Influence of physiotherapy programme on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and chest expansion in patients with neck and low back pain

Yozbatiran N., Gelecek N., Karadibak D.

JOURNAL OF BACK AND MUSCULOSKELETAL REHABILITATION, vol.19, no.1, pp.35-40, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • 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, ELECTRICAL NERVE-STIMULATION, POSTOPERATIVE PAIN, THORACOTOMY, DISABILITY, RELIEF, TESTS
  • 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.