Relationship between Cognitive Function and Sway of Body in Standing Posture: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of neurological or balance dysfunction on cognitive impairment has not been well studied. We compared the results of the balance test, measured by either head or foot sway to consider whole body sway, with those of the cognitive impairment test. METHODS: Individuals of either gender, aged over 60 years, underwent a 30 s balance test. We measured sway while standing on one-leg or two-legs. Sway was evaluated by the distance or area of movement of the head or foot pressure. We also evaluated the effect of visual condition: eyes-open (EO) or -closed (EC). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate the degree of cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The head sway area standing on one leg was significantly correlated to MMSE score with EO (correlation r = -0.462). In standing on two legs, no sway test results showed a significant correlation to MMSE scores with EO. With EC, the magnitude of sway became greater, and was significantly correlated to MMSE scores in the head distance. CONCLUSION: Although the correlation between head sway and MMSE was not strong, head sway showed a stronger correlation than did foot pressure sway. Standing on one leg, as measured by head sway area, may thus predict cognitive impairment.

Freeflow: The novel portable uroflowmeter can help to realize practical urinary conditions at home.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel portable urine flowmeter, Freeflow, for examining the actual state of urination at home. METHODS: Forty-three patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia used the Freeflow uroflowmeter in the hospital and at home without accumulating urine. We created a nomogram for each patient's urine volume and maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax). Furthermore, we investigated the actual state of each patient's urination. We also investigated the differences in the micturition status between daytime and nighttime. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients, 40 were able to provide the necessary data in the hospital, and all patients provided data measured at home. The trial period of the home assessment was 2-7 days. Regarding the average urine volume, no significant difference was observed between in-hospital and at-home patients; however, Qmax and mean flow rate (Qave) were significantly higher at home. The average coefficient of variation was very large. The relationship between daytime and nighttime was observed in 30 patients; urine volume increased significantly at nighttime; however, no significant difference was observed in Qmax and Qave. The nomogram for several days and a completed urinary diary helped to display daytime and nighttime urination characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Freeflow, the newly developed uroflowmeter, enabled us to determine the fluctuations in the measurements recorded at home and the differences between daytime and nighttime. Thus, creating a nomogram for objectively examining nighttime urination status and utilizing a urination diary was found to be effective for providing correct diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms.

Association of home blood pressure with sleep and physical and mental activity, assessed via a wristwatch-type pulsimeter with accelerometer in adults.

This study aimed to examine the associations between home blood pressure (HBP) and sleep and activity assessed using data obtained via a wristwatch-type pulsimeter with accelerometer (Pulsense®) using original software. We recruited 28 elderlies and 40 employees aged 24-81 years who were not on hypotensive agents and sleeping drugs. Sleep, activity, and HBP were measured consecutively over a 5-7-day period. Body mass index (BMI), base heart rate (HR0), and age showed significant correlation with HBP in a simple and multiple linear regression analysis. HR0 was positively, and log deep sleep duration, negatively correlated with HBP in the adjusted multiple linear regression analysis. Physical and mental activities were negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a simple linear regression, but high physical and mental activities tend to reduce deep sleep duration. Self-recorded sleep duration had no relationship with HBP. In conclusion, HR0, BMI, age, deep sleep duration, and activity showed relationships with HBP. Using this type of wristwatch and observing daily sleep and activity data with HBP measurement may have important clinical implication.

Lifestyle monitoring with the use of an earphone-type thermometer, an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and a new wristwatch-type pulsimeter with accelerometer.

We investigated the relationship among 24-h blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PR) and core temperature by using an ambulatory BP monitoring, a new wristwatch-type pulsimeter with accelerometer (WPA) and an ear thermometer simultaneously. Our results suggest that the ear temperature which reflects the core body temperature was lowest at base PR during sleep and 75% of normotensives and 54% of subjects without hypertensive medication had a significant correlation between BP and PR. Diabetic subjects showed a significantly higher PR during sleep than non-diabetic subjects. Three types of equipments, especially a new WPA, are expected to be useful for daily lifestyle monitoring to evaluate risk of complications of hypertension and diabetes.

Effect of salt reduction intervention program using an electronic salt sensor and cellular phone on blood pressure among hypertensive workers.

We investigated the effectiveness of a workplace intervention program that utilized self-monitoring of daily salt excretion by an electronic salt sensor and sent personalized e-mail advice via cellular phone. Forty-one hypertensive male workers were assigned to intervention and control groups, then counseled together. Intervention group members were asked to measure daily salt excretion and received e-mail advice. After 4 weeks, a greater decrease of blood pressure (BP) was observed in the intervention group, with significant reductions to daily salt excretion and home BP. The new intervention program is considered useful for BP control among hypertensive workers.

The blood pressure lowering effect of lactotripeptides and salt intake in 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements.

It is well known that the sour milk containing lactotripeptides has a blood pressure lowering effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood pressure (BP) lowering effect of lactotripeptides by monitoring home blood pressure, 24-h ambulatory measurements (ABPM), and daily urinary salt excretion. A total of 30 volunteers were given 200 ml of sour milk twice a day for 8 weeks after a 1-week run-in period. This preparation contained the lactotripeptides valine-proline-proline 2.66 mg and isoleucine-proline-proline 1.38 mg. The study participants had daily measurements of urinary salt excretion determined by an electric salt sensor and home blood pressure for each week during the run-in period, before the 4-and 8-week time points. 24-h ABPM was measured at the end of each week. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) during night sleep including base BP at 4 and 8 weeks were significantly lower than baseline values. Mean SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during night sleep of the 22 participants who belonged to the criteria of hypertension by 24-h ABPM was significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks. The change in 24-h mean SBP significantly correlated with mean urinary salt excretion over the three measurement periods. The 22 hypertensive subjects without taking lactotripeptides did not show significant change of blood pressure during 24 hours at 4 and 8 weeks. Our study confirmed the BP lowering effect of lactotripeptides during night-time sleep and showed that a lower intake of salt may increase the BP lowering effect of lactotripeptides through 24 hours in hypertensive subjects.