Examination of Respiratory Functions of Elderly Individuals in Nursing Homes According to Their Functional Levels

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 1, 67 - 74, 02.01.2025

Bihter Akınoğlu , Egemen Sebü , Salman Usman Shehu , Ayfer Ezgi Yılmaz

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine and compare the respiratory functions at varying functional levels of elderly individuals living in a nursing home. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 individuals (77.59±7.93) consisting of 27 women (80.55±6.68) and 17 men (72.88±7.63) between the ages of 65-90 were included in the study. The functional levels of the individuals were classified by a physiotherapist as unsupported mobile, supported mobile, wheelchair mobile and bedridden. Respiratory functions of the individuals were evaluated with Forced Expiratory Technique (FET) using a spirometer, and their mental state was evaluated with The Mini Mental State Examination. Results: No significant differences were found in the respiratory function test results when comparing elderly individuals accross different functional levels; FVC (p=0.416), FEV1 (p=0.330), FEV1/FVC (p=0.390), PEF (p=0.175), FEF25-75 (p=0.318). Conclusion: The results of the study show that the respiratory functions at varying functional levels of elderly individuals living in nursing homes are lower than expected values and there is no difference between functional classes. This situation suggests that for respiratory functions to be at the expected values, it is not enough to have a good functional level, special exercises must be performed to protect respiratory functions. However, further studies are needed for this.

Keywords

Breathing, Elderly, Exercise, Lung

Huzurevinde Kalan Yaşlı Bireylerin Fonksiyonel Seviyelerine Göre Solunum Fonksiyonlarının İncelenmesi

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı huzurevinde yaşayan ve farklı fonksiyonel seviyede olan yaşlı bireylerin solunum fonksiyonlarının incelenmesi ve karşılaştırılmasıdır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 65-90 yaşları arasında 27 kadın (80,55±6,68) ve 17 erkek (72,88±7,63) olmak üzere toplam 44 kişi (77,59±7,93) dahil edildi. Bireylerin fonksiyonel seviyeleri desteksiz mobil, destekli mobil ve tekerlekli sandalye ile mobil ve yatağa bağımlı olmak üzere fizyoterapist tarafından değerlendirildi. Bireylerin solunum fonksiyonları spirometre kullanılarak Zorlu Ekspirasyon Manevrası ile değerlendirildi ve bilişsel durumlarını Mini Mental Durum Testi ile değerlendirildi. Sonuçlar: Yaşlı bireyler farklı fonksiyonel seviyelere göre karşılaştırıldığında solunum fonksiyon testleri sonuçlarında anlamlı bir fark olmadığı görüldü; FVC (p=0,416), FEV1 (p=0,330), FEV1/FVC (p=0,390), PEF (p=0,175), FEF25-75 (p=0,318). Tartışma: Çalışmanın sonuçları huzurevinde yaşayan ve farklı fonksiyonel seviyede olan yaşlı bireylerin solunum fonksiyonlarının beklenen değerlere göre düşük olduğunu ve fonksiyonel sınıflar arasında fark olmadığını göstermektedir. Bu durumu solunum fonksiyonlarının beklenen değerlerde olması için sadece fonksiyonel seviyenin iyi olmasının yeterli olmadığını, solunum fonksiyonlarını korumak için özel egzersizler yapılması gerektiğini düşündürmektedir. Ancak bunun için yapılacak ileri çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.

Keywords

Akciğer, Egzersiz, Solunum, Yaşlı

Ethical Statement

Çalışmaya başlamadan önce, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Etik Kurulu’ndan 03/01/2023 tarih ve 23-1370 karar numarası ile onay alındı.

Supporting Institution

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Thanks

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