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Do abdominal cutouts in thoracolumbosacral orthoses increase pulmonary function?
Donna Frownfelter1, Karen Stevens, Mary Massery
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA, donna.frownfelter@rosalindfranklin.edu.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|September 17, 2013
Summary
Thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs) restrict pulmonary function. An abdominal cutout in TLSOs improves breathing, especially during activity, benefiting patients with breathing difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Orthotics and Biomechanics
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs) limit spinal motion but can impede respiratory function by restricting rib cage and abdominal movement.
- Abdominal cutouts in TLSOs may mitigate pulmonary compromise by allowing for greater abdominal excursion during inhalation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of TLSOs on pulmonary function in healthy adults.
- To compare pulmonary function with a traditional TLSO versus one with an abdominal cutout.
- To evaluate these effects at rest and after exercise.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy adults participated in the study.
- Pulmonary function tests (FVC and FEV1) were conducted under three conditions: no TLSO, TLSO with a closed abdominal section, and TLSO with an open abdominal cutout.
- Measurements were taken at rest and immediately after a standardized exercise protocol.
Main Results:
- Both closed and open TLSOs significantly reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared to no TLSO, both at rest and post-exercise.
- The TLSO with an abdominal cutout demonstrated significantly increased FVC at rest and post-exercise compared to the closed TLSO.
- FEV1 also showed a significant increase post-exercise with the open TLSO, though not significantly at rest.
Conclusions:
- TLSOs demonstrably restrict pulmonary function in healthy adults.
- Incorporating an abdominal cutout into TLSO design enhances pulmonary function, particularly during physical activity.
- Abdominal cutouts are recommended for TLSO fabrication in individuals with pre-existing respiratory compromise.
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