#Japan #Tokyo #Daito Kentaku #NarrativeFoot #Locomotive Syndrome

Daito Kentaku's Innovative Approach to Preventing Locomotive Syndrome

The Daito Kentaku Health Insurance Union has recently announced the launch of a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting the prevention of locomotive syndrome among its insured members. Starting on October 2025, the union will introduce a home visit program called "Foot Guidance" developed by NarrativeFoot, a Tokyo-based company specializing in foot health management. This pioneering initiative makes Daito Kentaku the first health insurance union in Japan to offer such personalized foot care services at home.

The Significance of Locomotive Syndrome

Locomotive syndrome (locomotive syndrome) is a significant health issue affecting an estimated 47 million people in Japan, with many at risk of developing mobility-related problems. These issues often lead to falls and an increased likelihood of requiring caregiving assistance. Due to the rising number of older adults and related healthcare costs, health insurance unions are pushing forward with their data health plans to address these concerns. Starting from fiscal year 2025, new comprehensive assessment indicators will also emphasize locomotive syndrome prevention, underscoring the initiative's importance.

Under this context, Daito Kentaku's new program aims to offer a fresh and critical approach to preventing fall risks and enhancing mobility. It is designed specifically to assist the insured and their dependents over 60 years of age in maintaining foot health, which is essential for active, healthy living.

Overview of the Home Foot Guidance Program

The program is managed by certified physical therapists who have completed a specialized curriculum. These therapists will visit clients' homes to evaluate their foot health and provide tailored exercise and self-care strategies. Each session includes checking the condition of the feet, assessing footwear suitability, and offering simple exercises based on individual lifestyles and goals.

This service ensures a comprehensive understanding of foot health, which has often been overlooked in traditional health assessments and guidance programs. By visualizing foot conditions and offering specialized support, participants can receive professional assistance in a familiar setting. To further support participants, the program also includes the provision of supportive insoles to enhance walking comfort even after the visitation.

Background for Implementation

Daito Kentaku identified the need to strengthen their health initiatives, particularly focusing on locomotive syndrome prevention amidst rising healthcare costs associated with musculoskeletal disorders among their aging membership. The introduction of the Foot Management concept from NarrativeFoot perfectly aligns with their vision to enhance foot health and overall well-being for their members.

Comments from Daito Kentaku

Yokomura, a director at Daito Kentaku, remarked on the importance of foot health management, emphasizing that this area has been largely neglected in traditional health initiatives. He pointed out that the increasing average age of members has led to rising medical expenses related to locomotion problems. "To live long and healthy lives, being able to walk well is crucial. Just as we regularly check other health parameters, we now need to include foot assessments as part of our routine health checkups. The new home visit program allows specialized therapists to carefully evaluate foot conditions, making it a valuable addition to our healthcare activities," he stated.

Vision from NarrativeFoot

Seiichi Agatsuma, the CEO of NarrativeFoot, expressed that their mission is to promote health through foot care. "We consider feet as a foundation of health. Understanding the foot health of individuals who have been active for over 60 years is crucial. By caring for and improving foot health, we hope they can continue walking independently for years to come. Our service emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of foot functionality, which is essential for walk quality and stability. This program is not just about preventing issues; it’s about empowering our seniors to maintain their independence," said Agatsuma.

By bringing specialists directly to the homes of clients, the program effectively personalized healthcare, reinforcing the idea that health should be manageable and accessible. Daito Kentaku and NarrativeFoot's collaboration signifies a shift in how senior health is approached in Japan, reinforcing the belief that effective support begins at the feet.