Functional Assessments and Frailty Prevention Activities Conducted in Mongolia Students from Japan and Mongolia Collaborate Ahead of Exchange Program in Fukushima
Seven faculty members and three students from the School of Health Sciences at Fukushima Medical University (FMU) visited Mongolia from August 3 to 9. As part of an ongoing collaborative project with the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), they conducted physical function assessments for middle-aged and older adults and participated in activities aimed at preventing frailty.
Faculty members and students from both universities formed joint teams to assess participants’ walking ability, muscle strength, balance, and other aspects of physical function. FMU students worked alongside their Mongolian counterparts, sharing responsibility for conducting the assessments and recording the results. This provided them with valuable experience in collaborating across linguistic and cultural differences.
Seven MNUMS students and one faculty member who are scheduled to visit FMU through the Japan Science and Technology Agency’s Sakura Science Exchange Program, beginning August 29, also participated in the activities. Working together in Mongolia ahead of the program in Fukushima gave the students an opportunity to get to know one another and strengthen their relationships.
The eight participants from MNUMS will spend approximately one week at FMU, where they will learn about community healthcare and rehabilitation. They will also take part in physical function assessments for older adults in Kagamiishi Town. By sharing their experiences from Mongolia and Fukushima, the participants will learn together about ways to support the health and well-being of local communities.
Since 2023, FMU and MNUMS have jointly conducted annual physical function assessments for older adults. Through this ongoing collaborative research project, the two universities have continued to expand their efforts to address health issues affecting local communities.
Building on this long-standing partnership, FMU and the School of Nursing at MNUMS signed an academic exchange agreement in May 2026.
The partnership, which began in 2023, is expected to develop further through the academic exchange agreement and the Sakura Science Exchange Program beginning August 29. These initiatives will promote greater interaction among students and lay the foundation for further collaboration in education, research, and human resource development.
About the JST Sakura Science Exchange Program
The Sakura Science Exchange Program, organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), invites young people from overseas to Japan for short-term visits, providing them with opportunities to experience Japan’s advanced science and technology as well as its culture.
Japanese version is here.