University of Tsukuba and Daiwa LifeNext Joint Research: Development of a "Health Promotion Program" to Support Injury Prevention and Physical Fitness Improvement for Condominium Managers

National University Corporation University of Tsukuba (Location: Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture) and Daiwa LifeNext Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Eiji Saito), a member of the Daiwa House Group, have jointly developed a health promotion program for condominium managers through collaborative research. Following an awareness survey targeting approximately 2,400 condominium managers and test operations based on the analysis of health checkup data for approximately 1,700 individuals, the program commenced operation for Daiwa LifeNext's condominium managers in April 2026. This program aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, and create an environment where condominium managers can continue to work healthily for a long time. The content is designed to be easily incorporated before or after work, or during breaks, and supports daily health maintenance through continuous monitoring. Background of Development The work of condominium managers involves physical strain, such as daily patrols, inspections, and standing tasks, making it essential to create an environment where they can continue to work while maintaining their health for stable on-site operations. In recent years, the employment of older individuals has progressed throughout society, and there is a demand for systems that allow people to continue working comfortably even as they age. Daiwa LifeNext has continuously supported employee health as a Certified Health & Productivity Management Organization. A preliminary survey targeting condominium managers at Daiwa LifeNext showed a favorable trend in muscle strength and physical fitness compared to their peers, suggesting that previous efforts have had some effect. On the other hand, it was also confirmed that there was room for improvement in balance ability and flexibility related to preventing falls and injuries. Based on these results, in addition to the research knowledge accumulated by the University of Tsukuba regarding maintaining physical function and continuing employment in old age, both parties jointly developed this program through collaborative research. Three Key Points of the "Health Promotion Program" for Managers 1) Program Design Based on Data from Approximately 2,400 Individuals The program was designed to enhance the muscle strength and flexibility necessary for work, based on the results of an awareness survey of approximately 2,400 condominium managers at Daiwa LifeNext and the analysis of health checkup data for approximately 1,700 individuals. Building on walking, it combines: ① stretching aimed at improving flexibility and preventing injuries, ② muscle training for muscle strength improvement, and ③ aerobic exercise aimed at improving balance ability. 2) Verification of Effects Through Test Operation ・Test operation period: November 2024 to January 2025 ・Participants: 6 individuals aged 60 or older belonging to Daiwa LifeNext's Tokyo Branch (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) and North Kanto Branch (Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture), for whom pre- and post-operation physical fitness test data were available. ・Method of effect verification: Statistical significance (unlikely to be due to chance) was verified using paired t-tests. Table. Changes in physical fitness before and after test operation (n=6) *1: Timed Up & Go test (time taken to stand up, walk, and sit down [seconds]. Shorter time indicates higher walking ability) *2: Number of 30-second chair stand tests [times] (higher number indicates greater muscle strength) *3: Sit-and-reach test distance [cm] (longer distance indicates greater flexibility) *4: Standard deviation... an indicator showing the dispersion of values for each participant (magnitude of individual differences) *: Indicates a statistically significant difference from before test operation

As a result of the two-month test operation, improvements in walking ability and leg muscle strength were confirmed through statistical analysis. Since both of these indicators are associated with the risk of falls, this program is suggested to contribute to injury prevention. On the other hand, regarding flexibility, although there were large individual differences among participants as shown by the standard deviation, and no statistically significant difference was observed, an improving trend was seen in the average value. This verification is an empirical study targeting 6 individuals for whom pre- and post-operation physical fitness data were available. 3) A "12-minute" Program That Can Be Easily Integrated into Daily Life Because it can be performed in a small space and in a short time, it can be easily incorporated into daily routines, such as before or after work, or during breaks. It encourages self-awareness of declining physical fitness and supports health maintenance. Source: University of Tsukuba Smart Wellness City Policy Development Research Center and Daiwa LifeNext Joint Research "Development of a Physical Fitness Improvement Program Contributing to Health Maintenance and Management for Elderly Managers Engaged in Condominium Management Work" Comment from a condominium manager who experienced this program (Male, 69 years old / at the time of test verification) "I originally had confidence in my physical fitness, but by incorporating multiple stretches during the test operation period, I felt that I was working even more healthily than before. I also spent my holidays actively, and that fulfilling time became energy for my work. Even while dealing with various consultations daily as a manager, I feel that being able to work happily is thanks to my health." University of Tsukuba Associate Professor (Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences) & Smart Well