2018 Volume 45 Issue 5 Pages 626-634
Specific health guidance' is a national policy in Japan aimed at preventing the occurrence of lifestyle diseases for people from 40–74 years old with visceral fat obesity. It consists of health guidance counseling and encouraging behavioral changes beneficial to health, such as appropriate diet and moderate exercise.
Locomotive Syndrome, or ‘Locomo', was proposed by the Japan Orthopedic Association when Japan statistically became a ‘super-aged' society. The term refers to restrictions in walking ability because of a dysfunction of locomotive organs. As the condition become worse, nursing care becomes necessary since people with no exercise habits, tend to suffer muscle weakness in the legs.
The Locomo risk test, consisting of two functional examinations, a stand-up test and a two-step test, enables people to know their own ability to move and need for training. LOCOTRA is locomotion training, including one-leg stands with eyes open to improve balance ability, and squats to strengthen the muscles. These exercises can be done safely and easily, even by elderly people.
Within the target population for the specific health guidance, 73 volunteers, who were not used to doing exercises, were registered. This study introduced Locomo risk testing and LOCOTRA under the health guidance program, and investigated whether participants could continue LOCOTRA, using a questionnaire after three and six months.
Results show that the older participants are, the more interest in LOCOTRA they have, and more than two thirds of participants over 50 years old could continue LOCOTRA. However, for those in their 40s, only a third could continue LOCOTRA. Some participants in their 70s had physical problems and did not continue the exercise.
In conclusion, the specific health guidance including the Locomo risk test and LOCOTRA could enable people with no exercise habits opportunities for regular exercise. Furthermore, these people should be encouraged to continue exercise through individual advice.
