Background: Inspiratory muscle training can improve inspiratory strength and endurance through threshold loading. In addition, trunk stabilization exercises can improve trunk strength and respiratory function. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of application of inspiratory muscle training and trunk stabilization exercise on pulmonary function and inspiratory muscle activation in college students. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Methods: In this study, 24 college students were randomly divided into two groups: inspiratory muscle training and trunk stabilization exercise (experimental group, n=12), and trunk stabilization exercise (control group, n=12). Inspiratory muscle activity was measured using a surface electromyography. Pulmonary function was measured using a spirometer and a peak expiratory flow meter. Results: In the experimental group, the muscle activity of both upper trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles increased significantly after the intervention. In the experimental group, both upper trapezius muscle activity was significantly increased than in the control group. In the experimental group, all the pulmonary function significantly increased after the intervention. Conclusion: In this study, when the inspiratory muscle training was additionally applied to the trunk stabilization exercise in college students in their twenty, it was possible to improve the inspiratory muscle activity and pulmonary function.

Background: The circuit exercise program is a continuous method that combines complex training types and is an exercise method that is performed to improve performance by improving basic physical strength such as strength, agility, endurance and muscular endurance. Objectives: To examine the effect of exercise program on pulmonary function of professional volleyball players. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: 22 professional volleyball players were divided into two groups of 11 each. A high intensity interval exercise program and circuit exercise program were performed twice a week for 45 minutes for 4 weeks. Results: The changes in pulmonary function in professional volleyball players were significantly different pre and post the intervention in both groups and the interval exercise program group showed a more significant difference before and after the intervention in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second/Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (P<.05). In addition, there was also a significant difference in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC between two groups (P<.05). Conclusion: The interval exercise program group was effective in improving pulmonary function for professional volleyball players.

본 연구의 목적은 한국 대학생들의 기초체력과 신체활동량이 폐기능과 상관관계가 있는지를 분석하고, 성별에 따른 차이를 검증하는데 있다. 건강한 참여자 312명(남성 150명[평균연령: 19.29±1.72세], 여성 160명[평균연령: 19.05±1.17세])은 신체조성, 기초체력, 신체활동량 설문지, 그리고 노력성폐활량 (FVC)과 1초간 강제호기량(FEV1)의 폐기능 검사를 수행하였다. 연구결과, 남학생의 폐기능은 우악력과 좌악력, 그리고 배근력과 관련이 있었고, 여학생의 폐기능은 모든 기초체력 하위 요인과 관련이 있었다. 또한 여성의 폐기능은 중강도 신체활동량과 관련이 있는 반면 남성의 폐기능은 신체활동량의 모든 하위 요인과 관련이 있었다. 본 연구의 주요 발견은 폐기능을 개선하기 위해서 남학생은 신체활동량을 증가시키고, 여학생은 기초체력을 향상시킬 필요가 있음을 제안한다. 대학생들의 폐기능을 유지하고 개선시키기 위해서는 폐기능 관련 인자에 대한 성별의 차이를 이해하고, 성별에 맞는 교육적 노력이 필요할 것이다.

Background: Individuals with forward head posture (FHP) have neck pain. To correct the FHP, a posture correction band is commonly used. However, we do not know the posture correction band influenced the pulmonary function in individuals with FHP. Objects: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of the posture correction band on the pulmonary function in young adults with neck pain and FHP and to monitor how the pulmonary function changed over time. Methods: Twenty subjects with chronic neck pain and forward head posture were recruited. Subjects performed pulmonary function test four times: before, immediately, and 2 hours after wearing the postural band, and immediately after undressing the postural band. Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) were measured. The modified Borg dyspnea scale was used to measure each subject’s responses to the posture correction band. The mixed-effect linear regression was used to the effect of the posture correction band over time. Results: There were no significant differences in VC, FVC, PEF, FEV1 values over time (p > 0.05), although all values slightly decreased after applying posture correction band. However, the score of the modified Borg scale significantly changed after wearing the postural bands (p < 0.05), indicating the subject felt discomfort with posture correction band during breathing. Conclusion: Because the posture correction band did not change the pulmonary function over time, but it induces psychological discomforts during breathing in people with FHP. Therefore, this posture correction band can be used for FHP realignment after discussion with the subjects.

Background: Patients with stroke have core muscle weakness and limited rib cage movement, resulting in restrictive lung disease. Objectives: To examine the comparison of effects of rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercise on the pulmonary function and chest circumference in patients with stroke. Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise group) and control group (diaphragmatic breathing exercise group). Patients in the experimental group underwent rib cage joint mobilization for 15 min and diaphragmatic breathing exercise for 15 min. The control group underwent diaphragmatic breathing exercise for 30 min. Both groups underwent exercise thrice a week for 4 weeks. The pulmonary function and chest circumference were measured using the MicroLab spirometer and a tape measure, respectively. Results: After the intervention, the pulmonary function and chest circumference significantly improved in both groups. These improvements were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group. Conclusion: Rib cage joint mobilization combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercise improves pulmonary function and chest circumference in patients with stroke.

Smoking can be a significant cause of lung diseases and reduced respiratory functions. Among soldiers, smoking may have a negative impact on their health (physical strength) and well being. Information on differences in the respiratory functions of smokers and nonsmokers in the military services and the effects of the smoking duration and amount (i.e., the number of cigarettes smoked per day) would be useful. This study investigated smoking durations and smoking amounts among young male soldiers (N = 61). The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacities (FEV1/FEC) were measured FVC, FEV1, or FEV1/FEC of smokers and nonsmokers were not significantly different, and FVC and FEV1 were inversely proportional to smoking duration. Besides, the number of cigarettes smoked per day was not correlated with respiratory functions. These findings may be attributed to the effect of the strenuous physical activity (e.g., military drills) undertaken by soldiers on their respiratory functions. Despite the lack of evidence for a difference in the respiratory functions of smokers and nonsmokers, this study recommends ongoing respiratory function management through smoking cessation programs and respiratory physiotherapy to manage the respiratory functions of Korean smoking soldiers.

The purpose of present study was to investigate the effect of kinesio taping on pulmonary function in stroke patients using manual wheelchairs. Twenty stroke patients were divided into a wood chair group (WCG, n=10), a wheelchairs group (WG, n=10), and a kinesio taping with wheelchairs group (KWG, n=10). Taping with wheelchairs group was applied kinesio taping on back muscles (vertical paraspinal strips and oblique strips). All three groups were trained in upright seated posture for 30 minutes. Pulmonary function tests were performed with forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow as spirometer. There was a significant increase in forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity only in KWG. The results of this study demonstrate that kinesio taping has an immediate effect on the improvement of pulmonary function in stroke patients using manual wheelchairs.

Background: Progressive muscle weakness is aggravated not only in the skeletal muscles but also in the respiratory muscles in many patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been reported as therapy for pulmonary rehabilitation to improve respiratory strength, endurance, exercise capacity, and quality of life, and to reduce dyspnea. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of playing harmonica for 5 months on pulmonary function by assessing the force vital capacity (FVC), peak cough flow (PCF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in patients with NMD. Methods: Six subjects with NMD participated in this study. The subjects played harmonica once a week for 2 hours at a harmonica academy and twice a week for 1 hour at home. Thus, training was performed thrice a week for 23 weeks. The examiner assessed pulmonary function by measuring FVC in the sitting and supine positions and PCF, MIP, MEP, and MVV in the sitting position at the beginning of training and once a month for 5 months. Results: Both sitting and supine FVC significantly increased after playing harmonica (p=.042), as did MIP (p=.043) and MEP (p=.042). Conclusion: Playing harmonica can be used as an effective method to improve pulmonary function in patients with NMD.

This study aimed to determine the effect of McKenzie lumbar support on pulmonary function in Stroke patients. Twenty subjects (n=20) were divided into two groups: a McKenzie lumbar support group (MLS group=10), a control group (n=10). Pulmonary function was performed to assess its effectiveness. A spirometer was used to measure the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF). The intervention was conducted for four weeks. In the MLS group, FEV1, FVC, and PEF were increased after McKenzie lumbar support. (p<0.05), while no significant differences in the variables were found in the control group (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in variables between the MLS group and the control group (p>0.05). Our findings suggest that applying Mckenzie lumbar support may be an alternative maneuver to improve pulmonary function in stroke patients.

Background: Research efforts to improve the pulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy (CP) need to focus on their decreased diaphragmatic ability compared to normal children. Real-time ultrasonography is appropriate for demonstrating diaphragmatic mechanisms. Objects: This study aimed to compare diaphragm movement, pulmonary function, and pulmonary strength between normal children and children with CP by using ultrasonography M-mode. The correlation between general characteristics, diaphragm movement, pulmonary function, and pulmonary strength was also studied. Methods: The subjects of this study were 25 normal and 25 CP children between five and 14 years of age. Diaphragm movement was measured using real-time ultrasonography during quiet and deep breathing. Pulmonary function (such as forced expiratory volume in one second; FEV1 and peak expiratory flow; PEF) and pulmonary strength (such as maximum inspiratory pressure; MIP and maximum expiratory pressure; MEP) were measured. A paired t-test and Spearman’s Rho test, with a significance level of .05, were used for statistical analysis. Results: The between-group comparison revealed that normal children had significantly greater diaphragm movement, FEV1, PEF, MIP, and MEP (p<.05) than CP children. The results showed that general characteristics were significantly related to FEV1, PEF, MIP, and MEP (p<.05). Conclusion: In clinical settings, clinicians need to concern decreased diaphragm movement, pulmonary function, and pulmonary strength in CP group compared to normal children.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of incentive spirometry and Ujjayi breathing technique on the pulmonary function of smokers. Subjects were individuals who had a smoking habit of at least a year. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups: the incentive spirometry group (n=8), Ujjayi breathing technique (n=9), and a group applying both incentive spirometry as well as Ujjayi breathing technique (n=8). Each intervention was performed twice a day, 5 times a week, for a total of 8 weeks whereupon the change in pulmonary function was evaluated. A spirometer was used to measure FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. The survey used for this study included the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and the Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ). Study results for the comparison within groups showed that in the group that performed both the incentive spirometry and Ujjayi breathing technique, FEV1 improved with statistical significance (p<.05). Furthermore, within this comparison the FEV1/FVC improved with statistical significance. Comparison amongst the groups showed no statistically significant differences in all areas. Following, to effectively increase pulmonary function in young adult smokers, both incentive spirometry and Ujjayi breathing technique should be employed together.

Background: Abdominal bracing exercise (ABE) and abdominal hollowing exercise (AHE) improve the lumbar flexibility and pulmonary function in various patients, yet the efficacy of ABE or AHE have not yet been evaluated. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the lumbar flexibility and pulmonary function during both ABE and AHE in healthy adults. Methods: The study included 40 healthy adults, who were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group, each with 20 subjects. All subjects performed ABE (experimental group) and AHE (control group). The lumbar flexibility such as trunk flexion test (sitting and standing position) and schober test and pulmonary function such as the spirometer including forced vital capacity (FVC) and force expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and chest circumference measurement (middle and lower chest) were measured, respectively. Two-way repeated analysis of variance was used to compare the lumbar flexibility and pulmonary function, respectively. Results: No significant effects of lumbar flexibility were observed on trunk flexion test from the sitting position (P=.478) and standing position (P=.096) in the ABE than in the AHE. However, the length of ABE was longer significantly than it of AHE (P=.024). No significant effects of lung function were observed on the FVC (P=.410) and FEV1 (P=.072) in the ABE group than in the AHE group. And also, no significant effects of chest circumference measurement were observed on the inspiration (P=.468) and expiration (P=.563) in middle chest circumference and inspiration (P=.104) and expiration (P=.346) in lower chest circumference. Conclusion: This study indicated that the ABE is only more effective in lumbar flexibility by lumbar length difference than AHE in healthy adults.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of joint mobilization with respiratory muscle taping on pulmonary function and chest expansion ability in patients with chronic stroke. Thirty subjects (n=30) were randomly divided into three groups: a joint mobilization group (n=10), a respiratory muscle-taping group (n=10), and a joint mobilization with respiratory muscle-taping group (n=10). Measurements for pulmonary function and chest expansion were performed to assess its effectiveness. A spirometer was used to measure the pulmonary function, and a tape measure was used to assess the chest expansion. In the joint mobilization group, peak expiratory flow (PEF) was increased. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and upper and lower chest expansion were also increased. All of variables of respiratory muscle-taping group also were increased. FEV1 and FVC were significantly different between joint mobilization with respiratory muscle-taping and respiratory muscle-taping group. The results of the present study suggest that mobilization with respiratory muscle taping increase the pulmonary function and chest expansion.

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 balloonblowing 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, FEV1 was significantly lower in non-smokers compared to smokers at two and four weeks (p<.05), FEV1/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.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of underwater treadmill gait training (UTGT) and overground treadmill gait training (OTGT) on the gait, balance ability and pulmonary function of stroke patients. Twenty subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: UTGT (n1=10) and OTGT (n2=10). The 10 m walk test (10 MWT), Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, center of pressure, pulmonary function of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume after 1 sec (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC were measured before and after 4 weeks of training. Both groups undertook the gait training for 30 min a day, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks, and rating of perceived exertion of the groups were measured and compared. All the studied variables were significantly improved in both groups (p<.05) at the end of the study, except in the FEV1 of OTGT (p>.05). There was significant between-group difference in all of the variables, except in the 10 MWT (p>.05). These findings suggest that UTGT is more effective than OTGT in improving the balance and pulmonary functions of stroke patients.

The purpose of this study was to parallel circuit training and circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism was to compare the differences in pulmonary function and chest expansion in adult men. This study was performed on 20 subjects. 20 subjects were divided into two groups; Circuit training group(n=10), Circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism(n=10). Both of the group performed the exercise 3 times a week for 5 weeks. The data was analyzed by the Repeated t-test for comparing before, during and after changes of factors in each group and the Independent t-test for comparing the between groups. The result are as follows. Circuit training group was statistically significant difference FVC, FEV1/FVC(p<.05), Circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism group was statistically significant difference PEF, VC in pulmonary function(p<.05). Circuit training group was statistically significant difference FEV1/FVC of between the two group in pulmonary function(p<.05). Circuit training group and circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism group was statistically significant difference in chest expansion(p<0.05) and there was no statistically significant difference of between the two group in chest expansion(p>.05).

The purpose of this study compared the ability of feedback breathing training (FBT) and balloon blowing training to enhance the breathing of elderly people. The subjects were randomly and evenly divided into a feedback breathing training group (FBTG) and a balloon blowing training group (BBTG). Each group trained 3 times a week for 4 weeks, with the training suspended during the last 2 weeks. Pulmonary function measurements were obtained before the test and 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the test: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and vital capacity (VC). A repeatedmeasures ANOVA was conducted for the significance test. The FBT resulted in a significant increase in the FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and VC of the elderly smokers after 4 weeks and a significant decrease in the FVC, FEV1/FVC, and PEF after 6 weeks. The BBT resulted in a significant increase in the FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and VC of the elderly smokers after 4 weeks and a significant decrease in the FVC, FEV1/FVC, and PEF after 6 weeks. In conclusion, An at home breathing rehabilitation program, in addition to balloon blowing, could increase the breathing performance of elderly people.

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of continuous antagonistic muscle strengthening exercise and Evjenth-Hamberg stretching on the pulmonary function of university students with abnormal transformation of forward head posture(FHP). The results of study subject to the continuous antagonistic muscle strengthening(CAS) group(n=10) and Evjenth- Hamberg stretching(EHS) group(n=10) that was conducted 3 times a week for 6 weeks are as follow. FVC, IVC, and MVV all were shown to be significant in the pre·post comparison between the CAS group and EHS group(p<.05), and significant difference was shown for MW between the two groups(p<.05) in which the CAS group showed better effect. Based on the results above, it is considered that combining continuous antagonistic muscle strengthening exercise has better effect on pulmonary function compared to application of only Evjenth-Hamberg stretching.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) with abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) on pulmonary function. Twenty-two subjects with restrictive breathing participated in this study. All the subjects were randomly assigned to three groups (7 subjects in RMT group, 7 subjects in RMT with ADIM group, 8 subjects in control group). The first group performed the RMT by using incentive respiratory spirometer (IRS). The second group performed the RMT by using IRS and the ADIM by using a Stabilizer. The exercises were conducted over four days. The pulmonary function was evaluated using the spirometer to measure the force exploratory volume in 1 second () and forced vital capacity (FVC). Measurements were conducted on the first day and the last day. A paired-t test was used for pre-post changes and the change rates in FVC and among each group were investigated by a one-way ANOVA. The findings of the the study were as follows: 1) There were significant differences of FVC and between pre and post in the two training groups (p<.05) 2) There was no significant difference of the change ratio the FVC and between the RMT group and RMT with ADIM group. Therefore, it is concluded that respiratory muscle and ADIM training, combined with two methods of treatment would suggest positive evidence for improving pulmonary function.

This study aimed to compare 2 protocols recommended to patients with chronic cervical cord injury: each protocol included breathing exercises (inhalation-oriented or exhalation-oriented) and facilitation maneuver for the accessory respiratory muscles. Seventeen patients with chronic cervical cord injury volunteered to participate in this study, and we randomized these patients into 2 groups: the inhalation-oriented breathing exercise group (IOBEG) and exhalation-oriented breathing exercise group (EOBEG), consisting of 8 and 9 patients, respectively. Patients in the IOBEG performed inspiratory exercises using intermittent positive pressure breathing devices, while those in the EOBEG performed expiratory exercises using incentive spirometry. All exercises were performed by the subjects twice a day for 4 weeks, with each session lasting an average of 20 min. The outcomes were assessed on the basis of the pre- and post-treatment values of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC. In the IOBEG, no significant differences were observed between the pre- and post-treatment values of any of the measured variables (p>.05); however, in the EOBEG, significant improvement was noted in the VC, FVC, FEV1 measured (p<.05) after the treatment. In addition, the rates of change in the values of VC, FVC, and FEV1 differed significantly between the 2 groups (p<.05). These findings suggest that the EOBEs can enhance respiratory function and are clinically feasible in patients with chronic cervical cord injury. Further studies will be undertaken to evaluate the clinical application of these findings.