The Effects of Combined Complex Exercise with Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver on Expiratory Abdominal Muscles Activation and Forced Pulmonary Function for Post Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of the forced pulmonary function test effect and abdominal muscles activation by combined complex exercise with abdominal drawing-in maneuver training of chronic stroke patients. METHODS: 14 post stroke patients(10 males and 4 females) involved voluntary this study and we divided two groups into CEG(complex exercise group) and CEAG (complex exercise and abdominal drawing-in maneuver group).(n=7, per goup). Each groups implicated the 2 times, 30minute exercises for 6 weeks a day. The CEAG performed the complex exercise 15 minutes and 15 minutes of abdominal drawing-in maneuver. For data analysis, the mean and standard deviation were estimated; non-parametric independent t-test was carried out. RESULTS: According to the study, in the combined complex exercise with abdominal drawing-in maneuver group, FVC and activation of transversus abdominis/internal oblique were statistically significant difference compared to the complex exercise group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the combined complex with abdominal drawing-in maneuver was efficient in enhancing abdominal muscles activation and pulmonary function of chronic stroke patients.