A Study to Compare the Effect of Respiratory Muscle Stretch Gymnastic (RMSG) and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Pulmonary Function Test among Geriatric Population– An Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction : Aging is the universal phenomenon, India is the Second Largest country in the world with 72 million elderly person in 2011. It is suspected that it will be 172 millions by 2031.People above the age of 60 years are consider as Geriatric. Aging is associated with decrease in lung compliance and Thoracic Mobility. Kyphotic curvature of spine occurs due to aging, which increases AP diameter of the thorax. Increase in AP diameter of thorax alters the curvature & optimal length of Diaphragm and decreases its force generation capacity. Also due to poor posture Shoulder Quadrant muscle undergoes Shortening due to which pump handle and bucket handle movement do not occur properly, ultimately reducing the Thoracic Mobility & Flexibility. So there is a need to improve Pulmonary function among Geriatric Population. Aim : To compare the effect of respiratory muscle stretch gymnastic (RMSG) and diaphragmatic breathing on pulmonary function test among geriatric population Objectives : (1)To find out the effect of RMSG on FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio in geriatric population (2) To find out the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on FEV1 ,FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio in geriatric population (3) To compare the effect of RMSG & diaphragmatic breathing on FEV1 ,FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio in geriatric population. Method: Subjects who fulfil exclusion and inclusion criteria were selected by purposive sampling and were assigned to group A and group B by simple random sampling. They were explained about the study, its usefulness and written consent were taken. 60 subjects were divide into two Groups: Group A: 30 subjects were given RMSG Group B: 30 subjects were given Diaphragmatic Breathing. Results: Data were analyzed using software SPSS version 20 . Paired t-test was applied within the group and Unpaired t-test was applied between the two groups. Pre-treatment and post-treatment FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio was analyzed, it showed statistically significant (P value < 0.05) difference in both the group but when comparison was done between two groups, it was statistically non-significant (P value > 0.05). Conclusion: Respiratory Muscle Stretch Gymnastic and Diaphragmatic breathing both were effective in improving pulmonary functions in geriatric population after performing breathing techniques for consecutive 3 days (once a day). But there was no significant difference between the two Groups in improving pulmonary function in geriatric population.