Physiother Res Int. 2022 Aug 12:e1970. doi: 10.1002/pri.1970. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Stroke patients have problems with voluntary movement and trunk control. Moreover, the respiratory function in stroke patients is affected by neurological impairment, which increases the incidence of respiratory complications.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the correlation between trunk rotation range of motion (TRROM) and trunk lateral flexion range of motion (TLFROM), peak cough flow (PCF), and chest expansion in stroke patients.
METHODS: This was an observational study involving 21 patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke from October 2021 to January 2022. TRROM and TLFROM were assessed using smartphone applications (Compass and Clinometer), respectively, PCF was assessed using a peak flow meter, and chest expansion was assessed using a tape measure. Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the relationships between the variables.
RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations were found between TRROM and TLFROM (r = 0.91, p < 0.01) and between upper chest expansion and PCF (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). There were significant correlations between lower chest expansion and TRROM (r = 0.50, p < 0.05) and between lower chest expansion and TLFROM (r = 0.51, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the relationship between upper chest expansion and PCF. Upper chest expansion exercises should be considered to improve the PCF in stroke patients. In addition, a very strong positive correlation between TRROM and TLFROM was demonstrated. TRROM and TLFROM exercises should be considered to improve the lower chest expansion in stroke patients.
PMID:35962597 | DOI:10.1002/pri.1970
