Ki-Won Nam

Effects of breathing exercises on lung capacity and muscle activities of elderly smokers

[Purpose] Elderly smokers have a reduced chest diameter due to weakening of the respiratory muscles, and this results in decreased ventilation, leading to a vicious circle. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of an intervention program to enhance the pulmonary function and muscle activity of elderly smokers. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups or a control (CG) group. The experimental groups performed exercises three times per week for six weeks, whereas the CG performed no exercises. One of the experimental groups performed a Feedback Breathing Exercise (FBE) for 15 minutes, and the other repeated three sets of Balloon-Blowing Exercises (BBE) with sufficient rest of more than one minute between sets. [Results] In the experimental groups, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF and muscle activity of the rectus abdominis significantly improved after four weeks, but no significant differences were observed in FEV1 or VC after six weeks. [Conclusion] The results show that FBE and BBE improved the pulmonary functions of elderly smokers, demonstrating the potential benefits of the development of various training methods using balloons, and group programs, including recreational factors, for increasing respiratory muscles strength.

Comparison of Temperature in the Deep Part of the Dummy by the Electronic Moxibustion and the Gu-Gwan Moxibustion

This study compared the characteristics of temperature of the electronic moxibustion and Gu-Gwan moxibustion using a cotton dummy by designing and manufacturing the electronic moxibustion using a heat-wire heater easy to control temperature and time. As a result, as for Gu-Gwan moxibustion, the maximum temperature on the surface of dummy was measured 41.6°C, and infrared sensor 42.7°C while the electronic moxibustion measured 44.3°C of thermocouple and 46.43°C of infrared sensor, showing higher thermal efficiency. Also, as a result of measuring temperature change in the depth of 0mm, 2mm, 4mm, 6mm and 10mm for the same period of time, the electronic moxibustion showed better thermal conductivity than Gu-Gwan moxibustion.