Abstract
Objective : The purpose of this study was to verify characteristics, including changes in emotional state and finger motor function, in elderly subjects over the course of piano lessons.
Methods : Fifty-five healthy elderly subjects took part in this study. Subjects were assigned to either a “piano group” (total no. 32) or a “control group” (total no. 22), respectively. Piano group subjects participated in piano lessons for 3 months (total of 6 sessions). Characteristics of the elderly piano-learning subjects were analysed by noting the frequency and length of practice, by a tapping speed test and an emotion scale (the Mood Check List-Short Form 1 : MCL-S1 and the Face Scale).
Results : A significant difference was found when comparing the pre-score and post-score results of the piano group with those of control group in both the MCL-S1 “anxiety” test (p=0.04) and the rapid finger tapping test (p<0.01), with the latter test results being significantly better in the piano group, with four kinds of assessment. Comparing the difference between the pre-score and post-score results for Face Scale in the piano group with that of the control group, revealed no statistically significant difference (p=0.16).
Conclusion : In elderly subjects, learning piano is effective for relieving anxiety and improving finger motor tapping speed.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate hangeshashinto rinse for oral discomfort in terminally-ill cancer patients and to compare the effectiveness of hangeshashinto rinse with or without honey rinse. Methods: Patients with oral discomfort were randomized to receive either hangeshashinto rinse or hangeshashinto with honey rinse as first-line treatment. Patients performed oral rinse three to five times a day for 2 weeks. Further, oral wetness, halitosis, oral mucositis, mouth discomfort, compliance of rinse were then evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: 144 patients were enrolled during this period and 22 patients completed the study (hangeshashinto 13 / hangeshashinto with honey 9). After the intervention, oral wetness was improved, and end-tidal concentration of hydrogen sulfide was decreased in both cases. Although there was no statistically significant difference, oral discomfort by subjective and objective evaluations, also and symptom of oral mucositis were improved. Other volatile sulfur compounds decreased. Frequency of rinsing between groups receiving hangeshashinto or hangeshashinto with honey did not differ, however, the acceptability was slightly better in the honey combination group. Conclusion: Both hangeshashinto rinse and hangeshashinto with honey rinse reduced end-tidal concentration of hydrogen sulfide and improved oral wetness. Oral rinse by hangeshashinto or hangeshashinto with honey may be effective for oral discomfort in terminally-ill cancer patients.