The Effect of Mild/Moderate Lower or Upper Extremity Resistance Exercises on Pulmonary Functions and Quality of Life

In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lower or upper extremity resistance exercises on lung function and quality of life in people with chronic respiratory problems. Twenty chronic lung patients and 15 healthy subjects aged 35-80 were volunteered. In total 4 groups were formed by dividing these two groups randomly into 2 subgroups within themselves to perform lower and upper extremity resistance exercises. The home exercise program was 2-3 times a day, 3 days a week, and how to perform exercises were demonstrated to the participants. The training duration was planned for 2 to 4 months. Before and after the training program respiratory functions (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/ FVC, PEF, MEF75, MEF50, MEF25) of the participants were evaluated by spirometric measurements and the quality of life was determined by St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The statistical significance level was accepted as p <0,05. When the respiratory function test parameters of the participants were compared before and after the exercise program, no significant difference was found (p> 0,05). After the exercise program, the quality of life questionnaire scores of the patient group decreased significantly (p <0,001). As a result, it was seen that mild/moderate lower or upper extremity resistance exercises in patients with chronic lung problems could improve the quality of life if performed regularly in the home environment. Additionally, it was thought that in order to transform this quality improvement into the spirometric measurements, better planning of the intensity and closer monitoring of continuity of exercise could be useful