Effects of summertime redecoration of a hospital isolation room on occupiers' physiological functions

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  • Ohta Hiromi
    Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University Shimane Nursing Association
  • Tanabe Yoko
    Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University
  • Nishino Yoshihiko
    Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shimane University
  • Maruyama Megumi
    Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University
  • Katakura Masanori
    Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University
  • Matsuzaki Kentaro
    Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University
  • Li Guanghua
    Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University Ningxia Medical College
  • Kobayashi Shotai
    Shimane University Hospital
  • Shido Osamu
    Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University

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Other Title
  • 隔離病室の内壁改善が短期滞在者の生理機能に及ぼす効果―夏期での検討―
  • Effect of summertime redecoration of a hospital isolation room on occupiers' physiological functions

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We investigated effects of summertime redecoration of a hospital isolation room with natural materials on thermoregulatory, cardiovascular and hormonal responses of healthy subjects. Two isolation rooms in Shimane University Hospital were used. One room (redecorated room, RD) was redecorated with wood paneling and Japanese paper, while the other (control room, CN) was unchanged. Both rooms were ventilated using the hospital air and humidity control system. Additionally, individual air conditioners were used in the daytime in each room at the same levels. Seven healthy male subjects stayed in each room for 24 h. Their rectal temperature, heart rate, arterial blood pressures, and vascular compliance were measured. Blood was sampled after the stay in the rooms. Room temperature did not differ between the two rooms throughout the day. In CN, relative humidity (RH) dropped by 15% when the air conditioner was used, whereas it fell by only 5% in RD. Diurnal rectal temperature levels of subjects were significantly lower in CN than in RD. Redecoration had minimal effects on cardiovascular parameters and plasma levels of catecholamines and antidiuretic hormone. Plasma cortisol level was lower after staying in RD than in CN. The results indicate that in summer season, redecoration with natural materials prevents a sudden decrease of RH in association with the usage of air conditioners, facilitating a physiological rise in core temperature of subjects in the morning and early afternoon. It seems that room redecoration may have a beneficial effect on isolated subjects.<br>

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