The effect of respiratory muscle training on the emotional state and autonomic functioning of depressed stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effect of respiratory muscle training on autonomic function and the emotional state of persons with post-stroke depression (PSD).Methods:Fifty-two PSD patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 26. Both groups were given routine drug therapy, physical agents therapy and comprehensive training for hemiplegia, but the observation group additionally received progressive inspiratory muscle resistance training and respiration control training twice a day. Before and after four weeks of treatment, the autonomic functioning, emotional state and the ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) in both groups was evaluated using dynamic electrocardiography, the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and the modified Barthel index (MBI).Results:After the treatment, the average heart rate variability index in the observation group, the standard deviation of 24-hour R-R intervals(SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences of R-R intervals (RMSSD)and percentage of NN interval deviations greater than 50ms and the high-frequency power (HF) were all significantly higher than before the treatment and significantly higher than the control group′s averages. The average HAMD and MBI scores of the observation group were also significantly better.Conclusion:Breathing training can usefully supplement traditional rehabilitation interventions to alleviate post-stroke depression. It will also improve their autonomic nerve function and ADL ability. Such combined treatment is worthy of promotion and wider clinical application.