Influence of excretory position supporting upper extremity on respiratory function

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19879
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Kobe Gakuin University
• Principal Investigator: tashiro daisuke 神戸学院大学, 総合リハビリテーション学部, 助教 (90806340)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 高齢者 / 排泄 / 姿勢 / 呼吸機能 / 座位 / 上肢支持 / 前傾

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Elderly people experience a heavy physical burden due to deteriorated respiratory function owing to prolonged sitting defecation posture due to constipation. In recent years, to reduce the physical burden of defecation, arm support handrails, which support the arms in a forward-leaning posture, have become more widely available. However, the effect on respiratory comfort has not yet been reported, so this study examined it.
As a result of research the arm-supported, forward-leaning defecation posture provides a high degree of freedom in the abdomen due to proper forward-leaning, while the upper limb support improves the mobility of the upper thorax, thus ensuring high lung volume. In addition, the increased stability provides a comfortable feeling. Therefore, we conclude that the arm-supported, forward leaning position is more effective for defecation than the general defecation position.

Free Research Field

内部障害作業療法

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、排泄姿勢における上肢支持手すりを用いた上肢支持前傾座位姿勢を呼吸機能の観点から検証しその有用性を示した。そのため高齢者へ排泄環境の調整に根拠をもって上肢支持手すりを導入し、上肢支持前傾座位の動作指導を行うことが可能となった。この結果は今後、高齢者の身体的負担を軽減し、安楽な生活行動を送ることに繋がることが期待できる。