Outcomes of physiotherapy management in children and young people (CYP) with breathing pattern disorders (BPD)

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> BPD affect 10% of the general adult population (Barker et al, 2013). Symptoms of BPD can mimic or coexist with asthma. The outcomes of breathing retraining have been described well in adults but guidelines or data in children is sparse. We evaluated the outcome of CYP referred to a specialist multidisciplinary BPD clinic to assess sustained clinical improvement after completion of the physiotherapy sessions. The outcome of the multifaceted management strategies was evaluated. <b>Method:</b> Telephone questionnaire using a 5-point score was answered by CYP, on average 609 days after completion of treatment. The score of 4 or 5 was deemed as very useful while a score of 1-2 were classed as least helpful. <b>Results:</b> 15 CYP were followed up with a mean age of 15.8 yr(range 14-18 yr), 14 female, 1 male participated. 8/15 had a diagnosis of asthma. After 6 therapy sessions or when their symptoms had improved CYP were asked ‘how helpful is physiotherapy intervention’ 11/15(73.3%) gave a score of 4 or above deeming that treatment has been ‘very helpful’.9/15(60%) said the intervention resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. 14/15(93.3%) found the educational element ‘very useful’ while 11/15(73.3%) found the advice regarding managing stress ‘very useful’. Clinical improvement was reported in all after 4 sessions. 100% found written information ‘very helpful’ and 13/15(86.6%) reported that they acquired skills to manage their BPD if the symptoms were to return. <b>Conclusion:</b> Multifaceted physiotherapy and educational intervention result in sustained clinical improvement in CYP with BPD. Research studies examining patient reported outcomes should be explored.