Respiratory Muscle Function in Older Adults with Chronic Respiratory Diseases after Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Subterranean Salt Chambers.

Training the respiratory muscles is a crucial aspect of pulmonary rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to assess the function of respiratory muscles in older adults both before and after a period of pulmonary rehabilitation and treatment stay within the underground chambers of a salt mine. A total of 50 patients aged 65 years and older with chronic respiratory conditions was enrolled in the study. These participants underwent a 3-week subterranean pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program in the "Wieliczka" Salt Mine. Levels of sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured using the MicroRPM both before and after the outpatient PR program conducted 135 m underground. A total of 44 patients with a mean age of 68.8 ± 2.9 years who completed the PR program and tests were included in the analysis. The average changes in the parameters of pulmonary function before and after the PR were: MIP 8.8 cmH2O, MEP 7.1 cmH2O, and SNIP 11.2 cmH2O (for p < 0.05). For patients older than 70 years, beneficial changes were only observed for MEP, which increased by 9.3 cmH2O (for p < 0.05). Speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation improves respiratory muscle function in older adults with chronic respiratory diseases, mainly in terms of MEP. Therefore, a greater emphasis on inspiratory muscle training in the rehabilitation program should be considered.

Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Hemorheological Blood Indices in Young, Healthy Women.

The aim of the study is to assess the effect of single and 12-week WBVT and training without vibration on changes in hemorheological blood indices and plasma fibrinogen levels in young, healthy women. Three groups are distinguished: the experimental group-participating in WBVT (n = 17); the comparison group-implementing the same physical exercise protocol without the vibration factor (n = 12); and the control group-no intervention (n = 17). In the experimental and comparison group, blood is collected before and after the first and last training, while in the control group, blood is collected twice, 3 months apart. After a series of WBVT, a significant decrease in the mean erythrocyte volume and mean hemoglobin mass in erythrocytes, as well as a slight increase in the mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, is found, and the effect of the last training is a significant decrease in plasma volume. Under the influence of repeated WBVT, there is an increase in erythrocyte deformability at low shear stress and an increase in the aggregation amplitude. The study shows that WBVT improves blood flow in the vessels and does not affect erythrocyte aggregation and the level of fibrinogen, which confirms the safety of this form of exercise.

Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Serum Levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cortisol in Young, Healthy Women.

Vibration exercises on a platform (whole-body vibration, WBV), widely used in rehabilitation, sports medicine, and fitness, is an alternative to strength effort. The presented study assessed the effect of a 12-week cycle of vibration training on the serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cortisol in young women (trial ID: ACTRN 12621000114842). Volunteers were assigned to three groups: performing exercises on a vibrating platform (n = 17), performing identical exercises without a platform (n = 12), and passive control group (n = 17). The concentration of BDNF and cortisol was assessed four times: before the first training session, 5 min after it, also before, and 5 min after the last training session. There were no statistically significant changes in the groups or among groups for both substances. WBV in the presented form did not increase the secretion of BDNF and is not a stressful stimulus.

Dynamic Balance and Chest Mobility of Older Adults after Speleotherapy Combined with Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Endurance and Strength Training-A Prospective Study in Chronic Respiratory Diseases.

BACKGROUNDS: As people age, they are more likely to experience balance disturbances. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized as a core component in the management of older adults with chronic respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the dynamic balance and chest mobility of older adults participating in speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation, endurance and strength training. METHODS: The study group consisted of 51 older adults with chronic respiratory disorders who participated in a 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme in underground salt chambers in the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine Health Resort. These individuals underwent the Four Square Step Test (FSST) and circumferential chest mobility measurement before and after the outpatient rehabilitation programme conducted 135 m underground. RESULTS: Before rehabilitation in the underground salt chambers, half of the results (50%, 22 patients) were below the norm in the assessment of chest mobility between maximal inhale and exhale. The average time needed to perform FSST decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 10.2 ± 1.9 s before the stay to 9.1 ± 1.7 s after the stay and the average increase in chest mobility increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 4.5 ± 5.5 cm to 5.4 ± 2.8 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation, endurance and strength training increased the dynamic balance and chest mobility of older adults with chronic respiratory diseases, as measured by the FSST and circumferential chest expansion assessment.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in subterranean chambers combined with neuro-orthopedic activity-dependent plasticity therapy influences patients' quality of life - A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate if Neuro-orthopedic Activity-dependent Plasticity (N.A.P.) therapy combined with standard subterranean pulmonary rehabilitation (SPR) conducted in the salt mine influences the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and chest mobility in patients with asthma or chronic upper respiratory tracts diseases. METHODS: 54 patients enrolled for the study completed a 3-week SPR. The 15D questionnaire, chest mobility and back scratch flexibility tests were conducted before and after SPR. In the study group (N = 23,16 women, 7 men) the N.A.P. therapy was added to SPR, while the control group (N = 31, 21 women and 10 men) completed the SPR program. RESULTS: After the SPR statistically significant improvements were observed on the 15D dimensions of breathing and vitality dimensions, in the chest mobility and back flexibility in both groups. With the baseline gender distribution, age, generic 15D score, chest mobility and back scratch adjusted, the change in the 15D score was 0.068 greater in the study group than in the control group. This difference is clinically important and statistically significant (p = 0.022). There was no statistically significant difference in the chest mobility and back scratch flexibility between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adding N.A.P. therapy techniques to the SPR program in the underground part of the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine Health Resort results in a statistically significant and clinically important improvement in the subjects' HRQoL.

The influence of speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation on functional fitness in older adults - preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine the influence of pulmonary rehabilitation conducted in therapeutic salt mine chambers on the functional fitness of older adults. METHODS: The study included 22 individuals of age >65 years with chronic respiratory conditions. The patients underwent the Fullerton test before and after a 3-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in the "Wieliczka" Salt Mine Health Resort. RESULTS: After the rehabilitation stay, the results showed statistically significant improvements within five of the six parameters evaluated. In the Arm Curl, the mean number of repetitions within 30 s increased from 14.55 ± 3.63 to 16.68 ± 3.83 and in the Chair Stand from 11.86 ± 2.55 to 14.41 ± 2.95. Beneficial changes were observed in the Back Scratch, but without statistical significance. In Sit and Reach results increased from -2.3 ± 11.11cm to 2.14 ± 9.19 cm. Time for performing the 8-Foot Up and Go decreased from 6.63 ± 1.27 s to 5.8 ± 0.86 s and in 2-Minute Step results increased from 88.27 ± 20.64 to 96.55 ± 16.38 repetitions. CONCLUSION: Functional fitness of examined older adults with pulmonary disorders has increased after a rehabilitation and treatment stay in underground salt mine chambers. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Musculo-skeletal and pulmonary effects of sitting position - a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Year after year, we spend an increasing amount of time in a sitting position. Often, we sit with poor posture, as indicated by numerous pain syndromes within the musculoskeletal system. Several reports confirm that body posture and the amount of time spent in a seated position have extensive implications for our health. Previous studies and a literature review suggest there is limited knowledge regarding an ergonomic sitting position. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the research relating to a proper sitting position and the consequences of incorrect sitting posture. A database search was conducted in Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Selection was made on the basis of titles, the abstracts and full texts of the studies. No limits were applied to the date of publication. CONCLUSIONS: Incorrect sitting posture contributes to many disorders, especially in the cervical and lumbar spine. It also determines the work of the respiratory system. Most authors suggest that maintenance of the physiological curvature of the spine is crucial for the biomechanics of the sitting position, as well as the location of the head and position of the pelvis. It raises awareness of work-related hazards and the introduction of education on the principles of proper seating. It is necessary to draw attention to the risks associated with work performed in a sitting posture, and education on the principles of ergonomical sitting.

Activity- vs. structural-oriented treatment approach for frozen shoulder: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short- and long-term effects of a structural-oriented (convential) with an activity-oriented physiotherapeutic treatment in patients with frozen shoulder. DESIGN: Double-blinded, randomized, experimental study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: We included patients diagnosed with a limited range of motion and pain in the shoulder region, who had received a prescription for physiotherapy treatment, without additional symptoms of dizziness, a case history of headaches, pain and/or limited range of motion in the cervical spine and/or temporomandibular joint. INTERVENTIONS: The study group received treatment during the performance of activities. The comparison group was treated with manual therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (conventional therapy). Both groups received 10 days of therapy, 30 minutes each day. MAIN MEASURES: Range of motion, muscle function tests, McGill pain questionnaire and modified Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log were measured at baseline, after two weeks of intervention and after a three-month follow-up period without therapy. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were randomized into two groups: The activity-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 44 years, SD = 16 years) including 20 male (61%) and the structural-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 47 years, SD = 17 years) including 21 male (64%). The activity-oriented group revealed significantly greater improvements in the performance of daily life activities and functional and structural tests compared with the group treated with conventional therapy after 10 days of therapy and at the three-month follow-up ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therapy based on performing activities seems to be more effective for pain reduction and the ability to perform daily life activities than conventional treatment methods.

Biomechanical influences on head posture and the respiratory movements of the chest.

PURPOSE: The head represents 6% of total body weight, therefore it can significantly affect the biomechanics of human posture control, movements and activities. When set out of vertical body axis, head position interferes with the work of the other links in the kinematic chain. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of head posture on the breathing activities of the chest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted on a group of 65 patients (51 years ± 9.8 years), including 48 women and 17 men. Head posture and chest movements were assessed using a photogrammetric method. RESULTS: The results confirmed the existence of a negative correlation between head position in the sagittal plane and movements of lower ribs. Forward head posture resulted in lower amplitude of costal arch motion: for the transverse plane Spearman's R = -0.296, for the frontal plane; -0.273, -0.289. Tilting the head in the frontal plane also influenced the change in the biomechanics of breathing and contributed to a reduction of respiratory movements of the lower ribs Spearman's R = -0.260. CONCLUSIONS: Changing the position of the head causes disturbances in the three-dimensional shape of the chest and its respiratory movements.

Respiratory chest movement measurement as a chair quality indicator--preliminary observations.

Regardless of the constantly increasing time man is spending in a sitting position, there is still a lack of objective chair quality assessment criteria. The aim of this paper is to find the answer to whether respiratory chest movement measurements can be a chair quality indicator. The study included 34 participants (mean 34.7 years±5.2). Their chest movements were assessed using respiratory inductive plethysmography while sitting on two subsequent chairs. Significant differences in chest movements depending on chair type were observed concerning the breathing duct (upper and lower) and breathing movement amplitude. The amplitude of the upper respiratory track in the first chair was higher (239.4 mV) compared with the second seat (207.3 mV) (p=.018). The analyzed parameters of respiratory chest movement may become a helpful indicator for design and selection of chairs which enable people to both work and relax in the most ergonomic conditions.