• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.133-140
• /
• 2024

Purpose : People who have suffered from COVID-19 suffer from decreased pulmonary function and various side effects. This study aims to present three respiratory exercise intervention methods to improve pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, the purpose of this study will investigate the effects of breathing exercise interventions (aerobic exercise, diaphragm breathe exercise, and inspiratory muscle training on resistance) on pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors. Methods : The subjects who participated in this study were 35 male and female college students confirmed with COVID-19. All subjects were randomly assigned to A, D, and I groups according to breathing exercise intervention method. Groups A, D, and I each performed aerobic exercise, diaphragm breathing exercise, and inspiratory muscle training on resistance, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function was measured using a spirometer, and FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV₁ (forced expiratory volume in one second), FEV₁/FVC % (forced expiratory volume in one second / forced vital capacity ratio), and PEF (peak expiratory flow) were measured at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. Data analysis was compared by repeated measures analysis of variance, and post hoc tests for time were compared and analyzed using paired t-tests. Results : In the results of this study, FVC values showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. FEV₁ values also showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. And the FEV₁/FVC % value also showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. And the PEF values also showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. Conclusion : The results of this study reported that aerobic exercise, diaphragm breathing exercise, and resistance inspiratory muscle training were all effective in improving pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, application of the three breathing exercise intervention methods presented in this study will help improve pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.57-66
• /
• 2024

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction that is only partly reversible, inflammation in the airways, and systemic effects. This study aimed to investigate the association between low peripheral oxygen saturation levels (SpO₂), and composite indices predicting death in male patients with (COPD). Method: A total of 140 participants with post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio less than 0.7 were included. Three composite indices (ADO, DOSE, BODEx) were calculated using six variables such as age (A), airflow obstruction (O), body mass index (B), dyspnea (D), exacerbation history (E or Ex), and smoking status (S). Severity of airflow limitation was classified according to Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. SpO₂ was measured by pulse oximetry, and anemia and iron deficiency were assessed based on blood hemoglobin levels and serum markers such as ferritin, transferrin saturation, or soluble transferrin receptor. Results: Participants with low SpO₂ (<95%) showed significantly lower levels of %FEV₁ predicted (p=0.020) and %FEV₁/FVC ratio (p=0.002) compared to those with normal SpO₂ levels. The mMRC dyspnea scale (p<0.001) and GOLD grade (p=0.002) showed a significant increase in the low SpO₂ group. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis revealed higher area under the curve for %FEV₁ (p=0.020), %FEV₁/FVC(p=0.002), mMRC dyspnea scale (p=0.001), GOLD grade (p=0.010), ADO (p=0.004), DOSE (p=0.002), and BODEx (p=0.011) in the low SpO₂ group. Conclusion: These results suggest that low SpO₂ levels are related to increased airflow limitation and the composite indices of COPD.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.57-65
• /
• 2022

Background: This study was to determine whether the diaphragmatic breathing exercise using a DiP Belt(Diaphragmatic Pressure Belt) is effective in increasing the diaphragmatic motion and forced vital capacity. Design: Pretest-Posttest design. Methods: A total of 44 subjects(15 male, 29 female) participated in this study. All subjects were measured the diaphragmatic motion with a sonography and the Forced Vital Capacity(FVC) was measured with a digital spirometer. After 4 weeks, the subjects were intervened the diaphragmatic breathing exercise using a DiP belt and were remeasured for diaphragm motion and FVC. Results: After exercise intervention, quiet breathing significantly increased with the change in diaphragmatic motion and showed a moderate effect size (p<.01, Cohen's d = -0.53). In addition, it was significantly increased in deep breathing and showed a high effect size (p<.001, Cohen's d = -1.32). The mean diaphragmatic contraction pressure increased, but there was no significant difference and the peak diaphragmatic contraction pressure increased significantly (p<.05). Both diaphragmatic contraction pressure showed small effect sizes (respectively Cohen's d = -0.28, -0.33). In spirometry, FVC, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and FEV₁/FVC% all increased, but there was no significant difference. Only peak expiratory flow increased significantly and showed a small effect size (p<.05, Cohen's d = -0.41). Conclusion: The DiP belt diaphragmatic breathing exercise that the principle of visual feedback can correct diaphragm breathing in a short time, so it is a useful breathing exercise device that can help the diaphragm breathing exercise in the right way in clinical practice.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.1393-1397
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of combined respiratory physical therapy on respiratory function, spinal curve and spinal mobility for community-dwelling elderlies with restrictive lung diseases. In total, 10 patients participated in an 8-week intervention program of thoracic cage mobilization and breathing exercise in combination. The results of the study are as follows: for respiratory function, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity(FVC), and FEV1/FVC were significantly improved to $.30{\pm}0.31{\ell}$, $.46{\pm}.42{\ell}$, and $18.10{\pm}11.39%$, respectively (p<.05). For spinal curve, the thoracic curve and the lumbar curve were improved significantly to $-2.20{\pm}1.40^{\circ}$ and $-1.20{\pm}1.14^{\circ}$, respectively (p<.01). For spinal mobility, the thoracic flexion ($3.40{\pm}2.99^{\circ}$), thoracic extension ($3.50{\pm}1.43^{\circ}$), lumbar flexion ($4.50{\pm}4.74^{\circ}$), and lumbar extension($-1.50{\pm}1.84^{\circ}$) were all significantly improved (p<.05). These findings indicate that thoracic cage mobilization and breathing exercise in combination improve the respiratory function, spinal alignment, and spinal mobility in elderly people with restrictive lung diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.149-154
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study is to suggest an intervention method for clinical use in the future by analyzing the effect of breathing exercise on activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalenus anterior muscle, which are respiratory synergist muscles, and pulmonary functions in patients with forward head posture. Methods: Prior to the experiment, 12 patients (experimental group) performed feedback exhalation exercise along with conventional deep neck exercise, and 11 subjects (control group) performed feedback deep neck exercise along with conventional deep neck exercise. The intervention programs were performed for 40 minutes once a day (three times a week for four weeks). Results: Before intervention, %RMS was measured for surface electromyography (sEMG), and FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were measured using a spirometer. After four weeks, these items were re-measured under the same condition and analyzed. In within-group comparison of the experimental group, activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalenus anterior muscle showed a significant decrease (p<0.05)(p<0.001), and forced vital capacity (FVC) showed a significant increase (p<0.05). In within-group comparison of the control group, activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalenus anterior muscle showed a significant decrease (p<0.05), and in between-group comparison, there were significant differences in activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and FVC (p<0.05). Conclusion: Long-term forward head posture restrains exercise performance of the neck and leads to exercise avoidance of the neck during daily activities, thus restraint factors might be created even while breathing. To cut off this link, a constant effort is required and diversified research on the correlation between neck functions and breathing should be conducted.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.4 no.3
• /
• pp.17-25
• /
• 2016

Purpose : This study attempts to examine the effect of the balance exercise on the unstable surfaces for the vital capacity in healthy adults. Methods : A total of 13 subjects was randomly divided into a breathing exercise training group (n=7) and a breathing and balance exercise training group (n=6). Changes in vital capacity and respiratory muscle activity were measured before and after the intervention. The intervention was performed three times a week for four weeks. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were used as measurement tools for the vital capacity test. Electromyography (EMG) was also used to examine respiratory muscle activity. Result : The breathing exercise training group showed significant improvement in terms of FVC, FEV1 and external oblique (EO), and transverse abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO) of MVV. The breathing and balance exercise training group showed significant improvement in terms of FVC, MVV and EO, TrA/IO of FVC and rectus abdominis (RA), EO, and TrA/IO of MVV. However, in comparing changes in vital capacity and respiratory muscle activity before and after the training, the breathing exercise training group and the breathing and balance exercise training group showed a significant difference in terms of MVV. Conclusion : This study is as a preliminary study to find out the relation between a balance exercise and a vital capacity, it is considered to require a further study with several revisions of subjects, duration and time for an intervention.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.63-74
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a trunk stabilization exercise program on the participants' scoliosis angle, pulmonary function, and growth hormones. Method: In the study, 30 participants were divided into a normal scoliosis exercise group (n=15) and an obese scoliosis exercise group (n=15). The participants performed a trunk stabilization exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks, and the exercise sessions lasted 50 minutes. The participants' pulmonary function [FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF] was measured using a CardioTouch 3000S, and their scoliosis angles were measured using the Cobb's angle. The levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were analyzed on an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), respectively. Results: After the intervention, the scoliosis angle, hormone levels, and pulmonary function increased significantly in both groups (p<.05). The result of the intergroup difference test indicated statistically significant differences in the three items (scoliosis angle, hormone levels, and pulmonary function) between the two groups (p<.05). Conclusion: Therefore, this program may be recommended as a therapeutic intervention for patients with scoliosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.35-43
• /
• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of passive stretching exercises of the scalene muscles known as respiratory accessory muscles, on forced vital capacity. METHODS: Ten of the participants were randomly selected as an experiment group to perform passive stretching exercises on the scalene muscles. Ten additional students were selected randomly as a control group. The forced vital capacity was assessed by using a digital spirometer (Pony FX, COSMED Inc, Italy) both before and after the passive stretching exercises were performed. Subsequently, passive stretching exercises of the scalene muscles were performed in the experimental group. There were no interventions to the control group. RESULTS: As for the forced vital capacity (FVC), the experiment group showed significant increase in items of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second/vital capacity ($FEV_1/VC$), and maximal expiratory flow 75%(MEF 75%) after the scalenemuscles passive stretching exercises were performed. The control group, however, showed no change. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that passive stretching exercises of the scalene muscles could be helpful for forced vital capacity improvement.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.25 no.6
• /
• pp.374-378
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Human body have biological rhythmic pattern in a day, which is affected by internal and external environmental factors. We investigated whether respiratory function was fluctuated according to the influence of time-of-day (around at 9 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm) in health subjects, using pulmonary function test (PFT). Methods: Eighteen healthy volunteers (8 men, mean ages; $22.4{\pm}1.6$, mean heights; $166.61{\pm}9.60$, mean weight; $59.3{\pm}10.3$) were recruited. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was measured at three time points in day, around 9 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm in calm research room with condition of under 55dB noise level, using a spirometer (Vmax 229, SensorMecis, USA). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), FVC/FEV1, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were acquired. Results: In comparison of raw value of PFT among three time points, subjects showed generally better respiratory function at 9 am, than at other points, although no significance was found. In comparison of distribution of ranking for respiratory function in each individual, only PEF showed significant difference. In general, distributional ratio of subjects who showed best performance of respiratory function in a day was high. Conclusion: These findings showed that circadian rhythm by diurnal pattern was not detected on respiratory function throughout all day. But, best performance on respiratory function was observed mostly in the morning, although statistical significance did not exist.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.514-522
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of exhalation breathing exercises using expirometer and that of inhalation breathing exercises using incentive spirometry on pulmonary function and complications in elderly patients with upper-abdominal surgery. Methods: The research design was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. Participants were 63 patients who underwent upper-abdominal surgery under general anesthesia (32 in experiment group, 31 in control group). They were recruited at P university hospital from August 1 to November 30, 2015. Effects were evaluated by measuring pulmonary functions (Forced Vital Capacity [FVC], Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second [FEV1]) and pulmonary complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. Results: There was no difference in FVC between the experimental group and the control group, but FEV1 in the experimental group increased significantly compared to the control group by time change (p=.001). Also, there were no pulmonary complications in the experimental group but there were 5 cases (16.1%)(p=.018) in the control group. Conclusion: Findings indicate that exhalation breathing exercises by elderly patients following upper-abdominal surgery is an effective nursing intervention in enhancing pulmonary function and preventing pulmonary complications.