[Effects of room temperature on circulatory dynamics during bathing in the elderly].
OBJECTIVE
Accidents during bathing is relatively common in Japan, and 85% or more proportion of those who suffered from such accidents were elderly. Most previous studies focused on the effects of low room temperature; a few studies focused on elderly. The present study examined the effect of relatively high room temperatures (20 degrees C and 27 degrees C) on circulatory dynamics and mood during bathing at 41 degrees C among the elderly.


METHODS
A total of 14 elderly (6 men and 8 women, with average age of 70 years old) were asked to take a bath at 41 degrees C twice, i.e. at different room temperatures of 20 degrees C and 27 degrees C. The order of bathing at either room temperature was randomly assigned. Blood pressures, heart rate, pressure-rate products (PRP), oxygen saturations, tympanic temperatures, mood and thermal sensations were measured during bathing and thereafter and compared between the two room temperature conditions.


RESULTS
1) Tympanic temperatures increased more prominently and blood pressure decreased more after bathing under room temperature of 27 degrees C than under that of 20 degrees C (P < 0.05). 2) Changes in mood or thermal sensations was not significantly different between the two room temperature conditions (P > 0.05). 3) Oxygen saturations tended to be lower after bathing under room temperature of 27 degrees C than under that of 20 degrees C (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Among the elderly, bathing at room temperatures of 20 degrees C and 27 degrees C were both considered as safe. Bathing at room temperature of 27 degrees C might have a beneficial effect in lowering blood pressure.
Nagahiro
Chie
C
Department of Health Sciences, Kyushu University School of Medicine.