RESUMO
[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the optimal conditions of warm-water bathing required to improve peripheral circulation. [Participants and Methods] Ten healthy males experienced three warm-water bathing depths (half-body, low-leg, and foot) on different days. Peripheral circulation (earlobe blood flow), tympanic temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure were measured during each session and compared among the bathing conditions. [Results] In half-body bathing, the relative blood flow of participants increased steeply to a level 2.7-fold higher than the baseline during bathing and rapidly decreased after that. Conversely, the relative blood flow gradually and continuously increased to a level 1.7-fold higher than that at the baseline during low-leg bathing and maintained a similar level after that. The blood flow did not markedly change throughout the experiment in foot bathing. The pulse rate during foot bathing and that during low-leg bathing did not change throughout the observation period, but that of half-body bathing increased considerably. [Conclusion] Rapid changes in pulse rate or blood pressure associated with bathing are considered risky. We suggest that low-leg bathing, rather than the usually adopted half-body bathing, is appropriate for improving peripheral circulation in terms of effectiveness and safety.
RESUMO
Although frailty has detrimental physical and psychological effects on elderly people, it is potentially reversible. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot frailty education program implemented through barbershops/salons in Japan. In January 2018, we selected five barbershops/salons in Japan where customers were educated on frailty, which was classified as "normal," "prefrail," and "frail." We developed a web-based assessment tool to reduce the workload for barbers/stylists. Participants included 45 customers (82% women), with a median (interquartile range) age of 53.0 (47.5-57.5) years, and a mean ± SD BMI of 22.3 ± 2.7. Frailty scores indicated that 35% of participants were normal, 58% were prefrail, and 7% were frail. Frailty status scores reflected no significant differences after the intervention. Customers classified as frail were advised to visit the regional comprehensive support center for further professional frailty assessment. Participants, especially those aged over 65 years, found the web-based assessment difficult to use. In conclusion, a frailty education program implemented through barbershops/salons is possible because barbers/stylists can provide information on and assessment of frailty. Females and highly educated customers are more likely to be interested in participating. Nevertheless, a simple intervention is essential to expand the program nationwide.
