People often say that “exercise is good for health,” but there are still many things we do not fully understand, such as how much exercise is needed, what specific benefits it provides, and whether it affects brain function and mental health. My research explores the relationship between daily exercise, lifestyle habits, and health using data collected through field-based research.
Special field
Health Behavioral Epidemiology
Research theme
Relationships between lifestyle habits and physical and mental health in community-dwelling populations
Research Keywords
Health science, Epidemiology, Public health, Cohort study, Community-dwelling people, Physical activity, Body composition, Physical function, Cognitive function
Detailed contents of research
Epidemiology is the study of how diseases and health conditions are distributed within populations. It examines who is affected, how common conditions are, and which factors are associated with them, using the analysis of population-based data. My research focuses on the following themes through field surveys and data analyses involving community-dwelling populations ranging from children to older adults:
The effects of daily exercise and lifestyle habits on health
Interactions between environmental and individual factors affecting health
The long-term effects of health behaviors across the life course
My goal is to generate scientific evidence that supports people in maintaining healthy and fulfilling lives throughout their lifespan.
Simplified curriculum vitae
Ph.D. in Physiotherapy, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University (2017)
2025–Present: Department of Preventive Gerontology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology
2020–2023: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
2020–2023: McMaster Institute for Research on Aging, McMaster University
2023–Present: RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project
2024–Present: Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University
2026–Present: Lecturer, Department of Health and Physical Education, Graduate School of Education, Hokkaido University
Research achievements
【Publications】
Makino K, Iwata H, Yamaguchi T, Ikeda A, AitBamai Y, Itoh S, Itoh M, Tojo M, Tamura N, Yamamoto R, Ketema RM, Saijo Y, Ito Y, Kishi R. Toxic metals and trace elements in maternal blood and urinary tract infection during the first 2 years of life: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Sci Total Environ, 1006: 180895, 2025.
Makino K, Raina P, Griffith LE, Lee S, Harada K, Katayama O, Tomida K, Morikawa M, Yamaguchi R, Nishijima C, Fujii K, Misu Y, Shimada H. Lifetime physical activity and late-life mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 25(3): 488-493, 2024.
Makino K, Lee S, Bae S, Harada K, Chiba I, Katayama O, Tomida K, Morikawa M, Yamashiro Y, Sudo M, Takayanagi N, Shimada H. Light intensity physical activity is beneficially associated with brain volume in older adults with high cardiovascular risk. Front Cardiovasc Med. 9: 882562, 2022.
Makino K, Lee S, Bae S, Chiba I, Harada K, Katayama O, Shinkai Y, Shimada H. Absolute cardiovascular disease risk assessed in old age predicts disability and mortality: A retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling older adults. J Am Heart Assoc. 10(24): e022004, 2021.
Makino K, Lee S, Lee S, Bae S, Jung S, Shinkai Y, Shimada H. Daily physical activity and functional disability incidence in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain: A prospective cohort study. Pain Med. 20(9): 1702-1710, 2019.
【Awards】
Best Reviewer Award, The Geriatrics & Gerontology International (2023)
Best Presentation Award, Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Public Health (2021)
Outstanding Presentation Award, Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Dementia Prevention (2019, 2021)
Outstanding Presentation Award, Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Physical Therapy for Prevention (2018)
Society Affiliation
Japan Association of Exercise Epidemiology, Japanese Society of Health and Human Ecology, Japan Geriatric Therapy Society, Japanese Society of Public Health, Japan Geriatrics Society, Japanese Physical Therapy Association
Classes in charge
Physical Education A/B, Sciences of Education General Course, Science of Health and Physical Education Practicum, Science of Health and Physical Education Lecture (2027–), Seminar Ⅰ/Ⅱ (2027–)
