Changes in respiratory system indices of young sedentary workers with forward head posture when worksite based exercise programme is applied

Abstract

Introduction. Abnormal head posture affects thoracic expansion, alveolar ventilation, and decreases lung volume and capacity, resulting in respiratory muscle weakness [1]. Forward head posture impairs the mobility and function of the diaphragm and causes inefficient contraction of abdominal muscles, decreasing lung capacity [1]. It is important to exercise in worksite because the time spent sitting for a long time in a static position cannot be compensated by more physically active leisure time [2]. Research aim - to evaluate the change of respiratory system‘s indicators of young people with forward head posture working sedentary work after exercises program performed during work. Research methods and organization. The study was approved by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Bioethics Center. All participants signed informed consent forms. In this study participated 19 young adults with forward head posture (FHP) working in a sedentary job. Average participant’s age was 27 ± 4.7 years. Ten of them were women and nine of them – men. Inclusion criteria were young age (18 – 44 years), sedentary job, forward head posture. In this study, subjective and objective evaluations were performed to assess respiratory function. Objective evaluation indices were chest excursion (using a measuring tape), Hench and Stange tests (participants were asked to hold their breathing in different conditions and the time was assessed with chronometer) and breathing rate. Subjective evaluation was performed using Breathing self-assessment questionnaire (SEBQ), which allows both qualitative and quantitative assessment of the respiratory system and provides information about the subject's perceived discomfort. A score of 11 or over is indicative of breathing pattern disorder. After the evaluation, individuals were introduced with exercise program, consisting of stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises for the cervical spine and shoulder region and were asked to perform it 10–15 min each day at their worksite, during their rest breaks. The study lasted for eight weeks, after which evaluation was repeated. Statistical data analysis was performed with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 29.0. Data in the text are presented as median (minimal and maximal values; average). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare two related samples. Correlation was estimated using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r). Correlation when |r|>0.7 was considered strong, 0.3< |r|≤0.7 – medium and |r|≤0.3 - weak. Differences and correlations with p< 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. The median of breathing questionnaire was 15 (11 - 22; 15.21) points at the beginning of the research and it decreased to 11 (1 - 21; 10.16) points after the study. This change of SEBQ was statistically significant (Z = - 3.157; p = 0,002) - respiratory function improved on the basis of subjective data. After evaluating the objective indices reflecting the respiratory system, it was found that the breathing rate decreased statistically significantly after the applied exercise program (Z = - 3.602; p < 0.001). At baseline, breathing rate was 25 (20 - 36; 26.60) […].