Novel Intervention to Improve Lung Health Among Older Adults
Mentor 1
Murad Taani
Start Date
28-4-2023 12:00 AM
Description
Restrictive Breathing Pattern (RVP) is a highly prevalent condition among older adults and is characterized by decreased diaphragm strength and decreased lung elasticity. RVP reduces the lungs' ability to fully expand and fill up with enough air and decreases physical activity tolerance. RVP is associated with poor physical activity tolerance, morbidity, and decreased quality of life. We are the first to study RVP among older adults and we found that 51% had RVP in our sample. Therefore, interventions are needed to prevent RVP and decrease its negative sequelae. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and effect of a novel intervention, called Breathing Room, on lung function and physical activity tolerance among older adults. The intervention will be delivered over four weeks and consists of inspiratory muscle training, strength exercises, and breathing exercises. This study used a pre- and post-test design and will recruit 40 older adults from different assisted living facilities in a Midwestern state. The outcome variables include lung function (spirometry test); respiratory muscle strength (sniff nasal inspiratory pressure test); handgrip strength (Hand Grip Dynamometer), posture, and physical activity tolerance (six-minute walk test). All variables will be measured at baseline and two- and four-weeks. Four months later, we will check to see if anyone had lower respiratory infections, like pneumonia, since they completed the study. While the study is in progress, we have 21 participants who were enrolled in our study and will keep recruiting until we reach our target of 40 participants. The data gathered will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including repeated measures analysis, which will be used for the results of the participants. The results gathered by this study will lay the foundation for designing a larger randomized clinical trial to improve lung function and physical activity tolerance among older adults.
Novel Intervention to Improve Lung Health Among Older Adults
Restrictive Breathing Pattern (RVP) is a highly prevalent condition among older adults and is characterized by decreased diaphragm strength and decreased lung elasticity. RVP reduces the lungs' ability to fully expand and fill up with enough air and decreases physical activity tolerance. RVP is associated with poor physical activity tolerance, morbidity, and decreased quality of life. We are the first to study RVP among older adults and we found that 51% had RVP in our sample. Therefore, interventions are needed to prevent RVP and decrease its negative sequelae. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and effect of a novel intervention, called Breathing Room, on lung function and physical activity tolerance among older adults. The intervention will be delivered over four weeks and consists of inspiratory muscle training, strength exercises, and breathing exercises. This study used a pre- and post-test design and will recruit 40 older adults from different assisted living facilities in a Midwestern state. The outcome variables include lung function (spirometry test); respiratory muscle strength (sniff nasal inspiratory pressure test); handgrip strength (Hand Grip Dynamometer), posture, and physical activity tolerance (six-minute walk test). All variables will be measured at baseline and two- and four-weeks. Four months later, we will check to see if anyone had lower respiratory infections, like pneumonia, since they completed the study. While the study is in progress, we have 21 participants who were enrolled in our study and will keep recruiting until we reach our target of 40 participants. The data gathered will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including repeated measures analysis, which will be used for the results of the participants. The results gathered by this study will lay the foundation for designing a larger randomized clinical trial to improve lung function and physical activity tolerance among older adults.
