Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise With Biofeedback on Respiratory Function in Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized-Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise with biofeedback on respiratory function in incomplete cervical spinal cord injury patients.

DESIGN

Forty spinal cord injury patients (mean age: 32.67 ± 5.08 yrs) were randomly entered into two groups including the control group ( n = 20) and the intervention group ( n = 20). Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, functional vital capacity, and maximum voluntary ventilation tests were performed to measure pulmonary function and Nijmegen Questionnaire was used to evaluate severity of respiratory dysfunction before, immediately after intervention, and 1 mo after the intervention.

RESULTS

The mean of pulmonary function tests in the intervention group was increased after the intervention ( P < 0.001) and at 1-mo after intervention ( P < 0.001). In addition, the control group indicated no change in these variables. The Nijmegen Questionnaire score also decreased significantly in both groups (control group = P < 0.001, intervention group = P < 0.001). The change of Nijmegen Questionnaire score significantly differed between the groups (F = 4.67, P = 0.03); in addition, significant difference was observed after intervention ( P < 0.001) and 1-mo follow-up ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of visual biofeedback during breathing exercise can improve pulmonary function and mechanism may make the Nijmegen Questionnaire improve as a reflection of lowered dyspnea.