Effects of Forest Environment on Peak Cough Flow and Dyspnea in Patients with Neurological Disorders

Background and objective: Nervous system diseases leave various disabilities and complications, and the burden onindividuals and society continues to increase. In addition, secondary problems occur due to the increased incidence ofpneumonia caused by the decline in lung and swallowing functions. To prevent these respiratory complications, swallowingand coughing abilities are evaluated and respiratory physiotherapy is performed. However, most of them are performedindoors, and there are few studies on the effects of respiratory exercise on patients with neurological disorders in forestenvironments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 15 minutes of one-time deep breathing exerciseand coughing training. Methods: Peak expiratory flow metering(PFM) was measured to evaluate peak expiratory flow after 15 minutes ofone-time deep breathing exercise and coughing training in forest and indoor environments for 15 patients with neurologicaldisorders, and visual analog scales(VAS) were performed to evaluate dyspnea index. Results: The results of the study showed that 15 minutes of one-time deep breathing exercise and cough training in aforest environment increased peak expiratory flow and reduced dyspnea in patients with neurological disorders comparedto 15 minutes of one-time deep breathing exercise and cough training in an indoor environment. Conclusion: This study suggests that even one-time breathing exercise in a forest environment can have a positive effecton peak expiratory flow and dyspnea index in patients with neurological disorders, and can be helpful in establishing anappropriate treatment plan during treatment.