Overview

In 2005, the Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University was selected to participate in the “High-Tech Research Center Project” that was part of the MEXT project for the promotion of advanced scientific research in private universities (project organized by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology); thus, the institute was established in 2005 at Juntendo University’s Sakura campus, and its first Director was Professor Hideoki OGAWA (current President of the Juntendo University). Initially, it was established as a research organization that aimed to conduct research with a focus on “Adaptation of the mind and body to exercise: development of objective markers for designing personalized exercise programs” (2005–2009). Later, the institute went on to focus on major issues such as the“Establishment of a sports medical science base for promotion of children’s health”(2011–2015)(which was adopted as MEXT’s project for supporting the formation of strategic research infrastructure), “Visualizing brain function and structure: the center for multidimensional imaging” (2016) (which was selected for the Private University Research Branding Project by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) and “ʻHealth Creationʼ based on sports science: a global branding project through metabolic science research” (2017); even now, we are working on projects related to these.
Thus, our research institute has been exploring major topics since the initial period of its establishment. In addition, the institute aims to deepen cooperation with other research institutes and centers, such as the Sportology Center at the university’s faculty of medicine, while developing active research projects that integrate Sports Science and Medicine, which signify Juntendo University’s major strengths; we also aim to use the fruits of our research to contribute to societal development.

Massage from the Director

After it was announced that the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics would be held in Tokyo, interest in sports, as well as expectations, has considerably increased not only among researchers but also throughout the nation. As it forms the core of research activities conducted at the Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, the Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine has thus far conducted various research activities related to sports and has enjoyed a number of achievements. As can be discerned from the topics of various grant-in-aid research projects that supported the establishment of our institute, its research has been centered on preventive medicine aimed at maintaining and improving physical and mental health, as well as improving quality of life. As we move towards the post-2020 period, the range of research topics will be expanded, and we will continue to devote our efforts to sports medicine research involving the improvement of athletic competitiveness and the prevention/recovery from sports-related injuries, as well as examining and elevating the value of sports. Our aim is to ensure that our research institute and all its staff are able to participate in global initiatives in the field of sports-related research. To achieve our goal, we work hard every day to reinforce our joint research projects conducted with enterprises, other research institutes, and researchers inside and outside our university; we are also making efforts to revitalize our international joint research programs and to acquire funding for large-scale research studies. Additionally, we continue to foster young researchers. We would like to ask a range of people for their honest opinions, suggestions, support, and cooperation regarding the activities of our research institute.

Hisashi NAITO, Director of Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Juntendo University

Facilities and Equipment

Hitachi MR Imaging Equipment: VENTO-J-SHIM

This piece of equipment can be used for various purposes including quantitative evaluation of muscle mass, assessment of the knee joint space and knee T2 maps, and conducting joint motion studies.

Device for radiographic measurement of bone density: Discovery, type A

The device has a bone mineral density measurement (BMD) function and an instant vertebral assessment (IVA) function. This device combines data from IVA with a high-speed, high-quality image of a patient’s spine, thereby allowing for a more accurate diagnosis of fracture risk than that possible with BMD alone.

Human calorimeter

This device consists of an airtight chamber for calorimetric measurement in which temperature, humidity, and flow rate can be controlled and kept constant. The device can measure the amount of energy metabolism required by human beings in a comfortable space (indoors, giving full consideration to habitability, with a toilet, washbasin, and bed) for activities of daily living, and measurements can last for 24 hours or more.

Set-up for the measurement of mitochondrial enzyme activity and cell metabolism: Oxygraph-2k/LED module

This set-up can be used for measurement of the amount of respiration and oxygen consumption in mitochondria, cells, and tissues. In combination with various types of sensors, the device has several other functions, such as the evaluation and analysis of mitochondrial oxygen kinetics under physiological conditions or mitochondrial function in diseased organisms.

Real-time PCR system QuantStudio5 A28140

This device has been optimized for gene expression analysis and allows for sensitive and accurate quantification of messenger RNA expression. As the preparation and management of protocol templates are easy and convenient, the time necessary for conducting experiments can be reduced. Its built-in security functions facilitate system user restrictions and workflow management.

Morris water maze (for mice)

This device is designed for conducting spatial learning memory tests for mice. It has a swimming pool with an island (platform) in one location; test subjects learn the location of the island through training, and the device converts data from the learning process into digital data.

Treadmill

This device is designed for conducting running and walking exercises inside the laboratory. When combined with devices for the measurement of respiratory gases, it allows for the measurement of energy metabolism during exercise. Further, by controlling temperature and humidity levels, this device can be used to conduct experiments in various temperature and humidity environments.

Treadmill with built-in force plate and motion capture system

The biomechanics laboratory is fully equipped with an optical motion capture system that includes 13 infrared cameras. The device can be used for three-dimensional analyses of various sports movements (including running-related motion). The treadmill has a built-in force plate and allows for continuous quantification of ground reaction force generated during walking or running.