The aim of this book is to present current views about physical activity and the benefits of physical activity in preventing and ameliorating various health conditions that are of worldwide concern. This book was developed as a compilation of the accomplishments of the five-year Global COE (Center of Excellence) Sport Sciences for the Promotion of Active Life Program at the Faculty of Sport Sciences of Waseda University, Saitama, Japan. The first part establishes the research methodology and discusses the current status of physical activity. Topics covered include the prevalence of physical inactivity and highly sedentary behavior in different populations as well as strategies that can be adopted to promote physical activity. The second part focuses on the physiological effects of physical activity. Topics covered include physiological responses to exercise by the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, vascular functioning, postprandial blood glucose control, and inflammatory processes. The relationship between exercise and appetite is discussed, as is the influence of exercise on food intake and weight regulation. Additionally, the influence of exercise on protein regulation and posttranslational modifications is introduced. The final part discusses the role of physical activity in preventing lifestyle-related health issues and improving the quality of life, especially for the elderly. The contents should be of interest to anyone who is concerned with the human physiologic response to exercise and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, including sports and exercise science researchers as well as those involved with medicine, public health, physiology, nutrition, and elder care.

Contains up-to date content on broad areas of physical activity research Focuses on sedentary behavior research Provides both basic and applied perspectives on physical activity and promoting health

Autorentext
Editor-in-Chief:
Prof. Kazuyuki Kanosue, Ph.D.
Deputy Dean, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University

Inhalt
Preface.- Part I: Current Status of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Research.- Physical Activity Levels and Physical Activity Recommendations in Japan.- Population Strategy for Physical Activity Promotion in the Community.- Promotion of Strength Training.- Does Newspaper Coverage Promote Cancer Prevention?.- Health Impact of Light.- Evaluation of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior.- Sedentary Behaviour.- Prevalence, Trends, and Correlates of Sedentary Behavior.- Part II: Effects of Physical Activity, Exercise, and Fitness on the Human Organism.- Responses of the Autonomic Nervous and Endocrine Systems to Exercise.- Exercise Modes and Vascular Functions.- Exercise, Appetite Control, and Body Weight Regulation.- Exercise and Food Intake.- Role of Physical Exercise on Postprandial Blood Glucose Responses to Low-Carbohydrate/High-Fat Diet Intake.- Posttranslational Modification of Proteins.- Relationship of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Obesity Genes to Metabolic Syndrome inAdult Japanese Men.- Mechanisms Underlying the Suppression of Inflammatory Responses in Peritoneal Macrophages of Middle-aged Mice.- Effects of b2-Agonist Administration on Bacterial Phagocytosis by Splenic Macrophages in Mice.- Functional Roles of b2-Adrenergic Receptors in Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy and Atrophy.- Part III: Physical Activity, Exercise, Nutrition, Aging, and Health.- The Role of Exercise and Nutrition in Lifestyle-related Disease.- Vasopressin V1a receptor gene and voluntary exercise in humans and mice.- The Role of Physical Activity in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis.- Association Between Exercise and Diet on Maintaining Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women and Female Athletes.- Pain Management Among Elderly People with Knee Pain.- Effective Exercise Programs Among Frail Elderly People.- Rowing.- Influence of Aging on Postural Control in Terms of Sensory Movements.