徳島県における廃用症候群の実態と生活習慣からみた予防策 : 厚生労働科学研究費補助金長寿科学総合研究事業から老人保健健康増進等事業への展開

Long-term recumbency causes decreases not only in motor function, but also in other organs, which is called disuse syndrome. We had been engaged in a study entitled“Investigation of the actual condition of elderly Japanese with disuse syndrome and the development of therapeutic physical exercises to improve activities of daily living”, which was supported by Grant of Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare from fiscal 2006 to 200７. This study showed the number of bedridden elderly residents of Tokushima and Naruto Cities. In addition, we developed a therapeutic physical exercise named“Awa Odori Dance for Rehabilitation”, which allowed elderly aged 65 years or over to improve their physical fitness and anxiety about falling down. We have been engaged in our current study entitled“Study of the therapeutic effects of Awa Odori Dance for Rehabilitation of Physical Fitness and Enjoyment of Living for Elderly Japanese.” A grant from the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare has also supported this study. Elderly residents of Tokushima Prefecture have been participating in this study. They performed Awa Odori Dance for Rehabilitation twice a week for one month at the medical facilities.