Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: February | Volume: 12 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 64-70
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20220208
Effect of Intercostal Stretch and Breathing Control Exercise on Lung Function among Healthy Young Females
Deepshikha Trivedi1, Arijit Kumar Das2
1Assistant Professor, St. Andrews College Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
2Associate Professor, Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil College Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Deepshikha Trivedi
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Intercostal (IC) muscles help in upward and outward movement of the ribs which results in increase in antero-posterior diameter of the thoracic cavity. The use of manual stretching procedure is prevalent in respiratory physiotherapy to improve pulmonary functions.
Objective: To determine the effect of Intercostal (IC) stretch and breathing control in improving the lung function parameters (Forced Expiratory Volume) in the first second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC % and respiratory rate among healthy young females.
Methodology: Thirty healthy female subjects, age 19-24 years were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and written informed consent was taken. Participant’s assessment and evaluation was done. Lung function parameters and respiratory rate were recorded before undergoing procedure. Subjects underwent three IC stretch for ten breaths on the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle followed by breathing control exercises with a time gap of 2-3 minutes in semi recumbent position. Immediately, following intervention, the respiratory rates recorded and lung function test were performed using spirometry to evaluate the effect of intervention. The total sessions last for 15 minutes.
Result: By applying Paired t-test for Pre and Post values of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and respiratory rate p-value obtained was 0.0001, which was statistically significant. This suggested that IC stretching with breathing control is more effective in improving dynamic lung parameters.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there was a significant improvement in the lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1 /FVC) and respiratory rate among the healthy young females who underwent IC stretch followed by breathing control exercise.
Key words: Intercostal Stretch, Breathing Exercises, Lung Function Parameters.