Effect of Structured Exercise Programme on Pulmonary Function and Physical Performance in Geriatric Population

Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the effect of structured exercise programme on pulmonary function and physical performance in geriatric population.

Methodology: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee, KIMSDU, Karad. A total of 61 subjects between 60-80 years of age, who were able to ambulate independently and able to understand instructions, who did not suffer from any musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiopulmonary disease were given structured exercise programme which consisted of warmup and cool down period along with resisted training, treadmill walking and static cycling for 4 weeks duration (5times/week). The subjects were assessed using Pulmonary function test (PFT), six minute walk test (6MWT) and Short Form 36 (SF- 36) Health- related quality of life questionnaire before and after intervention.

Results: Statistical analysis was performed using Paired t- test. The results showed significant difference in all three measures that is PFT Values (FVC, FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC ratio), 6MWT with p value of <0.0001 and SF-36 questionnaire with the p value of <0.0005 when compared between pre and post intervention results.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that structure exercise programme on physical performance and pulmonary function along with health-related quality of life in geriatric population has shown significant improvement when assessed with 6 MWT, PFT and SF-36 questionnaire.