(Object) We, in collaboration with Wacoal Corp., assessed the effects of human hemoglobin dynamics associated with pressure stimulus applied by half-ovoid protrusions lined on brassiere straps, which were developed with an intended use by females to safely alleviate shoulder stiffness and associated pain in a convenient manner, and compared them to those of conventional flat and round magnets (5 mm in diameter, 800 Gauss).
(Method) Six healthy females volunteered for each of the four experiments. The participants'thoracic circumference or band size was 70 cm (B70) for experiments one and two, and 80 cm (B80) for three and four. For experiments one and three, we obtained the control hemoglobin (Hb) values, by near-infrared spectroscopy, 20 minutes after participants had worn brassieres with the newly developed straps turned inside out;and were compared to the values obtained after the straps were worn with protrusions pressing down on the skin (Protrusion-lined Strap Group, PST). For experiments two and four, the control Hb values were obtained after the participants had worn generic brassiere straps, and were compared to Hb values obtained after the magnet-lined straps were worn (Magnet-lined Strap Group, MSG).
(Result) In the PSG (B70 &B80), both Oxy-Hb and Total-Hb values increased by stimulation with a 5%significant difference;however, no significant increase was observed in the MSG (B70 &B80). There was no significant difference depending on the band size.

(Discussion) In the present study, the post-stimulation increase of Hb values showed significant differences in PSG as a result of stimulation by protrusions. Stimulation by flat magnets demonstrated no such significance on Hb values, presumably due to the lower pressure to the skin. Stimulation by magnets showed no significant changes in total Hb values despite prior reports of it accelerating the blood flow. The shape with which pressure is applied against the skin may have relevance to the effect of stimulation.
Protrusions left post-stimulation depression marks and flare on the skin surface, suggesting the possible involvement of mechanothermal polymodal receptors.
(Conclusion) Stimulation with the protrusions we developed increased Hb values, showing a regional concentration of hemoglobin. This suggests that it is effective in alleviating shoulder stiffness and associated pain, and lining brassiere straps with the protrusions provides a means for females to self-apply such stimulation safely and conveniently.

We evaluated the influence of a twice-weekly group exercise program on visceral fat area (VFA) and plasma adiponectin (APN) in the elderly. Thirty-three community-dwelling elderly (age : 72.4±6.9 yrs) participated in a 12-week supervised, geriatric exercise training program (GET) followed by a 12-week unsupervised GET (u-GET), which included stretching, strengthening, and balance-training exercises. Participants were evaluated for physical fitness, blood glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride, cholesterol, insulin, and APN. VFA was measured by computed tomography. All measurements were taken before the GET (TR1), after 12-weeks of GET (TR2), and at the end of the u-GET (TR3). Twelve weeks of GET produced significant increases in physical function measures. Both walking speed and functional mobility values at TR3 were significantly higher than TR1 values. A significant reduction in VFA was seen at TR3 in men. APN progressively elevated from TR1 to TR3 in women. In the frail elderly, 12 weeks of GET effectively increased functional ability and APN. The beneficial effects on VFA and APN were sustained following the participation in the unsupervised setting, suggesting that the frail elderly should be encouraged to participate and maintain a resistance training routine to achieve preferable effects on both functional ability and cardiovascular risk factors.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether body fat rate (BFR) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) are associated with estimated fentanyl absorption in patients treated with the fentanyl transdermal matrix patch for moderate to severe cancer pain, by measuring the residual content of fentanyl in used matrix patches. Methods: Adult Japanese inpatients experiencing chronic cancer-related pain and receiving treatment for the first time with a transdermal fentanyl matrix patch (Durotep®MT patch) were included in the present study. During the initial application period, BFR was measured using a body fat scale, and TSF was measured by an experienced nurse with an adipometer. One patch was collected from each patient. The residual fentanyl content in used matrix patch was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The transdermal fentanyl delivery efficiency was estimated based on the fentanyl content of the used matrix patches. Results: Fifteen adult patients (5 males and 10 females) were included in this study. Nine patches with a release rate of 12.5μg/h and 6 patches with a release rate of 25μg/h were collected. The application site was the chest or upper arm. BFR and TSF both showed a significant positive correlation with delivery efficiency. Conclusion: In malnourished or low-body fat patients receiving DMP, pain intensity should be more carefully monitored, and fentanyl dose adjustment may be required. Additional parameters, such as nutritional status including body fat change, the degree of dry skin, and plasma fentanyl concentration, also require detailed evaluation. Palliat Care Res 2010; 5(2): 206-212