Relationship Between the Physical Activity and Obesity among Children after the Great East Japan Earthquake

The Great East Japan Earthquake resulted in a nuclear disaster at the power plant in Fukushima Prefecture. Currently, i.e., 3 years from the earthquake, some families still live in shelters, and the level of physical activity of the children living here has declined because of a tendency to avoid outdoor activities for the fear of exposure to radiation among other things. This decline in physical activity may lead to obesity and decreased physical fitness. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship of the level of physical activity with obesity/physical fitness among elementary school children living around Fukushima City. METHODS: Subjects were 28 elementary school children (14 boys and 14 girls) enrolled at elementary schools around Fukushima City. The investigation period for the level of physical activity was 10-14 days. The level of physical activity was measured as the number of steps taken in one day using an accelerometer (Lifecorder: LC). Subjects were then divided into a low activity group and high activity group on the basis of the accelerometer measurements, and activity time was measured by the intensity of activity (high or low). The degree of obesity was calculated using Rohrer’s index, which combines height and weight. The results of our study were compared to those of a previous study 1) RESULTS: The level of physical activity of elementary school children living around Fukushima City on both weekdays and holidays was lower than that of elementary school children living around other regions that have been described in previous studies 1). On average, boys took approximately 4,700 fewer steps. Compared with other regions presented in previous studies, the duration of low-intensity exercise on weekdays and of high intensity exercise on both weekdays and holidays was significantly lower among boys. However, no significant correlation between the level of physical activity and obesity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the results of previous studies 1), the level of physical activity of elementary school children living around Fukushima City tended to be low. The activity level outside of school, particularly during holidays and after school, was declined. REFERENCE: 1) Sasayama et al. J Phys Fitness Sports Med, 58, 295-304 (2009).