The effect of pursed-lips breathing and diaphragm exercises on the quality of life of COPD patient assessed by six-minutes walk test

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammation that causes a variety of pulmonary and systemic disorders. Pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing exercises are useful techniques for improving ventilation, reducing the degree of breathlessness, enhancing performance, and improving quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing exercise on the value of the 6-min walk test and to improve quality of life by SGRQ in stable COPD patients. Methods: This study was an experimental study using group control before and after examining 60 stable COPD patients at Dr. RSUD Lung Center. Zainoel Abidin from November 2019 to February 2020. Samples were extracted by systematic random sampling and divided into two groups. The intervention group received indacaterol bronchodilator therapy in addition to four weeks of apron and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. The control group received only indacaterol therapy. A 6-minute walk test was administered and a quality of life questionnaire was completed using the SGRQ. A t-test and Wilcoxon test were performed to assess differences between groups, level of significance p < 0.05). Results: There was a significant effect on the 6-minute walk test in the intervention group compared with the control group (p = 0.001). There was a significant effect in improving quality of life using the SGRQ questionnaire in the intervention group compared with the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant effect on the six-minute walking test in the intervention group compared to the control group. There was a significant effect on improving the quality of life using the SGRQ questionnaire in the intervention group compared to the control group.