Breathing Retraining Exercises Research Articles

The effect of manual therapy on diaphragm function in adults with asthma: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Diaphragm dysfunction is prevalent among individuals with asthma due to lung hyperinflation and hyperventilation in asthma paroxysm. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the manual diaphragm release technique (MDRT) on diaphragm function in individuals with asthma. Methods Adults with diagnosed stable asthma (n = 24), will be recruited from the General Hospital of Kifissia “Agioi Anargyroi” in Athens, Greece. The volunteers who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to two groups: (a) the experimental group (n = 12) that will receive 12 sessions of MDRT in conjunction with breathing retraining exercises (BRE), and (b) the control group (n = 12) that will receive 12 sessions of BRE. Measurements will occur at three time points: before the initiation of treatment sessions (week 0), followed by 12 treatment sessions (week 6), and three months from the beginning of the trial (week 12). The main outcomes will be the diaphragm excursion (ultrasonography) and chest expansion (inch tape), with secondary outcomes the maximal respiratory pressures (digital pressure manometer), dysfunctional breathing (Nijmegen questionnaire), asthma control (ACT), dyspnea (Borg scale) and quality of life (SF-12v2). Discussion The proposed protocol is the first to examine the effectiveness of MRDT on diaphragm’s function in individuals with asthma. Manual Therapy (MT) is a low-cost alternative and supplementary therapy to standard treatment procedures that might improve the biomechanics of respiration in pulmonary rehabilitation. Trial Registration Registered on Clinical Trials.gov (ID: NCT05709054) Protocol version 29/09/2023

The effect of manual therapy on diaphragm function in adults with asthma: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Diaphragm dysfunction is prevalent among individuals with asthma due to lung hyperinflation and hyperventilation in asthma paroxysm. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the manual diaphragm release technique (MDRT) on diaphragm function in individuals with asthma. Methods: Adults with diagnosed stable asthma (n = 24), will be recruited from the General Hospital of Kifissia “Agioi Anargyroi” in Athens, Greece. The volunteers who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to two groups: (a) the experimental group (n = 12) that will receive 12 sessions of MDRT in conjunction with breathing retraining exercises (BRE), and (b) the control group (n = 12) that will receive 12 sessions of BRE. Measurements will occur at three time points: before the initiation of treatment sessions (week 0), followed by 12 treatment sessions (week 6), and three months from the beginning of the trial (week 12). The main outcomes will be the diaphragm excursion (ultrasonography) and chest expansion (inch tape), with secondary outcomes the maximal respiratory pressures (digital pressure manometer), dysfunctional breathing (Nijmegen questionnaire), asthma control (ACT), dyspnea (Borg scale) and quality of life (SF-12v2). Discussion: The proposed protocol is the first to examine the effectiveness of MRDT on diaphragm’s function in individuals with asthma. Manual Therapy (MT) is a low-cost alternative and supplementary therapy to standard treatment procedures that might improve the biomechanics of respiration in pulmonary rehabilitation. Trial Registration: Registered on Clinical Trials.gov (ID: NCT05709054) Protocol version: 29/09/2023

Multidisciplinary management of inducible laryngeal obstruction and breathing pattern disorder.

Inducible laryngeal obstruction and breathing pattern disorder are common causes of breathlessness.Inducible laryngeal obstruction is an inappropriate, transient, reversible narrowing of the laryngeal area that causes breathlessness and laryngeal symptoms.Breathing pattern disorder is an alteration in the normal biomechanical patterns of breathing that results in intermittent or chronic symptoms, which may be respiratory and/or non-respiratory.People with inducible laryngeal obstruction or breathing pattern disorder often have other comorbidities that will also need addressing.Multidisciplinary assessment and treatment is essential for comprehensive workup and holistic care.Timely assessment and diagnosis can prevent unnecessary medication use and hospital admissions and facilitate effective management of the condition using reassurance, advice, education, breathing retraining and vocal exercises.

The effects of core stabilization training on dynamic balance and pulmonary parameters in patients with asthma.

In the literature, novel physiotherapy and rehabilitation approaches are getting significant attention as a way to cope with secondary complications in the management of asthma. To investigate the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises combined with the Asthma Education Program (AEP) and breathing exercises in patients with asthma. The study sample consists of 40 asthmatic patients (age 52.25 ± 11.51 years) who were randomly divided into a Training Group (TG) (n= 20) and a Control Group (CG) (n= 20). All subjects were included in the AEP, and both groups were trained in breathing retraining exercises (2 times/wk, 6-week duration in the clinic). The core stabilization exercise program was also applied in the TG. Respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ)), health-related quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQOL)), functional exercise capacity (six-minute walking test (6MWT)), and dynamic balance (Prokin PK200) were assessed before and after the interventions. The TG showed more significant improvements in MIP (ΔTG:4.55 cmH2O, ΔCG:0.95 cmH2O), IPAQ (ΔTG:334.15 MET-min/wk., ΔCG:99 MET-min/wk.), 6MWT (ΔTG:24.50 m, ΔCG:11.50 m), and dynamic balance sub-parameters compared to the mean difference between the initial assessment and after a 6-week intervention program, which included twelve exercise sessions (p< 0.01). The findings present greater improvements in inspiratory muscle strength, physical activity level, functional exercise capacity, and dynamic balance when core stabilization exercises are included in the pulmonary rehabilitation program for the management of asthma.

The effects of the neck stabilization exercise on the muscle activity of trunk respiratory muscles and maximum voluntary ventilation of chronic stroke patients

Unstable neck posture, muscle imbalance, and segmental instability can cause neck pain and decrease the respiratory function. To examine effects of a neck stabilization exercise on respiratory muscle activity and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in patients with a chronic stroke. A total of 40 patients with a chronic stroke participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups (20 in each group). However, ten patients dropped out of the experiment (5 in each group). The experimental group (n= 15) performed a 15-minute neck stabilization exercise and a 15-minute breathing retraining exercise in addition to a rehabilitation exercise treatment. The control group (n= 15) completed a 30-minute breathing retraining exercise in addition to a rehabilitation exercise treatment. Exercises were conducted for 30 minutes a day, five times a week, for a total of six weeks. Activities of major respiratory muscles and MVV were measured before and after the experiment. Both the experimental group and the control group showed significant difference in activities of major respiratory muscles and MVV before and after the experiment (p< 0.05). The experimental group showed a significantly higher increase compared to the control group (p< 0.05). The application of a combination of a neck stabilization exercise and a breathing retraining exercise to patients with a chronic stroke can increase activity of respiratory muscles and MVV.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Lobectomy On Pulmonary Aspergilloma: Case Report

Introduction: Complete resection of aspergilloma in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), may has several health problem after surgery berupa sesak napas, batuk yang tidak efektif. Methods: A case presentation of 45 years old woman, after lobectomy on right upper of lung due to aspergilloma, with history of cough and haemoptysis for 3 months. Pulmonary Rehabilitation were breathing retraining exercise (BE), mobilization technique (MT), chest mobility exercise (CM), active cycle breathing technique (ACBT), postural correction exercise (PC) for three weeks. Results: There were dyspnea, peak flow rate (PFR:60-70-60), peak cough flow (PCF: 70-90-60 L/m), and abnormal chest expansion (CE: 2.5 – 3 – 2) cm. After three weeks of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, there were no dyspnea, increased the PCF: 193L/m, and CE: 2.5-4 -3. Conclusion: Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs for three weeks were relieved dyspnea, increased cough capacity and CE.

Effect of Selected Breathing Retraining Exercises on Symptoms and Quality of Life among Asthmatic Children

Diaphragmatic and pursed lip breathing are nonpharmacological approaches that designed to improvea ventilatoryefficiency, respiratory muscle function, and exercise tolerance, in turn improve asthma symptoms and quality of life among children. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of selected breathing retraining exercises on asthma symptoms control and quality of life among children. Time seriesquasi-experimental research design was utilized. A convenient sample of 30 children with bronchial asthma was recruited. The study findings revealed that the highest total mean score of asthma control were detectedbefore breathing retraining exercise which decreased significantly in immediate after the intervention and it begans to rise slightly again one month after. There were a highly statistically significant improvement in the total mean score of pediatric asthma quality of lifeacross immediate and one month after. The study concluded that selected breathing retraining exercises improving an asthma symptom control and quality of life among children. It is recommended that breathing retraining exercise can be used and integrated with the routine care for children with asthma with emphasize to be performed at home.

DOES HARMONICA PLAYING IMPROVE OUTCOMES IN COPD PATIENTS?

SESSION TITLE: Improving Care in COPD SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/08/2018 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: Primary interventions in COPD include smoking cessation, appropriate inhaler therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). PR requires a multidisciplinary approach of exercise and education, with instruction in breathing retraining exercises such as pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing. Pursed lip breathing may reduce alveolar collapse during exhalation and diaphragmatic breathing may work to improve inspiratory pressures, even at the higher lung volumes seen in COPD. Harmonica playing requires the practice of a similar expiratory maneuver as taught in pursed lip breathing (PLB); diaphragmatic breathing generates adequate force to create musical tones. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with COPD would benefit from a 12 week program of harmonica playing with improved respiratory muscle strength, ambulation and quality of life. METHODS: COPD patients who had completed a formal pulmonary rehabilitation program (PR) at least 6 months prior were eligible for this trial. After obtaining informed consent, patients attended 12 weeks of harmonica training for two hours, one day per week and were instructed to practice at home for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Participants completed spirometry testing, maximum inspired and expired pressure (MIP, MEP) testing and Six Minute Walk test pre- and post- program in addition to recording pre- and post-program St. George Respiratory Questionnaires. We performed paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests, as appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 14 participants upon entry, 11 completed this trial. 3 subjects were male. The average age was 72.5 years. All had been smokers previously with a median 40 [quartile 1 = 30, quartile 3 = 40] pack-year history. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) increased by an average of 15.36 ± 12.04 (p=0.0017) and 14.36 ± 13.76 (p=0.0061), respectively. Additionally, the distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWD) increased by nearly 60 meters (60.55 ± 78.18, p = 0.0280). Median distance improved by 48 meters. SGRQ improved slightly, but not statistically so. CONCLUSIONS: In this small pilot trial, we found that a 12-week harmonica program significantly improved MIP, MEP and 6 MWD in a group of post-PR COPD patients. Larger scale harmonica studies are warranted to evaluate this program’s adjunctive potential benefit to formal pulmonary rehabilitation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Harmonica playing may be an option for some COPD patients to use in the home for a lung exercise or as an adjunct treatment to be included in pulmonary rehabilitation and better breathing clubs. DISCLOSURES: Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Monaghan Medical Please note: $1-$1000 Added 02/27/2018 by Mary Hart, source=Web Response, value=Travel No relevant relationships by AAYLA JAMIL, source=Web Response Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Astra Zeneca Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 02/21/2018 by Mark Millard, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Bohringle Ingleheim Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 02/21/2018 by Mark Millard, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Circassia Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 02/21/2018 by Mark Millard, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Advisory Committee Member relationship with Novartis Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 02/21/2018 by Mark Millard, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Advisory Committee Member relationship with GSK Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 02/21/2018 by Mark Millard, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria No relevant relationships by Elizabeth Stewardson, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Kristen Tecson, source=Web Response

Patients\u2019 experiences of breathing retraining for asthma: a qualitative process analysis of participants in the intervention arms of the BREATHE trial

Poor symptom control and impaired quality of life are common in adults with asthma, and breathing retraining exercises may be an effective method of self-management. This study aimed to explore the experiences of participants in the intervention arms of the BREATHE trial, which investigated the effectiveness of breathing retraining as a mode of asthma management. Sixteen people with asthma (11 women, 8 per group) who had taken part in the intervention arms of the BREATHE trial (breathing retraining delivered by digital versatile disc (DVD) or face-to-face sessions with a respiratory physiotherapist) took part in semi-structured telephone interviews about their experiences. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Breathing retraining was perceived positively as a method of asthma management. Motivations for taking part included being asked, to enhance progress in research, to feel better/reduce symptoms, and to reduce medication. Participants were positive about the physiotherapist, liked having the materials tailored, found meetings motivational, and liked the DVD and booklet. The impact of breathing retraining following regular practice included increased awareness of breathing and development of new habits. Benefits of breathing retraining included increased control over breathing, reduced need for medication, feeling more relaxed, and improved health and quality of life. Problems included finding time to practice the exercises, and difficulty mastering techniques. Breathing retraining was acceptable and valued by almost all participants, and many reported improved wellbeing. Face to face physiotherapy was well received. However, some participants in the DVD group mentioned being unable to master techniques.

A randomised controlled study of the effectiveness of breathing retraining exercises taught by a physiotherapist either by instructional DVD or in face-to-face sessions in the management of asthma in adults.

Asthma control is suboptimal, resulting in quality of life (QoL) impairment and costs. Breathing retraining exercises have evidence of effectiveness as adjuvant treatment, but are infrequently used. To transfer the contents of a brief (three-session) physiotherapist-delivered breathing retraining programme to a digital versatile disc (DVD) and booklet format; to compare the effectiveness of the self-guided intervention with that of 'face-to-face' physiotherapy and usual care for QoL and other asthma-related outcomes; to perform a health economic assessment of both interventions; and to perform a process evaluation using quantitative and qualitative methods. Parallel-group three-arm randomised controlled trial. General practice surgeries in the UK. In total, 655 adults currently receiving asthma treatment with impaired asthma-related QoL were randomly allocated to the DVD (n = 261), physiotherapist (n = 132) and control (usual care) (n = 262) arms in a 2 : 1 : 2 ratio. It was not possible to blind participants but data collection and analysis were performed blinded. Physiotherapy-based breathing retraining delivered through three 'face-to-face' respiratory physiotherapist sessions or a self-guided programme (DVD plus our theory-based behaviour change booklet) developed by the research team, with a control of usual care. The primary outcome measure was asthma-specific QoL, measured using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Secondary outcomes included asthma symptom control [Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)], psychological state [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], hyperventilation symptoms (Nijmegen questionnaire), generic QoL [EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D)], assessments of airway physiology (spirometry) and inflammation (exhaled nitric oxide) and health resource use and costs. Assessments were carried out at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months post randomisation. Patient engagement and experience were also assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary efficacy analysis was between-group comparison of changes in AQLQ scores from baseline to 12 months in the intention-to-treat population with adjustments for prespecified covariates. Significant improvements occurred in the DVD group compared with the control group [adjusted mean difference 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11 to 0.44; p < 0.001] and in the face-to-face physiotherapy group compared with the control group (adjusted mean difference 0.24, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.44; p < 0.05), with equivalence between the DVD and the face-to-face physiotherapy groups (adjusted mean difference 0.04, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.24). In all sensitivity analyses, both interventions remained significantly superior to the control and equivalence between the interventions was maintained. In other questionnaire outcome measures and in the physiological measures assessed, there were no significant between-group differences. Process evaluations showed that participants engaged well with both of the active interventions, but that some participants in the DVD arm would have liked to receive tuition from a professional. Asthma health-care costs were lower in both intervention arms than in the control group, indicating 'dominance' for both of the interventions compared with the control, with lowest costs in the DVD arm. The rate of adverse events was lower in the DVD and face-to-face physiotherapy groups than in the control group. Only 10% of the potentially eligible population responded to the study invitation. However, breathing retraining exercises improved QoL and reduced health-care costs in adults with asthma whose condition remains uncontrolled despite standard pharmacological therapy, were engaged with well by patients and can be delivered effectively as a self-guided intervention. The intervention should now be transferred to an internet-based platform and implementation studies performed. Interventions for younger patients should be developed and trialled. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN88318003. This project was primarily funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 53. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Additional financial support was received from Comprehensive Local Research Networks.

Evaluation of two different respiratory physiotherapy methods after thoracoscopy with regard to arterial blood gas, respiratory function test, number of days until discharge, cost analysis, comfort and pain control.

Although the methods used in thoracic surgery have been developing rapidly over the last five decades, postoperative pulmonary complications are seen in this field more than in other surgical branches. We aimed at comparing the acute effects of incentive spirometry (IS) and breathing retraining exercises by a respiratory physiotherapist or experienced physiotherapist. Patients were randomized into two groups as spirometry and physiotherapist. Combined respiratory exercises were implemented through IS inspirometry group and by a physiotherapist in physiotherapist group. Blood gas, respiratory function tests, survey results of the Burford pain thermometer, discharge days, and cost analyses of both groups were examined just before the beginning of physiotherapy and on the 3rd day of therapy. There were no statistical difference in first and last values of pH and PCO2and also there were no difference between groups (P > 0.05). Forced expiratory volume one second (FEV1) values are statistically increased compared to basal levels in both groups and mean difference in FEV1values was statistically increased in physiotherapist group compared to spirometry group (P < 0.001). Forced vital capacity (FVC), PO2and SaO2 values are statistically increased compared to basal levels in both groups but mean difference in FVC values was not statistically different between groups (P > 0.05). Cost analysis was not statistically different, mean hospitalization day and mean pain score were statistically decreased in physiotherapist group. Based on the outcome of this study, respiratory physiotherapy methods carried out by a respiratory physiotherapist are more effective in acute cardiothoracic conditions after thoracotomy compared to IS by patients.

Feasibility and Efficacy of an mHealth Game for Managing Anxiety: "Flowy" Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial and Design Evaluation.

Meeting the complex needs of patients with chronic common mental health disorders (CMHDs) may be the greatest challenge facing organized medical practice. On the basis of a well-established and proven theoretical foundation for controlled respiration as a behavioral intervention for CMHDs, as well as preliminary evidence that gamification can improve health outcomes through increasing patient engagement, this randomized controlled pilot study evaluated the feasibility and clinical efficacy of a mobile health game called "Flowy" ( www.flowygame.com ) that digitally delivered breathing retraining exercises for anxiety, panic, and hyperventilation symptom management. We designed an unblinded, Web-based, parallel-group randomized controlled trial focusing on feasibility, clinical efficacy, and design proof of concept. In the intervention condition (n = 31), participants received free access to "Flowy" for 4 weeks. In the control condition (n = 32), participants were placed on a waitlist for 4 weeks before being offered free access to "Flowy." Online measurements using psychological self-report questionnaires were made at 2 and 4 weeks post-baseline. At trial conclusion, participants found "Flowy" acceptable as an anxiety management intervention. "Flowy" engaged participants sufficiently to endorse proactive gameplay. Intent-to-treat analysis revealed a reduction in anxiety, panic, and self-report hyperventilation scores in both trial arms, with the intervention arm experiencing greater quality of life. Participants perceived "Flowy" as a fun and useful intervention, proactively used "Flowy" as part of their care, and would recommend "Flowy" to family and friends. Our results suggest that a digital delivery of breathing retraining exercises through a mobile health game can manage anxiety, panic, and hyperventilation symptoms associated with CMHDs.

Breathing exercises for dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome in children.

Dysfunctional breathing is described as chronic or recurrent changes in breathing pattern causing respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms. It is an umbrella term that encompasses hyperventilation syndrome and vocal cord dysfunction. Dysfunctional breathing affects 10% of the general population. Symptoms include dyspnoea, chest tightness, sighing and chest pain which arise secondary to alterations in respiratory pattern and rate. Little is known about dysfunctional breathing in children. Preliminary data suggest 5.3% or more of children with asthma have dysfunctional breathing and that, unlike in adults, it is associated with poorer asthma control. It is not known what proportion of the general paediatric population is affected. Breathing training is recommended as a first-line treatment for adults with dysfunctional breathing (with or without asthma) but no similar recommendations are available for the management of children. As such, breathing retraining is adapted from adult regimens based on the age and ability of the child. To determine whether breathing retraining in children with dysfunctional breathing has beneficial effects as measured by quality of life indices.To determine whether there are any adverse effects of breathing retraining in young people with dysfunctional breathing. We identified trials for consideration using both electronic and manual search strategies. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE. We searched the National Research Register (NRR) Archive, Health Services Research Projects in Progress (HSRProj), Current Controlled Trials register (incorporating the metaRegister of Controlled Trials and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) to identify research in progress and unpublished research. The latest search was undertaken in October 2013. We planned to include randomised, quasi-randomised or cluster-randomised controlled trials. We excluded observational studies, case studies and studies utilising a cross-over design. The cross-over design was considered inappropriate due to the purported long-lasting effects of breathing retraining. Children up to the age of 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing were eligible for inclusion. We planned to include children with a primary diagnosis of asthma with the intention of undertaking a subgroup analysis. Children with symptoms secondary to cardiac or metabolic disease were excluded.We considered any type of breathing retraining exercise for inclusion in this review, such as breathing control, diaphragmatic breathing, yoga breathing, Buteyko breathing, biofeedback-guided breathing modification and yawn/sigh suppression. We considered programmes where exercises were either supervised (by parents or a health professional, or both) or unsupervised. We also considered relaxation techniques and acute episode management as long as it was clear that breathing exercises were a component of the intervention.Any intervention without breathing exercises or where breathing exercises were not key to the intervention were excluded. We planned that two authors (NJB and MJ) would extract data independently using a standardised form. Any discrepancies would be resolved by consensus. Where agreement could not be reached a third review author (MLE) would have considered the paper. We identified 264 potential trials and reviews from the search. Following removal of duplicates, we screened 224 papers based on title and abstract. We retrieved six full-text papers and further evaluated them but they did not meet the inclusion criteria. There were, therefore, no studies suitable for inclusion in this review. The results of this systematic review cannot inform clinical practice as no suitable trials were identified for inclusion. Therefore, it is currently unknown whether these interventions offer any added value in this patient group or whether specific types of breathing exercise demonstrate superiority over others. Given that breathing exercises are frequently used to treat dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome, there is an urgent need for well-designed clinical trials in this area. Future trials should conform to the CONSORT statement for standards of reporting and use validated outcome measures. Trial reports should also ensure full disclosure of data for all important clinical outcomes.