The effect of cervical muscle exercise on respiratory gas in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

[Purpose] This study assessed the effect of stretching and strengthening exercises for the cervical muscles on the respiratory gas transport system in allergic rhinitis patients. [Subjects] The research subjects were those who had been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by an otorhinolaryngologist and had at least one distinctive symptom such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, or pruritus whose severity level was higher than mild according to the diagnostic criteria test of ARIA (allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma). [Methods] After sufficiently explaining about the research to the subjects before the experiment, the experimental group carried out three sets of stretching exercises for the sternocleidomastoid and scalene and strengthening exercises for the upper trapezius and suboccipitals ten times a day for five days a week with the aim of rectifying muscle imbalances. Respiratory gas was analyzed after eight weeks of exercises using a wireless metabolic measurement system (K4b2, Cosmed, Italy). The independent t-test and paired t-test were used to compare respiratory gas results. [Results] Tidal volume (Vt), oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide emission (VCO2), minute ventilation (VE), breathing frequency (BF), and heart rate (HR) significantly increased after the experiment in experimental group, while respiratory parameters did not significantly change in the control group except for VE. [Conclusion] A combination of postural and breathing exercises were effectively rectified muscle imbalances and posture in the experimental group as measured by changes in cardiopulmonary function.