Reference Respiratory Muscle Strength Values and a Prediction Equation Using Physical Functions for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Korea

Use of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Lung Cancer Patients in Korea: Analysis of the National Health Insurance Service Database

This study aimed to assess the utilization trends of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among lung cancer patients in Korea using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2017 to 2021). PR was introduced and covered under the NHIS in 2016, primarily for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but recent evidence suggests its benefits for lung cancer patients. Data extraction was based on Korea Informative Classification of Diseases 8th revision codes C33 and C34, with PR prescriptions identified by codes MM440 and MM290. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and propensity score matching was used for comparison between PR and non-PR groups. Results showed a significant increase in PR utilization, with the number of patients receiving PR (MM440) rising from 1,002 in 2017 to 3,723 in 2021, indicating a 3.7-fold increase. However, the proportion of patients receiving PR remained low at 2.9% in 2021. Enhanced access to PR services and improved evaluation strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Evaluating Respiratory Muscle Strength in Sarcopenia Screening among Older Men in South Korea: A Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential of incorporating respiratory muscle strength, specifically maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), along with traditional sarcopenia screening measures such as hand grip strength (HGS) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), to identify sarcopenia in older men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted involving male patients aged 65 years and older who underwent measurements of respiratory muscle strength, HGS, and muscle mass at a general hospital in Korea from July 2016 to May 2022. Statistical analysis utilized independent t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess the sensitivity and specificity of MIP, MEP, HGS, and SMI in sarcopenia screening. The cut-off values for sarcopenia screening were determined based on the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The analysis of 282 study participants revealed the following cut-off values for sarcopenia based on the AUC: for MIP, the cut-off value was 65.50 cmH2O (AUC=0.70, sensitivity: 0.63, specificity: 0.61), while for MEP, it was 84.50 cmH2O (AUC=0.74, sensitivity: 0.66, specificity: 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the utility of respiratory muscle strength in screening for sarcopenia among older men. We suggest the screening cut-off values as 65.50 cmH2O for MIP and 84.50 cmH2O for MEP. Even when HGS and SMI measurements are not feasible, sarcopenia can be reasonably predicted based on respiratory muscle strength.

Cumulative Effects of Concurrent Inspiratory Muscle Training and Postural Correction Bands on Older Individuals Community Dwellers: A Randomized Study

PURPOSE

Posture correction bands (PCBs) have been proposed as aids to help chest expansion and to enhance respiratory function. However, the impact of PCBs on community-based older individuals engaged in inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at home remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Community-based individuals aged 65 years and older were divided into the PCB group, wearing PCBs, and the NPCB group, not wearing PCBs. The IMT regimen lasted 8 weeks, with sessions 5 times a week, including 4 sets per day and 15 repetitions per set. Training intensity was set at 50% of the maximum inspiratory pressure of each subject. To assess the effects of IMT, respiratory function, 6-minute walk test, and grip strength were measured before, during, and after the training period. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, with post-hoc evaluation employing Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

A total of 40 subjects were evenly divided into the PCB group and the NPCB group, with 20 subjects in each group. No significant difference was observed in respiratory muscle strength based on PCB use. However, during the initial 4 weeks, the PCB group exhibited a trend towards an increase in respiratory muscle strength compared to the NPCB group; this trend, however, did not prove to be statistically significant by the end of the 8-week period. Performance on the 6-minute walk test significantly improved in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The PCB group exhibited a tendency for increase in respiratory muscle strength in the first 4 weeks; however, ultimately there was no significant difference compared to the NPCB group.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service, part of the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (Clinical Research Information Service No. KCT0008075).

Comprehensive Assessment of Lower Limb Function and Muscle Strength in Sarcopenia: Insights from the Sit-to-Stand Test

The sit-to-stand test is an essential tool used to assess lower limb function and muscle strength in older adults and various patient populations, and also plays a role in sarcopenia screening. Among its forms, the five-time sit-to-stand test (FTSST) is widely used, with previous studies suggesting cutoff values of >10 seconds and >11 seconds for the sitting-to-standing and standing-to-sitting transitions, respectively. The 30-second and 1-minute sit-to-stand tests (30STS and 1MSTS, respectively) also provide comprehensive assessments. While much of the current research on sarcopenia focuses on the FTSST, there is a burgeoning need for an in-depth exploration of the 30STS and 1MSTS. Studies on these tests are vital to refine the criteria for sarcopenia, establish accurate cutoff values, and enhance diagnostic precision and treatment effectiveness. This need highlights the importance of further research into the 30STS and 1MSTS for refining the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia.