Effects of diaphragm respiration exercise on pulmonary function of male smokers in their twenties

EFFECTS OF FARINELLI BREATHING EXERCISE ON RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Background

Farinelli breathing (FB) exercise is a typical breathing exercise used by singers. This study aimed to compare effects of FB exercise and diaphragmatic breathing (DB) exercise on respiratory function and symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Sixteen patients aged 51–80 years with mild or moderate COPD were recruited for this study. They were divided into two groups: DB group (n=8) and FB group (n=8). Both groups received complete breathing exercise training five times per week for 8 weeks. Their respiratory functions, COPD symptoms, cytokine levels, and oxidative stress variables were analyzed during pre- and post-tests. Dependent variables were compared between pre- and post-tests using paired t-tests. An independent t-test was used to compare variables between the groups. Differences were considered significant at p<0.05.

Results

The maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores changed significantly in the DB group after the 8-week intervention compared to those at pre-test, whereas force vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, maximum voluntary ventilation, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), MEP, VO₂max, CAT score, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde level changed significantly in the FB group at post-test compared to those at pre-test. Moreover, both MIP and MEP in the FB group were significantly higher than those in the DB group.

Conclusion

FB exercise improved respiratory functions and COPD symptoms of patients with COPD. It might be an alternative breathing exercise in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with COPD.

Immediate effect of interscapular cupping on blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse rate and chest expansion in sedentary smoker students

Objectives

Increased sympathetic stimulation in smokers may be a risk factor for pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. This study was conducted to assess the immediate effect of interscapular cupping on blood pressure (BP), oxygen (O2) saturation, chest expansion (CE), pulse rate (PR) in sedentary male smoker students.

Methods

Forty sedentary male smoker students– aged 18–25 years -were divided randomly into two equal numbered groups; wet cupping (WC) and dry cupping (DC) groups. Systolic and diastolic BP, upper and lower CE, O2 saturation and PR were measured immediately before and after a single cupping session in both groups.

Results

Both WC and DC types showed improvements in all measurements with a high statistically significant difference (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Interscapular cupping enhanced CE, O2 saturation, BP and PR in sedentary male smoker students.

Inspiratory muscle training improves pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength in healthy male smokers

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength of both healthy smokers and nonsmokers. Forty-two healthy males (16 in the IMT smokers group [IMT_S], 16 in the IMT nonsmokers group [IMT_N], and 10 in the placebo group) participated in the present study. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, IMT_S and IMT_N underwent 4 weeks of 30 breaths twice daily at 50% (+5% increase each week) of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), while the placebo group maintained 30 breaths twice daily at 15% MIP using an IMT device. The data were analyzed with repeated measures for one-way analysis of variance, 3 × 2 mixed factor analysis of variance, and least significant difference tests. Respiratory muscle strength (MIP and maximal expiratory pressure [MEP]) and pulmonary functions significantly improved after a 4-week period (between the pre and posttests) in the IMT_N and IMT_S groups (p < 0.05). The mean difference and percentage differences showed significant alterations in the respiratory muscle strength, forced and slow pulmonary capacities, and pulmonary volume between the IMT_N and IMT_S groups (p < 0.05). There were significant changes in the expiratory muscle strength (MEP), slow vital capacity (SVC), and forced pulmonary measurements (forced expiratory volume after 1 s and maximal voluntary ventilation) between IMT_N and IMT_S groups in favor of smokers (p < 0.05). These results show that greater improvements occurred in smokers after IMT. Increased respiratory muscle strength may be the underlying mechanism responsible for this improvement. Additionally, the benefits of IMT were greater in smokers than nonsmokers. This difference between smokers and nonsmokers may potentially be explained by higher influence of exercise on smokers' lung microbiome, resulting in greater reversal of negative effects.

Effects of MOTOmed movement therapy on the mobility and activities of daily living of stroke patients with hemiplegia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the effectiveness of MOTOmed^® movement therapy in increasing mobility and activities of daily living in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

DESIGN:

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES:

English- and Chinese-language articles published from the start of database coverage through 20 June 2018 were retrieved from the Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, OVID, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Chinese Biomedicine databases. Articles were also retrieved by manual searches of Rehabilitation Medicine and Chinese journals.

METHODS:

Randomized control trials examining MOTOmed movement therapy interventions for patients with post-stroke hemiplegia were included in this review. The risk of bias assessment tool was utilized in accordance with Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0. All included studies reported mobility effects as primary outcomes. Standardized mean differences or mean differences with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Review Manager 5.3 was utilized for meta-analysis.

RESULTS:

In total, 19 trials involving a total of 1099 patients were included in the analysis. All studies were of moderate quality, based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention: Part 2:8.5. MOTOmed movement therapy resulted in a merged mean difference in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment score of 5.51 (95% CI: 4.03 to 6.98). Comparison of groups treated with and without MOTOmed movement therapy yielded the following mean differences: Modified Ashworth Scale, -1.13 (95% CI: -1.37 to -0.89); Berg Balance Scale, 13.66 (95% CI: 10.47-16.85); Functional Ambulation Category Scale, 0.85 (95% CI: 0.68-1.03); 10-m walk test, 10.15 (95% CI: 5.72-14.58); Barthel Index, 14.82 (95% CI: 12.96-16.68); and Modified Barthel Index, 11.49 (95% CI: 8.96-14.03).

CONCLUSION:

MOTOmed movement therapy combined with standard rehabilitation improves mobility and activities of daily living in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

The effects of place running exercises on the pulmonary function of normal adults

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether place running exercises increase the pulmonary function of normal adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty normal adults in their 20s were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). Over the course of four weeks, the experimental group participated in place running exercise for 30 minutes five times per week. The control group only participated in moto-med exercise for 30 minutes five times per week. Subjects were assessed pre- and post-test by measuring the tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, and vital capacity. [Results] Our findings show significant improvements to vital capacity in the experimental group. The experimental group had higher pulmonary function than the control group. In the investigation of the differences between the intervention group and the control group before and after the experiment, significant differences were found for expiratory reserve volume and vital capacity. [Conclusion] Finally, the experimental group showed a greater improvement in pulmonary function than the control group, which indicates that place running exercises are effective at increasing the pulmonary function of normal adults.

The effects of dance music jump rope exercise on pulmonary function and body mass index after music jump rope exercise in overweight adults in 20's

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a dance music jump rope exercise on changes Pulmonary Function and body mass index in female overweight subjects in their 20’s. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly assigned to the dance music jump rope exercise group and the stationary cycle exercise group. All subjects have conducted the exercises three times a week for four weeks. Pulmonary function was evaluated using a spirometer, and body mass index was evaluated using an InBody 3.0. [Results] The findings of this study showed significant improvements in the voluntary capacity and body mass index of the experimental groups. Vital capacity was higher in the music jump rope exercise group than the stationary cycle exercise group, and body mass index was lower in the music jump rope exercise group than the stationary cycle exercise group. [Conclusion] This study showed that the dance music jump rope exercise can be used to improve vital capacity and body mass index.

Preoperative Halo-Gravity Traction for Severe Thoracic Kyphoscoliosis Patients from Tibet: Radiographic Correction, Pulmonary Function Improvement, Nursing, and Complications

Background

This study investigated the outcomes of preoperative HGT as an adjunct treatment for severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis, its role in radiographic correction, and pulmonary function improvement, together with nursing strategy and incidence of complications.

Material/Methods

Eleven patients with a mean age of 18.8 years were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: patients with severe kyphoscoliosis (coronal Cobb angle and kyphosis angle ≥80°); duration of HGT ≥8 weeks; patients undergoing HGT for at least 12 h per day; traction weight no less than 40% of body weight; and patients not receiving physical therapies. All patients underwent respiratory training.

Results

The major coronal curve scoliosis averaged 114.00±24.43° and was reduced to 80.55±17.98° after HGT. The major kyphosis was 103.91±18.95° and was reduced to 80.55±17.98°. Significantly improved percent-predicted values for FVC was found after HGT (p=0.014), and significantly increased forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) was also observed (p<0.001), with significantly improved percent-predicted values for PEF (p=0.003) after HGT.

Conclusions

Our data reveal that preoperative HGT can be performed safely, and can help achieve excellent curve correction in both the coronal and sagittal planes, together with improved respiratory function and no severe complications in patients with severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis.

The effects of inspiratory diaphragm breathing exercise and expiratory pursed-lip breathing exercise on chronic stroke patients' respiratory muscle activation

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of inspiratory diaphragm breathing exercise and expiratory pursed-lip breathing exercise on chronic stroke patients’ respiratory muscle activation. [Subjects and Methods] All experimental subjects performed exercises five times per week for four weeks. Thirty chronic stroke patients were randomly assign to an experimental group of 15 patients and a control group of 15 patients. The experimental group underwent exercises consisting of basic exercise treatment for 15 minutes and inspiratory diaphragm breathing exercise and expiratory pursed-lip breathing exercise for 15 minutes and the control group underwent exercises consisting of basic exercise treatment for 15 minutes and auto-med exercise for 15 minutes. The activation levels of respiratory muscles were measured before and after the experiment using MP 150WSW to obtain the results of the experiment. [Results] In the present study, when the pulmonary functions of the experimental group and the control group before and after the experiment were compared, whereas the experimental group showed significant differences in all sections. In the verification of intergroup differences between the experimental group and the control group before and after the experiment. [Conclusion] The respiratory rehabilitation exercise is considered to be capable of inducing positive effects on stroke patients’ respiratory muscles through diaphragm breathing exercise and lip puckering breathing exercise.

Effects of breathing exercises on lung capacity and muscle activities of elderly smokers

[Purpose] Elderly smokers have a reduced chest diameter due to weakening of the respiratory muscles, and this results in decreased ventilation, leading to a vicious circle. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of an intervention program to enhance the pulmonary function and muscle activity of elderly smokers. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups or a control (CG) group. The experimental groups performed exercises three times per week for six weeks, whereas the CG performed no exercises. One of the experimental groups performed a Feedback Breathing Exercise (FBE) for 15 minutes, and the other repeated three sets of Balloon-Blowing Exercises (BBE) with sufficient rest of more than one minute between sets. [Results] In the experimental groups, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF and muscle activity of the rectus abdominis significantly improved after four weeks, but no significant differences were observed in FEV1 or VC after six weeks. [Conclusion] The results show that FBE and BBE improved the pulmonary functions of elderly smokers, demonstrating the potential benefits of the development of various training methods using balloons, and group programs, including recreational factors, for increasing respiratory muscles strength.

The effects of breathing with mainly inspiration or expiration on pulmonary function and chest expansion

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of inspiration- and expiration-oriented breathing on pulmonary function and chest expansion. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy male university students were divided randomly into inspiration-oriented and expiration-oriented breathing groups. Their pulmonary function and chest size during inspiration or expiration were evaluated and then re-evaluated after 15 minutes of breathing exercise five times a week for four weeks. [Results] The breathing with mainly inspiration group (BMIG) showed significant differences in chest size during inspiration (CSI), chest expansion values (CEVs), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) after four weeks. The breathing with mainly expiration group (BMEG) showed significant differences in all measured variables except CSI. Comparison of the groups after exercise showed that the BMEG demonstrated differences from the BMIG in chest size during expiration (CSE), CEV, and PEF. Comparison of the changes in variables after exercise showed that the BMEG demonstrated significantly different changes in CSE, CEV, FEV₁/FVC, and PEF. The BMIG showed a significantly different change in FVC. [Conclusion] Although both groups demonstrated improvements in pulmonary function and chest expansion, inter-group differences were observed. Therefore, inspiration- or expiration-oriented breathing may be recommended differently according to the desired outcome.

Exercise intervention as a protective modulator against metabolic disorders in cigarette smokers

[Purpose] assess the impact of exercise intensity on desire to smoke, serum cotinine, stress hormones, total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative free radicals as potential markers of cardiopulmonary metabolic disorders were measured.in cigarette smokers. [Subjects and Methods] The participants (150 randomly selected healthy men, aged 18–55 years) were classified into 4 smoking groups: control (non-smokers; N= 30); mild (N = 33); moderate (N = 42), and heavy (N = 45). The participants were assigned to either moderate (8 weeks) or short-term (20–45 min) exercise training. The desire to smoke, Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale, and Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale scores, cotinine, stress hormones (cortisol and testosterone), free radicals (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide), and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated. [Results] Significant increases in serum cotinine, cortisol, testosterone, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels and a reduction in total antioxidant capacity activity were observed in all smoker groups; heavy smokers showed a higher change in metabolites. In all smoker groups, both short and moderate- intensity exercises significantly reduce cotinine, cortisol, testosterone, and malondialdehyde and increased nitric oxide levels and total antioxidant capacity activity; further, the desire to smoke, Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale, and Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale scores were reduced. This supports the ability of exercise to increase nitric oxide bioavailability, enhance of blood vessels function and ultimately decrease the incidence of cardiopulmonary disorders. [Conclusion] Exercise interventions with varying intensities may be used as nicotine replacement therapy or protective aids against smoking-related cardiopulmonary disorders.