Abstract
Background: The aging rate in Japan is 28.1 % and the number of people requiring long- term care support or nursing care is increasing. One major reason is falls. Foot and toenail problems reduce lower limb function and increase fall risk. We devised a foot care program with a cognitive approach for middle-aged adults(aged 45 to 64). We herein report the physiological and psychological effects of foot bathing implemented as part of this program.
Method: A self-controlled design was applied in a before-after comparison design, and data from 13 women aged 48 to 62 were analyzed. Heart rate(HR), blood pressure(BP), oxy- gen saturation of arterial blood(SpO2), and autonomic nervous activity were used as physio- logical indicators and the Japanese version of the Profile of Mood States Second edition - Adult Short(POMS2)was used for subjective evaluation.
Results: HR decreased significantly in the intervention group 5 and 10 minutes after the start of the foot bath. Systolic BP decreased significantly during the foot bath in the interven- tion group. SpO2 did not differ significantly between groups. No significant differences were observed in sympathetic nerve activity in either group. Parasympathetic nerve activity was significantly higher than baseline 2.5 minutes after the end of the foot bath in the interven- tion group. Results of the POMS2 showed a significant decrease in anger-hostility, confusion- bewilderment, fatigue-inertia, tension-anxiety, and total mood disturbance in both groups. Vigor-activity increased significantly and friendliness increased noticeably although not sig- nificantly in the intervention group.
Conclusions: HR and systolic BP decreased significantly and parasympathetic nerve activi- ty increased significantly in the intervention group. Also, positive emotions increased signifi- cantly in the intervention group. This shows that relaxing and mood-stabilizing effects and vigor are physiological and psychological effects of foot bathing in middle-aged adults.
