Influence of ocarina practices on lung function of healthy middle-aged females in Korea

[Purpose] The objective of this study is to identify the influence of ocarina practices on the lung function of a group of healthy female ocarina players aged 40 and above in comparison to an age-matched group of females with no experience with ocarina playing. [Participants and Methods] Spirometry measurement has been conducted on both groups of 35 healthy females aged 40 and above, one with regular participation in ocarina practices (experimental group) and the other without (control group). [Results] FEV(1) and FEV(1)/FVC values of those in the experiment group who practiced ocarina on a regular basis turned out to be significantly higher than the control group, and there was no significant difference on FVC. [Conclusion] This study indicates that ocarina practices on a regular basis helps middle-aged females improve their lung functions particularly in FEV(1) and FEV(1)/FVC.