Role of active cycle of breathing technique for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A pragmatic, randomized clinical trial

Background: While active cycle of breathing technique for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with more sputum can improve clinic outcomes, less is known about sputum viscosity and sputum production of the intervention. Objective: The purpose of our study was to explore the effect of active cycle of breathing technique on sputum viscosity and production among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: This was a two-arms, parallel, randomized clinical trial. Setting: Study enrollment, randomization and implementation were conducted in the department of respiratory medicine inpatient at the Medical Center in Changchun, China. Participants: Hospitalized patients due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who met additional eligibility criteria were randomized to active cycle of breathing technique ( n = 50) or usual care group ( n = 50). Methods: Patients in the intervention group received a week-long intervention from an experienced physical therapist. Patients in the usual care group received usual care as well as information and advice in the light of their health plan from respiratory medicine. The primary outcome was the changes on sputum viscosity and production. Results: Among one hundred patients who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 54.89 [12.06] years; females, 58%), ninety-six participants completed the study. No significant differences were found between two groups on the changes of sputum viscosity ( t = 0.277, P = 0.782). And there were insignificant differences between groups in the average amount of sputum among 1 h ( Z =-1.848, P = 0.065) and significant differences in the average amount of sputum among 24 h ( Z =-2.236, P = 0.025). From admission to one week recovery, the changes in ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity ( Z =-4.511, P < 0.0 0 01) and arterial oxygen saturation ( Z =-2.997, P = 0.003) were better in active cycle breathing technique group. Total Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test scale were similar among two groups ( Z =-1.818, P = 0.069). No adverse events occurred during the study. Conclusion: For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, active cycle of breathing technique can significantly result in sputum production and respiratory function, especially those of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease classification level 3, but did not result in the short-term improvement of sputum viscosity, quality of life and cost effectiveness. Registration number: ChiCTR20 0 0 033068. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate the effect of active cycle of breathing technique on sputum viscosity and production among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The results showed significant improvements in respiratory function and sputum production with the intervention.