The Effectiveness of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Shortness of Breath Levels in COPD Patients at Illasehat Clinic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54877/stethoscope.v7i1.1097Keywords:
COPD; diaphragmatic breathing; dyspnea; breathing exercise; pulmonary rehabilitationAbstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly accompanied by persistent dyspnea that limits activity and reduces quality of life. Non-pharmacological breathing strategies may complement standard treatment, but the specific effect of diaphragmatic breathing on dyspnea requires further evaluation. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing in reducing dyspnea among patients with COPD at Illa Sehat Clinic. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was used involving 60 patients receiving care at Illa Sehat Clinic, allocated to an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The intervention group received diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 10 minutes, twice daily, for 14 days in addition to standard care, while the control group received standard care. Dyspnea was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. The intervention group showed a decrease in median dyspnea score from 5 (IQR 4-6) to 3 (IQR 2-4; p<0.001), whereas the control group showed no statistically significant change (p=0.083). The median change differed significantly between groups (p<0.001). A reduction of at least two Borg points occurred in 76.7% of the intervention group and 16.7% of controls (RR 4.60; 95% CI 2.02-10.49). These findings indicate that diaphragmatic breathing may be an effective, simple, and low-cost adjunct to reduce dyspnea among clinically stable patients with COPD at Illa Sehat Clinic.
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