International Exchange Committee Symposium ; “What can we learn from Natural Disasters?―Countermeasures using the Multidisciplinary Approach―”

Abstract

  Objectives : This symposium, organized by the International Exchange Committee of the Japan Society of Biofeedback Research (JSBR), aimed to examine multidisciplinary strategies for disaster preparedness and community resilience, drawing on nearly 30 years of clinical and field experience.

  Methods : The session integrated three complementary perspectives : (1) global insights into para-sports and universal design in Canada, informed by personal experience with disability ; (2) the development and community implementation of “Silver Rehabilitation Exercises” (Silver Rehab) as a mutual-aid model to prevent disuse syndrome ; and (3) the evolution of disaster logistics and medical coordination from the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake to the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

  Results : Observations in Canada highlighted that a socially embedded philosophy of inclusivity ― supported by universal design and strong corporate engagement ― substantially reduces the physical and social burden of daily living for individuals with disabilities. The Silver Rehab model demonstrated that training local residents as instructors fosters a resilient mutual-aid (Go-jo) network. This pre-established community infrastructure proved crucial during the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, enabling immediate physical support in evacuation centers without relying solely on external medical teams. Furthermore, historical analysis of disaster response underscored that the role of a “logistician” is as essential as clinical care in facilitating effective multidisciplinary collaboration during crises.

  Conclusions : Natural disasters expose the fragility of everyday life, yet they also catalyze significant progress through collaboration. By integrating medical expertise with community-driven initiatives and global accessibility standards, disaster response can shift from reactive measures to a proactive, resilient ecosystem. As demonstrated in the principles of biofeedback, this multidisciplinary cooperation ― rooted in the synergy of self-regulation and mutual help ― is indispensable for optimizing human potential and preserving social integrity in the face of large-scale challenges.