Investigation of the effect of resistance exercises using an elastic chest band on respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in thoracotomy patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 8-week elastic band resistance exercise program on respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients undergoing thoracotomy. Method: In this study, 67 patients undergoing lung resection, randomly assigned into the experimental (n=36) and control (n=31) groups. Patients in both the experimental and control groups followed a regular postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation program, while the experimental group additionally followed an elastic band resistance exercise program for 8 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed using maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures (MIP,MEP) on seven different time periods, Respiratory functions(FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC) were measured by spirometry on six different time periods, Functional capacity of patients was measured with the six minutes walking distance test on four different time periods and Health-related qualityof life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire on three different time periods. Results: Although respiratory muscle strength and respiratory functions of the experimental and control groups decreased significantly immediately after the surgery (postoperation-0) when compared to pre-operative values (p<0.05), these parameters improved in both groups at other post-operative periods. However, the increment of respiratory muscle strength (MIP,MEP) and respiratory functions (FEV1, FVC) were higher in the experimental group than in the control group, especially at 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Moreover, the increment of functional capacity at 4, and 8 weeks after surgery was also higher in the experimental group when compared with the control group. In addition, at 8 weeks after surgery, most of the health-related quality of life measures were also higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion: Consequently, the use of elastic band resistance exercise program as a part of regular post-operative pulmonary rehabilitation program following thoracotomy is recommended. Key words: Thoracotomy, exercise, elastic band