A clinical study on effect of breathing exercises on bronchial asthma: A controlled trial

Background: The effects of breathing exercises on bronchial asthma have been studied to find out its role on various parameters like pulmonary function tests, Peak expiratory flow rate, exacerbations of asthma, on medication use and quality of life questionnaires. Asthma is a common disorder of the airways that involves a complex interaction of airflow obstruction, bronchial hyper responsiveness and airway inflammation. Objectives: This study was conducted to record the effectiveness of breathing exercises on 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Breath Holding Time (BHT). Methods: Physiotherapy breathing exercises comprising of diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing were taught to the subjects with chronic asthma. After a baseline assessment, 55 subjects were enrolled into the study; they were taught the breathing exercises thrice a week at the hospital and were asked to come for follow up at the end of six weeks. The control group consisted of 35 subjects who were matched for age, gender and duration of asthma. Results: A significant improvement in the 6 MWT and BHT was recorded in the breathing exercise group compared to the control group. Interpretation and conclusion: Breathing exercises have been recorded to have beneficial effect on asthma. In this study we have reported that breathing exercises improve six minute walk distance and breath holding time in asthmatics when compared to controls.