Seated Modified Liuzijue Training for Rehabilitation of a Patient with Respiratory Impairment During the Recovery Phase of Stroke: A Case Report.
Yunping Liu, Xin Zhang, Zhen Lin et al.
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Case in brief
A patient with respiratory impairment during stroke recovery also had motor dysfunction and balance limitations that made the traditional standing Liuzijue protocol unsuitable. The patient completed six weeks of seated modified Liuzijue breathing training alongside conventional rehabilitation. After training, tidal volume, vital capacity, and forced vital capacity were higher than at baseline, while SGRQ and SF-36 score changes suggested improved perceived respiratory-related and overall quality of life. The program was feasible and well tolerated, with no clinically relevant training-related adverse events. As an uncontrolled single-case observation with concurrent rehabilitation, the changes cannot be attributed specifically to the breathing program.
What made this case unusual
The standing breathing protocol was adapted for post-stroke motor and balance limitations using a seated format, simplified upper-limb movements, and an individualized breathing rhythm.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
When post-stroke motor dysfunction and balance limitations impede standing breathing exercises, a seated, individualized Liuzijue format may be feasible and well tolerated in an individual patient; pre-post changes in this case do not establish treatment-specific benefit.