갈비사이근에 대한 에비안스-함베르크 신장 기법이 가슴우리움직임과 안정시폐활량에 미치는 영향

Effect of the Evjenth-Hamberg Stretching for the Intercostal Muscles on Rib Cage Movement and Slow Vital Capacity

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of the Evjenth-Hamberg stretching technique for the intercostal muscles on rib cage movement and slow vital capacity (SVC). Methods: The subjects of this study were 30 healthy male students attending S University in Busan. They were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. Pulmonary function was assessed before and after the intervention using a spirometer (Pony FX, COSMED, Italy). Rib cage movement was measured using a tape measure (Size tape measure, JS Yuanfeng Industrial, China). The experimental group performed the Evjenth-Hamberg stretching technique for the intercostal muscles seven times for each segment, and the total time taken to perform these exercises on both right and left sides was approximately 25 min. The control group did not perform any exercise. Results: After the intervention, the upper (p<0.05) and lower (p<0.05) rib cage movements increased in the experimental group. The inspiratory reserve volume (p<0.05) and inspiratory capacity (p<0.05) were significantly increased in the experimental group after exercise. Conversely, the control group did not exhibit significant changes in the rib cage movement and in all items of slow vital capacity. The results of comparing the change patterns between the experimental and control groups revealed greater increase in the lower rib cage movement in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). However, no difference in the upper rib cage movement and all items of slow vital capacity was noted between the two groups. Conclusion: This study showed that the Evjenth-Hamberg stretching technique for the intercostal muscles was effective in increasing rib cage expansion and pulmonary function, particularly inspiratory reserve volume and inspiratory capacity.