Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2025
Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Unlocking the power of gamification: Video game-based breathing vs. conventional breathing exercises on pulmonary and
Hikmet Ucgun1, Buket Akinci2, Sena Teber3
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Objective:
The benefits of incorporating breathing exercises as an adjunct to medical treatment in the management of asthma are well established. Video game-based interventions are notable for the additional advantages they offer to children with chronic respiratory diseases; however, research specifically focusing on children with asthma remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effects of video game-based breathing exercises and conventional breathing exercises on pulmonary and extrapulmonary features in children with asthma.
Methods:
Thirty-four children with asthma aged 8-18 years were randomly divided into gamification group (GG) and control group (CG). The GG performed video game-based breathing exercises and the CG performed conventional breathing exercises 5 days a week for 8 wk. Pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, asthma control, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 8 wk of training.
Results:
Pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and total and physical dimensions of both fatigue and quality of life improved in both GG and CG; however, the improvement in the GG was greater. Significant changes in inspiratory capacity and improvement in dynamic hyperinflation were found only in the GG. Both methods were insufficient in improving dyspnea and asthma control.
Conclusion:
While breathing exercises are beneficial for children with asthma in improving pulmonary and extrapulmonary features, the video game-based method may provide further improvements. More importantly, the video game-based method is superior to the conventional method as it is also successful in improving dynamic hyperinflation.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement: