The effects of a defecation posture, supported by the upper limbs, on respiratory function.

[Purpose] In this study, we aimed to determine which typical postures or an arm-supported posture were more comfortable and conducive to respiratory function, during seated defecation. [Participants and Methods] In 73 healthy adults, we measured and compared respiratory function and subjective contentment associated with 3 sitting defecation postures: upright, forward-leaning, and arm-supported forward-leaning. [Results] Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and subjective comfort were significantly greater in the arm-supported forward-leaning position than in the other 2 positions. [Conclusion] The arm-supported forward-leaning position for defection increased the VC and was subjectively comfortable. Moreover, the high MEP in this position, compared with the other 2 positions, may have facilitated strain. A detailed examination of the cause for the observed increase in comfort was beyond the scope of this study; therefore, this effect requires further investigation.

Risk factors for falls in terms of attention during gait in community-dwelling older adults.

AIM: We examined factors related to conditions of life function and falls, including eye movements and gait variability, in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. METHODS: Participants were 82 older adults (21 men, 61 women, mean age 76.1 years). We measured eye movements and gait variability during walking, and cognitive, attentional and life function. We compared two groups according to their fall history, and used a multiple logistic regression analysis to determine its relevance. RESULTS: Fixation time, which was estimated from eye movements during obstacle crossing, and gait variability (vertical) were significantly associated with falls. There was also a significant correlation between fixation time and gait variability during obstacle crossing. In other words, the higher the gait variability in older adults, the higher the risk of falls, which was due to reduced attention estimated from eye movements during obstacle crossing that required obstacle avoidance. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that poor attention during gait is a critical risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older adults. For fall prevention, it is necessary to promote exercises for attention, and to maintain an older adult-friendly pedestrian environment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1267-1271.

Stigma associated with schizophrenia: cultural comparison of social distance in Japan and China.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate social attitudes toward schizophrenia in Japan and China in view of social distance and knowledge of psychiatry, as well as sociocultural aspects. METHODS: Two self-rating scales were used to compare social distance and knowledge regarding schizophrenia in 352 Japanese subjects and 347 Chinese subjects. The Social Distance Scale-Japanese version was used to measure social distance from schizophrenia subjects in Japan. This scale consists of eight questions graded using a 4-point Likert scale (0-3 points), with higher scores representing increased social distance. A translation of the SDSJ into Chinese was used to assess social distance in China. The Knowledge of Illness and Drugs Inventory was used to determine participant knowledge of mental illness and its treatment (medication) through 20 questions (responses are graded as correct or incorrect, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge). A Chinese version of this questionnaire was also created. RESULTS: Total scores of both scales were significantly higher in Japanese subjects than in Chinese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Social distance associated with schizophrenia is large in both Beijing and Fukuoka, but the features of social distance differ between countries. It is important to determine the features of stigma associated with schizophrenia and develop anti-stigma programs based on trans-cultural considerations.