Does removal of deep breathing exercises from a physiotherapy program including pre-operative education and early mobilisation after cardiac surgery alter patient outcomes?

The aim of this study was to establish whether removal of breathing exercises from a regimen including early mobilisation changes the incidence of post-operative pulmonary complications for patients after cardiac surgery. Two hundred and thirty patients undergoing open heart surgery at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, were enrolled in this randomised controlled trial. All patients received physiotherapy treatment pre-operatively and post-operatively for three days. Patients were mobilised as soon as possible after surgery. Breathing group (control) patients performed a set routine of deep breathing exercises at each physiotherapy visit while those in the intervention group did not perform this routine. Other than the breathing exercises, patient management was similar between groups in terms of assessment, positioning and mobility. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, post-operative length of stay, oxyhaemoglobin saturation and pulmonary function were measured pre-operatively and post-operatively. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed for post-operative pulmonary complications and length of stay. Other data were analysed using t-tests, chi square and repeated measures analysis of variance. There were no significant differences between the groups in the primary dependent variables. It is concluded that removal of breathing exercises from the routine physiotherapy management of open heart surgery patients does not significantly alter patient outcome.     

Effectiveness of breathing exercises in preventing pulmonary complications following open heart surgery.

The effectiveness of breathing exercises in preventing pulmonary complications was studied in 40 patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Both high- and low-risk patients in the experimental group received one preoperative teaching session and treatment twice a day for the first four days postextubation. Routine postoperative care was given to all 40 patients. Breathing exercises reduced the incidence of pulmonary complications and the necessity for percutaneous endotracheal catheters in the high-risk group. These results justify the use of breathing exercises with the high-risk open-heart surgical patient.     

Randomised clinical trial of physiotherapy after open abdominal surgery in high risk patients

Postoperative physiotherapy has been shown to reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications after open abdominal surgery. This study aimed to determine if the addition of deep breathing exercises and secretion clearing techniques to a standardised physiotherapist-directed program of early mobilisation improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing open abdominal surgery. Fifty-six patients undergoing open abdominal surgery, at high risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications, were randomised before operation to an early mobilisation-only group or an early mobilisation-plus-deep breathing and coughing group. Mobility duration, frequency and intensity of breathing interventions were quantified for both groups. All outcomes were assessed by a blinded outcomes researcher using a standardised outcomes measurement tool developed specifically for this population. Outcomes included incidence of clinically significant postoperative pulmonary complications, fever, length of stay, and restoration of mobility. There were no significant differences between groups in mean age, anaesthetic time, perioperative morbidity, or postoperative mobility. Outcome data were available for 89% of enrolled subjects. Overall incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was 16%. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the non-deep breathing and coughing group was 14%, and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the deep breathing and coughing group was 17%, (absolute risk reduction -3%, 95% C1 -22 to 19%). There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of fever, physiotherapist time, or the number of treatments. This study suggests that, in this clinical setting, the addition of deep breathing and coughing exercises to a physiotherapist-directed program of early mobilisation does not significantly reduce the incidence of clinically significant postoperative pulmonary complications in high risk open abdominal surgery subjects.     

Physiotherapy for patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery: limited uptake of evidence into practice

The efficacy of physiotherapy techniques used for patients following uncomplicated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is well documented. Previous research showed that some of this evidence was not rapidly adopted into practice by cardiothoracic physiotherapists; however, there has been no recent evaluation of the uptake of evidence. Our aim was to identify current physiotherapy interventions in use for patients following uncomplicated CABG surgery. A survey was sent to senior cardiothoracic physiotherapists from all Australian and New Zealand hospitals that perform CABG surgery. Fifty-four surveys were returned (response rate 88%). The most common treatments used were mobilisation (94% of hospitals), range of motion exercises (79%), deep breathing and/or cough (77%), cardiovascular exercise (42%), and incentive spirometry (40%). Respondents with a bachelor or diploma in physiotherapy were more likely to implement deep breathing exercises or coughing than those who obtained a postgraduate degree (p?=?0.045). Respondents perceived personal experience as the most influential factor on postoperative treatment choices. Physiotherapists treating patients following uncomplicated CABG surgery continue to use interventions such as deep breathing exercises that are not supported by best available evidence. Standardised guidelines may be required to better match clinical practice with current literature.     

The effect of breathing exercises with body positioning on regional lung ventilation

This review discusses the distribution of ventilation in the normal adult lung and includes the influence of quiet and deep breathing on regional ventilation. The effects of breathing at low lung volumes; inspiratory flow rate; posture; age; and body weight on ventilation are also described. A selection of breathing exercises are examined with regard to their ability to influence regional ventilation. There is no evidence that breathing control (diaphragmatic breathing exercises) improves regional ventilation to the dependent zones of the lungs. Limited evidence does suggest that thoracic expansion exercises, whereby respiratory muscles are voluntarily contracted to alter regional chest wall expansion, can improve underlying ventilation. However, there remains a paucity of evidence regarding the effects of breathing exercises on regional ventilation.     

Physiotherapy for patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery: Limited uptake of evidence into practice

The efficacy of physiotherapy techniques used for patients following uncomplicated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is well documented. Previous research showed that some of this evidence was not rapidly adopted into practice by cardiothoracic physiotherapists; however, there has been no recent evaluation of the uptake of evidence. Our aim was to identify current physiotherapy interventions in use for patients following uncomplicated CABG surgery. A survey was sent to senior cardiothoracic physiotherapists from all Australian and New Zealand hospitals that perform CABG surgery. Fifty-four surveys were returned (response rate 88%). The most common treatments used were mobilisation (94% of hospitals), range of motion exercises (79%), deep breathing and/or cough (77%), cardiovascular exercise (42%), and incentive spirometry (40%). Respondents with a bachelor or diploma in physiotherapy were more likely to implement deep breathing exercises or coughing than those who obtained a postgraduate degree (p?=?0.045). Respondents perceived personal experience as the most influential factor on postoperative treatment choices. Physiotherapists treating patients following uncomplicated CABG surgery continue to use interventions such as deep breathing exercises that are not supported by best available evidence. Standardised guidelines may be required to better match clinical practice with current literature.     

The Effects of Deep Abdominal Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Respiratory Function and Lumbar Stability

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises on respiratory function and lumbar stability. [Subjects] From among 120 male and female students, 22 whose thoraxes opened no more than 5 cm during inspiration and expiration and whose forced expiratory flow rates were around 300 m/L were recruited. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group of eleven, who performed deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises, and a control group of eleven, who received no particular intervention. [Methods] The subjects were instructed to perform normal breathing in the hook-lying position. They were then directed to hold their breath for ten seconds at the end of inspiration. Ten repetitions of this breathing comprised a set of respiratory training, and a total of five sets were performed by the subjects. [Results] Deep abdominal muscle training was effective at enhancing respiratory function and lumbar stabilization. [Conclusion] The clinical application of deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises along with lumbar stabilization exercises should be effective for lower back pain patients in need of lumbar stabilization.     

食管癌患者术后应用不同呼吸锻炼方法的效果分析

目的探讨不同呼吸锻炼方法对食管癌患者术后康复的影响,以选择最佳的呼吸锻炼方法。方法便利抽样选择食管癌术后患者90例,根据手术时间顺序分为3组,每组各30例。对照组采用常规呼吸锻炼,干预组A采用常规呼吸锻炼＋缩唇呼吸锻炼,干预组B采用常规呼吸锻炼＋吹气球锻炼。比较3组患者术后胸腔积液引流量,术后恢复情况及术后肺部并发症发生情况。结果干预组A与对照组比较,仅首次肛门排气时间缩短,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;干预组B与对照组相比较,胸腔引流管达到拔管指征的时间、首次肛门排气时间和住院时间均缩短,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0．05）;3组患者术后肺部并发症情况比较差异无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。干预组A与干预组B比较,在住院时间方面差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论食管癌患者术后采用吹气球锻炼,可促进患者康复,效果明显,且操作方便易于开展推广。在呼吸锻炼的同时,护理人员应重视并加强患者的气道清除能力,以降低肺部并发症的发生率。     

Effects of Preoperative Breathing Exercise on Postoperative Outcomes for Patients With Lung Cancer Undergoing Curative Intent Lung Resection: A Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the benefits of preoperative breathing exercises on hospital length of stay (LOS), pneumonia, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients undergoing surgical lung cancer resection.Data SourcesPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were comprehensively searched from inception to March 2021.Study SelectionOnly studies including preoperative inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and/or breathing exercises compared with a nontraining control group were included. The meta-analysis was done using Cochrane software for multiple variables including LOS, pneumonia, PPC, 6MWD, FEV₁, mortality, and HRQOL.Data ExtractionTwo authors extracted the data of the selected studies. The primary outcomes were LOS and PPC.Data SynthesisA total of 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis, 8 of which had both IMT and aerobic exercise. Pooled data for patients who performed preoperative breathing exercises, compared with controls, demonstrated a decrease in LOS with a pooled mean difference of –3.44 days (95% confidence interval [CI], –4.14 to –2.75; P<.01). Subgroup analysis also demonstrated that LOS was further reduced when breathing exercises were combined with aerobic exercise (χ², 4.85; P=.03). Preoperative breathing exercises reduce pneumonia and PPCs with an odds ratio of 0.37 (95% CI, 0.18-0.75; P<.01) and 0.37 (95% CI, 0.21-0.65; P<.01), respectively. An increase in 6MWD of 20.2 meters was noted in those performing breathing exercises (95% CI, 9.12-31.21; P<.01). No significant differences were noted in FEV₁, mortality, or HRQOL.ConclusionsPreoperative breathing exercises reduced LOS, PPC, and pneumonia and potentially improved 6MWD in patients undergoing surgical lung cancer resection. Breathing exercises in combination with aerobic exercise yielded greater reductions in LOS. Randomized controlled trials are needed to test the feasibility of introducing a preoperative breathing exercise program in this patient population.     

缩唇腹式呼吸预防骨科术后并发症的效果观察

目的：探讨缩唇腹式呼吸对骨科术后病人并发症的预防效果。方法：选择骨科手术病人202例,随机分为观察组102例和对照组100例,观察组术前实施缩唇腹式呼吸训练,术后每天坚持缩唇腹式呼吸锻炼;对照组实施常规护理。结果：观察组肺部感染、便秘的发生率均明显低于对照组。结论：缩唇腹式呼吸锻炼可有效预防骨科术后病人并发症的发生。     

应用皮格马利翁效应提高慢性阻塞性肺病患者呼吸功能锻炼的依从性

目的探讨应用皮格马利翁效应提高慢性阻塞性肺病患者呼吸功能锻炼的依从性效果。方法将105例慢性阻塞性肺病患者按住院号尾数奇数、偶数分组，观察组46例，对照组59例；对照组给予常规呼吸功能锻炼指导，观察组应用皮格马利翁效应实施呼吸功能锻炼指导；观察两组住院期间平均每次锻炼时间、锻炼时每分钟呼吸次数及出院1月时呼吸功能锻炼坚持率。结果观察组每次锻炼平均时间较对照组长、锻炼时每分钟呼吸次数较对照组少、出院1月时呼吸功能锻炼坚持率较对照组高，差异比较有统计学意义。结论应用皮格马利翁效应能提高慢性阻塞性肺病患者呼吸功能锻炼的依从性。     

情景互动式呼吸操在慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者中的应用研究

目的观察情景互动式呼吸操在慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者中的应用效果。方法自创呼吸操与健身操融为一体的情景互动式呼吸操。将50例慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者按入院时间分为对照组25例和观察组25例。在常规治疗基础上,对照组行传统呼吸操训练,观察组行情景互动式呼吸操训练。在干预前及干预3月后,用慢性阻塞性肺疾病评估测试问卷(中文版)对两组患者进行测评并检测肺功能,干预3月后统计两组患者呼吸训练依从性。结果干预后慢性阻塞性肺疾病评估测试(中文版)评分观察组(11.88±4.07)分、对照组(15.60±4.50)分,t=3.067,P=0.004;肺功能测定观察组优于对照组;呼吸训练依从率观察组84%、对照组24%,x2=18.116,P<0.01。结论行情景互动式呼吸操有利于提高慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者的呼吸训练依从性,从而改善肺功能,提高患者生活质量。     

重度脊柱侧弯患者围术期呼吸道护理

目的探讨重度脊柱侧弯患者围手术期呼吸道护理要点。方法对26例重度脊柱侧弯患者实施矫形手术,术前指导患者进行呼吸功能训练,术后给予呼吸道管理,保持呼吸道通畅,有效疼痛管理及加强呼吸道并发症观察和护理。结果呼吸训练前后患者用力肺活量（forced vital capacity, FVC）平均为45．9％与52．1％,第1S用力呼气容积（forced expiratory volum in one second,FEV1）平均为43．8％与48．8％;肺功能有改善患者18例,占69．2％;术后10d内2例患者发生血、气胸,3例患者发生轻、中度胸腔积液,经有效治疗和护理均能安全渡过围手术期。结论围手术期系统、有效的呼吸功能训练以及呼吸道管理能改善患者肺功能,提高手术安全性及减少术后肺部并发症的发生,促进患者早期康复。     

Yoga and breathing

Many breathing exercises originating within the yoga tradition have broad value for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes. They are generally based on sound physiological principles, and though designed for more esoteric goals, can serve well for promoting relaxation, optimal lung function, emotional balance and self-regulation of various kinds. Fundamental principles of yogic breathing are discussed (diaphragmatic breathing, nasal vs mouth breathing, slow exhalation with pauses, smoothness and steadiness, self-observation of breathing). Four basic exercises are described: three-part complete breath, alternate-nostril breathing, post-exhale pause, and ‘skull shining’.     

Use of a simple relaxation technique in burn care: literature review

Aim. This paper presents a literature review examining the implications of previous research in order to make evidence‐based decisions about the possible use of breathing exercises with adult patients with burns for pain management during wound care. Background. Adult patients with burns experience pain during wound care despite pharmacological interventions. Additional interventions are needed to improve the effectiveness of pain management. Relaxation techniques can be considered, for example breathing exercises, music and distraction. A simple breathing relaxation technique is especially relevant because it involves no risk, is easy and quick to learn, equipment does not need to be purchased and it can be employed immediately by the often exhausted and ill patient. However, the effect of breathing exercises on procedural pain during burn wound care has not been investigated. Method. The CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched in 2004 in order to answer two questions: are breathing exercises effective in the management of procedural pain in adult burn patients, and what are the implications of previous investigations for future research concerning pain reduction in adult patients with burns during wound care? Eleven papers were included in the review. Findings. The effect of breathing exercises for pain management in patients with burns has not been investigated. Prior to undertaking an effect study, additional basic research is needed. The number of sessions necessary to learn to use the technique should be clarified. A valid and reliable instrument to assess relaxation must be developed. The adequacy of the proposed data collection procedure needs to be assessed. Conclusion. It is not possible at this time to base decisions about the use of breathing exercises during wound care in adult patients with burns on research specific to the procedure and patient group. The most suitable relaxation technique for future investigation is concentration on breathing, in combination with jaw relaxation.     

呼吸操锻炼对小儿脊柱侧弯术前肺功能的影响

背景小儿脊柱侧弯患者术后易发生急性呼吸功能不全的危险,术前进行综合呼吸操锻炼对其预防的效果尚未确定.目的探讨呼吸操锻炼对小儿脊柱侧弯患者术前应用的可行性和有效性.设计非随机横断面研究.地点、对象和方法选择上海长海医院对35例脊柱侧弯且肺功能障碍9～15岁住院患儿.术前1周对脊柱侧弯患儿实施组合的呼吸操训练,其内容包括缩唇呼吸、腹部运动呼吸、膈肌呼吸、吹气球.同时记录观察比较锻炼前后肺功能的变化.主要观察指标呼吸操锻炼前后患儿肺活量、肺容量、用力肺活量(forced ventilation capacity,FVC)、最大通气量(maximal ventilation volume,MVV)的变化.结果锻炼后患儿肺功能检查各项指标[肺活量,肺容量,FVC,MVV分别为(2.65±0.29),(3.56±0.79),(2.41±0.41),(70.1±17.0)L]比锻炼前[(1.77±0.36),(2.67±0.84),(2.07±0.46),(52.5±14.0)L]明显改善(t=3.64～11.28.P<0.01).结论术前进行呼吸操锻炼能改善患儿肺功能,提高对脊柱矫形手术的耐受力,对预防和减少术后呼吸功能不全的发生有积极作用.     

Breathing exercises: influence on breathing patterns and thoracoabdominal motion in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND:

The mechanisms underlying breathing exercises have not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the impact of four on breathing exercises (diaphragmatic breathing, inspiratory sighs, sustained maximal inspiration and intercostal exercise) the on breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal motion in healthy subjects.

METHOD:

Fifteen subjects of both sexes, aged 23±1.5 years old and with normal pulmonary function tests, participated in the study. The subjects were evaluated using the optoelectronic plethysmography system in a supine position with a trunk inclination of 45° during quiet breathing and the breathing exercises. The order of the breathing exercises was randomized. Statistical analysis was performed by the Friedman test and an ANOVA for repeated measures with one factor (breathing exercises), followed by preplanned contrasts and Bonferroni correction. A p<0.005 value was considered significant.

RESULTS:

All breathing exercises significantly increased the tidal volume of the chest wall (V_cw) and reduced the respiratory rate (RR) in comparison to quiet breathing. The diaphragmatic breathing exercise was responsible for the lowest V_cw, the lowest contribution of the rib cage, and the highest contribution of the abdomen. The sustained maximal inspiration exercise promoted greater reduction in RR compared to the diaphragmatic and intercostal exercises. Inspiratory sighs and intercostal exercises were responsible for the highest values of minute ventilation. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony variables increased significantly during diaphragmatic breathing.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results showed that the breathing exercises investigated in this study produced modifications in the breathing pattern (e.g., increase in tidal volume and decrease in RR) as well as in thoracoabdominal motion (e.g., increase in abdominal contribution during diaphragmatic breathing), among others.     

Neurologic complications of sit-ups associated with the Valsalva maneuver: 2 case reports

We present 2 cases of potentially catastrophic neurologic consequences occurring in healthy individuals engaged in sit-up exercises. Two young healthy men were engaged in sit-ups when one developed a stroke and the other developed a spinal epidural hematoma. The Valsalva maneuver involved in the sit-up exercise can produce supraphysiologic increases in blood pressure, which can lead to vascular injury and serious neurologic consequences. Proper breathing should be encouraged and patients with known predisposing factors should avoid such exercises. Prompt recognition of neurologic signs and symptoms during exercise can be life saving. This is the first report of the neurologic complications of sit-ups.     

慢阻肺呼吸体操对老年慢阻肺患者肺功能及康复护理效果的影响分析

目的探讨和分析慢阻肺呼吸体操锻炼对老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者肺功能康复及生存质量的影响。方法本院呼吸科2018年1月至2021年4月收治64例65岁以上的肺功能中度稳定期老年慢阻肺患者,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组32例。住院期间,对照组给予呼吸科常规护理及呼吸体操锻炼口头指导,观察组在对照组基础上每天带领患者进行慢阻肺呼吸体操锻炼1h,出院后通过微信跟踪管理。对比两组出院前及出院后24周的呼吸功能锻炼依从性、肺功能(监测指标包括FEV1、FVC及MEF)及生活质量(WHOQOL-BREF)。结果两组出院前的肺功能FEV1、FVC、MEF系列指标水平及生存质量比较无明显差异(P>0.05),但两组的呼吸体操锻炼依从率在出院前后均差异明显(P<0.05);出院后24周,观察组呼吸功能锻炼依从率、FEV1、FVC、MEF指标水平及WHOQOL-BREF各维度评分和总分均显著高于对照组(P<0.001)。结论通过对老年慢阻肺患者住院期间慢阻肺呼吸体操的指导干预,以及出院后微信跟踪管理,能明显提高患者呼吸功能锻炼的依从性,显著改善其肺功能及生活质量。