Effects of Respiratory Physiotherapy on Postural Control, Balance, Respiratory Functions and Respiratory Muscle Strength

Effects of Respiratory Physiotherapy Applied to Neurodevelopmental Treatment on Postural Control, Balance, Respiratory Functions and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Stroke Patients

The aim of our study is to determine the effect of respiratory physiotherapy applied on stroke diagnosis, balance, respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment in patients with stroke.

Our study will include individuals aged 40-75 years, diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, who applied to the Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic. After the patients are separated according to the specified exclusion and inclusion criteria, they will be divided into 3 groups using the "Online Random Allocation Software" program. Evaluations will be made before and after treatment.

In addition to normal neurodevelopmental therapy (NGT) 5 days a week, respiratory physiotherapy will be applied. The total duration of treatment will take 6 weeks.

1. Neurodevelopmental treatment program (BOBATH treatment approach) will be applied to the group.
2. The group will have a neurodevelopmental treatment program (BOBATH treatment approach) and diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
3. The group will have a neurodevelopmental treatment program (BOBATH treatment approach) and respiratory muscle training with the THRESHOLD IMT device.

Inspiratory Muscle Training Program with Threshold IMT device: Constant pressure is applied to the inspiration phase during application. The training group is started from 40% of MIP and inspiratory muscle training is given. In practice, patients are asked to sit in a loose position on the upper chest and shoulders. After the nose clip is attached, the patient is instructed to tighten his lips around the mouthpiece of the instrument, making inspiration and expiration. After eight breathing cycles, she is asked to do 1-2 respiratory controls.

Diaphragmatic breathing exercise: The patient is given a supine position, a pillow is placed under his knees and head. The patient is asked to place his right hand in the upper abdomen and his left hand in the upper part of his chest. The patient is told to take a slow and deep breath through the nose until four counts, and to hold the air in for the breathing time, and then to the patient, shrinking his lips like a whistle, and exhaling his breath for a long time. Exercises are performed two hours after meals, initially as short as 2-3 minutes, within 10 minutes of the patient's tolerance, with an average of 30 minutes per day.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being over 40 years old,
• Stroke diagnosis,
• The Mini-mental test score is above 23

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other neurological or orthopedic problems that affect functionality and balance, other than stroke
• High blood pressure, heart disease which may prevent rehabilitation
• Patients with pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Have undergone thoracic or cardiovascular surgery
• Agnosia or a person with visual impairment,
• Patients with epilepsy,
• The medical condition is not stable,
• Patients with reluctance towards treatment,
• Patients with communication problem,
• An area under 23 points from the Minimental Test,
• Patients with peripheral nerve injury before stroke