Pulmonary physiotherapy in patients with bronchial asthma

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition requiring effective management strategies.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise, is a key component of asthma care.
• Breathing exercises are explored for their potential benefits in asthma patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-month breathing exercise program on spirometric indices in mild-to-moderate asthma patients.
• To assess changes in lung function parameters before and after exercise sessions throughout the program.
• To determine the safety and impact of the program on asthma exacerbations.

Main Methods:

• A group of 28 asthma patients (mean age 43) participated in a physiotherapy program.
• The program involved 45-minute exercise sessions twice weekly for 3 months.
• Spirometric indices including FEV1, FVC, PEF, and MEF50 were measured pre- and post-session at baseline and program completion.

Main Results:

• No significant improvements in spirometric indices were observed before and after exercise sessions.
• A significant decrease in Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) post-exercise at program start lost significance by program end.
• PEF values were higher at program completion compared to baseline, both pre- and post-exercise.

Conclusions:

• The breathing exercise program did not significantly enhance lung function in asthma patients.
• The program demonstrated safety, with no asthma exacerbations reported.
• Findings underscore the continued need for pulmonary rehabilitation in comprehensive asthma management.