The inspiratory pressure load is an important variable in inspiratory muscle training (IMT), but previous studies with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have not controlled for this variable. We compared the effects of two months of IMT with a pressure threshold breathing device at inspiratory pressure loads equal to either 15 or 30% of each patient's maximal inspiratory pressure (Plmax). This study was double blind and patients were randomly assigned to the treatment groups, 12 in the 15% group and ten in the 30% group. Dependent variables were measured at baseline, and after one and two months of IMT. Patients who exercised with the 30% load improved the following: Plmax by a mean of -12 +/- 9 cm H2O (p less than 0.01), endurance time while breathing against an inspiratory pressure load equal to 66% of Plmax by 5 +/- 9 min (p less than 0.01), and 12-min distance walk (12MD) by 199 +/- 90 feet (p less than 0.01). Patients who exercised with the 15% load demonstrated no improvements in Plmax, endurance time, and 12MD. There were no changes in patients' report of functional impairment (Sickness Impact Profile), mood (Profile of Mood States), health status (Health Perceptions Questionnaire), and pulmonary symptoms (respiratory symptom log). We conclude that the 30% load was more effective than the 15% load in this sample.

Providing social support, enhancing maternal identity, and facilitating maternal-fetal attachment in the antepartum period are recommended to improve postpartum maternal sensitivity. Also, in future research, a path-type model or structural equation model including other variables, such as postnatal depression, needs to be developed and tested for optimal adaptation to becoming a mother.

No abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week empowerment intervention on sedentary behavior, physical activity, and psychological health in Korean older adults with hypertension. Using a quasi-experimental design, older adults participated in either an experimental group (n = 27) or control group (n = 21). The experimental group received an empowerment intervention including lifestyle modification education, group discussion, and exercise training for 8 weeks, and the control group received standard hypertension education. After 8 weeks, participants in the experimental group had significantly decreased sedentary behavior, increased physical activity, increased self-efficacy for physical activity, and increased perceived health (p < 0.05). However, no significant group difference was found for depression. Findings from this study suggest that empowerment interventions may be more effective than standard education in decreasing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity, self-efficacy for physical activity, and perceived health in Korean older adults with hypertension.

This program may be effective for elderly stroke patients and their caregivers.