Investigation of the effects of thoracic mobility exercises on balance, exercise capacity, sleep quality, pain and daily life activities in geriatric individuals

As we age, the decrease in general muscle function causes an increase in thoracic kyphosis and postural changes. These postural changes cause changes in important parameters such as balance, pain, and sleep quality, while narrowing the chest cavity and decreasing exercise tolerance. Thoracic mobility exercises may help prevent or improve these symptoms. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of thoracic mobility exercises on balance, exercise capacity, sleep quality, pain, and daily living activities in geriatric individuals. 28 geriatric individuals aged 65 and over who did not need care were included in our study and were randomly divided into 2 groups as exercise and control. In both groups, Berg balance scale (BBS) and Timed up and go (TUG) were applied to evaluate the balance and fall status of the elderly, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was applied to evaluate exercise capacity, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was applied for sleep quality, Geriatric pain scale (GPS) was applied for pain, and Barthel activities of daily living scale (ADLS) was applied for activities of daily living. The control group was given conventional exercises including warm-up, stretching, strengthening, posture and breathing exercises, while the exercise group was given thoracic mobility exercises in addition to these exercises. A 1-week pre-assessment, 6- week exercise training and 1-week post-assessment were performed with the individuals included in the study. The study was analyzed using 2-way mixed ANOVA. According to the results of our research; It was found that the changes in the BBS measurement data of the exercise and control groups over time were not statistically significant in either group (p>0.05). When the changes in the BBS measurement data over time were compared between the groups, no statistically significant change was found (p>0.05). It was observed that there was a statistically significant decrease in the changes in the TUG test measurement data of the exercise and control groups over time in both groups (p0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the changes in 6MWT measurement data over time in both groups (p0.05). When the changes in Barthel ADLS data over time were compared between the groups, it was found that the data were not statistically significant (p>0.05). According to the results obtained from our study; thoracic mobility exercises performed in addition to conventional exercises in geriatric individuals caused a significant improvement in exercise capacity and sleep quality values. We also found that there was a decrease in pain and TUG levels in both the exercise and control groups. Thoracic mobility exercises can improve exercise capacity and sleep quality of geriatric individuals and prevent the formation of factors that may cause limitations in daily life activities. In this respect, we think that thoracic mobility exercises should be added to exercise prescriptions in geriatric individuals.