Effect of respiratory exercise on pulmonary function, balance, and gait in patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of respiratory exercise on pulmonary function, balance, and gait in chronic stroke patients. [Participants and Methods] Twenty patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=10 each). The patients in both groups underwent neurodevelopmental treatment. Moreover, the experimental group performed respiratory exercise. Pulmonary function was measured using a pneumatometer. Balance was measured using a Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test. Gait was measured with a 10-m walk test and Timed Up-and-Go Test. [Results] Intragroup comparison showed significant differences in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, 10-meter walk test, and Timed Up-and-Go Test. Intergroup comparison showed that the differences in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, 10-meter walk test, and Timed Up-and-Go Test for the experimental group were significantly related to those for the control group. [Conclusion] Based on these results it was concluded that respiratory exercise effectively improves the pulmonary function, balance, and gait in patients with chronic stroke.