TY - JOUR T1 - Comprehensive spa treatment in the Czech Republic JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 38 IS - Suppl 55 SP - p1305 AU - Katerina Neumannova AU - Jakub Zatloukal AU - Vitezslav Kolek Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p1305.abstract N2 - Introduction: Patient with asthma (AB) can receive a comprehensive care treatment in specialized centres (Spa's) in the Czech Republic.Aim: To evaluate an effect of the comprehensive spa treatment (CST) on ventilatory parameters, chest mobility and posture in children with AB.Methods: The examined group consisted of 50 medically stable children with AB (aged 11.6±2.5 years) who underwent a 4-week treatment in the Luhacovice Spa. The assessment was performed at baseline and after the treatment and it included lung function tests, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) mouth pressure examination, chest expansion (CE) and kinesiological examination (muscle strength and length). The CST included respiratory physiotherapy, postural exercise and regular physical activity.Results: Lung function tests showed normal values at the baseline and after treatment. A significant improvement was observed in all ventilatory parameters, respiratory muscle strength and CE at both levels. There was a lower presence of muscle imbalances (shortened and weakened muscles) after the treatment.View this table:Conclusion: Children with AB can benefit due to the combination of physiotherapeutic approaches and physical activity not only in ventilation and breathing mechanism, but also in improved posture. ER -