Effects of Hot Footbath on Motor Function in Healthy Volunteer / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

<b>Purpose</b><br> This study aimed to clarify the effects of footbath (FB) on motor functions (MFs).<br><b>Subjects</b><br> The study population comprised 26 healthy volunteers (12 males and 14 females; age, 21-30years, Standard Deviation,25.5±2.8).<br><b>Method</b><br> (1) Study design: The footbath group (FBG; 6 males, 8 females) received FB at 42°C for 20 min after 5-min rest. The control group (CG; 6 males, 6 females) was instructed to sit on the chair for 20 min after 5-min rest. (2) Evaluation of MFs MF was evaluated using the following parameters long sitting reach (LSR), grips (GP), quadriceps power, stick reaction, and functional reach (FR). MF was evaluated before the rest period (pre-MF) and after load application (post-MF). The results obtained from pre-MF and post-MF assessments were compared. (3) Measurement of tympanic membrane temperature (TM temp) TM temp was measured every 1 min duimg load application and after the rest period.<br><b>Result</b><br> TM temp Significant increase in the TM temp in the FBG was observed at 18 min in the males and at 20 min in females.<br> MF before and after FB (1) Analysis of all 26 cases There was no significant difference betweenthe pre-MF and post-MF parameters in both the FBG and CG. (2) Analysis of the findings in males only The post-FR value in the FBG increased significantly as compared to the pre-FR value, although there was no significant difference between the pre-MF and post-MF results in the CG. (3)Analysis of the findings in females only In the FBG, post-LSR value increased and the post-GP value decreased significantly as compared to the corresponding values, although there was no significant difference between the pre-MF and post-MF in the CG.<br><b>Conclusion</b><br> Our results suggest that FB improves MF in healthy volunteers. Gender ditiference should be considered while establishing effective FB treatment programs in Balneology.