| Joyci Joseph1, Priya Accal Thomas2 |
| Authors: 1Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, CPAS School of Medical Education, Angamaly, Kerala, India. 2Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, CPAS School of Medical Education, Gandhinagar, Kerala, India. Corresponding Author: 1*Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, CPAS School of Medical Education, Angamaly, Kerala, India. Mail id: joycijoseph7733@gmail.com Mail Id: joycijoseph7733@gmail.com |
ABSTRACT
| Background and objectives of the study: Asthma is characterized by hyperactive airways that respond to various stimuli by widespread inflammation and airway narrowing. The incidence of respiratory symptoms is higher in postmenopausal women. Decreased estradiol level due to menopause reduces protective influence on lungs and increase vulnerability to asthma and newly onset asthma in postmenopausal women is marked by deficient response to anti-inflammatory treatment. This study was designed to investigate the effects of PNF exercises in improving pulmonary function and chest expansion in postmenopausal women with asthma. Methods: 30 subjects were recruited for the study through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. Participants were allocated to two groups, experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=15) randomly. Pre- test analysis was conducted for both groups for pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC) using pulmonary function test and chest expansion measurement (Axillary level and xiphisternal level) using chest expansion measurement by inch tape. Experimental group received PNF exercises in addition to conventional exercises whereas; control group received conventional exercise for 4 weeks. Immediate post- test analysis was conducted. Paired t test and two sample t test was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in FEV1 (t= 2.505), FEV1/FVC (t= 2.505), chest expansion at axillary level (t= 2.312) and chest expansion at xiphisternal level (t= 2.406) between control and experimental group with level of significance p<0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded that significant improvement in pulmonary function and chest expansion after 4 weeks of PNF exercise training in postmenopausal women with asthma. Keywords: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise, pulmonary function, Chest expansion. |
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