Effects of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques on quality of life in patients with Chronic Bronchitis

Abstract

Background: In patients with a range of respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis, active cycle of breathing techniques which includes cycle of breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises and forced expiratory technique (FET), appears to have beneficial effects. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of active cycle of breathing techniques with conventional medicine among chronic bronchitis patients. Methods: A quasi-interventional study was conducted in a physiotherapy department of 600 bedded Ibn-e-Siena Hospital of Multan, from August 2020 to July 2021 with 26 patients in the experimental group who followed the pharmacological and active cycle breathing techniques treatment while the 26 patients in control group patients received the basic routine pharmacological treatment only. Patients were assessed through the help of the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) from baseline to 3 months in both groups. Results: Baseline treatment showed mean SGRQ total score was 26.53±27.39 in the control group and 20.0±20.27 (p<0.33) in the experimental group. Assessment after 3 months showed mean SGRQ total score was 14.50±12.26 in control group and 8.11±10.32 (p<0.04) in experimental group. Conclusion: Active cycle of breathing techniques was more effective with conventional medicine among chronic bronchitis patients in comparison with patients with medicine alone. Significant differences was observed in symptoms, activity, impact, and total SGRQ scores of the experimental group.