Determinant of factors associated with water requirement measured using the doubly labelled water method among older Japanese adults.

OBJECTIVE: Water is an essential nutrient for all organisms and is important for maintaining life and health. We aimed to develop a biomarker-calibrated equation for predicting water turnover (WT) and pre-formed water (PW) using the doubly labelled water (DLW) method. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: General older population from the Kyoto-Kameoka Study, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: The 141 participants aged ≥ 65 years were divided into a model developing (n 71) and a validation cohort group (n 70) using a random number generation. WT and PW was measured using the DLW method in May-June of 2012. In developing the cohort, equations for predicting WT and PW were developed by multivariate stepwise regression using all data from the questionnaires in the Kyoto-Kameoka study (including factors such as dietary intake and personal characteristics). WT and PW measured using the DLW method were compared with the estimates from the regression equations developed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and correlation analysis in validation cohort. RESULTS: The median WT and PW for 141 participants were 2·81 and 2·28 l/d, respectively. In the multivariate model, WT (R2 = 0·652) and PW (R2 = 0·623) were moderately predicted using variables, such as height, weight and fluid intake from beverages based on questionnaire data. WT (r = 0·527) and PW (r = 0·477) predicted that using this model was positively correlated with the values measured by the DLW method. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed factors associated with water requirement and indicated a methodological approach of calibrating the self-reported dietary intake data using biomarkers of water consumption.

Relationship of dietary intake between children aged 12-59 months and their mothers in rural Kenya: a cross-sectional study in two seasons.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the quantitative association between the dietary intakes of children and their caregivers. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, a non-consecutive 2-day 24-h dietary recall was conducted in two seasons. Participants comprised 142 pairs of 12-59-month-old children and their female caregivers from rural areas of Kenya. Energy and micronutrient adequacy, food group intakes and food allocation were assessed. Differences and correlations between caregiver and child diets were examined, and multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the children's and caregivers' dietary intakes. RESULTS: The child's diet was significantly lower in energy and higher in micronutrient adequacy than was the caregiver's diet (p < 0.001). Specifically, the child's diet contained more fruits, dairy products, sugar and confectionaries per 4184 kj. Children were allocated relatively more dishes containing nutrient-rich foods than staple foods. The correlation coefficients between the dietary intake of caregivers and children were stronger among 24-59-month-old children. After controlling with covariates, caregiver energy intake was significantly associated with child energy intake (standardised beta [ß] = 0.512, p < 0.001), and caregiver micronutrient adequacy was associated with child micronutrient adequacy (ß = 0.679 and ß = 0.262 after energy adjustment, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The dietary intakes of caregivers and children were closely related. The children had a more nutrient-rich diet compared to that of their caregivers. Differences in food group intakes and food allocation may contribute to the higher nutrient adequacy of children. There is a need to improve the diet of caregivers, which would contribute to improving the diet of children.

Prediction of the Physical Activity Level of Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Adults with a Triaxial Accelerometer Containing a Classification Algorithm for Ambulatory and Non-Ambulatory Activities.

Accurate methods for the prediction of the total energy expenditure and physical activity level (PAL) in community-dwelling older adults have not been established. Therefore, we examined the validity of estimating the PAL using an activity monitor (Active style Pro HJA-350IT, [ASP]) and proposed correction formulae for such populations in Japan. Data for 69 Japanese community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 85 years were used. The total energy expenditure in free-living conditions was measured with the doubly labeled water method and the measured basal metabolic rate. The PAL was also estimated from metabolic equivalent (MET) values obtained with the activity monitor. Adjusted MET values were also calculated with the regression equation of Nagayoshi et al. (2019). The observed PAL was underestimated, but significantly correlated, with the PAL from the ASP. When adjusted using the Nagayoshi et al. regression equation, the PAL was overestimated. Therefore, we developed regression equations to estimate the actual PAL (Y) from the PAL obtained with the ASP for young adults (X) as follows: women: Y = 0.949 × X + 0.205, mean ± standard deviation of the prediction error = 0.00 ± 0.20; men: Y = 0.899 × X + 0.371, mean ± standard deviation of the prediction error = 0.00 ± 0.17.

Adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines and prevalence of poor oral health-related quality of life among older Japanese adults in the Kyoto-Kameoka study.

Although better diet quality is inversely related to the risk of geriatric disorders, the association of adherence to dietary guidelines with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is unclear. We aimed to investigate this association in older Japanese adults. This cross-sectional study included 7984 Japanese participants aged ≥ 65 years from the population-based Kyoto-Kameoka study. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated self-administered FFQ. The scores for adherence to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (range: 0 (worst) to 80 (best)) were calculated. These scores were stratified into quartiles (Qs). Poor OHRQoL was defined as a score ≤ 50 using a 12-item Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. The OR and 95 % CI were calculated using multivariable logistic regression and the spline model. Higher adherence score was associated with a lower prevalence of poor OHRQoL (Q1-Q4:36·0 %, 32·1 %, 27·9 % and 25·1 %, respectively). An inverse association was found between the score for adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines and the OR of poor OHRQoL among all the participants (Q1: reference; Q2: OR, 0·87 (95 % CI: 0·75, 1·00); Q3: OR, 0·77 (95 % CI: 0·66, 0·90); Q4: OR, 0·72 (95 % CI: 0·62, 0·85); Pfor trend < 0·001). These relationships were similar to the results in the spline model. Higher adherence to the food-based Japanese dietary guidelines is inversely associated with the prevalence of poor OHRQoL in older adults. Our results may provide useful insights to improve and maintain oral health.

Diet quality and physical or comprehensive frailty among older adults.

PURPOSE: While the association between diet quality and mortality has been previously demonstrated, the association between frailty and diet quality has not been evaluated well. This study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality and prevalence of both physical and comprehensive frailty, using two validated tools, in a community-based cohort of older adults. METHODS: We conducted cross-sectional analyses using baseline data of 7022 participants aged ≥ 65 years in the Kyoto-Kameoka study. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the adherence scores to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top using a validated questionnaire; the participants were stratified into quartile groups based on these scores. Physical and comprehensive frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype model-based Frailty Screening Index and the Kihon Checklist, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression and the restricted cubic spline model were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between adherence scores and frailty prevalence. RESULTS: Higher adherence scores signified a higher intake of vitamin C, vegetables, dairy products, and fruits. Physical and comprehensive frailty prevalence was 14.2 and 35.8%, respectively. In a multivariable adjusted model, compared with the bottom adherence score quartile, the top quartile was associated with lower ORs of physical (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.52-0.80) and comprehensive frailty (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.51-0.71). These relationships were similar to results in the spline model. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows an inverse dose-response relationship between diet quality and prevalence of both physical and comprehensive frailty in older adults.

Frequency of meals that includes staple, main and side dishes and nutrient intake: findings from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between nutrient intake and a straightforward Japanese nutritional goal of consuming a meal that includes staple, main and side dishes (SMS meal) more than twice a day. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional, observational study using the data from de-identified records of the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Dietary assessment was conducted using semi-weighed dietary records that were completed on one weekday. SETTING: A home-based setting in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: 30 269 subjects (male n 14 284; female n 15 985) aged ≥6 years (6-103 years, mean 50·4 (sd 22·3) years). RESULTS: As the frequency of SMS meals increased, we found a higher intake of most nutrients and each food group. Subjects who consumed SMS meals at least twice a day were more likely to meet the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for Japan compared with subjects who consumed an SMS meal once a day or less. However, the frequency of SMS meals did not necessarily ensure that DRI for Japan for saturated fatty acid, vitamin A, vitamin B1, calcium, iron and salt were met. CONCLUSIONS: Consuming SMS meals at least twice a day is a useful and straightforward nutrition goal to achieve adequate intake of some nutrients. However, it is necessary to provide the public with more information on foodstuff choice to ensure an adequate intake of all nutrients.

Doubly labelled water-calibration approach attenuates the underestimation of energy intake calculated from self-reported dietary assessment data in Japanese older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Self-reported energy intake (EI) estimation may incur systematic errors that could be attenuated through biomarker calibration. We aimed to confirm whether calibrated EI was comparable to total energy expenditure (TEE) measured using the doubly labelled water (DLW) technique. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: General older population from the Kyoto-Kameoka Study, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: This study included sub- and main cohorts of 72 and 8058 participants aged≥ 65 years, respectively. EI was evaluated using a validated FFQ, and calibrated EI was obtained using a previously developed equation based on the DLW method. TEE was considered representative of true EI and also measured using the DLW method. We used a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and correlation analysis to compare the uncalibrated and calibrated EI with TEE. RESULTS: In the sub-cohort, the median TEE, uncalibrated EI and calibrated EI were 8559 kJ, 7088 kJ and 9269 kJ, respectively. The uncalibrated EI was significantly lower than the TEE (median difference = -1847 kJ; interquartile range (IQR): -2785 to -1096), although the calibrated EI was not (median difference = 463 kJ; IQR: -330 to 1541). The uncalibrated (r = 0·275) and calibrated EI (r = 0·517) significantly correlated with TEE. The reproducibility was higher for calibrated EI (interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0·982) than for uncalibrated EI (ICC = 0·637). Similar findings were observed when stratifying the sample by sex. For medians, uncalibrated EI was lower (about 17 %) than calibrated EI in the main cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarker calibration may improve the accuracy of self-reported dietary intake estimation.

Diet quality of Japanese adults with respect to age, sex, and income level in the National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Although several studies in Western countries show that higher socioeconomic status is associated with higher diet quality, no study has observed this association in Japan. In the current study, we examined the association between diet quality and the combinations of age, sex, and household income, and also compared the dietary intake between diet quality levels according to household income. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan in 2014. PARTICIPANTS: 2785 men and 3215 women. RESULTS: Higher Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top scores (better diet quality) were observed in older women, especially those with higher household income, whereas lower scores were observed in younger men with lower household income. Those having low quality diet, especially in low income households, had higher odds of not meeting the recommended amounts of the Japanese dietary guidelines, than those having high quality diet. CONCLUSIONS: Diet quality in Japanese adults differed by age and sex as well as by household income level. A different approach to diet quality improvement is needed according to population characteristics including not only age and sex but also social economic status.

Validity of Combination Use of Activity Record and Accelerometry to Measure Free-Living Total Energy Expenditure in Female Endurance Runners.

Yoshida, A, Ishikawa-Takata, K, Tanaka, S, Suzuki, N, Nakae, S, Murata, H, Taguchi, M, and Higuchi, M. Validity of combination use of activity record and accelerometry to measure free-living total energy expenditure in female endurance runners. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2962-2970, 2019-Herein, we attempted to prove the validity of a new approach to assessing total energy expenditure (TEE) that combines activity recording and accelerometry in athletes. Eight female endurance runners participated in this study. We measured TEE over 8 days in the regular training season by using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. In the combined method, an activity record of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to estimate energy expenditure (EE) during the training period, whereas a triaxial accelerometer was used to evaluate EE during the nontraining time over the TEE measurement period using the DLW method. Training EE was calculated from the subjects' individual rating of perceived exertion-EE correlations provided by the exercise tolerance test. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry. There were no significant differences in TEE, activity-induced EE (AEE), or physical activity level (PAL; TEE/RMR) between the DLW method and the combined method (TEE, 3,032 ± 344 vs. 3,033 ± 495 kcal·d; AEE, 1,585 ± 303 vs. 1,586 ± 442 kcal·d; and PAL, 2.68 ± 0.37 vs. 2.68 ± 0.48, respectively). Significant positive correlations and no systematic errors were observed in AEE and PAL. Intraclass correlation coefficients were high (TEE, 0.785; AEE, 0.841; and PAL, 0.779, respectively). These findings suggest that the combined method has high validity against the DLW method. Thus, the combined method would be able to estimate free-living TEE in the regular training season for female endurance runners.

Simultaneous Validation of Seven Physical Activity Questionnaires Used in Japanese Cohorts for Estimating Energy Expenditure: A Doubly Labeled Water Study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity questionnaires (PAQs) used in large-scale Japanese cohorts have rarely been simultaneously validated against the gold standard doubly labeled water (DLW) method. This study examined the validity of seven PAQs used in Japan for estimating energy expenditure against the DLW method. METHODS: Twenty healthy Japanese adults (9 men; mean age, 32.4 [standard deviation {SD}, 9.4] years, mainly researchers and students) participated in this study. Fifteen-day daily total energy expenditure (TEE) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were measured using the DLW method and a metabolic chamber, respectively. Activity energy expenditure (AEE) was calculated as TEE - BMR - 0.1 × TEE. Seven PAQs were self-administered to estimate TEE and AEE. RESULTS: The mean measured values of TEE and AEE were 2,294 (SD, 318) kcal/day and 721 (SD, 161) kcal/day, respectively. All of the PAQs indicated moderate-to-strong correlations with the DLW method in TEE (rho = 0.57-0.84). Two PAQs (Japan Public Health Center Study [JPHC]-PAQ Short and JPHC-PAQ Long) showed significant equivalence in TEE and moderate intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). None of the PAQs showed significantly equivalent AEE estimates, with differences ranging from -547 to 77 kcal/day. Correlations and ICCs in AEE were mostly weak or fair (rho = 0.02-0.54, and ICC = 0.00-0.44). Only JPHC-PAQ Short provided significant and fair agreement with the DLW method. CONCLUSIONS: TEE estimated by the PAQs showed moderate or strong correlations with the results of DLW. Two PAQs showed equivalent TEE and moderate agreement. None of the PAQs showed equivalent AEE estimation to the gold standard, with weak-to-fair correlations and agreements. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.

Accuracy of Estimating Step Counts and Intensity Using Accelerometers in Older People With or Without Assistive Devices.

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of uni- and triaxial accelerometers in monitoring step counts and gait intensity in older people who did or did not use an assistive device. Forty-nine healthy and frail older adults wore uniaxial (Lifecorder, Suzuken Co. Ltd.) and triaxial accelerometers (Activity Monitor, Matsushita Electronic Works, Ltd., and Active Style Pro, Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.) during three trials at different gait speeds. All accelerometers gave relatively accurate step counts for healthy older participants compared with direct observation; however, the error was greater for frail older people with assistive devices. Gait intensity detection error was unaffected by gait speed. Among frail older people with assistive devices, the gait intensity error was smaller than for step count error. To accurately assess the steps walked or the gait intensity among frail older people using assistive devices, more study is needed on these groups of participants.

Relationships between social factors and physical activity among elderly survivors of the Great East Japan earthquake: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a health issue that often occurs after serious disaster. Social factors, which can be disrupted by disaster, are important determinants of physical activity levels in everyday living. This study was designed to confirm the association between social factors and physical activity among elderly survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake. METHODS: From September 2011 to February 2012, 4316 males and females aged 65 or older participated in a health survey of Great East Japan Earthquake survivors. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed with the dichotomous dependent variable of physical activity (high versus low) and working status, social network, and place of residence (one's own home versus elsewhere) as independent variables. RESULTS: Participants who had been displaced from their homes were more likely to have low physical activity (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] for men: 1.37, 1.12 to 1.68; for women: 1.30, 1.09 to 1.55). Non-working status was significantly associated with low physical activity (men: 2.03, 1.65 to 2.49; women: 1.94, 1.60 to 2.34). Detriments to the social network were significantly associated with low physical activity (men: 1.71, 1.41 to 2.08; women: 1.79, 1.51 to 2.13). CONCLUSION: Place of residence and social factors were associated with physical activity levels in elderly survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The findings suggest a need for improvement of social factors to encourage increases in physical activity for elderly persons after disaster.

The relationship of body composition to daily physical activity in free-living Japanese adult men.

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether a previously reported apparent negative relationship between fat mass and daily physical activity in Japanese adult women would also be observed in Japanese adult men. The subjects were grouped into quartiles of BMI and body fat percentage (%BF). The number of steps walked each day and the duration of light- to vigorous-intensity physical activity were assessed by an accelerometer over the same period of time as for the doubly labelled water experiment. The results showed that BMI negatively correlated with the number of steps and time spent in moderate-intensity physical activity, whereas %BF showed a negative relationship with physical activity-related energy expenditure (PAEE)/body weight (BW) and physical activity level. The analysis of data using %BF quartiles revealed that PAEE/BW decreased from the second quartile in which the BMI was < 25 kg/m2. These observations are similar to those reported in our previous study in Japanese adult women. These cross-sectional studies cannot prove causality, and that obesity causes physical inactivity may be the case. However, the results of the present study provide information regarding which physical activity variables should be used in longitudinal studies.

The longitudinal change in physical activity among Great East Japan Earthquake victims living in temporary housing.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the longitudinal changes in the physical activity of the Great East Japan Earthquake victims living in temporary housing. METHODS: Thirty-nine residents (10 men and 29 women) living in temporary housing in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, participated in a health survey in 2012. Among these residents, 31 who also participated in a health survey in 2011 were included in a longitudinal study of physical activity. The physical activity for two weeks after the health survey was measured using a tri-accelerometer. RESULTS: During the one-year period from 2011 to 2012, the median daily step counts changed from 4,959 (interquartile range: 2,910-6,029) steps/day to 4,618 (interquartile range: 3,007-7,123) steps/day. The step counts increased for 18 people (56%). The amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity changed from 13.3 (interquartile range: 7.7-22.4) METs h/week to 16.1 (interquartile range: 6.3-25.2) METs h/week. An increase in daily step counts occurred for 14 out of 21 subjects who were <65 years old (67%) and only 3 out of 10 subjects who were ≥65 years old (30%). CONCLUSION: It was suggested that physical activity levels increased because the interquartile range of step counts moved in the direction of an increase and the median amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity increased. However, increasing support for physical activity in the future is required because the physical activity levels of the Great East Japan Earthquake victims who were living in temporary housing were still low compared to the national and regional averages.

Are higher protein intake and distribution of protein intake related to higher appendicular muscle mass among an older Japanese population?: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2017.

AIM: Protein intake is an important component in retaining muscle mass, especially among older people. This study examined the relationship between total protein intake and/or the distribution of protein intake in each meal and appendicular muscle mass, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) in Japan. METHODS: Data from the NHNS were re-analyzed in this study. We used data from a one-day dietary record, physical examination, and lifestyle questionnaire completed by 1766 participants aged over 60 years. Appendicular muscle mass was assessed by multiple-frequency bioimpedance measurement. Leucine intake was calculated by the weighted average amino acid content from all 98 food subcategories used in the NHNS, based on amino acid composition data in the 2020 Standard Tables of Food Composition. RESULTS: Participants with higher protein intake showed significantly higher appendicular muscle mass. This relationship was independent of physical activity, including steps taken per day, exercise habit, and physical labor. Frequent intake of ≥0.4 g protein/kg/meal was not related to appendicular muscle mass. The combination of higher total protein intake and higher physical activity seemed to have the largest association with appendicular muscle mass. CONCLUSIONS: Higher protein intake may be related to higher appendicular muscle mass, independent of higher physical activity, among older Japanese people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 634-640.

Analysis of the Association between Protein Intake and Disability-Adjusted Life Year Rates for Alzheimer's Disease in Japanese Aged over 60.

With advancements in medical technology, the structure of disease is shifting from acute illnesses to chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Consequently, there is an escalating need for evaluations that discourse on the potential effects on healthy life years, as well as disease onset. We aimed to evaluate the associations with AD disability-adjusted life year (AD-DALY) rates and protein intake by sex and age group. For the analysis, we used representative values for males and females in their 60s and aged over 70, extracted from the public dataset of the Global Burden of Disease Study and the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, covering the years 1990 to 2019. In order to evaluate the association between AD-DALY rates and protein intake, we analyzed correlations and stratified multiple regression models. Additionally, we simulated alterations in AD-DALY rates associated with changes in protein intake by utilizing stratified multiple regression models. AD-DALY rates and protein intake indicated significant negative correlations across all sex and age groups. In stratified multiple regression models, significant associations were found between higher protein intake and lower AD-DALY rates in females. In the simulation, when protein intake was increased to 1.5 g/kg/day, AD-DALY rates decreased by 5-9 percent compared with 2019. However, the association between intake of animal and plant protein and AD-DALY rates were found to vary based on sex and age group. The present study suggests the possibility to improve AD-DALY rates by increasing population average protein intake levels in a recommended range.

An academic cooperation between the Japan Sports Nutrition Association (JSNA) and the Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition (KSEN).

PURPOSE: The Japan Sports Nutrition Association (JSNA) is an academic society that aims to contribute to people's health and the development of sports in Japan. METHODS: After numerous communication and academic events, the JSNA and the Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition (KSEN) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2018. RESULTS: Based on the MoU, the JSNA and KSEN organized academic exchange events until the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions and lockdowns. CONCLUSION: After four years of the pandemic and the downgrading of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection risk, it is hoped that academic exchanges between the societies will resume gradually and enhance members' recognition of the cooperation between the JSNA and KSEN for active collaborations in the future.

Objective Assessment of Physical Activity at Home Using a Novel Floor-Vibration Monitoring System: Validation and Comparison With Wearable Activity Trackers and Indirect Calorimetry Measurements.

BACKGROUND: The self-monitoring of physical activity is an effective strategy for promoting active lifestyles. However, accurately assessing physical activity remains challenging in certain situations. This study evaluates a novel floor-vibration monitoring system to quantify housework-related physical activity. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the validity of step-count and physical behavior intensity predictions of a novel floor-vibration monitoring system in comparison with the actual number of steps and indirect calorimetry measurements. The accuracy of the predictions is also compared with that of research-grade devices (ActiGraph GT9X). METHODS: The Ocha-House, located in Tokyo, serves as an independent experimental facility equipped with high-sensitivity accelerometers installed on the floor to monitor vibrations. Dedicated data processing software was developed to analyze floor-vibration signals and calculate 3 quantitative indices: floor-vibration quantity, step count, and moving distance. In total, 10 participants performed 4 different housework-related activities, wearing ActiGraph GT9X monitors on both the waist and wrist for 6 minutes each. Concurrently, floor-vibration data were collected, and the energy expenditure was measured using the Douglas bag method to determine the actual intensity of activities. RESULTS: Significant correlations (P<.001) were found between the quantity of floor vibrations, the estimated step count, the estimated moving distance, and the actual activity intensities. The step-count parameter extracted from the floor-vibration signal emerged as the most robust predictor (r2=0.82; P<.001). Multiple regression models incorporating several floor-vibration-extracted parameters showed a strong association with actual activity intensities (r2=0.88; P<.001). Both the step-count and intensity predictions made by the floor-vibration monitoring system exhibited greater accuracy than those of the ActiGraph monitor. CONCLUSIONS: Floor-vibration monitoring systems seem able to produce valid quantitative assessments of physical activity for selected housework-related activities. In the future, connected smart home systems that integrate this type of technology could be used to perform continuous and accurate evaluations of physical behaviors throughout the day.

Effects of energy loads on energy and nutrient absorption rates and gut microbiome in humans: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effects of different energy loads on the gut microbiota composition and the rates of energy and nutrient excretion via feces and urine. METHODS: A randomized crossover dietary intervention study was conducted with three dietary conditions: overfeeding (OF), control (CON), and underfeeding (UF). Ten healthy men were subjected to each condition for 8 days (4 days and 3 nights in nonlaboratory and laboratory settings each). The effects of dietary conditions on energy excretion rates via feces and urine were assessed using a bomb calorimeter. RESULTS: Short-term energy loads dynamically altered the gut microbiota at the α-diversity (Shannon index), phylum, and genus levels (p < 0.05). Energy excretion rates via urine and urine plus feces decreased under OF more than under CON (urine -0.7%; p < 0.001, urine plus feces -1.9%; p = 0.049) and UF (urine -1.0%; p < 0.001, urine plus feces -2.1%; p = 0.031). However, energy excretion rates via feces did not differ between conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Although short-term overfeeding dynamically altered the gut microbiota composition, the energy excretion rate via feces was unaffected. Energy excretion rates via urine and urine plus feces were lower under OF than under CON and UF conditions.

Comparison of physical activity energy expenditure in Japanese adolescents assessed by EW4800P triaxial accelerometry and the doubly labelled water method.

The present study compared the accuracy of triaxial accelerometry and the doubly labelled water (DLW) method for measuring physical activity (PA) in Japanese adolescents. A total of sixty adolescents aged 12-15 years were analysed. The total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured over 7 d by the DLW method and with an EW4800P triaxial accelerometer (Panasonic Corporation). The measured (RMR)(m) and predicted RMR (RMR(p)) were 5·7 (SD 0·9) and 6·0 (SD 1·0) MJ/d, respectively. TEE measured by the DLW method and accelerometry using RMR(m) or RMR(p) were 11·0 (SD 2·6), 10·3 (SD 1·9), and 10·7 (SD 2·1) MJ/d, respectively. The PA levels (PAL) measured by the DLW method using RMR(m) or RMR(p) were 1·97 (SD 0·31) and 1·94 (SD 0·31) in subjects who exercised, and 1·85 (SD 0·27) and 1·74 (SD 0·29) in subjects who did not exercise. The percentage of body fat correlated significantly with the percentage difference between RMR(m) v. RMR(p), TEE, PA energy expenditure (PAEE) and PAL using RMR(p), and PAL using RMR(m) assessed by the DLW method and accelerometry. The present data showed that while accelerometry estimated TEE accurately, it did not provide the precise measurement of PAEE and PAL. The error in accelerometry was attributed to the prediction error of RMR and assessment in exercise.