Combined Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing with Subtle Touch Technique in Asthmatic Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i1.1701Keywords:
Asthma management, diaphragmatic breathing, pulmonary function, quality of life, spirometry and subtle touch techniqueAbstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder affecting pulmonary function and quality of life. While pharmacological treatments remain the primary management approach, non-pharmacological interventions such as diaphragmatic breathing and subtle touch techniques have shown potential in improving respiratory function and reducing symptom severity. However, limited research exists on their combined effectiveness in asthma patients. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing combined with the subtle touch technique (DSTB) versus the subtle touch technique alone (STB) in improving pulmonary function, symptom severity, and quality of life in asthma patients. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 40 participants aged 40-65 years, diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma. Participants were randomly allocated into Group A (DSTB) or Group B (STB) and received their respective interventions for 6 weeks, 2 sessions per week. Outcome measures included the Asthma Control and Severity Assessment Tool, Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS), Modified Dyspnea Scale, SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, and spirometry (FEV1, FVC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25, employing t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Post-intervention, Group A showed significant improvements in FEV1 (p = 0.022) and FVC (p < 0.001). Quality of life scores significantly improved in Group A (76.06 ± 4.50) compared to Group B (83.10 ± 5.76, p = 0.000). Symptom severity scores decreased significantly in Group A (69.56 ± 10.92 vs. 79.14 ± 13.16, p = 0.009). Physical activity levels and six-minute walk distance also improved more significantly in Group A than Group B (p = 0.002, p = 0.000, respectively). Conclusion: Diaphragmatic breathing combined with the subtle touch technique significantly improves pulmonary function, reduces symptom severity, and enhances quality of life in asthma patients, supporting its role as an effective non-pharmacological adjunct to conventional asthma treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Iqbal, Amina Saeed, Makhdom Muhammad Hamza, Mubashra Tariq, Dure Shawar, Madiha Younus, Sidra Faisal
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