Double blind randomised controlled trial of two different breathing techniques in the management of asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies have shown that breathing techniques reduce short acting beta(2) agonist use and improve quality of life (QoL) in asthma. The primary aim of this double blind study was to compare the effects of breathing exercises focusing on shallow nasal breathing with those of non-specific upper body exercises on asthma symptoms, QoL, other measures of disease control, and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose. This study also assessed the effect of peak flow monitoring on outcomes in patients using breathing techniques.

Methods

After a 2 week run in period, 57 subjects were randomised to one of two breathing techniques learned from instructional videos. During the following 30 weeks subjects practised their exercises twice daily and as needed for relief of sympto

SUBMITTER: Slader CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2104698 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature