scholarly journals Proposing an underwater exercise program to increase respiratory muscle strength in the elderly

Impact ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (5) ◽  
pp. 43-45
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Yamashina ◽  
Hiroki Aoyama

Ageing societies are more and more common across the world, placing growing emphasis on elderly care. Although elderly care has been implemented, these systems were developed prior to the growth in ageing societies and, in addition, life expectancies have since increased which means that elderly people require care for longer. It is not enough to focus on the ease of provision of care and extending life, elderly care must also focus on improving health and wellbeing and elevating quality of life. These standards of care will also be applicable to disabled people and help create healthier societies. Professor Yoshihiro Yamashina and Hiroki Aoyama, Aino University, Japan, are introducing more effective, low impact exercises in order to improve elderly care, with a specific focus on enhancing respiratory muscle strength. This could help reduce the risk of diseases such as atelectasis and pneumonia and is important because pneumonia is a common cause of suffering and death in the elderly population. For those who are unable to undertake high impact sport, such as the elderly and people with injuries or chronic pain, aquatic exercises are effective. Yamashina and Aoyama are working to better understand how water can be used to strengthen the respiratory muscles.

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 343-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Regina Posser ◽  
Sheila Cristina Cecagno-Zanini ◽  
Fabiana Piovesan ◽  
Camila Pereira Leguisamo

Abstract Introduction: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) present low cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity. Metabolic changes, due to the disease, can result in a variety of pathophysiological conditions that favor the development of respiratory muscle weakness. However, very little is known about the performance of the respiratory muscles and the influence of HD on them. Aim: To evaluate and correlate pulmonary function, functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in patients with CKD undergoing HD. Methods: Cross-sectional study comprising 23 patients with CKD, that met the following inclusion criteria: patients of both genders, who perform HD three times a week for a minimum period of three months. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated using a respiratory pressure meter, lung function through spirometry and functional capacity through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) before the HD session. Results: All patients were male and mean age was 50.2 ± 15.8 years. The median duration of HD was 3 (1.5 to 6.0) years. The mean values obtained in comparison to those predicted were MIP% 36.0 ± 13.6, MEP% 49.5 ± 15.8, FVC% 93.8 ± 21.1, FEV1% 93.7 ± 21.1, FVC/VEF1% 104.1 ± 10.3, and 6MWT% 66.33 ± 20.53. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the 6MWT and MIP (r = .63, p =.001) and MEP (r = .67, p < .001), between the MIP and MEP (r =.79, p < .001) and between the FEV1 and FVC (r = .91, p < .001). Conclusion: Patients with CKD undergoing HD present changes in respiratory muscle strength, with the predicted values decreasing for age and gender, as well as the distance covered in the 6MWT, although, with normal spirometric values. Functional capacity was dependent on respiratory muscle strength, as well as the values of MIP and MEP, and the values of FVC and FEV1.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
Evelyn Aline Boscolo Ruivo ◽  
Juliana Rodrigues Correia Mello ◽  
Odete Mauad Cavenaghi ◽  
Alexandre Lins Werneck ◽  
Lucas Lima Ferreira

Abstract Introduction: In cancer patients, the reduced food intake causes weight loss and promotes protein-calorie malnutrition. This results in loss of lean body mass, which affects both skeletal muscles and respiratory muscles. Objective: Evaluate and compare the respiratory muscle strength of patients with esophageal and stomach neoplasia during the preoperative period. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 24 patients of both genders hospitalized in a teaching hospital. They underwent a physical therapy evaluation composed of anthropometric data and measurement of respiratory muscle strength through manovacuometry. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to compare the values obtained with the predicted equations. Results: Regarding the disease prevalence, 66.66%(16) of the individuals had stomach neoplasm and 33.33%(8) esophageal neoplasm. Of the patients with esophageal neoplasm, 100% were men with a mean age of 63 ± 9.16 years. Of those with stomach neoplasm, 68.75% were men with a mean age of 69.36 ± 10.92 years. Female patients with stomach neoplasm had significantly higher BMI (p = 0.01) than male patients, and they were classified as overweight. Both neoplasms had significantly lower real values (p ≤ 0.05) than predicted values at the maximal expiratory pressure. Conclusion: Patients with esophageal and stomach neoplasms in the preoperative period present reduction in the expiratory muscle strength. There were no statistically significant differences, when we compared the maximum respiratory pressures between the two types of neoplasms investigated.


PM&R ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. S25-S25
Author(s):  
Maria Engracia Pérez ◽  
Santiago Bardagi ◽  
Lluis Guirao ◽  
Aida Martinez ◽  
Pilar Ortega ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Paltiel Weiner ◽  
Rivka Inzelberg ◽  
Avi Davidovich ◽  
Puiu Nisipeanu ◽  
Rasmi Magadle ◽  
...  

Background:Pulmonary and respiratory muscle function impairment are common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, dyspnea is not a frequent complaint among these patients, although it is well documented that the intensity of dyspnea is related to the activity and the strength of the respiratory muscles.Patients and Methods:We studied pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance and the perception of dyspnea (POD) in 20 patients with PD (stage II and III Hoehn and Yahr scale) before and after their first daily L-dopa dose. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring the maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures (PImax and PEmax), at residual volume (RV) and total lung capacity (TLC) respectively. The POD was measured while the subject breathed against progressive load and dyspnea was rated using a visual analog scale.Results:Respiratory muscle strength and endurance were decreased and the POD was increased during the off medication period compared to normal subjects. There was a nonsignificant trend to an increase in PImax, PEmax and endurance after L-dopa intake. The POD of PD patients decreased (p<0.05) following medication, although, it remained increased (p<0.01) as compared to the normal subjects. Even if patients had spirometry data showing a mild restrictive pattern, before medication, both forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV)1 remained almost identical after L-dopa intake.Conclusions:Patients with PD have higher POD, compared to normal subjects and this increased perception is attenuated when the patients are on dopaminergic medication. The change in the POD is not related to changes in respiratory muscle performance or pulmonary functions. A central effect or a correction of uncoordinated respiratory movements by L-dopa may contribute to the decrease in POD following L-dopa treatment.


Author(s):  
Paulina Okrzymowska ◽  
Monika Kurzaj ◽  
Wojciech Seidel ◽  
Krystyna Rożek-Piechura

Background: According to the literature, inspiratory muscle fatigue may increase after swimming training (ST). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of 8-week inspiratory muscular training (IMT) in disabled swimmers, combined with standard sports training, on selected parameters of lung ventilation and the function of respiratory muscles. Methods: A total of 16 disabled swimming division athletes from Wroclaw’s ‘Start’ Regional Sports Association qualified for the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups (ST and IMT). Both groups participated in swimming training for 8 weeks (8 times a week). The IMT group additionally participated in inspiratory muscle training (8 weeks). In all respondents, a functional lung test and the respiratory muscle strength was measured. Results: After 8 weeks of training, a significant increase in ventilation parameters and respiratory muscle strength was observed only in the IMT group. In ST group 1, a 20% improvement in the strength of inspiratory muscles was achieved. Conclusions: The inclusion of IMT is an important element that complements swimming training, allowing for greater increases in lung ventilation parameters and the strength of respiratory muscles in disabled swimmers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Caruso ◽  
André Luis Pereira de Albuquerque ◽  
Pauliane Vieira Santana ◽  
Leticia Zumpano Cardenas ◽  
Jeferson George Ferreira ◽  
...  

Impairment of (inspiratory and expiratory) respiratory muscles is a common clinical finding, not only in patients with neuromuscular disease but also in patients with primary disease of the lung parenchyma or airways. Although such impairment is common, its recognition is usually delayed because its signs and symptoms are nonspecific and late. This delayed recognition, or even the lack thereof, occurs because the diagnostic tests used in the assessment of respiratory muscle strength are not widely known and available. There are various methods of assessing respiratory muscle strength during the inspiratory and expiratory phases. These methods are divided into two categories: volitional tests (which require patient understanding and cooperation); and non-volitional tests. Volitional tests, such as those that measure maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, are the most commonly used because they are readily available. Non-volitional tests depend on magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve accompanied by the measurement of inspiratory mouth pressure, inspiratory esophageal pressure, or inspiratory transdiaphragmatic pressure. Another method that has come to be widely used is ultrasound imaging of the diaphragm. We believe that pulmonologists involved in the care of patients with respiratory diseases should be familiar with the tests used in order to assess respiratory muscle function.Therefore, the aim of the present article is to describe the advantages, disadvantages, procedures, and clinical applicability of the main tests used in the assessment of respiratory muscle strength.


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