2004 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
EFFECTS OF THORACOLUMBAR CORSETS ON BREATHING PATTERNS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS.
T. Puckree PH.D. PT,
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Stable uncomplicated
injuries of the spine are supported by thoracolumbar corsets in South
African spinal units. The effects of these corsets on breathing
pattern either in normal or patients with spinal injuries are not
known. Spinal cord injured patients are at a greater risk of
developing pulmonary problems due the injury. While supporting the
spine, the thoracolumbar corset may affect compliance of the thoracic
cage and activity of the breathing muscles. The purpose of the
present study was to determine the effects of wearing a thoracolumbar
corset on breathing patterns. The sample of convenience consisted of
8 healthy, young non-smoking female students who participated by
fully informed voluntary consent. Tidal volume (Vt),
breathing frequency (Fb), minute ventilation, oxygen
consumption and Carbon-di-oxide output were monitored (2 minutes
each) in supine and seated subjects immediately before and after
wearing the corset, after wearing the corset for one hour and
immediately after removal of the corset. The facemask was connected
to the Cortex Metamax data collection system (Cortex MetaMax,
Portable Test System; Biophysik GmgH – Model SBS). The volume
transducer Triple-Vr. was calibrated using a 3-litre calibration
syringe prior to data collection. A Nation® tube was
used to guarantee a constant humidity during measurements. Normalized
data were subjected to MANOVA (p< 0.05). Wearing the corset for
one hour significantly decreased Vt by 24% and increased
Fb by 19% in sitting compared to the control condition.
Subjects who had been wearing the corset for 1 hour had significantly
lower Vt in supine compared to sitting. We conclude that
when a corset is worn for at least one hour, Vt and Fb
change to maintain the minute ventilation. More research is indicated
to determine the effects of wearing a corset for longer than an hour
on pulmonary variables in patients.