The Breath project (Project Number: 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000089283) has been Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the entity providing the grant can be held responsible for them.
Institution
Escola Superior de Saúde Atlântica (EIA, SA)
Institution Typology
University
Country
Portugal
Description
This technique combines breathing control, chest expansion exercises and forced expiratory techniques (FET). Respiratory control consists of breathing with a relaxed tidal volume, using diaphragmatic control, while chest expansion exercises focus on active inspiration to increase lung volumes. For every one or more cycles of breathing control and chest expansion exercises, a set of one or two forced expiration techniques should be performed, followed by breathing control.
Innovation
Forced exhalations with low and medium lung volumes help mobilize secretions from the small peripheral airways, while exhalations with high lung volumes are used to clear secretions from the larger central airways. The regime is flexible and can be adapted according to the individual.
Evaluation System
The Active Breathing Techniques Cycle (ABTC) was compared with autogenic drainage, airway oscillator devices (AOD), high-frequency chest compression devices, conventional chest physiotherapy (CCPT), positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and exercise
Assessment
No differences were found in quality of life between ABTC and PEP mask therapy, AOD, other breathing techniques or exercise (very low quality evidence). There was no difference in individual preference between ABTC and other breathing techniques (very low quality evidence). One study comparing ACBT versus ACBT plus postural exercise reported no deaths or adverse events (very low quality evidence). We found no differences in lung function (forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) % predicted and forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted), oxygen saturation or expectoration between ACBT and any other technique (very low quality evidence). There were no differences in the number of pulmonary exacerbations between people who used ACBT and people who used CCPT (low quality evidence) or ACBT with exercise (very low quality evidence). These were the only comparisons that reported this result.
Ricardo Sousa Mestre, Escola Superior de Saúde Atlântica - Portugal (PT) This best practice is a valuable tool, well-structured, and representing an effective strategy for optimising respiratory function.
Raquel Maria Espadaneira Bolas Bolas, ULSSM - Portugal (PT) Parabéns. Muito util
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020748921000122