Effects of Pursed-Lip Breathing Exercise Using Windmill Toy on Lung Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND

Aging results in decline in lung function and reduction of respiration muscle strength.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether pursed-lip breathing exercise, using windmill toy, can improve lung function, and respiratory muscle strength in the elderly.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Fifty-four older men and women (aged 60 to 75 years) were randomly assigned to three groups, control (CON, n = 18), diaphragmatic breathing exercise (DBE, n = 18), and pursed-lips breathing exercise (PBE, n = 18) group. The DBE group was subjected to deep breathing exercises by slowly inhaling and exhaling through the nose. The PBE group was subjected to a breathing maneuver that comprised of inhaling gently through the nose, and then slowly and gently squeeze air out through pursed-lips using windmill toy to control the airflow. Both breathing exercise groups (PBE and DBE) performed the maneuvers three times per week for 12 weeks. Shortness of breath, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), lung function, and respiratory muscle strength were measured at pre- and post-test.

RESULTS

Shortness of breath scores, the ratio of force vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were significantly increased (all p<0.05) in the PBE group compared to CON and DBE groups at weeks 12. However, no significant differences in maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were observed in all three groups.

CONCLUSION

Pursed-lips breathing exercise using a windmill toy is an effective breathing exercise intervention for improving lung function and respiratory muscle strength in the elderly.