Sports Conditioning Ochi Laboratory
Niigata University of Health and Welfare / Faculty of Health Sciences / Department of Health and Sports Science
Experiencing, Exploring, and Applying Sports Science
We explore training, recovery, and other aspects of “conditioning” from a physiological perspective to maximize human performance and contribute to a vibrant sports culture where individuals can actively challenge themselves.
Exercise not only impacts muscles and cardiovascular function but also influences cognitive functions such as attention, decision-making, and memory. Low- to moderate-intensity exercise is known to enhance cognitive function, drawing attention to exercise prescriptions for improving brain function. “Enjoyable exercise,” incorporating elements like music or the metaverse (virtual reality; VR, augmented reality; AR), may further boost cognitive function. However, exercising in extreme conditions, such as hot or hypoxic environments, might diminish these cognitive benefits. By examining exercise-induced cognitive changes using brain imaging techniques such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we aim to identify the optimal exercise conditions for cognitive enhancement and develop strategies to combat fatigue and maintain focus (cognitive fatigue) in athletes.
To perform at a high level in competitions, not only is intense training essential, but rest and nutrition, which allow the body to adapt, are equally important (the principle of supercompensation). In addition to evaluating various training programs, we aim to develop conditioning methods that maximize performance by investigating physiological and cognitive psychological indicators that trigger supercompensation. Our research targets not only university athletes but also elite athletes, including members of Japan’s national judo and gymnastics (wheel gymnastics) teams and players from the Niigata Albirex BB Rabbits, a team in Japan’s W-League basketball division. We are working to establish new conditioning evaluation metrics, such as those based on hair analysis, to optimize performance.
For more details on our achievements, please visit Researchmap.