Effect of Aging on Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Changes during Bathing in the Elderly

Chihiro Miwa; Hiroya Shimasaki; Masayasu Mizutani; Yasunori Mori; Kazunori Maeda; Takeshi Nakamura; Akira Deguchi

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Effect of Aging on Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Changes during Bathing in the Elderly

VernacularTitle:Effect of Aging on Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Changes during Bathing in the Elderly
Author: Chihiro MIWA ¹ ; Hiroya SHIMASAKI ¹ ; Masayasu MIZUTANI ² ; Yasunori MORI ³ ; Kazunori MAEDA ² ; Takeshi NAKAMURA ² ; Akira DEGUCHI ²
Author Information

1. Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science
2. Oyamada Memorial Spa Hospital
3. Mie Prefecture Health and Environment Research Institute
Keywords: aging; bathing; thermoregulation; cardiovascular function
From:The Journal of The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology and Physical Medicine 2022;85(2):48-58
CountryJapan
Language:English
Abstract: Background: Aging affects thermoregulation and can potentially cause cardiovascular changes during bathing in the elderly, possibly leading to accidents and, in worst cases, drowning. However, adequate data on this subject are lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of aging on thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes during bathing in the older versus younger adults the relationship between body temperature and thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes. Methods: Ten young (mean age: 20.4 years) and 10 elderly (mean age: 69.7 years) participants were asked to bathe for 15 min using water at 41°C. Tympanic temperature (Tty), skin blood flow (SkBF), sweating rate (SR), blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and double product (DP) were measured. In addition, we measured subjective psychological changes during bathing. Results: The results showed significant changes in SkBF, SR, and HR in the young participants rather than in the elderly participants. However, in the elderly participants, significant change was noted in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Conclusion: These results demonstrate changes in thermal adaptation and SBP owing to structural and functional progression due to aging.