Comparison of Buteyko and Papworth Breathing Techniques on Pulmonary Function and Oxygen Saturation in Asthma Patients

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower respiratory tract characterized by symptoms such as cough, sneezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The diagnosis of asthma is typically based on pulmonary volumes including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume at 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio, all of which are reduced with increasing disease severity. There is no gold standard for asthma diagnosis, necessitating the use of various techniques to manage its symptoms effectively.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the comparative effects of the Buteyko breathing technique and the Papworth method on pulmonary functions and oxygen saturation in asthmatic patients.

Methods: Forty-two asthmatic patients (both male and female), aged 30-55 years, with FEV1 predicted < 80% and FEV1/FVC < 75%, were included in this randomized clinical trial conducted at Farooq Clinic Khushab. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A received the Buteyko breathing technique and Group B received the Papworth breathing technique. Both groups also received bronchial drainage as a conventional treatment. The WHO Quality of Life Scale and Asthma Control Test Questionnaire were used to evaluate quality of life and asthma symptoms. Pulmonary volumes (FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC) were measured using digital spirometry, and oxygen saturation was assessed with an oximeter at baseline and after four weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Non-parametric tests were applied due to the non-normal distribution of data.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all outcome variables. Within Group A (Buteyko), the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed a significant increase in FEV1 (Z = -5.691, p < 0.000), FVC (Z = -5.667, p < 0.000), FEV1/FVC (Z = -5.622, p < 0.000), and oxygen saturation (Z = -5.687, p < 0.000). Within Group B (Papworth), similar significant improvements were observed. The Mann-Whitney U Test indicated significant differences between groups at the 4th week for FEV1 (U = 234.00, p < 0.000), FVC (U = 281.00, p < 0.000), FEV1/FVC (U = 260.50, p < 0.000), and oxygen saturation (U = 263.00, p < 0.000), with Group A showing greater improvements.

Conclusion: The Buteyko breathing technique, combined with conventional physical therapy, was found to be very effective in improving lung volumes and oxygen saturation in asthmatic patients. This study highlights the potential of the Buteyko technique as a superior intervention for enhancing respiratory health and managing asthma symptoms.

Keywords: Asthma, Buteyko breathing technique, Papworth method, pulmonary function, oxygen saturation, respiratory therapy, non-pharmacological asthma management, lung volumes, randomized clinical trial.