Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal
  • Year: 2016
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue: 1

Immediate Effect of Pursed-lip Breathing while Walking During Six Minute Walk Test on Six Minute Walk Distance in Young Individuals

1M.P. Th., Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, School and Centre, Seth G.S.M.C and K.E.M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai

2Associate Professor, School and Centre, Seth G.S.M.C and K.E.M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai

3Prof. & Head PT, School and Centre, Seth G.S.M.C and K.E.M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai

*Corresponding Author: Miss. Shweta J Damle M.P. Th. in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, PT School and Centre, Seth G.S.M.C and K.E.M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. Add: Flat no. 403, 7C Phase-3, Kalpataru Estate, Pimple Gurav, Pune, Pin-441106 E-mail ID: ssjd17@gmail.com Contact no.: 9967093245

Online published on 14 December, 2015.

Abstract

Dynamic hyperinflation is known to occur in the course of even submaximal level of physical performance which may be the limiting factor for that activity. PLB is known to reduce this dynamic hyperinflation and thereby improve performance in COPD. The study was conducted to answer the research question of whether PLB would affect submaximal performance in normal individuals as well.

To study the immediate effect of pursed lip breathing while walking during six minute walk test (6MWT) on six minute walk distance (6MWD) in young individuals.

6MWT was performed according to ATS guidelines. Participants were randomly divided into two groups using computer generated random number table. One of the two groups performed 6MWT with PLB on first day and then without PLB on next day and remaining group performed 6MWT by reversing the order of performing 6MWT.

Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test as data was not distributed normally

The mean 6MWD while walking with PLB was 652m as compared to 6MWD without PLB which was only 620m i.e. the mean 6MWD improved by 32m with PLB.

Pursed lips breathing is shown to have beneficial effect as seen with improved 6MWD hence it can be used as an ergogenic aid or as an energy conserving technique in normal individuals as well.

Keywords

used Pursed lip breathing, PLB, Dynamic hyperinflation, six minute walk test, Pursed lip breathing, dynamic hyperinflation