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Research: ESTEVE and colleagues, Un
Listed in Issue 23
Abstract
ESTEVE and colleagues, Unite IRM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, France studied the effects of a particular breathing pattern training (BPT) upon forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Background
Methodology
Patients adjusted each breath to a target breath, chosen in an individual sample recorded at rest, displayed on a video screen using visual feedback. In a randomised controlled study, 20 patients with stable COPD, FEV1 less than 1.5 litres undergoing a traditional rehabilitation programme were randomly assigned either to the BPT or the control group. The BPT people underwent 30-35 training sessions over 4 weeks, in addition to the traditional programme. FEV1 and FVC were measured prior to and following this programme.
Results
In BPT patients, FEV1 and FVC improved significantly, with a mean percent increase of 22% and 19% respectively. Changes in the controls were not significant.
Conclusion
These results showed short-term increases in FEV1 and FVC in COPD patients practising BPT in addition to respiratory rehabilitation. Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms and duration of this effect.
References
Esteve F et al. The effects of breathing pattern training on ventilatory function in patients with COPD. Biofeedback Self Regul 21(4): 311-21. Dec 1996.
