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Published on: November 8, 2013
Impact of two different pulmonary rehabilitation methods in children with down syndrome
Rasha A Mohamed1, El Sayed H Mohamed2, Suzan M Habshy3
1Department of Physical Therapy for Growth and Developmental Disorders in Children and Its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
Insights
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and inspiratory muscle training both improve respiratory function in children with Down syndrome. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation showed superior results in enhancing respiratory muscle strength and capacity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Respiratory Physiology
- Down Syndrome Research
Background:
- Children with Down syndrome often exhibit impaired respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity.
- Interventions targeting respiratory function are crucial for improving overall health and quality of life in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) of respiratory muscles versus inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in children with Down syndrome.
- To evaluate the impact of these interventions on respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, spirometry, and functional capacity.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 45 children with Down syndrome (ages 10-13) divided into three groups: PNF, IMT, and control.
- Participants underwent 12 weeks of intervention (5 times/week), alongside aerobic exercise.
- Respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), chest expansion, spirometry (VC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV), and 6-minute walk test were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Both PNF and IMT groups showed significant improvements in all measured respiratory and functional variables compared to the control group.
- The PNF group demonstrated a greater positive effect on respiratory muscle strength, spirometry, and functional capacity than the IMT group.
Conclusions:
- Both proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and inspiratory muscle training are effective interventions for improving respiratory outcomes in children with Down syndrome.
- Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation appears to offer superior benefits compared to inspiratory muscle training for this population.
Purpose:
To investigate and compare the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles with that of inspiratory muscle training as a preventive measure on respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, spirometry, and functional capacity in children with Down syndrome.
Methods:
Forty-five Down syndrome participants with an age ranged from 10 to 13 years were enrolled. There were distributed into three groups. The study group A (n = 15) underwent proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles while study group B (n = 15) underwent inspiratory muscle training. Third group C (n = 15) was a control group. The three groups received aerobic exercises using the bicycle ergometer for 20 min, 5 times/week for 12 successive weeks. The treatment program for both study groups was conducted for 20-30 min, 5 times/week for 12 successive weeks. Measurements of respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), chest expansion, spirometry test (VC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV) and 6 min walk test were measured pre and post treatment.
Results:
The post treatment mean values of all investigated variables were significantly increased in both study groups with higher effect to group underwent proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles.
Conclusion:
Both proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation of respiratory muscles and inspiratory muscle training are effective in children with Down syndrome on improving respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, spirometry and functional capacity with superior effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
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