Yudai Yano

Development of a Field Test for Evaluating Aerobic Fitness

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility and utility of a standardised and externally paced field test (15-m Incremental Shuttle Walk and Run Test [15 mISWRT]) to assess aerobic fitness in middle-aged adults. 14 middle-aged participants performed the 15-m ISWRT 3 times within one week (Test 1, Test 2, Test 3). Reproducibility of the 15-m ISWRT was tested by comparing 15-m ISWRT performance (distance completed), HRmax, and VO 2max for each test. The utility of the 15-m ISWRT for evaluating VO 2max over a wide range in middle-aged adults was tested by comparing the range of VO 2max obtained from the portable expired gas analyzer with the VO 2max reference values and ranges for health promotion published by Japans Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. A multiple comparison of distance completed in the 15-m ISWRT Test 1, Test 2, and Test 3 found no significant difference between Test 2 and Test 3. The ICC was 0.99 for Test 2 vs. Test 3. VO 2max measured from the 15-m ISWRT in Test 3 had a minimum value of 22.8 ml/kg/min and a maximum value of 38.7 ml/kg/min. In conclusion, the 15-m ISWRT is reliable and useful for evaluating VO 2max in middle-aged adults.

Factors associated with the annual change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second of officially acknowledged victims of pollution-related illness in improved environments: a longitudinal study

[Purpose] We examined factors affecting annual change in pulmonary function in residents previously exposed to air pollution in an area where pollution has been reduced and a long time period has elapsed. [Subjects and Methods] Data of 730 officially acknowledged victims of pollution-related illness from an annual survey during 2000 to 2009 were analyzed. The primary outcome was forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), along with factors such as age, body composition, smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, and classification of medical management (an index of the need for treatment). Multiple regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the annual change in FEV1. [Results] Three significant factors were identified: smoking habit, classification of medical management, and gender. Smoking habits and classification of medical management had stronger effects on the annual change in FEV1 than gender. [Conclusion] With an improved environment, continuation of smoking accelerates the decline in FEV1.

Tobacco use among designated air pollution victims and its association with lung function and respiratory symptoms: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Objectives We sought to elucidate the long-term association of tobacco use and respiratory health in designated pollution victims with and without obstructive pulmonary defects. Design A retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting The register of pollution victims in Kurashiki, Japan. Participants 730 individuals over 65 years of age previously diagnosed with pollution-related respiratory disease. Patients were classified into four groups according to their smoking status and whether they had obstructive pulmonary disease. We then compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function over time between groups. Primary outcome measures Spirometry was performed and a respiratory health questionnaire completed in the same season each year for up to 30 years. Results Rates of smoking and respiratory disease were high in our sample. Although respiratory function in non-smoking patients did not completely recover, the annual rate of change in lung function was within the normal range (p<0.01). However, smokers had worse lung function and were more likely to report more severe pulmonary symptoms (p<0.01). Conclusions Patients’ respiratory function did not fully recover despite improved air quality. Our results suggest that, in the context of exposure to air pollution, tobacco use causes additional loss of lung function and exacerbates respiratory symptoms.