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Ito N, Takita M, Moriyama N, Amir I, Furuyama A, Saito H, Abe T, Yamamoto C, Sato M, Zhao T, Tsubokura M. Long-term evacuation and obesity: a 12-year follow-up comparative study of residents inside and outside Katsurao Village after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1394308. [PMID: 39015392 PMCID: PMC11250493 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1394308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Evacuation, owing to a disaster, impacts various aspects of an individual's life, including health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity among residents of Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture, after the evacuation order due to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 was lifted in 2016 and to compare the prevalence of obesity by place of residence (inside or outside the village). Methods The number of examinees, sex, age, place of residence, body mass index (BMI), exercise habits, smoking habits, drinking habits, and dietary status were extracted from the results of health checkups since 2016. We compared the BMI of the indigenes of Katsurao Village by place of residence (inside or outside the village) over time. Results Although 7 years have passed since 2016, ~70% of the registered residents of Katsurao Village still live outside the village. The obesity rates have consistently been higher among people living outside the village compared to those inside, and the place of residence was the only factor significantly associated with obesity. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest early intervention is necessary to prevent health risks associated with disaster evacuation if the evacuation period is prolonged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Morihito Takita
- Research Division, Medical Governance Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Isamu Amir
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Ayako Furuyama
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Chika Yamamoto
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Saito Y, Sato S, Nishikawa Y, Oguro F, Moriyama N, Sato K, Kobashi Y, Sawano T, Ozaki A, Nakayama T, Tsubokura M, Yasumura S, Sakai S. Outpatient rehabilitation for an older couple in a repopulated village 10 years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster:An embedded case study. Fukushima J Med Sci 2024; 70:49-54. [PMID: 37952979 PMCID: PMC10867431 DOI: 10.5387/fms.2023-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundLittle information is available on the role of community-based rehabilitation after a nuclear disaster. Here, we report the case of an older couple living in an area repopulated after the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011 who received outpatient rehabilitation.Case presentationAn 84-year-old woman underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) after she fell and sustained a trochanteric fracture while caring for her husband with Alzheimer's disease. The 85-year-old husband experienced worsening behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) following his wife's hospitalization. The couple received rehabilitation at an outpatient facility in a nearby village using a shuttle service. The woman's postoperative anxiety was relieved and her physical function improved. Moreover, the husband's BPSD symptoms decreased.ConclusionA wife and husband showed improvement in physical function after THA and alleviation of BPSD, respectively, following rehabilitation. In post-disaster, resource-scarce areas, older adults may benefit from utilizing the outpatient rehabilitation services available in the surrounding area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Saito
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hirata Central Hospital
| | | | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kawauchi Village National Health Insurance Clinic
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health
| | - Fumiya Oguro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | | | - Yurie Kobashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation
| | - Takeo Nakayama
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
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Ito N, Amir I, Saito H, Moriyama N, Furuyama A, Singh P, Montesino S, Yamamoto C, Sato M, Abe T, Zhao T, Tsubokura M. Multisite Lifestyle for Older People after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:87. [PMID: 37736887 PMCID: PMC10514813 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8050087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
After the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in 2011, the Japanese government implemented a return policy, lifting most evacuation orders in former evacuation areas. Consequently, the return of residents is currently underway. However, it has become common for a large number of residents to carry out multisite living, a lifestyle involving returning to their hometown while maintaining their house at the evacuation site, or living at more than two sites. This report focuses on one aspect of the secondary effects of the nuclear incident, which forced affected residents to adopt a multisite lifestyle. Disasters always have a strong impact, via displacement, on those who are socially vulnerable, such as older people in an ageing society. They need intense support to resume their daily life as it was before the incident. For this report, we interviewed an elderly lady in her 90s, who is executing "multisite living" at evacuation sites, in order to obtain reassurance from neighbours and the local community. Our findings may provide valuable suggestions on how older people can restart their lives with the local community in an ageing society after disasters, which could apply to any kind of disaster preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Isamu Amir
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Okinouchi, Soma 976-0016, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Ayako Furuyama
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Priya Singh
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (P.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Stephanie Montesino
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (P.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Chika Yamamoto
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (I.A.); (H.S.); (C.Y.); (T.A.); (T.Z.); (M.T.)
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Ito N, Moriyama N, Furuyama A, Saito H, Sawano T, Amir I, Sato M, Kobashi Y, Zhao T, Yamamoto C, Abe T, Tsubokura M. Why Do They Not Come Home? Three Cases of Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4027. [PMID: 36901038 PMCID: PMC10002345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Many people wish to return to where they used to live after evacuation due to disaster. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, many residents were forced to evacuate due to concerns about radiation. Subsequently, the evacuation order was lifted, and the government promoted a return policy. However, it has been reported that a considerable number of residents living in evacuation sites or other areas wish to return but are unable to do so. Here, we report three cases of Japanese men and one woman who evacuated after the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima. These cases reveal the rapid aging of residents and their health issues. These issues suggest that enhancing medical supply systems and access to medical care can aid in post-disaster reconstruction and residents' returning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Ayako Furuyama
- Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Okinouchi, Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Sawano
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima 972-8322, Japan
| | - Isamu Amir
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yurie Kobashi
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata, Ishikawa District, Fukushima 963-8202, Japan
| | - Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Chika Yamamoto
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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Ito N, Yoshida S, Sato M, Yasui K, Sonoda Y, Tsubokura M. COVID-19 Vaccination in a Former Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuation Area: COVID-19 Vaccination for Former Evacuees. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e321. [PMID: 36503699 PMCID: PMC9947043 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
After the Fukushima accident in 2011, approximately 160000 residents were forced to evacuate the site. The evacuation order has since been lifted and the Japanese government is now advancing a return strategy. As the return proceeds, deterioration of health indicators and measures in the municipalities around the nuclear power plant remains unchanged. This affected the local governments' coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination drive during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Japan, municipalities keep track of residents' information and implement health-related measures. However, many residents evacuated the town, thus leaving their registered residence. With long-term evacuation and few returnees, it was difficult for government officials to constantly monitor the residents' health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to maintain residents' records and ensure that they receive health services without any gap. This report aimed to provide implications for post-disaster community health services and support as observed during the COVID-19 vaccination program at a disaster site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Corresponding author: Naomi Ito,
| | - Sachiko Yoshida
- School of Public Health, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mika Sato
- Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Yasui
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuki Sonoda
- Takebayashi Sadakichi Memorial Clinic, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Zhao T, Moriyama N, Ito N, Abe T, Morita T, Nishikawa Y, Tsubokura M. Long-term care issues in a municipality affected by the great East Japan earthquake: A case of Katsurao Village, Fukushima prefecture. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6268. [PMID: 35999990 PMCID: PMC9388844 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Information regarding the proposed measures addressing long-term care problems during disasters at a municipal level is scarce. Thus, this study reviewed the long-term care insurance measures taken in the Katsurao Village after the Fukushima nuclear accident and summarized the measures that municipalities can take against such issues in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Health ManagementFukushima Medical University School of MedicineFukushimaJapan
| | - Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public HealthFukushima Medical University School of MedicineFukushimaJapan
| | - Naomi Ito
- Department of Radiation Health ManagementFukushima Medical University School of MedicineFukushimaJapan
| | - Toshiki Abe
- Department of Radiation Health ManagementFukushima Medical University School of MedicineFukushimaJapan
| | - Tomohiro Morita
- Department of Internal MedicineSoma Central HospitalSomaJapan
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Health InformaticsKyoto University School of Public HealthKyotoJapan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health ManagementFukushima Medical University School of MedicineFukushimaJapan
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The long term participation trend for the colorectal cancer screening after the 2011 triple disaster in Minamisoma City, Fukushima, Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23851. [PMID: 34903779 PMCID: PMC8668878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03225-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a well-established cancer screening method, and its effectiveness depends on maintaining a high participation rate in the target population. In this study, we analyzed the trends in CRC screening participation rates over 10 years in Minamisoma City, where residents were forced to evacuate after the 2011 triple disaster in Fukushima, Japan. The immunochemical fecal occult blood test is provided as municipal CRC screening. We calculated the annual CRC screening participation rate and analyzed the factors associated with participation in screening. Overall, 4069 (12.3%) and 3839 (11.7%) persons participated in CRC screening in 2009 and 2010, respectively; however, the number decreased significantly to 1090 (3.4%) in 2011 when the earthquake occurred. Over the following 3 years, the rate gradually recovered. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that age < 65 years, living alone, and evacuation were significant associated factors for non-participation after 2011 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the CRC screening participation rate decreased significantly during the Great East Japan Earthquake but recovered over the next 3 years. Further analysis of factors preventing CRC screening participation and research on the long-term effects of its post-disaster decline are important to consider in assessing the need for intervention in post-disaster cancer screening.
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Moriyama N, Nishikawa Y, Hoshi W, Kuga T, Iwasa H, Murayama T, Itagaki T, Saito Y, Yasumura S. Association of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Physical Function, and Mental Health among Older Returnees after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111639. [PMID: 34770151 PMCID: PMC8583483 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and consequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident caused a large-scale evacuation, generating various health issues. Although residents gradually returned, their independence of daily living and associated factors remain unknown. This study examines the hypothesis that physical and mental status are associated with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) of older returnees (65 years and above) after the disaster. Older returnees to Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture, located 20–30 km southwest of the power plants, were recruited. IADL was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence, physical function via the 30-s chair stand test, and mental health via the Japanese version of the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index. To examine the association of IADL and possible factors, a t-test or Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used, stratified by sex. The data of 29 participants (75.5 ± 7.4 years, 19 female) were analyzed. Physical function was associated with IADL in females. Mental health was associated with IADL in males and females. Taking measures to strengthen physical function in females, as well as to improve mental health in both sexes, for enhancing IADL ability could be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Moriyama
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Kawauchi Village National Health Insurance Clinic, Kawauchi 979-1202, Japan; (Y.N.); (T.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto 606-8315, Japan
| | - Wataru Hoshi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan; (W.H.); (T.I.); (Y.S.)
| | - Tomomi Kuga
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
| | - Hajime Iwasa
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
| | - Tomoo Murayama
- Kawauchi Village National Health Insurance Clinic, Kawauchi 979-1202, Japan; (Y.N.); (T.M.)
| | - Tatsuya Itagaki
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan; (W.H.); (T.I.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yuta Saito
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata 963-8202, Japan; (W.H.); (T.I.); (Y.S.)
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Department of Public Health, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (T.K.); (H.I.); (S.Y.)
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