Hemodynamic Response during Japanese-Style Bathing in Elderly Disabled Subjects

Abstract

Aims: Bathing in deep, Japanese-style bathtubs is associated with high rates of sudden death in the elderly in Japan. The predominant causes of death in such cases are cardiovascular events and drowning. Blood pressure changes induced by water pressure and high temperature during bathing may be an important cause of these accidents. Therefore, we investigated the changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) before and after bathing in elderly Japanese individuals. Methods: Forty-eight elderly (average age, 86.4 ± 7.5 years) persons were enrolled in this study. Results: Changes in systolic blood pressure after bathing correlated negatively with baseline blood pressure before bathing, and participants with baseline systolic blood pressures of <125 mmHg experienced a greater elevation in blood pressure while bathing. Pulse rate was significantly increased after bathing, and the change in pulse rate correlated negatively with the baseline values. SpO 2 did not differ significantly during bathing, but changes in SpO 2 correlated negatively with baseline values. Lean participants showed a more marked elevation of SpO 2 , and those with hypertension showed reduced SpO 2 . Conclusion: These data suggest that the disabled elderly with low blood pressure experience trends in cardiovascular response during bathing which differ from those of young persons.