Os efeitos de um programa de exercícios respiratórios para idosos asmáticos / The effects of a respiratory exercise program tailored for elderly people with asthma

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: People can develop asthma at any given age, and asthma prevalence in older adults is no different than that observed in younger people. Asthma in older adults is frequently underdiagnosed, and this is reflected in the fact that approximately 60% of people who die from asthma have surpassed the age of 65. Equally important is the fact that reduced lung function and airway obstruction have a negative impact on the quality of life for this population. In asthmatic patients, bronchoconstriction and consequent lung hyperinflation, leave the inspiratory muscles in a position of mechanical disadvantage, and thus, contribute to the exacerbation of the clinical presentation. A number of studies on respiratory physiotherapy and different breathing techniques have been performed in order to help asthma treatment and to improve the patients quality of life. Nevertheless, so far, we are not aware of any reports regarding breathing exercises without breathing equipment in older adults with asthma. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of a respiratory exercise program (without breathing equipment) tailored for elderly people. METHODS: Out of 132 patients listed in the PRONTMED (electronic filing system of the Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division of HCFMUSP), we selected 24 patients, aged 60 or greater, with a diagnosis of moderate or severe asthma. Out of the 24 patients, 21 started the program and 14 participated regularly and concluded the respiratory exercise program. Prior to the start of the program all patients were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, quality of life and clinical presentation. Due to the small sample size, patients were their own controls. At the end of a 16-week-exercise program all evaluations were repeated. During the study period, patients were requested to keep a diary and record symptoms every day. RESULTS: After 16 weeks of interventions, we did not observe significant changes in pulmonary lung function tests. However, we observed significant increases in maximum inspiratory pressure (Pimax) and maximum expiratory pressure (Pemax) (27.6 % and 20.54 % respectively), which are associated with respiratory muscle strength. In regards to quality of life, we observed considerable improvements. Clinical evaluations and the daily-recorded symptoms diary indicate significant improvements and fewer respiratory symptoms. Yet, a month after exercise interruption, we observed detraining, with reduction of Pimax (21.4 %) and Pemax (37.33 %). Detraining had a negative impact on clinical presentation, recording of symptoms, and patient quality of life, parameters that had previously improved with training. Despite the occurrence of detraining, which is common after reduction or interruption of exercise, we conclude that a respiratory exercise program increased muscle strength, which in turn had a positive effect on patient clinical presentation and quality of life. Therefore, a respiratory training program could be associated with the medical and clinical therapeutic approach of older adults with asthma.

ASSUNTO(S)

asma exercícios respiratórios breathing exercises idosos asthma aged

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