The effect of block flute breathing exercise on pulmonary function tests in children with asthma

Abstract

ObjectiveToday, many patients are also interested in non-pharmacological treatments, especially respiratory control exercises, to improve asthma control. In this study, we aimed to show how pulmonary function tests are affected in children who play regularly block flute through diaphragmatic breathing. Patients and methodsChildren aged 10 years or older with asthma and children without acute and chronic diseases for the control group were included in the study. The children were taught theoretical and practical lessons about diaphragm exercise and blowing with block flute, including visual themes. This exercise was required to be applied at home for 15minutes a day for one month. In the first interview, the pulmonary function test (PFT) results were recorded before the lesson and compared with the PFT results one month later. ResultsThere was no significant difference in PFT values between asthma and control groups before and after breathing exercise (P>0.05). In the asthmatic group, there was a positive correlation between the percentage change of FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 observed after breathing exercise and body mass index, waist circumference (P<0.05 respectively). In the healthy group, the percentage change of FVC increased more in those with higher BMI, waist circumference and waist circumference percentile (P<0.05). Among asthmatic children, it was found that there was a greater increase in the FEV1/FVC percentage change and FEF25-75 percentage change in asthma medication free group (P<0,05). ConclusionBlock flute breathing exercises showed slight improvements in PFT of some asthmatic children after one month, but also in some patients of the control group. Additional studies are needed.