Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Pursed-Lip Breathing Education in Copd Patients

Breathing rehabilitation techniques are designed to reduce symptoms, decrease disability, increase participation in physical and social activities, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with chronic respiratory disease. However, the role of these techniques remains unclear. This study examined the effects of pursed-lip breathing (PLB) education on the respiratory function, arterial blood gases and day to day life in patients with COPD.

A before-after quasi-experimental research was conducted on 40 patients with COPD at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan. Spirogram and ABG were tested before and after three-months of PLB exercise and a questionnaire (AQ20) was used to assess day to day activities. Wilcoxon matched- pairs signed-rank and descriptive tests were used for statistical analysis of collected data.

The study showed that after three months breathing exercise, O2 saturation was significantly increased (P=0.002). Although there was an increase in PaO2 , it was not significant. In addition, a decrease in PaCO2 (P=0.014) and the respiration rate (P < 0.000) was observed. The level of activities of daily living was also increased (P < 0.000). Forced expired volume second one (FEV1%) and forced vital capacity (FVC) did not change.

We conclude that pursed-lip breathing education can improve lung function, arterial blood gas levels and also the levels of day to day activities. Therefore, breathing exercises education should be a part of physiotherapy programs in COPD patients until improvement in the quality of their life.