Supporting the Community with 'Active Bodies' in the 100-Year Life Era: Musculoskeletal Care Shimada Hospital (Habikino, Osaka) Launches Next-Generation 'Musculoskeletal Dock' as a New Preventive Medicine Model

Addressing the Urgent Need for Countermeasures against 'Invisible Labor Losses' that Hinder Health Management

In modern corporate management, maintaining the health of veteran employees in their 40s and 50s is a strategic challenge that dictates organizational productivity. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the leading cause of nursing care needs (24.6%) is 'musculoskeletal disorders,' such as falls, fractures, and joint diseases, surpassing dementia and cerebrovascular diseases.

Furthermore, the primary cause of 'presenteeism'—where employees are present but perform poorly due to health issues—is musculoskeletal problems like chronic back pain and stiff shoulders. These are often cleared as 'no abnormalities' in regular checkups, creating a definite impact as 'labor loss costs' that do not appear on corporate income statements.

Three Features of the Next-Generation 'Musculoskeletal Dock'

The system is designed to promote behavioral change, rather than ending at just diagnosis.

- 1. High-precision measurement and diagnosis by an orthopedic-specialized hospital We conduct bone density measurements using high-precision DXA equipment, which is rarely introduced in general health checkup facilities. Combined with the global standard 'FRAX' fracture risk assessment tool, we scientifically quantify future dropout risks. - 2. Intervention by a multi-disciplinary team (Doctors, Physical Therapists, Trainers) In addition to medical diagnosis, professionals in motion analysis (physical therapists) and exercise instructors collaborate. We provide reliable evaluations based on medical evidence and offer improvement menus tailored to individual physical characteristics. - 3. Seamless 'Medical x Fitness' integration model Checkup results are immediately reflected in instruction at the affiliated fitness center, 'Vigorous.' We have also designed the experience to encourage voluntary health improvements among employees, such as providing a 'Special Aloha Donut Recovery Set' to ensure a positive post-checkup experience.

Expected Effects for Corporations

- Avoidance of labor loss: By strengthening back pain prevention and osteoporosis countermeasures, we minimize losses caused by presenteeism. - Improvement of employee engagement: Care for 'physical movement,' which is directly linked to QOL, fosters trust in the company and enhances the employee experience. - Establishment of corporate brand: Expands awareness as a company leading health management in the region, securing an advantage in the talent acquisition race.

Partnering with the Osaka Habikino Tourism Bureau as 'Health Tourism'

The 'Musculoskeletal Dock' project is being advanced with the cooperation of the Osaka Habikino Tourism Bureau, which promotes health tourism. This initiative allows people to enjoy travel while preventing health issues during movement and stay, conditioning their body and mind, and connecting their experiences to health-building.