A Study of Effects of Bath Care for the Elderly During Hospitalization, Using Non-linear Analysis of Fingertip Pulse Wave

Subjects for the study were hospitalized elderly patients, and in order to objectively verify that bathing care was both mentally and physiologically effective, fingertip pulse readings were taken before and after bathing, as a means of gathering biological data. While utilizing complex analytical technique to interpret fluctuations in fingertip pulse readings, combining subjects who showed feelings of well-being, refreshment and relaxation, 84% of the respondents showed that bathing care yielded a positive effect. In addition, when asked by a questionnaire survey as to what conscious impressions were felt, all the respondents gave affirmation of mood improvement, warmth, feeling good, etc. The benefit of actively implementing hygienic cleanliness through bathing care during hospitalization was clearly seen.