ABSTRACT
Background: Expiration is a passive process with active muscle contraction being used more during forceful activities such as coughing or sneezing. The abdominal muscles are major muscles of diaphragm. So it improves the efficiency of expiration. In obese individuals there is deposition of fat around the rib cage and the chest wall. Studies have shown that there is a decrease in the functional residual capacity and expiratory reserve volume in obese individuals. The expiratory flow limitation is important determinant of breathlessness in obese individuals. Abdominal and thoracic fat have direct effects on downward movement of diaphragm and chest wall. Abdominal muscles are powerful expiratory muscles whose actions help to force the diaphragm back to its resting position. Aim: This present study was done to determine the effect of abdominal muscle exercises on peak expiratory flow rate in obese individuals. Methods: In this experimental study 30 obese subjects with decreased peak expiratory flow rate who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria having a Body mass index of more than 30kg/cm2 were selected for abdominal muscle exercise program for 4 weeks, 2 sets of each exercise, thrice a week for 10 repetitions for each set. The pre and post peak expiratory flow rate were measured by peak expiratory flow meter. Statistical analysis was done using one sample t and Wilcoxon test. Results: There was a significant increase in post peak expiratory flow rate compared to pre peak expiratory flow rate. Conclusion: This study showed that there is significant effect of abdominal muscle exercises on peak expiratory flow rate in obese individuals.
ABSTRACT
Background: Chefs exposed to cooking fumes are at risk due to the toxic products that are produced during cooking. Studies have shown that exposure to cooking fumes decreases lung capacities, affects breathing and cause other respiratory diseases. Yoga strengthens the respiratory musculature due to which chest and lungs inflate & deflate to fullest possible extent & muscles are made to work to maximal extent. Pranayama makes efficient use of abdominal & diaphragmatic muscles and improves the respiratory apparatus. Aim: The present study was done to determine the effect of Yoga & Pranayama on chest expansion & breath holding time in chefs exposed to cooking fumes. Methods: In this experimental study 30 chefs exposed to cooking fumes who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria using Medical research council questionnaire for respiratory symptoms were selected for yoga and pranayama program for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week for 45 minutes. Pre and post respiratory functions were assessed by measuring chest expansion and breath holding time. Stastical analysis was done by using Wilcoxan test to compare the pre & post chest expansion. Paired t test was used to compare the pre & post breath holding time. Results: There was significant increase in chest expansion and breath holding time compared to pre yoga and pranayama practice. Conclusion: This study showed that there is significant effect of yoga and pranayama on chest expansion & breath holding on chefs.
ABSTRACT
Aim: To compare footprints of basketball players with those of non-playing individuals. Background: The human foot and ankle are the last segments and their joint, the last within the complex kinetic chain of the lower limb as a whole. The foot is one of the most important interaction parts of the body with the ground, especially in the upright posture. During growth, the foot changes not only its dimensions but also its shape. The lower leg, ankle and foot are the most commonly affected region causing pain and disability in athlete, especially in track & field. A high impact sport like Basketball with the high involvement of foot in the game may cause the anatomy of the foot to change. This may also lead to change in the arch of the foot and predispose it to the injury. Methodology: 50 basketball players and 50 non playing healthy individuals were selected as per inclusion criteria. Demographic data like age, gender, height, weight, BMI and any injury in last 6 months were recorded for all study participants. For obtaining foot prints, ink was applied to the feet of the subjects. The subjects were then asked to step on graph paper in standing position, leaving a clear impression of foot’s plantar surface on the paper. The various distances in cms were taken using a transparent ruler. The flat index and arch index was also calculated. Result: Statistical analysis of the above graph showed significant difference in A, C, D,G between basketball and non-playing individuals. The other values (B, E, F,C/E) were not found to be statistically different. Conclusion: The distance A (from 1st toe to heel),distance D(metatarsal distance),distance C(length of the longitudinal arch contour) and distance G(narrowest distance of the foot) are increased in basketball players as compared to non playing individuals. Also the Arch index is more in basketball players which indicated a relatively flatter feet in basketball players as compared to non players. This indicates a flatter feet in basketball players as compared to non playing individuals.