News & Activities
Latest updates from our laboratory
【Preprint】Preprint Published on Chronic Stress Assessment Using Hair Hormones and Heart Rate Variability
Dr. Genta Ochi's research group is conducting research combining heart rate variability and hair hormones (cortisol and oxytocin) as biomarkers to assess chronic stress and mental health in athletes. We have recently published our research findings as a preprint.
【Paper Published】VR Technology Scientifically Elucidates Baseball 'Pitch Selection Ability'
Lecturer Genta Ochi and Kodai Kato (2023 graduate) developed a new method to scientifically evaluate baseball batters' pitch selection ability (the ability to distinguish strikes from balls) and demonstrated that pitch selection ability is closely related to actual batting performance.
【Paper Published】Research Introduction in 'Chiiki Caring' November 2025 Issue (Released October 14)
Genta Ochi's research 'Utility of Exergaming Using Virtual Reality Environments to Enhance Cognitive Function' will be published in the medical and welfare journal 'Chiiki Caring' November 2025 issue.
【Book Published】Research Findings Published in International Academic Book Edited by Professor Emeritus Soya of University of Tsukuba
The international academic book '**Exercise Brain Stimulation for Cognitive Function and Mental Health**' was published by Springer Nature.
【Conference Presentation】Lab Members Presented at the Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine Conference!
Three laboratory members presented their research findings at the Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine Conference held in September 2025.
【Lab Activity】Original Laboratory Muffler Towel Completed
An original design muffler towel has been completed for cheering on laboratory members.
【Competition】Laboratory Students Participated in All-Japan University Ekiden Qualifier!
The 57th All-Japan University Ekiden Championship Hokushinetsu Regional Qualifier and the 43rd All-Japan University Women's Ekiden Championship Hokushinetsu Regional Qualifier were held on July 5, 2025 at Saku General Sports Park Athletics Stadium, with five laboratory students participating.
【Conference Presentation】Laboratory Hoodies Arrived
Original design hoodies have been completed as the second installment of laboratory goods.
【Research Grant】Adopted for Challenging Research (Pioneering)
The results of the 2025 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research Challenging Research (Exploratory/Pioneering) were announced, and the following research project was newly adopted.
【Competition】Laboratory Students Participated in the 94th Japan Inter-University Championships of Athletics
Nagiru Tsuchida and Kyoka Shimizu (both 4th year) from our seminar participated in the 94th Japan Inter-University Championships of Athletics (Japan Intercollegiate) held at City Light Stadium in Okayama Prefecture from June 5-8, 2025.
【Research Grant】Adopted for University of Tsukuba ARIHHP Open Application 'Joint Usage and Joint Research' 2025
Adopted for University of Tsukuba ARIHHP Open Application 'Joint Usage and Joint Research' Research Grant for 2025.
【Competition】Nakano Participated in the Emperor's Cup 105th All Japan Football Championship
The university's men's soccer club (TOP team) that Nakano belongs to participated in the first round of the Emperor's Cup JFA 105th All Japan Football Championship. The result is as follows.
【Paper Published】Co-authored Article Featured in 'Taiiku no Kagaku' (Science of Physical Education)
An article co-authored by Ochi was published in Volume 75, May issue of 'Taiiku no Kagaku' titled 'Frontiers in Overtraining Syndrome Prevention Strategies.' This content covers the conditioning evaluation support project for top athletes using hair conducted during his time at the University of Tsukuba.
【Conference Presentation】Original Laboratory Polo Shirts Completed
Polo shirts have been completed as the first installment of laboratory goods.
【Competition】Tsuchida and Others Participated in the 99th Hokushinetsu Inter-University Athletics Championship
Tsuchida, Shimizu, Kubota, Fukuhara and others participated in the 99th Hokushinetsu Inter-University Athletics Championship held on May 11. Tsuchida won the men's 100m!
【Competition】Nakano Participated in 2025 Niigata Nippo Cup/Kyodo Tsushin Cup 30th Niigata Prefecture Soccer Championship Final!
The university's men's soccer club (TOP team) that Nakano belongs to participated in the 2025 Niigata Nippo Cup/Kyodo Tsushin Cup 30th Niigata Prefecture Soccer Championship final, defeating JAPAN Soccer College 4-2.
【Lab Activity】Laboratory Members Photo Session
We took a group photo with the 2025 laboratory members.
【Lab Activity】2025 Laboratory Members Social Gathering
Welcoming the new academic year 2025, we held a social gathering to deepen exchanges among laboratory members.
【Lab Activity】New Laboratory Logo Created!
New laboratory logo.
【Award】2024 Graduation Ceremony Held and Seminar Students Received Awards!
The 2024 graduation ceremony was held at Toki Messe on March 19, 2025.
【Research Grant】Research Results from JKA Grant Published as Pamphlet
Research results from the research grant received from the Japan Keirin Autorace Foundation (JKA) 2024 Public Interest Project Promotion Subsidy Project ('Development of Conditioning Evaluation Method to Prevent Overtraining in Female Athletes Using Hair') have been published as a pamphlet.
【Research】Performance Measurement Conducted for High School Athletes
We conducted performance measurements using peripheral blood lactate values, an indicator of exercise endurance, for rowing athletes at Arai High School, Shizuoka Prefecture.
【Award】Oneyama Received Excellence Award at Sports Physiology Lab Thesis Presentation!
Oneyama received the Excellence Award at the 'Sports Physiology Lab Thesis Presentation' held on February 7, 2025!
【Research】Ochi Laboratory Graduation Thesis Presentation Held!
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, we held a graduation thesis presentation for students graduating in 2024.
【Social Contribution】Served as Instructor for Community Sports Leader Training
Today, I served as an instructor for the sports leader training course organized by the Kenoh Sports Network. This training provides instruction on health and fitness theory and practice to enhance the qualifications of instructors, while also aiming to develop qualified personnel in anticipation of the regional transition of school club activities.
【Competition】Laboratory Student Participated in the 43rd National Women's Ekiden!
The Empress's Cup 43rd National Women's Ekiden was held on January 12, 2025, and Kyoka Shimizu (3rd year) participated as a member of Team Niigata. Team Niigata placed 34th overall.
【Competition】Seminar Student Participated in 2024 Mt. Fuji Women's Ekiden!
The 2024 Mt. Fuji Women's Ekiden was held on December 30, 2024, and Kyoka Shimizu (3rd year) participated as a member of the All Japan University Select Team.
【Competition】Laboratory Student's Men's Soccer Team Placed Second in All Japan University Championship!
The Niigata University of Health and Welfare men's soccer team (Top team) to which Nakano (Ochi Lab 3rd year) belongs participated in the 73rd All Japan University Soccer Championship final match held on December 30, 2024, and achieved second place!
【Competition】Laboratory Students' Women's Soccer Team Participated in All Japan University Championship!
The women's soccer team to which Ohara, Kameo, and Moriguchi belong participated in the 33rd All Japan University Women's Soccer Championship!
【Lab Activity】Laboratory Student Attended Nadeshiko League Team Signing Press Conference
On December 18, 2024, a signing press conference was held at Niigata University of Health and Welfare for teams belonging to the Nadeshiko League.
【Lab Activity】Laboratory Students to Join Nadeshiko League Division 1 Teams!
Fourth-year students Ohara (left in photo) and Moriguchi (right in photo) from the women's soccer team have been confirmed to join Nadeshiko League Division 1 teams!
【Research Grant】Attended Casio Science Promotion Foundation Research Grant Award Ceremony
On December 6, 2024, I attended the research grant award ceremony held at Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
【Social Contribution】Served as Instructor for Community Sports Leader Training
Today, I served as an instructor for the sports leader training course organized by the Kenoh Sports Network. This training provides instruction on health and fitness theory and practice to enhance the qualifications of instructors, while also aiming to develop qualified personnel in anticipation of the regional transition of school club activities.
【Competition】Seminar Students Participated in Empress's Cup All Japan Women's Soccer Championship!
Left: Moriguchi (4th year), Right: Ohara (4th year)
【Student Achievement】Seminar Students' Men's Soccer Team Placed Third at i-League All Japan University Soccer Festival!
Left: Tada (4th year), Right: Yoshimura (3rd year)
【Research】Research Featured in Medical Science Digest
In the December 2024 issue of Medical Science Digest, our hair-based conditioning evaluation research was featured under the title 'Chronic Stress Evaluation Method Using Hair'.
【Research Grant】Adopted for Casio Science Promotion Foundation Research Grant
I was selected for the 42nd Casio Science Promotion Foundation Research Grant! I will thoroughly investigate the mechanisms and biomarkers of cognitive fatigue!
【Paper Published】Research Paper with Oneyama and Ito Published in Sports
The research group of Kazuki Kasahara (2023 Physical Therapy graduate), Keita Oneyama (Health and Sports 4th year), and Takaru Ito (Health and Sports 4th year) from Niigata University of Health and Welfare has demonstrated that short-duration foam rolling intervention is effective for recovery from elevated peripheral blood lactate levels caused by intense exercise!
【Competition】Seminar Student Participated in the 39th East Japan Women's Ekiden!
The 39th East Japan Women's Ekiden was held on November 10, 2024, and Kyoka Shimizu (3rd year) participated as a member of Team Niigata. Team Niigata placed 9th overall.
【Social Contribution】Conducted Performance and Stress Measurements for High School Athletes!
We conducted performance and hair-based stress measurements for the Arai High School rowing team!
【Competition】Seminar Students' Women's Long Distance Team Participated in the 42nd All Japan University Women's Ekiden!
Kyoka Shimizu (Ochi Lab 3rd year; left in photo) and Mitsuki Hoshi (Ochi Lab 3rd year; right in photo) from the track and field team's women's long distance division participated in the 42nd All Japan University Women's Ekiden, finishing 23rd (2:16'37).
【Paper Published】Research Paper Published in Mental Health and Physical Activity
A research paper by Lecturer Genta Ochi, Lecturer Ken Ohno (Department of Radiological Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare), and Assistant Professor Takamasa Kuwamizu (Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba) has been published in Mental Health and Physical Activity.
【Competition】Seminar Student Won Bronze Medal at Japan Intercollegiate (OWS)!
Miyu Nagao (Ochi Lab 4th year) competed in the 100th Japan Student Swimming Championships Open Water Swimming (OWS), placing 3rd in women's 10km and 4th in women's 5km, winning a bronze medal in women's 10km!
【Competition】Seminar Student Placed 6th at 100th Japan Swimming Championships OWS!
Miyu Nagao (Ochi Lab 4th year) competed in the 100th Japan Swimming Championships Open Water Swimming (OWS) women's 10km and placed 6th!
【Student Achievement】Seminar Students' Men's Soccer Team Won Hokushinetsu Football League Division 2!
From left: Okuma (3rd year), Tomita (4th year), Kawata (3rd year)
【Competition】Seminar Students Participated in Japan Intercollegiate (Track and Field)!
Nagiru Tsuchida (center in photo, Ochi Lab 3rd year) and Kyoka Shimizu (left in photo, Ochi Lab 3rd year) competed in the 93rd Japan Intercollegiate Track and Field Championships!
【Competition】Seminar Students' Women's Soccer Team Won Empress's Cup Hokushinetsu Tournament!
From left: Taie, Moriguchi, Kameo, Ohara
【Student Achievement】Seminar Student's Men's Soccer Team Placed Second in Prime Minister's Cup!
The Niigata University of Health and Welfare men's soccer team (Top team) to which Nakano (Ochi Lab 3rd year) belongs participated in the Prime Minister's Cup All Japan University Soccer Tournament final match held on September 15, 2024, and achieved second place!
【Competition】Seminar Student Participated in Japan Intercollegiate (Swimming)!
Miyu Nagao (Ochi Lab 4th year) participated in the 100th Japan Student Swimming Championships (Intercollegiate)!
【Conference Presentation】Presented at 78th Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine Conference
The following presentations were made at the 78th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine held at Saga University.
【Social Contribution】Supported Athlete Participated in U19 World Rowing Championships!
Jun Wada (rear position in photo), a member of the Shizuoka Prefectural Arai High School Rowing Team receiving conditioning support from the Ochi Laboratory, participated in the 2024 World Rowing Championships U19 held in St. Catharines, Canada from August 21-25, 2024!
【Paper Published】Sato (2023 Ochi Lab graduate) Research Paper Published in European Journal of Applied Physiology
Article about Sato (2023 Ochi Lab graduate) research paper published in European Journal of Applied Physiology.
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Scientific Reports
A co-authored paper with Assistant Professor Koyuki Igarashi was published in Scientific Reports.
【Award】Seminar Student Received Student Award!
Miyu Nagao (4th year) from this laboratory received a student award as an Outstanding Student in Extracurricular Activities for her achievements in club activities during the 2023 academic year! We look forward to her continued success this year!
【Competition】Seminar Students Won Hokushinetsu Intercollegiate!
[Niigata University of Health and Welfare Track and Field Team on Instagram: "【98th Hokushinetsu Intercollegiate Track and Field Championships】 🗓️6/1 Men's 4×100mR 1st place Niigata University of Health and Welfare (Tsuchida-Hara-Okumura-Tsuchida) 40.78 Comment 'We were able to qualify for nationals with the whole team's strength.' Great job!🎉 #HokushinetsuIC #HokushinetsuIntercollegiate #NiigataUniversityofHealthandWelfare #NiigataUniversityofHealthandWelfareTrackandFieldTeam #nuhw"]
【Research Grant】Research Project Adopted for JKA '2024 Public Interest Project Promotion Subsidy Program Research Grant'
Article about research project adopted for JKA '2024 Public Interest Project Promotion Subsidy Program Research Grant'.
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Computers in Human Behavior
A collaborative research with the Matsui Laboratory at University of Tsukuba has been published in *Computers in Human Behavior*.
【Conference Presentation】2023 Academic Year Graduation Thesis Presentation
The Morishita-Ochi Joint Graduation Thesis Presentation was held on February 5, 2024, and the Sports Physiology Lab Graduation Thesis/Master's Thesis Presentation was held on February 8, 2024.
【Research Grant】Research Project Adopted for Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare Institute of Physical Fitness and Medicine 'Health Science Research Grant for Young Researchers'
Lecturer Genta Ochi's research project applied to the Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare Institute of Physical Fitness and Medicine 'Health Science Research Grant for Young Researchers' has been adopted.
【Competition】Seminar Student Placed Second in Japan Championships OWS 5km!
Miyu Nagao (Ochi Lab 3rd year) competed in the 99th Japan Open Water Swimming (OWS) Championships held at Hojo Beach, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture on November 4-5, 2023, placing 2nd in the 5km and 13th in the 10km!
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Neuroscience
The effects of exercise with groove rhythm on executive function vary among individuals. In participants familiar with groove rhythm + exercise, exercise enhances executive function and prefrontal cortex neural activity, and psychological responses predict the executive function enhancement effects of groove rhythm + exercise on prefrontal cortex neural activity.
【Conference Presentation】73rd Annual Conference of the Japanese Society of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences
At the 73rd Annual Conference of the Japanese Society of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences held at Doshisha University Imadegawa Campus from August 30 to September 1, 2023, Lecturer Ochi from the lab presented.
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Brain Sciences
Taiki Makibuchi, Associate Professor Koya Yamashiro, and colleagues revealed that menthol (which induces cold sensation) suppresses pain-evoked potentials. This research was published in the international journal Brain Sciences (June 6).
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Brain Sciences
[Sex Differences in Excitatory and Inhibitory Function in the Primary Somatosensory Cortex during th
【Paper Published】Research Paper Published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
Utsunomiya University, Faculty of Education and Culture
【Lecture】Lecturer Ochi Presented at 'Exercise and Brain Study Group'
[https://twitter.com/exer_brain_2018/status/1627833324365545473?s=20](https://twitter.com/exer_brain
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Scientific Reports
The research group of Associate Professor Koya Yamashiro and Professor Daisuke Sato from our laboratory revealed that high-frequency random noise brain stimulation cannot alter brain activity and performance.
【Lab Activity】Collaborated with Arai High School to Host VR Rowing Experience Event
Shizuoka Prefectural Arai High School × Ochi Laboratory collaborated to hold a VR sports experience event.
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Le Cong Dat (1st year doctoral student, Institute of Motor and Functional Medicine) as first author published a paper on the effects of water flow stimulation on neural inhibition-excitation balance in the somatosensory cortex
【Paper Published】Research Paper Published in JMIR Serious Games
Lecturer Ochi's paper on the effects of VR exergaming on mood and executive function
【Conference Presentation】77th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
The 77th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine was held online from September 21-23, 2022, and Lecturer Ochi presented.
【Paper Published】Research Paper Published in Scientific Reports
[【Health and Sports Department】Elucidation of Brain Fatigue Mechanism Induced by Intense Exercise - Demonstrated Involvement of Hypoxic Blood, Expected to Lead to Countermeasure Development - | Topics & News | Niigata University of Health and Welfare](https://www.nuhw.ac.j
【Competition】Research Support Athlete Won Prize at World Wheel Gymnastics Championships!
Photo provided by Matsuura
【Paper Published】Co-authored Paper Published in Scientific Reports!
You may have experienced how groovy music increases fun and excitement, and makes you spontaneously move your body to the rhythm. This sensation of wanting to move your body when hearing a rhythm is called groove feeling.
【Lecture】Lecture at Japan Health Exercise Instructor Association Niigata Branch Training
[Branch Training Information - NPO Japan Health Exercise Instructor Association](http://www.jafias.net/lecture2.html)
【Research Grant】Acquired 2022 KAKENHI Grant
For the 2022 KAKENHI grants and subsidies, Lecturer Ochi was selected for **Early-Career Scientists** grant.
【Lecture】Lecture at University of Tsukuba Forum
["For the Cutting edge Collaborative Research in Human High Performance"](https://www.arihhp.taiiku.
【Research】Appeared in University Online Mock Lecture
[Enhance Brain Function! - Potential of New Training Methods Using VR - (Health and Sports Department, Lecturer Genta Ochi) | Online Mock Lectures | Niigata University of Health and Welfare](https://www.nuhw.ac.jp/onl
For more detailed information about our publications, please visit our researchmap profile.