| Abstract |
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of passive stretching exercise for the sternohyoid muscle, widely
known as the accessory respiratory muscle, on pulmonary function. Methods: A total of 24 female university students
without neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiopulmonary dysfunction were included in this study. The subjects were
randomly assigned to experimental (n=14) and control groups (n=10). Pulmonary function was assessed before and after
passive stretching exercises using a spirometer (Pony FX, COSMED Inc., Rome, Italy). The experimental group performed
10 sets of three repetitions of passive stretching exercises for the sternohyoid muscle. The control group did not perform
any exercise. Results: No significant changes in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second were
observed in both groups. However, a significant improvement in tidal volume, inspiratory capacity, and vital capacity (VC)
was observed in the experimental group after passive stretching exercises, whereas no change was observed in the
control group. Additionally, a significant improvement in maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was observed in the
experimental group, whereas no change was observed in the control group. The changes in VC and MVV were higher in
the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion: Passive stretching exercises for the sternohyoid muscle
can improve pulmonary function. In particular, they are effective in improving VC and MVV. |