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【Introduction】One of the effects of the hot spring provides worm temperature. This effect raises temperature, and temperature control function operates and causes increase of the bloodstream. This time, these changes examined the thing by the size of the bathtub and the spring quality of the hot spring. 【Subjects and Methods】The subjects were 10 healthy adult men (mean age: 25.2 years). They bathed for 10 min in bathtubs at 42°C. The enforcement used plunge bath (approximately 1,700 L: simple alkaline hot spring) and home bathtub (approximately 300 L: hot water, 0.1% artificially chlorinated spring). Measurement item of the maximum arterial blood flow rate using the Ultrasonic Rheometer Smart Doppler 45, deep body temperature using the deep body temperature monitor core temperature CM-210, I compared each value 10 min during the bathing, and during a 10-min, 20-min, 30-min resting period after bathing, furthermore, I found the conjugation on each condition resting period after bathing. 【Result】The rise in deep body temperature and maximum arterial blood flow rate showed the result that a hot spring of the plunge bath was more meaningful than the value of the home bathtub after 10 min of bathing. The deep body temperature of the hot spring of the plunge bath significantly rose from bathing 3 min after. In deep body temperature with the resting period after bathing, in the hot spring of the plunge bath, a meaningful rise was maintained in hot water 13 min for population chloride spring 16 min of the home bathtub for 15 min. 【Discussion】In thinks that a population spring let you maintain a temperature rise that it disturbs a drop of the water temperature by abundant quantity of water in the plunge bath that hot spring plunge bath had a bigger deep body temperature rise, maximum arterial blood flow rate than home bathtub, and the deep body temperature rise in the home bathtub was continued.
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Objective To analyze the current medical equipment maintenance management model and the existing problems.Methods According to the law of reliability bathtub curve,the maintenance decision of medical equipments was analyzed from the three failure period stages,including early failure period,accidental failure period and loss failure period.By taking breathing machines as an example,a maintenance decision analysis during accidental failures was conducted.Results Medical equipment problems are caused by a variety of reasons,including operational problem,technical problem and management problem.The operational problem is caused by maintenance delays,lack of maintenance,and non-standard operations.The technical problem was caused by a wide variety of medical equipment and complex maintenance manuals.The management problem was caused by lacking of scientific management in equipment maintenance and updates.Conclusions For different stages of medical equipment,the impact factors are different and different maintenance strategies should be selected.
Résumé
<p> <b>Objective</b>: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of bathtub drowning on erythrocytes in victims. </p><p> <b>Methods</b>: Thirty-nine consecutive victims with CPA were included in the present study and consisted of 16 males and 23 females, 8-95 years of age, median 78 years old. Data on the arrival examination were analyzed, which consisted of serum sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl), hematocrit (Ht)/hemoglobin (Hb) ratio, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). In addition, the changes of MCV level in accordance with treatment in two bathtub drowning victims, one who was resuscitated and the other who had been under treatment in our hospital, were compared with those in two water intoxication patients.</p><p> <b>Results</b>: Of the 39 victims, 18 showed serum Na levels to be lower than normal range (NR) but no victim showed one higher than NR. In serum Cl level, 22 victims showed levels below NR but no one showed a level above NR. As to the value for the Ht/Hb ratio, the ratios were within NR in only three victims and were above NR in the rest. In MCH, three victims showed levels below NR and one victim showed a level above NR. In MCV, 16 victims showed levels above NR but no one showed a level below NR. The comparison of MCV between drowning victims and water intoxication patients pointed out a difference in the effect on treatment: in cases of drowning, MCV increased only on the day of the event and returned to baseline the next day, whereas in cases of water intoxication, MCV remained unchanged for a few days after treatment and then increased. </p><p> <b>Conclusion</b>: It is well known that freshwater drowning induces both hyponatremia and hypochloremia, which are caused by water transferred from alveoli to blood vessels. The increased MCV in bathtub drowning victims is induced by the expansion of erythrocytes through lower osmotic pressure, which exceeds the decreased change in hematocrit due to hemodilution, although the mechanism of the change in MCV in water intoxication cases is not identified.</p>
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<p> Frequent bathtub bathing (BB) improves sleep quality and mental health of middle-aged and older Japanese individuals. This study investigated the chronic effects of BB with and without a bath additive (bathtub bathing with KIKIYU [BBK]) in healthy young adults. The study involved healthy young adults who habitually showered, as opposed to bathing. Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the BB or BBK groups for 14 consecutive nights. After a 2-week washout period (shower bathing), the participants were asked to switch their bathing styles (a crossover design). The artificial bath additive for the BBK group contained inorganic salts and carbon dioxide. The participants were evaluated by using the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi Sleep Inventory-Middle-aged version (OSA-MA) and 1-ch sleep electroencephalography (EEG) for sleep quality, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Apathy Scale (AS) for mental conditions.</p><p> Sleepiness on waking and refreshing scores in the OSA-MA significantly differed between the shower bathing and BBK groups. EEG results did not significantly differ among the bathing styles. Vigor T-score and total mood disturbance (TMD) scores showed significant differences in the two bathing groups (shower vs. bathing), and fatigue T-score was significantly lower in the BBK group compared with both the BB and shower groups. SDS score was significantly lower in the BBK group compared with the shower group. AS score was significantly lower in the two bathing groups (shower vs. bathing). </p><p> The OSA-MA score was possibly influenced by vasodilatation and circulation by using carbon dioxide and keeping the body warm after bathing by using inorganic salts. The OSA-MA score was possible also affected by fatigue alleviation and maintenance of vitality by using a citrus lemon scent and yellow-green hue. Furthermore, frequent body heating affects the central nervous function related to mood and emotion.</p><p> Based on these results, we can conclude that BB and BBK prior to shower bathing improved the mental health of the young adults in this study.</p>
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<p><b>Objectives:</b> Bathing in a bathtub made of hinoki cypress may promote relaxation. This study focuses on changes in autonomic nervous system function, and emotional assessments of individuals who bathed in a hinoki cypress bathtub.</p><p><b>Methods:</b> All 16 study participants bathed twice, as interventions in this study. The baths consisted of bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub and in a modular bathtub as the control experiment. During the study, participants wore a holter monitor. Before and after bathing, saliva samples were collected for cortisol measurement, and participants underwent a subjective emotional assessment, the Mood Check List-Short Form.2 (MCL-S.2). After bathing, an additional subjective emotional assessment, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was performed.</p><p><b>Results and Discussion:</b> The emotional assessments in the MCL-S.2 indicated a significant increase in positive emotional scores (“pleasantness”) after bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub. The VAS scores showed a significant decrease in the “feeling of fatigue” after bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub, compared to bathing in a modular bathtub. These results suggest that study participants who bathed in a hinoki cypress bathtub experienced positive effects, and decreased feelings of fatigue. The salivary cortisol concentration decreased significantly after bathing in the hinoki cypress bathtub and in the modular bathtub. For both the hinoki cypress bathtub and the modular bathtub, the high frequency (√HF) values collected with the holter monitor after bathing, were higher than the √HF values collected prior to bathing. The results suggest that bathing in water temperatures of 38-39°C for 15 min enhances relaxation, and has a positive effect on the human body.</p>
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Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of bathtub drowning on erythrocytes in victims. Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive victims with CPA were included in the present study and consisted of 16 males and 23 females, 8-95 years of age, median 78 years old. Data on the arrival examination were analyzed, which consisted of serum sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl), hematocrit (Ht)/hemoglobin (Hb) ratio, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). In addition, the changes of MCV level in accordance with treatment in two bathtub drowning victims, one who was resuscitated and the other who had been under treatment in our hospital, were compared with those in two water intoxication patients. Results: Of the 39 victims, 18 showed serum Na levels to be lower than normal range (NR) but no victim showed one higher than NR. In serum Cl level, 22 victims showed levels below NR but no one showed a level above NR. As to the value for the Ht/Hb ratio, the ratios were within NR in only three victims and were above NR in the rest. In MCH, three victims showed levels below NR and one victim showed a level above NR. In MCV, 16 victims showed levels above NR but no one showed a level below NR. The comparison of MCV between drowning victims and water intoxication patients pointed out a difference in the effect on treatment: in cases of drowning, MCV increased only on the day of the event and returned to baseline the next day, whereas in cases of water intoxication, MCV remained unchanged for a few days after treatment and then increased. Conclusion: It is well known that freshwater drowning induces both hyponatremia and hypochloremia, which are caused by water transferred from alveoli to blood vessels. The increased MCV in bathtub drowning victims is induced by the expansion of erythrocytes through lower osmotic pressure, which exceeds the decreased change in hematocrit due to hemodilution, although the mechanism of the change in MCV in water intoxication cases is not identified.
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Frequent bathtub bathing (BB) improves sleep quality and mental health of middle-aged and older Japanese individuals. This study investigated the chronic effects of BB with and without a bath additive (bathtub bathing with KIKIYU [BBK]) in healthy young adults. The study involved healthy young adults who habitually showered, as opposed to bathing. Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the BB or BBK groups for 14 consecutive nights. After a 2-week washout period (shower bathing), the participants were asked to switch their bathing styles (a crossover design). The artificial bath additive for the BBK group contained inorganic salts and carbon dioxide. The participants were evaluated by using the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi Sleep Inventory-Middle-aged version (OSA-MA) and 1-ch sleep electroencephalography (EEG) for sleep quality, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Apathy Scale (AS) for mental conditions. Sleepiness on waking and refreshing scores in the OSA-MA significantly differed between the shower bathing and BBK groups. EEG results did not significantly differ among the bathing styles. Vigor T-score and total mood disturbance (TMD) scores showed significant differences in the two bathing groups (shower vs. bathing), and fatigue T-score was significantly lower in the BBK group compared with both the BB and shower groups. SDS score was significantly lower in the BBK group compared with the shower group. AS score was significantly lower in the two bathing groups (shower vs. bathing). The OSA-MA score was possibly influenced by vasodilatation and circulation by using carbon dioxide and keeping the body warm after bathing by using inorganic salts. The OSA-MA score was possible also affected by fatigue alleviation and maintenance of vitality by using a citrus lemon scent and yellow-green hue. Furthermore, frequent body heating affects the central nervous function related to mood and emotion. Based on these results, we can conclude that BB and BBK prior to shower bathing improved the mental health of the young adults in this study.
Résumé
<p><b>Objectives:</b> Bathing in a bathtub made of hinoki cypress may promote relaxation. This study focuses on changes in autonomic nervous system function, and emotional assessments of individuals who bathed in a hinoki cypress bathtub.</p><p><b>Methods:</b> All 16 study participants bathed twice, as interventions in this study. The baths consisted of bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub and in a modular bathtub as the control experiment. During the study, participants wore a holter monitor. Before and after bathing, saliva samples were collected for cortisol measurement, and participants underwent a subjective emotional assessment, the Mood Check List-Short Form.2 (MCL-S.2). After bathing, an additional subjective emotional assessment, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was performed.</p><p><b>Results and Discussion:</b> The emotional assessments in the MCL-S.2 indicated a significant increase in positive emotional scores (“pleasantness”) after bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub. The VAS scores showed a significant decrease in the “feeling of fatigue” after bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub, compared to bathing in a modular bathtub. These results suggest that study participants who bathed in a hinoki cypress bathtub experienced positive effects, and decreased feelings of fatigue. The salivary cortisol concentration decreased significantly after bathing in the hinoki cypress bathtub and in the modular bathtub. For both the hinoki cypress bathtub and the modular bathtub, the high frequency (√HF) values collected with the holter monitor after bathing, were higher than the √HF values collected prior to bathing. The results suggest that bathing in water temperatures of 38-39°C for 15 min enhances relaxation, and has a positive effect on the human body.</p>
Résumé
Objectives: Bathing in a bathtub made of hinoki cypress may promote relaxation. This study focuses on changes in autonomic nervous system function, and emotional assessments of individuals who bathed in a hinoki cypress bathtub.Methods: All 16 study participants bathed twice, as interventions in this study. The baths consisted of bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub and in a modular bathtub as the control experiment. During the study, participants wore a holter monitor. Before and after bathing, saliva samples were collected for cortisol measurement, and participants underwent a subjective emotional assessment, the Mood Check List-Short Form.2 (MCL-S.2). After bathing, an additional subjective emotional assessment, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was performed.Results and Discussion: The emotional assessments in the MCL-S.2 indicated a significant increase in positive emotional scores (“pleasantness”) after bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub. The VAS scores showed a significant decrease in the “feeling of fatigue” after bathing in a hinoki cypress bathtub, compared to bathing in a modular bathtub. These results suggest that study participants who bathed in a hinoki cypress bathtub experienced positive effects, and decreased feelings of fatigue. The salivary cortisol concentration decreased significantly after bathing in the hinoki cypress bathtub and in the modular bathtub. For both the hinoki cypress bathtub and the modular bathtub, the high frequency (√HF) values collected with the holter monitor after bathing, were higher than the √HF values collected prior to bathing. The results suggest that bathing in water temperatures of 38-39°C for 15 min enhances relaxation, and has a positive effect on the human body.
Résumé
<b>Objective</b>: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of bathtub bathing （BB） on sleep and working efficiency of healthy young adult students. Furthermore, the effects of BB and prolonged increased body temperature from the use of insulating sheets and sleeping bags after BB （warming after BB: BBW） on sleep and working efficiency were investigated.<BR><b>Subjects</b>: Eighteen （six males, 12 females） healthy young students （19.6±0.7 years old, mean±SD） who habitually took showers instead of baths participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained from all of the subjects, and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kumamoto Health Science University.<BR><b>Methods</b>: Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups （n＝9 in each group）. The subjects in the BB group were immersed in their home bathtub to the supraclavicular level and instructed to rest for 10 min with the temperature regulated at 41°C. The subjects in the BBW group followed the same bathing protocol, and they then rested in a sleeping bag and sheet for 30 min in order to keep their bodies warm. The length of each study period was 2 weeks in a crossover design. After the 2-week-long washout periods, the subject groups were switched. The subjects were evaluated with the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi sleep inventory, MA version （OSA-MA）, which utilizes a visual analog scale （VAS） with which subjects rate their sleep when they wake up, and Purdue Pegboard Assembly test. These tests were employed before and after the BB and BBW sessions, resulting in four testing periods in the 6-week period.<BR><b>Results</b>: Sleep rating on the OSA-MA was no significant difference in both the BB and BBW groups compared to ratings recorded after showering. The subjects in the BB and BBW groups had significantly increased VAS ratings for “Feeling of sound sleep,” “Refreshing,” and “Lightness of the body” compared to the ratings after showering. The mean Purdue Pegboard test scores of the subjects in both the BB and BBW groups were significantly higher than those recorded after showering. <BR><b>Discussion</b>: Changing bathing style from shower to BB or BBW improved the working efficiency of students on the Purdue pegboard test. BB and BBW resulted in soothing effects owing to improvements in the subjects’ quality of sleep.
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Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of bathtub bathing （BB） on sleep and working efficiency of healthy young adult students. Furthermore, the effects of BB and prolonged increased body temperature from the use of insulating sheets and sleeping bags after BB （warming after BB: BBW） on sleep and working efficiency were investigated. Subjects: Eighteen （six males, 12 females） healthy young students （19.6±0.7 years old, mean±SD） who habitually took showers instead of baths participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained from all of the subjects, and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kumamoto Health Science University. Methods: Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups （n＝9 in each group）. The subjects in the BB group were immersed in their home bathtub to the supraclavicular level and instructed to rest for 10 min with the temperature regulated at 41°C. The subjects in the BBW group followed the same bathing protocol, and they then rested in a sleeping bag and sheet for 30 min in order to keep their bodies warm. The length of each study period was 2 weeks in a crossover design. After the 2-week-long washout periods, the subject groups were switched. The subjects were evaluated with the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi sleep inventory, MA version （OSA-MA）, which utilizes a visual analog scale （VAS） with which subjects rate their sleep when they wake up, and Purdue Pegboard Assembly test. These tests were employed before and after the BB and BBW sessions, resulting in four testing periods in the 6-week period. Results: Sleep rating on the OSA-MA was no significant difference in both the BB and BBW groups compared to ratings recorded after showering. The subjects in the BB and BBW groups had significantly increased VAS ratings for “Feeling of sound sleep,” “Refreshing,” and “Lightness of the body” compared to the ratings after showering. The mean Purdue Pegboard test scores of the subjects in both the BB and BBW groups were significantly higher than those recorded after showering. Discussion: Changing bathing style from shower to BB or BBW improved the working efficiency of students on the Purdue pegboard test. BB and BBW resulted in soothing effects owing to improvements in the subjects’ quality of sleep.
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<b>Objective: </b>The purpose of this study was to clarify the chronic effects of bathtub bathing (BB), whole body warming after bathtub bathing (BBW), and bathtub bathing with herbal extracts (BBH) on the mental condition of healthy young persons.<BR><b>Subjects and Methods: </b><BR><b>Experiment 1:</b> Eighteen (6 male and 12 female; age: 19.6±0.7 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study.<BR> From November 2012 to December 2012, subjects were randomly assigned into two groups (each 3 male, 6 female): those who had BB or 30-min BBW 14 times for 14 consecutive nights during a 2-week period. After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked to switch their bathing conditions (a cross-over design).<BR><b>Experiment 2:</b> Twenty (8 male and 12 female; age: 21.3±1.6 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study. <BR> From October 2013 to November 2013, subejects (4male and 6 female) were randomly assigned to undergo BB or BBH. <BR> The herbal extract contained <i>Dong dang gui</i> (<i>Japanese Angelica Root</i>), <i>Chimpi</i> (<i>Citrus Unshiu peel</i>), <i>Chamomilla recutita</i>, and <i>ginger</i> extracts. <BR> After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked switch to the other bathing condition (a cross-over design). <BR> All participants provided informed consent for participation in these studies, and these studies were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kumamoto Health Science University.<BR> The subjects immersed their bodies up to the supraclavian for 10 min, in tap water adjusted to a temperature of 41 °C in their bathtub at home.<BR>The subjects’ mental conditions were assessed using Profile of Mood States short version questionnaire.<BR> The differences in the effect of BB and BBW, as well as those of BB and BBH on the subjects’ mental conditions and their mental conditions pre-BB and post-BB, pre-BBW and post-BBW, pre-BBH and post-BBH were analyzed using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank sum test. <BR><b>Results: </b>The points for depression-dejection, fatigue, and confusion in those who had BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) compared to the points in those who had BB.<BR> The points for anger-hostility before BBW and BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) after BBW and BBH, and there were no significant differences in points before and after BB.<BR><b>Conclusions:</b> The subjects’ anger-hostility was influenced by body warming in BBW and the vasodilatory components of the herbal extracts. <BR> The subjects’ depression-dejection and fatigue was influenced by the fragrance and color of herbal extracts.
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<b>Purpose: </b>Our previous study compared the characteristics of middle-aged persons who regularly take hot bathtub baths with those who do not and found taking hot bathtub baths helped to have good sleep and increase self-rated health. However, few studies have focused on this habit among young people. This study therefore compared the characteristics of young persons who regularly take hot bathtub baths with those who do not and clarify the potential effects of habitual bathtub bathing on their health. <BR><b>Methods: </b> In this cross-sectional study, a self-reported questionnaire on bathtub bathing habits and general health and lifestyle was distributed to 483 university students between May and June 2013. Respondents were divided into two groups: those who took 3 or more bathtub baths per week (high-frequency group) and those who took 2 or fewer bathtub baths per week (low-frequency group). Differences between the groups were determined for sex, age, living with or apart from one’s family, quality of sleep, sense of fatigue, and self-rated health. Prior to conducting the study, the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Daito Bunka University.<BR><b>Results: </b>We obtained 394 responses (response rate: 81.6%) and analyzed 376 valid responses. Those who answered the question on bathtub bathing habits were divided into a high-frequency group (176 persons, 47%) and a low-frequency group (200 persons, 53%). The high-frequency group (52% men, 43% women, 5% sex was unknown) had a slightly greater proportion of men than in the low-frequency group (p=0.07). The two bathing frequency groups did not significantly differ by age group(p=0.43), and the age distribution in the high-frequency group age was 51% among 18 year olds, 45% among 19 year olds, 39% among 20 year olds, 48% among 21 year olds, and 61% among 22 year olds and older. Significantly more of the high-frequency group lived with their family (70% versus 23% living alone) than the low-frequency group (p<0.001). In terms of quality of sleep, 62% of the high-frequency group and 60% of the low-frequency group reported having good sleep (p=0.72). For sense of fatigue, 27% of the high-frequency group and 23% of the low-frequency group reported they did not experience fatigue (p=0.36), and for self-rated health, 81% of the high frequency group and 76% of the low-frequency group reported they were healthy (p=0.30). While there were no significant differences between the two groups, the findings suggest that those in the high-frequency group experienced good health. Results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for living with or apart from family showed the following odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) in the high-frequency group: good quality of sleep 1.02 (0.63-1.66), no fatigue 1.37 (0.76-2.46), and self-rated health 1.61 (0.90-2.89).<BR><b>Conclusion: </b>Among university students in this study, men and persons living with their families were highly likely to take hot bathtub baths regularly. While there were no significant differences between the high and low frequency bathers, taking hot bathtub baths may marginally help to reduce fatigue and increase self-rated health. <BR>Competing interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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<b>Introduction: </b>Some students take showers instead of baths for economic reasons or because they dislike cleaning the bathtub. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of bathing routines on students’ working efficiency.<BR><b>Subjects: </b>Seventeen (six male and 11 female) healthy young students (19.6 ± 0.7 years old, mean ± SD) who habitually took showers instead of baths participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kumamoto Health Science University.<BR><b>Method:</b> Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. The subjects in the first group (bathtub bathing [BB]) were immersed to the supraclavicular level in their home bathtub and instructed to rest for 10 minutes with the temperature regulated at 41°C. The subjects of the second group (whole-body warming after BB [BBW]) followed the same bathing protocol and then rested in a sleeping bag and sheet for 30 minutes to keep their bodies warm. Each period was carried out over 2 weeks in a cross-over design. Washout periods were 2 weeks long. The evaluation items of this study included the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sleep inventory MA version (OSA-MA), a questionnaire containing a visual analog scale (VAS) to judge the subjective bathing effect, profile of mood states, salivary stress marker (α-amylase), and the Purdue Pegboard test. These tests were evaluated before and after the BB sessions, BBW sessions, and washout interval for a total of four times in a 6-week period.<BR><b>Result:</b> Participants tended to report a better sleep feeling on the OSA-MA after the BB or BBW sessions than after showering. There were significantly better changes in both the BB and BBW in the VAS for bathing effect in terms of “Sense of deep sleep,” “Body fatigue,” “Light feeling of the body” than after a shower. The mean α-amylase value in the saliva of the BBW group participants was significantly lower than that after showering. The mean Purdue Pegboard test scores of both the BB and BBW sessions were significantly higher than that after the shower. <BR><b>Discussion: </b>Sleep quality seemed to be more improved after BB or BBW than after showering, perhaps due to reduced stress. Work efficiency also increased in the BB and BBW groups.
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Purpose: Our previous study compared the characteristics of middle-aged persons who regularly take hot bathtub baths with those who do not and found taking hot bathtub baths helped to have good sleep and increase self-rated health. However, few studies have focused on this habit among young people. This study therefore compared the characteristics of young persons who regularly take hot bathtub baths with those who do not and clarify the potential effects of habitual bathtub bathing on their health. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a self-reported questionnaire on bathtub bathing habits and general health and lifestyle was distributed to 483 university students between May and June 2013. Respondents were divided into two groups: those who took 3 or more bathtub baths per week (high-frequency group) and those who took 2 or fewer bathtub baths per week (low-frequency group). Differences between the groups were determined for sex, age, living with or apart from one’s family, quality of sleep, sense of fatigue, and self-rated health. Prior to conducting the study, the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Daito Bunka University. Results: We obtained 394 responses (response rate: 81.6%) and analyzed 376 valid responses. Those who answered the question on bathtub bathing habits were divided into a high-frequency group (176 persons, 47%) and a low-frequency group (200 persons, 53%). The high-frequency group (52% men, 43% women, 5% sex was unknown) had a slightly greater proportion of men than in the low-frequency group (p=0.07). The two bathing frequency groups did not significantly differ by age group(p=0.43), and the age distribution in the high-frequency group age was 51% among 18 year olds, 45% among 19 year olds, 39% among 20 year olds, 48% among 21 year olds, and 61% among 22 year olds and older. Significantly more of the high-frequency group lived with their family (70% versus 23% living alone) than the low-frequency group (p<0.001). In terms of quality of sleep, 62% of the high-frequency group and 60% of the low-frequency group reported having good sleep (p=0.72). For sense of fatigue, 27% of the high-frequency group and 23% of the low-frequency group reported they did not experience fatigue (p=0.36), and for self-rated health, 81% of the high frequency group and 76% of the low-frequency group reported they were healthy (p=0.30). While there were no significant differences between the two groups, the findings suggest that those in the high-frequency group experienced good health. Results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for living with or apart from family showed the following odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) in the high-frequency group: good quality of sleep 1.02 (0.63-1.66), no fatigue 1.37 (0.76-2.46), and self-rated health 1.61 (0.90-2.89). Conclusion: Among university students in this study, men and persons living with their families were highly likely to take hot bathtub baths regularly. While there were no significant differences between the high and low frequency bathers, taking hot bathtub baths may marginally help to reduce fatigue and increase self-rated health. Competing interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Résumé
Introduction: Some students take showers instead of baths for economic reasons or because they dislike cleaning the bathtub. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of bathing routines on students’ working efficiency. Subjects: Seventeen (six male and 11 female) healthy young students (19.6 ± 0.7 years old, mean ± SD) who habitually took showers instead of baths participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kumamoto Health Science University. Method: Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. The subjects in the first group (bathtub bathing [BB]) were immersed to the supraclavicular level in their home bathtub and instructed to rest for 10 minutes with the temperature regulated at 41°C. The subjects of the second group (whole-body warming after BB [BBW]) followed the same bathing protocol and then rested in a sleeping bag and sheet for 30 minutes to keep their bodies warm. Each period was carried out over 2 weeks in a cross-over design. Washout periods were 2 weeks long. The evaluation items of this study included the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sleep inventory MA version (OSA-MA), a questionnaire containing a visual analog scale (VAS) to judge the subjective bathing effect, profile of mood states, salivary stress marker (α-amylase), and the Purdue Pegboard test. These tests were evaluated before and after the BB sessions, BBW sessions, and washout interval for a total of four times in a 6-week period. Result: Participants tended to report a better sleep feeling on the OSA-MA after the BB or BBW sessions than after showering. There were significantly better changes in both the BB and BBW in the VAS for bathing effect in terms of “Sense of deep sleep,” “Body fatigue,” “Light feeling of the body” than after a shower. The mean α-amylase value in the saliva of the BBW group participants was significantly lower than that after showering. The mean Purdue Pegboard test scores of both the BB and BBW sessions were significantly higher than that after the shower. Discussion: Sleep quality seemed to be more improved after BB or BBW than after showering, perhaps due to reduced stress. Work efficiency also increased in the BB and BBW groups.
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Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the chronic effects of bathtub bathing (BB), whole body warming after bathtub bathing (BBW), and bathtub bathing with herbal extracts (BBH) on the mental condition of healthy young persons. Subjects and Methods: Experiment 1: Eighteen (6 male and 12 female; age: 19.6±0.7 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study. From November 2012 to December 2012, subjects were randomly assigned into two groups (each 3 male, 6 female): those who had BB or 30-min BBW 14 times for 14 consecutive nights during a 2-week period. After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked to switch their bathing conditions (a cross-over design). Experiment 2: Twenty (8 male and 12 female; age: 21.3±1.6 years, mean ± SD) healthy young persons who were taking a shower habitually but not bathtub bathing participated in this study. From October 2013 to November 2013, subejects (4male and 6 female) were randomly assigned to undergo BB or BBH. The herbal extract contained Dong dang gui (Japanese Angelica Root), Chimpi (Citrus Unshiu peel), Chamomilla recutita, and ginger extracts. After a 2-week washout period, subjects were asked switch to the other bathing condition (a cross-over design). All participants provided informed consent for participation in these studies, and these studies were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kumamoto Health Science University. The subjects immersed their bodies up to the supraclavian for 10 min, in tap water adjusted to a temperature of 41 °C in their bathtub at home. The subjects’ mental conditions were assessed using Profile of Mood States short version questionnaire. The differences in the effect of BB and BBW, as well as those of BB and BBH on the subjects’ mental conditions and their mental conditions pre-BB and post-BB, pre-BBW and post-BBW, pre-BBH and post-BBH were analyzed using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank sum test. Results: The points for depression-dejection, fatigue, and confusion in those who had BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) compared to the points in those who had BB. The points for anger-hostility before BBW and BBH significantly converged to the median average (50 points) after BBW and BBH, and there were no significant differences in points before and after BB. Conclusions: The subjects’ anger-hostility was influenced by body warming in BBW and the vasodilatory components of the herbal extracts. The subjects’ depression-dejection and fatigue was influenced by the fragrance and color of herbal extracts.
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To examine effects of travel and spa spring to bath death, that of visitors and residents were extracted from inquests from 1984 to 2007 at Naruko Police Office. Total bath death was 192, of which 128 visitors and 64 residents. Average number of visitors per year was 261,000, and average population of residents was 25,468. During first half period bath death of visitors was 80 and residents 15, whereas during latter half visitors 48 and residents 49. Despite day-trippers were as more as 1.5 times to 2.5 times than visitors, bath death of them was scarcely seen. Average mortality rate of bath death for 100,000 of visitors during first half was 225, and in latter half 174, while that of residents was 4.5 in first half and 17.4 in latter half. Therefore ratio of mortality rate of visitors to residents has been ten times or more. Bath death had increased in winter, at from 20:00 to 2:00, on over 40 Celsius degrees of temperature of bathtub, on 20 Celsius degrees or more of temperature difference between bathtub and room, in seniority from 75 to 85 years old, and in drinkers. It was suggested that because bath death was scarcely seen in day-trippers which were more than visitors, risk factor of bath death was not bathing or hot spring, but any combination of inadequate bathing, travel and staying. The maximum risk factor of bath death seemed to be ageing, and or the travel and staying seemed to become stronger stress for elders.
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Recently, many deaths while bathing in the home bath have been reported. During the winter season, hot water at a high temperature is commonly used for bathing. The circulatory system may thus be seriously affected by the hyperthermia load produced by undressing in a cold environment and subsequent bathing in a bathtub at a high temperature followed by a rapid temperature change due to exposure to cold air after bathing. However, death while bathing also occurs in the summer season.<br>From the cases of death while bathing in the summer season, we found commonality in terms of sex, age, water temperature, bathtub size, and causes of death.<br>The average age in all cases was 69.7. There were 47 male and 46 female deaths indicating an almost equal ratio. The average water temperature at the time of deaths while bathing was 40.7°C. The typical bathtub size was small, 750 to 900mm. In a small Japanese style bathtub, one must compress the body and therefore become more vulnerable to water pressure.<br>From these results, warming, drawing in of limbs, and effects of water pressure on the body may contribute to deaths while bathing in the summer season and also are factors produced by bathing throughout the year.
Résumé
A self administered survey on bathing and nearly drowning accidents in the bathtub was conducted among subjects consisting of 216 members of an aged person's club (153 males and 63 females, 73.7±4.9 years of age) for the purpose of utilizing the results for guidance in bathing for elderly persons. The subjects were bathing almost every day. The total bathing time was 20min and the time spent in the bathtub was 11min. With regard to the preference of bathing temperature, 50.4% of males and 33.3% of females answered that they like hot bathing (P<0.05). The ratios of the subjects who bathe at water temperatures over 42°C in the cold season were 39.0% of males and 21.0% of females (P<0.05). Only 4.2% of the subjects bathe below the waist. The ratios of the subjects who frequently bathe after drinking were 9.2% of males and 1.9% of females. The ratio of the subjects who bathe alone at home was 94.1%. The ratios of the subjects in this survey who had nearly drowned in the bathtub while bathing at home was 4.3%. A nearly drowning accident occurred primarily when the subject got fatigued (44.4%) or physical condition of the subject was bad (44.4%). The ratio of the subjects who had nearly drowned in a large bathtub of a hotel was 1.4%. No subjects had experienced a nearly drowning accident in the bathtub of a public bath. These results suggested that old persons, particularly males, bathe under rather unsafe conditions.