Background and Purpose

Patients with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) often use their neck muscles for breathing, which can lead to poor posture and reduced muscle efficiency. Improving upper body flexibility and posture can enhance pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This study investigates whether adding upper body flexibility exercises to PR helps patients improve their breathing, arm strength, and daily activities.

Methods

The study was approved by an ethics committee. Sixty patients with CRD were divided into two groups: a control group that followed standard PR and an experimental group that added upper body flexibility exercises for 4 weeks. We measured respiratory muscle performance, arm endurance, and daily activity levels before and after the program.

Results

Both groups started with similar scores. After 4 weeks, the experimental group showed better improvements in breathing strength and arm endurance compared to the control group. Both groups had similar improvements in daily activities, indicating that the additional exercises were beneficial.

Discussion

The study suggests that adding upper body flexibility exercises can improve breathing mechanics and muscle efficiency, making daily activities easier for patients. Therefore, respiratory physiotherapists should consider including these exercises in rehabilitation programs for better patient outcomes.

Measurable Outcomes

To track the effectiveness of upper body flexibility exercises, clinics should set clear goals for improving respiratory muscle performance, arm endurance, and daily activities in patients with CRD.

AI Tools for Clinical Needs

Select AI solutions that are tailored to enhance the implementation of these exercises and monitor patient progress effectively.

Implementation Steps

Start with a pilot project to integrate upper body flexibility exercises into existing rehabilitation programs. Use AI tools to track results and assess the real-world impact on patient health.