Effect of Buteyko Breathing Exercise on Pulmonary Functions Tests and Quality of Life in Asthmatic Elderly Patients

Abstract

Background: Asthma in the elderly is not a rare disorder; health related quality of life (HR-QoL) is negatively impacted by poorly managed asthma and pulmonary function tests. Buteyko breathing exercise can improve lung function or alter bronchial responsiveness, alleviate symptoms of an attack and reduce the need for a bronchodilator. Setting: This study was took place at chest diseases department affiliated to Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt .Subjects: A purposeful selection of 80 elderly patients who were present in the previously described setting who met the inclusion criteria. Tools: Four tools were used in this study; Demographic and Health related Data Structured Interview Schedule, Pulmonary Functions Tests, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and Buteyko Breathing Technique Observational Checklist. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups 3 months after the training program (post 1) regarding FEV1, FCV and FEV1/FCV score (P= 0.004, P= 0.003 & P= 0.005) respectively and 6 months after the training program (post 2)   regarding FEV1, FCV and FEV1/FCV score (P= 0.001, P= 0.001 & P= 0.001) respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant at both 3and 6 months after the training for all dimensions of asthma quality of life. There was a significant positive correlation between total practice score and FEV1/FVC and quality of life. Conclusion: Buteyko breathing exercise can be used safely for elderly patients with asthma. The buteyko breathing exercise implementation had positive effects in improving pulmonary function tests and quality of life among asthmatic elderly patients. Recommendation: Development of different educational programs focusing on integration of buteyko breathing exercise in asthma treatment as a complementary therapy.