Factors affecting autonomic nerve activity and taste sensitivity in relation to stress state or dietary habits among college students.

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25350140
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Eating habits
• Research Institution: Kyorin University
• Principal Investigator: KARITA KANAE 杏林大学, 医学部, 教授 (40224711)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): INOUE Satoshi 帝京科学大学, 総合教育センター, 准教授 (40434766)
• Research Collaborator: KOKAZE Akatuski 昭和大学, 医学部, 教授
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 自律神経機能 / 味覚機能 / 身体重心動揺 / 身体活動量 / 食生活習慣 / 不安状態 / ストレス状態

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examined the heart rate variability, postural balance and taste sensitivity in college students to investigate those interrelations and factors inducing subclinical malfunction of autonomic nerve activity. In addition, dietary intakes, lifestyle habit and physical activity were evaluated together with stress, mood and anxiety states in each subject.
The findings suggested that hypofunction of equilibrium or gustation is associated with the parameters of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nerve activity; furthermore, the taste sensitivity has relation to nutrient intake such as zinc and individual physical activity. For the younger generation, the assessment of autonomic nerve function and sensory function may contribute to improve eating and lifestyle habits through becoming conscious of actual stress condition or mental and physical disorder.

Free Research Field

公衆衛生学・健康科学