applications with several types of products from the home fitness market.

Environmental, psychological, and social influences on physical activity among Japanese adults: structural equation modeling analysis

BackgroundAn understanding of the contributing factors to be considered when examining how individuals engage in physical activity is important for promoting population-based physical activity. The environment influences long-term effects on population-based health behaviors. Personal variables, such as self-efficacy and social support, can act as mediators of the predictive relationship between the environment and physical activity. The present study examines the direct and indirect effects of environmental, psychological, and social factors on walking, moderate-intensity activity excluding walking, and vigorous-intensity activity among Japanese adults.MethodsThe participants included 1,928 Japanese adults aged 20-79 years. Seven sociodemographic attributes (e.g., gender, age, education level, employment status), psychological variables (self-efficacy, pros, and cons), social variables (social support), environmental variables (home fitness equipment, access to facilities, neighborhood safety, aesthetic sensibilities, and frequency of observing others exercising), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were assessed via an Internet-based survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted to determine associations between environmental, psychological, and social factors with physical activity.ResultsEnvironmental factors could be seen to have indirect effects on physical activity through their influence on psychological and social variables such as self-efficacy, pros and cons, and social support. The strongest indirect effects could be observed by examining the consequences of environmental factors on physical activity through cons to self-efficacy. The total effects of environmental factors on physical activity were 0.02 on walking, 0.02 on moderate-intensity activity excluding walking, and 0.05 on vigorous-intensity activity.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that environmental factors had indirect effects on walking, moderate-intensity activity excluding walking and vigorous-intensity activity among Japanese adults, especially through the effects on these factors of self-efficacy, social support, and pros and cons. The findings of the present study imply that intervention strategies to promote more engagement in physical activity for population-based health promotion may be necessary.

Fitness, chance, and myths: an objective view on soccer results

We analyze the time series of soccer matches in a model-free way using data for the German soccer league (Bundesliga). We argue that the goal difference is a better measure for the overall fitness of a team than the number of points. It is shown that the time evolution of the table during a season can be interpreted as a random walk with an underlying constant drift. Variations of the overall fitness mainly occur during the summer break but not during a season. The fitness correlation shows a long-time decay on the scale of a quarter century. Some typical soccer myths are analyzed in detail. It is shown that losing but no winning streaks exist. For this analysis ideas from multidimensional NMR experiments have been borrowed. Furthermore, beyond the general home advantage there is no statistically relevant indication of a team-specific home fitness. Based on these insights a framework for a statistical characterization of the results of a soccer league is introduced and some general consequences for the prediction of soccer results are formulated.

Psychological, social, and environmental factors to meeting physical activity recommendations among Japanese adults

BackgroundAlthough the benefits of the recommended level of physical activity on reducing chronic diseases are well-established, most of the Japanese population is not sufficiently active. Thus, examining correlates is an important prerequisite for designing relevant polices and effective programs. The present study investigated psychological, social, and environmental factors associated with meeting physical activity recommendations among Japanese adults.MethodsData were analyzed for 1,932 men and women (43.6 ± 13.0 years), who responded to an Internet-based cross-sectional survey. Self-reported measure of physical activity, psychological (self-efficacy, pros, and cons), social (social support, health professional advice), environmental (home fitness equipment, access to facilities, neighborhood safety, enjoyable scenery, frequently observing others exercising, residential area), and demographic (gender, age, marital status, educational level, household income level, employment status) variables were obtained. Based on the current national guidelines for exercise in Japan (23 METs·hour per week), respondents were divided into two categories–recommended and not recommended (insufficient and inactive)–according to their estimated weekly physical activity level. An adjusted logistic regression model was utilized.ResultsWhen adjusting for all other variables, self-efficacy (men: OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.55–2.94, women: OR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.82–4.08) and possessing home fitness equipment (men: OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.14–2.10, women: OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.01–1.99) for both genders, social support (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.06–1.97) for men, and enjoyable scenery (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.09–2.36) for women were positively associated with attaining the recommended level of physical activity. In women, cons (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.33–0.67) and living in rural areas (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.25–0.97) were negatively associated with meeting the physical activity recommendations.ConclusionIn the psychological, social, and environmental domains, significant correlates of attaining the recommended level of physical activity were observed. Men and women had different patterns of psychological, social, and environmental correlates. These findings suggest that an intervention design that accounts for those correlates may more effectively promote physical activity among Japanese adults.

Women: segmenting the home fitness equipment market

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to question whether increased interest in exercise has truly generated a market for home fitness equipment in which women are a viable consumer segment. It is guided by two objectives: to what extent are female consumers a viable target market segment for home fitness equipment; and to what extent do women believe/disbelieve the advertising claims that are made about such products.Design/methodology/approachData collection included in‐depth interviews with salespeople at two retail sporting goods establishments. Following questionnaire development, 400 self‐administered surveys were distributed to women, only, at various locations including malls and standalone locations such as coffee shops. Respondents were qualified with a question about frequency of exercise.FindingsResults identify that women are a viable market. Cross tabulations and chi square significance note the associations between respondents' age, occupation, nationality and religion and the various equipment purchased including treadmills, workout equipment, stationary cycles and abdominal machines. Belief in advertising claims was higher for cardio equipment and least for abdominal machines. Post purchase satisfaction was greater for products that favoured noticeable physical changes and by businesswomen who arguably, may be more discerning shoppers.Originality/valueUndertaking this research in a country known for its extensive expatriate population enabled an international cross‐sectional view of women's consumer behavior using the various demographics information collected. Academically, it considers constraint theory while practically, it provides a gender specific profile for the home‐use sport and fitness equipment market. Limitations include the narrow scope of four demographic variables and four product groups.

Home treadmill friction injuries: a five-year review.

Treadmills are popular home fitness machines in American homes. Young children are at risk for friction injuries if they contact moving treadmills. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of treatment of treadmill friction injuries in children. A review of 1,211 pediatric patients younger than 6 years treated at the Intermountain Burn Center between July 1997 and June 2002 was conducted. Forty-eight of these cases (4%) were treadmill friction injuries. The mean TBSA of these burns was 0.5%. The volar surface of the hand was the most common site of injury. Twenty-two (46%) of the 48 identified patients had full-thickness injuries that were treated surgically. Medical costs associated with treadmill friction injuries averaged US 2,385 dollars. The number of treadmill friction accidents resulting in friction injuries to children less than 6 years of age deserves serious attention and increased public awareness.

Recovery after day surgery: a survey of anaesthetists regarding return of home fitness and street fitness

Anaesthetists from three hospitals were asked for their opinions on various aspects of day surgical care, particularly return to normal activities. There were marked differences in opinion, particularly with the role of the carer and the speed of return to the activities currently prohibited for 24 h. There was no consensus as to how often the patient should be checked upon by the carer. More than half of the anaesthetists chose to adhere to the current guidelines of avoiding driving for 24 h. Two-thirds of respondents were happy for their patients to return to work the day after surgery.

Home Fitness Programs in Preschoolers with Disabilities

Home Fitness Programs in Preschoolers with Disabilities

Current status of the step test in field evaluation of aerobic fitness: The Canadian home fitness test and its analogues

The development and current status of the Canadian Home Fitness Test and its analogues are briefly reviewed. Although originally designed to motivate subjects to greater physical activity, there have been persistent attempts to use the test for screening and exercise prescription. The prediction of maximal oxygen uptake obtained by the original test and its various modifications has much the same reliability and validity as other submaximal procedures for the estimation of peak aerobic power. Useful information can be derived regarding the fitness of large populations, but in the individual no more than a very crude categorization of fitness is possible.

A new approach to the interpretation of Canadian Home Fitness Test scores.

A modification of the Astrand (1960) nomogram procedure was applied to Canadian Home Fitness Test data obtained on 13,258 subjects, ages 15 to 69 years, during the 1981 Canada Fitness Survey. Norms were developed to allow an empirical five-level categorization of aerobic fitness, based on the attained rate of stepping and the recovery pulse count 5 to 15 s following exercise. Because of uncertainties regarding the net mechanical efficiency of stepping and the selective recruitment of fit older subjects, the apparent rate of aerobic fitness decrease with aging was no more than half of that seen in laboratory measurements, and the sex differential at any given age (about 25%) was larger than expected. The new approach thus does not claim a high level of accuracy for the predicted peak MET values. Nevertheless, it has an inherent advantage over the equation of Jetté et al. (1976) in that it takes more direct account of variations in pulse count when categorizing fitness. Moreover, there is no artificial ceiling that limits scores for very fit subjects. Tests are now needed to assess the accuracy of the proposed fitness categorizations relative to laboratory determinations of maximal oxygen intake.

The Canadian Home Fitness Test

The Canadian Home Fitness Test

PAR-Q, Canadian Home Fitness Test and exercise screening alternatives.

Procedures for the preliminary screening of asymptomatic adults who wish to exercise are reviewed with particular reference to experience gained through the mass use of the physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) and the Canadian Home Fitness Test (CHFT). It is argued that both a brief submaximal exercise test and a subsequent moderate increase of habitual activity are extremely safe tactics to recommend to a symptom-free adult. There are some useful minor modifications which could be made to the PAR-Q instrument, but its sensitivity and specificity relative to such criteria as medical examination, hypertension, CHFT completion and exercise-induced ECG abnormalities compare favourably with alternative self-administered procedures. The basic difficulty of screening an asymptomatic population (highlighted by Bayes theorem) is the high percentage of false positive and false negative test results. One remedy would be to stratify the population in terms of known cardiac risk factors and to restrict detailed pre-exercise screening to the high risk segment of the population.

Terrestrial Rowing

The rowing machine is widely touted as the home fitness equipment that confers the most all-around benefits, but it has its drawbacks.

Tests of maximum oxygen intake. A critical review.

The determinants of endurance effort vary, depending upon the extent of the muscle mass that is activated. Large muscle work, such as treadmill running, is halted by impending circulatory failure; lack of venous return may compound the basic problem of an excessive cardiac work-load. If the task calls for use of a smaller muscle mass, there is ultimately difficulty in perfusing the active muscles, and glycolysis is halted by an accumulation of acid metabolites. Simple field tests of endurance, such as Cooper's 12-minute run and the Canadian Home Fitness Test, have some value in the rapid screening of large populations, but like other submaximal tests of human performance they lack the precision needed to advise the individual. The directly measured maximum oxygen intake (VO2 max) varies with the type of exercise. The highest values are obtained during uphill treadmill running, but well trained athletes often approach these values during performance of sport-specific tasks. Limitations of methodology and wide interindividual variations of constitutional potential limit the interpretation of maximum oxygen intake data in terms of personal fitness, exercise prescription and the monitoring of training responses. The main practical value of VO2 max measurement is in the functional assessment of patients with cardiorespiratory disease, since changes are then large relative to the precision of the test.

Reliability of a test of cardiovascular fitness.

The reliability of a simple, cheap and portable test for estimating cardio-respiratory fitness (the Canadian Home Fitness Test) was assessed by the test/retest method. Substantial intra-subject variation was demonstrated which was between 49% and 85% of the observed group variation. At the 95% confidence level, this intra-subject variation represented an error of between 19.2% and 25.9% on the key measurement (mean post-exercise heart rate) depending on the degree of work done. The probable reason for this poor repeatability was observer error and this is discussed. It is concluded that this test is not suitable for either clinical or population research and alternative methods, such as historical review of physical activity, may be more useful.

A longitudinal study of changes in aerobic fitness, body composition, and energy intake in primigravid patients

Sixteen primigravid patients were studied on four occasions (once in each trimester and again at 4 weeks' post partum) for predicted VO2 max (Canadian Home Fitness Test), body weight, and percentage of body fat (skin folds) and caloric intake (3 day food diary). The VO2 max declined significantly from first to second to third trimester and rose post partum to the second-trimester level. Energy intake was constant but body weight and fat rose progressively until after birth. When subjects were divided into “fit” (n = 8) and “unfit” (n = 8) groups, the fit group had significantly greater VO2 max, lower heart rate and diastolic pressure, and less body fat. These differences were not present at third trimester but were present again in the postpartum data. There were no differences in delivery or neonatal data.

The current status of the Canadian home fitness test.

The current status of the Canadian Home Fitness Test is reviewed. This simple procedure was originally conceived for the mass testing of fitness levels and for home use as a motivational tool in exercise programmes. The test is carried out on a double 8 inch step (such as a domestic staircase) at an age and sex-specific rhythm set by a long-playing record. Fitness is assessed from a combination of test-duration and the radial or carotid pulse count immediately following exercise. Use of the procedure by upwards of 500,000 Canadians is reviewed in relaltion to its safety, validity and practicality. To date, there have been no serious complications. In home use, there is inevitably limited precision, although with practice subjects can learn to count their pulse rate and step in time to the music; further, the test seems well received, achieving its prime objective of stimulating an interest in physical activity and endurance fitness. When the procedure is carried out by a paramedical worker, with e.c.g. recording of the exercise heart rate, it provides at least as good an estimate of maximum oxygen intake as other sub-maximal procedure; the main area of current controversy is interpretation of abnormal stress e.c.g. records, and it is suggested this problem could be resolved by the appropriate training and certification of interested family physicans and paramedical workers.