Effect of upper extremity proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with elastic resistance bands on respiratory muscle strength: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundElastic resistance bands (ERB) combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) are often used in resistance muscle training programs, which have potential effects on peripheral muscle strength. However, the effects of the combination of ERB and PNF on respiratory muscle strength warrant further investigation. ObjectivesThe assessment of the effects of PNF combined with ERB on respiratory muscle strength. MethodTwenty healthy, right-handed females were included. Subjects were randomized to either the resistance training program group (TG, n=10) or the control group (CG, n=10). Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and inspiratory pressure (MIP) were measured before and after four weeks of an upper extremity resistance training program. The training protocol consisted of upper extremity PNF combined with ERB, with resistance selected from 1 repetition maximum protocol. ResultsPNF combined with ERB showed significant increases in MIP and MEP (p<0.05). In addition, there were significant differences between the TG and CG regarding ∆MIP (p=0.01) and ∆MEP (p=0.04).ConclusionsPNF combined with ERB can have a positive impact on respiratory muscle strength. These results may be useful with respect to cardiopulmonary chronic diseases that are associated with reduced respiratory muscle strength.

Accessory Respiratory Muscle Activation during Chest Expansion Exercise using Elastic Bands in Children with Cerebral Palsy

“…Due to impaired breathing, patients tend to compensate by excessive use of the accessory respiratory muscles, including the PM and SCM during inspiration, and RA, EO, and IO during expiration (Moreno et al, 2005;Kendall et al, 2005;Ratnovsky et al, 2008). With upper extremity flexion, abduction, and external rotation against resistance, the major breathing muscles (diaphragm and intercostal muscles) are activated (Moreno et al, 2005) together with the accessory respiratory muscles (PM and serratus anterior) which expands the chest and improves breathing (Areas et al, 2013;Sullivan and Portney, 1980). In addition Sullivan and Portney (1980) Therefore, this study implemented a chest expansion exercise in children with cerebral palsy, in order to investigate whether resistance training using elastic bands affects muscle activation in accessory respiratory muscles.…”

“…With upper extremity flexion, abduction, and external rotation against resistance, the major respiratory muscles (the diaphragm and intercostal muscles) are activated (Moreno et al, 2005) together with the accessory respiratory muscles the PM and serratus anterior (Sullivan and Portney, 1980), which helps expand the chest and improve breathing (Areas et al, 2013).…”

“…Resistance training using elastic bands has recently been widely used to compensate for these limitations (Ham, 2000;Choi et al, 2010;Lin and Sung, 2012;Areas et al, 2013). Elastic bands are convenient, economical, and safe to use, and provide resistance without relying on gravity; elastic bands do not impose spatial limitations, and are commonly used in clinical practice (Simoneau et al, 2001).…”

Overview of Intensive Care Unit‐Related Physical and Functional Impairments and Rehabilitation‐Related Devices

“…19,20 Resistive band training in combination with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation has also been shown to increase maximum expiratory pressure and maximum inspiratory pressure in a healthy population. 21 Positive benefits of resistive band training identified in trials with patients receiving dialysis and healthy individuals appear promising but may be of limited generalizability to critically ill patients. Practically, resistance bands are an inexpensive, readily available, and safe tool for therapists.…”

“…Resistive bands have not been studied in an ICU population; however, multiple studies performed in inpatient dialysis patients suggest upper‐ and lower‐extremity resistance band training significantly improved Tinetti and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results, as well as increased arm muscle area and hand‐grip strength . Resistive band training in combination with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation has also been shown to increase maximum expiratory pressure and maximum inspiratory pressure in a healthy population . Positive benefits of resistive band training identified in trials with patients receiving dialysis and healthy individuals appear promising but may be of limited generalizability to critically ill patients.…”