INFLUENCE OF BREATHING EXERCISES AND RESPIRATORY REHABILITATION ON POSTURAL DISORDERS IN CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD

Postural abnormalities in childhood and adulthood are a relevant medical and social problem associated with significant alterations of the spine and several internal organs and systems. Impaired posture, spine and chest deformities impair the respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Breathing exercises, respectively respiratory rehabilitation, are an key means exerting a beneficial influence on the impaired functions of these organs and systems, and are also successfully applied in musculoskeletal pathologies. The aim of the study was to overview the scientific reports on the influence and application of breathing exercises and respiratory rehabilitation in various postural disorders in childhood and adulthood. For the purposes of the study, a search in electronic databases such as Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Academic search complete on EBSCO, Scopus, Google Scholar, etc. was carried out. According to the studied sources, breathing exercises are an essential part of traditional and innovative methods for conservative and surgical treatment of postural abnormalities. Studies demonstrate better results with protocols that include breathing exercises as element of the rehabilitation programme compared to those without breathing exercises. Respiratory rehabilitation plays an important role in the treatment of postural disorders in childhood and adulthood, both in their conservative and postoperative treatment. It not only improves the respiratory function, but has also a positive effect on the general posture, muscle balance and quality of life of the individual.