Imposed pursed lips breathing improves pulmonary function tests and breathing pattern in COPD patients

Madeeha Shafiq; Zoya Mehmood; Esha Khan; Asmar Fatima; Iqbal Tariq; Tahir Ramzan

Abstract
Objective: To determine the effects of forced pursed-lips breathing on lung function testing (FEV1, FVC) and breathing pattern at rest and during exercise among Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Methodology: This Randomized Control trial was conducted from July to December 2017 at Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi. Twenty nine patients of both genders with age range of 40 to 65 years and stable COPD were selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Patients with neurological and cardiovascular diseases were excluded from the study. They were randomly allocated into two groups (Control=15, Experimental=15) using toss and trial method. Experimental group performed breathing control and pursed lips breathing at rest then pursed lips breathing during aerobic activity for eight minutes. In control group, patients initially performed breathing control and later on aerobic training for eight minutes. Both groups received three sessions per week for a total of six weeks. The study outcomes included pulmonary function testing and breathing pattern, measured at week 1 and after 6 weeks of intervention.
Results: Out of 29 patients, 22 (79%) were male and 6(21%) were female. Between group comparison showed significant improvement in dyspnea and pulmonary function parameters in experimental group after 6 weeks of aerobic training (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Pursed lips breathing was effective in improving forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume of lung functioning. Breathing pattern is also improved in COPD patients.

Key words: Aerobic training, dyspnea, forced vital capacity, pursed lips breathing.

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