J Korean Phys Ther.  2023 Aug;35(4):111-116. 10.18857/jkpt.2023.35.4.1112023.

A Study on Ability of Cognitive Impairment According for Decreased Balance Function of Pneumoconiosis Patients

• Lee TH
• Yeo SS

• KMID: 2552698
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2023.35.4.1112023

Abstract

Purpose
Pneumoconiosis is a chronic lung disease in which the lungs become hardened due to the accumulation of fine mineral dust that has been breathed in at industrial sites. The lungs are unable to function properly, resulting in complications of several respiratory diseases.
Methods
The subjects were 36 elderly adults (pneumoconiosis patients 18, healthy elderly 18) over the age of 65 years. The respiratory function was assessed using a spirometer to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), first second of forced expiration (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow n(PEF). The static balance function test was determined by the center of mass (COM), ankle angle range, hip angle range, sway parameters, and reciprocal compensatory index (RCI). Cognitive function was measured by applying MoCA-k.
Results
Comparison of respiration functions between the two groups showed statistically significant differences in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEFs (p< 0.05). Cognitive abilities showed statistically significant differences due to higher cognitive skills in the control group as compared to the patient group (p< 0.05). Most results of the static balance capability measurements showed statistically significant differences between the groups (p< 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were obtained for COM AP Range, Angle AP Range, RCI ML Range, and AP Range (p> 0.05).
Conclusion
The results of the current study indicate that patients suffering from pneumoconiosis have less cognitive ability and balance function as compared to healthy elderly people. Therefore, we expect an improvement in the balance ability and cognitive function through systematic management and strengthening lung function training to improve the quality of life of pneumoconiosis patients.

Keyword

Pneumoconiosis; Respiratory function; Cognition; Balance