Effects of Box Breathing Combined with Short-Term Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Breathlessness and Function in COPD Patients Aged 40 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is a progressive and irreversible lung condition marked by persistent airflow limitation causing breathlessness and reduced ability to function. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a key treatment to lessen breathlessness and improve functional capacity. This research investigates whether adding the box breathing technique to a short-term pulmonary rehabilitation program provides extra benefits for patients with COPD. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive short-term pulmonary rehabilitation plus pharmacological treatment, with physiotherapist-supervised sessions twice a week for three weeks. The other group will receive the same care plus daily box breathing exercises alongside the supervised rehabilitation sessions. Participants in the box breathing group will keep a home diary to track their practice. During the study, researchers will assess breathlessness and functional capacity over three weeks. Participants will attend supervised exercise sessions including warm-ups, aerobic and strength training, breathing exercises, and cool-downs. The study aims to measure changes in dyspnea and functional ability to understand the additional effects of box breathing on COPD management.

Additional Effects of Box Breathing Technique With Short Term Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Dyspnea and Functional Capacity in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease