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NCT Number: NCT07442942

Effect of Exercise of Shoulder - Pelvic Coupling Pattern on Breathing Using Proprioceptive Technique

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation scapula-pelvis coupling pattern exercise on Respiratory capacity and quality of life in elderly people aged 65 years or older and to use it in clinical intervention. The hypotheses of the study were set as follows: First, PNF scapula-pelvic coupling pattern and Chest cage expansion exercise would have an effect on respiratory capacity for the elderly. Second, the PNF scapula-pelvic coupling pattern and Chest cage expansion exercise would have an effect on Chest cage expansion test. Third, PNF scapula-pelvic coupling pattern and Chest cage expansion exercise would have an effect on quality of life.

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Key information

Conditions

Older Adults (60 - 85 Years Old)

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Nambu University

Gwangju, Gwangsan-guGwangsan-gu, 62271, South Korea

About this study

This study investigated the effects of PNF scapula-pelvis coupling pattern exercise on respiratory capacity and quality of life in adults aged 65 years or older and compared its effects with those of chest cage expansion exercise. Forty elderly participants from N Hospital were assigned to either the PNF exercise group or the chest cage expansion exercise group. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, during the intervention period, and after completion of the program.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants who were able to communicate adequately
  • Participants without any musculoskeletal disorders
  • Participants aged 65 years or older
  • Participants with a score of 24 or higher on a cognitive function test

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants who declined to participate in the study
  • Participants with an implanted pacemaker
  • Participants whose oxygen saturation level was below 90% during the pulmonary function test

Treatment and study plan

PNF combination of scapular and pelvic pattern intervention

Behavioral

The PNF combination of scapular and pelvic pattern intervention was conducted for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for four weeks. The PNF combination of scapular and pelvic pattern was applied by combining scapular posterior depression with pelvic anterior elevation, and scapular anterior elevation with pelvic posterior depression.

During scapular anterior elevation combined with pelvic posterior depression, the therapist placed their hands on the shoulder joint and acromion, and on the ischial tuberosity to provide resistance. During scapular posterior depression combined with pelvic anterior elevation, resistance was applied by placing the hands on the inferior angle of the scapula and the anterior superior iliac spine.

Among the PNF techniques, rhythmic initiation was first used to facilitate movement education and enhance kinesthetic awareness. Afterward, dynamic reversals were applied to promote muscle strengthening in the participants.

Chest cages expansion exercises intervention

Behavioral

The chest expansion exercise was performed in a seated upright position. The participant interlocked their fingers behind the head and, during exhalation, brought both elbows together while flexing the trunk muscles. During inhalation, the participant moved the elbows outward while extending the trunk to expand the chest wall.

The trunk rotation exercise was performed from the same starting position as the chest expansion exercise. During exhalation, the participant rotated and flexed the trunk, lowering the elbow toward the opposite knee. During inhalation, the participant returned to the starting position. This exercise was performed alternately on both sides.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pulmonary Function Test

    Time frame: 1 year

    ulmonary function was measured using a diagnostic spirometer (PONY FX, Italy). To ensure accurate measurement, sufficient explanation and demonstration were provided so that the participants could fully understand the procedure prior to testing. For the assessment, participants were seated comfortably in a chair. To prevent air leakage through the nose, a nose clip was applied, and a personal mouthpiece was held firmly between the teeth with the lips sealed tightly around it. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured. Participants were instructed to perform three normal resting breaths, followed by a maximal inhalation. They were then encouraged to exhale as forcefully and rapidly as possible into the spirometer turbine and to maintain exhalation for 5-6 seconds. After one demonstration and practice trial, a total of four measurements were performed, and the best value was used for analysis.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Chest Cage Expansion Test

    Time frame: 1 year

    For the chest cage expansion test, the participant was positioned in a supine position with the legs extended and the head and trunk aligned in a straight line. Using a measuring tape, the circumference of the chest was measured horizontally at the level of the xiphoid process and the junction of the body of the sternum. Measurements were taken during maximal inhalation and maximal exhalation while the participant maintained stable breathing, and the values were recorded.

    Chest cage expansion was calculated as the difference between the measurement at maximal inhalation and the measurement at maximal exhalation. The measurement was performed four times, and the average value was used for data analysis.

  2. Quality of Life Assessment

    Time frame: 1 year

    Quality of life in the elderly was assessed using the Korean version of the WHOQOL-BREF (Yoo, 2017). The Korean WHOQOL-BREF consists of 24 items related to four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment.

    Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 "not at all" to 5 "very much". The total score is calculated by summing all items, with a maximum possible score of 120 points. Higher total scores indicate better quality of life.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Boung-hyoun Moon

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Exercise of Shoulder - Pelvic Coupling Pattern on Breathing and Quality of Life of the Elderly Using Proprioceptive Technique

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Mar 2, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 2, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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