The Effect of Breathing Training on the Physical Function and Psychological Problems in Patients with Chronic Stroke

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#To identify the effect of breathing training on the physical function and psychological problems in patients with chronic stroke. @*Methods@#In total, 26 patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to one of two groups the experimental group, who underwent breathing training and neurodevelopmental treatment, and the control group, who underwent neurodevelopmental treatment (13 patients per group). Physical function was evaluated using the balance and Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Psychological problems were assessed using the Depression. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). ADLs were measured using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The BBS, MBI, and BDI were recorded before and after the 4-week treatment. @*Results@#As a result of comparison within groups, the experimental and control group showed significant difference for BBS, MBI and BDI after the experiment (p<0.05). In comparison between two groups, the experimental group showed more significant difference in BBS, MBI and BDI than the control group (p<0.05). @*Conclusion@#This study showed that breathing training was effective improvement physical function, and psychological problems in patients with chronic stroke.