Influence of physiotherapy programme on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and chest expansion in patients with neck and low back pain
JOURNAL OF BACK AND MUSCULOSKELETAL REHABILITATION, vol.19, no.1, pp.35-40, 2006 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 19 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2006
- Doi Number: 10.3233/bmr-2006-19105
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF BACK AND MUSCULOSKELETAL REHABILITATION
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.35-40
- Keywords: neck pain, low back pain, PEFR, chest expansion, physiotherapy
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether there are changes in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and chest expansion after a standardized physical therapy program in patients with chronic neck and back pain. In a university-based, outpatient physiotherapy department, thirty-three patients were assigned into the study (9 cervical disc herniation and 24 lumbar disc herniation, mean age respectively 45.0 +/- 12.85 (30-72 years), 41.33 +/- 11.69 (22-63 years). Data on pain intensity, PEFR and chest expansion were collected before and after physiotherapy programme. A combination of hot-pack, massage, interferential current and exercise were applied for two weeks. None of the patients were given any breathing exercises. In both groups, a significant reduction in pain intensity and increase in PEFR occurred (p < 0.05) after therapy. Although considerable increases were obtained in chest expansion, only CDH group showed significant improvement at axillary level (p < 0.05). No significant relation was found between changes in pain intensity and PEFR in both of the groups (CDH group r = 0.045, p = 0.908, LDH group r = 0.014, p = 0.947). This study suggests that physiotherapy programmes aimed to reduce pain and improve postural alignment of the patients have shown positive effects on respiratory functions too.