Clinical Trial: Physiotherapy and Dysfunctional Breathing

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: A Comparison of the Effects of Respiratory Physiotherapy Alone and Respiratory Physiotherapy Combined With Musculoskeletal Techniques in the Management of Dysfunctional Breathing

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 Summary:
Sponsor: Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust

Current Primary Outcome: Nijmegen Questionnaire [ Time Frame: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Six-minute walking test [ Time Frame: 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 & 26 weeks ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust

Dates:
Date Received: May 7, 2009
Date Started: July 2007
Date Completion: December 2009
Last Updated: May 7, 2009
Last Verified: April 2009