USO DE TÉCNICAS DE EXPANSIÓN TORACODIAFRAGMÁTICA EN LA MEJORA DE LA FUNCIÓN PULMONAR EN ADULTOS MAYORES

Abstract

The present study, entitled “Use of thoracodiaphragmatic expansion techniques to improve lung function in older adults,” aimed to determine the effects of thoracodiaphragmatic techniques on improving lung function in older adults in 34 older adults belonging to the Foundation for Children with Down Syndrome and Other Disabilities “Corazon de Maria.” A quantitative, prospective, longitudinal analytical approach was used. Spirometry was performed using specialized equipment to measure lung function, while the 6-minute walk test assessed exercise endurance and thoracodiaphragmatic expansion techniques were used to measure chest expansion. The results of the evidence were obtained by comparing the pre- and post-intervention spirometry results, which showed an improvement in all parameters of lung function. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon and Shapiro Wil normality tests, obtaining a significant positive correlation between lung function, the 6-minute walk, and the expansion techniques. The thoracodiaphragmatic expansion treatment plan proved to be highly effective in improving rib cage mobility, as evidenced by a statistically significant increase in the anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the thorax (p = 0.007). The thoracodiaphragmatic expansion treatment plan proved to be highly effective in improving rib cage mobility, as evidenced by a statistically significant increase in the anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the thorax (p = 0.007). This finding confirms that respiratory physiotherapy can partially reverse.