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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Mar;52(2):220-6.
doi: 10.3109/02770903.2014.956890. Epub 2014 Sep 2.

Incentive spirometry combined with expiratory positive airway pressure improves asthma control and quality of life in asthma: a randomised controlled trial

Tatiana Zacarias Rondinel  1 , Isadora Faraco Corrêa, Luíza Machado Hoscheidt, Mirelle Hugo Bueno, Luciano Muller Corrêa Da Silva, Caroline Tozzi Reppold, Pedro Dal Lago
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Incentive spirometry combined with expiratory positive airway pressure improves asthma control and quality of life in asthma: a randomised controlled trial

Tatiana Zacarias Rondinel et al. J Asthma. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: The use of the incentive spirometer (IS) and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) provides several benefits in patients with respiratory disorders. However, the effects of the use of these devices coupled (IS + EPAP) are still unknown in asthmatic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of IS associated with EPAP on exercise tolerance (six-minute walk test - 6MWT), lung function (by spirometry), asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire - ACQ) and quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire - AQLQ) in patients with severe asthma.

Methods: Patients were randomised into two groups: IS + EPAP (n = 8) and control (n = 6). The IS + EPAP group performed breathing exercises at home, twice daily for 20 min, over a period of 5 weeks.

Results: There was no significant difference in spirometric variables and in the distance walked in the 6MWT in both groups. However, the IS + EPAP group showed an improvement in asthma control (p = 0.002) and quality of life (p = 0.02).

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the IS + EPAP protocol, when performed at home, provides an improvement in asthma control and quality of life for patients with severe asthma when evaluated by ACQ and AQLQ, respectively.

Keywords: Breathing exercises; chest physical therapy; functional capacity; positive pressure; pulmonary function.

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