English version - Fit for Work Europe

MSDs and individuals
72
and other health conditions. In addition, lower socioeconomic status is linked to inactivity and
obesity, both of which are risk factors for certain types of arthritis.
Recently, awareness of the effects of diet on health has been increasing in Japan. Although still
low, the rate of obesity – a risk factor not only for bone and joint conditions but cardiovascular
disease and diabetes as well – is on the rise in Japan, currently at 5.5 per cent among men and
3.5 per cent among women (WHO, 2009). Although prevalence is lower than in other countries,
increasing rates of childhood obesity over the last decade are of great concern (Matsushita,
Yoshiike, Kaneda, Yoshita and Takimoto, 2004; Munakata, Sei, Ewis, Umeno, Sato et al., 2010;
ACCJ, 2011b). Obesity in childhood has been found to be a predictor of obesity in adults, thus
reducing the age at which obesity-related diseases, such as MSDs, may manifest themselves.
In addition, sedentary lifestyle may contribute to obesity and MSDs: in one survey 40 per cent
of adults admitted they did not engage in any moderate or strenuous exercise in the previous
week, and only 30 per cent performed an hour or more (ACCJ, 2011b). Notably the intensity of
exercise increased with age, with individuals aged 60 and above being more likely to exercise
regularly (ACCJ, 2011b).
Having acknowledged the effects of changing diet coupled with lack of physical activity,
particularly among older people, the MHLW have been promoting healthy lifestyles via
‘Shokuiku (Food and Nutrition Education)’, as well as via publications such as the ‘Exercise and
Physical Activity Guide for Health Promotion 2006’ (MHLW, n.d.).
Finally, smoking has been found to have an impact on the progress of RA disease (Bone and
Joint Decade, 2005). A worryingly large proportion of Japanese aged 15 years and over are
regular smokers: 36.6 per cent of males and 12.1 per cent of females, although the rate of
smoking has been declining gradually. 32 More adults are exposed to the harmful effects of
second-hand smoke (MHLW, n.d.).
It is important to recognise that individual personality differences and behaviours moderate
the relationship between MSD symptoms and productivity loss/disability, associated with those
symptoms (Burton, 2005). In other words, whilst individuals may experience musculoskeletal
pain (in their back, for example), it is not possible to predict:
a. Their strategies for dealing with illness or injury (seeking medical attention for example);
b. How the ailment will affect their work performance or whether they will take time off
work, or
32 See OECD http://stats.oecd.org/
Fit For Work? Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Japanese Labour Market