The effects of positioning and pursed-lip breathing exercise on dyspnea and anxiety status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background and objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a significant burden for health. It is one of the most common respiratory disease and leads to limitation of airflow as well as deteriorating health status. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of positioning and pursed lip breathing exercise on dyspnea and anxiety status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods: The study was carried in the outpatient clinics in Mansoura University Hospital & Chest Hospital at Mansoura region, utilizing a quasi-experimental study design on sixty patients diagnosed COPD. Participation was randomized into both groups (study group and control group). Pretest, posttest and follow-up evaluation was done using Dyspnea Assessment Scale, Anxiety Assessment Scale and Demographic and Medical History Questionnaires (MHQ). The researcher established exercise program aimed at effecting dyspnea and anxiety in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to help improve breathing and control anxiety. The research was accomplished over four steps namely assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Each patient was evaluated at baseline, immediately and three months after implementation of program.

Results: There were statistically significant improvements after intervention of program on dyspnea symptoms and anxiety status at post and follow-up test (p < .05). There was a statistically significant improvement in temperature (T), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and respiratory rate (RR) throughout study (p < .05) after intervention. Also there are positive relation between anxiety and dyspnea after intervention.

Conclusions: Developing breathing technique and forward leaning position in COPD patients help to improve physiological outcomes, dyspnea symptoms and anxiety status after implementing of program. It is recommended to implement exercise training program as a part of treatment by health professionals in the clinical setting.