October 1, 2023 (2nd Edition)

Rehabilitation

for patients with Minamata disease

National Institute for Minamata Disease
Outpatient Rehabilitation
The National Institute for Minamata disease (hereinafter referred to as “NIMD”)
provides outpatient rehabilitation mainly for patients with fetal and pediatricMinamata disease. The NIMD provides treatment aimed at relieving the abnormal
muscle tonus and pain seen in Minamata disease as well as rehabilitation
focused on gait disturbance and dysphagia. The days of use are set according tothe schedule and needs of the person using the service and staff members
provided transportation to and from their homes and facilities.

● Outline of our outpatient
rehabilitation care
The main treatment includes lower limb muscle
strength training using belt electrode- skeletal
muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES), gait training
using HAL® medical single joint and non-powered
walking aid, and swallowing training using combined
low-frequency therapy device. Please contact us
at any time for consultations regarding the useof outpatient rehabilitation and daily life.

● Service days Monday to Thursday● Service hours 9:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00

Introduction to Rehabilitation
Physical therapy■The purpose of treatment is to relieve pain
and abnormal muscle tonus.

Belt electrode skeletal muscle
electrical stimulation (B-SES)● How it works
The belt is attached to the abdomen, thigh, andlower leg to stimulate the entire lower limb atonce. Wheelchair users, bedridden people, andothers who have difficulty performing regularexercise can use it as an alternative to exercise.

● Objective
To improve muscle weakness and spasticity (stiffness)■ Magnetic stimulation of nerve roots in the hip● How it works
Magnetic stimulation is performed after determining
the optimal lumbar nerve root site by measuring
motor-evoked potentials in the leg.

● Objective
To reduce spasticity■

Combined low-frequency
therapy device (NEURO TREAT)● How it works
The combination of high and low frequenciesdelivers stimulation deep into the muscles.

● Objective
To improve swallowing-related muscle strength.

Exercise Therapy■

The purpose of treatment is to prevent
muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity.

Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL®)
medical single-joint system● How it works
The system senses the wearer's weak bioelectricalpotential signals and supports voluntary movement.
The brain learns the correct movement by repeating
it according to the wearer's intentions.

● Objective
To improve voluntary movements at the individual
joint level.

■ ACSIVE or aLQ (powerless walking assist)● How it works
The body is simply hooked to the belt and secured
above the knee with the magic belt. The spring force
assists in walking, and the device is lightweight andportable.

● Objective
To maintain and improve the functions required forstanding and walking.

■Repetitive facilitation exercise therapy(Kawahira Method)● How it works
The goal is to improve coordinated movement
through repetitive learning of normal movement
patterns.

● Objective
To normalize muscle tone and improve coordinationof movement.

Handicrafts
This program aims to maintain hand
motor function and activate brain
function. Participants can also gain
a sense of accomplishment throughthe creation of artwork.

Characteristic rehabilitation at theNational Institute for Minamata Disease● Rehabilitation for gait disturbances
We provide rehabilitation for those with gait disturbances, including wheelchair users,
by combining magnetic stimulation of the nerve roots in the hip, repetitive facilitation
exercises, B-SES, and HAL or aLQ for gait training.

+Magneticstimulation of nerveroots in the hip

Repetitive
facilitation
exercises

B-SES

HAL medical
single-joint system● Rehabilitation for Dysphagia
Rehabilitation for impaired swallowing function
For dysphagia in patients with Minamata disease, which has
become a problem in recent years, we provide evaluation ofswallowing function and rehabilitation of swallowing using
neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

Gait training usingaLQ(powerlesswalking assist)Our counseling services are available when you need information
regarding rehabilitation and nursing-care approaches or advice on
health, daily living, and welfare issues.
Please feel free to contact us if you needguidance on rehabilitation that can bedone at home or if you have any questions
regarding your health, daily life, and welfare.

■ It is hard to get out of bed...

■ Where should we attach a handrail?

■ It has become hard to walk...

■ What kind of exercise is beneﬁcial for staying healthy?

■ Difﬁculty in swallowing food...

■ Are there any exercises that can be done at home?

■ It is hard to talk...

■ Are there easier ways to give assistance?

■ What kind of wheelchair should I choose？

..etc., etc.

■ What kind of bed would be good for me?

aataminM iverR

National Institute for
Minamata Disease
Marushima Port

Minamata City Library andCommunity Center
Post Oﬃce

Minamata Disease Archives

3

Koiji Island

Minamata BayCity Hall

Police Station3
Municipal
Medical Center

Umedo Port

Ecopark
Minamata

To Kumamoto▶
Culture Center
Moyainaoshi CenterRailwaygeanOr▼To Kagoshima

MinamataStationenns

MEG Centerank

KyushuPlease contact us forinquiries and consultation
regarding rehabilitation,
etc.

268
i
ShShin-Minamata
StationRehabilitation Section,
Department of Clinical Medicine

TEL +81-966-63-3111

NIMD
website4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008
TEL +81-966-63-3111

NIMD
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