Cardiorespiratory repercussions according to the abdominal circumference measurement of men with obstructive respiratory disorder submitted to respiratory physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To examine the effect of respiratory physiotherapy among men with obstructive respiratory disorder, in relation to abdominal circumference (AC). Methods: Quasi-experimental study including 26 men split into two groups according to AC(cm): 1) < 102 (AC_risk-free); and 2) ≥ 102 (AC_risk). Heart rate variability (HRV), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), FEV₁/FVC, slow vital capacity (SVC), inspiratory capacity (IC), maximal inspiratory pressure (PI_max), thoracoabdominal amplitude (AI) were measured: before (M₁); 5 min after the physiotherapy (i.e. breathing exercises for airway clearance and active kinesiotherapy) (M₂); and at follow-up, 30 min after physiotherapy (M₃). Results: The groups differed in age, body mass index and body fat %. At M₂ IC was different between groups (AC_risk-free< AC_risk). There was an increase in HRV indexes, PI_max, SpO₂, axillary AI, FEV₁/FVC, and reduction in HR for AC_risk-free. There was a decrease in AI and an increase in DBP for AC_risk. Conclusion: In men with obstructive respiratory disorder, increased AC measurement limited the thoracoabdominal expansibility and induced a rise of the DBP. Respiratory physiotherapy promotes an increase of cardiac modulation and inspiratory capacity for men with obstructive respiratory disorder.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical therapy techniques
• airway obstructions
• circulatory and respiratory physiological phenomenon
• respiratory function test
• obesity

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.