Thesis (M.S.)--Indiana University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-76).

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-138).

Two studies were conducted to determine whether controlled, abdominally-predominant breathing could be accurately implemented during periods of acute anxiety by speech anxious/phobic individuals, and what effect breathing control has on autonomic and subjective indices of anxiety. Twenty-two moderately speech anxious young adults took part in Study 1. The results of this study indicated that after two weeks of training, only 50% of trainees were able to implement the controlled breathing technique with any degree of accuracy while waiting to deliver an impromptu speech before a small audience. No one were successful at reliably implementing the technique during the speech itself. As in previous research, training had little impact on autonomic arousal but was associated with improvements in self-reported anxiety. Similar findings emerged for Study 2, which differed from Study 1 in that it involved a larger (N = 48) and more highly speech anxious sample who participated in a longer (4-week), more intensive training program. Although training had little effect on subjective or autonomic arousal during speech anticipation and speech delivery, it did result in significantly higher predictions of speech aptitude and emotional control relative to no treatment. Such findings suggest that breathing control is not a useful emotion-focused coping strategy on its own, but may add to the effectiveness of exposure-based therapies by enhancing patients' self-efficacy and willingness to expose themselves to feared situations. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate

No description available.

by Emil, Chiu Hong Man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-118). / Acknowledgment --- p.6 / List of Abbreviations --- p.7 / Summary --- p.8 / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Childhood Asthma - An Overview --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1 --- Definition of childhood asthma --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2 --- Basic Pathophysiology of Asthma --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Airway obstruction --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Airway inflammation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Trigger factors of asthma --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3 --- Measurement of the severity of asthma --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Obj ective measures of lung function --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Measures of bronchial hyperresponsiveness --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Clinical measures --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4 --- Epidemiology --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5 --- Treatment of asthma --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Pharmacological treatment --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Non-pharmacological treatment --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Behavioral Intervention --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Summary of treatment of asthma --- p.28 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Change in Lung Mechanic During Asthmatic Attack --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1 --- Asthmatic Attack --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2 --- Hyperinflation of the lungs during asthmatic attack --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3 --- Effect of hyperinflation on respiratory muscle function --- p.32 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Biofeedback Intervention --- p.36 / Chapter 3.1 --- Background --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2 --- Definition of biofeedback --- p.36 / Chapter 3.3 --- Biofeedback as an adjunctive treatment to asthma --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Direct airways biofeedback --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Muscle EMG biofeedback --- p.41 / Chapter 3.4 --- Justification of study --- p.45 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Material and Methods --- p.47 / Chapter 4.1 --- Study design and patients recruitment --- p.47 / Chapter 4.2 --- Equipment and measurement --- p.49 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Biofeedback unit and the computer system --- p.49 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Mini Wright flow meter --- p.50 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Clinical measures --- p.50 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Bronchial provocation test --- p.51 / Chapter 4.3 --- Biofeedback training --- p.53 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Preparation of the patient --- p.53 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Training Procedures --- p.54 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Criteria for successful training --- p.55 / Chapter 4.4 --- Statistical methods --- p.56 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Results --- p.58 / Chapter 5.1 --- Immediate training effects --- p.58 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Comparison between the successful group and the fail group --- p.59 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Combining successful and fail groups as the training group --- p.63 / Chapter 5.2 --- One year follow-up --- p.65 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Social and clinical characteristics of both training and control group --- p.65 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Clinical characteristic --- p.66 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Attack rate --- p.66 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- The Fscore --- p.67 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Score --- p.67 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Mscore --- p.68 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness --- p.68 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Lung functions --- p.69 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Discussion --- p.95 / Chapter 6.1 --- Physiological effects --- p.95 / Chapter 6.1.1 --- EMG --- p.96 / Chapter 6.1.2 --- Pulse rate and skin temperature --- p.97 / Chapter 6.1.3 --- Lung functions --- p.97 / Chapter 6.2 --- Clinical outcomes --- p.100 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Attack rate and symptom --- p.100 / Chapter 6.3 --- Clinical implication of study --- p.101 / Chapter 6.4 --- Limitation and difficulties --- p.103 / Chapter 6.5 --- Suggestions for further study --- p.104 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Conclusions --- p.105 / References --- p.108 / Appendix1 --- p.119 / Appendix2 --- p.120 / List of Figures --- p.122 / List of Tables --- p.124

INTRODUÇÃO: A asma pode ter início em qualquer idade sendo que sua prevalência em idosos pouco difere dos grupos de menor idade. O subdiagnóstico da asma no idoso é refletido na observação de que aproximadamente 60% do total de mortes relacionadas à asma ocorrem em pessoas com 65 anos ou mais, sendo de igual importância a observação de que a função pulmonar diminuída, associada à obstrução das vias aéreas reduz a qualidade de vida dessa população. Sabe-se que devido à broncoconstrição das vias aéreas e conseqüente hiperinsuflação pulmonar, os asmáticos apresentam os músculos inspiratórios em posição de desvantagem mecânica, o que contribui para agravamento do quadro clínico do paciente. No intuito de auxiliar no tratamento da asma e melhorar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes, estudos sobre fisioterapia respiratória, e diferentes técnicas respiratórias têm sido feitos. Porém, até o momento não havia estudos sobre exercícios respiratórios sem o uso de aparelhos realizados com idosos asmáticos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercícios respiratórios (sem aparelho) para idosos asmáticos. MÉTODOS: foram selecionados 24 de 132 pacientes do PRONTMED (Prontuário Eletrônico do Serviço de Imunologia Clínica e Alergia do HCFMUSP), com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, com diagnóstico de asma moderada ou grave. Dos pacientes selecionados, 21 iniciaram o programa e 14 freqüentaram regularmente e concluíram o programa de exercícios respiratórios. Antes do início do programa todos os pacientes foram avaliados com relação à função pulmonar, força da musculatura respiratória, capacidade aeróbia, qualidade de vida, e quadro clínico. Devido à pequena amostra, os pacientes foram controles deles mesmos. Após oito semanas de exercícios, e ao término do programa, todas as avaliações foram refeitas, e após um mês do término do programa, as avaliações mais uma vez foram refeitas. Durante o estudo os pacientes preenchiam diariamente um diário de sintomas da asma. RESULTADOS: após as 16 semanas de intervenção não observamos alterações significativas nas variáveis pulmonares, porém observamos aumentos significativos nas pressões inspiratórias (Pimáx) e expiratórias máximas (Pemáx), 27,6% e 20,54% respectivamente, que refletem a força da musculatura respiratória. Com relação à qualidade de vida verificamos melhoras significativas. As avaliações clínicas, juntamente com os diários de sintomas, indicaram melhoras significativas devido à redução da sintomatologia respiratória. Porém, após um mês sem os exercícios respiratórios, observamos que ocorreu o que é definido pela literatura como destreinamento: observamos diminuição de 21,4% na Pimáx e de 37,33% na Pemáx, que parecem ter refletido no quadro clínico, nos diários de sintomas e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Pois, observamos regressão nas melhoras anteriormente verificadas nessas variáveis. Logo, apesar de ter ocorrido o destreinamento, que é algo comum ao treinamento físico, quando este é reduzido ou interrompido, podemos inferir que o presente estudo de exercícios respiratórios contribuiu para aumento da força da musculatura respiratória e que esse aumento refletiu positivamente tanto no quadro clínico quanto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes, de modo que o mesmo poderia ser utilizado como um coadjuvante ao tratamento clínico-medicamentoso de pacientes idosos asmáticos. / INTRODUCTION: People can develop asthma at any given age, and asthma prevalence in older adults is no different than that observed in younger people. Asthma in older adults is frequently underdiagnosed, and this is reflected in the fact that approximately 60% of people who die from asthma have surpassed the age of 65. Equally important is the fact that reduced lung function and airway obstruction have a negative impact on the quality of life for this population. In asthmatic patients, bronchoconstriction and consequent lung hyperinflation, leave the inspiratory muscles in a position of mechanical disadvantage, and thus, contribute to the exacerbation of the clinical presentation. A number of studies on respiratory physiotherapy and different breathing techniques have been performed in order to help asthma treatment and to improve the patients quality of life. Nevertheless, so far, we are not aware of any reports regarding breathing exercises without breathing equipment in older adults with asthma. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of a respiratory exercise program (without breathing equipment) tailored for elderly people. METHODS: Out of 132 patients listed in the PRONTMED (electronic filing system of the Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division of HCFMUSP), we selected 24 patients, aged 60 or greater, with a diagnosis of moderate or severe asthma. Out of the 24 patients, 21 started the program and 14 participated regularly and concluded the respiratory exercise program. Prior to the start of the program all patients were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, quality of life and clinical presentation. Due to the small sample size, patients were their own controls. At the end of a 16-week-exercise program all evaluations were repeated. During the study period, patients were requested to keep a diary and record symptoms every day. RESULTS: After 16 weeks of interventions, we did not observe significant changes in pulmonary lung function tests. However, we observed significant increases in maximum inspiratory pressure (Pimax) and maximum expiratory pressure (Pemax) (27.6 % and 20.54 % respectively), which are associated with respiratory muscle strength. In regards to quality of life, we observed considerable improvements. Clinical evaluations and the daily-recorded symptoms diary indicate significant improvements and fewer respiratory symptoms. Yet, a month after exercise interruption, we observed detraining, with reduction of Pimax (21.4 %) and Pemax (37.33 %). Detraining had a negative impact on clinical presentation, recording of symptoms, and patient quality of life, parameters that had previously improved with training. Despite the occurrence of detraining, which is common after reduction or interruption of exercise, we conclude that a respiratory exercise program increased muscle strength, which in turn had a positive effect on patient clinical presentation and quality of life. Therefore, a respiratory training program could be associated with the medical and clinical therapeutic approach of older adults with asthma.

This study addressed slowed, paced, diaphragmatic breathing as an adaptive technique for persons in stressful life circumstances. Ninety-six U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve trainees on active duty voluntarily participated over 12 days according to one of three conditions: (1) The treatment group (n=35) was instructed in and given four 10 minute sessions of slowed, diaphragmatic breathing paced to the flashing of two lights (one red and one green) which cued a 4 second inspiration and a 4 second exhalation; (2) The attention control group (n=31) counted flashes on an identical light apparatus for four 10 minute sessions; (3) The no treatment control group (n=30), was given four 10 minute breaks during concurrent periods. All subjects were pretested and posttested with the A-State form of the StateTrait Anxiety Inventory and the Mooney Problem Checklist. These scores were the two dependent variables. Analysis ofvariance of pretest scores indicated no significant differences among group means. Two univariate analyses were used to test the hypotheses. Null hypothesis 1, that there would be no difference among posttest means for A-State Anxiety, was rejected. Null hypothesis 2, that there would be no difference among posttest means for Mooney Total, was upheld. Post hoc comparisons (Sheffe) between groups on the A-State measure revealed that the treatment group reported significantly less anxiety than the attention control group. But no significant difference was found between the treatment group and the no treatment group. Similar findings were reported by Holmes, et al. (1978). Procedural and nonspecific effects on the outcome and implications for future research were discussed.

Thesis (Honors)--Liberty University Honors Program, 2007.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1968.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1968.