Abstract
Background and objectiveAging results in reduced muscle mass and strength. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise protocol on respiratory muscle strength. Material and methodsAn experimental study of 69 elderly, non-institutionalized female volunteers who participated in a physical exercise programme. They were randomly divided into 2groups. The intervention group performed a specific respiratory treatment protocol using the PNF technique. The control group did not receive an additional intervention. The PNF treatment consisted of 2weekly sessions lasting 50minutes over an 8-week time period. Respiratory muscle strength was measured for both groups by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). ResultsThere was a statistically significant (P<.001) and clinically relevant increase in the intervention group in MIP 13.84mb (95%CI: 9.017-18.671) and MEP 25.69mb (95%CI: 20.373-31.002). There was also a statistically significant difference between groups: MIP 20.00mb (95%CI: 11.13-28.88; P<.001) and PEM 27mb (95%CI: 19.75-35.012; P<.001). ConclusionsThe PNF respiratory treatment improved respiratory pressures, which may improve respiratory strength and function in older adults. This treatment can be used as prevention to minimize the loss of muscle mass and strength as a result of aging.
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