Effectiveness of Diaphragmatic Breathing with Quadriceps Exercises on Maximum Phonation Time, Respiratory function and Muscle Strengthening in Community- Dwelling Elderly

Abstract Most of population in the world recently move to super-aged society. Program of health promotion for community-dwelling elderly requires critical concern. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare maximum phonation time (MPT), Maximum counting duration (MCD), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and quadriceps muscle strengthening before and after breathing with quadriceps exercises. Methods: Twenty- three community-dwelling healthy elderly aged 60–70 years old (mean = 65.52 and standard deviation = 2.41) were enrolled to complete study. Participants did program of breathing with quadriceps exercises twice a day in sitting, standing position and walking for 7 weeks. Results: Median of MPT of /a; u; i:/ before exercises = 8.61–10.14 seconds. Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test was found significant better medians of MPT, MCD, PEFR, MIP, MEP, and quadriceps muscle strength after program. function. Conclusion: Program of breathing with quadriceps exercises could significantly increase MPT, MCD, PEFR, MIP, MEP, and quadriceps muscle strength in community-dwelling healthy elderly within 7 weeks.