Breathing exercises and upper extremity exercises' effect on pulmonary function parameters and quality of life in children with spina bifida

The aim of this study was to investigate breathing exercises and upper extremity exercise?s effect on pulmonary function parameters and quality of life in children with SB. 44 children with SB ages between 6-15 years were included this study. They were living in Sakarya, Bolu, Düzce. Children were divided into 2 groups, the study group contained 25 and the control group contained 19 children. At the begining of the study demographic information was recorded, spirometric measurement was made, chest measurement was taken, muscle testing and muscle shortness assessment, functional independence status, health releated quality of life assessment were made. In study group, children with SB carried out a treatment programme that contains upper extremity strenghtening and breathing exercises. The programme performed for 12 weeks, 2 days per week with physical therapist and other days as a home programme. After 12 weeks, in study group children, at axillary, epigastric, subcostal region?s chest measurements were recorded significant improvements (p<0,05). Between groups, there were significant differences at axillary and subcostal region measurements (p<0,05). After the treatment in study group, there were seen significant improvements at FVC and FEV1 parameters (p<0,05). When compared with control group, there were significant differences at FVC (p<0,05). In study group, there were seen correlation between FVC, FEV1, PEF and upper extremity strength (p<0,05). After the treatment there were significant improvements at functional independence (p<0,05), but there were no significant differences at quality of life (p>0,05). At the end of the study, breathing exercises and upper extremity strenghtening exercises that included children with SB?s physical therapy and rehabilitation programme, have beneficial effects on pulmonary functions and functional independence. To conclude that, these exercises should be added to the treatment programmes of the children with SB, after a detailed assessment.