Effect of the High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) on Pulmonary Function and Walking Ability in Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This investigation aimed to determine the effects of treadmill training (TT) and high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) on pulmonary function and walking ability in stroke patients as well as propose an exercise program to improve cardiovascular function. METHODS: Twenty hemiplegic stroke patients were randomized to either the control group (CG) (n=10) or the experimental group (EG), which received TT and HFCWO (n=10). Pulmonary function was quantitated using patient forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) while walking speed was assessed by the 10m walking test (10MWT). Further, walking endurance was determined utilizing the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Subjects of the EG performed the study protocol for 60 minutes, five times a week for six weeks; CG patients did not participate in regular exercise. To determine significance for the differences observed before and after exercise, within-group and between-group comparisons were conducted utilizing paired and independent t-tests, respectively, with the level of significance set at α=0.05. RESULTS: Within-groups, significant differences were observed in both FVC and FEV1 (p<0.01) following completion of the study protocol. Further, between-group comparisons demonstrated significant differences in both FVC (p<0.05) and FEV1 (p<0.01). Post-exercise, significant changes in the 10MWT and 6MWT score were observed between the EG and CG (p<0.01). Further, statistically significant differences were observed in 6MWT scores between-groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The TT and HFCWO effectively improved pulmonary function and walking ability in subjects with stroke. The proposed program can be applied to stroke patients as a useful therapy.