ABSTRACT
Objectives: Increasing activity levels in older people is important for maintaining quality of life and ameliorating the risks of morbidity related to falls, depression, and dementia. This study aimed to clarify the seasonal variation effects on total energy expenditure, number of steps, time spent in low- and moderate- or high-intensity physical activities, and daily activities performed.Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 22 community-dwelling older individuals (3 men, 19 women; mean age, 75.1 ± 7.3 years) living in three districts of Gero, Gifu, who participated in the Gero Salon Project hosted by the Social Welfare Councils. Evaluations were conducted in each season from September 2016 to August 2017. We used a uniaxial accelerometer, the Lifecorder device, which measures physical activity, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to evaluate activities of daily living. Data were analyzed using the multiple comparisons (Bonferroni correction) method.Results: Total energy expenditure and time spent in moderate- or high-intensity activities did not show seasonal variations. However, the lowest number of steps was taken during the winter, and the number of steps increased significantly from winter to spring. The time spent in low-intensity physical activities was significantly longer in the spring and summer than in the winter. There was no significant seasonal difference in total Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score, leisure activities, domestic activities, or work-related activities. However, there was a significant difference between the summer and winter scores in “outdoor gardening,” with the lowest score observed during the winter.Conclusions: With climate changes in the winter months, “outdoor gardening” becomes difficult, thus decreasing the number of steps taken. Therefore, it is necessary to identify other ways for older people to maintain physical activity during the winter season.
ABSTRACT
<b>Objective: We conducted a survey on the anti-doping consultation data among domestic athletes, including the number of monthly consultations, the fields targeted for consultation, and proportion (%) of consultations for medications that should be avoided or prohibited, in order to address relevant issues.<br><b>Methods: Data collected from the domestic athletes' anti-doping consultations with the pharmaceutical consultation committee of the Shiga Pharmaceutical Association in 2012 were analyzed.<br><b>Results: Most consultations occurred in March. Most (80%) of the consultations conducted within a year were sought by teams from schools, clubs, and competition associations, whereas 16% were sought by individual athletes. The remaining 4% were sought by medical institutions. The percentage of consulted ethical medications was unexpectedly high at 69%, while that of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs was 26% and that of "others," which comprised dietary and health supplements, was 5%. Among the medications consulted for, 25% were classified as "should avoid" and "prohibited" because of violations of the anti-doping code. Among the ingredients of the substances consulted for, most (75%) were classified as "others," followed by OTC drugs (38%) and ethical medicines (15%).<br><b>Conclusions: As the training environment greatly differs between domestic and international athletes, so should be the anti-doping activities. Thus, anti-doping activities suitable for domestic athletic meets should be promoted.