Nicholas Urban-Michalak, “Achieving Better Lung Health”
Mentors: Murad Taani and Kimberly Bassindale, Nursing
Poster #130

Restrictive ventilatory patterns (RVPs) describe a breathing pattern in which a person has inhibited lung expansion with inspiration. RVPs can lend to decreased lung volume, increased work of breathing, and thus a lower capacity for oxygenation and may contribute to lower levels of physical activity and higher incidence of developing pneumonia. Previous research suggests RVPs to be common among older adults living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities with up to 51% found to have moderate to severe RVP. Although moderate to severe RVPs appear to be common in CCRCs, there is limited research on interventions to address RVPs for improved lung function and health outcomes. Our study used a pretest–posttest design to test the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention, called Breathing Room, in improving lung function and physical endurance. We developed the Breathing Room as an exercise activity designed to open the thoracic cage, to be utilized along with inspiratory muscle trainers (IMTs) to optimize breathing techniques and improve lung function among a frail older adult population. We prospect to reach 40-48 residents in CCRCs with known baseline RVP determined through spirometry testing. Four participants are enrolled and receiving interventions at this stage of the study. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at two- and four-weeks following intervention and will include respiratory function measured using spirometry, inspiratory muscle strength using sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), posture measured using stoop and thoracic kyphosis, grip strength measured using Jamar dynamometer, and aerobic capacity assessed with the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Descriptive and inferential statistical tests including repeated measures analysis of variance will be utilized to analyze data. This study will provide insight into the efficacy of Breathing Room and IMT interventions in improving lung health as well as the feasibility of our intervention among a frail older adult population.