Witold Pawełczyk, Janina Bajowska, Bogusława Wójtowicz, Katarzyna Bogacz, Tomasz Sirek, Jan Szczegielniak

W. Pawełczyk, J. Bajowska, B. Wójtowicz, K. Bogacz, T. Sirek, J. Szczegielniak. Possibilities for respiratory biofeedback aplication in physiotherapy of patients with COPD. FP 2013; 13(4); 12-18

Abstract

Background. There are no comprehensive studies of breathing biofeedback. The influence of breathing biofeedback in patients with COPD is unclear.
Study Objective. The aim  of this study was to compare standard physiotherapy with physiotherapy connected to biofeedback exercises with respect to breathing amplitude, 6MWT results and lungs function in patients with COPD.
Measurements. Thirty six patients with COPD were examined. They were divided into two groups. Group A took part in standard physiotherapy. Group B took part in standard physiotherapy and additional biofeedback exercises. Six minute walking test, spirometry and breathing amplitude measurement were conducted.
Results. There was significant improvement of abdominal movement in group B 0,74  (±0,53, p<0,05).
The change of FEV1 in group B was significant. The change was 3,38% (±4,34, p<0,05).
Conclusion
1.This investigation showed the influence of standard physiotherapy connected to biofeedback exercises on abdominal movement.
2.Standard physiotherapy connected to biofeedback exercises is effective in improving FEV1 in patients with COPD.

Key words:
biofeedback, COPD, physiotherapy