Effects of the Respiration Exercise Program through the Pan-flute on the Physiological and Psychological Status of the Elderly

목관악기 호흡운동 프로그램이 노인의 신체적, 심리적 기능에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This study was intended for the enhancement of the elderly's quality of life helping them overcome their physiological changes about aging and reinforcing their vitality. Methods: An nonequivalent control group post-test design was used for the study. The methods to perform the abdominal respiration exercise and to blow the pan-flute were demonstrated to 31 experimental subjects and 36 control subjects. The eight-week 30 minute daily home respiration exercise recipes were prescribed to the subjects. Mobile spirometers were used to measure FVC, $FEV_1$, $FFV_1$ / FVC, $SaO_2$, breathing discomfort. Daily life satisfaction scores were recorded. Music therapy accompanied the eight-week respiration program. A post-test was performed in the same manner as the pre-test. The gathered data were analysed by SPSS/WIN program. Results: 1) The pulmonary function and daily life satisfaction were significantly improved in the experimental group. 2) Both the experimental and control groups did not show significant differences in $SaO_2$. 3) The breathing discomfort was significantly reduced in the experimental group. Conclusion: The respiration exercise program for the elderly through the pan-flute improves the respiration activity of the elderly and enhances their daily life satisfaction scores. Therefore, this program produces effects in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.