COMPARISON OF RESISTIVE BREATHING VERSUS INSPIRATORY HOLD TECHNIQUE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

Background: Chronic bronchitis, a subtype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a progressive condition characterized by persistent airway inflammation, excessive mucus production, and airflow limitation. Its global burden continues to rise due to environmental pollution, occupational hazards, and smoking. While pharmacological interventions provide symptomatic relief, pulmonary rehabilitation remains a cornerstone in disease management. Various respiratory training techniques have been utilized to improve lung function and prevent exacerbations, yet comparative research on their efficacy remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of resistive breathing and inspiratory hold techniques on pulmonary function in patients with chronic bronchitis. Methods: A total of 26 participants were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling. After screening and obtaining informed consent, they were randomly allocated into two intervention groups: the resistive breathing group (n=13) and the inspiratory hold technique group (n=13). Participants performed assigned breathing exercises for six weeks, with measurements taken at baseline and post-intervention. Pulmonary function parameters, including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), were assessed using a digital spirometer. Dyspnea severity was evaluated using the Modified Borg Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test for inter-group comparisons and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for intra-group analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 52.8±5.6 years. PEFR showed a statistically significant improvement in the resistive breathing group (mean rank: 17.81, sum rank: 231.50, p=0.004), while the inspiratory hold technique group demonstrated no significant change (mean rank: 9.19, sum rank: 119.50). No significant differences were observed in FEV1 (p=0.105), FVC (p=0.190), FEV1/FVC ratio (p=0.798), or dyspnea scores (p=0.275) between the two groups. Conclusion: Resistive breathing demonstrated greater efficacy in improving peak expiratory flow rates in chronic bronchitis patients, indicating its potential role in enhancing airway clearance. However, no significant changes were observed in other pulmonary parameters. Inspiratory hold technique did not produce measurable improvements, suggesting that its role in pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic bronchitis requires further investigation.