• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2015

Impaired respiratory function is common in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of exercises and to assess forced vital capacity and peak cough flow after completion of neck stabilizing and respiratory reeducation exercises (combining diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing exercises). The 45 participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group 1 ($n_1=15$), experimental group 2 ($n_2=15$), and a control group ($n_3=15$). All subjects performed conservative physical therapy for 30 minutes. Experimental group 1 undertook the neck stabilizing exercise and the respiratory reeducation exercise. Experimental group 2 undertook the respiratory reeducation exercise. Additional exercise did not exceed 30 minutes, five times a week for six weeks. The subjects were assessed for deep neck flexor thickness and breathing function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, forced expiratory volume at one second/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and manual assisted peak cough flow) at pre-post value. The results of this study were as follows. Experimental group 1 showed a significant increase only in deep neck flexor thickness change rate (p<.05). All groups showed significant increases in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, and peak expiratory flow in pre-post measurement (p<.05). Experimental groups 1 and 2 showed an increase in manual assisted peak cough flow in pre-post measurement (p<.05). There was no significant difference between experimental group 1 and experimental group 2, but experimental group 1 improved more than experimental group 2 in respiratory function as a whole. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the neck stabilizing exercise in combination with the respiratory reeducation exercise can improve forced vital capacity and peak cough flow in patients with stroke.

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

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.437-445
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analysis on diaphragm thickness and lung function of stroke patients by walking ability. Methods : We recruited thirty-five adults after stroke(20 male, 15 female) for our study. The subjects were divided into two groups; independent walking group(11 male, 9 female) and non-independent walking group(9 male, 6 female). Assessment of diaphragm thickness was performed using ultrasound in B-mode with a 7.5 MHz linea probe. During the experiment, the subject was seated in the chair. All subjects performed maximal expiratory flow maneuvers using a spirometer in order to determine the forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$), forced vital capacity(FVC), peak expiratory flow(PEF) and $FEV_1$/FVC. Chest expansion was measured with a tape-measure placed circumferentially around the chest wall at the xiphoid process. The collected data analyzed by independent t-test. Results : The diaphragm thickness were significant differences between the independent walking and nonindependent walking group. Values of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, peak expiratory flow in pulmonary function tests were significant differences between the independent walking and non-independent walking group. However, chest expansion were not significant differences in both of the group. Conclusion : This study showed that walking ability of stroke patients have influenced on diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.10-17
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• 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) on peak exploratory flow (PEF), forced exploratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$), and low back pain during forced expiration. Twenty-two subjects (14 subjects in experimental group, 8 subjects in control group) participated in this study. The stabilizer was used for ADIM training for five consecutive days. Vitalograph PEF/$FEV_1$ DIARY and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to determine forced expiratory pulmonary function and low back pain, respectively. Independent t-test and analysis of covariance were used for statistical analysis with a significance level of .05. The findings of this study were as follows: 1) There were no significant differences of ADIM effect on PEF and $FEV_1$ between experimental group and control group. 2) There was a significant pain reduction in experimental group with ADIM. 3) PEF and $FEV_1$ increased significantly in the fifth day compared with the first day pre-exercise baseline. Therefore, it is concluded that ADIM was effective in improving PEF and $FEV_1$, and reducing VAS during forced expiration in patients with chronic low back pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

It is important to find the effective position for cough and sputum clearance in respiratory physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$), and peak cough flow (PCF) related to functional level and measurement position in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Twenty one subjects were classified into three functional levels, and measurements was undertaken in three different measurement positions (upright sitting, $45^{\circ}$ reclining and supine). Vitalograph PEF/FEV DIARY was used to measure PEF and $FEV_1$, and Ferraris Pocket Peak was used to measure PCF. Mixed two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc test were used for statistical analysis. The results of the study were as follows: 1) Significant main effects for measurement position were found. 2) PEF was the highest in upright sitting, followed by $45^{\circ}$ reclining, and supine in order. 3) $FEV_1$ in upright sitting and $45^{\circ}$ reclining were significantly greater compared with that in supine. 4) PCF in upright sitting and $45^{\circ}$ reclining were significantly greater compared with that in supine. 5) No significant main effects for functional level were found in PEF, $FEV_1$, and PCF. 6) No significant functional level by measurement position interactions were found in PEF, $FEV_1$, and PCF. Therefore, it is concluded that upright sitting and $45^{\circ}$ degree reclining positions are recommended for effective cough and sputum clearance.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2019

Background: Despite growing concern over occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) such as grain dust and diesel exhaust, information about the exposure level and health implications among workers in small-scale milling enterprises in developing countries like Nigeria has not been adequately documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust and effect on lung function among grain millers in food markets in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design with a comparative approach. Sixteen grain milling shops each were randomly selected from two major food markets in Ibadan metropolis for indoor $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ monitoring. Seventy-two respondents each were proportionately selected from grain millers and shop owners for forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate tests. Results: The $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations for both market locations ranged between 1,269.3 and $651.7{\mu}g/m^3$, while $PM_{10}$ concentrations were between 1,048.2 and $818.1{\mu}g/m^3$. The recorded concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization guideline limit of $50{\mu}g/m^3$ and $25{\mu}g/m^3$ for $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$, respectively. As compared with control group (2.1 L), significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second value (1.61 L) was observed among the exposed group (p < 0.05). Likewise, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate value (186.7 L/min) was recorded among the exposed group than the control group (269.51 L/min) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust accentuated respiratory disorders with declines in lung functions amongst grain millers. Improved milling practices and engaging cleaner milling facilities should be adopted to minimize exposure and related hazards.

• Archives of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.17-24
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between forward head posture and pulmonary function in young women. Methods: Thirty-three young women participated in this study. The participants were grouped into non-forward head posture, mild forward head posture, and moderate-severe forward head posture groups. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and pulmonary function were measured using ImageJ and a spirometer, respectively. Results: Statistically significant differences in the participants' forced expiratory volume for one second (FEV1) and predicted forced expiratory volume for one second (predicted FEV1) were found among the three groups. No statistically significant differences in the participants' forced vital capacity (FVC), predicted forced vital capacity (predicted FVC), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were found among the three groups. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between CVA and FVC and among the predicted FVC, FEV1, and predicted FEV1. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that severe forward head posture has a negative effect on pulmonary function in young women.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.311-315
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• 2013

Purpose: Forward head posture is a typical symptom in people who use computers for long periods of time. Respiration is a complex function involving co-operation of muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. Abnormal posture can have a negative effect on respiratory function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between forward head posture and respiratory function in young adults. Methods: Forty-six healthy subjects participated in this study. Craniovertebral angle was measured for assessment of the forward head posture. The respiratory function of all subjects was evaluated by measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume at one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). The baseline of forward head posture was less than 49 degrees. Results: : Significant differences for predicted FVC and FEV1 were observed between the two groups, however, no statistically significant differences in FEV1/FVC ratio and PEF were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate that forward head posture has a negative effect on respiratory function in young adults.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.1146-1151
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of respiratory exercise on cardiopulmonary function and muscle activity of rectus abdominis in smokers and non-smokers with elderly people. All the participants were older than 65 years, and twenty non-smokers, and twenty smokers participated. Non-smokers and smokers were randomly divined into 10 feedback breathing exercises (FBE) and a balloon-blowing exercise (BBE) group. The FBE and the BBE were performed three times a week for four weeks. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume at one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and vital capacity (VC) were measured as pulmonary function. EMG was used to measure the activity of the rectus abdominis. In the FBE and BBE groups, $FEV_1$ was significantly lower in non-smokers compared to smokers at two and four weeks (p<.05), $FEV_1/FVC$, PEF and VC were significantly lower in non-smokers compared to smokers to pre-test, two weeks, four weeks and six weeks (p<.05). Muscle activity of rectus abdominis was significantly difference in the BBE group at pre-test, two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks (p<.05). These results suggest that respiratory exercise was effective in improving pulmonary function and rectus muscle activity.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.301-307
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was an determine whether elastic band on treadmill training might effect the chest expansion and pulmonary function of the 20's men. 40 subjects with experimental group(male: 20) and control group(male: 20) was participated in experiment. During four weeks, each group participated thirty minutes for three times per week. Subjects were assessed using pre-value and post-value measurement chest length(chest length for resting, chest expansion) and pulmonary function(forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow, vital capacity, tidal volume, expiratory reserve volume, inspiratory reserve volume) by the CardioTouch 3000S(BIONET, USA). These findings suggest that experimental group can be used to improve chest expansion, pulmonary function than control group. In comparison of both groups, post-test was more improved in experimental group. In conclusion, experimental group helped improving function of pulmonary volume and respiratory muscle, and thus it indicates that the functions will be more improved through the continued respiratory exercise program.