Introduction
In a remarkable initiative aiming to enhance athlete health and performance, the professional 3x3 basketball team,
TOKYO DIME, has partnered with
Kokoromil to implement the "
Home Heart Dock® pro" system for the second consecutive year. This innovative technology merges healthcare with advanced technology to establish a proactive approach toward monitoring heart health among athletes and team staff.
The Importance of Heart Disease Management in Athletes
Heart disease ranks as the second leading cause of death in Japan, with sudden cardiac arrest often affecting individuals without any prior symptoms, leading to delayed diagnoses. Kokoromil's "Home Heart Dock®" service has proven effective in identifying heart disease in over 40% of its participants, many of whom were unaware of their health risks. Athletes frequently endure significant physical and mental stress during intense training, unknowingly elevating their risk for heart complications, making early detection crucial.
According to Kokoromil’s data, professional athletes exhibit higher instances of dangerous arrhythmias compared to the general population. Such findings underscore the critical need for early-stage heart disease risk management in sports, reinforcing the team's commitment to ensure the health and longevity of its athletes.
The Technological Edge of the Home Heart Dock® pro
The
Home Heart Dock® pro utilizes high-precision wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) devices that enable athletes to gather heart activity data from home for up to 24 hours. This technology effectively detects irregularities such as arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, and stress levels, transforming how heart health is monitored in relation to sleep quality and overall performance.
By regularly using this wearable device, athletes can gain insights into any early warnings of heart diseases while correlating their heart health metrics with factors affecting their athletic performance. This continuous monitoring not only allows for better health management but also educates the wider public about the significance of preventive healthcare and the effectiveness of home-based ECG testing.
Transforming Athlete Mindsets: Insights from TOKYO DIME’s Representative
Yusuke Okada, the representative of TOKYO DIME, emphasizes the initiative's impact on the athletes’ health consciousness. "Since introducing the Home Heart Dock® pro last year, we have seen an increasing awareness among the players regarding their health risks. The data has illuminated aspects like sleep quality and daily stress levels, which are typically overlooked. This quantitative feedback enables athletes to refine their conditioning and recovery strategies effectively. Our ongoing use of this technology is not just for the athletes but aims to raise health consciousness among a broader audience as well."
Future Perspectives: Integrating Preventive Healthcare into Daily Life
Kokoromil envisions that the application of the Home Heart Dock® pro extends beyond the realm of sports. Opportunities abound to broaden its use to businesses, schools, and households, fostering a culture of health awareness. Despite being the second leading cause of death in Japan, heart diseases often progress symptomlessly, putting even those who appear healthy at risk.
The proactive approach adopted by athletes, who view their bodies as their capital, can inspire professionals and the general populace to prioritize their health. Collaborations with companies and educational institutions are critical for promoting health awareness and expanding preventive healthcare practices. In this case, the entire TOKYO DIME team, including both players and staff, has embraced the health checks, amplifying the importance of collective health management.
In corporate settings, focusing on employee health can enhance productivity and engagement, linking to the growing trend of
"Health Management". The use of Home Heart Dock® pro allows companies to address health issues before they escalate, managing risks effectively. Furthermore, educational institutions can benefit from visualizing the health status of student-athletes, fostering self-management skills and enhancing future health literacy.
Ultimately, this groundbreaking approach initiated by professional athletes serves as a catalyst for widespread awareness of preventive healthcare across society, strengthening the health of the nation as a whole.
About Kokoromil
Established in November 2021, Kokoromil, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, operates under the mission of creating a society where people do not regret being ill. The company offers the
Home Heart Dock®, enabling long-term at-home ECG tests to facilitate early heart disease detection. By visualizing the health data acquired, Kokoromil aspires to enhance the health of individuals and families, thereby improving quality of life (QOL). For more information, visit
Kokoromil's website.