EVIDENCE ON BREATHING EXERCISES

When exercise is used in addition to an airway

clearance technique there is enhanced secretion
removal and an overall benefit to the patient.1
Deep breathing exercises after CABG surgery
had significantly smaller atelectatic areas and
better pulmonary function.2
Patients with emphysema showed slight but not
significant improvement in lung function after a
course of breathing exercises. All showed
marked improvement in maximum diaphragm
excursion.3
Incentive spirometery should not be used
following cardiac or abdominal surgery.4

No conclusion was drawn concerning the use of

breathing exercises for asthma in clinical
practice.5

Refereces:
1.Mcllwaine M. Chest physical therapy, breathing
technique & exercise in children with cystic
fibrosis. Pediatric respiratory reviews 2007; 8:816
2.Westerdahl E, Eriksson T Deep breathing
exercises reduce atelectasis and improve
pulmonary function after coronary artery bypass
surgery. CHEST 2005; 128:3482-3488
3.Sinclair J D The effect of breathing exercises in
pulmonary emphysema. Thorax 1955; 10:246249
4.Tom T Overend et.al. The effect of Incentive
spirometer on post operative pulmonary
complications. CHEST 2001; 120:971-978
5. Hollaway EA et.al. Breathing exercises for
asthma. Cochraine review 2004
The above articles implies that there is only mild
effect of breathing exercises in pulmonary disorders.