Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the effect of ultrabreathe training on pulmonary functions in patients with chronic bronchitis.

Methods. Randomized controlled trial. Sixty men patients, aged from 50-60 years old, having moderate chronic bronchitis based on GOLD standard 2020, were randomized into 2 equal groups. Group (A) received ultrabreathe training plus traditional chest physiotherapy for 4 weeks, while group (B) received only the same traditional chest physiotherapy for 4 weeks. All subjects in both groups were evaluated before and after training for ventilatory functions (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and the ratio between forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), dyspnea scale and shuttle test.

Results. Comparing both groups post training revealed that there were statistically significant increases in FEV1, FVC and shuttle test (p < 0.05) in favour of group (A), while there were statistically non-significant differences regarding FEV1/FVC and dyspnea scale (p > 0.05).

Conclusion. The conjugation of ultrabreathe with traditional chest physical therapy program improved the ventilatory functions, dyspnea and functional capacity in chronic bronchitis patients.

Key words:

chronic bronchitis, pulmonary function, ultrabreathe, shuttle test