Effects of the Respiration Exercise Program through the Pan-flute on the Physiological and Psychological Status of the Elderly

Jeong, Hyeon Cheol

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was intended for the enhancement of the elderly's quality of life helping them overcome their physiological changes about aging and reinforcing their vitality. METHODS: An nonequivalent control group post-test design was used for the study. The methods to perform the abdominal respiration exercise and to blow the pan-flute were demonstrated to 31 experimental subjects and 36 control subjects. The eight-week 30 minute daily home respiration exercise recipes were prescribed to the subjects. Mobile spirometers were used to measure FVC, FEV1, FFV1 / FVC, SaO2, breathing discomfort. Daily life satisfaction scores were recorded. Music therapy accompanied the eight-week respiration program. A post-test was performed in the same manner as the pre-test. The gathered data were analysed by SPSS/WIN program. RESULTS: 1) The pulmonary function and daily life satisfaction were significantly improved in the experimental group. 2) Both the experimental and control groups did not show significant differences in SaO2. 3) The breathing discomfort was significantly reduced in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: The respiration exercise program for the elderly through the pan-flute improves the respiration activity of the elderly and enhances their daily life satisfaction scores. Therefore, this program produces effects in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.