Overview
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory condition of airways characterized by recurrent episodes of coughing, respiratory muscle weakness, lung hyperinflation and air trapping which ultimately leads to dyspnea, impaired pulmonary function and reduced quality of life.
Non- pharmacological approaches, particularly breathing retraining techniques, have gained recognition as complementary strategies for optimizing COPD management by improving overall functional status and exercise tolerance in the patients.
Description
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive lung condition which is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that gradually worsens over time.
The alveolar air sacs become damaged, and bronchial tubes narrow due to inflammation and increased mucus production. Theses structural and inflammatory changes significantly impair the airflow, reduce the efficiency of gas exchage and make the breathing dfficult.
Breathing exercises are an important component of non-pharmacological management in patients with COPD.
Among different breathing techniques, coherent breathing and regular paced breathing have been used to promote controlled respiratory patterns and improve breathing efficiency.
A total of 46 participants will be allocated into two groups. Group A will perform Coherent breathing and Group B will perform Regular Paced breathing along with pharmacological management.
The objective of this study is to compare the effects of Coherent Breathing versus Regular Paced Breathing on dyspnea, pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with COPD.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age between 40-75 years.
- Both genders (male and females).
- Diagnosed COPD mild to moderate stage according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification:
Mild: FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted Moderate: FEV1 fall between 50-79%
- Diagnosed with COPD for at least 6 months prior to enrollment in study
- Resting SpO₂ ≥ 90% on room air
Exclusion Criteria:
- Severe and very severe stage of COPD according to GOLD classification
- Patients having acute exacerbation of COPD with in the last 4 weeks
- Hemodnamically unstable patients
- Current smokers (active smoking or individuals using any tobacco product within the 6 months)
- Other sgnificant respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, bronchiectasis, ILD, active tuberculosis)
- Patients unable to follow commands/instructions
- Patients currently participating in any other structured pulmonary rehabilitation or breathing intervention program
