Verification of the influence of thermal environment on factors associated with falls

Kohei Fujita, Shintaro Ando, Koshiro Shinohara, Toshiharu Ikaga

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Factors that associated with falls include muscle weakness and a loss of balance, and these are particularly serious risk factors in elderly. However, few reports have examined these risk factors for falls with respect to cold temperatures. In this study, we conducted a field survey of the indoor thermal environment and physical function in the elderly in the winter of 2017. First, a multiple regression analysis showed that in women, leg strength is significantly decreased in each room (room or non-living room) as the temperature decreases. In all samples (55 subjects), room temperature in the low walking speed group (<1.33 m/s) tended to be lower in each room compared with that of the control group (≥1.33 m/s). Finally, based on a path analysis, the minimum room temperature (i.e. the room temperature in the early morning) in each room had the greatest influence on factors related to the risk of falling.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
PublisherInternational Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
ISBN (Electronic)9781713826514
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Event15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: 2018 Jul 222018 Jul 27

Publication series

Name15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018

Conference

Conference15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period18/7/2218/7/27

Keywords

  • Field survey
  • Leg strength
  • Path analysis
  • Total effect
  • Winter

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pollution

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