#Japan #Health Management #Tokyo #Kokoromiru #Kanagawa VANGUARDS

Strengthening Health Management in Wheelchair Basketball

The Kanagawa VANGUARDS wheelchair basketball team has turned to Kokoromiru, a company specializing in medical technology, to enhance its health management through the continued use of the Home Cardiac Dock Pro. This innovative approach focuses on the well-being of all players and team staff, ensuring that everyone benefits from advanced health monitoring. Given that heart disease ranks as the second leading cause of death in Japan, proactive health management becomes imperative, especially for athletes who may experience unseen health risks due to the strenuous nature of their sport.

The Importance of Health for Wheelchair Athletes

Unlike regular athletes, wheelchair athletes face unique health challenges. The physical demands of training and competition can exacerbate underlying health conditions, making it essential to monitor heart health closely. In fact, statistics from Kokoromiru's Home Cardiac Dock reveal a higher occurrence of dangerous arrhythmias among professional athletes when compared to the general population. For wheelchair players, many of whom have pre-existing conditions, the stakes are even higher.

The Threefold Challenges of Health Maintenance

Wheelchair athletes encounter significant barriers that complicate health management. These challenges include:

1. Underlying Health Conditions: Many athletes have chronic health issues, elevating their risk during training.
2. Mobility Limitations: Accessing medical facilities can be arduous. Wheelchair users often face difficulties such as insufficient accessibility, the need for assistance when navigating, and extensive wait times, all of which can deter regular health check-ups.
3. Driving Risks: Many wheelchair athletes drive themselves to competitions and practice. The potential for sudden health complications while driving poses severe risks not only to the athletes themselves but also to others on the road.

Given these issues, the Kanagawa VANGUARDS have recognized the urgency of implementing comprehensive health strategies. By partnering with Kokoromiru, the team can now utilize the Home Cardiac Dock Pro, a device that allows athletes to perform heart monitoring from the comfort of their homes, mitigating many of the barriers associated with traditional medical visits.

How the Home Cardiac Dock Pro Works

The Home Cardiac Dock Pro is a high-precision wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) device that enables athletes to collect heart data easily, either at home or while on the go. This device can record ECG data for up to 24 hours, allowing for a thorough and detailed analysis of each athlete's heart health. Kokoromiru's data collection has shown that over 40% of athletes have undiagnosed heart conditions that were not detected during standard check-ups.

The Home Cardiac Dock Pro not only monitors arrhythmias but also assesses conditions like sleep apnea and the quality of sleep. By evaluating these factors, athletes can optimize their performance while simultaneously managing health risks, effectively extending their careers and contributions to the team.

Commitment to Continuous Health Monitoring

Recognizing the importance of holistic health management, the Kanagawa VANGUARDS have expanded the Home Cardiac Dock Pro's implementation to include both players and staff, fostering a culture of health awareness and preventive care throughout the organization.

Team representative Motoki Nishimura stated: "At Kanagawa VANGUARDS, we are committed to providing our athletes with the support they need to perform at their best. With the Home Cardiac Dock Pro, we are taking a significant step forward in monitoring hidden health risks and guaranteeing a safer environment for our players, especially those with underlying health issues. By prioritizing our athletes' health, we aim to minimize risks and ensure they can continue competing vigorously and safely."

Conclusion

The Kanagawa VANGUARDS are setting a precedent in the wheelchair basketball community by prioritizing health management and safety. With the alliance with Kokoromiru and the Home Cardiac Dock Pro, they are looking towards a future that emphasizes preventive health measures and overall well-being. As they strive to be pioneers in their sport, they underscore the message that health comes first, paving the way for a more secure and competitive environment for all wheelchair athletes.