A review of physical activity surveillance in Japanese adults over the last 50 years

Oral Presentation A3.2

Authors

  • Shiho Amagasa Tokyo Medical University; University of Tokyo
  • Masamitsu Kamada University of Tokyo
  • Motohiko Miyachi Waseda University
  • Shigeru Inoue Tokyo Medical University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.386

Keywords:

Epidemiology, National Database, Time-Series Survey, Long-Term Trend

Abstract

Background: Considering the uniqueness of Japan among the world in its long history of physical activity (PA) surveillance, including participation in sports since 1957 and objective measurement of step-determined PA using research-graded pedometers since 1989, it is important to understand how survey methods have changed over the years for data interpretation. Purpose: To review the methodology of national PA surveys. Methods: We reviewed the methodology (sampling, measurement, etc.) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Japan (NHNSJ) and Public Opinion Survey on Participating in Sports (POSPS) available in government websites and published documents. Results: We observed major changes in the survey methodology of the POSPS (e.g., redefinition of sports and change from visit surveys to internet surveys), but no major change in that of the NHNSJ. The NHNSJ, conducted every November using stratified random sampling, measures daily steps using pedometers (AS-200, Yamasa Co. Ltd., Japan) and exercise habit prevalence (defined as exercise of ≥30 minutes/day ≥2 days/week over a year) with face-to-face interviews. Since 1995, the mean age-adjusted steps decreased by approximately 700 steps/day, whereas exercise habit prevalence has remained constant in men and decreased in women. The response rate of these national surveys has declined since the conception of the surveys. Conclusions: The NHNSJ allows evaluation of long-term trends in population-level PA from different aspects, whereas the POSPS requires caution in data interpretation due to significant changes in survey methodology. Funding: The JSPS KAKENHI (Grant Number 19H03996).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Amagasa, S., Kamada, M., Miyachi, M., & Inoue, S. (2021). A review of physical activity surveillance in Japanese adults over the last 50 years: Oral Presentation A3.2. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.386