Meridian respiratory training improves pulmonary function after stroke

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of modified meridian breathing training on the lung function of acute stroke patients. Methods Sixty acute stroke patients were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, each of 30. In addition to the conventional neurological treatment, the control group received routine breathing training, while the intervention group was given modified meridian breathing training by professional rehabilitation therapists once a day for 4 weeks. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), as well as the rate of pulmonary infection were assessed before and after the treatment. Results After 4 weeks of treatment, a significant increase was observed in the average FEV1 and FVC of both groups, but the improvement in the intervention group was significantly greater than in the control group. There were 3 lung infections (10%) in the intervention group, which was significantly lower than the 7 cases (23.3%) in the control group. Conclusion Modified meridian breathing training can improve the lung function of acute stroke patients and reduce the incidence of lung infection. Key words: Respiratory training; Meridian respiratory training; Stroke; Pulmonary function; Lung infection