Gender-specific factors associated with the Japanese version of the trail making test among Japanese workers.

[Purpose] The Trail Making Test is a valuable tool for predicting the transition from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate gender-specific factors associated with the Trail Making Test using body composition and motor function among Japanese workers. [Participants and Methods] Demographic data, body composition, motor function, and cognitive and attentional functions (Trail Making Test, Part B) were analyzed among 627 workers who underwent health assessments during the 2019 fiscal year.

Differences in determinants affecting longitudinal change of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity due to differences in baseline among Japanese male workers.

[Purpose] No study has examined whether the determinants of longitudinal changes in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity differ depending on the baseline brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values. Therefore, this study aimed to extract these determinants in high- and low-value groups based on the FY2014 brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values. [Participants and Methods] Participants were 97 male workers who underwent continuous health assessments from FY2014 to four years later.

Age-Specific Determinants of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity among Male Japanese Workers.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a public health challenge. Arterial stiffness is an index that indicates the risk of developing CVD. The lifestyle habits of working generations vary greatly with age; however, no study has examined the age-specific determinants of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index of arterial stiffness.

Relation between respiratory function and arterial stiffness assessed using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in healthy workers.

[Purpose] Current studies report that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may also have arteriosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between respiratory function and arterial stiffness in healthy workers using the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). [Subjects and Methods] This study included 104 male Japanese workers without COPD.

The association between the body composition and lifestyle affecting pulmonary function in Japanese workers.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to physical characteristics and lifestyle that affect pulmonary function. [Subjects and Methods] Ninety seven healthy male workers were recruited for this study, and basic information and details about lifestyle were collected. Body composition analyzer and visceral fat measuring device were conducted as measurements.

Functional and occupational characteristics predictive of a return to work within 18 months after stroke in Japan: implications for rehabilitation.

Objective: This study examined clinical, functional, and occupational factors associated with return to work within 18 months after stroke, specifically focusing on the impact of higher cortical dysfunction on return to work in the chronic phase.

Methods: This prospective cohort study in 21 hospitals specializing in clinical and occupational health recruited consecutive working-age inpatients receiving acute care for their first stroke (n = 351). A unified database was used to extract patient information from hospital records at the time of admission, discharge, and follow-up at 18 months post-stroke.

Functional and occupational characteristics associated with very early return to work after stroke in Japan.

Objectives: To examine clinical, functional, and occupational factors associated with very early return to work after stroke, and to identify factors manageable through occupational arrangements, patient education, and other welfare programs.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Acute care of the first stroke event in 21 acute care hospitals specializing in clinical and occupational health.

Repeated counselling improves the antidiabetic effects of limited individualized lifestyle guidance in metabolic syndrome: J-STOP-METS final results.

The aim of this study was to examine whether additional repeated counselling further improves the health effects of limited, highly individualized lifestyle guidance in metabolic syndrome. One hundred and nine previously untreated metabolic syndrome patients received highly standardized and individualized lifestyle guidance for weight loss. A tentative goal of 5% weight reduction over the course of 2 months was set.

Determinants of early return to work after first stroke in Japan.

Objective: To examine the time to return to work after first stroke and identify determinants of early return to work in Japan.

Design: A multicentre, prospective cohort study on the association between characteristics at admission and early return to work after first stroke.

Subjects: Among 464 patients after first stroke, 325 were registered in this study.

Japanese study to organize proper lifestyle modifications for metabolic syndrome (J-STOP-MetS): design and method.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is now a very serious health problem in Japan and a public preventive strategy is essential to reduce morbidity. A systematic interventional strategy for the metabolic syndrome remains to be established. In order to address this issue, a multi-center study; Japanese Study to Organize Proper lifestyle modification for the metabolic syndrome (J-STOP-MetS), has been established by nine preventive medical centers among Rosai hospital groups.

Association of pain with employment status and satisfaction among amputees in Japan.

Objective: To assess the relationship between residual and phantom limb pain and working life among persons with limb amputation.

Design: Cross-sectional study in which amputee patients completed a mailed questionnaire about their residual limb and phantom limb pain, employment status, and satisfaction with working life.

Setting: Department of rehabilitation medicine of a major hospital in Japan.