Effects of maneuver of hair-washing motion and gender on oxygen uptake and ventilation in healthy people

It is known that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience dyspnea during unsupported arm exercise (UAE). We examined the respiratory variables in during a hair-washing motion for healthy young people requiring the UAE to find the effects across gender, motion, and speed. In this study, 33 healthy young people were enrolled. Participants performed the following four types of hair-washing motions: both hands with fast speed, both hands with slow speed, one hand with fast speed, and one hand with slow speed. The respiratory variables such as oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text] O(2)), carbon dioxide output ([Formula: see text] CO(2)), and respiratory rate (RR), or minute ventilation ([Formula: see text] (E)) were measured. Regarding [Formula: see text] O(2), [Formula: see text] CO(2), and RR during the rest period and in each motion, [Formula: see text] O(2) and [Formula: see text] CO(2) in males were significantly greater than those in females. RR in the female participants had greater value than that in males. Among the maneuvers, [Formula: see text] O(2), [Formula: see text] CO(2) or [Formula: see text] (E) during a hair-washing motion with both hands were greater than those during hair-washing motion with one hand. [Formula: see text] O(2), [Formula: see text] CO(2), RR, or [Formula: see text] (E) during a hair-washing motion with both hands fast speed was greater than those during a hair-washing motion with slow speed. In conclusion, this study showed the effects owing to the differences in motion maneuvers and gender during UAE in healthy young people. These suggest a need to consider motion maneuver or gender when teaching motion methods of activities of daily living on the patients.