Efficacy of Advanced Allied Interventions for Dyspnoea, Exercise Capacity, and Quality of Life among the Geriatric Population: A Literature Review

Abstract

Ageing is a gradual and irreversible pathophysiological process that results in the decline of function in all the body's systems, including the respiratory system. With age, the respiratory muscles lose their strength and become tight, thus affecting lung function. Exercise has been seen to have a positive influence on delaying the ageing process, reducing its ill effects on all systems. Apart from conventional physiotherapy, studies show that other allied therapies, such as the Buteyko breathing technique, respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics, fan therapy, Tai Chi exercise, and many others, have an influence on the cardiorespiratory system. These allied therapies help improve breath control, increase the strength and flexibility of respiratory muscles, stimulate the trigeminal nerve, and contribute differently to reducing symptoms of dyspnoea and fatigue, increasing exercise capacity, and improving Quality of Life (QoL). The purpose of present literature review is to identify various allied therapies that decrease dyspnoea associated with ageing and increase exercise capacity and QoL in the elderly population. A literature search was conducted to find relevant guidelines on interventions for dyspnoea, exercise capacity, and improving QoL in the geriatric population. Total 13 studies related to treatments for dyspnoea and exercise capacity among the geriatric population, aimed at decreasing symptoms and improving QoL, were included in present review article. The number of new and advanced allied methods developed was limited, so more articles could not be added as they did not serve the purpose. The search keywords used were geriatric, dyspnoea, exercise capacity, QoL, and allied therapies. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and ResearchGate were used to complete the study. The findings reveal that advanced allied therapies, including fan therapy, Tai Chi exercise, respiratory muscle stretch exercises, pranayama, and video-assisted exercises, are easier and more entertaining ways to engage in regular physical activity, increase exercise capacity, decrease dyspnoea, and improve QoL among the geriatric population.