Laser acupuncture therapy added to inspiratory muscle and aerobic exercise training improves small airway ventilation in metal arc welders

Abstract

The adverse effects of arc welding on pulmonary function have been previously documented. Long-term exposure to welding gases and fumes reduced flows in small airways of welders. The aim of this study was to compare two types of treatment protocols to determine small airway ventilation response to aerobic exercise training and inspiratory muscle training with or without laser acupuncture therapy in metal arc welders. Fifty metal arc welding workers who practiced welding job for no less than ten years were enrolled in this study their age ranged from 25 to 40 years and were included in two equal groups. The first group (A) received aerobic exercise training and inspiratory muscle training with low intensity laser therapy for the respiratory system. The second group (B) received aerobic exercise training and inspiratory muscle training. The program consisted of three sessions per week for two months. This study indicated that there was a significant improvement in measures of small airway ventilation in both groups. The differences between both groups were significant, where results of group (A) showed a greater significant changes than group (B). These results support the use of laser acupuncture therapy in addition to the aerobic exercise training and inspiratory muscle training to improve small airway ventilation in metal arc welders.