Efficacy of noninvasive respiratory techniques in the treatment of children with bronchial asthma: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Although the effects of the respiratory techniques are appreciated, it is yet in need to be defined for the treatment of children with bronchial asthma. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT), Buteyko breathing technique (BBT), and thoracic lymphatic pump technique (TLPT) on the total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E, ventilatory function, and asthma perception in children with bronchial asthma. In a randomized controlled trial, 54 children with bronchial asthma randomly allocated to three equal groups. The groups were then randomly assigned to the following interventions: the ACBT group, the BBT group, or the TLPT group. Total serum IgE, ventilatory function, and perception of asthma were evaluated before treatment and after 3 consecutive months of treatment. No significant differences were found between groups at entry (P>0.05). There were nonsignificant differences as regards all outcome measures within the ACBT group (P>0.05) and significant differences within the BBT group and the TLPT group (P<0.05). Significant difference in total serum IgE in favor of the BBT group was recorded when compared with ACBT group (P=0.046) and the TLPT group (P=0.036). Moreover, significant differences in ventilatory function measures favoring the BBT group in comparison with the ACBT group and the BBT group (P<0.05) were recorded. Finally, asthma control was significantly higher in the BBT group than ACBT group (P=0.017) but not BBT group (P=0.081). The BBT and TLPT are more advantageous compared with the ACBT in the treatment of children with bronchial asthma, and Buteyko breathing is potentially more valuable.