Effect of birth weight and date of birth on childhood fitness level

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19625
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59030:Physical education, and physical and health education-related
• Research Institution: University of East Asia
• Principal Investigator: Yasukata Jun 東亜大学, 人間科学部, 准教授 (20759253)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 出生体重 / 生まれ月 / 運動習慣 / 体力

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In Japan, where low birth weight is increasing, it is important to investigate physical fitness levels and to accurately assess physical fitness in order to reduce aversion to exercise and to improve lifestyle-related diseases. The results suggest that birth weight may be a factor that influences the physique, physical fitness, and athletic ability of boys during childhood. In particular, muscle strength and running ability may still be affected in elementary school. No association was found for girls. The study on the factors that contribute to physical fitness showed that children who belonged to an athletic club or were physically active had a higher physical fitness level. In particular, the physical fitness of children who newly joined an athletic club was high, which may be related to their original interest in exercise.

Free Research Field

スポーツ科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

出生体重の研究は、ヨーロッパを中心とした海外の研究が多く、日本人において同様の結果が得られるのかどうか検討の余地がある。本研究では、男児において出生体重が児童期における体格と体力・運動能力に影響を及ぼす一要因である可能性が示唆された。現行の体力評価は生まれ月の影響も強く残っており、体力の評価方法について今後さらなる検証が必要である。