Sakurajuji Group, aiming for a well-being frontier centered on medical care, nursing care, and preventive medicine, and Q’sfix Inc., which provides IT solutions with the latest technology, have jointly developed the AI motion capture walking evaluation system "Well-be Walk" and will begin offering the service from April 1, 2026. This system utilizes AI motion capture technology to visualize individual walking states and, by combining it with feedback from specialists, promotes increased health awareness and behavioral change among people. The aim is to create communities through "beautiful walking" in the era of 100-year lifespans.

The Reality of "Healthy Lifespan" in an Ultra-Aged Society

Japan is rapidly progressing towards an ultra-aged society at an unprecedented speed globally. To make this nation's future bright and well-being-oriented, future medicine must not merely extend lifespan but strongly focus on "extending healthy lifespan." According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2022), the main factors leading to the need for long-term care include dementia and cerebrovascular diseases, and it is clear from the table below that dementia, in particular, poses a significant challenge to the healthy lifespan of Japanese people. (※1)

"Walking Without Strain" is Key to Dementia Prevention

Furthermore, it is reported that the physical activity levels of Japanese people have been on a declining trend in recent years, with a continued state of exercise deficiency for both men and women (※2). It is estimated that approximately 45.9 million people suffer from locomotive syndrome, where mobility declines due to disorders of the motor organs (※3), and there is also evidence pointing to the link between a lack of physical activity and psychological risks such as depression and anxiety. (※4)

The decline in brain and body functions in this manner is a major obstacle to extending healthy lifespan. In response to such societal challenges, "exercise habits that can be continued without strain" have recently garnered attention from the perspective of dementia prevention. Among these, "walking" is an easily incorporable moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for daily life, making it easy to continue. It has also been reported to be associated with the function of the hippocampus, which is related to memory and learning, and to contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function (※5). Therefore, incorporating "walking that can be continued without strain" into daily life is gaining attention as a practical preventive medical approach that contributes not only to physical function but also to the maintenance of cognitive function and psychological health.

The Value of "Beautiful Walking," Guided by the "Quality" of Walking

In this context, attention is being paid not only to the "quantity" but also to the "quality" of walking.

Walking with poor posture increases the burden on joints and muscles, becoming a factor that prevents the full utilization of physical functions. On the other hand, research by Ehara et al. (1989) has reported that efficient and strain-free walking contributes to reducing the burden on joints and muscles and improving energy efficiency (※6).

Furthermore, physical activity, including walking, leads to an increase in daily activity levels and the formation of exercise habits.

Based on this background, Sakurajuji Group and Q’sfix Inc. will launch "Well-be Walk" from April 1, 2026. This service aims to create an opportunity for each individual to proactively engage with their own health by "visualizing the relationship between their current body and walking style."

"Beautiful walking," as defined in this initiative, refers to a state where physical aspects such as stable walking with good posture are harmonized with mental fulfillment such as confidence, happiness, and a sense of purpose, as well as social aspects of walking while feeling connected to people and society and having a role. This is a unique concept redefined by both companies from the perspective of walking, based on the WHO's definition of health (※7), and is believed to lead to improvements in QOL (Quality of Life) and well-being.

Under the philosophy that "the quality of walking becomes the quality of life," we aim to contribute to the realization of a society where everyone can continue to walk vibrantly and true to themselves in the era of 100-year lifespans.

AI Leads to Ideal Walking. The Next-Generation Evaluation System "Well-be Walk" Launches

The AI walking evaluation system "Well-be Walk" is a system that can objectively grasp walking conditions by analyzing walking speed, posture, balance, propulsion, and other factors from multiple angles using AI motion capture. Evaluation is possible with a mere 8-meter walk, and analysis is performed immediately after measurement, with results available on the spot as a "Walking Evaluation Chart." The Walking Evaluation Chart includes classification of walking types (four types based on the balance of propulsion and stability: "Fast and Energetic," "Propulsion-Led," "Leisurely Balance," and "Slow and Wobbly"), as well as a comprehensive score, radar chart, and numerical data such as joint angles, stride length, and speed. Based on a total of 10 evaluation items, it is possible to intuitively and multidimensionally understand one's own walking characteristics from both the aspects of upper body stability and lower body propulsion.

Service Begins in April 2026 at "Medi Messe Sakurajuji (Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)"

At Medi Messe Sakurajuji, specialists such as physical therapists will advise on practical improvement plans based on the results of the walking evaluation and all 10 data points. This leads to safe and practical improvements tailored to individual challenges. Additionally, individual instruction will be provided for those who wish to pursue more detailed improvements. By evaluating walking posture before and after instruction, specific points for more beautiful walking can be visually recognized, and the system is characterized by its accompaniment through behavioral change, not just measurement.

From addressing lack of exercise in the working generation to preventing frailty in seniors. "Measurement" to "Behavioral Change." "Well-be Walk" is a partner for continuing to walk on your own feet for a lifetime.

Service Overview

・ AI Motion Capture Walking Evaluation System "Well-be Walk"

・ Location: Within the Preventive Medicine Center at Medi Messe Sakurajuji (Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)

・ Usage: Available as an option for health checkups or for standalone use.

Sources

※1) Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "Outline of the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey"

※2) Takashi Nakagata, Rei Ono Data resource profile: Exercise habits, step counts, and sedentary behavior from the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan. Data in Brief Volume 53, April 2024, 110103

※3) The Japanese Orthopaedic Association "Current Status and Countermeasures for Locomotive Syndrome"

※4) WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, World Health Organization, 2020

※5) Mohamed Hesham Khalil Walking and Hippocampal Formation Volume Changes: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci. 2025, 15, 52

※6) EHARA Y. Muscular efficiency during walking. Journal of the Society of Biomechanisms Japan. (1989) vol.9, p.93-104.

※7) World Health Organization. Constitution of the World Health Organization. 1946.

About Q’sfix

Founded in 1976, the Q’sfix group of companies aims to enrich people's lives and support a society where they can live with peace of mind through IT. The company emphasizes providing IT technical capabilities swiftly and contributing to society in response to diverse customer needs and various social changes accompanying transformations like DX. In addition to developing IT systems that support social infrastructure and supporting customers aiming for digital transformation, they also apply advanced bio-functional and motion-functional measurement technologies to fields such as sports, education, and rehabilitation.

Company Profile

◎Q’sfix Inc.

Founded: January 1976

HP URL: https://www.qsfix.com/

Head Office

Sapia Tower 26F, 1-7-12 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005

About Sakurajuji Group

"WELL-BEING FRONTIER: Fulfilling Life in the 100-Year Lifespan Era" ▶ https://sakurajuji.com/well-being-frontier/

In 2005, the Sakurajuji Group began with "Sakurajuji Hospital," which has the largest number of hospital beds among private hospitals in Kumamoto Prefecture. Today, the group extends beyond hospitals to encompass various businesses and services nationwide in the healthcare domain, including medical care, nursing care, and preventive medicine. "Life" is connected as a "Life Story" from childhood through adulthood to old age. As we enter the 100-year lifespan era, what can we, who have dealt with elderly healthcare, do? It is to provide businesses and services based on a new concept of mentally and socially "fulfilling life," not just physical care to cure illnesses and injuries. Through this, we contribute to supporting the joys and pleasures of life for all generations and to building the foundational society. The Sakurajuji Group, by continuously evolving in response to the changing times, aims to be a "Well-being Frontier" that carves out a future rich in QOL (Quality of Life), based on the three pillars of "physical health," "mental happiness," and "the state of people, towns, and society."

Company Profile

◎Sakurajuji Group

Founded: July 2005

HP URL: https://sakurajuji.com

Head Office

Mori JP Tower 27F, 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041

Kumamoto Headquarters

1-1-1 Miyukikibe, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City 861-4173

Fukuoka Headquarters

3-5-11 Watanabe dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City 810-0004

Osaka Headquarters

Knowledge Capital 6F, Grand Front Osaka, 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City 530-0011

Medi Messe Sakurajuji

3F, Sunlive City Kumanan, 3-23-30 Heisei, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City 860-0833

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News