Physiotherapy and Dysfunctional Breathing

Phase 3

• Conditions: Hyperventilation
• Interventions: Other: Breathing re-training and musculoskeletal techniques; Other: Breathing re-training

• Registration Number: NCT00895219
• Lead Sponsor: Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust

Brief Summary

Traditionally, the physiotherapy management of people with dysfunctional breathing or hyperventilation syndrome is breathing re-training. There is increasing clinical evidence that structural and functional changes develop in the muscles and connective tissues of the chest wall, abdomen and back when the upper chest accessory pattern of breathing is used over time. When treatment includes breathing techniques only it is difficult for a person with chronic hyperventilation, who has developed muscle and connective tissue changes, to revert to using the normal lower chest diaphragmatic breathing pattern. In clinical practice when the problems which have developed in the musculoskeletal system are addressed, the patient reverts more quickly to the lower chest pattern of breathing but there is as yet little evidence to support this clinical finding.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2007-07
• Status Verified: 2009-04
• Study First Submitted: 2009-05-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2009-05-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2009-05-07
• Study First Posted: 2009-05-08
• Last Update Posted: 2009-05-08
• Primary Completion: 2009-07
• Study Completion: 2009-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing (Nijmegen score of more than 23)

Exclusion Criteria

• active metastatic disease
• osteoporotic disease
• dysfunctional breathing as a consequence of respiratory or cardiac disease

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
2	Breathing re-training and musculoskeletal techniques	Breathing re-training and musculoskeletal physiotherapy techniques
1	Breathing re-training	Breathing re-training

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Nijmegen Questionnaire	0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Six-minute walking test	0, 2, 4, 8, 12 & 26 weeks

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Royal Brompton Hospital; 🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom