Development of Boxing Glove Type Sensation Device for Exercise Induction and Continuation

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by a virus called RARS-CoV-2 spread worldwide. As the result, the number of people who are lack exercise has increased. In addition, there are few systems to evaluate exercise movements and facilitate physical exercise at home. In this study, we developed a boxing glove type sensation device an acceleration sensor was installed in a boxing glove to evaluate the power of a punch, and the device has the function of glitz to the punches by producing sound, vibration, and light according to the type and power of the punching motion. An evaluation experiment was conducted to confirm that this device could induce exercise and promote health by having fun. A comparison was made between a normal boxing glove and the boxing glove type sensation device. As the results, we could confirm that, the number of strong punches with high acceleration and the total number of punches increased in the sensation device. In addition, the heart rate after exercise increased significantly compared to before and after exercise. The results also showed an increase in mood elevation and positive emotions. © 2022 IEEE.

Social Detachment Influenced Muscle Mass and Strength during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Women.

Social detachment due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a decline in physical activity, leading to sarcopenia and frailty in older adults. This study aimed to compare muscle mass, strength, and function values in older women before and after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-May 2020). Furthermore, changes in muscle measures across women who experienced different levels of impact on their social participation due to the COVID-19 pandemic were examined. Muscle mass (total, trunk, and appendicular muscle), grip strength, oral motor skills, social interactions (social network and participation), and social support were assessed in 46 Japanese community-dwelling older women (mean, 77.5 y; range 66-93 y) before and after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trunk muscle mass significantly decreased after the first wave of the pandemic. When comparing changed values between the enhanced/maintained and reduced group during the pandemic, significant group difference was observed in trunk muscular mass, grip strength, and oral motor skills. Intriguingly, those who enhanced social participation had a positive change of grip strength values, showing that social participation might influence muscle function during the COVID-19 pandemic.