Affiliations: Dokuz Eylül University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Nuray Yozbatiban, Dokuz Eylül University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, 5340 Balçova, Izmir, Turkey. Tel.: +90 232 412 49 27; Fax: +90 232 277 50 30; E-mail: nuray@deu.edu.tr
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether there are changes in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and chest expansion after a standardized physical therapy program in patients with chronic neck and back pain. In a university-based, out-patient physiotherapy department, thirty-three patients were assigned into the study (9 cervical disc herniation and 24 lumbar disc herniation, mean age respectively 45.0 ± 12.85 (30–72 years), 41.33 ± 11.69 (22–63 years). Data on pain intensity, PEFR and chest expansion were collected before and after physiotherapy programme. A combination of hot-pack, massage, interferential current and exercise were applied for two weeks. None of the patients were given any breathing exercises. In both groups, a significant reduction in pain intensity and increase in PEFR occurred (p<0.05) after therapy. Although considerable increases were obtained in chest expansion, only CDH group showed significant improvement at axillary level (p<0.05). No significant relation was found between changes in pain intensity and PEFR in both of the groups (CDH group r=0.045, p=0.908, LDH group r=0.014, p=0.947). This study suggests that physiotherapy programmes aimed to reduce pain and improve postural alignment of the patients have shown positive effects on respiratory functions too.
Keywords: Neck pain, low back pain, PEFR, chest expansion, physiotherapy
