The Effects of Breathing Retraining on Asymmetry of Diaphragm Thickness in Stroke Patients

Abstract

| Abstract | PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of breathing retraining on asymmetry of diaphragm thickness in stroke patients. METHODS: This study was nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. Subjects were assigned to two different groups(intervention group=10, control group=12). Intervention group conducted breathing retraining program for six-week. Diaphragm thickness was assessed by ultrasound in B-mode with a 7.5 ㎒ linea probe. The collected data analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The intervention group significantly increased diaphragm thickness ratio on paretic side but the control group showed no significant difference in diaphragm thickness ratio. The control group significantly increased asymmetry of diaphragm thickness, but intervention group showed no significant difference in asymmetry of diaphragm thickness. CONCLUSION: This study showed that breathing retraining increased diaphragm thickness ratio in stroke patients and prevent the increase of asymmetry in diaphragm Corresponding Author : hyuni610@naver.com thickness with stroke patients.