• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1393-1397
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of combined respiratory physical therapy on respiratory function, spinal curve and spinal mobility for community-dwelling elderlies with restrictive lung diseases. In total, 10 patients participated in an 8-week intervention program of thoracic cage mobilization and breathing exercise in combination. The results of the study are as follows: for respiratory function, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity(FVC), and FEV1/FVC were significantly improved to $.30{\pm}0.31{\ell}$, $.46{\pm}.42{\ell}$, and $18.10{\pm}11.39%$, respectively (p<.05). For spinal curve, the thoracic curve and the lumbar curve were improved significantly to $-2.20{\pm}1.40^{\circ}$ and $-1.20{\pm}1.14^{\circ}$, respectively (p<.01). For spinal mobility, the thoracic flexion ($3.40{\pm}2.99^{\circ}$), thoracic extension ($3.50{\pm}1.43^{\circ}$), lumbar flexion ($4.50{\pm}4.74^{\circ}$), and lumbar extension($-1.50{\pm}1.84^{\circ}$) were all significantly improved (p<.05). These findings indicate that thoracic cage mobilization and breathing exercise in combination improve the respiratory function, spinal alignment, and spinal mobility in elderly people with restrictive lung diseases.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2014

Cross knee curl-up is an ideal variation of abdominal curl up exercise to strengthen abdominal musculature without excessive lumbar flexion which can increase the loads on the disc and ligaments. In addition, slowly forced expiration can facilitate the activation of the abdominal musculature. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of slowly forced expiration on activity of abdominal muscles, such as rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and transverse abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), while cross knee curl-up. Eleven young and healthy subjects (6 males and 5 females) participated. All subjects performed the cross knee curl-up slowly forced expiration and natural breathing. Paired t-test was performed in normalized electromyogram (EMG) muscle activity of the bilateral RA, EO, and TrA/IO to compare the differences between the cross curl-up with slowly forced expiration and natural breathing. Statistical significance was set at .05. There were no significant differences in normalized EMG muscle activity of the bilateral RA, EO, and TrA/IO between the cross curl-up with slowly forced expiration and natural breathing. The finding of this study designates that slowly forced expiration does not induce increasing activity of abdominal muscle in cross knee curl-up; hence, learning step of breathing control might not be necessary to strengthen abdominal muscle in cross knee curl-up.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing on activation of lumbar paraspinal muscles of normal healthy people. Diaphragmatic breathing may affect activation of trunk muscles. The assumptions are as follows: the crural diaphragm attatches to the lumbar vertebrae from L1 to L3, the voluntary downward pressurization of the diaphragm increases intra-abdominal pressure, and this increases the stiffness of the spine. Methods : Sixty male college students ranging 19 to 34 years were screened and % maximal voluntary contraction(% MVC) of trunk muscles on the four positions of back extension exercise was compared during the pre and post of inspiration of diaphragmatic breathing. Results : 1. % MVC of right and left erector spinae had the statistically significant difference between pre and post inspiration of diaphragmatic breathing in the dynamic right arm and left leg extension position(p<0.05). 2. % MVC of right and left erector spinae had the statistically significant difference between pre and post inspiration of diaphragmatic breathing in the dynamic left arm and right leg extension position(p<0.05). 3. % MVC of right and left erector spinae had the statistically significant difference between pre and post inspiration of diaphragmatic breathing in the static lying prone extension position(p<0.05). 4. % MVC of right and left erector spinae had the statistically significant difference between pre and post inspiration of diaphragmatic breathing in the static lying on prone position(p<0.05). Conclusion : This study will be used as the purpose of data collection of lumbar paraspinal muscles on diaphragmatic breathing and be introduced as the new therapeutic intervention for management of patients with back pain.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.180-189
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• 2002

Purpose : This study focused on affirming of the effects of Dan-jun breathing exercise experienced by women in midlife. Method: The data were collected via direct interview from 20 participants, who participated in a Dan-Jun exercise program during three months. Collected data were analyzed by content analysis. Result : 1. As for the health problems of women in midlife before the Dan-jun exercise program, 93 items were extracted in the content analysis These items were categorized into 59 attributes and 15 higher attributes. 1) Of the 59 attributes of health problems, shoulder pain (30%) was the most dominant. 2) The 15 higher attributes consisted for the physical domain of, weakness, pain, joint stiffness, sexual problem, sleep disorder, gastro-intestinal disorder. menstrual irregularity. circulatory disorder, respiratory disorder. constipation, urinary incontinence, and for the psychological domain, anger, emptiness, depression, and anxiety. 2. As for the effects experienced by women in midlife after the Dan-jun exercise program, 169 items were extracted in the content analysis. These items were categorized into 85 attributes and 14 higher attributes. 1) Of 85 attributes, lightening of physical condition (55%) was the most dominant. 2) The higher attributes consisted in physical domain of, recovery of vigor, pain relief, menstrual regularity and improvements in flexibility. sexual problem, sleep disorder, gastro-intestinal disorder, circulatory disorder constipation, respiratory disorder and urinary incontinence, and for the psychological domain, relaxation, cultured mind and self-confidence. Conclusions : Dan-jun breathing exercise program for three months showed positive effects on physical and psychological health in women in midlife. In this context, it can be also considered as a significant nursing intervention for maintenance and promotion of the health of these women.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2010

This study aimed to compare 2 protocols recommended to patients with chronic cervical cord injury: each protocol included breathing exercises (inhalation-oriented or exhalation-oriented) and facilitation maneuver for the accessory respiratory muscles. Seventeen patients with chronic cervical cord injury volunteered to participate in this study, and we randomized these patients into 2 groups: the inhalation-oriented breathing exercise group (IOBEG) and exhalation-oriented breathing exercise group (EOBEG), consisting of 8 and 9 patients, respectively. Patients in the IOBEG performed inspiratory exercises using intermittent positive pressure breathing devices, while those in the EOBEG performed expiratory exercises using incentive spirometry. All exercises were performed by the subjects twice a day for 4 weeks, with each session lasting an average of 20 min. The outcomes were assessed on the basis of the pre- and post-treatment values of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC. In the IOBEG, no significant differences were observed between the pre- and post-treatment values of any of the measured variables (p>.05); however, in the EOBEG, significant improvement was noted in the VC, FVC, FEV1 measured (p<.05) after the treatment. In addition, the rates of change in the values of VC, FVC, and FEV1 differed significantly between the 2 groups (p<.05). These findings suggest that the EOBEs can enhance respiratory function and are clinically feasible in patients with chronic cervical cord injury. Further studies will be undertaken to evaluate the clinical application of these findings.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.133-140
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• 2024

Purpose : People who have suffered from COVID-19 suffer from decreased pulmonary function and various side effects. This study aims to present three respiratory exercise intervention methods to improve pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, the purpose of this study will investigate the effects of breathing exercise interventions (aerobic exercise, diaphragm breathe exercise, and inspiratory muscle training on resistance) on pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors. Methods : The subjects who participated in this study were 35 male and female college students confirmed with COVID-19. All subjects were randomly assigned to A, D, and I groups according to breathing exercise intervention method. Groups A, D, and I each performed aerobic exercise, diaphragm breathing exercise, and inspiratory muscle training on resistance, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function was measured using a spirometer, and FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV₁ (forced expiratory volume in one second), FEV₁/FVC % (forced expiratory volume in one second / forced vital capacity ratio), and PEF (peak expiratory flow) were measured at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. Data analysis was compared by repeated measures analysis of variance, and post hoc tests for time were compared and analyzed using paired t-tests. Results : In the results of this study, FVC values showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. FEV₁ values also showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. And the FEV₁/FVC % value also showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. And the PEF values also showed statistically significant improvement in all groups. Conclusion : The results of this study reported that aerobic exercise, diaphragm breathing exercise, and resistance inspiratory muscle training were all effective in improving pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, application of the three breathing exercise intervention methods presented in this study will help improve pulmonary function in COVID-19 survivors.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.187-197
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the changes in the muscle activity of the trunk stabilizer muscles before and after incorporating Pilates breathing during three types of Pilates chair exercises. Methods: This study included 33 healthy men and women in their 20's; they were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. sEMG was used to measure the changes in the muscle activity in the internal oblique/transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae during the three types of Pilates chair movements (footwork, twist footwork, and bridging) without and with the Pilates breathing integration. The muscle activities of the trunk stabilizers between without and with Pilates breathing were statistically analyzed and compared. Results: The internal oblique/transverse abdominis showed an increase and a significant difference in the muscle activity in all three movements of footwork, twist footwork, and bridging after the Pilates breathing integration (p<.001). The muscle activity of the rectus abdominis (p<.05) and the erector spinae (p<.05) also increased and showed a significant difference after the Pilates breathing incorporation, except in the bridging movement for the erector spinae. The increase in the rate after integrating Pilates breathing was relatively greater in internal oblique/transverse abdominis than in other muscles. Conclusion: When Pilates breathing was applied, the activities of the trunk stabilizer muscles increased significantly and immediately in all three movements of Pilates chair footwork, twist footwork, and bridging. This means that the use of breathing is expected to have a positive and immediate effect on the activation of trunk stabilizers, thus indicating that it can possibly be an effective re-enforcing tool to promote trunk stability when it is integrated to the Pilates chair exercise. Incorporating Pilates breathing also seemed to have a tendency to activate the deep trunk stabilizer muscles more than the superficial stabilizer muscles.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2016

Purpose: This study intended to classify voluntary respiratory exercise and exercise using breathing training equipment to suggest proper respiratory exercise to relieve symptoms of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: Sixteen subjects were randomly selected for experimental group I, which performed feedback breathing exercise and 15 subjects were randomly selected for experimental group II, which performed a complex breathing exercise. The mediation program was performed 30 minutes a session, once a day, three times a week, for five weeks. This study analyzed before and after results within groups and between groups through measurement of respiratory muscle activity and health-related quality of life. Results: Activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalene muscle increased meaningfully within experimental group I and activity of diaphragm increased significantly within experimental group II (p<0.05) and there was a meaningful difference in health-related quality of life within experimental group II (p<0.05). Significant differences in change of activity of respiratory muscle and health-related quality of life were observed between groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed conflicting results between activity of agonist and synergist in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to types of respiratory exercise and that complex respiratory exercise is more effective in health-related quality of life. Therefore, it found that the more severity increase, the more self-respiratory technique is an effective program. Diversified approach methods will be needed to improve respiratory function and quality of life for patients, and continuous clinical studies will be needed in the future.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.135-145
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• 2023

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to discover which breathing technique is more effective in improving respiratory function by applying different breathing techniques-the chest expansion respiratory technique and the abdominal expansion respiratory technique-to adults in the same aerobic exercise situation. Methods : In this study, 30 people were randomly assigned to two groups: chest expansion respiratory technique with aerobic exercise (A group) and abdominal expansion respiratory technique with aerobic exercise (B group). Group A was asked to breathe after wrapping their rib cage with an elastic band, and Group B was asked to breathe after wrapping their abdomen with an elastic band. A total of 3 sets of 30 breaths were performed, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. For statistical processing, an independent t-test was used to verify homogeneity between the two groups, and a repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences according to the period for each group. Results : The changes in FVC and FEV₁ for each group following 6 weeks of intervention are as follows. In comparison according to the intervention period, there was a significant increase in all groups depending on the timing of measurement (p<.05), and as a result of the inter-subject effect test, there was no significant difference between groups (p>.05). In addition, there was no interaction effect between period and group (p>.05). Conclusion : The conclusion of this study is that FVC and FEV₁ values increased according to the intervention period in both groups; therefore, it can be suggested that flexible breathing techniques can be applied depending on the patient's physical situation when applying a breathing program to improve respiratory function.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.268-277
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates breathing exercises on functional disability and lumbar flexibility in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: 30 patients with non-specific low back pain were selected and classified into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). Both groups were assessed for functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index and flexibility of the lumbar spine using the modified-modified Schober test before and after the intervention. The intervention was applied twice a week for four weeks. The experimental group performed Pilates breathing exercises followed by spinal stabilization exercises, while the control group only performed spinal stabilization exercises. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in functional disability and lumbar flexibility after the intervention. However, when comparing between the two groups, the experimental group showed a more significant effect than the control group. Conclusions: The combination of Pilates breathing exercises and spinal stabilization exercises can be considered an effective approach to improve low back pain and prevent chronic pain in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.