#Japan #Tokyo #Heart Disease #Cardiac Rehabilitation #Walkey

Advancements in Cardiac Rehabilitation

On December 13, 2025, Walkey Company presented significant findings regarding their cardiac rehabilitation program during the 9th Annual Cardiovascular Physiotherapy Conference. The event included a luncheon seminar called TechPulse that focused on innovative rehabilitation interventions.

Walkey, under the aegis of Asahi Intecc Group, is headquartered in Meguro, Tokyo, and led by President Tatsuya Watanabe. At the conference, they shared real-world applications of their Walkey device, particularly its use in clinical settings to aid patients with heart disease.

High-level outcomes were displayed at their exhibition booth, based on real-world data from Takabari Clinic in Nagoya. Here, the case study provided insight into how this new form of exercise therapy meets vital criteria for heart disease management, such as safety, reproducibility, and sustainability.

Key Points Presented

1. Background

According to the 2025 revision of heart failure guidelines, cardiac rehabilitation (often referred to as 'heart rehab') is a vital intervention noted for its effectiveness in reducing hospital readmission and mortality rates. The guidelines emphasize the need for early initiation and comprehensive programming as they play a crucial role in prevention and outcome improvement.

However, the implementation rate of cardiac rehabilitation in Japan remains low, primarily due to a lack of infrastructure and significant regional disparities. With established effectiveness, the current objective is for healthcare institutions and communities to collaborate and enhance engagement with rehabilitation services.

2. Clinical Validation Overview

The 1-month practical trial at Takabari Clinic targeted elderly heart disease patients, averaging 77.7 years old, utilizing the Walkey device to administer 10 minutes of complex seated exercises. Protocols adhered to individualized intensity adjustments based on Anaerobic Threshold (AT METs 3.5), assessed through the Borg scale at each session.

3. Safe Moderate Load Reproduction

The findings show that many patients maintained a Borg score between 11 and 13, which indicates stable moderate intensity during exercise. The heart rate and perceived exertion levels remained consistent across participants, demonstrating reproducibility not influenced by age or underlying health conditions. This safety profile ensured that four repeated sessions fostered a comfort level, allowing for limited intensity variability. Consequently, patients could safely establish an exercise tolerance in short durations.

4. Continuability for Elderly and Low-Energy Patients

The showcased cases confirmed that even cautious patients, such as an 89-year-old heart failure victim and patients under blood pressure control, could sustain moderate loading safely.

5. High Acceptability and Motivation

Survey results (n=16) reflected strong feedback, with a willingness to continue exercise at a score of 4.6 out of 5, ease of use at 4.4, and moderate load appropriateness at 4.3. Patients preferred 'self-directed exercise' rather than an obligation, making it a notable aspect of the program.

Summary of Findings

The cardiac rehab program utilizing the Walkey device is notable for its capacity to be safely conducted in a seated position while maintaining moderate exercise loads. Moreover, the psychological receptiveness of patients is remarkably high, providing a promising alternative for outpatient rehabilitation.

Voices from the medical field echoed the convenience of integrating this device into waiting periods, with remarks on its appealing design contributing to lower barriers for implementation.

Future Outlook

Walkey company aims to advance exercise support tools, enhancing safety and sustainability in cardiac rehabilitation and beyond. By collaborating with healthcare settings, they are committed to developing greater clinical value for various conditions.

If you encounter challenges in implementing exercise instructions and therapies, Walkey welcomes inquiries regarding documents, estimates, and demonstrations.

About Walkey Company

With the core philosophy of delivering a 'life of walking for a century', Walkey specializes in walking-based training services that build foundational body movements. Each service is tailored to help individuals cultivate a body capable of enjoying life to the fullest.

• - Walkey Company (Part of Asahi Intecc Group)

Location: 2F, Harada Building, 1-14-14 Jiyugaoka, Meguro, Tokyo
Representative: President Tatsuya Watanabe
URL: walkey.co.jp
Contact Email: [email protected]