Impact of Respiratory Muscle Training and Quadriceps Exercises on Voice, Respiratory Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Abstract

Objective: This present study aimed to explore normative data and compare voice characteristics and respiratory function (Maximum counting duration: MCD peak expiratory flow rate: PEFR), Maximum inspiratory pressure: MIP), Maximum expiratory pressure: MEP), and quadriceps muscle strengthening before and after breathing with quadriceps exercises.

Study design: A one-group quasi-experiment design.

Setting: Community-dwelling healthy elderly in Health Promoting Hospital.

Method: Thirty community-dwelling healthy elderly aged 60-70 years old were enrolled the study for normative data, and twenty-three were in complete study for comparison the outcomes. Participants were assessed voice characteristics via computer speech lab (CSL), respiratory function by peak flow meter, micro respiratory pressure meter, quadricep exercises by leg strength dynamometer and five times sit to stand. Program of breathing with quadriceps exercises were implemented twice a day in sitting, standing position, and walking for 7 weeks.

Result: Voice characteristics were presented normative data, and comparison between preseven-week and postseven-week program of program intervention revealed significant increasing percentage of Maximum phonation time (MPT) or Tsam (time of sample) of /a/, /u/, /i/ ranged 39.30%-55.46%; MCD 40.99%, Maximum inspiration pressure 20.59%, MEP 16.22% and PEFR 84.21%, after program function.

Conclusion: Program of breathing with quadriceps exercises could significantly increase MPT, MCD, MIP, MEP, and PEFR in community-dwelling healthy elderly within 7. These were guideline for prevention voice disorders and aspiration in older adult.