Effectiveness of Respiratory Muscle Stretch and Chest Mobility Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Chest Expansion in Elderly Population

Background: People above 60 years of age are considered as ?elderly? population. There is marked variation in the effect of ageing on PFT and is associated with reduction in chest wall compliance and increased air trapping resulting in decline in FEV1 and vital capacity Objective: To compare the effect of respiratory muscle stretch and chest mobility exercise on pulmonary function and chest expansion in elderly population. Method: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria 30 subjects were selected & divided into 2 groups, Group A and B (15 in each). After the pre-test Group A were given with diaphragmatic breathing exercise and respiratory muscle stretch where as Group B given with diaphragmatic breathing exercise and chest mobility exercise for 2 weeks. As pre & post-test they are assessed for PFT and Chest expansion measurement. Result: Statistical analysis of intergroup significance by independent ?t? test for FVC, the ?t? value is 2.312, was found to be statistically significant at p=0.025, Whereas p value of FEV1 is 2.25, was found to be statistically significant at p=0.042.and for chest expansion ?t? value is 2.83, was found to be statistically significant at p=0.003.Conclusion: The result of the study supports the effectiveness of respiratory muscle stretch and chest mobility exercise on pulmonary function and chest expansion in elderly population.