Effects of Breathing Exercises with and Without Inspiratory Muscle Training on Dyspnea, Lung Volumes and Lung Capacities in COPD Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/s5m7jm62Keywords:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Breathing Exercises, Inspiratory Muscle Training, Lung Function, Dyspnea, RehabilitationAbstract
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by progressive airflow limitation and persistent dyspnea. Non-pharmacological interventions such as breathing exercises and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) have emerged as adjunct therapies to improve respiratory function and reduce symptom burden in COPD patients, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objective: To evaluate the comparative effects of structured breathing exercises with and without IMT on dyspnea, lung volumes, and lung capacities in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, involving 46 patients with GOLD stage II–III COPD. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing exercises, while Group B received the same regimen combined with IMT using the BREATHER device. Interventions were administered over 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements, but Group B showed greater gains in FVC (mean difference = 0.43 L, p=0.024), FEV₁ (mean difference = 0.53 L, p=0.006), and dyspnea scores (p=0.002). Conclusion: Combining breathing exercises with IMT yields superior improvements in lung function and dyspnea compared to breathing exercises alone, supporting its inclusion in comprehensive COPD rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Aleeta Ali, Sidra Faisal, Mariyam khalid, Arooj Fahim (Author)
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