A Study to Compare the Effect of Respiratory Muscle Stretch Gymnastic (RMSG) and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Pulmonary Function Test among Geriatric Population– An Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction : Aging is the universal phenomenon, India is the Second Largest country in the world with 72

million elderly person in 2011. It is suspected that it will be 172 millions by 2031.People above the age of 60

years are consider as Geriatric. Aging is associated with decrease in lung compliance and Thoracic Mobility.

Kyphotic curvature of spine occurs due to aging, which increases AP diameter of the thorax. Increase in AP

diameter of thorax alters the curvature & optimal length of Diaphragm and decreases its force generation

capacity. Also due to poor posture Shoulder Quadrant muscle undergoes Shortening due to which pump

handle and bucket handle movement do not occur properly, ultimately reducing the Thoracic Mobility &

Flexibility. So there is a need to improve Pulmonary function among Geriatric Population.

Aim : To compare the effect of respiratory muscle stretch gymnastic (RMSG) and diaphragmatic breathing

on pulmonary function test among geriatric population

Objectives : (1)To find out the effect of RMSG on FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio in geriatric population

(2) To find out the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on FEV1 ,FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio in geriatric

population

(3) To compare the effect of RMSG & diaphragmatic breathing on FEV1 ,FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio in

geriatric population.

Method: Subjects who fulfil exclusion and inclusion criteria were selected by purposive sampling and were

assigned to group A and group B by simple random sampling. They were explained about the study, its

usefulness and written consent were taken. 60 subjects were divide into two Groups: Group A: 30 subjects

were given RMSG Group B: 30 subjects were given Diaphragmatic Breathing.

Results: Data were analyzed using software SPSS version 20 . Paired t-test was applied within the group

and Unpaired t-test was applied between the two groups. Pre-treatment and post-treatment FVC, FEV1 and

FEV1/FVC ratio was analyzed, it showed statistically significant (P value < 0.05) difference in both the

group but when comparison was done between two groups, it was statistically non-significant (P value >

0.05).

Conclusion: Respiratory Muscle Stretch Gymnastic and Diaphragmatic breathing both were effective in

improving pulmonary functions in geriatric population after performing breathing techniques for consecutive

3 days (once a day). But there was no significant difference between the two Groups in improving pulmonary

function in geriatric population.