A Status Survey on Complications of Obstructive Ventilatory Disturbance in Motor Disorders Treated with Physical Therapy: A Preceding Study Involving Patients with Preoperative Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the prevalence and characteristics of complications of obstructive ventilatory disturbance in motor disorders treated with physical therapy after orthopedic surgery. [Participants and Methods] The patients were males aged 40 or older with rotator cuff tears, who had received physical therapy after surgery in the study facility. Their backgrounds, preoperative respiratory function test results, and status of smoking were retrospectively examined to clarify the prevalence and characteristics of complications of obstructive ventilatory disturbance among them. [Results] A total of 101 patients were analyzed. Complications of obstructive ventilatory disturbance developed in 6 (5.9%), and 3 of them were current smokers (Brinkman index: 1000 or higher) aged 70 or older. [Conclusion] It is necessary for physical therapists to recognize that obstructive ventilatory disturbance may be present in some elderly patients with motor disorders and a smoking history.