The physical fitness levels of most age groups in Japan declined in fiscal 2021 compared with two years earlier, before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, a recent government survey showed.
But while the pandemic may have led to decreased opportunities for exercise, Hisashi Naito, a professor of exercise physiology at Juntendo University who assisted in the study, said the results "cannot be entirely attributed to COVID-19 as a variety of factors were involved."
The survey, conducted by the Japan Sports Agency from May to October 2021, measured the physical strength and aptitude of approximately 48,000 people aged 6 to 79.
Participants were given scores based on their performance in a set of exercises, such as grip strength and sit-ups. Those aged 6 to 19 received scores for eight or nine exercises on an 80-point scale, while those aged 20 to 79 received scores for six or seven exercises on a 60-point scale.
The average total score for girls in the 13-year-old age group was 51.76 points, down 1.69 from fiscal 2019. Men in their late 40s scored 33.31 points, down 0.75, while women in their late 70s scored 35.33 points, down 1.44. The majority of age groups fared worse than two years earlier, with the elderly in particular seeing a decline in performance.
With regard to long-distance running among junior high and high school students, there was a clear decline from fiscal 2019, with 13-year-old boys and girls logging times up to 11 seconds slower in 1,500 meter and 1,000 meter races, respectively.
The distance those aged 65 and above could walk in six minutes also decreased, indicating a decline in endurance.
Self-assessments of exercise habits showed that women in their 20s to 50s worked out at least once a week, less than women in other age groups and men.
"It is possible that the sports environment does not cater well to women who are working or raising children," Naito said.
While the agency conducted a similar survey in fiscal 2020, small sample sizes due to the pandemic made comparisons difficult.
