Objective: The maximum phonation time (MPT) is used to assess simple respiratory functions and can be performed anywhere without special instruments. We investigated the association between MPT and respiration, considering the future utilization of simple respiratory assessments during home-based physical therapy.
Method: This cross-sectional study included 140 older adults enrolled in Japanese long-term care insurance (77 men, 63 women; mean age, 77.9±8.0 years). The participants performed the MPT, followed by spirometry. We analyzed the MPT of the three age groups, relative reliability of the MPT values, and the association between MPT and respiratory function.
Results: We found that the MPT of older men requiring long-term care or support was related to age. The intraclass correlation coefficient of MPT was >0.8 for all groups. Only forced vital capacity was associated with MPT in the partial correlation and multiple regression analyses.
Conclusion: MPT could be an alternative assessment of respiratory function in home-based physical therapy for older adults requiring long-term care or support.
Keywords: Day care; Elderly; Home care services; Maximum phonation time; Respiration.
2022, JAPANESE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION.