Breathing Exercises
Breathing Exercises
Breathing Exercises
SUMMARY
They are fundamental interventions for
improving pulmonary status, with prevention or
comprehensive management of impairments
related to acute or chronic pulmonary disorders.
Such exercises are designed to retrain the
muscles of respiration, improve ventilation,
lessen the work of breathing, and improve
gaseous exchange and patient’s overall function
in daily living activities.
Indications
1. Cystic fibrosis
2. Bronchiectasis
3. Atelectasis
4. Lung abscess
5. Neuromuscular diseases
6. Pneumonias in dependent lung regions.
7. COPD
8. For patients with a high spinal cord lesion/
spinal cord injury, myopathies .
9. Prophylactic care of preoperative patient with
history of pulmonary problems
10. After surgeries (thoracic or abdominal surgery)
11. For patients who must remain in bed for an
extended period of time.
Pursed-lip breathing
TECHNIQUE :
Pursed lip breathing
INDICATIONS
Dyspnea at rest and/or with exertion, wheezing
DESIRED EFFECT:
Relief of dyspnea, improved activity tolerance,
reduced wheezing
TECHNIQUE :
Diaphragmatic breathing
INDICATIONS
Hypoxemia, tachypnea, atelectasis, anxiety,
excess pulmonary secretions
DESIRED EFFECT:
Eupnea, improved oxygen saturation, resolution
of atelectasis, lower anxiety, mobilization of
secretions
TECHNIQUE :
Lateral costal breathing
INDICATIONS
Asymmetrical chest wall expansion, localized
lung consolidation or secretions, asymmetrical
posture
DESIRED EFFECT:
Symmetrical chest wall expansion, mobilization of
secretions, proper posture
TECHNIQUE :
Inspiratory hold technique
INDICATIONS
Hypoventilation, atelectasis, ineffective cough
DESIRED EFFECT:
resolution of atelectasis, improved cough
effectiveness
TECHNIQUE :
Stacked breathing
INDICATIONS
Hypoventilation, atelectasis, ineffective cough,
pain, uncoordinated breathing pattern
DESIRED EFFECT:
Improved ventilation and perfusion matching,
resolution of atelectasis, reduced pain,
improved cough effectiveness
TECHNIQUE :
Paced breathing
INDICATIONS
Low endurance, dyspnea on exertion, fatigue,
anxiety, tachypnea
Desired effect
Increased activity tolerance, reduced dyspnea,
reduced fatigue, lower anxiety, eupnea